Persona 5 Fanfiction- Where I Belong
"The intruders have escaped!"
"Find them! No matter dead or alive!"
"Close the gate!"
"For our King!"
Metals clashing and heavy footsteps echoed the whole castle. The was moving around with a panicked attitude and a fast pace, taking extra caution at anything that could serve as a hiding place. Barrels, crates, unlocked cells and rooms. You name it.
"After them! Don't let them escape!"
What's accompanying them is the screaming of Kamoshida barking out orders to them, ironically locked in the cell that was supposedly used to others. His face was red with her anger and embarrassment as the keys were thrown into a nearby river by Ryuji, hence he was staying there until someone finds the keys or get a new one, or just destroy the cell.
Take Your Time
In an unknown corridor of the dungeon, Akira and Ryuji, both freed from prison, panted and supporting their back against the wall. Those jumping, crawling and sprinting clearly left them exhausted. The overwhelming high adrenaline and euphoria from using Arsene's powers had long gone, leaving Akira drained. The powers were awesome, but one of the fatal drawbacks is the awakening took way too much stamina an average person could manage.
"Hey...What was that just now? And...your clothes!" Ryuji asked, turning his head left and right, checking if the coast is clear as they weren't in the moment for them to relax. The whole palace was in chaos after they have escaped from what seems to be their death, it felt like the security had increased.
Blue flames erupted again, changing those fancy attire back to the standard Shujin uniform before Akira could have a good look at it.
"Whoa! It changed back to normal!" Ryuji exclaimed, though refrained from shouting too loud to prevent unwanted attention as Akira shushing him.
"Hey! Blondie, Frizzy Hair, look over here!" A boyish voice called. Both of them turned their heads around. Spotting a being trapped in a cell waving in distress with its...paw?
"Waaaaah!" To prevent any more screaming, Akira covered his hand on top on Ryuji's mouth, muting him, leaving only muffled voice behind.
What it seemed to be calling them was a creature bearing many similarities to a cat, though lacks any visible cat whiskers. Looking much like anthropomorphic and biped form of a cat. With a large head and blue eyes, and a yellow bandana in addition to gaining a utility belt. With its striking appearance, it unintentionally scared Ryuji who still haven't recovered from that too exhilarating trip.
"You're not soldiers from this castle, right? Get me out of here!"
"Mrrrffff? Mrrrfffmm...mrf! (How can we trust you? You obviously look like an enemy too!)"
"You two look really confused, you could need a help. Free me, and I'll tell you all about this place. The key is just right there!" It offered, quite tempting, especially with their situation right now.
"I accept the proposal."
"Wait, what? Aren't you agreeing a little too easily? I mean, what is that thing?" Before Ryuji caught his breath as he finished his sentence. But the metal door already creaked open. The cat-like being jumped out. Stretching itself, enjoying its freedom.
"Mreoooow! Freedom tastes so good!" It meowed.
Unexpectedly, Akira kneaded it, before a claw can appear on his face.
"It's soft...and alive."
"...And cute...Not to say I wanted to this since I saw it..."
"Should I call it Morgana? But it's a male..."
Well, another side of Akira is definitely showing out...
"K-Knock it off, if you touch me there..."It warned, resisting before letting out a comfortable purr.
Though being humanoid, it undeniably possesses some fine cat's traits.
"L-Let me touch the monster cat, too!" Jealousy or cutesy? Ryuji asked with his face blushed with a light tint of pink. Let's just get done with these cat's obsession.
"I said I'm NOT a cat! I'm Morgana." The entity protested, very sensitive to the word "cat" before introducing itself proudly.
"Morgana...?"
Flashes of visions appeared before him, vividly playing. They were gone before he could take a look at them. Akira thought he could still remember some of them, but it's already fleeting, like a shadow of a dream.
The enjoyed liberty is only momentarily, as they immediately get alerted when heavy footsteps of knights were heard, probably because of the commotion earlier.
"Shit! They're already catching up on us!"
"Follow me! Be quick and quiet!" Morgana said as it ran to a drawbridge.
Meanwhile...
Kawakami stared at the carefree ticking clock while she's the opposite. For a student who has not come to school in the fourth period, what excuse could he have?
"Sakura-san said that Kurusu-kun left the house this morning, should I call the police?"
"No, that'll just be more of a hassle..."
"What did I do to deserve this?" She sighed.
