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
14th Heist: Ann Takamaki
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"Welcome back." Sae greeted the two as they entered the living room.
Makoto had already received a text from her older sister, stating that she would be home early for once thanks to her co-worker. As they expected, they found her at the kitchen table, typing away on her laptop. Even now, she worked on the case with the utmost diligence. "We're back." Makoto announced with a smile. "How was work?"
"Slow." Sae answered in slight distaste. "My case is pretty much over with, though the process is taking longer than it should be." She gave a low groan, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Then again, they're also occupied with cases of their own. Especially with all of these incidents happening." Shaking her head, the woman then offered a small smile as she turned back to the two minors in her care. "So, how was school?"
"Uneventful." Akira shrugged. "The only highlight was getting to see a former Olympic sportsman in action." Though given that said Olympic sportsman was Suguru Kamoshida, he supposed it wasn't worth much. "Other than that, just boring."
Makoto chuckled, shaking her head. "I wouldn't say boring." she said, earning a wry look from Sae and a confused one from Akira. "I heard that Ushimaru-sensei caught you not paying attention and tried to throw chalk at you."
"Tried being the keyword here." the frizzy-haired teen corrected with a small smirk. He wasn't quite as dimwitted as the teacher thought he was. Truth be told, he wasn't even really interested in the lecture at all. Perhaps it was negligence of studying on his part, but history had never really interested him much. Maybe if the teacher was a Sengoku nutjob who wore a samurai helmet, then maybe he'd be a little interested in the lecture. "He missed."
"You still shouldn't neglect your studies, Kurusu-kun." Sae chided with a frown. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't mid-terms in three weeks or so?"
Makoto nodded. "Technically next month, but still around the corner." She folded her arms as she glanced at Akira. "I hope your test scores are good enough for you to be slacking off, Akira-kun." There was a subtle hint in her voice as she shut her eyes, a sickly-sweet smile spreading across her face. Suddenly, a cold shudder ran down his spine while Arsene let out a pulse. It wasn't anger or outrage, but rather fear. He understood perfectly why. The look the Student Council President was giving him was practically the definition of terror. "Otherwise, we're going to be having a very long talk."
Swallowing whatever pride he might have, lest he face the wrath of a furious woman with a motorcycle for a Persona, he nodded.
Sae rolled her eyes at the sight, returning to her work. Children. she thought dismissively. Worrying about things other than their future in a society like this. Then again, it's good that he has Makoto to keep him straight.
Perhaps it was callous for her to think this way, but as far as she was concerned, her latest job of being a probation officer, on top of being a guardian, was nothing more than a burden. Yes, she was doing this as a favor, but it was a burden nonetheless. She had her hands full with Makoto, though she at least had a set goal in her mind. She stayed at the top of her classes, even made Student Council President. Compared that to Akira...no, she couldn't think like that. No matter how troublesome this was, it wasn't fair on his part. He just ended up trying to do the right thing, and he paid the price for it. Perhaps it was better that way.
Reality was harsh, and you had to adapt. Sae learned that when she chose to become a Prosecutor. The sexual dominance, the arrogance - all of it was because society and reality were cruel. It could best be likened to Darwinism. You either adapt and survive, or get weeded out and have your future thrown down into the mud. Akira was among the latter group for trying to help a woman.
Why am I even thinking about this?
She realized where her thoughts were heading and shook her head, letting out a quiet sigh. Makoto had told her she was going to study as she went up to her room while Akira went to fix himself some dinner with the leftovers in the fridge. She had more important things to worry about. For starters, the case she had taken upon herself to investigate in spite of the Director saying it wasn't needed. The more righteous part of her, the same part that had caused her trouble by having her accept Akira into her home, couldn't leave this be. The nagging feeling wouldn't go away, no matter how hard she tried. She needed to investigate this.
The Mental Shutdown cases.
