Persona Q: The Studious Theif

Chapter 2: Into the Rabbit Hole

"Okay, so let's recap the situation," Morgana said as he sat atop one of the tables at the cafeteria area. Seated on the benches were the members of the Phantom Thieves, plus Goro Akechi and the two mysterious teens Zen and Rei. "The Metaverse Navigator application activated suddenly on its own, and the Velvet Room has changed. On top of that, we're at a school in the countryside, the students seem to only act like NPC's of a video game like Ryuji and Futaba said, and any attempt to leave the school leaves us to return at the front entrance. And inside this school are Shadows."

"Sounds about right," Makoto nodded before she frowned heavily, biting her thumbnail. "But...why are we even here? Why did the app suddenly act on its own?"

Goro raised a hand. "Sorry, but...what's this Metaverse app you keep talking about?"

"Right, sorry," Haru gasped, realizing that he was the only one who didn't know how they traversed the Palace. "The Metaverse Navigator is the app we use to traverse the Palace. Its that red icon with the eye on your phone."

"Ahh, so that's what it was called...but wait, has it ever done that before? Activate on its own?"

"No." Twilight shook her head. "At first, we thought it did, but we later realized it was because we accidentally used the key word to activate it."

Ryuji laughed. "Yeah, I remember that time...who'd would have thought that pervert castle was a keywork?" A pause, then he shrugged. "Then again, it was Kamoshida we're talking about."

"Kamo...shida?" Rei asked curiously. Her imagination went into topgear as drool began to fall from her mouth, and stars lit up in her eyes. "Oooh! It is something tasty?!"

The group stared at her, no doubting thinking if food was all that was on her mind. "Rei has..." Zen said. "...a rather large appetite. She tends to eat large quantities of food between every two to a half hours every day."

"Every two and a half...? Where the heck does she put it all?!" Anne exclaimed in shock. "Rei eats that much and manages to stay so slim?"

Zen tilted his head. "Is it unnatural for people to eat so much?"

"In that short a time span?" Yusuke nodded. "Yes, it is."

Haru pouted. "Mou...I feel so envious. She can eat so much food, and yet she looks so slim."

"Amen," Futaba agreed. Just about every woman would share the same sentiments of they had seen Rei eat so much. "Actually, now that I think about it, who are you guys anyway? I mean, we know your names, but what's your story? You're obviously not like the rest of these students if you can actually interact with us like normal people."

"We...don't know," Rei said, her eyes becoming downcast. "We don't remember anything."

This took the group by surprise. They...remembered nothing? "Apparently," Goro offered. "Somehow, Rei and Zen's memories have disappeared. They believe they were taken."

"Taken?" Twilight frowned. "What does that mean? How does someone take a person's memories?"

"Maybe it's like how we steal a person's heart?" Ryuji guessed. "But, then again...if an object can represent someone's arrogance, what would a person's memories be represented as?"

The artist shook his head. "I doubt it's that simple," he said. "However, we do know one thing; we were brought to Yasogami High by the Metaverse Navigator application for whatever reason. We don't recall using any key words, especially since we had no target in mind, so that just leaves the question; if this place is a Palace, and You in Wonderland is a 'sub-Palace'...who created it?"

"That is a good question..." Makoto voiced her agreement.

As it stood, they were still left in the dark. They had no information to go on. They knew nothing about this place other than what Goro sufficed to them, or why they were brought here. "Maybe..." Futaba said slowly. "Maybe the answer is in that place..."

"Actually," Goro turned to Zen and Rei curiously. "Why were the two of you inside that place? I understand Zen can fight Shadows without a Persona, but..."

Unfortunately, the cloaked teen shook his head. "I...don't know why either," he answered him. "However, something about that place...calls to me. We were about to reach the second floor, but then those monsters appeared. You called them Shadows, correct?"

"That's right," Morgana nodded. "Shadows are representations of the more darker side to a person's inner self. Personas, on the other hand, represent true free will given physical form."

"It's also why we don those outfits," Ann added. "Our Personas also represent our rebellious will against those who established these Palaces."

"So...you are essentially defying against a corrupted rule and seek out justice?" Zen inquired.

"Yep. That's about it in a nutshell." Ryuji stated.

"That's the reason why the Phantom Thieves of Hearts exist," Twilight said, smirking somewhat. "We answer to the outcries of the suppressed."

"Ain't that poetic?"

Goro said nothing, but Twilight could tell that he held some interest in her words. "Do people actually request them to steal the hearts of others?" the detective mumbled underneath his breath so no one could hear him. "If so, that would mean they have someone handling the requests...hm, this could be put to good use."

