Ryuji Confidant

[You have returned to the real world. Welcome back.]

"Thank you, we're back," Ryuji panted in relief, leaning on a set of air coolants with me also panting heavily, both back in our school attire.

"Ann" was wearing wearing only her bikini and cat ears.

"I dragged you around a lot, huh? Sorry, man," Ryuji said in guilt but smiled slightly.

"If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have made it out alive. You were amazing, especially with your Persona. I'm happy that I got to know you, so thanks. Thanks for saving me," I said, gratefully, hands in my pockets and giving him an easy grin that was matched by Ryuji's.

"It's fine, man. Just think of it as returning the flavour for what you did for me back at that cell yesterday," Ryuji assured before letting out a tired sigh. "Ugh, I'm dead tired. How you holding up?"

"I could use a nap." I stated.

"You can sleep in my boobies!" said fake Ann with a squeal.

"Me too. Man, I'm gonna sleep like a rock when I get home." Ryuji nodded. "But damn, if what we saw was for real, this is gonna get good! I totally remember the faces of the guys Kamoshida was treating like slaves. Once we make 'em fess up to any physical ****, Kamoshida will be done."

"Sounds like you're really fired up about this," I stated with a small, proud smile on my face.

"So, wanna help me look for those guys or any witnesses?"

"Sure, I'll help."

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Ryuji cheered. "Hey, so, if you're thinking of laying low cause you got a record, I don't think that'll help. Everyone already knows. They totally got you pegged as a criminal."

"I know." I said in a dark tone. "I heard Kamoshida tell Ann."

"Oh, but that bad boy vibe so totally what makes you so dreamy." said the fake Ann.

"I figured it was him!" said Ryuji. "No one else besides a teacher could've leaked it 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! No one'll take anything I say seriously. Still, those rumours about him getting physical might be real and after seeing Kamoshida's disordered heart thing in person, there's no way I can just sit back!"

"Of course." I said.

"I'm counting on you!" Ryuji grinned with a fist bump. "Don't worry, I'm hyped about this too!"

I smiled as I sensed a bond of trust coming from Ryuji. He was willing to believe in me as much as I was willing to believe in him. I was well aware that what we were about to attempt would land me in juvie but we were going to succeed in exposing Kamoshida for who I truly is.

--

"Acting as phantom thief would've been more efficient alone," said Sae. "You could've gone about it that way. However you did not. There are merits to having associates, that's have you decided. Am I wrong?"

"They weren't just associates," I said. "They were people I could rely on with my life."

--

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 wings of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power...

"Oh," Ryuji suddenly spoke up as I looked at him oddly. "Right. I haven't eaten anything since lunch."

"I haven't eaten anything since lunch." I said.

"It'd be weird splitting off now, so why don't we grab a bite somewhere?" Ryuji suggested.

"Sure," I shrugged.

"Just follow me." Ryuji grinned before turning to me. "I mean, I totally gotta hear about your past!"