Chapter 3 Lupin the Fifth
"Wake up!" A loud male voice cried out.
"Come on! Wake up!" A female voice cried out as well and he felt that he was being shaken.
Ren groggily opened his eyes, head hurting, and saw Kotone kneeling front of him with Ryuji standing behind. "What? Where are we?" He took a look around "A dungeon?" Answering his own question.
"Yeah, you all right?" Ryuji asked
"More or less, you two?"
"Same" Kotone replied.
The three inspected at the cell they're in.
"Looks like, this is ain't no dream."
"It's more like a nightmare." Kotone added on
"This is frustrating! What's going on!?" Ryuji walked to the cell bars and start slamming them to get attention. "Hey! Let us outta here! I know someone's listening! Urgh!" Ryuji walked back to the pair more irritated.
"Damnit! Where are we!? Is this some kind of TV set!?" The blond exclaimed.
"I don't know who would air this." Ren muttered
"Maybe on Midnight. When it's raining." Kotone replied.
"No time for jokes!" Ryuji shouted.
"We need to get out of here." Ren explained as he looked around. "Think we can hide in the barrels till the guards come?"
"This isn't a movie, man. I doubt it'll work." Ryuji dejectly replied. "Hey, Kotone, you think you can use your hairpin?"
"It's like you said, Sakamoto. It's not like the movies. Besides, I don't think anyone here can pick a lock." she answered.
Where are the other students? Where's Kaz?
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
"GRRUYYAAAAAAAAHH!"
The three ran to the bars to get better view to see what's happening. They only end up hearing more screams of anguish, make the students more agitated than before.
"Whoawhoawhoawhoawhoawhoa…..whoa" Ryuji stumbling through his words.
"HEY ANYONE HERE!? GET US OUT OF HERE!" Ryuji panicking out of desperation.
"Ryuji-Kun! It's no use." Kotone reaching her hand to him in attempts to calm the panicked teen down.
"Hey! Pipe down!" A high-pitched, feminine voice cried from the distance, surprising the students who all looked at each other, with a small sense of hope.
"Who are you!? Can you help!" Ryuji shouted
"I said quiet!" the voice ringed out
"Let me take care of this." Kotone told Ryuji, he simply nodded. "Hey, are you stuck here as well?" she cried out
"Another one? So there's two of you? At least, you're calmer than the last guy. Yes, and I'm coming up with a plan to escape. It'll be bad if the guards come here, because he was too loud."
"Well, there's three actually. Can you help us?" Kotone corrected the potential ally.
"I'm thinking a way…. Oh Crap!"
"What is it? Nyaaah!" Kotone backed away from the cell as the guards starts walking to the door.
"Be glad that your punishment is decided upon. Your charge is 'unlawful entry.' Thus you three will be sentenced to death." The lead knight told the prisoners.
"What!" The three cried out as they took a step back.
No one's allowed to do as they please in my castle. A familiar voice spoke out and to the surprise of Ryuji and Kotone, a man that looks like Kamoshida walks up to the cell. He looks different, wearing nothing but a pink speedo and a red cape with hearts on it covering his body, a crown on top of him like a king, but the one that caught the attention is his eyes, bright gold, glowing menacingly at his prisoners.
"Kamoshida?" Ryuji looking confused
"Is that him?" Kotone wondered as well
"I thought it would be some petty thief, but to think it'd be you, Sakamoto." Kamoshida (?) smugly talked to the blond boy "Are you trying to disobey me again? It looks like you haven't learned your lesson. Huh?" He turned to face Kotone.
"And you, a bright and promising transfer student only to be seen with low life trash? How disappointing, thought you would be the one to pick up your brother's slack."
"Nyah! Y-you!" Kotone tried to find the right words but there's too much processing in her mind.
"And you brought a friend? Guess you can't do anything for yourself."
"This ain't funny you Asshole!" Ryuji gripped the bars tighter.
"Is this how you speak to a king? It seems that you don't understand the position you're in at all. Not only you sneak into my castle, but you committed the crime of insulting me. The King. The punishment for that is death."
"Still, I can make an exception in killing her. I wonder what country girls are like." The lustful "King" looked at Kotone with impure desire. Ryuji and Ren instinctively moved to stand between Kotone and Kamoshida as much as possible, as they knew exactly what was he implying. She took a couple of steps back in fear.
"It's time for an execution, take him out!" The king commended his men, the guards burst open the door and surround the punk boy, separating him and the other two. Ren instinctively moved in front of Kotone as the pair watches the event unfold.
"Goddamnit-urgh!" Ryuji bellows out as the guard slam its knee into his stomach making him fall to his knees.
Ren and Kotone attempt to pull a guard away from behind in vain but it is too heavy to move at all.
