The following story is a [FAN-FICTION]! Persona series are all owned by ATLUS, Katsura Hoshino, Shigenori Soejima, and Shoji Meguro. Please support it's official release.
Hey, everyone. I'm just here to say that thank you for the support of this story that has hit 150+ views. Like I said, this story is not as popular as it should be but I'm still trying or rather I'm just doing it to get this out of my boredom. I've been developing more characters and Personas on my references in order to get this chapter done right.
Persona: Estranged Journey
Verse II: Like vines tied by fate.
4/12/2019 Kirijo Labs Masaki Branch, Masaki City, Japan Evening - Clear Sky
*Persona 5 OST- Restlessness
Third Person POV
At the building near the shore shined under the moonlight at the Masaki Branch of Kirijo Labs. The man with brown hair and glasses in a grey suit who was seen walking down the hallways of the underground level. But, he was alone with no scientists at all as he left the noises of steps he makes. But, this man is named Yoko Kizaki. Who is the Director of this branch. Suddenly, he noticed two scientists arrive to meet him.
Scientist 1: "Director Kizaki. I see you've arrived."
"Any reports or updates on this new project that is an Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon?" Yoko asked them as they nodded.
Scientist 2: "Yes, we have. She's currently in a post-final stage via inspection. We're currently supplying her the Plume of Dusk's energy to ensure to keep her alive since she has the Plume of Dusk itself inside. But, we're not sure if she is capable of summoning a Persona as we speak since her activation and testings."
"I see… Take me there. I would like to see the progress." Yoko said to them as they nodded.
Scientist 1: "Right, please come this way."
So, the scientists takes Yoko to the lab to check the new Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon. Just as they arrived to the machinery-lined room where there is only four lined up. But, the scientists comes to see a girl with a long silver-haired sitting on a seat… sleeping as one of the cable is attached to her right eye while other cables are injecting some sort of huge levels energy inside her body. But, she was wearing a bright blue jumpsuit and barefoot. But, the silver hair on the front is popped loose as it was curved down. But, Yoko seemed interested of her of this idea…
"Hmm… That is quite a lot of cables you put her into." Yoko said to them as one of the Scientist grabbed out his tablet as he touches it to explain all of the information.
Scientist 1: "Indeed. Now then, this Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon is an 'Murakumo Unit', one of it's kind. Though, we aim to create her to be a perfect fighting machine just as you wanted. Similar to the other Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapons such as Labrys, the 5th Generation and Aigis, the 6th Generation. So, she is considered as the 7th Generation but a Murakumo Unit itself."
Scientist 2: "Plus, she has a name. She is NeUta-13. Activated in December 31, 1999. Her current title is the 'Sword of Izanami' due to her weapons is… well, one of the scientist named it… [Divine Radiance: Murakumo] or rather eight floating swords since she has blades on her legs and arms. People shorten her name as 'Nu' as if it's easier to say."
"Go on." Yoko asked him as he does so.
Scientist 2: "Now then… we're currently investigating her personality at this moment. They were problems despite she originally an emotionless girl who follows orders without question. And the other… well, we detected her second personality as if she has a yandere personality. Just as we put her to sleep after her test. She suddenly turns on and… dreams. She keeps moaning and talking to herself to someone's name we don't know of. Then in later test, we had to investigate her again in commanding her by various orders that are simple. Turns out her personality a little evolving. She speaks more in a 'humanly' manner rather than a monotone, machine-like voice she used to have. Again, she shows a lot more of her emotion. Yet, I'm surprised that the other test was a success. Having NeUta pitting against the other Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon, Es Unit. Which would be Kiiro who is already repaired and fixed back to normal. We've already sent her to patrol around the city for her to detect any anomalies for this night. Now then, Director Kizaki. Shall I show you few footages of her?"
"Please do, I would like to review it myself." Yoko asked him as he nods and proceeds to upload the footage to his tablet as it starts to play…
[Footage 12 - 3/15/2014]
Scientist 1: "Footage #12, I'm here to report to Director Kizaki who is away at Hawaii at this moment. If you are watching this, then please listen. We are currently running standard battle test after Kiiro finished hers. NeUta-13 is currently waiting for standby while the scientists here will be sending out three standard androids to fight with.
*In the lab's arena where the door slides up as three androids started to come out, wielding swords. NeUta-13 on the other hand is still standing there.*
Scientist 3: "NeUta-13. Commence combat."
*Then… NeUta-13's left red eye opens since she has a red eyepatch on her right as she starts detecting three androids.*
NeUta-13: "...Understood. Hostile targets identified and objective confirmed. Initiating combat mode… Eliminating targets!"
*Just as NeUta-13 said in a monotone machine-like voice. Eight blades appeared around her as she starts hovering in her armor as she starts slashing three androids at once…*
NeUta-13: "Targets destroyed. Disengaging combat mode…"
Scientist 4: "A-Amazing! This is what Director has just hoped!"
Scientist 5: "One step closer for her to awaken her Persona by any chance…"
Scientist 1: "As of right now, we're currently recording her battle data in hopes to see if she can awaken her Persona. We've put our heart and soul to place the Plume of Dusk inside her because of it's energy. Now then, we'll be signing off."
