This story is a work of fiction.

Any relation to persons, living or dead, as well as events, are purely coincidental.

The author owns none of the characters, or events, that take place here.

The world is not as it should be.

It's filled with distortion, and "ruin" will soon descend.

However...there are those who would challenge fate, in desire for change.

Since time immemorial...they were known as,

"Tricksters."

Persona 5: Hoshi to Bokura to

12th Heist: Prelude of Resolve

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With battle cries, the four Personas took to the battlefield. Eligor, with an enraged roar, leaped out.

The first to meet his charge was Orpheus, slamming its harp against the shaft of the spear. A resounding 'clang' could be heard, followed by a shockwave from the combined might of both blows before they resumed their clash. Each time, a heavy object met a long staff armed with a blade. With each strike, the air shuddered. Once the two parted from their fifth exchange, Eligor whirled around to deliver a strike from the side and impale the Persona fat the torso. However, Orpheus blocked by holding its harp over its chest, defending its body from the blow.

Just as Eligor was about to try another attack, the newly emerged Persona from Ryuji Sakamoto charged in from behind, boat scraping along the floor before taking aim with its canon. Volts of electricity began to build up inside the large barrel before the Persona gave a menacing grin, jaw shifting as it released the pent-up voltage. The blast of lighting struck Eligor dead center in the chest, knocking it right off its feet. As it bounced up the ground, Zorro jumped up, preparing its rapier for a gathered strike of wind. Before it could unleash it, however, a Bicorn went in and charged at it, horns primed and ready. Morgana, seeing the charge, responded quickly by having Zorro defend, using the wind already gathered around the blade to block the horns and throw it back to its comrades.

"Tch, so many...!" Morgana growled. "We won't be able to fight efficiently."

Makoto's eyes blazed as she revved up Johanna, the Persona shivering as power seemed to gather around the wheels. "Then let's even the odds." she said, looking at the boys. "Akira, Ryuji. You two handle that Shadow." She then turned her attention to the gathering crowd of Shadows, looking at Morgana. "Morgana, you and me are going to handle these guys."

"Heh." Ryuji flicked his nose. "Fine by me, Post-Apocalyptic Raider~"

"...do you want to get smacked?"

Ryuji let out a squeak, backing away fearfully from the dangerous glare the Student Council President leveled at him. Unless Akira was halucinating, he could have sworn he saw a hanya mask hover behind her, glaring at the poor former athlete with blazing fury. At any rate, the four now had a plan of action. With that in mind, they soon clamored into action. Kamoshida, still shaking in fear by what had just happened, could only muster as much anger as he could and shouted at the top of his lungs.

"EXECUTE THESE FOOLS NOW!"

(cue: Mass Destruction)

With that declaration, Makoto charged headfirst against the gathering Bicorns that began to enter the room. Following their appearances were familiar faces - Incubus, Pyro Jack, and armored knights. Even still, she charged forward. Morgana hopped on to the back of the seat, holding on to her as she went straight for the gathering Shadows.

Meanwhile, Akira and Ryuji took on Eligor. The red knight stabbed down with his spear, aiming to skewer the two, but the two teens were too agile to land a hit on. Once the spear came close, they sidestepped or ducked underneath it. Once they came close, they summoned their Personas and attacked in unison.

"Orpheus!"

"Captain Kidd!"

Heeding their calls, the Instrumentalist of Mysteries and Pirate Captain attacks with blasts of flame and bolts of electricity respectively. Both elemental attacks charred the Shadow's armor as it grunted, armor creaking as the flames parted to reveal patches of soot painted across its bloody armor. Eligor staggered back, growling in rage as it extended a hand, creating a second lancer. "Insolent whelps!" the Shadow roared in outrage. "How dare you defy Lord Kamoshida?!"

"Oh, please!" Ryuji rolled his eyes. "As if that sicko is anything special!"

Enraged by his words, Eligor leaped up, throwing his spears at the two. Orpheus effortlessly dodged it, floating to the side while Captain Kidd's jaw curved upward into a menacing smirk, swishing its boat and destroying the spear before it aimed its canon, firing off a round of lightning. Eligor dodged it with ease as it landed back on the ground, letting out a whistle. A familiar stallion was then called into the room, dashing forward. With a leap, it landed on its back, taking hold of the reigns and creating another spear. This time, the Shadow charged not at the Personas, but at their users. Dragging its spear along the ground, creating sparks in its charge, it readied an attack.