"Stop this! Aaaaah!" Kotone screamed out as one of the knights grabbed her from behind and held her in mid-air.
"Keep her in place! I'll deal with her after the execution." Kamoshida(?) ordered his men.
"Are you out of your mind!" Ren yelled out, his fear slowly turned to anger, looking at Kamoshida(?) witan h intense glare.
"Hm…? What? Don't you dare tell me you don't know who I am?" Kamoshida(?) said as he approached the glasses teen who is staring at him in defiance. "That look in your eye irritates me." He proceeds to kick Ren to the wall before turning back to Ryuji. "Hold him there, after the peasant, it's his turn to die"
Ren attempts to lunge at Kamoshida(?) only for him to be pinned to the wall by two knights. He watched helplessly as Kamoshida proceeds to give Sakamoto a physical beatdown and Kotone struggled to free herself and pleading to stop. Dread is starting to overcome the teen, he's starting to be afraid now, not for himself but for the other two in danger. He knew that he and the blond one are going to die soon and God knows what'll happen to her afterwards. He hadn't this hopeless since his arrest.
From the corner of his eyes, a bright, translucent, blue butterfly flies in front of him. Everything around him darken. In a young, feminine voice, the butterfly speaks to him: "This is truly an unjust game. Your chances of winning are almost to none. But if my voice is reaching you, there may yet be a possibility open to you." The butterfly disappears and everything resumes. Then a different but a deep and menacing male voice spoke up in Ren's head.
"What's the matter? Are you simply going to watch? Are you forsaking them to save yourself? Death awaits for the two if you do nothing. Was your previous decision a mistake then?"
He remembered that night, the night that changed his life. He looked at Kotone pleading in vain, her eyes were the same as that woman who cried for his help, complete fear and desperation. Suddenly, his feelings of fear quickly turned to rage, this was no different from that night, a lustful, immoral man taking advantage of a woman who couldn't fight back. He couldn't ignore it back then and how can he ignore it now when there were two people's lives are at stake!
No, it wasn't!
"Very well, I have heeded your resolve." Suddenly a surge of energy erupts inside of Ren, it's like something is crawling out of him from the inside. The pain is unbearable, only Ren could do was scream and jerked his body around in agony while being held down.
"Vow to me. I am thou, thou art I. Thou who art willing to perform all sacrilegious acts for thine own justice! Call upon thy name, and release thy rage! Show the strength of thy will to ascertain all on thine own, though thou be chained to Hell itself!" All the pain is gone, the teen looks up to Kamoshida who is about to order the execution.
"Execute him!"
"THAT'S ENOUGH!"
The room fell silent, all heads turned to Ren. The knights let go of Kotone and Ryuji. "What was that? You desire to be killed that much? Fine!" He gestures his head, which prompt the knight to bash his shield to Ren's face knocking out his glasses. Just as the knight is about strike him down, a sudden surge of wind came out of him surprising the people in the room.
[BGM Awakening]
Ren looked up and noticed something on his face, a mask. Out of instinct, he decides to pull it off but it stuck to him like it's attached to his skin so he added more force to remove it. He screamed in pain as the mask is tearing his skin out, blood gushing out. He couldn't feel the pain anymore, but something different, a surge of newfound power surges inside of him. All he can do is simile like the Devil. He looked up at Kamoshida (?) and simply uttered the word.
"Per...so..na"
Blue fire erupted around of him as the blood on his face dissolve into the flames. It soon consumed Ren, follow with a sinister laugh. The fire took form, rising from the body with the rattling of chains around it. The fire dissipated revealing Ren intact but in a different attire, black trench coat, trousers, and boots with a grey collared shirt, and a pair of red gloves. The fire itself to a physical form that is bigger than Ren, it wears all red with the short coat and pants, with a pair of red boots with bladed thigh-heels. The thing has a black vest with a white lace cravat, its face is a black mask with two horns from the side and has a reddish demonic smiling face in the middle of it and wearing a large top hat.
Ren raised his arms the demon behind him opened its large red and black wings attached to it lower back to blow all the knights away to the ground.
Ryuji jaw dropped, staring in awe "...W-what….the?"
Kotone, just as surprised, "Oh my God." she whispered
Ren smiling like a madman, overjoyed with his newfound powers, turned his sights to the cowering king, intend for revenge.
[BGM Willpower]
"I am the Pillager of Twilight, Arsene!'" Ren's Persona beckoned.
"What the?" Ryuji still in awe
"Arsene... That name." Kotone wondered before she snapped back to reality to ran away from the guards towards Ryuji to help him up. "I think we have a chance to survive now." She told him.
"I am the rebel's soul that resides within you." Arsene spoke to Ren directly. "If you so desire, I shall consider granting you the power through the crisis."