"Well, if we're gonna explore that place, we'll find out who's making this place," Ryuji said. "Although...we should probably get better gear. I mean, don't get me wrong, we've got some good equipment, but if we're gonna be diving into unknown territory, better safe than sorry."

Moragana's eyes widened. "Heeeeh?! Ryuji's thinking?!"

"Shut up, stupid furball!"

Haru giggled. "Well, Ryuji-kun has a point. We're going to need stronger equipment."

"Stronger weapons...I see," Zen nodded. He then took out his crossobow. "Would this suffice, then? It fires long range projectiles, and uses different ammunition."

Yusuke shook his head. "We appreciate the thought, Zen-san," he said politely. "But all of us have our different styles of doing things."

"Different styles...I understand. If memory serves, I recall there being a hands and crafts booth on the first floor. Perhaps we can find something there?"

"Well, wouldn't hurt to check," Makoto said. "Alright, let's check it out."

Before they stood up, however, Twilight said, "Hold on. We should probably go speak with Caroline and Justine and see if they've figured out anything new."

"Caroline?" Goro asked, frowning. "Justine?"

"Oh, right..." Ann realized. "You haven't met the, yet. They are essentially Jokers helpers from time to time."

"Or jailers, depending on how you look at it," Futaba quipped. "Let's hope they've figured something out."

"Yeah. This place is getting pretty weird. I feel like we're stuck in an RPG and have to trigger an event for the next part of the storyline." Ryuji commented.

Goro sweatdropped. "Ano...Sakamoto-kun, I don't think that analogy works here..."

-Scene Break-

(Yasogami High: First floor: The Velvet Room)

"Ah...welcome to the Velvet Room, Honored Prisoner," Justine said as she performed a bow. Twilight bowed back respectfully, and then noticed the presence of Goro Akechi and the two newcomers. "Ah...it appears you've found new allies as well."

Rei bowed hastily. "H-hello!"

Zen gave a nod of acknowledgement, and then looked around. "How strange," he remarked in wonder. "We stand on a single platform, yet the space around us is endless. Even stranger, gears hang in the air, constantly turning...what sort of place is this?"

"A space where dreams and reality, as well as mind and matter, are separated," she answered. "Normally, only those who have entered into a contract may enter this place. However, the situation has changed that considerably." A sigh escaped her, and shook her head. "How tragic...if only nee-san had followed my advice and we stayed when we were supposed to."

Goro chuckled. "She's certainly polite," he said before bowing. "My name is Goro Akechi. I'm a insignificant high school student, but I am also a detective. It's a pleasure, Justine-san."

"Charmed." The girl gazed at him in a critical manner.

"So," Twilight said. "Have you or Caroline managed to find out anything?"

Sadly, to their disappointment, Justine shook her head. "I'm afraid not. However, what I can tell you, is that this place is not within your world, or ours."

"I'm sorry, what?" Ryuji blinked. "You mean...this place is...in another world?"

"Something along those lines," Justine nodded. "If I were to explain it in simple terms...this place exists deeper than that of the Velvet Room, which separates dreams, reality, mind, and matter. In that sense, the Velvet Room is a separate realm of its own. This school, however, is another level entirely. If I were to make a comparison, think of your world as the outside of an elevator door, and the Velvet Room as the elevator...and this school represents the basement level."

"So like...we were transported here through the velvet Room?" The blonde teen inquired, trying to get the comparison.

The prison warden smiled thinly. "In a manner of speaking. Whatever this world has done to the Velvet Room, it has severely limited our functions." She then shook her head regretfully. "Sadly, we are unable to fuse any new personas of you, Honored Prisoner."

"I see..." Twilight frowned. That wasn't a good sign. If that was the case, then she could only use her initial Persona in battle. She did have a few other Personas at hand, but...somehow, she felt that something was off. Normally, when she engages in battle, she could sense her Personas at her side, ready to be called upon. Yet, somehow, she felt only his original beside her, answering her summons.

"Eh?" Goro blinked. "Fusing new Personas?"

"Oh, right, you don't know," Morgana realized. "Joker here can use multiple Personas, instead of just a single Persona."

"Multiple?!" The detective looked at the leader in shock.

Justine nodded. "Those with the power to wield multiple facets are known as Wild Cards," she said. "Our duty in the Velvet Room is to help strengthen and refine our guest's power."

"I-I see," Goro said, getting over his shock. "That...must be incredible useful."