As it came within range, it readied to thrust its spear at Akira. However, the strike was blocked - courtesy of Orpheus and its crimson red harp. With a shrug, the Fool shrugged off the attack and allowed Captain Kidd to fire off another round. Eligor blocked it with its spear, destroying the blast and charging away before either Persona could land a hit on it. Akira frowned, noting that unlike before, it was much more agile on its horse rather than on foot. They were going to have to rectify that. He then turned his attention towards Makoto and Morgana, finding the two engaged in the horde of Shadows.

The cat-like creature had brandished what appeared to be some kind of toy-like scimitar, bouncing around and darting across the main hall as it avoided the knights that tried to strike it down. He used his speed to his advantage, confusing his prey by having the enemy Shadows accidentally attack themselves. A Pyro Jack tried to set him ablaze with a fireball, only for the fur bucket to evade and let a knight take the hit, knocking it back into another armored Shadow and clatter to the ground. An Incubus came down down from above, hoping to claw the cat-like creature in half. However, Morgana proved to be very agile as he performed a backflip, evading the strike with ease. He then used an exposed knight's back as a spring board, bouncing off of it and slicing the Incubus in half, reducing it to the familiar black and red goo. Using this momentum, Morgana stabbed his scimitar into another target in sight, piercing a Bicorn's skull with his sword. It let out only a weak cry of pain before he pulled out and jumped off, allowing it fall and dissolve into muck.

Morgana's fighting style was impressive. There was a certain elegance to it. Swift and cunning, using his surroundings to his advantage. However, he was confused by how he had a weapon on him, especially one that was several times bigger than himself.

That said...his finesse had nothing on Makoto's brutality as she rode on Johanna. The motor cycle-like Persona barreled on and charged through any Shadow it came up against. At the speed it was going and the sheer amount of mass of its form, just what could stop it? The Student Council President held nothing back as she ran over the Shadows and practically crushed them with her Persona's powerful wheels.

Brilliant blue light seemed to gather around the tires, flowing like water while they grinded into any Shadows that she crashed against. As she swiveled around in a perfect 360 circle, throwing any Shadow near her away, she noticed a Bicorn charging at her. "Tch!" With a fierce scowl, she spun around, evading its charge easily before she slammed the back wheel into its body, trapping it against the wall. With a twist of the handle, the power-charged wheel began to spin, ripping through the Shadow's body with ease. It let out a pained squeal as it thrashed about before the wheel ripped it in half completely, letting its halves to dissolve. She looked up to find the Shadows inching closer towards her. Once more, she twisted the handle. In response, Johanna let out a shrill howl, azure flames bursting from the exhaust pipes.

She revved the Persona before going full throttle. The Shadows closed in as she charged in. At the last moment, she swiveled her bike around and struck her foes with power spinning around the wheels.

Combined with Morgana's swift attacks, the number of Shadows on their side was quickly dwindling.

A smile made its way to his face, proud to see that Makoto had embraced a part of herself she didn't realize she had. He had to admit, the fierce look on her face was a thing of beauty, especially as she tore through her enemies like a woman possessed. However, he had no time to ogle, for Eligor soon returned to the frey, charging at the two Persona users. "We need to knock him off the horse." he suggested as Orpheus stood by his side, readying his lyre. "Ryuji, you have any ideas?"

"Maybe one..." The former track star let out a mischievous grin.

Akira smirked. "Then I leave it to you."

Eligor released a battle cry as he came straight at Ryuji. He met the charge, dashing forward in spite of the ucomfortable ache in his leg before he slid down, easily evading the swing of the lance. As he rolled out of it, landing into a crouch, Captain Kidd rushed over to his side. "Blow 'em away!" he cried. Following its master's order, Captain Kidd slammed its foot on the head of its ship, taking aim and releasing a volley of electric blasts.