"Yes, let me your power." Ren answered.
"Hmph, very well."
"Who the Hell are you!?" Kamoshida(?) showing fear
Ren turned to him with a devious smirk, "The one who's going to kick your ass."
"Guards! Kill everyone here, starting with him!"
The guards convoluted itself and dissolve itself in red and black liquid and two Jack o'lanterns-like creatures appear to confront the new awaken Ren.
"You'll learn the true strength of my men!" Kamoshida(?) smiling thinking he has the advantage.
"Heh, he thinks they can kill you. How foolish." Arsene amused by the King's gloating
"Now detest the enemy before you! Change that animosity into power and unleash it!" He tells Ren
"Ravage them!" Ren points at the floating Jack o'lantern, red and black energy rises below the creature into a column, engulfing it, the creature is almost dead.
"Swing your blade!" Arsene hollows out. Ren lunges at the wounded demon and perform 3 swift strikes at it finally finishing it off as it dissolve into nothingness.
"This power of mine is yours! Kill them however you want. Run wild to your heart's content!" Arsene informed the trenchcoat wearing teen who simply smiles at the lone and afraid Jack o'lantern.
"Very well, Arsene, Eiha!" Ren commands. A column of dark energy emerged to destroy the last guard standing in his way. The red being dissolved back into the mask on Ren's face.
"Whoa" That was all Ryuji could say after the battle.
"What was just that now?" Kotone finishing Ryuji's train of thought
Ren immediately noticed his change in attire and took his time to look at the changes. Not bad, but this feeling is fantastic, I feel more at like myself now.
"You little… !" Kamoshida(?) angrily walks up to Ren. It gives an opening for Ryuji to tackle him into the ground. "Ha! Got you! You Son of a Bitch!"
"Hey, I got the keys! Let's get out of here!" Kotone shouted while hold a giant key ring. She saw Kamoshida(?) struggled to get up, something snapped inside of her, she immediately ran over and kicked him as hard she can right between his legs causing him squeal in high pitch voice.
"This is what a country girl is like! You GODDAMN PREVY ASSHOLE!" Kotone yelled at him with extreme prejudice and went on to grind his groin with her back heel. "They're not that easy! Huh?!" she proceed to kick him at the same place two more times consecutively for good measure.
"AND STAY DOWN, YOU FUCKING PUSSY!" She spat at his face. It caused the boys to unwittingly crossed their legs in fear after seeing a seemingly calm girl would lash out with such vigor.
Talk about a complete 180! She is so different from when I first met her!
After she calmed down, the three ran out of the prison cell and locked the doors behind.
"Sorry, about that. I just- Y-you know. What he's planning to do, a-and... yeah." Kotone turned to apologize to the boys after displaying a very aggressive manner.
And just like that, she switched back. "No, he kinda deserves it. We should go." Ren assured his peer.
"Hold up! What was that just now? And your clothes?" Ryuji asking Ren who just change back to his normal Shujin uniform in flash of blue flame.
"Umm, I don't think this is a good place to ask questions here. Still, you got your glasses back." Kotone pointing to Kamoshida(?) squirming on the ground with his hands on his crotch.
"You're right, let's get out of here." Ryuji looked to Ren, "You lead the way!"
Kotone threw the keys into the canal and the trio ran the away from the cell before Kamoshida(?) will recover and call out for more guards. Not long after, they reach to a broken bridge.
"Think we can jump over that?" Ryuji asks the other two.
"I think so, let me get a running start." Ren said, he took a couple of steps back and ran over the gap without any hindrance.
"Okay, I'll go next." Kotone spoke up and prepared herself to run with Ren waiting at the edge prepared to catch her if she fell. Fortunately, she was able to make the jump without any help. When Ryuji was the last to jump, he briefly hesitated and rubbed his left leg that was twitching. It earned a worried look from the pair across.
"Ryuji-Kun, are you okay?" Kotone asked.
"Y-yeah, just give me a moment." He took a step back and made the jump across. Ren noticed he had a slight limp when he ran but he should save it for later when they are no longer in danger. After traversing through the dungeons, they reached another dead end.
"Damnit, how the heck are we supposed to get out of here!?" Ryuji yelled.
"HEY!" a different voice cried out from them, causing the three to look around to find the source.
"Frizzy hair! Blondie! Ribbons! Behind you!" All three turn to see an odd, short, cartoon looking cat-like creature with an oversize head with blue eyes and a yellow scarf in a black body and black mask with a utility belt around its waist.
"What is this thing?" Ryuji asks with a surprised look.
"Who are you?" Ren looking more confused than ever.
Kotone just stood there covering her mouth her hands like she's trying to keep something down inside of her.