TakeYourTime
As like before since yesterday, morning arrived and went to school while bidding Sae farewell as they left. The morning train was packed as usual with the constant whispers and gossip, though it was hardly anything Akira cared for. Classes went by and before long, lunchbreak had descended. Students fled the room swiftly while some remained, albeit keeping a weary eye on Akira as he left with the others. He didn't like being stuck in one place for too long. Especially a place that felt so stuffy. The courtyard was nice and open with a small table close to a vending machine, so it seemed like a good place to eat. That, and it was the furthest away from large crowds.
On his way there, his phone buzzed. Taking it out of his pocket, he found messages from Ryuji and Makoto.
RS: Dammit, no one is saying anything else! Were they seriously telling the truth that everyone's keeping quiet?!
RS: Why would they do that?!
MN: I don't think they're doing this willingly. With so many abuse victims...it could be that they're scared.
AK: Not only that, but Kamoshida is protected by Kobayakawa.
AK: Even if we do manage to expose him, I don't think the principal would do much.
RS: Such bullshit.
MN: I'll keep looking. There has to be someone who's willing to talk.
Akira frowned. His eyes re-read the message several times before he slipped it inside his pocket. Somewhere, deep inside, he knew that wouldn't be the case. They already learned that everyone knew about the abuse and said nothing. Not only that, but Kamoshida was aware that they were snooping. He knew what they were doing. That meant he would be taking measures. He'd become more careful. If there was any evidence to be found, Kamoshida would make sure it would be gone before they even had a chance to find it. At this rate, things would continue on.
A pulse from Arsene made him think back to the Metaverse. Despite the threat that Kamoshida might die from it, the act of taking his heart would be the best way to expose him. It might be the only way. The risk was high, yet somehow, he felt certain that this was the best course of action. Yes, it had to be.
Nobody would miss someone like Kamoshida. the dark voice in the back of his mind whispered to him again. After all he's done, who would cry for someone like that? People would be cheering in joy for someone like that being gone. So what's stopping you? Why don't you take the plunge?
Why, indeed? What was stopping him? Nobody would miss Kamoshida. They were scared of him. Terrified to death of him. With the way things were, it seemed as if only Akira had the ability to stop him.
...but he couldn't justify it. No matter the reason or how horrible they were, Kamoshida didn't deserve to die. He needed to pay for his sins, but not with his life. Yet, no matter how hard he thought, the idea of taking his heart seemed to be the only way to resolve all of this. Another pulse from Arsene came rumbling through his heart. For a brief moment, he felt his other self's wings wrap around him, as if to comfort him while encouraging him.
Akira sighed. All of this thinking was making him hungry.
He eventually reached the courtyard, though much to his slight disappointment, the spot he wished to rest at was already occupied. The girl who sat in front of him in class was leaning against the table, chewing on a piece of pockey while another girl sat in the bench, eating out of a bento box. Akira winced when he saw her state. She was like a female Mishima - bruises across her face and pale skin. A victim of Kamoshida's abuse. If the somewhat glazed look in her eyes was any indication, he suspected much worse. He shifted slightly as he watched the two of them from afar, unsure. He could just walk up and ask if he could eat there, though at the same time, he didn't want them to leave because of him.
"Hey, isn't the blonde that Takamaki girl?"
Akira craned his head, finding a few students passing by. Going by their faces, they were obviously leering at the blonde girl.
"Yep, that's her. You know, the girl with the foreign look to her?"
"Damn, she is fine~ She looks easy. Think I could score with her?"
"Dude, are you out of your mind? She's Kamoshida's bitch."
Akira's eyes widened, looking back at the girl - Takamaki. She was...going out with Kamoshida? That...didn't seem right. While he firmly believed that one could not judge a book by its cover, he couldn't help but feel that she didn't seem the type. Curious, he took out his cell and typed up Ryuji.
AK: Ryuji, do you happen to know a girl named Takamaki?
RS: Takamaki?
RS: Oh, you mean Ann! Course I know her.
RS: Why?
AK: I overheard some students talking. They called her "Kamoshida's bitch."