Like before, Eligor dashed and evaded each. However, he was moving right where he wanted him to. This time, Ryuji willed his Persona to fire twice in the same succession, once to keep the Shadow moving, the second one right where it was about to land. Eligor smashed away any shots that came to close to its body or striking its steed's body. However, as it leaped over a volley, it was unable to see the second blast coming its way. It struck the steed's head dead on, obliterating the skull entirely. Gravity came down upon the Shadow as its steed clumsily landed, legs bent in horrible ways while throwing the rider off its back, left to tumble through the floor. While its steed dissolved into black and red liquid. As Eligor stood up, glowering with anger, it looked up just in time to defend itself as Orpheus beared down on it, slamming its lyre straight on top of him.

The air shuddered as two opposing forces clashed. The massive weight of the lyre pressed against the shaft of the spear, the Knight straining to uphold the force behind the Instrumentalist's blow.

"Orpheus!" Akira cried.

The Persona's eyes glowed red in response as small sparks flickered before turning into a raging fire. The explosion that resulted practically left it frozen in places, flames engulfing its form. It let out a pained cry, but remained strong as it swung its spear, striking Orpheus in the face. As a result, Akira let out a grunt, touching his cheek which stung horribly. However, with this pain came opportunity as Captain Kidd slammed his ship into its body. "Graaah!" Eligor snarled in pain as its body flew with the ship before smashing straight into the center of the staircase. The Persona kept it pinned, though only half of its body was left trapped. It extended a hand, forging another spear, priming it to skewer the Persona in the face.

"Don't think so!" a familiar female voice roared as a silver-and-blue streak raced across the main hall, skidding across before slamming its rear into the Shadow's arm. Eligor howled, feeling as if its limb was being crushed. Its yellow eyes glared at Makoto, who now officially trapped the Shadow. Impossible...how?! How could she have defeated all of the Shadows so quickly?! Looking up, its eyes widened in fear when it saw the last of its comrades cut down by Zorro, ripped apart by fierce winds. "Ryuji, now!"

"My pleasure!" Ryuji showed off shark-like teeth. "Captain! Ready!"

The Persona's red eye burned wickedly, showing off another devilish grin as it aimed its canon in Eligor's face.

"Aim!"

Electricity gathered inside, building up. Sparks rampaged wildly as a fierce yellow light began to emerge out from the muzzle. With one final cry, Eligor's fate was sealed.

"FIIIIIRE!"

A massive burst of electricity shot out of Captain Kidd's cannon. The blast roared as it struck Eligor's head, practically obliterating its head at such close range. Its body spasmed, practically shaking from the power of the voltage. A second later, its body went limp. The red armor darkened, becoming a mixture of black and red before its remains slid down the wall, staining the velvet carpet.

It was over. All Shadows were eliminated.

They had won.

"H-hah..." Ryuji panted, his hands on his knees as the iron skull mask manifested over his face, Captain Kidd disappearing. The rest of the group gathered at his and Akira's side, looking up at a terrified and nervous Kamoshida, who watched in terror. "H...how do you like that...you son of a bitch?!"

The King of the Castle looked about them in slight terror, his body quivering. He had watched them struggle at first, the thieving cat and that upstart juvenile...and then this happens! Now the Student Council President and the damned Track Traitor had power! Power to defy him! The very idea was enough to infuriate him, but the glare that Makoto aimed at him was enough to send cold shivers down his neck, especially as she twisted the handle of her Persona. The engine roared like a demon announcing its presence. As her red eyes bore into him, her mouth formed into a thin line. At the corner, she revealed her sharp molars.

"I hope you're ready for what's coming, you perverted bastard...!"

Kamoshida's eyes widened in fright, and immediately spun around on his heel, taking off in a sprint. "Guards?! GUARDS!"

"H-hey!" Ryuji called, trying to stand. "Get back here, you son of a-!" He was cut off as pain and exhausting hit him again, crumbling back to his knees. "Nnrgh! Dammit..."

Morgran looked around wearily. His ears twitched, hearing the rushing footsteps of heavy metal. "We can't stay here any longer." he said, looking back at the teens. "We have to go."

Akira nodded as he bent down, hoisting Ryuji's arm around his shoulder before pulling him up. "S-sorry about this." the former athlete apologized. "I promise I'll make it up to you."

"Worry about that later." Makoto advised as she hopped off her Persona, which erupted into azure flames. Moments later, the iron mask that she tore off earlier formed over her face once again. She went over and aided Akira, placing Ryuji's arm over her own shoulder. "Come on. Let's get out of here."