"I think she's freaking out" Ryuji noticing her reaction.
It looks so cute! Eeeeeeeeh! The poor girl was doing her best to not to squeal out loud.
"Hey, calm down! You guys are prisoners of Kamoshida right? Get me out here!" The cat-thing begged the three.
"A cat?" Ryuji and Ren says at the same time.
"Hey, I'm not a cat! Come on! Get me out of here, I can help! The key's right there!" Kotone turned to the post that (not) cat was pointing it and grabbed the keys behind her.
"Whoa, hold up, Kotone, how we do know it's not the enemy? Ryuji warned Kotone.
"I hope he's not lying." Ren looked at the cat with suspicion.
"Guys, if he's with Kamoshida. Why would he be locked up in the first place?" Kotone questioning their paranoia, and her eyes widen as something just struck her mind. "Hold up, are you the one who yelled at us to keep quiet and you got stuck here as well"
"Yes, I remembered talking to you, Ribbons! You're clearly the smart one here! Why would I help Kamoshida when I cry out to you guys in the place?" the (not) Cat jumping up and down.
"Maybe -" but the sound of guards coming interrupted Ryuji's thought process. "Shit!"
"Looks we don't have a choice, Sakamoto-Kun. Say what's your name little one?" Kotone told him as she unlocked the cell. The cat happily hopped out of the walk and stretch out its limbs.
"Aaah. Freedom never tasted so great! And it's Morgana, kind lady." Kotone simply smiled
"Yeah, yeah, now where's the exit, you Monster Cat?" Ryuji asked in an aggressive tone.
"Don't call me a cat! I told you before, my name is Morgana!" Morgana yelled back
"Morgana. Isn't that a girl's name?" Ren wondered.
"Oh yeah, you're right, Morgana's a feminine name for 'Morgan' which is also a name for both boys and girls. And she sounds like a girl." Kotone said and Ren nodded
"Hey! I'm a guy! End of story!" Morgana looking annoyed. "Now do you guys want to stand here and guess my gender? Or do you want me to help you guys get out of here?"
They all nodded and proceeded to follow Morgana to the exit. After a series of hallways, they crossed over the last bridge leading out of the dungeon, only to be stopped by a guard. Ren's attire changed back to his trench coat outfit.
"Shit, it's them!" Ryuji yelled as he stumbled backward.
"Hey, you changed! Use that spirit monster or something!" Kotone yelled at Ren.
"Tch, amateurs. Stay back, you two" Morgana jumped in front the group and points to the black-hair teen. "You can fight right? Okay then." Morgana prepared himself and looked upward.
"Come! Zorro!" a flash of blue light erupted from the cat and a large muscular man with an oversize chest in an all black suit wearing a cape and a hat that doubles as a mask. He bears a large belt-buckle with a 'Z' imprinted on it. The figure used its rapier to make a 'Z' in the air.
"You got one of those things too?" Ryuji backing away frantically
"Another one? Zorro? Now, I definitely heard of that one before." Kotone took a step back away from the coming battle.
Confident in himself, Morgana cross his arms. "Hmph, we'll promptly shut them up. Zorro. Attack! Garu!"
Prepare himself for battle, "Arsene, ravage them!" Ren yelled.
Shujin 4/11/2016
Teacher's faculty office
Miss Kawakami sat at her office, making lesson plans and standard work that every teacher does. She was more frustrated as of today as a certain transfer student with a record in her class is over four hours late on the first day.
So much for making a good first impression on your first day of school. You think one would be extra careful if you have record. I've gotten reports from another teacher that others are late. Who are they again? She checked the files and a surprised look came across on her face. "Sakamoto-kun and Kotone-Chan? Could they be with Amamiya-kun?" How could a Student Council member be wrapped up in this? Should I call the police? Don't want her father to panic. Maybe tell them to be on the lookout. It's almost lunchtime, I should tell those two.
Kaz was half-dead listening to the teacher's lecture half of the time, he's just staring out of the window and the other half listening to the lesson.
"Hey!" a chalkboard eraser flew across the classroom and hit him right in the forehead and a cloud of dust covering his face.
"D'oh!" Kaz yelled out and coughed out the dust that he accidentally inhaled them. It prompted a series of giggles in the classroom. EVERY DAMN TIME!
"Will you answer the second part of the question that Niijima-San answered first? I'll repeat, Who was a significant figure in the drafting of the Meiji Constitution? Niijima-san said it was Itō Hirobumi, and I asked you what else was he known for?"
"For being the first Resident-General of Korea when it was a protectorate for Japan." He answered blankly, giving a technically right answer, but not the point. He loved doing that being right and wrong at the same time that always throws the teachers off a bit.
