4/15/26

"...Will he survive, doctor?"

"His condition appears to be stable. His blood pressure was dangerously low when we started to treat him, but thanks to a blood transfusion, it's back up to sustainable levels."

"Was anything broken?"

"Multiple broken ribs, a fracture in the skull, dislocated hip, sprained ankle, and a multitude of cuts and bruises. The most dangerous of these is the skull fracture. As of right now, it doesn't appear to require surgery, but he is vulnerable to multiple conditions that would require surgery."

"Does he require surgery in any way?"

"The X-ray revealed that a few of the broken ribs are splintered. Whilst he isn't in any immediate danger, he will have to go under the knife to take out the bone fragments and deal with the breaks. A cast is being made for his ankle, and and we are preparing to pop his hip back into place. That said, all of these injuries... if he were conscious, he would be in excruciating pain."

"...How long will he be out?"

"We don't know as of yet, but given the severity of his injuries, it's very possible that he's in a coma that could last days, weeks, even months."

"No... No, no, no... Kanna's gonna be devastated... Doctor, please do whatever you can to help him. I'll pay extra for priority treatment, please!"

"We will do what we can."

"Thank you so much, it means the world to me. Give me a minute and I'll get the payment here now."

Yosei pulled out his phone.

"I'm sore. I'm tired. It's 1 in the morning. Who the hell is this?"

"Robin, it's me, Yosei. Get over here, now."

"...Hey, I'm here. What was so important that you needed me at one in the mo-ooooly FUCK, what happened to him?!"

"Oh, no!"

Robin ran over to Yamato's unconscious body and looked him up and down. He saw the brutal beating that he had taken.

"...Orochi. Arngrim. Who did this to him?"

"...Arngrim, what do I do?! If they find out I did it for any reason, they'll kill me!"

"It was me."

"...You did WHAT?"

"Arngrim did this to him...? Yosei, YOU did this to him?!"

"I had no choice. Listen, Yamato has a persona, but he's only half-awakened. He couldn't control it, and it attacked us. He ordered it to take us down. He insisted, even though he knew what that would mean."

"I... I have no idea what to think."

"..."

"I can only imagine what Kanna's going to feel..."

"Yeah, I wonder the fuck why. Hey, doctor. How much are his bills going to cost?"

"Given everything we have, the operations required will cost 820,000 yen. If he remains in this coma, the stay costs will rise by a determinate amount."

"Mom's gonna kill me... Fine, I'll bankroll it."

Robin pulled out a checkbook, wrote a check, and handed it to the doctor. He then moved to the door.

"Robin, I-"

"Not now."

Robin stormed out of the room. Lancelot lagged behind, glaring daggers at Arngrim. Yosei sat down and kept watch over Yamato for the remainder of the night.

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP.

Zuan reached over and turned off his alarm clock. He got up, dressed, and walked to the kitchen to get breakfast.

"Good morning."

"Mister Fawkes. Do you ever rest?"

"Personas can sleep, but we do not require it. I was vigilant last night because I was worried."

"Right, Yosei wasn't home when I went to bed. He's here now, right?"

"No. He never returned."

"I beg your pardon?"

"As of right now, he has yet to return."

"And you didn't bother to wake me!?"

Zuan pulled out his phone and called Yosei. Every passing second, his heart sunk further.

"...Who is this?"

"You're okay! Thank goodness. Yosei, where are you?"

"Oh, professor... ...I'm sorry, it's my fault."

"Huh? What's your fault?"

"I have no words... that is a very unfortunate turn of events. No wonder you didn't come back... that must be eating at you in a way I cannot imagine. How is Genkei-san's condition?"

"He'll survive... but he's in a coma, a fractured skull, multiple broken ribs, a sprained ankle, dislocated hip, and a crap ton of superficial injuries. His screams from when we had to attack his persona are still ringing in my ears..."

"I simply don't understand... Why would he go into his own palace?"

"He wanted to rid himself of his personal demons. Apparently, he awakened to his persona the moment he entered. Robin was the first person I contacted, since we don't have the money to pay his medical bills. I told him what happened, and... Robin seemed conflicted, but Lancelot was royally pissed."