With that, the three students quickly made their way out before the guards could arrive.

TakeYourTime

"D-damn..." Ryuji panted as he rested his back against the alleyway wall, slumping down to the ground. His mask was now lifted up to his hair, feeling it chaffing against his skin somewhat. Sweat poured down his face while the exhaustion and adrenaline from earlier was now wracking against his body. "I'm...beat..."

"You're not the only one." Makoto said in agreement. Throughout the whole thing, she had been running off of the pure adrenaline the surge of power gave her. Her heart raced as she rode about on Johanna, destroying the Shadows one by one. It was like a beautiful euphoria for having her heart laid bare in the open - her truest feelings emboldening her actions. It was like an addicting drug. However, the effects had worn off once they had made their escape. While she was standing, she had to lean on the brick wall behind her for support as she removed her own mask, holding it one hand. Curiously, she looked over at Akira, who looked no worse for wear. "Is this how you felt...after you got your Persona, Akira-kun?"

The frizzy-haired teen nodded, pulling the mask away from his face. "Yeah...for the most part."

He could still vividly remember his first summoning. The wondrous rush of power. The feeling of letting himself act however he pleased. The desire to wipe that arrogant look off of Kamoshida's face. The power Arsene allowed him to call upon was incredible. It was a beautiful euphoria. Of course, the same could be said about Orpheus. He was still bewildered by the fact that he had the power of yet another Persona to call on, and noted how different it felt. The feeling Orpheus brought forth was...strange. It was warm and gentle, as if holding hands with a friend. It brought forth a certain warmth in his heart, recalling the Persona's eagerness to grant him power.

That being said, one thing bothered him. Its words.

"Trickster."

Igor referred to me by that, too... Akira thought, disturbed. What does that even mean?

"But...man!" Ryuji laughed as he took his mask out of his hair, looking at it with an excited grin. "Talk about awesome...with this..." His grin widened, showing off sharp teeth as well as the thoughts of finally getting back at Kamoshida for everything he's done. "We can finally get some payback!"

Makoto smiled somewhat, also eager to inflict her punishment on the teacher. After what he said about Sae, and his cold and callous nature towards his students...she was more than ready to give the bastard the beating he so rightfully deserved. That said, however...

"...why are we dressed like this?"

Akira had to cover his mouth, stifling his laugh at Makoto's discomfort by her attire. While the look certainly matched her Persona - the look of a ferocious biker - it was most definitely a stark contrast to her rather calm yet strict self. It made her look like some kind of hooligan - a look that Sae would no doubt be left horrified to see. That said, however, he could also see the beauty of it. It matched her rather fiery, strict self that she rarely let out. He had seen small signs of it, but back there in the main hall? That was his first true look.

And it was beautiful.

"Actually, now that you mention it..." Ryuji looked at his own attire, slightly confused. "What the heck even is this?"

Morgana shook his head, placing his tiny hand against his enormous head. "You're just now noticing it?" he asked in exasperation before he shrugged. "Those clothes are from your powers - your Personas. Think of them as the representation of your 'Will of Rebellion.'"

Will of Rebellion... Akira thought, remembering what Igor said before. The desire to resist the rules placed upon one by others...

"Still, though..." Akira broke away from his thoughts, noticing Morgana's star-struck gaze as he stared at the avian-masked boy in utter wonder. "To have two Personas...that's incredible!"

Makoto tilted her head. "Is it unusual for someone to have more than one Persona?"

"Very unusual." Morgana nodded, his gaze turning serious. "I knew you were something special, but still...this is amazing."

"That aside..." Ryuji grunted as he managed to get back on his feet, ignoring the aching pain in his knee, turning towards the cat. "Back inside, you mentioned a way of exposing Kamoshida. What was that?"

"Ah, right..." Morgana recalled, clearing his throat. "As I told you before, the Metaverse is a world made up completely of cognition - mental perceptions. Warped, twisted desires create Palaces." His eyes focused on the castle behind them, right where Shujin Academy stood in reality. "Kamoshida's Castle is one example. However, those twisted desires that made it become a Palace spawn from a certain something. In most cases, it's an object. This object is the core of a Palace." A glint ran through Morgana's eyes as a toothy smirk formed across his face, crossing his arms. "We call it...a Treasure."