"... Yes but not that, what else is he know for?"
"For being assassinated by a Korean Nationalist named An Jung-Geun to prevent the annexation of Korea. Ironically, it only sped up the process and he initially opposed annexation and wanted Korea to remain as Protectorate" He gave a mocking smile
"... True, but that's not what I meant."
"But you said 'what else was he know for, and the dude was shot three times in the chest, that's pretty well-known." He nonchalantly replied.
"How. Is. He. Related. To. The. Meiji. Constitution?" The teacher sounding aggravated speaking through his teeth
"Niijima-san already said he helped drafted the Constitution." The teacher quickly said as Kaz opened his mouth.
"He was the first Prime Minister for the Meiji Constitution and held that position 4 times, non consecutively." Kaz gave a straight answer.
"Thank you." the teacher sounding relieved. He continued his lecture til the lunch bell rings. Kaz took his leave and went to his usual spot at the stairs to eat his lunch, while he wondered where his sister was considering she also eats at the same place as he does, he just figured she was busy on other things so he decided to let it go. He pulled out a book that he got from the school library, The Golden Lady General. Just as he is about to enjoy his reading, he was approached by Makoto and Miss Kawakami.
"Seta-Kun, there's something I need to ask you and Makoto-kun about. She's here because it kinda relates to the Student Council" Kawakami told Seta as he stood up.
"Umm, do you know where Kotone-Kun is? She hasn't been seen at school as of today." asking both Kaz and Makoto both of their eyes widen and Kaz involuntary dropped his book, hands shaking like they have a mind of their own. His breath became shallow, giving quick rapid breaths. It was rare to see Kaz in a state he was in now, in a state of uneasiness.
"Hey, it's okay, we'll get to the bottom of this." Makoto with hands in front of her slowly extended to Kaz in attempt to calm the increasing worried student.
"Don't panic." Kawakami noticing his distress.
"How? She's my sister! Last time I saw her was we were on our way to school, she decided to talk to Sakamoto-san and the new guy with glasses." Kaz yelling through his teeth, trying not to make a commotion.
"I guess she was being polite and welcome the new transfer student." Makoto speculated, looking worried as well. It bothers her as a fellow member of the Student Council is missing from school.
"That's her, alright. Wait, are Sakamoto-san and the new guy here?" Kaz queried.
"No, they're late as well. It's strange because Sakamoto-kun is usually alone." Kawakami answered. The three stood in uncomfortable silence contemplating their situation.
"Seems, you two don't know where the three are then. I hope, they'll show up soon. Don't worry, I told the police to be on the lookout" Kawakami walked away from the pair. Kaz let out an exhausted sigh, Makoto put her hand on his shoulder which made him tensed up in attempt to assure the concerned brother.
"I'm sure they are fine, Seta-Kun." She attempted to calm down and she removed her hand from him after seeing him tensing up after she touched him.
"I hope to God, they are. Jesus, I have to find her." Kaz sounding frustrated.
"Well, you heard that she ask the local officers to be on the lookout. And are you really going to leave school now to find her? On a second thought, you would, it will cause more trouble if you do that." Makoto attempting to reason with Kaz to prevent from doing something reckless.
"Tch" He clenched his fist and tugged his tie. "This sucks, the feeling of helplessness. God help them if anyone harms her." Makoto could only shift her eyes to the side in sadness. I know that feeling all too well.
"I'm sure you will. Until til then, maybe we should wait near the entrance, in case they arrive before lunch ends." Makoto suggested.
"Yeah, that'll be a good idea" He picked up his book and the two walk to the front door.
"Oh by the way, why do you have to be like that in class?" Makoto attempting small talk to ease Kaz's worries.
"What I say is true, he wasn't specific. He was assassinated by a Korean, ironically that guy advocated that the Eastern Countries to band together against the West, guess it was about the sovereignty of one's nation." Kaz replied in a deadpanned voice.
"How is it that you are called a slacker, and yet you're able to answer any questions thrown at you? Are you purposely holding back?" Makoto looking annoyed and suspicious.
"I, uhhh, I am just a bad test taker, and get bored a lot. That's all." Kaz gives a weak answer. It was not convincing.
"Right, I seen your answers, Council President perks if you're wondering, and we studied the same amount of time. I know you wouldn't gotten those questions wrong." Her eyes narrowed.
"Is this an attempt at small talk to get my mind off of my sister?" Kaz trying to change the subject.
"Hrguh… I wasn't subtle was I?"
"Eh, kinda there, but kinda wasn't. But thanks anyway." The two stand in silent near the entrance waiting for the missing students. Makoto attempted to assure him again.
"They will be okay, Kaz, have faith."