[Footage 16 - 5/9/2015]
Scientist 1: "This is Footage #16. I'm currently alone at this moment here in this lab. I've already shut off NeUta-13 to have her sleep. When I was about to call it a day. She suddenly… turned on by herself. When I noticed, she started to… moan and you know, has a cute voice… I realized that she has a second personality… Which is part of the split personality… Did we included that? No… I think we didn't. But, she somehow generated that personality of her own…. Here. I'll let you hear it. But, I can't show her sleeping…"
NeUta-13: "Ahhh…~ Taiga.~ You're so sweet.~ Hehehe… Don't worry… We'll be together once we fuse each other so we don't have to be afraid anymore.~"
Scientist 1: "I'll have to look over this with them. I wonder… Who is this 'Taiga'… N-Nevermind that, I'll have to sign off here."
[Footage 21 - 4/10/2019]
Scientist 1: "This is… Footage #21. Today, I'm here to conduct tests on her since we're still investigating over her personality. But, we're not sure if we can command her if it's possible. For a Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon, is her soul taking shape? I don't know… I'll have to find out myself."
*The Scientist started to sit on the chair with NeUta-13 standing and staring at him. As if she is waiting for orders.*
Scientist 1: "Alright, NeUta-13. We'll be conducting the tests today in order to check your obedience. Now, let's begin. This is a simple test. I order you to pour the cup of tea for me."
NeUta-13: "Acknowledged."
*NeUta-13 proceeds to pour the cup of tea to it's right amount as she gives it to him. Just as he did. He then drinks it.*
Scientist 1: "Mmm… Splendid taste. Good work, NeUta-13. We'll now continue with the second task."
*Two scientists then switches the tea as they give him five cards. Four has Os and One has X on it. He places the cards and flips up the five cards on the table.
Scientist 1: "Now then. You see these cards. You must go for the X and not the Os. Think of this as the memorization. Now, I'm going to flip the cards and shuffle them."
*He proceeds to shuffle the cards left to right as he took his time as NeUta-13 only stared at the cards until he stops.*
Scientist 1: "Now then… Choose wisely."
NeUta-13: "The second left…"
Scientist 1: "W-Wow that fast. Now then… I assume we can head one to the third and final test and you should be done-"
NeUta-13: "Shut up… you idiot."
Scientist 1: "E-Excuse me?"
NeUta-13: "You are only in my way… NeUta only wants Taiga… Not you…"
Scientist 1: "U-Umm… Nevermind… Maybe a another time. You there. Turn off the footage."
[Back to reality]
Just as the scientist finishes showing the footages to Yoko. He seems intrigues of the development.
Scientist 1: "So… what should we do with her? Should we scrap her?"
"No… We shouldn't. This is OUR project and WE are going to KEEP her. Is that understood?" Yoko said to them as they nodded.
Scientist 2: "Y-Yes, sir! We'll make sure to keep her. After all… Let's say she's fine."
"Yes, she will be. You two may leave. Bring Kiiro back, I want her to give her a role that will suit her." Yoko said as they did so. Which he looks at NeUta… "Now, NeUta-13… I'm sure you'll be a great weapon in hopes to exterminate Shadows."
So then, Yoko leaves the room as it ends with NeUta-13 opening her left eye slowly and looks at Yoko…
"Taiga…" NeUta-13 said faintly but cute as she goes back to sleep…
4/13/2019 Okabe Residence, Masaki City, Japan Early Morning - Rainy
Ichiro POV
"Uggh… WHOA!" I suddenly fell off the bed as I woke up. But, I yawned and looked at the window… Great, it's raining. Just as I hoped for.
"You must be having a rough sleep, don't you, my apprentice?" The voice known as Nyarlathotep spoke to me in my head as I groaned.
"You don't need to tell me twice, 'ex-outer god'." I continued. "Today's school for me and Baiken texted me that… you know, plans. Regarding about the Another World and Goto… Plus, I'm still trying to get used to my 'Persona' powers."
"Onii-chan… Are you awake? Your breakfast is ready." The voice of Ryona said to me outside of my room.
"Yeah, coming." I said to her though the door.
"Well, start eating first. And, I'll tell you more about that Another World once we head off to school. I promise.~" Nyarlathotep said to me with that sex voice of hers. God it's annoying…
4/13/2019 Wakamono, Masaki City, Japan Early Morning - Rainy
*Persona 5 OST - Beneath the Mask -rain-
Just as I finished eating my breakfast. I soon use my umbrella and a book bag with me. Plus, I'm wearing my school uniform as I continued walking down the street of the another area here in Masaki called Wakamono Ward. It's a small town area with a lot of shopping area for tourists who wants to buy. And civilians as well. I can tell there is people in school uniforms are also heading to school, which is at the Shinzou District. However, I have to listen Nyarlathotep's words about that Another World.
"Listen here, my apprentice. The Another World is an alternate world. Which can be considered as fiction of work. But, since that Another World is plagued by Shadows. Cognitions started to appear in that world. Do you know about that Shrine castle that you and that girl visited?" Nyarlathotep told me as I remember.
"Yeah, Takamaki Shine? It's somewhere in the mountains at the Hanabi District. I hear Goto said he trains there with his lackeys." I said to myself quietly so they won't hear.
"Yup, that guy who killed you. His Shadow version, that is." She mentioned about that… The golden samurai guy… He did command his other samurais to kill me. Later, I was revived by her.
"Yeah, I remember. Though… Tell me more about it." I asked her as she continues.