"Treasure..." Makoto whispered, understanding the significance behind the name. Even so, the idea was still incredible. The situation still felt so surreal to her, yet denying it would be foolhardy. As it stood, she needed to understand this place as much as possible. "And this Treasure...is the heart of a Palace?"

Morgana nodded. "That is correct." he answered, pleased. "The Treasure is what keeps the Palace thriving. In a way, it's what keeps the place standing in the Metaverse. Now, suppose you take away the Treasure...what would happen to the Palace?"

"If you took it away?" Ryuji frowned, cocking his head as he scratched his cheek. If he were honest, the only things he got out of this situation was that this world was made up of people's thoughts, the Palace was how Kamoshida saw the school, and it's heart was apparently some fancy decor. "Uh...I guess the Palace would go away?"

Morgana chuckled. "And if the Palace is made up of warped desires...what would happen to Kamoshida?"

The three looked on in wonder, looking back at the Palace. The question had brought forth a surprising uncertainty. Destroy a man's warped desires...what would happen, indeed? Makoto was still trying to wrap her head around the idea, and Ryuji could barely think about what it meant. Akira folded his arms, tilting his head as he tried to understand. If this castle was made up of Kamoshida's own twisted desires, what would happen to the perverted teacher himself is such desires were taken? Moreover, what would be the overall impact of such a thing? How much would it affect him? So little? Or a major impact? The matter of the mind is still unknown to him, though the implications that Morgana spoke of was certainly something to think about.

When it became clear that no one had a suitable answer, Morgana gave them one. "He would have a change of heart."

"A-a what?" Ryuji gawked, eyes wide. He looked back at the castle, then back to Morgana. "What does that mean?"

Makoto pressed her knuckles against her chin, furrowing her bow. "Change of heart..." she muttered, closing her eyes. A few seconds of thinking later, and she opened them again. "You mean...his personality would change?"

"That's right. By taking his Treasure, you're essentially reforming his heart. Simply put, he'd be a respectable member of society." Morgana was practically giving off a smug grin by their astounded expressions. He didn't blame them. After all, the idea of changing someone so drastically was practically was beyond them. How could they even consider such an immense possibility? That said, however, a part of Morgana was still unsure, something he couldn't quite express to them yet. There was still so much to learn about the Metaverse. Possibilities left to be discovered. Regardless of his doubt, he continued on. "His distorted desires would collapse upon itself, leaving him to regret his own actions. To put it simply, he'd confess his own crimes."

Ryuji opened his mouth, trying to find some way to express his disbelief, but the words remained stuck inside his throat. Instead, he was only able to gape at such wondrous information. "Unbelievable..." Makoto whispered, utterly amazed. "A-and this is actually possible?"

"It is." Morgana answered. His expression then turned grim, as he was also forced to explain a possible factor. Given that even his own knowledge of the Metaverse was limited, there was no true guarantee that Kamoshida would be fine from the effects. "That said...there's also one other important thing I should mention."

Akira frowned. "What else is there?"

"It's true that by taking away Kamoshida's desires, he would have a change of heart...but desires are what drives a person. For example: the will to sleep, eat, find love, seek a job - those sorts of things."

There was an unsettling look spread across the three teen's faces as they looked at one another. Morgana's tone, and his words, left them rather uneasy. "What are you getting at exactly?"

"If all of those yearnings were to disappear completely, it would be no different from someone who's cognitive functions shut down completely. If not cared for properly, their lives would also be put in danger."

Horror descended upon their faces - Ryuji and Makoto in particular. After what happened earlier, coupled with Ryuji's personal experience with Kamoshida, they had more than enough reason to get back at Kamoshida for everything he's done. Not just for themselves, but also to the students he tortured. The idea of him publicly humiliating himself, exposing his crimes before everyone and then being imprisoned for such horrible actions, brought forth future excitement and satisfaction. However, the idea of killing a man was just...it was unthinkable! They may have hated Kamoshida, but not to such an extent! They wanted the man to confess his crimes and pay for his sins, not die!