Take Your Time
Well Akira never thought that lowering the jaw would lower the draw bridge. But now they're quite in a situation, never thought they'd face the enemy head-on. Enemies.
"A-Aah! Shit! It's them!"
In a swift motion, the black attire returned. Akira could feel Arsene's powers inside him again.
"Tch...You amateur! Stay still! Frizzy Hair! You could fight, right?"
Akira nodded in response, with an air of confidence Arsene brings in.
"Come! Zorro!" It shouted. Winds blew as blue flames covered Morgana. Before even having a vague form, it rushed to an enemy and slashed its signature mark.
Behold, the famed masked outlaw who defends commoners and the indigenous people of the land against tyrannical officials and other villains.
"Garu!" Winds acted as blades cut through the pumpkin-headed being, it was knocked out as the attack dealt a lot of damage.
"Skills have varying elements, and each Shadows is weak to certain elements. If you attack its weaknesses, you'll deal more damage and knock them down! You'll be able to take another action after knocking an enemy down. I call this 1More."
"Well in a nutshell, strike at one's weaknesses to knock them down, use that opening to strike again!" Morgana summarised as it cast Garu again, ending the 1More and the Shadow.
"Now then, finish that Pixie! It's weak to your Persona!"
"Got it," Akira recalls the skill that Arsene used before he hummed out...
"Eiha." Crimson beams engulfed the fairy-like figure, before it was nowhere to be found.
The defeat of enemies has given Akira more experience in a battle. Akira felt another surge of energy in him, in Arsene. He felt even stronger.
Cleave.
"Not bad. Your Persona is pretty powerful." Morgana praised, looking at Akira in acknowledgement.
"Persona? Y'mean those things that come outta you guys all dramatic-like?"
"Yes. You see how Frizzy Hair ripped off his mask when he summoned it, right?"
"Well everybody wears a mask deep within their heart. By removing that-"
Flames come forth again and disappeared, along with the attire, Akira frowned in disappointment.
"Hm, it looks like you haven't had full control over your power yet. A Persona needs a resolve strong enough to keep it stable."
"A resolve...?"
"What's my resolve...?"
Akira doesn't respond, he didn't have an answer. What is his resolve? What is Arsene's purpose?
"The transformation shouldn't normally dissolve like that. After all-"
"Rrgh, that's enough! This crap doesn't make any sense!" Said Ryuji, scratching his head in confusion. This is much harder than Maths.
"Can you just sit still and listen for once, Blondie?"
"I'm not Blondie! My name is Ryuji..."
"Shhhh! It's still unsure what side effects it'll cause if we said our names, I won't be much a hassle, but I don't know what'll happen to you two." Morgana stopped for a second, suddenly realizing.
"Actually, there's no time for me to lecture you! You wanna escape this place in one piece, right? Let's go!"
Take Your Time
It took a fight and lots of persuasion to get Ryuji to leave the prisoners alone, to his disapproval.
"We're here."
"Finally, we're saved." Ryuji tried to twist the doorknob on a nearby door, but it doesn't budge.
"Nngh...! It's not openin'! D'you trick us, you jerk?"
"Don't jump into conclusions! Over here!" Morgana already waving its paw at a room behind his former spot.
The room they're in is mostly empty, besides from the torches, the bookshelves, the flags and a ventilation shaft.
"How are we supposed to get out of here? There aren't any windows!"
"Ugh, amateur...This is the most basic of the basics. Is there anything you know besides doors and windows?"
"There's a ventilation shaft up there. Are you implying that, Morgana?" Akira pointed.
"Bingo! You're a natural at this, Frizzy Hair!"
"I'm...a natural at...escaping?"
"Is that a praise or an insult?"
"It should be enough for you two to squeeze in. One by one."
"So we just need to get the metallic mesh off," Ryuji said as he cracked his knuckles and readied himself in a running position.
"And a one, and a...Whoa!"
*Crash
*Cough, coughs. A lot of coughs.
That's one failed parkour in the record.
"Ow...that hurts..." He rubbed his head. We've found one of the sources of his stupidity, which essentially makes him one of the best bois.
"We better get going, I think the enemy heard us. Finally, getting free."
"You should wait on celebrating until you actually get out. Now, get going."
"But... how, about you?"
"There's still something I need to do. We're going our separate ways." Morgana spoke, finally after the dust settled down and it finally stopped coughing because of the dust.