"You don't know the half of it..." Twlight nodded. Having multiple Personas is indeed useful. She couldn't count how many times she was saved from this ability.

However, the fact that she felt none of them when she summoned Arsene worried her. Had she lost them somehow? If so, then the inability to call upon new Personas here would be quite problematic. "Oi oi, nee-san!" a familiar irritated voice shouted from behind them. The Phantom Thieves plus Rei and Zen turned and found Caroline stomping toward her twin sister, face set ablaze with anger. "What the hell?! Why did you put me in charge of the nurse's office and that handcraft place?!"

"Ah, Caroline. Welcome back."

"Don't 'welcome back' me!" the fiercer of the two snapped. "Why do I have to do this?!"

Justine gave her sister a glare. "Because someone needs to look after the Velvet Room, and it should be someone more responsible...which you are not?"

"W-why you...!"

"Ahem," Twilight coughed. "Sorry to interrupt, but...what's this about a nurse's office and the hands and crafts?"

Futaba's eyes widened, realizing that she had forgotten to inform her leader about a crucial development. "Oh, right...Justine-chan thought it might be a good idea to set up a weapons manufacturing and a healing spot of sorts, so she asked Caroline-chan to run them. We can use the leftover pieces of the Shadows we defeat, and have her make new weapons, as well as patch us up if we get hurt."

"So we can now re-arm ourselves and heal our wounds? That's amazing!" Goro exclaimed in jubilation.

"Just so you know, this isn't a charity drive. Nothing is ever free." The twin scowled.

Haru sweat-dropped. "...we have to pay?"

"Of course," Justine grinned. "It would be unfair, otherwise."

"...a question, Justine," Zen spoke up. "From what I have seen...the Phantom Thieves possess this power that allows them to counter the Shadows. Persona." He tilted his head. "Is it possible...for Rei and I have to possess that power as well?"

"No." Came the curt answer.

"That was fast!" Ryuji gawked in amazement.

"Why so?" The man asked curiously.

"You two are denizens of this world, it seems," Justine answered. "It would be correct to say that you are...special, yet lacking something."

Rei cocked her head. "Missing?"

"Yes...something important. What that is, I cannot say."

"Aw...I really wanted of those Persona thingies...they looked so cool."

"As do I." Zen nodded in agreement. "They definitely would have improved our combat capabilities."

"Hm...I truly wonder," Justine said mysteriously before speaking up. "While I cannot fuse you any new Personas, I am still investigating the changes to the Velvet Room, so please be patient, Honored Prisoner."

"I see...thank you for your help." Twilight bowed in gratitude.

"Of course," the attendant bowed gracefully into a curtsy. "It is our duty to guide you through your journey...so long as you obey and listen, like the prisoner you are."

Ann sweat-dropped. "That...sounded all sorts of terrifying and creepy."

"I agree." Makoto voiced her concern. What they heard was simply unsettling.

Twilight, however, was used to them speaking to her in such a way. She just simply assumed that it was how they were, being prison wardens. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Very good. Now...until you come again, farewell..." The petite girl bowed politely.

-Scene Break-

"...well, that was weird," Yusuke said as they left the Velvet Room behind. "Are they always like that?"

"You get used to it," Twilight shrugged. "Anyway...we should probably go see what Caroline has in stock, if she is making weapons."

"Ah, that sounds like a good idea," Goro nodded. He then adopted a thinking pose. "Hm...I wonder if they have any laser swords?" Everyone stared at him. "W-what? What did I say?"

"...Laser swords? Really man?" Ryuji deadpanned at him. "What is this? Star Wars? Halo? Dead Rising?!"

"H-hey, don't judge!"

Futaba giggled. "Who knew that Akechi-san was a secret otaku?"

"W-well, that's uh..." A blush touched his cheeks, scratching his face in embarrassment with a sheepish look. "...guilty as charged?"

"Well, Goro's inner-otaku aside..." Yusuke interjected. "We should still inquire what armaments Caroline-san has available for us."

The group nodded, and made their way to the shop in question.

The Crafting Center Yasogami High First Floor

"...holy crap!" Ryuji cried, staring at the weapons before them. "Did you make all of this, squirt?!"

Caroline's eyebrow twitched violently. "One, do not address me like that, you monkey," she hissed. "Secondly, yes. From weapons to armor and accessories, I have crafted what was available here."

"This is amazing..." Ann spoke in awe. Before their eyes was everything. From knives, to guns, to knuckles, to whips, to rapiers, to katanas, to crossbows, to daggers, to spears, to shields, to fans, just about everything.