"I haven't been to Church lately to have that." He jested while slowly gripping his Cross necklace hidden under his shirt. "But thank you, but you don't have to wait here."
"Just want to help a friend out in need." she smiled and nudged his arm with her elbow.
"You're joking, right?" he replied.
"No, you are my friend." Makoto sounding a bit more serious this time.
Friend, huh? Even after everything, she stills consider me as one? Not just an acquaintance? He was surprised that she considered him as one. He thought he would be a terrible friend as he didn't have friends to start with, he had his sisters. They never done things that "normal" friends do, lunch hangouts, movies, ramen, he didn't even acknowledged her birthday last year. Most of the time they were together was the rare times he was at Student Council, where he was mostly not interested and made grating comments or they just study silently together at the library and that's it. For her to still consider him as a friend, maybe the only friend for both, perhaps, he should try to be a better friend.
Kaz gives a soft smile and in a sincere tone, "Thanks."
?
The last of the Shadows disperse into thin air as the Ren and Morgana finished them off with their Personas.
"So remember that each enemy has a weakness that you can exploit that allows you another opening to strike again. See how that Pumpkin shadow went down when I used the wind attack by Zorro?" Morgana lecturing Ren.
"Yeah, so almost everything has a weakness to the elements, but do we have a weakness?" Ren's seem to get grip on the situation better now.
"Sadly yes, I'm weak to electricity, and that's how I was captured in the first place." Morgana answered with disappointment with himself.
I am weak to ice and bless attacks. Arsene spoke to Ren internally.
"Arsene just told me that bless and ice are not good." Ren sounding shock.
"Wait, Arsene spoke to you? You have another person living inside your head" Ryuji's looking confused.
I am part of you, so naturally, I can speak to you as I wish. No, it's not schizophrenia. Arsene explains to Ren.
"He said, it's my other self so he can talk. Let's not think too hard on that." Ren's trying to move away from the subject.
"Huh, two then? You have to be extra careful then cause if the Shadow used that weakness against you, they will have another chance to strike you down, it goes both ways." Morgana sounding serious. "Still, your Persona's pretty powerful but not invincible."
"Persona?" Ryuji asked as he and Kotone walked up to the Persona users "Like those things that come out of you all dramatic like?"
"I felt I read that in a manga somewhere. Still, that word 'Persona' rings a bell, maybe something have to do with psychology?" Kotone wondering out loud looking up while tapping her chin with her index finger
"Yes, you saw how Frizzy-hair ripped out his mask when he summoned it, right?" Morgana looked at the three. "Well, everybody wears a mask deep within their heart. By removing that.." Blue energy engulfed Ren and turning him back to his school uniform taking everybody by surprise.
"Again? You're back to normal." Kotone sounding confused.
"Hmm, looks like you don't have full control of your power yet." Morgana analyzing Ren. "The transformation shouldn't normally dissolve like that. Maybe I can help-"
"Rrgh, enough! This crap doesn't make any sense!" Ryuji interrupts the (Not) Cat
"Kinda does for me. You just need to listen." Kotone told Ryuji nonchalantly.
"Urguh, damnit, why is it only me?" Ryuji whined while hunching over hanging his head in defeat
"Will you sit still and listen for once, Blondie!?" Morgana snapped at the punk boy.
"Hey! The name's Ryuji! Not Blondie! So stop calling me that!" Ryuji yells back.
"Hold on, we didn't tell you our names Morgana! He's Ren, and I'm Kotone." Attempting to dispel the animosity between the two.
"Oh thanks, Miss Kotone, but we don't have time to chat and lecture. Let's go if we want to get out of here in one piece." Morgana shifted his focus on the girl. "Oh, by the way, take these, they can be useful when you guys get hurt." He handed a couple of bottles to Kotone.
"Medicine? Why me?"
"Cause, you're the smart here and most likely to look over these two idiots."
"Hey!" Ren and Ryuji complained at the same time.
"Shut up. Let's go."
The three nodded and looked to Morgana waiting for his next move to escape the castle. "Alright, we should hurry, we're not too far from the exit." Morgana leads the group through the prison hallways, heading towards the bridge. Just as they're about to reach it, Ryuji stopped to look at the cells.
"Ryuji! What are you doing? We need to get out of here!" Kotone anxiously tells him
"Hold on. I think I know these guys. I think I seen those uniforms before. Damn! I'm too fluster to remember!" Ryuji frustratingly trying to answer himself.
"There's no time, we got to go!" Morgana angrily commands Ryuji
"But we got help these people!" Ryuji countered back.
"Ryuji, we can help them at a later time! It's no use if we help unprepare, so just listen to Morgana and get out here fast!" Kotone pleaded with Ryuji to escape.
"... Fine, let's go." Ryuji relented.