Akira, for his part, was equally as disturbed. Kamoshida was scum, there was no doubt about that, but...was the risk really worth it? A darker part of his mind, however, thought otherwise?

Would anyone really miss someone as horrible and despicable as that? the tempting thoughts whispered into his ear. He's ruined so many lives, after all. He treats his team as if they were his own slaves - those under his care even worse. And who knows what he does to those of the fairer sex... Wouldn't it better to just watch the man squirm like the filth that he is and let him fall?

As much as he hated to admit it, such gruesome thoughts had a point. Would anybody really miss someone like Kamoshida? Certainly not his victims. Even a small part of Akira wanted him gone, even though the worst the man had done was spread his record among the student body.

However...

"...we're not going to kill him."

The two looked at him, surprised by his words. Morgana's eyes stared at him, meeting his gaze. Pools of gray remained resolute and firm in this decision. Slowly, Makoto gave a shaky nod. "T-that's right." she said, stuttering as she got over her horror. "Kamoshida-sen-" she cut herself off, shaking her head and correcting her words. "Kamoshida may be a horrible human being, but...he doesn't deserve to die."

"Y-yeah!" Ryuji agreed with their sentiments, bobbing his head furiously. "What they said!"

Morgana regarded their answers for a moment before he shook his head. "Well, whatever your decide is up to you." he stated. "I just gave you the option." He hopped down from the garbage can, walking towards the castle. "As for me, I'm taking the Treasure regardless."

"Why?" Akira asked, watching the cat leave and return back to the fray. "Why do you want to take the Treasure?"

"That's for me to know," came the cryptic answer that made him scowl. "And for you to find out." With a wave of the paw, the cat-like creature took off, vanishing inside the castle and leaving the three teens to themselves.

Naturally, receiving such information left them with a tense silence. Makoto could barely afford to say a word, still too disturbed to hear such a thing. Ryuji looked as if he wanted to say something, but was unable to find the correct way to save it. Akira tried not to think much of it. He eventually gave a tired sigh, running a hand through his scalp. "Let's head back." he suggested to the two. If they stayed here any longer, there might be the possibility of encountering Shadows again. Ryuji still looked a bit winded, though Makoto still looked like she could go a round or two. Akira, however, was beginning to feel the onset of a headache.

"R-right." Makoto nodded her head, shivering.

With that in mind, Akira took out his phone and opened the app, pressing the necessary buttons before reality began to warp and twist around them.

TakeYourTime

[You have returned to the real world. Thank you for your hard work.]

The navigator's voice had done nothing to ease the tense atmosphere of the three teens as the dark and dreary world of the Metaverse returned to normal. The dark sky became a dull shade of orange, the castle dissolving into the mundane prison they attended on a daily basis. A few students were also forming into the picture, walking out of the building and making their way home.

"...that effin' sucked." Ryuji muttered distastefully as they walked out of the alleyway. "Stupid cat, telling us that crap..." He shook his head, trying to forget the disturbing information they learned. "I-I mean, there's no way we'd actually go through with that." A low growl escaped from his throat as he kicked at the ground. "Stupid cat, getting us worried over something stupid like this!"

Makoto wasn't sure what she was supposed to say. Her heart was clenched, and her stomach ached. She felt bile rising from her throat. Noticing this, Akira gently touched her shoulder, offering some comfort. She flinched under the touch, but then relaxed, releasing a sigh of relief. The earlier stiffness in her limbs vanished, and the strain seemed to lessen. "Sorry..." Makoto apologized. "After Morgana told us that...I'm not sure what to think." She closed her eyes as she shook her head, adament in her decision. "I said it before. Kamoshida may be a lot of things...but he doesn't deserve to die."

"Amen to that." Ryuji nodded, but then frowned. "But...from what that stupid cat said, taking his Treasure sounds like the best idea." He groaned as he rubbed the back of his head. After a while, though, he then narrowed his eyes, looking up at the two. "There has to be someone here that's willing to talk."

Makoto shared his thoughts it seems, as she too nodded vigorously. "The rally is tomorrow, right?" she asked, earning a nod from the two. "I'll double my efforts. There's still a few who I haven't talked to yet. In the meantime, though, we should lay low. If what Morgana said is true, then us openly investigating might cause something to happen in that Palace place."