"Sure thing. Cognitions only appear in the Another World based on people's warped desires. Similar to the Metaverse I once experienced one year ago." Nyarlathotep said about it as I never heard of it.
"Metaverse?" I asked.
"Yup. It's completely different than the Cognitions in the Another World. Though, You're free to know why it's strange. I've been finding answers myself and resulted me to have none. Oh and… your friend is coming." Nyarlathotep said as I noticed.
"Ichiro-san." The voice of Baiken said as she was seen wearing her same clothing as I looked at her holding the umbrella. "You promised that we'll be investigating things going on about that 'Another World'? I get the feeling that we should defend ourselves if we really wish to go there… But, shit… Goto with golden eyes. I can sense that he's not the real Goto… I'm sure of that."
"You maybe right. I think… that Shrine Castle… is a cognition of someone's warped desires… Maybe Goto has a desire or something? Like taking over turfs?" I asked her as she continues to think.
"You're maybe right. That power of yours, the Persona… If I were to acquire it myself… Then, I have nothing to be afraid of. Now, let's hurry on to school so we can proceed doing things at my club." Baiken told me as I nodded.
"Right, normal life comes first. After that… Let's head to the rooftops. I think I can use that app again so it's should be a no problem." I said about it as she agrees.
"Alright, for now, let's get a move on." Baiken said as we headed out way to school.
4/13/2019 Kyuden Academy, Misaki City, Japan Morning - Clear Sky
Just as the class didn't started. I was seen sitting on the seat as I took a deep breath. I do know that Baiken is in class with me. But she's at the front at the far right. While Saburo approaches to me as he sat on his seat.
"Mornin', Ichiro-san." Saburo continued. "Anything going on?"
"Nothing much. Pretty normal as usual." I said to him as he understands.
"Right… right… Say, I hear you've been hanging out with Baiken-san yesterday. What was that about?" Saburo asked me about that question as I noticed.
"That? Umm… Well, She told me that I need to train for the Kendo tournament. But… we've encountered that guy named Goto Kusanagi." I said it's name as he starts to grit his teeth as if he remembers.
"Him? Don't tell me…" Saburo was about to say as I did so.
"Well, they took a picture of us and threatens to leak it online if we don't give up his 'turf' that would be a park where kids play." I said to him as he pounds his table lightly so he doesn't want to make any noise…
"Dammit… He got you and Baiken-tan too?" Saburo continued. "Look, I met him a few times. To be honest… he's… he's actually my former biker member. Well, he WAS a leader. I was a biker as well. We… I don't wanna talk about it..."
"Saburo-san…" I said to him as I looked at Baiken who was listening to us… These two sure get along well.
[DOOR SLIDE!]
Everyone noticed as that headed to their seats quickly as we noticed this… woman. She looks hot… but, who is she? She is a beautiful young woman with amber eyes and long blonde hair that reaches her lower back and a small ahoge begins to poke out on the top of her head. She is wearing a rimless oval glasses with a white button up coat that is lavander on the inside; I can tell from the underneath, she wears a tight black turtleneck shirt. She also wears a lavender skirt that is cut on one side so she may have ease with walking; the skirts cut is held together with three belt strap-like ornaments. Her look is finished with lavender high heels.
"W-Wow… this woman… Guys are gonna nosebleed, huh? Her breasts are quite… big not normal." Saburo talked to himself as she writes down her name on the chalkboard…
[緋鏡キイロ]
"Hello, class. I see you're all in your sets, yes?" The woman continued. "I am Kiiro Hikagami. I'll be your homeroom teacher for this year."
[CHATTER CHATTER]
Brown-haired female student: "I never heard of her… but to be honest, she's normal. What up with her personality?"
Black-haired male student: "I dunno. Maybe she'll do her own thing? Then again, she fits well for a teacher."
"Enough talking class. We'll start by taking roll calls…" Kiiro said as she suddenly looks at me while people are unnoticed… it was only for two seconds as she gets back to her usual role. Weird… "Takami Watanabe…"
Takami Watanabe: "Here!"
[MINUTES LATER…]
After the whole roll call… Kiiro finally starts off with some lecture on… sports.
"You know, I've been thinking about Volleyball… that coach I met, Kagura-kun was really in his element at the volleyball rally the other day. You kids are lucky to receive direct instruction from a known athlete like him. Sports are regarded as sacred things that invigorate people since ancient times. So much the emperor himself even participated once." Kiiro continued. "Saburo-kun. Do you know the name of the Roman emperor who participated in the Olympics?"
Saburo stood up as if he completely forgot.
"H-Huh? Umm…" Saburo couldn't think until…
"It's Nero." Kiiro said the answer as she sighs. "At least respond better to these questions. I'll let that slide."
Damn, she hit him stone cold.
"S-Sorry…" Saburo said as he sat down until…
"You there, Ichiro-kun. You don't seem to be into sports." Kiiro said my name as I noticed and looked at her. "What event did Emperor Nero add to the Olympics so that he could participate?"
That answer… as if I can remember from the history books when I attended Shujin… I think I know the answer…
"Singing, right?" I said the answer as she started to smile.
"Correct!~" Kiiro continued. "Hmm. It seems you've study after all. Apparently Nero was tone deaf, but ended up winning. The Emperor held absolute power, after all. Because of these kinds of selfish actions-not to mention a lecherous side-he became known as a despot."