"Hmph!" Caroline smirked. "That's right, be amazed, inmates! This is the best craftwork you'll ever see!"

Twilight ignored her, likely knowing she was going to get hit, and inspected some of the weapons. It was strange how many different weapons were designed, especially since some of them didn't look like any of the weapons her party would use. She was even more confused when she saw honest-to-god laser swords in stock as well. She did notice, however, a lack of firearms, sans of the standard pistol. This confused her, oven that each of them used some sort of gun in addition to their respective Melee weapons.

"There's only a pistol here," Morgana voiced his confusion, looking at the fiercer twin. "Does that mean you haven't made other types of firearms?"

Caroline looked away, a blush on her cheeks. "S-shut up, stupid cat! I was only able to make what I could with what was here!"

"It's still impressive," Yusuke said with a smirk. "Although, given what Justine-san said, I assume all of this costs money?" He recieved a glare which told him his answer, and then turned to Twilight. "Sparkle-chan, perhaps you should purchase weaponry for those you will take into the Labyrinth next. If possible, I'd like to come as well."

"Same here," Makoto voiced her opinion. "I wasn't able to come with last time, so I want to see what's inside that Labyrinth."

Twilight paused to think.

Honestly, she was planning on taking the team mates she had to leave behind with her into the dungeon next time. That way, all of them would be equally trained and obtain an even amount of experience. However, she then recalled the dangers. If they were wiped out, there would be no one to come and save them when it counted. It would be better to take a small party.

"Mind if I come along?" Morgana asked. "You can never have another healer along~!"

Twilight agreed with his statement. It would be better to have an extra healer on the team in case the first became incapacitated or vice versa.

"U-um..." Rei raised a hand. "Would it be okay if...I came along to?"

Immediately, Zen put his foot down. "No," he said. "It's too dangerous."

"B-but Zen!"

"I will not put you in danger." The man refused to budge.

Rei frowned, looking as if she wanted to argue. Twilight pursed her lips. She wanted to agree with Zen's statement, but she felt that she was necessary for whatever lay ahead. "...Rei," she said. "Are you sure you want to go with us? You saw what it was like in there. Shadows will attack anyone they see. We can't guarantee your safety."

"B-but I..."

"However, I am not going to make the call. Your decision is entirely your own." She added. "I feel like every person deserves a chance to make their own decision and take responsibility for their actions. So Rei, let me ask you again...are you sure you want to come with us?" The blonde girl was silent. Zen looked on tensely, as if ready to make some argument. Then, Rei nodded. "Alright...but you stay with Zen at all times," she said quickly before the caped teen could say anything. His eyes widened, but then nodded in appreciation. Given what he saw, Zen was a valuable ally. That, and she was curious to know how he was able to strike down Shadows with only his crossbows.

"Alright, I'll head to the Velvet Room when you guys are ready," Futaba said. "Just let me know."

"Got it." Twilight nodded. "Let's go guys."

You In Wonderland Labyrinth

When they entered the Labyrinth once more, Twilight...or rather, Joker knew that this place must have been connected to the Palace, or at least similar to it. Once they passed through the doors, they were all in their Phantom Thieves apparel, with the exception of Morgana who took on his bipedal form, and Zen and Rei. "So this is the inside of You in Wonderland," Queen said as she looked around. "It's certainly weird..."

"Indeed," Fox nodded in agreement, a smile spreading across his face. "Despite the twistedness of this place, there's a certain beauty to it."

Rei gasped, looking at the three. "Hey, your back in your old clothes!" she said in shock. "How'd you change so quickly?! *gasp* Did you eat them?!"

"Of course they didn't," Morgana scoffed. "Those clothes appear whenever they enter the Palace...or whatever the heck this place is." Zen looked at Morgana, and instantly brought up his crossbow, alarming him and the group. "Oi oi! Put that away! I'm not the enemy!"

"Wait, Mr. Kitty-cat?!" Rei gasped. "Is that you?!"

"I AM NOT A CAT!" the cat raged. "How many times must I say it?!"

Joker chuckled. "Sorry, Morgana, but when you look like a cat-like thing, and your form in our world is a cat, it's...not hard to see why people see you as a cat."

"Well I'm not!" The feline huffed. "I am Morgana! Not a cat!" Unfortunately, he was then scooped up in the arms of an exceedingly jubilant Rei.

"Oooh, your SOOOOO CUTE, Mr. Kitty-Cat!"

Zen slowly lowered his weapon, frowning. "That is...the cat from before?" he inquired, suspicious. "What manner of creature is Morgana?"

