Persona 5: Long Live the Rebels
Chapter Ten: Date Night
Iko arrived back at his apartment, entering his apartment complex, seeing John and Donnel sitting at the dining room table.
"About time you showed up." John remarked.
"Sorry, something came up." Iko said.
"Going to school is not how I imagined while being a 'defender of the weak'." Donnel sighed.
"Well, we need to blend in and not stand out." Iko pointed out.
"By the way, where'd Jessamine go?" John asked, just now noticing her absence.
"I sent her to do some scouting for us." Iko explained. "We heard something interesting and thought it'd be worth checking out."
As if on cue, Jessamine entered through the doggy door, hopping onto the table.
"Well, I've finished my eavesdropping," She declared proudly. "Those two had some interesting things to say."
"Which two?" Donnel asked. "Are you referin' to Sakamoto and that transfer student?"
"Oh yeah, and it seems my suspicions were right." Jessamine nodded. "It seems those two stumbled across Kamoshida's palace!"
"So the sleazy bastard DOES have a palace!" Donnel grinned like a fool. "I knew it!"
"But we don't have any keywords." Jessamine frowned. "All I know is that they wound up in some castle of sorts."
"So, Kamoshida seems himself as king of sorts," Iko mused. "Makes sense, seeing that he has the principal in his back pocket."
"Not to mention everyone is too scared to talk shit about him." Donnel growled.
"So, got any plans so far, Iko?" John asked. "Any plans on storming the castle?"
"Not yet." Iko shooked his head. "We still need to keep our heads down, even after three years. We can't risk drawing attention to ourselves."
"I guess that make sense." Jessamine nodded. "We still need to make preparations for the next heist. Don't want to rush things."
"Well, if this meeting is concluded, I need to get going." John said, rising from his seat. "I need to get dinner for my daughter."
After John left, Donnel stretched his limbs.
"Well, things are kinda dragging on, huh?" He said. "Still, there is truth to your words, Boss."
"I just don't want to rush things and risk things going wrong." Iko said.
"That's fine; that just means we have more time for ourselves." Donnel smirked. "And I have some time to get some training in today."
"You've been training?" Iko raised a brow.
"'Course I have!" Donnel boasted. "Don't want to get sloppy for the next time we infiltrate a Palace, eh?"
Iko couldn't help but chuckle at Donnel's attitude. Though he seems foul-mouthed and reckless, he's loyal and hardworking and Iko appreciates it.
"Besides, me pa has been running himself ragged." Donnel frowned. "The least I can do is take the load off of him."
"Your father is lucky to have a son like you." Iko remarked.
"Hehe, thanks, Boss." Donnel chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.
For the past three years, Iko felt a sort of appreciation for Donnel's company. The Irish boy has put so much effort in his role in the Rebel Spectres and his enthusiasm kept the team in high spirits. He's strong, reliable, and loyal, and Iko was glad to have someone like him as his assistant.
Suddenly, he inwardly gritted his teeth when he felt a sudden throb in his head, and heard a voice echo from within;
-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 Guardian Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to Freedom and new power…-
'Guardian…?' Iko thought, rubbing a hand against his temple.
"You okay, Boss?" Donnel asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Iko assured. "Just had a small migraine."
"If you say so." Donnel shrugged, before smiling. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow!"
"As long as you don't forget your studies." Iko said. "Though we are under cover, I can't have you failing my class."
"Why'd you have to remind me?" Donnel groaned. "School is the last thing I want to think about right now."
Their conversation concluded, Donnel left for home, and Iko and Jessamine went to bed for the day.
Iko opened his eyes, finding himself inside the Velvet Room once again, seeing Gaia sitting across from him, holding what looked like a large book.
"Welcome back, Rebel." She smiled. "I was expecting you."
"Is something the matter, Gaia?" Iko asked. "It's been a while since you last called me here."
"That is true." Gaia admitted. "I only call for you when there is something I should inform you about." She turned the book to him. "This is one of those reasons."
Looking down at one of the pages, Iko saw a picture of what looked like a knight in full armor, holding a sword downward in a protective position, with Donnel's name written just below the picture.
"'Donnel Callahan,'" Iko read.
"Throughout your journey, you will meet people who can become your confidants." Gaia explained. "Confidants that can help you gain great power in order to overcome great challenges in the future."
"Like Donnel, for example?" Iko inquired.
"Yes, of course." Gaia nodded, holding up a deck of cards. "People who you can rely on to help you through your journey and grant you more power for your Persona."
Making the cards fly, she revealed various cards of mythical creatures related to vampires and other humanoid creatures.