[MURMUR MURMUR…]
Black-haired female student: "He actually knew that!?"
Brown-haired female student: "Maybe if I can ask him if I borrow his notes…"
"Hmph. You seem to be smart to answer, my apprentice. Keep that in mind that you still need to improve more." Nyarlathotep said in my head as I kept my cool.
"You can say that right." I silently said to myself to reply. It felt like I'm slowly improving…
[POINT UP!]
-Knowledge (Oblivious): 1-
Courage (Milquetoast): 1
Proficiency (Bumbling): 1
Expression (Rough): 1
Charm (Existent): 1
[Ichiro's -Knowledge- has improved!]
"That said, recently people have begun reevaluating Nero's reign. Regardless though, he was lacking sportsmanship. He should have taken page out of Kagura-kun's book! Hahaha!" Kiiro laughed a bit as if I remained normal as time passes by.
-[Kyuden Academy / After School - Cloudy]-
[Weeks left until pics leaked: 2]
*Persona 5 OST- Tokyo Daylight
"Okay, Ichiro-san." Baiken continued. "It's finally time to set the plan in motion. We musn't rush if we're going to do this but… As much as I hate Goto for attempting to embarrass us. I'll make sure he'll go to Hell for sure… Anyways, see you on the rooftops. Take as much time as you need, I'll leave the planning to you." So, she left as if my mind is telling me to do so to spend time as I needed.
[TUTORIAL - Cognition Deadline]
[Now, Ichiro can spend time freely after school. Try to take down the target and it's Cognition Dungeon by the -deadline-. If he cannot execute the plan by the deadline, then it will lead to a -failure-. So it's best to keep vigilant and be aware of the time remaining. Cognition Dungeons contain many strong enemies. Consult with your ally and make use of the various -facilities of the city- to ensure a successful break-in.]
I feel like some random nonsense is giving me tips... well, I guess I should hurry on then.
[MISSION START!]
"Hey, I heard you talking to her. I assume she's having a rough day about Goto?" Saburo asked me.
"Yeah. I guess so. Though, I kinda feel prepared to do something but… I'm… going to the roof to talk with her." I said to him as I was about to leave until…
"Take me with you!" Saburo continued as he bows. "There is something I need to talk to Baiken-tan about something regarding me and Goto! Yet… I wanted revenge. You wanted it, too. Right? Then take me with you!"
"Hmm… Fine. You better explain to her… everything you know about you and Goto." I said to him as he sighs in relief.
"Thanks, man. Let's hope that we three will do this together." Saburo felt some confidence as I nodded. Now… we headed our way to the rooftops in order for us to prepare. Plus… He's not aware of the phone thing after all.
-[Rooftops / After School - Cloudy]-
Just as we're at the rooftops. Saburo had to explain everything to Baiken regarding about him and Goto for a minute. After that, Baiken seemed to believe him that he is an ex-biker. And now, I have to make the discussion now.
"Remember guys, the deadline is April 26 since it's two weeks." I said the deadline as Baiken thinks.
"Right. All we need is to do is get in to that shrine castle and defeat Goto." Baiken said as Saburo talks in.
"So… are we basically… going to kill him?" Saburo said as he sighed.
"Yes… but in a different method… by traveling to a different world where Goto's other self resides there." I explained to him as he doesn't get it.
"Other self?" Saburo said as I bought out the phone to show the blue app on the home screen.
"I use this. This… Velvet App as it's name. I think Baiken has it after I used it yesterday." I said as Baiken looked at his phone that she got one and shows it to me. "Oh… wow."
"Anyways… try using it. I'll still follow you." Saburo asked us as me and Baiken looked at each other and nodded.
"Alright. Just don't freak out on us." I said to him as I tapped on the app as the destination is still there. So then. I tapped it as the environment starts to turn grey as time stops around us as Saburo and Baiken isn't affected. Then… the blue door appears as it slides open. Much to Saburo's amazement. We headed inside through the door as it took us to the Velvet Station where the train is still there.
[Velvet Station / After School - Cloudy]
*Persona 5 OST- Aria of the Soul
"W-Wow… this is amazing…" Saburo said in awe as he looked around of this place in resemblance of a japanese subway.
"Like it? Then, you'll meet her." I said as I looked at Lavenza who waited for us.
"Welcome back, Ichiro." Lavenza bowed as Saburo looked at her. "I assume he is an another friend of yours?"
"Yeah. He wants to come with us so… can you take us to Takamaki Shrine?" I asked her as she bows.
"Very well, please come aboard. Also, my Master would like a another word with you." Lavenza said to me as I start to understand. Seems Igor needs me that is something important.
"Alright then. Please take me to him." I said to her as she nods as we boarded on the train. Just as so… it takes off as we headed into the another world…
-[Velvet Room]-
*Persona 5 OST - Aria of the Soul
As I am in the Velvet Room in this train. I was seen sitting down on the chair, looking at Igor.
"We have been expecting you." Igor continued. "It seems like you've taken action to prevent such catastrophe, but your lives has taken you… But you have nothing to fear. You already have the power to fight against it. It seems it's time for you to use your Persona has come..." He starts to chuckle.
"I see…" I nodded as Lavenza asked me.