"That is what we are trying to figure out ourselves..." Makoto shrugged.

Joker then explained to Zen Morgana's situation. She and Ryuji first met him not long after Joker had awakened to the power of Persona in Kamoshida's Palace, having apparently lost his memory, and by extension, his original form. Since then, she's been with them, teaching them how to use their abilities, how to act as Phantom Thieves, and along the way, hoping he would find a way to return to his original form.

"...I see," Zen nodded. "So, he's in a situation like myself and Rei...only he lost his original form."

Fox nodded. "That's right...even now, we're not entirely sure if she was human to begin with, but she's been an invaluable asset to us. In a way, she's our teacher."

"I see..." The man nodded again.

[Joker, I've done a scan of the area,] Oracle said, her voice echoing in their heads. [There's four to five floors in total...and I'm sensing something really strong at the bottom.]

"Something Strong...? Like a powerful Demon?" Fox asked.

[I don't know.] Oracle denied. [It seems to be giving off a powerful presence, but that's all I can discern at the moment.]

"...It must be an FOE..." Zen realized.

"An...FOE?"

"Fysis Oikein Eidolon," he said. "They're powerful...Rei and I nearly ran into them before. It would be unwise to face one, at our current strength."

"Well, you don't have to worry about that now." Morgana smiled after fleeing from Rei's affectionate, strangling hug of death. "We're here and we'll back you up."

[Zen-kun has a point, actually,] Oracle interjected. [I can sense some pretty strong presences roaming around...but the feeling I'm getting at the bottom is really strong. If things get too dangerous, use that Goho-M Caroline-chan gave you and book it out of there!]

"Right," Joker nodded. "Alright...let's move out."

"Right!" The Phantom Thieves and Zen nodded in unison.

"Yay! Let's go!" Rei cheered as she held up a corn dog.

Queen blinked. "...wait, where did she get that corndog?!"

The Velvet Room

"...again," Justine frowned. "No matter how many readings I do, the results are the same."

"Eh?" Caroline looked at her sister, finding her once again at the sofa, flipping different cards from the tarot deck. "Something wrong, nee-san?"

"It's the cards..." The twin shook her head. "Every reading I do, the result is always the same. No matter how many times I shuffle...all the same. Each and every card bringing the same meaning as the last."

She showed the card to Justine. "This card, The Tower, is the card I drew for our Honored Prisoner."

"Okaaaaaay, and?"

"This is the card I drew for one of her allies." She produced the card before Caroline, causing her lone eye to widen. "The Fool."

"But...that's not possible!" She denied.

Justine shook her head once more. "And yet...here it is," she said, slipping the cards back into the deck. "Truth be told, I have already determined what has happened to the Velvet Room...as you know, the power of the Wild Card is that of infinite potential, and the Velvet Room exists to hone that potential..."

"I am well aware...but the question is...why now of all times?"

"...something has caused that potential to become finite," Justine said, closing her eyes. "Most likely...something to do with those two." She opened her eyes, and looked at her twin. "You felt it as well, sister...those two. Rei and Zen. They are..."

Caroline snorted. "Of course I noticed," she said with a huff. "You'd have to be an idiot not too."

"I see..." Justine nodded. "...it would seem things became even more complicated..."

You In Wonderland Labyrinth

"Come...Goemon."

Fox declared as his mask dispersed into a plume of blue flames. The sound of breaking glass could be heard as the shards flew into the blazing pillar behind him. From it, his Persona manifested. It was a masculine figure that towered over his lithe form. The figure's attire resembled that of a Japanese Kabuki actor. Its hair was in a style not too different from the punk style used by Elvis and many gang members, but a blue cape fluttered from atop it's shoulders, and a pipe held in its hands.

The Persona of the Emperor Arcana, Goemon.

"Mabufu," Yusuke commanded. Goemon lifted one of his legs up, and slammed his foot straight down, creating spires of ice that trapped the enemy shadows. As he turned, he raised his hand, smacking it with Queen's. "You're up."

She gave a nod, then cracked her knuckles. Her steel mask was set aflame, though instead of a pillar, they began to dance around her, and formed underneath. "Come to me, Johanna!"

In contrast to Yusuke's Persona, Makoto's Persona manifested beneath her. It took the form of a large, silver and black motorcycle with a feminine, porcelain face hidden beneath the clear visor. Rei's eyes went wide, starstruck while Zen stared at the sight in utter shock. "What on earth?!"

The Persona of the Priestess Arcana, Johanna.