"Good job, maybe I should have you around to tame Blondie." Morgana compliment Kotone as they cross the bridge and up the steps to the main hall where the three were originally captured.
"Across the hall! The exit's near, follow me!" Morgana ordered the group as they scurried to the other side of the room without being detected to a hallway with a door on each wall.
"We're saved!" Ryuji sounding relieved he proceed to open the door on the right only for it to be locked. "Hey! Did you trick us you jerk!" He turns towards Morgana. The three just shook their head in disappointment.
"What about the other door." Kotone and Ren said and pointed at the other door at the same time in a disappointed tone.
"Thank you. Don't jump to conclusion, you idiot. Follow me!" Morgana opened the other door and the rest followed into a windowless room with a particular vent above the bookshelves. The three scan the room.
"Where we're supposed to get out of here? There aren't any windows!" Ryuji irritated as usual
"Urguh, amauter, this is the most basic of basics." Morgana
Maybe if I can blow up the- Ren wondered.
No, I don't have that power… yet Arsene sinisterly interrupted Ren's thought process.
"Oh great, are we going to die here?" Ren asked mocking tone.
"That's right. Everything's hopeless and black like my fur." Morgana answered in a sarcastic tone to the two boys while they failed to notice that Kotone was climbing up the bookshelf. "Now why would I want to die here with you two idiots! The -"
"Ventilation shaft! You morons! It's big enough to fit us all of through. If I can get this damn grate off!" Kotone shouted at the two idiots as she struggled to pull the mesh off.
"It's a good thing that Miss Kotone's here. You two would be helpless without her." Morgana seemingly glad that someone have enough brain cells other than him. "You seem to have more muscles than brains. Be a gentleman and help a lady out!" he pointed at Ryuji.
"Hey! I-ugh… yeah, sure, I can do this, Kotone." He climbs up the bookcase and pulled the grate as hard he can while Kotone moves out of the way. He used too much force to pull it off causing him to fall down.
"Owww! Crap! They didn't hear us, did they?" Ryuji's recovering from his fall.
"Do you want to stay and find out?" Ren asked
"Hell no! We're getting out!" Ryuji sounding excited.
"Hold off celebration until you actually get out. Now get going! We're going on our separate ways for now. There are some things I need to do." Morgana tells them
"Thanks for your help" Kotone bowed to Morgana
"And don't get caught again." Ren added in
"Heh, sure thing, you guys should be careful too. See ya."
The three climbed up the bookcase and went through the vent one at a time to escape the castle.
"Those three seem useful. Especially the frizzy-head one, if my judgement's right."
Near Shujin
The three appeared on the same place where they all met in the early morning on their way to Shujin. After a brief glance around their surroundings, they all took a breather in relief that they made back.
"Did we make it?" Ryuji asking while panting
Ren pulls out his phone and it speaks:
"You have return to the real world. Welcome Back."
"Real world?" Kotone wonders
"Returned?" Ryuji thinking the same thing as well. "Don't that mean we got away?"
"I hope" Ren and Kotone said in unison.
"I don't what to think anymore guys." Ryuji shake his head.
"The feeling's mutual." Kotone said.
"But Jeez! The Castle! Kamoshida! And that weird cat!" Ryuji shouted
"I think he looks adorable." Kotone smiled
"Missing the point! The Hell's going here!" Ryuji shouted even louder.
"What's with the shouting? Are you students of Shujin?" Two officers approached the group
"Hold on, we just received word from the school to find three students late, so I guess you three are cutting classes, aren't you?"
"Huh? No! We were trying' to get to school but we end up -" Ryuji trying to explain the situation
"Being confronted by a bunch of weirdos!" Kotone interrupted Ryuji. She knew that the officers would not believe the castle at all.
"What?" Ryuji asked
"It's true! A couple of unsavory men wanted to "spend some time" with me. And these two tried to scare them off but we got chased and had to hide from them for a while." Kotone nervously explains hoping they buy the story.
"Y-yes! She was introducing herself to me until a couple of shady guys approached us." Ren quickly caught on and reaffirmed Kotone's story to make it believable.
Both officers looked at the pair with a brief surprised look and one turned to Ryuji and asked him. "Is that what happened?"
"O-of course! That's what I about to say before she interrupted me. Strange pervs wanting to get to know the country girl." Ryuji answered with conviction. He had to think of Kamoshida to make to rile him up to sell it.
The two glanced at each and finally relented, one officer said. "There have been reports of questionable men harassing students in Shibuya. It's a shame that you had to experience that."
The other officer nodded. "Okay then, just get to school, we'll tell the school that you'll be there shortly."
"Thank you officers." Kotone bowed to them. "We'll be best on our way." She turned and quickly pushed the two boys to get going.