"I can understand about Robin. But... Lancelot? Why is he, of all people, angry?"

"I cannot say."

"This... We cannot keep this from Kanna."

"No. Out of the question. I've already lost Robin's trust, and I won't lose hers."

"Yosei. During my life, I relied on deception. I kept many secrets... and had many forcefully exposed. If you do not tell Miss Kanna, she will find out on her own eventually. And when she finds out that you kept the truth from her, she will never trust you again. I can tell you this from decades of experience. That is how I lost my lover. And it falls to you to not repeat my mistake."

"But-"

"My friend, Vendetta understands this. Better than anybody else, I would expect. If you come clean now, yes, she will likely be angry, but it will fade. If you hide it from her, she will know you hid it. The only way for you two to continue working together is if you tell her yourself, before Robin does. For all of our sakes, I beg you to tell Kanna what happened."

"...Al... Alright..."

"Do what needs to be done. If you feel like you can't bear it, come to me. It's only fair that I help you out in the same way you helped me back in March."

"I can't believe those bastards!"

Kanna slammed the table with her fist as hard as she could. Pencils and paper went flying as Robin flinched and Eiji let out a small shriek as she hid behind her book. Everyone else in the cafeteria stared at them until Robin cleared his throat and shooed them off.

"Those idiots! What the hell were they thinking?!"

"..."

"I honestly don't know what to think. Yosei felt he had no other choice, and he said that Yamato ordered him to, but-"

"Don't give me that crap! He could have just left!"

"..."

"I swear, the moment I find him, I'll give him the beating of his life!"

"Kanna, my child, calm down!"

"Eleanor, think about it. Arngrim cannot be trusted. If he'd be willing to risk killing an innocent young man with whom he held no grudge with to save his own skin, then what would he be willing to do to us? How long will it be until he betrays us, as I betrayed the Round Table in the past?"

"This is a train wreck! Eleanor and Robin, their position I can understand, but Lancelot and Kanna are treating him like he's a flat-out enemy!"

"Kanna, I understand. But why Sir Lancelot?"

"I don't know. But we need to talk to Yosei about this."

"Agreed. I don't think discussing this with them will get us anywhere."

"...Haaaah..."

"What exactly are you doing?"

"It's called smoking. I'll explain later. Just... give me a few minutes to think, alright?"

"If you wish..."

Yosei lit another cigarette as he stared at the night sky. The apartment building rooftop was quiet and clean, as nobody was allowed up there, which gave Yosei a space to simply sit and think about everything. He sat in silence, gazing at the stars, collecting his thoughts, when he heard a familiar voice come from his right.

"I heard about what happened in the palace, Zorro-looking dude."

Yosei looked up and saw the Striker in costume, leaping down to the rooftop.

"I heard about that kid. It's a real fucking shame, what happened."

"...You know who I am?"

"Yeah. And based on that, I know who the rest of you are, too. The boy's housemate, the professor, the Irishman. Then there's that one girl who I don't know anything about. Don't get your panties in a twist, I don't plan on telling anybody. Vigilante-to-vigilante, remember?"

"...I guess it was pretty careless of Yamato and I to refer to each other by name in the palace."

"Yeah. Future reference, come up with code-names or something. ...You want a cigar?"

"If you have one, sure."

"...Criminal's brand, huh..."

"Hm? ... Ugh, forgot my gloves again..."

"I guess we've got more in common than we've thought. I also know how it feels to have to harm an innocent. Back in February, I was running away from the cops when a completely innocent lady blocked my path. I had to strike her in the neck. I heard later that the blow gave her some issues with her nervous system. And boy, did I feel like shit. And I just ended up giving her nervous issues, not put her into a coma, so what you must be going through... oof."

"Yeah... I suppose since you know our names, there's no need to be secretive about it. Robin and Kanna... weren't happy. Robin appeared conflicted at best, and Kanna... she completely blew up. Which personally, I completely understand. She values Yamato a lot, and I almost killed him, so I know why she's so angry at me. Their personas were the opposite. Eleanor appeared conflicted, and tried to calm Kanna down, to no avail. And Lancelot... his glare could've turned Medusa to stone."