"With this, you can make your own Persona stronger," Gaia went on. "And even create various more in order to increase the chances of success."
Iko could feel that in order to truly find the answers he's looking for, he must heed Gaia's help. He will need to build connections with others who have been robbed of their place in society.
Suddenly, he felt the same throbbing in his head, as a voice called out;
-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 Titan Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to Freedom and new power…-
The throbbing subsiding, Iko could hear ringing in the distance.
"I'm afraid our time is up." Gaia said. "We shall meet again soon."
The next morning…
Morning came, and Iko went to school like yesterday, teaching the students about the basics in psychology, though he had to slam a book down on Sakamoto's desk several times when it appeared as though he wasn't paying attention. He did manage to avoid Kamoshida, though that didn't prevent him from hearing the racist comments from the P.E. teacher.
After school was done for the day, Iko informed his team in the group chats of his plans for today, and while John accepted this, Donnel was more than happy to tease him about it, but Iko didn't mind. His plans in mind, he decided to head home to prepare.
"So, you ready for your date today, Iko?" Jessamine asked.
Iko was dressed in in a fine pressed suit, consisting of a black jacket with a white undershirt, along with black trousers and dress shoes, and a black tie around his neck. Normally, he'd never be caught wearing something like this, unless he wanted to make a good impression or if he's at a formal gathering. Otherwise, he's never been a big fan of suits.
"Yeah, I'm ready." Iko declared. "I'm gonna make sure Sae is treated to a good time."
"You seem to be treating this as a date than a simple hang out." Jessamine remarked.
"We've known each other for a long time." Iko said. "After her father died, our friendship started under the guise of counseling. She was going through a tough time and I was there to help her through it. I thought now would be a good time to rebuild that friendship."
"I like the sound of that." Jessamine said, licking her paws. "Well, I wish you luck and have fun!"
Nodding, Iko stepped outside, locking the door behind him and waited. Several minutes later, he saw Sae Nijima stepping out of her apartment. She wore a black one piece long-sleeved dress that reached her knees, a pair of high-heeled shoes and had her hair up in a neat bun.
Iko couldn't help but stare in awe at her natural beauty.
"So, ready to go?" Sae asked with a smile.
Snapping out of his trance, he smiled.
"Yes, of course."
The two went down the stairs to the parking lot, getting into Iko's car and drove off for the date.
Back at the school, Murray leaned against the wall of the gym, watching the students practice for the volleyball rally on the next day. Though in his point of view, it looked more like torture, rather than actual practice; Kamashida was yelling at the volleyball team members like some drill sergeant, spouting insults left and right, even hitting some of the members, with Mishima being the main target of the abuse, much to Murray's disgust.
After what felt like an hour, he smiled as Shiho walked his way, wearing her school uniform and her school bag over his shoulder.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Murray-san." She smiled warmly. "Ready to go?"
"If you are, yeah." Murray nodded. "And don't sweat it. It's totally worth waiting for you."
"Glad to hear it." Shiho smiled, blushing a bit.
The two started to leave the gym, though Shiho took one last to look back at the torturous training exercise's being thrown at the students, mostly at Mishima, who took the brunt of the abuse. She couldn't help but feel sorry for him, yet there was nothing she could do.
The two left the gym and walked down the halls, though Murray could see the downcast look on Shiho's face.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
"I don't know, Murray." She sighed. "Sometimes, I think that nothing can change things. No matter what we do, Kamoshida has his way, and the principal simply lets him carry on, no matter how badly it affects us."
"Shiho…" Murray frowned.
Shiho looked over to one of the clouded windows, then walked over to it. Murray watched as Shiho ran her finger across the window, drawing a simple sad face, before running her finger down the face, making what looked like a tear.
"Are we just…destined to this fate?" She asked softly, her head hanging low.
As if on instinct, Murray walked up to her and wrapped her in a gentle hug.
"Shiho, don't ever say such things." He said sternly. "Things can change. We must never lose hope."
From around the corner, Ayuna was listening to the whole conversation, her fists clenched.
"I won't," She seethed silently. "I won't let there be any more victims…"
Iko and Sae arrived at the restaurant for their date, a large and popular one at that, for its many choices of meals and has a bar. After being seated, the two waited for their meals.
"You're going to love this place, Iko." Sae declared proudly. "This place the best lobster you'll ever taste!"
"It's been a while since I had lobster." Iko admitted. "Now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever had lobster before!"
"Well, consider this the refresher course." Sae chuckled. "Trust me; you'll be glad you came."
After their food arrived, the two dug in, though while Iko took small, simple bites of his food, he noticed that Sae was taking massive bites, practically rushing to finish her meal, though it didn't seem to bother Iko at all. In fact, he seemed amused by it.