RS: Seriously? That doesn't sound right.
AK: You sure?
RS: I went to middle school with her.
RS: We weren't close, but I know her well enough to know that she wouldn't be interested in a guy like that prick.
So how did that rumor spread? Akira frowned deeply. If what Ryuji said was true, then Takamaki might be another victim of the rumors. Of course, that brought another question: how did such rumors spread? Was it a circumstance similar to his own? As he fuddled his brow, there was yet another pulse echoing in the back of his mind. To his confusion, it was not from Arsene, but from Orpheus. It was almost as if the Persona was urging him to go to them.
As much as he would have loved to, he couldn't help but feel out of place. If Takamaki was subject to rumors, he had a feeling he'd only make things worse by being seen with her.
...then again, nothing ventured. Nothing gained.
With a nod, he braced himself and walked over. "Excuse me." he called, earning the two girl's attention. "Would it be okay if I ate here?"
"Sure." Takamaki said without hesitation, much to his surprise. It must have showed on his face as she gave a small smile. "What? You thought I wouldn't let you?"
He gave a nod. He honestly expected her to do so, especially given that his record was public knowledge here at school. The bruised girl, however, giggled somewhat. "You don't have to worry." she said to him. "Ann-chan isn't like most people."
"...thank you."
TakeYourTime
"Ann Takamaki?" Makoto repeated the name with confusion as she tilted her head, putting a hand on her chin. "And Akira-kun found this out from a bunch of students?"
"Yeah." Ryuji told her, face written with worry. Admittedly, he hadn't talked to Ann since they graduated middle school, so he wasn't quite close to enough to really consider her a friend. They hadn't spoken at all even though they discovered that they enrolled in the same high school. Then again, after what happened with the Track Team, he supposed he didn't blame her. That said, though, what Akira told him had him concerned. "I mean, yeah, its been a long time since me and Ann talked, but I know her. No way she'd gun for Kamoshida."
Makoto hummed, closing her eyes. "...now that I think back on it, Kamoshida has been talking with her every chance he gets." she noted, recalling the first day Akira came to Shujin. "Not only that, but I've heard that he's been calling Suzui-san into his office a few times lately. Suzui-san and Takamaki-san are friends, right?"
"More like sisters, but yeah." The former athlete's eyes hardened as a disturbing thought ran through his mind. In response, he felt Captain Kidd bristle, which only amplified his own feelings on the matter. "If that bastard is trying to touch Ann, he's got another thing coming."
"Calm down, Ryuji." the Student Council President advised him, wanting to calm him before he did something reckless. "If Kamoshida is keeping an eye on us, we need to be smart. In the meantime, did you do what I asked?"
The blonde sighed as he shook his head. "Tried to, but that old warhound Ushimaru was around and watching me like a hawk." he said in regret. He then adopted a curious look. "If you don't mind me asking...we sure it's a good idea to be sneaking into his office? I mean, you said it yourself. Kamoshida's gonna be be watching us, so isn't it a bad idea?"
"Perhaps. But it's the last thing he'd expect." Makoto reasoned. "That, and it wouldn't be strange to see a student entering his office if it's for the sake of counseling." She then let out a sigh. "Then again, given yours and Kamoshida's history, I suppose that idea would be a bit out of left field. Sorry for asking you to do that."
"Eh, it's fine. On the plus side, I didn't get busted." he told her. A wide grin then formed on his face. "Hell, who knows? Maybe Kamoshida actually keeps a diary in his desk or something, detailing what he does."
Oh, if we were only so lucky. Makoto lamented, sincerely hoping such a thing would be true. If he truly did keep a record of his activities, it would be child's play to expose him. After all, it paid to have a sister who was a Prosecutor. However, Makoto didn't want to rely on Sae all of her life. She needed to stand on her own. Make her own path.
If the pulse of encouragement Johanna released inside of her was any indication, she was on the right path. In the meantime, though, it was time to get back into the woodwork.