"...I know... how it feels to be yelled at for something you feel like you had to do. My family knows about my identity. Who they are, I won't tell for privacy reasons. My first target was them. Stole my targets away in the night. But one of them recognized my build. So when I came to check up on my family once I received the news of my crime from them, they shouted at me. A lot. They didn't listen to what I had to say, and they called the cops. Thankfully, I didn't leave any evidence, so I couldn't be convicted, but I had a target painted on my back. I eventually had to flee."

"That sounds like a pretty rough life. What do you even do?"

"People call me a cat burglar, but that's only part true. I filch what I can grab, sure, but my main priorities are kids in abusive households who can't go to anyone else. I break in, get them out, and assist in giving them a new life. None of them know who I am, so it's a relatively safe process in comparison to other vigilante work. But now, I have a different job. Thanks to you."

"It's a pretty dangerous one. We could be killed at any moment. And... it also risks harming the innocent, as you know."

"...So, what are you going to do now?"

"I can't go back. I just can't."

"Why's that?"

"Kanna doesn't trust me. Robin's persona is livid at me. I can't trust I won't harm anybody else. I can't do it anymore. At least not right now."

"...I see. I'll drop by and let them know."

"No need. I can do it myself."

"If you say so. I'll do what I can to help them in your stead. Take whatever time you need."

The Striker got up and ran across the rooftops before disappearing down a stairwell of a nearby building. Yosei lit the cigar given to him and began to smoke again, losing himself in his thoughts once again.

4/16/26

"You have classes with Kanna today."

"Ugh... I just wanna ditch it..."

Yosei pulled out his phone. He'd received multiple texts from Eiji's number.

Eiji: Hey. I heard about what happened. Are you okay?

Eiji: If you're busy, I'm sorry. Just read this when you have time, alright?

Eiji: The group is pretty dysfunctional right now. Robin and Eleanor can't agree with Lancelot or Kanna about anything. The former two are still angry at you, I'm certain, but the other two are treating you and Arngrim like monsters.

Eiji: Persephone says that it's like how her family treated her when they found out she became Hades' wife. "Some understood my situation, particularly my mother. Others were conflicted. And some of them condemned me as a demon and a traitor for marrying the enemy of the gods of Olympus." Her words exactly.

Eiji: Honestly, I don't think you deserve the way you're being treated. You had no choice. And while Robin and Eleanor's viewpoints are valid, I still have to disagree with them. And Kanna and Lancelot... they claim that they will find a way to get revenge for Yamato. But if he really did order you to fight back against his Persona, then odds are, he forgave you before it even happened. And if he did, then I do as well.

Eiji: "I don't know exactly what Genkei-san was thinking, and I don't claim to speak for him, but I know this. You couldn't have predicted what happened. And you did what you had to. I don't know if the others forgive you, but we do." Persephone again.

Eiji: I know I'm terrible at conversation. But if you ever need somebody to talk to, you can come to me. I'm certain that the professor feels the same way.

Eiji: I understand that this must be killing you on the inside, so if you need to take a break from the palace, then by all means, take as long as you need.

Eiji: I pray Genkei-san recovers soon. Have a nice day.

"..."

Yosei: I appreciate it. I don't deserve your kindness.

Yosei: I will be taking a hiatus. The Striker will be there in my stead.

Yosei: He knows who I am. You're the only one he doesn't know the identity of. Thankfully, he had a strong sense of honor. But he said that we should come up with code names so that out identities don't fall into the wrong hands.

Yosei: I know you won't be using it for a while, but if you'll give me the choice, I'd like my code name to be Ripper.

"...I see. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Both he and Arngrim have been very quiet as of late, so I didn't know."

"H-H-He also said t-that we should c-c-come up with c-code names. He requested t-that he be called R-Ripper."

"Ripper? ...I get the feeling a part of that is because he views himself as a monster. I won't be calling him that. How about something more practical and less guilt-driven, such as Rogue?"

"Th-Th-That sounds better... I h-hope he a-accepts it..."