"Out of the way, assholes!" Queen roared. The Persona's 'engine' roared to life, and the tires squealed. She charged straight forward, flames burning around the wheels before she swiveled around, slamming the back wheel right into the trapped Shadows. The black entity screeched before its existence crumbled to ash. Queen did not stop as the revved the engine of Johanna and turned to ram straight into another Shadow. "Frei!" Bluish white light coated her wheels. She fell into a skid, and Johanna's back wheel crashed once more into the enemy. This time, however, the light seemed to grind away at them, ripping apart and destroying both ice and Shadow.

The enemy screamed in agony before its cries were silenced. All that was left was a splattered mess of black substance and ice shards. Queen grinned, performing a small victory spin on her Persona before it dissipated, leaving her back on her feet with her mask back on.

"That was amazing!" Rei cheered exuberantly.

Queen smiled. "I've had some practice with her," she said. She then looked back at the remains of the Shadows. "Though...I could have done a bit better."

"You're always so aggressive," Fox commented dryly. "I'd hate to be on the receiving end of that bike of yours."

"I'm just wondering why her Persona's a motorcycle," Morgana sweatdropped. Then, he noticed something glowing among the remains. "Hey...isn't that?"

Joker followed his line of sight, also noticing the objects. Among the remaining shards of ice and dissolving forms of Shadows, there were shining blue cards. Her eyes widened in recognition. She knew those cards anywhere. She walked over, and gently picked them up. "Blank..." she murmured. Despite the cards having no "sense," she still felt it there. There was something inside. Something that was sleeping. Thinking she would need them for later, Joker slipped them into her pocket, and then turned to the adjacent corridor. "Let's move on."

"Right." The other followed him deeper into Wonderland.

As they moved further in, they soon came across a door. It was the same as the others, appearing like two sets of piano keys, though unlike previous ones, it was locked up with chains, held together by a single padlock. "A lock?" Fox inquired, placing a hand on his chin. "Hm...it seems we'll have to search for a key."

[It should be somewhere in the area,] Oracle said. [There's a door off to the left corridor. Maybe the key's there.]

"A door?" The group turned to their left...only to find a very small door in the wall. "...um, what?" Morgana frowned. "That door is tiny. No way we can fit through there."

"Wait, what's that?" Queen frowned. She pointed to the bottles sitting atop the desk right next to the tiny door. "Are those bottles?" She walked up, and took one of the bottles. "DRINK ME! One sip and your shrunk down to size..."

"Shrink?" Fox tilted his head. Then, he recalled something regarding the obvious motif behind the design of the Labyrinth. "Hey...wasn't there something like this from the storybook?"

Joker nodded. "Yeah...in the books, Alice drinks a potion that shrinks her to the size of a bug."

"A drink that shrinks you down?" Morgana questioned, a glimmer in his eye. "This I have to see."

"Well...seeing as there isn't another option...bottoms up." After raising a bottle, Joker put it to her lips and gulped down its contents. She then pulled it away from her lips. "Bleh...it tastes funny..."

Fox followed up, taking one of the bottles and drinking it. He downed it all in seconds, and then set it back down. "Hm...a unique flavoring. Interesting."

"Ooh! Ooh! I wanna try!" Rei said, about to reach for one of the bottles, but Zen quickly snatched it before she could reach it. Without missing a beat, he downed it as well. "Aw..."

"Probably for your own good, Rei-chan," Morgana said, patting the girl. "Better to let the menfolk and Joker try first."

A few seconds passed by, as the two males and Joker stared at one another, expecting some sort of change. "...we're not going to shrink out of our clothes, are we?" Fox asked worriedly. A faint blush was on his cheeks as he folded his arms over his chest. "I don't really fancy streaking."

"Let's hope not," Joker said, also hoping that wouldn't be the case. "Also...is it just me, or is it starting to get a bit warm in here?"

"I agree..." Zen nodded. "I feel it as well."

"Same here...and is it just me, or did that table seem smaller before?" Fox questions as it seemed as if the wooden table was going in size...along with everything else in the room.

The girls blinked at the sight, their eyes lowering down to the floor.

"...Rei?" Zen's voice sounded, albeit high pitched. "When did you get so big?"

"...Oh...my...gosh...Zen...you are so cuuute~" Rei squealed as she picked up the miniature crossbow wielder and nuzzled him against her cheek.

Makoto and Morgana sweatdropped. "W-well...I suppose it worked," Queen said before looking down at her teammates. "Fox, Joker, you two okay? You don't feel strange?"