TakeYourTime
"Sorry if this sounds rude, but..." the bruised girl, Shiho Suzui, spoke up. Akira looked up, finding her gaze focused on him in curiosity. "...a-are you the transfer student?" The frizzy-haired teen blinked, surprised by the abrupt and blunt question. Regardless, he gave a nod. Shiho gave him a worn-out smile, testament to her battered form. "Rumors are cruel, aren't they? Don't worry...I'm sure they'll pass eventually."
Oh, how he wished they would. He wasn't particularly bothered by the rumors as much as one would think, though they could get rather tiresome. Especially with how outlandish or ridiculous they could get. That said, some of the rumors that typically revolved around him were beginning to grow out of hand, what with involving Makoto. He didn't want to cause her any trouble here at school. That said, he was surprised Shiho was showing him such kindness, especially given that they had just met. Perhaps she herself was victim of vicious rumors? Either way, he was thankful for the gesture.
Akira bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Suzui-san."
"I-it's no trouble."
"There you go again." Takamaki rolled her eyes, smiling nonetheless. "Worrying about others." She then turned towards Akira, offering him a smile as well as she extended her hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Ann Takamaki."
Akira leaned forward, grasping her hand. He immediately noted how small her hand was, as well as how soft. Her fingers were long and thin, curling around his own hand in the greeting. "Kurusu, Akira. A pleasure."
"So, how are you enjoying Shujin? Well, other than the stupid rumors floating around."
He shrugged. "I can deal with the rumors. As for my stay, it's...nice."
He honestly meant that. The campus was large enough to have more than a few spots open without anyone trying to disturb him. Not only that, but perhaps thanks to the rumors, everyone tended to give him a wide birth. No one was willing to go even a foot near him unless they couldn't help it. Of course, he also found that the teachers around him either didn't seem to care much for him as they tended to either pass him over, thus leaving him for the more strict teachers like Ushimaru. The old man once caught him nodding off and attempted to throw a piece of chalk at him.
He was still hearing whispers about how he dodged the throw like a ninja. He was a bit proud of that feat.
"Well, don't let the rumors get to you too much." Takamaki told him as she polished off her pockey stick before going for another one. "Like Shiho said, they'll stop eventually."
No, they won't. Not until that foolish king has been put in his place. a cold voice whispered in his ear. Surely, you know that by now, don't you?
Akira tried to ignore it. However, he noted that it's tone was different. He felt a pulse run through his heart, this one different than usual. Was that...?
"By the way..." Takamaki continued, bringing him out of his thoughts. "Are you apart of the Student Council? I keep hearing how close you are with Niijima-senpai."
Akira shook his head. "No. Her older sister is my probation officer." he stated, causing both girls' eyes to widen in intrigue and surprise. He refused to elaborate further on the subject, choosing to end the topic quickly. He felt uncomfortable speaking about his situation with others he didn't know very well, even if they showed him kindness. "That, and Makoto-san has been pretty much the only one who hasn't been talking behind my back."
Out of the corner of his eye, Akira spotted a few students nearby, giving him harsh looks. He inwardly cringed, realizing the implications of such stares. He gave a small sigh, confusing the two as they were unaware of its meaning. Come tomorrow, he would have to prepare himself for more rumors. The bell then rang, signalling the end of lunch. "Well, time to head back, I guess." Ann said as she finished her last stick of pockey, slipping the box into her blazer's pocket and getting up from her spot. She turned to Shiho and smiled widely. "I'll see you later, Shiho."
"Mm." Shiho nodded, smiling back weakly as Ann walked away, giving Akira her farewells as she walked away. The two then looked at one another and bowed. "It was...nice, having someone else around other than Ann." she confessed. "Thank you, Kurusu-kun."
Akira waved a hand. "It was no trouble. I'll see you around, Suzui-san." With that, he turned and walked away.