"Your Persona ability is that of the wild card." Lavenza continued. "If you strengthen your bonds properly, their power will help you overcome any ordeal. Our role is to facilitate that."
"My contribution… is to give birth to new Personas." Igor kept on talking about… Personas giving birth? I gotta listen. "By mixing together multiple Persona cards, I can transmute them into a new form… This, in other words, is the fusion of Personas. You have the power to hold multiple Personas and to use them accordingly. When you confront an enemy, the seeds of possibility you attain will appear before you as cards. At times, they may be hard to grasp… but you must master your fear and reach out to them. If you have been developing your Social Links, then your Persona will gain even more power… They will be one of your chief resources of strength… You would do well to this heart."
I start to recall about the Social Links with Baiken and Nyarlathotep… Though, they're the start for me, afterall. But, I can get stronger by doing just Social Links? Noted. Then, Igor looked look at Lavenza as they both nodded and looked at me.
"The tome you see on my hand is the Persona Compendium. Registering the Personas you hold will allow you to recall them at any time. Please see me when you wish to use it." Lavenza showed me the book that says 'Le Compendium' on the front book. But… look huge to carry with that arm on yours. Then, Igor chuckled.
"Do you recall my words to you before?" Igor continued. "The coming year is a turning point in your destiny… If the mystery goes unsolved, your future may be forever lost. I meant precisely what I said. Defeat in battle is not the only way your journey may come to an end… Please do not forget this. Remember, when the next time we meet, you will come here of your own free will in the real world." He chuckled. "I look forward to it."
[WRYYYYYYYY!]
The sound of the train stops as if we've arrived the destination.
"Until then… farewell." Igor said as I stood up and nodded. I turned around and left as Lavenza followed me.
4/13/1945 Takamaki Shrine, Masaki City, Japan After School - Cloudy
*Persona 5 OST- King, Queen and Slave
"Whooooa…" Saburo was astonished as he looks at the Takami Shrine viewed as the castle, Baiken still remembers about it yesterday. But, I was seen looking at this dead military police person on the ground as it left a gun… I think I know this pistol… I'll take this. I'm sorry if you can't live, officer.
[WEAPON GET! - Type 14 Nambu]
What's strange… I have no tattoo's on me… What's going on…
"Oh, I forgot to say thing to you. Since I revived you as my 'Godslayer'. Your so called 'tattoos' won't appear unless you use my ability such as… you know, mind controlling.~ Or rather… interrogating your enemies such as Shadows. Again, your interrogation isn't strong enough, so you're stuck with the basic in you you find a way to improve. Now then, If you want to ask me, just say me name for help." Nyarlathotep said as I sighed.
"This is where Goto will be waiting for us. Plus, the train will stay there. And Lavenza is standing there behind us. I wonder if she's going to help us…" Baiken said as she thinks.
"Apparently, she can't. She said she will be waiting for us once we head inside the castle. Anyways, Lavenza, wish us luck. We'll promise that we'll return back safely." I said to her with a wave as she nods and smiles.
"Then, I wish you good luck." Lavenza said to us as we entered inside the castle's main entrance.
[Dungeon Location- Foyer, Takamaki Shrine, Goto's Cognition]
We've started to enter to the foyer as no one was there… Strange. Last time I remember… the giant samurai guards stopped us from entering through beyond this point.
"Damn… so much gold here. Gold Chandeliers, Gold Stairs, Gold Picture Frames, what the hell is this bullshit. Is Goto freakin' rich? Or rather… his parents!?" Saburo said as Baiken slapped him.
"Quiet down!" Baiken hissed silently as she drew out her katana to defend herself. "The only objective is to take down Goto for justice. We have both reasons in common of why we hated Goto of such crimes he did. Using everything as his power…"
[CLACK! CLACK! CLACK!]
"Quick, At the left, hide quickly!" Baiken told us as we did so when we ran in this large space of a foyer. But, there are many doors about four of them. However, he have to hide and merge with the walls to prevent our bodies to be seen as I peaked out to see Goto and his army of samurais lining up with Goto on the top of the foyer…
Shadow Goto: "Okay, samurais. You know what to do. Today's your patrol and you better work your ass off because I'm lazy as hell. First, don't come to me and alert me in my room. Second, do not knock. Third, do not report anything to me. Because why? I'm busy, of course! And lastly, if you break one of them. I'll have kill you if you do that. But instead, talk to each other if you detect any intruders. Again, do what you want. If you see an intruder, kill them on sight. Is that understood?"
"All hail Goto-sama! All hail Goto-sama!" The samurais cheered for him as Shadow Goto yawned.
Shadow Goto: "If you excuse me, I'm heading back into my room and jerk off into some weird shit."
Then minutes later… all of the samurais scattered around as one of them is coming towards us.
"Quick! In there!" Baiken quietly said as we opened the door and got in and closed it as we heard the steps passing by us.
*Persona 5 OST - Have a Short Rest
Just as we got in… we find ourselves to be safe in here. But, this room keeps rippling and switching back from the reality to the cognition… is this…
"What the…" Saburo looked around. "What's up with this room… This is giving me the trips…"
"Hmm… I get it…" Baiken said as she continues. "It seems this room is weak. Despite the cognition, We're inside of a room inside the shrine that isn't touched. So that's why they left this room unchecked. I suggest we should rest up and discuss the plan."