Once they were in the clear. "Holy Shit, that was quick thinking." Ryuji praised Kotone. She knew how to talk to the likes of them, good thing her dad's one of them.
"They wouldn't believe that weird castle story. They might think you're on drugs." Kotone answered as they walked to the front gates. They all stopped to look around for anything out of the ordinary.
"Looks pretty normal, I guess we are in the real world." Kotone said relief.
"Still, it was so strange, what's going on here?" Ryuji said stunned
"That's exactly what I want to tell you." The school counselor said as he approached the top of stairs. "We received a call from the police."
"Well, they did said they were going to do that." Ren whispered
"The police told us of your situation, the three of you are excused for this time." The counselor informs the three. "Still, rare to see you not alone, Sakamoto, interesting to see you with a member of Student Council."
"Well, umm it just happens." Ryuji stuttered
"Eh, he's just at a wrong place at a wrong time." A familiar voice spoke out, a muscular man in a white t-shirt, sweat pants walked up to the steps, surprising the trio.
"Kamoshida!?" Ryuji shocked
"You seemed so carefree, Sakamoto. Quite a difference from when you did morning practice for the track team." that comment from Kamoshida seemed to struck a chord in Ryuji
"Shuddup! It's your fault that-"
"How dare you speak to Kamoshida-San that way!" The counselor shouted at Sakamoto "There's not much leeway left for you, you know?"
"He's the one who- ompf!" Kotone elbowed Ryuji to the ribs.
"Shut up! Do you want to get more into trouble?" Kotone whispered
"You're lucky, she's here to prevent you from getting into more trouble. Listen to her more often." Counselor stated, "Still given your past, you have to come with me for being late."
"Fine." Ryuji relented, he follows the counselor bracing himself to be read the Riot Act again. He gave a quick glance at Kamoshida before entering the school.
"By the way, you're the second new transfer student. Ren Amamiya? Kamoshida looking at Ren who only nodded. "Well, the first one's right next to you." He tilted his head to Kotone. "Still, have we met somewhere?"
"You asked us for a ride this morning." Ren answered
"Oh, that's right... I remember now." The gym teacher said while giving a fake smile. "Well, I'll overlook this for today."
His face turned stern serious quickly after. "I'm sure you heard from the principal, but cause any trouble and you'll be expelled. Understand?"
Nine
"Yes, I understand." Ren answered calmly.
Kamoshida's face relaxed. "Okay, at any rate, you should go to the faculty office. Ms. Kawakami's tired of waiting." He turned to Kotone. "You should get to class, lunchtime is almost over."
The pair nodded and quickly run up the steps to enter the school.
Interrogation Room
"A school turned into a castle? A talking cat?" Sae summarizing Ren's story so far with skepticism. "Are you hallucinating from an overdose? We won't get anywhere if this keeps up."
She inspect her watch to see if she has enough time.
"I'm going to have you continue your story. The one who received a 'calling card' from the Phantom Thieves was an Olympic medalist… An alumnus from Shujin Academy, the PE teacher Suguru Kamoshida." She moved the Phantom Thieves calling card to show a photograph of the teacher.
Ren's eyes narrowed, trying to remember the events involving the gym teacher.
"It's true what he did to the students were... " She sighed heavily. "inexcusable. He confessed it all. But there should've been no connection between the two of you. Why did you target him?"
"He went after my friends." Ren answered.
"So it's a personal stake in this. Very well continue your story" Ren nodded in agreement.
A/N Thank you for reading Chapter 3, yes, the chapter titles will be like that.
Well, I think should reply to some reviews (And thanks for the reviews!):
VirtualDelirium: Yes, Joker is still the leader. That wasn't the intention to make Kaz like that.
FrozenLime: That and Kanami's Dropkick. I'll make more callbacks to past Persona games, remember the monorail comment?
Guest1995: Same here, the last time we had sibling team-up was EP and they were brothers. I'm really not sure about the pairings, as I don't know how to write romance, and your suggestion were my first considerations. (IF Kotone pairs up with Ren, he would have to deal with her brother, father, and both Grandfathers!)
The romance options for Kazuhiro: Ann, Haru, Makoto, and Hifumi. (No Futaba because she reminds Kaz of Rei, his youngest sister.)
The romance options for Kotone: Ren, Akechi, Ryuji, and Yusuke.
I might tease them all in the future.
For Kotone's Persona: I gave a hint of what it is. Hint: Do you know that in the school library, there are new books available every time you get a new party member that's based on their Persona?
For grammar mistakes, Musical Life (check her profile out in Ao3) proof-read Chapter 1 and she doesn't have time to proof any future chapters for now on so the grammar quality will dip (Sorry, about that).