"You really think so?" the former athlete questioned, confused. He then shrugged. "Well, whatever." He then sported a grin, slipping his hands in his pockets. "Anyways...you two free?" Makoto and Akira turned to Ryuji, cocking their heads. "I dunno 'bout you guys, but..."

A low growl, reminiscent to that of a starving wolf letting out a ferocious snarl before its precious prey, rumbled loudly for all to hear.

"...I'm really effin' hungry."

TakeYourTime

The two had accepted his invitation. As it turned out, Ryuji had taken them into Shibuya, the same place where Akira had met Sae Niijima for the first time. Passing through crowded streets, they went into Central Street - a crowded space with a constant flow of people with an assortment of businesses and shops lined up on either side. Currently, Ryuji was treating them to something to eat at the Beef Bowl shop. Makoto had ordered a relatively light meal whereas the former athlete's order was a Mega Beef Bowl...which was more or less just noodles with few veggies and piled with meat. Akira ordered a rather simple dish of udon with a side of rice. As they ate, they somehow wound up in a conversation regarding each other's pasts.

Makoto's was pretty simple - she lost her parents at an early age. Her father had died when she was barely old enough to remember, leaving her older sister to raise her by herself. It had been tough, but it was manageable. In fact, her sister had managed to reach a job as a Prosecutor and was quickly regarded as one of the best in Japan. Makoto had wished to help Sae, so she did everything she could to earn herself a shot at both a scholarship and a college recommendation. She stayed at the top of her class, took every extracurricular activity she could get her hands on - every action was carefully planned for that. It was tough for her, but it was an overall successful plan for her to help her sister.

Ryuji's was a bit tough to hear. His father was apparently a drunk who beat him and his mother at every chance before he one day disappeared. Perhaps it was the massive amount of debt, or maybe he just died from drinking too much. Ryuji didn't care - the blight that infested his mother was gone. Like Makoto, he did the best he could to support her. While he wasn't the best at academics, the track was where he felt at home. Ask anyone, and they would tell you that Ryuji Sakamoto was a born natural. The fastest of his class. He was immediately scouted by the track team in his first year at Shujin and had a shot at a Track Scholarship. Of course, that went downhill when Kamoshida decided to screw things up. Enforcing strict training regiments, verbal abuse...he was trying to break them. Especially Ryuji. Somehow, he found out about his father and had it leaked to the track team. After that, Ryuji punched him and, well...the rest was history.

However, their stories paled in comparison to Akira's circumstances.

"You were WHAT?!" Ryuji cried in outrage and disbelief, his head snapping fast enough to crack a few bones in his neck.

Akira glared at him. "Pipe down, will you?" he hissed. "You're being loud."

"S-sorry...but still, what the eff, man?!"

Makoto, who was hearing this story for the first time, shared similar thoughts as Ryuji as her hands threatened to break the chopsticks in her hands. "That's horrible!" she said angrily. "Why in the world did the police side with him?!"

"I don't remember much about it." Akira sighed as he set his chopsticks down, recalling the incident as best he could. He had done his best not to dwell on it too much, focusing on his probation rules to stay out of trouble and not get himself thrown into juvenile hall. "But what's done is done. I don't regret doing what I did...but it still pisses me off."

"I don't blame you." Ryuji snarled. "Seriously, the hell?"

Akira failed to see why there so upset. The past was merely that, the past. The court had decided that this was to be his fate. Overruling a decision in court would be next to impossible. Sae had told him as much before. Still, though...for what it was worth, he couldn't help but feel his heart beat in happiness at their anger of his unfair past. In all honesty, after the incident, what with his friends choosing to leave him behind after the stigma placed upon him by the drunk and court order, he had forgotten what it felt to be in the presence of honest friends. People he could be with, people where he could leave his falsely crafted image behind and stand with in earnest.

Slowly, a smile manifested. "Thanks." he blurted out without thinking. The two then stared at him in confusion. Blinking, he realized his action and chuckled, pushing up his glasses. "Sorry, it's just...it's been a while since anyone really cared about me this much."

"Hey!" Ryuji grinned wickedly, patting him on the back. "What're friends for, man?"

Makoto nodded earnestly, smiling. "Of course." she said with conviction. Friends was more than accurate, especially with what happened today. "If there's anything you need, let us know."