Had he chosen to stay longer, he would have noticed Shiho's face becoming crestfallen as she walked away, making her way to her own class. She looked down at her hands, which began to shake. It had taken everything to keep up this cheerful face in front of Anne and not break it. She wanted to tell her what had been on her mind. What she had been plagued with. However, the bruises choked those pitiful screams for help. They were shackles that reminded her of her place. She bit her lip, thinking back to her last visit to the Consultation Room. She rubbed her arm, which burned in pain. The painkillers were starting to wear off, leaving her sore once again. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she wanted it all to stop. The pain, the torture, the training...
She wanted it all to stop.
"S-Suzui-chan." a feeble voice called. Shiho recognized the voice, and what it heralded. Her heart fell deeper into the black abyss as she turned to find Mishima shifting uncomfortably, unable to look her in the eye. He was like all the others, but she didn't hate him. Out of everyone, he was the one who received the more intensive training. "K-Kamoshida-sensei wanted to see you in his office."
Nodding her head in sorrow and resignation, she walked past him. Mishima grit his teeth, hands balling into fists as he got out, just low enough for her hear.
"I'm...so sorry..."
It was honest. He meant every word. For that, she was thankful. However, she could offer no response as she walked towards Kamoshida's office in solemn silence as if going to attend her own funeral. She had to do this. She had to.
For Ann. For her beloved friend.
...but was the pain really worth it?
TakeYourTime
By the look of frustration on Ryuji's face, Akira knew that they were no closer to finding a solution. In the end, the three were left back to square one and thinking of useless ways to reveal the truth. By now, they should have realized it. No one was willing to reveal the truth. They were too frightened - too scared of Kamoshida to say anything. The only real option was staring them dead in the face, but they refused to look at it. They were terrified of the implications and consequences of such actions.
He, however, was beginning to understand that, no matter how horrible or dangerous the idea was...it was beginning to become their only real option.
Akira knew with certainty that, no matter how hard they pursued Kamoshida's paper trail, they would find no one with the courage to speak up. Even if they did...what would happen? It was only a handful of people versus a respected teacher who had the favor of the Principal. Best case scenario, Kamoshida would only be suspended for a few days, maybe a month if they were lucky, but it was temporary solution. Nothing they did would keep Kamoshida from beating his students.
His mind raced back to Shiho Suzui, marred and beaten with bruises. Unconsciously, his hands clenched into tight fists, nails threatening to draw blood.
"Dammit." Ryuji cursed as he kicked at the ground in frustration. "Why isn't anyone willing to talk?!"
Makoto appeared to be equally as frustrated, biting down on her thumb nail. "At this point, I think we've exhausted all of our options." she said. Her tone clearly showed that she wasn't happy about this either. To her, it was the same as admitting defeat. A feeling most uncomfortable to her. "Even if we tried to handle this from another matter, Kamoshida has the support of the entire staff. Even the Principal." She shook her head, crossing her arms and staring down at the ground in shame. "What are we supposed to do?"
Again, the answer was so simple. The problem was that they lacked resolve. They held the power necessary to accomplish this task, but their hearts were weak. He understood that fully. His heart was wavering in indecision as well, unsure of what path to take. Yet each time such indecisive thoughts troubled him, the sight of Shiho Suzui and Yuki Mishima made him think back to Morgana's words. Akira looked at his friends, who had yet to reach the same conclusion he did. They had pushed Morgana's words aside, unwilling to think of it. Part of him wanted to bring it up and try and convince them, but memories of their previous visit came to mind.
Without a Persona, they were left helpless. Swords at the neck and cowering at the prospect of dying. Though they now possessed the will to rebel Kamoshida's distorted reality, they knew the danger that awaited them.
Is this really the best option? Akira questioned his own desires. He held a hand over his chest. Two pulses washed over his wavering heart - one a comforting embrace and the other a rousing and assuring hold. He closed his eyes, envisioning such feelings as his Personas standing behind him. Orpheus with his mechanical limbs holding him, as if to comfort him for the pain that he may endure should he follow through. Arsene with a claw on his shoulder, assuring him that this would be the correct choice.