"Other than enjoying the superb scenery, nothing new," Fox replied, looking around with his artistic gleam in full view. "Incredible...I never thought of looking at the world from such a minuscule angle! Everything seems to have a more aesthetic sense!"

Joker frowned. "If you ask me...it feels like whenever we get turned into mice."

"...Oh yeah..." Morgana then recalled what his leader was talking about. That one time in one of the dungeons.

The first time they had experienced such a thing was when they were investigating Futaba's Palace. For some odd reason, their bodies were shrunk down to the size of small white rodents, leaving them incapable of fighting. As a result, they were forced to flee rather than fight. Joker rubbed her rear, recalling how unpleasant the feeling of getting her tail stepped on was.

It honestly hurt like hell.

"R-Rei, can you please stop? I'm not sure why, but...this feel so embarrassing..."

"But your so cute Zen~! Dwaa, I hope you stay like this forever!"

"B-but if I stay like this, how can I protect you?"

Fox chuckled. "You know, with the way he talks, you'd think they were lovers," he said wryly before sizing up Rei's body. "Hm...her figure is impressive. Still, how on earth can she eat so much? Her curves are so shaped you'd think she was a model like Ann, yet her legs are so thick, yet not too fat..."

"...Fox," Joker deadpanned. "Your sounding creepy." That being said, even she had to sneak a peek. Rei's form was definitely impressive, slim and slightly chubby, but not anywhere near on the fat said. Her face was that of a heart-shaped curve, and her joyous smile would be enough to make any man's heart beat. Sadly, her eyes began to trail downward. Being small, her eyes eventually lay on the forbidden promised land.

She promptly looked away, blushing. Yusuke, however, had found it and immediately froze, having completely forgotten that he was shrunk down to the point where he could see Rei's underwear. Makoto seemed to notice how the two seemed bashful, which was strange, considering there wasn't anything around to make them so nervous. Fox was looking at Rei, perhaps flustered by how much attention she was giving Zen, who had a blush for the first time. However, he noticed that his gaze was directed at someplace below her hips.

It didn't take her long to figure out what she was looking at.

"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE LOOKING, PERVERT?!"

Queen stomped her foot right in front of the two, eliciting frightened squeaks from them.

"W-wait, why me too?!" Joker wailed as she and Fox ran around, trying to avoid being stomped on. "H-hey, watch it!"

"I-I'm sorry!" Fox apologized, though that didn't stop her from trying to crush him. "Sorry! Sorry!"

Morgana sweat-dropped. "Well...can't say I don't envy them..."

The Velvet Room

"...Caroline? Do wipe the drool from your face."

"E-eh?! I wasn't drooling!"

"Oho~ Was the sight of Joker in chibi too much for you, Caroline-chan? You act all serious, but you do-"

"SHUT UP!"

You In Wonderland

"...I deeply apologize for that," Fox said as he rubbed the back of his head. "I had forgotten we were shrunk down to that size, so when I was admiring the scenery and Rei-chan's physique..." He bowed deeply. "Forgive me."

Rei pouted as she looked at her caped companion. "Aw...I want you to stay small a little longer!"

"I'm sorry, Rei. But we need to get the key and move on. I can't protect you if I remain tiny."

Joker sighed. "I'm just glad we got the damn thing," she said, looking at the key in disdain before looking at Makoto. "Also...why were you trying to kill me?"

"You were being perverted as well, Joker." Queen frowned.

"I wasn't even looking!"

"Sure you weren't. You are still equally as guilty."

A sigh escaped the leader of the Phantom Thieves. "...I'm not gonna win this, am I?"

Queen grinned. "Nope."

"Haaaah...Sakura-san was right. I'll never understand women." Banter aside, the group then continued their way forward. The key fit the lock perfectly, and it fell to the ground, allowing them to continue. The corridor they entered was similar to the one from before. But unlike the area they left, they could actually feel an ominous presence further in.

[It seems like there's a powerful FOE up ahead,] Oracle reported. [It's not as strong as the others I'm sensing, but...]

Joker nodded. "Let's head back for now," she said. "Better to be prepared than headfirst into danger." The group nodded, and she took out the Goho-M. Soon, a flash of light danced around their forms.

Then, they were gone.

"...damn, we just missed them," the fiery-hair teen sighed. "Oh well...hey, Rise, are you sure its a good idea to conceal ourselves from them? I mean, sure, they're dressed weird, but..."

[Sorry, senpai, but I'm not taking any chances!] came the reply. [I mean, they look dangerous!]

The brown-hair teen shook his head. "Didn't seem like it to me...hey, Shimmer. Did you feel it? That girl with the coat and white mask."