Marching sounds were heard again, Ryuji quickly climbed up the ventilation shaft.
"Morgana?"Akira called.
It turned his head.
"Thanks. For filling us in. See you again." Akira gave a smile. Grateful and genuine.
"Heh. You've got manners. You better get going."
They climbed up, disappearing from sight.
"These two seems useful..."
Take Your Time
[You have returned to the real world. Welcome back.]
Akira and Ryuji had their face fall flat on the ground, not a really successful return, but they do successfully avoid being drug tested by calling Ryuji a learning disability. To his distaste. Going to school quite peacefully, with knights or monstrous being chasing them.
"I'm sure we came in the same way...Is this for real? Ugh, what the world is going on?"
Welp, they avoided the police, but not the teachers. As one is are waiting for them right at the only entrance of the school.
"That's exactly what I wanted to ask you." A man stood outside, arms crossing. Stern face, large glasses, no distinguishing features and average height. Yep, those hardball teachers that is definitely hard to impress, especially harder when you don't at the first meeting.
"It's rare not to see you alone. Where were you roaming around until this time?"
"Uh...a cas-" Akira send a glare through his glasses before Ryuji could finish, promptly shutting him up. The man saw him, his stern expression become an intense sneer. He probably knows his record.
"Mr.Ushimaru, sir! Sorry, we got lost!" Ryuji replied.
"So you have no intention of giving an honest answer? Great, you two come with me! You're explaining yourselves to the Principal."
"Carefree as always, Sakamoto. Quite a difference when you did morning practice for the track team." Before they can go up the stairs, another man showed up. Ryuji blood boiled hard when he saw him. Though Kamoshida's voice was teasing, that carefree and jovial smile make him looks like he was being friendly.
"You're the one who's carefree, asshole!"
"Shut up! It's your fault that-"
"How dare you speak that way to Mr.Kamoshida! There's not much leeway left for you, you know?"
"He was the one who provoked me!"
"Do you really want to be expelled?"
The argument was heating up, but Kamoshida just watched, like a TV drama. Akira's jaw tightened, he's not much different than the man in underwear he met earlier. He can see the truth in his eyes, years of having to please his parents had him gotten good at reading people faces.
Kamoshida hated Ryuji, and possibly him too. He's now just enjoying the show and wait till Ryuji irritated the teachers enough to expel him.
"You two come in! Now!" Mr.Ushimaru shouted, tired of the argument with Ryuji.
"Ushimaru-sensei." A figure appeared behind, on a safe distance that doesn't scare others. His gaze softened, the voice of his star student always bring forth good mood.
"Michino-san, shouldn't you be in class?"
"Michino?" Akira stretched his neck, trying to peer into the building.
"I'm sorry for interrupting, sir. I should be doing my tasks given, but the commotion distracted me. Is there anything wrong?"
"No, just two troublemakers." He glared at the blonde and the noir. She looked along as well, and showed a surprised look.
"You two finally came!"
"What?"
"Sorry, sir. But Kawakami requested for these two, can I...? We do not have much time." Mirai frowned, giving Mr Ushimaru quite pleading look. At her words, the teacher quiets down, he knitted his eyebrows.
"...You may." He sighed. Akira noticed the shift of power. For Mirai to have this type of teacher show deference to her is something impressing.
"Get late, and you two will be gone for good next time." He scolded, his voice turned down a little.
"Thank you, sir. Then I shall be taking my leave." She bowed politely.
"You two, in." She spoke, in a rather stern tone, much alike with Mr Ushimaru. He let out an impressed smile.
"You're the transfer?" Upon passing the gym teacher, he asked. Akira nodded, the hate on his face become more pronounced. Mr Ushimaru couldn't see his face now, maybe that has something to do with his current blatant action.
"Heh. Welcome to Shujin Academy. Good luck trying to enjoy your new school life." He nodded in response.
"It'll be more fun... without somebody here."
Despite the massive amount of aggression hidden in the words. Akira wasn't scared, he'd like to see what this man can do to stop him if he wanted to do something. His rep was ruined enough, he doesn't care.
This is his new life, far from adults' grasp.
And he's not letting anyone take away from him, not even Kamoshida, not even his parents. No one.
Akira decided to give a sideways glance, only to see Kamoshida giving a long, lasting, threatening glare.
At Mirai.