"Akira-kun?" The aforementioned boy looked up to find Ryuji and Makoto looking at him in concern. "Are you alright? You've been quiet for a while."
He was silent at first. A moment of thinking, then he opened his mouth to reply. "...I'm fine."
Such an answer was unconvincing if the looks he received were any indication. However, they accepted them. Makoto looked at the time displayed on her phone, proceeding to slip it back into her bag. "It's getting late. Let's return to this discussion tomorrow." Ryuji nodded and went his separate way, grinning as he bade the two farewell. As Makoto herself readied to leave, she turned to Akira. "Shall we go?"
"You go on ahead." he told her. "I have something to do." Makoto frowned, clearly suspicious. He waved it off with a small grin. "It's nothing serious. I promise."
"...alright." she relented after a moment, though she was still clearly unsure. "Just don't be late, alright?"
He nodded and watched her leave. Her pace was slow, occasionally giving a brief tilt of the head as if to make certain of something. To continue his ruse, he hid behind the gate. After a minute or so, he removed himself from his hiding place. Makoto was gone, vanished from sight. Akira then gave a quick look around, making sure no one else was around before he removed his cell phone from his pocket. After making sure no one was around again, he opened up the Metaverse Navigator application, giving the necessary inputs.
With a few pushes of the button, the Metaverse began to swallow up reality. Ripples raced across the surroundings, twisting and warping them before forming into the world of cruel desires. Red gloves formed over his hands as his uniform was erased, becoming the familiar attire that reflected his own Persona's gentleman-like motif. A powerful pulse echoed through him once more. This time, he was sure he heard Arsene laughing, having finally seen the fulfillment of this resolve he now bore. Placing his phone in his trousers, he removed himself from the wall and entered the front courtyard of Kamoshida's Castle.
"I figured you'd be the one to make up your mind."
There, waiting for him, almost as if he were expecting him given the smug look on his face, was Morgana, paws crossed over his chest.
"So, have you decided to go through with this?" the cat-like creature asked, making sure to confirm the resolve. "After all, this isn't a game. You could very well lose your life. Furthermore, your teacher might die."
Akira's eyes reflected his determination. "...I'll take the risks."
"Hmph. You've got guts, rookie." Morgana gave a vicious smirk, satisfied with his response. "I'll make a Phantom Thief out of you yet."
That said, Morgana turned, making his way to the infiltration point. Akira then followed, his mind set. He briefly looked up at the castle, half expecting to find Kamoshida in one of the towers, staring him down.
I'm coming for you, Akira promised with a vicious smirk of his own, eyes glowing red. Your Majesty.
TO BE CONTINUED...
A/N: I intended to make this chapter longer, but I decided against it, since come next chapter...
..well, you know what to expect. As I was writing the beginning portion, I realized that I hadn't properly introduced Ann and Akira together, or give Shiho some well-needed screentime.
I'd also like to point out a small detail that some of the more keen readers may have picked up: Shiho's thoughts as she was heading to Kamoshida's office. Yes, I had Makoto mention how Kamoshida kept trying to talk to her and that I had entirely skipped the heart-warming and wrenching scene she shared with the protagonist on the day before "you-know-what." Shiho's thoughts explain why Kamoshida hasn't been actively pursuing her so fiercely.
And it'll make the confrontation all the more harsher.
At any rate, we have now reached a small, minor canon divergence point - Akira choosing to pursue Kamoshida himself! Admittedly, his solo act isn't going to last very long. It's meant to show that, compared to the others, he is living up to how the game was willing to portray him. As Hifumi Togo described him, "a daredevil." He's willing to accept these risks.
Well, that's it for now. Ready your tissues for the harshness that shall be revealed next chapter, as we finally near the endgame of the Kamoshida Arc! Ladies and gentleman, the next chapter shall mark the beginnings of regicide!
With that in mind, I shall see you next heist!