"Right. But… I still don't get it…" Saburo said as he places down a big duffle bag on the table. "A Shrine as a castle… we're being hunted, and Goto is damn king."
"Again, that's HIS desires. If we defeat him, I assume this castle will disappear." Baiken thinks about it as Saburo noticed.
"Oh, right! I forgot to give you this. Ichiro-san. Here's your weapon. I kinda stole it from my dad. He used to golf but not anymore." Saburo opens his bag and grabs out a gold club and give it to me. "I know it's strong to hurt people with it. But samurais? I'm not sure, but that's all I can give you. I even have a baseball bat for me as well."
[WEAPON GET!- Golf Club]
"I see, where did you get it?" Baiken asked him as he chuckles.
"I bought these when school was over. I had to be quick, though." Saburo said as Baiken nods and stood up.
"Alright then, let's get going." Baiken said as I nodded. "Oh, Ichiro-san. I'll let you lead since you have that power"
"Thanks. Time for us to find Goto…" I said to myself as we headed out to the door.
*Persona 5 OST- King, Queen and Slave
Just as we headed out from the door… or a Safe Room. We come across to see a distracted Samurai guard starting at the wall…
Samurai Guard: "Man… what's with Goto-sama acting like that… No matter, I shall carry on my duty as long Goto-sama is pleased of what I'm doing."
"Hey, Ichiro-san… He's distracted. We have a chance to run or… fight him? I'm kinda afraid to take him on. Again, it's your choice." Saburo said to me as I stood on the floor in front of a distracted guard.
"Don't worry… I got it…" I said quietly as I sneaked up slowly to the guard… Then, I use my golf club to trip his legs as he fell face first… "Die!"
[TWACK!]
I smacked the samurai's head as it was blown open. Geez, that gold club did some damage to this sucker. Wait… the body's moving! I stood a step back as the body starts to spaz out as it starts to have a extreme seizure as the arms and legs starts to get disjointed like crazy while spazzing until the body of a samurai melts into a goop until it forms into a living black slime with a blue mask. But, that thing… so these are called Shadows. But, that Shadow has eight limbs of arms equipped with silver blades on them.
*Copter4016882- Rising Core (Battle Theme)
"G-Guh! H-He turned into some dangerous slime in some Dragon Quest games! Umm… Which one is it again… Doesn't matter!" Saburo becomes afraid as he held his bat ready.
Shadow: "Damn… you caught me off guard?! I'll make sure that I'll kill you first!"
"Looks like we have no choice but to fight…" Baiken said as she drew her sword ready as I held my golf club ready…
"Yeah… Let's do this…" I said to the two as they nodded. We then started running towards to the Shadow as we dodged the incoming attacked as I dodged by jumping over it as I swung my golf club by surprise as it hit the head.
"My turn!" Saburo said as he swung his bat and blast the black goo out of the shadow.
"Stop fooling around!" Baiken exclaimed as she starts to swing her sword quickly as she blocks the blade's attacks with her katana as she parries and quickly slashes all seven limbs as they start spazzing crazy until they melted.
Shadow: "Shit! At least I have one arm left that is good enough to kill you!"
Just as I was about to run towards the Shadow, he swung his blade towards me as I blocked it with my club as I parried it away. Damn… he is strong…
Shadow: "Screw that… I guess I'll have to blow you away!"
[FWOOSH!]
"AGGGH- OOF!" Saburo was blown against to the wall as I noticed.
"Saburo! Damn you… Die already, you piece of shit!" Baiken exclaimed as she swung her sword until the Shadow uses wind to blow her away again as she was still standing. Plus she looks angry. How come a shadow can use a wind… Magic? I don't know. Then… I have no choice… I lend out my hand as the blue card appears as Saburo tries to get up…
"W-What the… Ichiro-san?" Saburo noticed me as I smiled.
"Persona!" I yelled as I crushed the card as it summons my Person behind me… Susano… "Zio!"
My Persona obeys as he raised his sword up high as it called lightning to zap upon a shadow as I damaged him.
Shadow: "ABABABABABA! O-OWW! That shocks, man! Do you think this shits funny to you? I'll kill you, too!"
[FWOOSH!]
"Agh!" I felt a slight damage as I was still standing. "We'll see about that!"
I grabbed out my gun as I took aim and fired at the shadow as the bullet hits it as it left a hole on it's body but covers it up.
Shadow: "The hell!? Why would you even shoot me with that puny gun of yours!?"
"I dunno. I thought this can hurt you." I said to the shadow as it becomes more angry.
Shadow: "Of course it does! What does it feel like to you!?"
"U-Umm… Okay? Change of plans." I took a deep breath as my Persona disappears. My Tattoo starts to slowly appear around my body as I used my right hand to use her powers that she reminded me. But, I'm going to say this seriously… "Lend me your power…"
*Persona 5 OST- Talk
The Shadow starts to become mind controlled but not really as if I'm interrogating it.
Shadow: "T-Tch… if that's what you wish.. Wait… I feel different… I remember now! I'm no shadow!"
The Shadow starts to glow into a blue light as it reveals into a glowing card with a picture on it…
?: "That's right… I'm no Shadow… I don't belong to Goto-sama. I just seem to remember now… I'm an existence that drifts about in the sea of humanity's souls… My real name… is [Pixie]!" I'm Pixie! From now on, I'll live on inside your heart!"