Take Your Time
Ryuji had separated their way, giving two of them alone time. It's good...No! It's terrible!
But Ryuji really seems to dislike being with Mirai to Akira's observation, and something always slipped between Mirai's eyes. Guilt?
"Phew...That was close."
"Was it true that Kawakami-sensei called us?" Akira asked, after nearly splitting his head for a conversation.
"Nope. I lied."
"So I wouldn't need to-" If Akira has ears of a cat, they would have perked up right now. Going to the faculty room is one of the last thing he wants, the lecture of teachers can be so boring like his parents.
"But a trip to the faculty is still essential, so you better think an excuse. Good luck" She turned back, walking backwards, displaying a playful expression.
"Eh...?!" She turned back, beaming a smile with her eyes formed into lines as Akira panicked.
Take Your Time
All eyes were on him when the classroom door slide open.
"Being super late on his first day? He really is insane..."
"He looks normal though..."
"But he might slug us if we look him in the eye..."
Chitter chatter pouring at him mercilessly, words have become a sharper knife to him than actions.
"Stop it."
"Settle down."
"Well then...this is the transfer student. I'm sure you all have already heard about him."
"Oh...we heard a lot about him." One of the students commented, with another quickly hissed a warning at him.
"Today, we had him attend from the afternoon on since he... wasn't feeling well. Please, introduce yourself." Followed by a tired sigh, Kawakami explained.
"By the way, when you introduce yourself...Be serious about it even if you're lying to the class, okay? Do NOT say anything unnecessary."
Akira thought for a while before opening his mouth.
"I'm Akira Kurusu. Nice to meet you."
They'll only need a name to call.
"So that's the guy..."
"He seems quite, but I bet when he loses it..."
"I mean, he's arrested for assault... right?"
"Stop it."
"They shouldn't know this!"
"Uhh...So..."Kawakami couldn't continue her speech as the classroom was flooded with chitter chatter again.
"I believe that's enough." The chestnut-haired stood up from her seat.
"We should give Kurusu-kun a chance to prove himself that he changed. At the same time, please let Kawakami-sensei finish her speech."
The class fell silent, except for several annoyed murmurs. Kawakami sends out a grateful look at Mirai.
"Your seat will be over there the one that's open." Beside the window, much to his favourite.
"Lies...you were at the station." The girl propped herself with her hand, unknown that she is mumbling to herself or talking to him.
"Nice to meet you, Takamaki-san." Akira greeted as he put down his bag.
"Takamaki is enough, I don't like formalities."
"Did you catch that?"
"What's up with them? Do they like...know each other?"
"Does that mean he hit on her before transferring here?"
"That means she's cheating on him with Mr Kamoshida!"
"Then again, this is Takamaki-san we're talking about..."
"This is getting more and more drama."
"Srsly, that side of the room is totally awful!"
"Sorry, Michino, but can you share your textbooks with him today?" Kawakami asked, looking at Mirai that's beside the empty seat.
"Sure, Kawakami-sensei."
"Goody two shoes..."
"Teacher's pet..."
"Ain't she got that bitchy attitude...?"
Some students murmured.
"Sorry for the rumours," Mirai said, simply pushing those away with a smile.
"How did you do that...?" He whispered. Of course she knew what she was implying.
"By enduring it, and staying alive." Words escaped from Mirai. He felt there was a deeper meaning under her words.
"But of course, the former is not recommended. Positivity and a healthy lifestyle are more helpful, I could show you some article about it. If you have the same problem." The sentence was filled with a much cheerful tone, try to cover up the vibe the previous sentence gave.
"What's more...Your age doesn't define your maturity, your grades don't define your intelligence, and rumours don't define who you are."
"You don't deserve this." He replied, promptly before the teacher started her lesson.
"You don't too." She replied with a smile, eyes meeting with his through the glasses.
Le Grimoire:
Persona Compendium
Page II: Zorro
A masked swordsman of justice who fought in California against corrupt officials during the era of Spanish rule. He always left his "Z" mark with his rapier wherever he appeared.
(Zorro from Persona 5.)
Characters:
Name: Morgana モルガナ
(Morgana from Persona 5.)
Height: 50 cm (1'8"), including tail.
Weight: 3.5 kg (8 lbs)
Others:
•Srsly is an internet shorthand or slang for seriously. It is either written out of laziness, a complete inability to spell or type, or in a fail attempt to be amusing.