The frizzy-haired teen's smile grew as he nodded. Unknown to him at the time, the unseen blue butterfly that sat on his shoulder glowed, enamored by the affection they showed him. It was as if it was reacting to his own comfort in these bonds...as he should. The butterfly bore within a will - a will of one who had watched him thus far. Like it, he found strength in these bonds. The boy didn't know it yet...but these bonds would become his strength.

Without a word, and still yet remaining unseen to the eyes of the Persona-users, the butterly flapped its wings and flew away, vanishing into tiny motes of blue light.

TakeYourTime

In a certain place, two cards danced together over the open pages of a large tome, held in the hands of a smiling girl. One card showed a warrior with an arm bound in a cast, the other holding a sceptor as he rode in a stalwart chariot led by horses of opposing color. The other was a woman in cloth, sitting atop an ornate chair while reading an obscene book. "It has only been two days since he's arrived in the crowded city that is Tokyo," Lavenza spoke with a certain giddiness as the cards fell into her tome. The pages, once blank, shown with light before dimming, revealing inscriptions written into them with the cards situated on one side, and the scene of Akira Kurusu with Ryuji Sakamoto and Makoto Niijima on the other as if to retell the moment of their wonderful bond. "And yet he's obtained the strength of the Priestess and the Chariot."

Softly, she shut her tome and turned towards her master, who grinned in delight as a card danced atop his desk. Compared to the previous cards, which possessed a red and black disposition with a red background, this card was much more ornate and traditional, bearing a blue, black and white design. The back had a checkered background with a black and white face in the center. In the front showed a man with a bandana atop his head with a stick carrying a bag over his shoulder, a dog following behind him.

"Indeed." Igor said in delight. With a snap of his fingers, the card broke apart into pieces of light, which seemed to dance around in his palm before clenching it in his fist. "However, this is but the first step of a long and arduous journey." A chuckle escaped him as he closed his hand, entrapping the dancing pieces before opening it again, revealing the avian mask that embodied the rebellious spirit of Akira Kurusu. "Hmhmhm...I am truly looking forward to this wonderful journey of yours, Trickster."

TO BE CONTINUED...

Confidants:

Ryuji Sakamoto - the CHARIOT: [A former star athlete who fell into disgrace. Awakened to the power of Persona when denouncing his tormentor Kamoshida. The closest to relate to Akira's hardships.]

Makoto Niijima - the PRIESTESS: [The Student Council President of Shujin Academy. Awakened to her Persona alongside Ryuji when denouncing Kamoshida. She helps Sae in looking after Akira while at school.]

A/N: Well, I'll be damned. This is probably one of my more longer chapters, excluding the previous one since I had Black Fuego's help. Guess what, my peeps? This story's going into overdrive, with updates saddling up on the horizon as best as I can!

However, I ask that you do not get your hopes up. Remember, I am human. I have a life. And I make mistakes.

As a brief recap, Makoto and Ryuji have now awakened to their Personas and learn that they can make Kamoshida confess his crimes...with the possibility of him dying. Obviously, this doesn't sit well with them, though can they find an alternate way to make the bastard pay for what he's done? And what will happen to Ann and Shiho in the coming days? Nothing good, I can tell you that much.

Ann's awakening is steadily coming up. As soon as two or three more chapters.

I want to make longer chapters. Really, I do...but I just don't have the creative patience for it.

Also, I'm a bit disheartened that I got 11 reviews compared to the many I got last chapter, excluding guest reviews. Strange. I thought a lot of people would review given that many of you wanted to review when I finally got around to Makoto and Ryuji's awakenings. Bah, oh well...I shall take whatever I can get.

If you've been keeping up with my poll, however, you'll notice that it is finally done. So who is the lucky lady?

...not telling~ You'll have to wait until I do the romance chapters...which is WAY FAR OFF IN THE FREAKING FUTURE!

With that said, though, my current poll is to do another story. My creative juices are flowing and in spite of me having one too many stories already, my brain has to decided, "Hey let's add another one to the list!" I don't regret the decision, but my fingers certainly will~ You can choose up to ten of the ones I have listed.

Welp, that's it for now, everybody! Later losers, and I'll see you all next heist!