As the card known as Pixie said as I flies into my heart as I felt a sensation… as if I have something remembered in my mind as the tattoo disappears from my body. So… this is what Igor mentioned about a wild card, huh? This is a nice ability for me to use.
[Gained a -Pixie- Card]
"W-What the… what on earth just happened by now… Did that Shadow turned into a Card… and went inside you? How is that possible… What kind of abilities did you have. Aside from your Persona." Baiken said as Saburo was surprised.
"What the hell a that about… Did that Shadow turned into some card and went inside him…" Saburo said as Baiken nods.
"To be honest, I have no idea of why he can do that. But… I can tell this will be an great advantage." Baiken agreed as I nodded with a smile as I held my gold club and put my pistol away.
"Right. Now then, let's get an move on. We need to find Goto's room and confront him. That's the only priority." I said to them as they both nodded as we walked outside of the hallway and headed upstairs where he is above us.
"Oooh.~ Taking down Goto-sama, are we?" The voice of Pixie in my head spoke as she sounds excited. "Now then, I'll do my best to help you whenever you need me.~"
I guess she can talk to me after all. But, I still need to get going.
[Dungeon Location- Dungeon, Takamaki Shrine, Goto's Cognition]
Just as we were running down the dungeon area… because we had to explore. We ran across the bridge as we entered to some area of what appears to be jail cells. We stopped for a moment looked at the bodies…
"Jesus…H-He's dead…" Saburo said a word as Baiken lowered her head in sigh.
"Goto… you sick bastard…" Baiken gritted her teeth as I stared at it… He is dead under a puddle of blood.
Prisoner 1: "It's no use… He's gonna kill us… It's too late… We're all gonna be executed!"
Prisoner 2: "Just why… Why… I didn't do anything wrong…"
Prisoner 3: "This cannot continue… This cannot continue… This cannot continue…"
"I… I kinda feel sad for them. But, this is pretty much crazy I've ever seen when we visited this dungeon… Again, Baiken… should we free them?" I asked her as Baiken shook her head…
"I think not. This gives me the feeling about this place… the cognition itself. These people… aren't real. As if these people are the cognition to Goto himself. I can tell this must be his vision…" Baiken said as Saburo thinks…
"Hey… If they're prisoners… aren't they… ex-bikers? Like me? I can tell that they must have been through some shit. A-Anyways, we've got to keep moving. I feel uneasy coming here…" Saburo becomes rather worried as I pretty much understand him. This is not safe for us to continue. If we ever come crossing to that torture room, then I'm avoiding it.
"Okay then. Let's get out of there. I think Goto isn't in there if he's busy doing something so, I guess we've gotta go up. Let's not get caught this time before-" Just as my voice was cut… We heard a voice hissing at us trying to get out attention.
"Psst… Hey you! Over there! Can ya help me and get outta here?" The voice with a accent spoke as we noticed and ran to a jail cell next to a dead person's cell… Much to our surprise.
"W-What the hell!? A robot!?" Saburo was shocked to look at her…
Amazing… this… mechanical maiden with pale skin, blueish grey hair ponytail, piercing red eyes, and a white body on her chest. It's a complete mechanical body! But, her head piece which resembles to a medieval helmet. Plus, there is that large battle axe on her back… What is she…
"Of course I am! Now, are you gonna get out outta here or what? I've been stuck here today, y'know?" The mechanical maiden glared at Saburo as he feels unsure.
"Oi… Ichiro-san… should we let her out? She has that… blade things on her back. Can't she just destroy that jail cell?" Saburo said to me as she talks in.
"I can't. If I did, the guards will hear if I destroy it and find me if I escaped." The maiden said to us as I think about it…
"Sure, I'll free you. But… does anyone has a lockpick?" I asked two of them as Baiken raises her hand a bit.
"I do. Just stand back and let me handle this." Baiken told us as we looked at her doing her own thing… Since when she can do that…
[CLICK… CLICK… CLACK!]
"Got it!" Baiken then finishes it up as she opens the door with no problem. Maybe I gotta learn to do that.
"Phew… Free as a bird, I thank you, lady for freeing me out of this cell." The maiden continued. "Though, that golden armored bastard treated me like a toy and threw me in a cell… What a sick person he is…"
"I feel sorry for you." I replied to her as she shook her head.
"It's alright, I can get through it. Oh yeah! Where are my manners. My name is Labrys. A 5th Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon." The maiden known as Labrys introduced herself as Saburo starts to think that he knows about it.
"W-Wait… Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon? Isn't it that from Kirijo Labs?" Saburo exclaimed as if he was aware of it.
"Hmm? You know about them like me?" Labrys said as Saburo keeps his cool and nods.
"Yeah. We have Kirijo Labs in Masaki City. Well… it's a branch at least to say. But, I do heard they are making Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapons there. But the labs are denying to comment after the rumors sparked up on Twatter. Though, I'm curious to see it for myself." Saburo starts thinking about it…
Samurai's Voice: "The watch post near the dungeon has ceased reporting! Chances of intruder activity are extremely high! All personnel, increase security measures!"
"That's good to know. But we don't have much time so follow me!" Labrys said as she started running.
"Well, the talk will come later. But, I still wanna know why." Saburo said as we ran.
"Same. Why would an Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon be here in the Another World?" Baiken becomes curious about it as much as I am.