"As for the others... I cannot think of anything for Inzan-chan. Perhaps something generic."

"...H-How about Ace?"

"...That's good. It's not great, but it works. Now for Llewellyn-kun. ...How does 'Duke' sound? It's simple, but describes him and his appearance well."

"Y-Y-Yeah... That just leaves u-us."

"Do you have any preferences for your code name?"

"U-U-Um..."

"... Does 'Voice' work?"

"I... don't get it."

"Please do not take my comment the wrong way, but you have a beautiful voice. And I just can't think of anything, to be honest."

"U-U-U-Um... I-I-I g-g-guess that w-w-w-works..."

"If that came off as flirtatious, that was not my intent, and I apologize. But if you are alright with it, then I have no reason to object. Then there's me."

"Wh-What about 'Executioner?'"

"...Personally, I'd prefer something simpler. How's simply 'X?'"

"...Yeah."

"Alright, then. Thank you again for bringing Orochi-kun's condition to my attention. Have a good day, Etsuko-chan."

"Th-Thank you, F-Fujiyama-kyoju."

Eiji left the room. Zuan pinched the bridge of his nose, irked at himself for making the comment about Eiji's voice.

"...X? That name is stupid."

"It works, and that's what I'm going with."

"...Alright, everybody's here. Let's get going."

"Wait a minute. Where's the heartless jerk who almost killed Yamato?"

"He'll be taking the next couple of days off. He feels like he cannot even trust himself, and to that end, wants some time to himself to think."

"..."

"Tch. Let's go."

Kanna stormed out, a hesitant Robin following behind. Eiji and Zuan followed behind Robin, but whispered to each other.

"...It's worse than I'd thought."

"...Yeah..."

"I hope we don't break out into a fight. More division is the last thing that we need right now."

"...Striker, there you are. Let's get moving."

"Quick and straight to the point. I like it."

The Striker leapt off the roof and pulled out his revolver.

"Time to curbstomp some sonsabitches."

"...What's the change in attitude, Striker? You're usually standoffish."

"I'm filling in for your reflecting friend, miss Inzan. Let's just say that Mister Orochi and I have more in common than I thought."

Kanna let out a sarcastic chuckle, and followed it with "What, are you both sons of bitches?"

"Him? Maybe. Me? Absolutely. Now let's get going. The sooner we get this done, the better."

"Fine, fine. ...Wait a minute, how the hell do you know my name?!"

"That doesn't matter. Are you guys going to get moving or what?"

"Great. Just great."

"...Is that Kawaguchiya?"

"I think we found his shadow."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's beat the shit outta him!"

"Ka-Ace. Get a hold of yourself."

"Grrgh..."

"Let's listen to what he's talking about. We might be able to find something out."

The group got as close as they could without being seen. They listened in on the conversation between the shadow and a powerful guard.

"...So what do we do about the comatose boy?"

"Isn't it obvious? He can't pay, so we boot him out."

Kanna bolted toward the shadow and immediately crushed the guard before it could transform. However, as Kanna ran up to the shadow, it pulled out a large katana and dealt a swift blow to Kanna's chest, causing her to fly backwards. The rest of the group ran up to Kanna and took a look at the landlord's true self. It resembled a Daimyo, coated in thick blue-and-red robes. The shadow's hair was notably longer than the real landlords, and it was tied in a large ponytail. The landlord's hair was also notably darker and more consistant. On his hips, two katana with regal designs.

"...And who are you five?"

"We're here to steal your heart, asshat."

"...Hmph. Imbeciles. I don't know who you are, but I do know this; you cannot even hope to defeat me."

"As I professor, I have a desire to put that theory to the test."

Zuan summoned his persona and healed Kanna's wounds. The rest of the group summoned their personas as well, as the landlord drew his blades.

Yosei:
The Lovers has been reversed. Robin Ó Llewellyn
The Hierophant has reached rank 3. Zuan Fujiyama.
Justice has reached rank 2. Eiji Etsuko.
The Empress has been broken. Kanna Inzan

Kanna:
The Lovers has been restored to rank 2. Robin Ó Llewellyn.
The Emperor has been broken. Yosei Orochi.