After finishing their meals, the two moved on to the bar.
"You're right about the lobster being good." He chuckled. "I can tell from how you eaten it so quickly."
"Oh, my apologies." Sae said, blushing a bit. "I just can't seem to control myself when it comes to the food here."
"No need to apologize." Iko said with a smile. "If anything, I like it when a woman shows their mores boyish side."
Before their conversation could continue, a large, bearded man walked up and smacked Sae on the bottom. Chuckling, he attempted to walk off, only for Iko to grab his shoulder and spun him back around.
"Mister, you better apologize, before-"
Before Iko could finish, however, Sae grabbed the bearded man by his testicles, squeezing tightly, making the man squeal loudly.
"…that." Iko finished.
"Say the magic words, Fat Gandalf." Sae snarled.
"I am so sorry." The man quickly said. "I don't have a filter between my head and my-"
Sae suddenly squeezed harder, shutting him up and making him cringe.
"Okay, enough, hakina his tatas!" Iko urged. "He's sorry."
Sae looked at Iko for a moment, then released the large man, letting him walk away, quite scared.
"Get out of here, go." Iko shooed him. "Go cast a spell."
After paying for their food, the two left the restaurant, walking down the sidewalk.
"You certainly showed him not to put his hands where they don't belong." Iko remarked.
"Sorry you had to see that." Sae let out a sigh. "I've had my fair share of sexual harassment in the workplace. My father trained me in defending myself in kickboxing, remember?"
"Your father was a great man." Iko nodded. "He'd be proud to see how far you've come."
The two walked onward, before arriving at the park. Walking down the dirt path, the two stopped at the lake where they saw several ducks.
"It's become a lovely night out." Iko declared.
"I remember the times my father used to bring me and Makoto out here." Sae said. "We would bring some bread to feed the ducks with."
Iko looked at some of the ducks in the lake, then got an idea, before pulling out a loaf of bread.
"How about this?" He asked, surprising her.
"When did you get this?" She asked.
"Just a few minutes ago; from that convenience store earlier." He said, shrugging.
The two spent some time feeding the ducks until they ran out of bread, they then decided to head home. Getting in the car, they returned to their apartment complex, stopping outside Sae's door.
"Well, I had a lovely time." Sae said with a smile, turning towards Iko. "Thank you for such a nice time."
"Glad I could do so." Iko nodded, smiling back. "Any chance we can make plans for another day?"
"Sadly, today was my only day off." Sae sighed. "But maybe we can make plans for the next time."
Iko nodded, then Sae closed in and planted a kiss on his cheek, before backing up with a smirk.
"See you next time, Iko."
She then entered her apartment, closing the door behind her, leaving Iko with the reddest he's ever been. Smiling blissfully, Iko went back to his own apartment to get ready for the next day.
Back to the present…
"And so you started dating the prosecutor?" Sojiro inquired with a raised brow. "I always did peg you as the ladies man."
"That wasn't how I was at all, Sojiro." Iko grinned. "If anything, that's your department."
"Romance is certainly a beautiful thing." Yusuke remarked.
"Still, it's hard to believe that my homeroom teacher has been dating my sister all this time." Makoto said with a sigh.
"I still can't believe you dated the woman who threatened Sojiro." Futaba said with a frown.
"What do you mean?" Iko asked with a raised brow.
"She's been threating Futaba's custody over Wakaba's research." Akira explained.
"Oh, I see." Iko let out a sigh." I apologize for the trouble she may have caused you."
"Ah, don't sweat it, Teach!" Ryuji smirked. "We're just glad to have her on our side now!"
"Anyways, what about the story?" Ann inquired. "How did you guys finally get inside the castle?"
"It was the day of the volleyball rally that we infiltrated the castle." Donnel declared. "But first, we called in another confidant of ours."
The bell rang again, the teens looking to see Mishima enter.
"Hey guys." He greeted sheepishly.
"Mishima-kun?" Haru did a double take. "Why are you here?"
"Because he's another member of our group." Iko revealed.
This seemed to surprise the teens a great deal, having found out that the admin of the Phansite was a member of the Rebel Spectre's.
"Anyways, let's get back to the story." Iko began. "On the day of the volleyball rally, we not only infiltrated Kamoshida's Palace, but we also gained a new member."
And Mishima joins the fray! And we se Iko and Sae go on a date.
I apologize for taking so long to update, I've been busy with things lately. I've also found a new job! So, yeah, wish me luck!
Nothing much else to say, except thanks for reading and hope you can continue to do so. Anyways, have a good day and be sure to review!