"Yeah...she's like us."

The Velvet Room

"...eh?!" Ryuji shouted in disbelief as they all stood in the Velvet Room. "What do you mean Leader can't use multiple Personas anymore?!"

"I mean as I said..." Justine responded in a calm manner. "Our client has lost the ability to use Personas aside from Arsene."

After the group had returned, Justine and Caroline had called for them in the Velvet Room. The news they had brought was...shocking, to say the least. Twilight, for her part, had an inkling that was what this was about, but even still...it was shocking to hear. She had truly lost the power that had been granted to her before?

"How?" Makoto asked, clearly as bewildered as everyone else. "How did this happen?! Is it because of this place?"

Caroline nodded. "Something like that, yeah," she said. "This place, it's like a haven in the rift...someplace between worlds. The Velvet Room exists to help refine and polish infinite potential within our guests. That power is called the Wild Card. However, this world does not have that sort of desire. It is accurate to say that it is finite. Limited. Because of that, the Wild Card's potential has been sealed off."

"So it's because of this lack of potential...I am limited to only Arsene?" Twilight asked for clarification.

"Correct."

Morgana frowned heavily, leaping down from his perch inside her bag. "But...if that's the case, how are we supposed to navigate the labyrinth properly?" he asked. "That Wild Card has helped us out of some tough times, there's no denying that...but what if we run into those situations again? We're going in blind here."

"Correct," Justine smiled. "However...simply because potential was locked away does not mean it is not present." The group blinked, confused by her words. "Honored Prisoner...you have obtained cards during your foray into the labyrinth, did you not?" Twilight nodded, and took out the cards. "Please, give them to me for a moment." Rather than question it, the Phantom handed the cards to her. Once they were in the blue-clad warden's hands, a faint glow danced around the cards. She spread out her arms, allowing the cards to dance into the air.

Then, they became encased in blue flames. The flames then flew and compiled into a thick tome. The group stared, shocked by what they saw. Justine continued to smile as she held the tome in her hand, and then popped it open. The cards emerged out from the thin pages.

They weren't blank anymore.

On the face of each individual card was a Demon they recognized from their previous ventures into dungeons.

"What the...?" Ryuji breathed. "These are..."

"These cards," Justine said. "Are Personas...Personas that you all can use."

This shocked all of them. Personas that ALL of them could use? Not just Twilight?! "Wait, you're saying all of us can use multiple Personas now?!"

Caroline nodded. "Yep. This place is limiting the Wild Card's power...but because of that, the boon has spread to all of you, not just the Prisoner."

"However, you all cannot use multiple Personas in the manner that our Honored Prisoner can," Justine informed. "Think of them more as...sub-personas."

"Sub-Personas...? Do you mean that they're substitutes to use, or that they are not as powerful as our original Personas?"

"More or less."

Goro frowned. "Wait, hold on a moment...how exactly did the Wild Card's power spread to us?" he asked. "I mean, I could possibly understand the other Thieves, since they've been with Sparkle-chan longer than I have, but-"

"It isn't a matter of close proximity or how long you've been with her," Caroline interjected. "Something's increased the Wild Card's power, spreading to everyone...well, everyone except for those two." She pointed at Zen and Rei, the only two who couldn't use Personas. Rei seemed to deflate at this news, hoping she would be able to use a Persona, though Zen didn't seem to care much. He was much more focused on looking after Rei than focus on that.

"And why is that?" The Detective asked in curiosity.

"They are residents of this world," Justine reasoned. "Somewhere between that of Shadow and Persona, but neither at the same time."

"Similar...to Shadows and Personas?" Rei tilted her head.

"Anyway," Caroline cut in hostily. "You can use a second Persona now...but don't think that's going to help you any, Prisoner. After all, this world has more in store for us than you think."

Twilight frowned. "What does that mean?"

"What my dear nee-san means to say is, there is more to this haven in the rift than meets the eye," Justine said, shooting a small glare at her sister. "In the meantime...I have good news. With this discovery, our services of fusing Personas together is now once again available. Bring me any of the Personas you find during your travels, and I shall fuse them."

"Really? That's sweet!" Ryuji exclaimed.

The news was good. Now they could fuse stronger Personas. Still, Caroline's words worried her.

There was still so much they did not understand about this world...they would have to stay frosty and alert.

-Scene Break-

"Finally...it's almost time..." A voice announced in the darkness. Within this darkness, a familiar silver spider sat upon a thin hand. "Soon...time will resume..."

Chapter 2...END