[Dungeon Location- Foyer, Takamaki Shrine, Goto's Cognition]
"This way, c'mon!" Labrys said as he kept running as we made it to the foyer until… "Damn! We're too late!"
[STEP! STEP! STEP!]
*Persona 5 OST- Blood of Villain
Shadow Goto: "I'll let this side, morons. But, who the hell freed my sex toy… oh… it's you…"
"Tch… You're going to regret that for playing with me…" Labrys said as she detaches her blades form her back as it formed into a large battle axe as I mentioned earlier… pretty deadly, isn't it?
Shadow Goto: "No matter. You're pretty useless by any means. And I never expect to see this bewildering encounter of my former member… Isn't that right, Saburo-kun?"
"Hey… Acting friendly isn't going nowhere. You've dropped me out of your biker crew just because you tried to rise into power, you dumb-looking Goto!" Saburo retorted back at him as he sighs.
Shadow Goto: "To think the same thing over again, you're hopeless. My golden samurai here is loyal to me. While the other two moronics samurais are free to follow me whenever that want. Again, I'm no longer a biker anymore. I am a master swordsman, I do as I please."
"I don't care who you are, you're goin' down!" Labrys taunted at him as he seems to don't care.
Shadow Goto: "Hmph. It seems it's true they say 'barking dogs seldom bite.', Saburo-kun. And how you never listened to my orders involving a delinquent german bitch who needs to be killed. Yet, so much you've fallen."
"The hell you gettin' at!?" Saburo becomes more angered of what he said… is what Shadow Goto saying is true?
Shadow Goto: "I speak of a 'Treacherous Biker' who kept his composure, acting all violent, taking my member's ranks one by one. Oh, the joy… I can imagine you seeing all crying to your mommy and daddy, whining over getting beaten to a pulp."
"Ngh…" Saburo becomes concerned after Shadow Goto is spilling the beans like backstabbing.
"Treacherous Biker…?" I said to myself as a voice spoke to me in my head.
"My my~, that must have hit hard for him. I can't wait how this goes.~" Nyarlathotep said in a curious tone in my head as I continued to watch.
Shadow Goto: "What a surprise. So you're accompanying him without knowing him at all? He beated up my members one by one. Starting from the rooks to the lieutenants. I gave him the rank he wanted, I give him exclusive orders, And then he threw it all away like it's absolute trash over a single 'woman', I even later kicked him out and disbanded the biker group."
"T-That's not true! Stop, dammit!" Saburo started to feel pain in his heart as the salt rubs into his wounds.
Shadow Goto: "You've come along with this fool and now you're just going to be end up dead… how unlucky of you."
Then, Shadow Goto turns around and gives his samurai's orders…
Shadow Goto: "Go… kill them all. Don't leave anyone alive nor sully my castle with dung piles. I'll be watching…"
*Persona 5 OST- Keeper of Lust
The golden samurai commanded the two other samurais until they forcefully morphed into Shadows… but taking form of an armoured samurai with a blue mask on it. Same goes for that one.
"Goddammit…" Saburo is rather little ticked as he clenches his fists.
"Hey, you there…" Labrys looks at me. "You got a name?"
"It's Ichiro Okabe." I said to her as she nods.
"Okay, Ichiro-kun. If you know how to fight. Let's do it then!" Labrys said to me as we both get into battle. Baiken has to protect Saburo just in case.
"But… do you have a Persona?" I asked her as she looked at me while holding her axe.
"Yeah, I do. Watch…" Labrys then places her left hand to her chest as she concentrates… "Come… Ariadne!"
[FWOOOOOOSH!]
A figure was summoned as the body of a mechanical body appears. It has the same hair color like Labrys and the hair is longer, though… it looks pretty…
Samurai: "I'll kill you! I'll kill you 'cause Goto-sama told us! I'll kill 'cause that's what he wants!"
"Ha!" Labrys commanded her Persona as Ariadne starts to create red lines of weaves as it formed a circling gear of blades as it slashed one of the shadows… but, two more shadows arrives as they surround us…
"We're surrounded…" I said to myself as I summoned my Persona, Susano to clear the way. "Attack!"
[SLASH!]
My Persona slashed the samurais very easily as it clear the way… but the shadows kept appearing again to surround us more.
"There's more of them? This is bad…" Labrys knew at this moment that we knew… we made a mistake…
[TWACK!]
"AGGGH!" We both got knocked down as we both fell on the floor…
Just after that… Shadow Goto places his right foot onto Labrys' back and a golden samurai soldier stepped on my back, too… Shit… this sucks…
"Since you're gonna die. I can just revive you again just in case.~ For now, I rather see what happens." Nyarlathotep said in my head as I looked at Baiken and Saburo… still standing there to watch…
"Ichiro-san! Labrys-san!" Baiken yelled our names as the situation becomes tense.
"Damn you… you piece of-" Labrys' sentence was cut as Shadow Goto talks in.
*Persona 5 OST- Blood of Villain
Shadow Goto: "I bet you simply came here on a whim and ended up like this, isn't that right?"
Saburo kneels on the floor as he was about to feel despair.
"No!" Saburo shook his head as I watched.
Shadow Goto: "What a worthless piece of shit, getting to emotional so quickly… I'm surprised that you still never changed. The last time I remember that you were happy to be part of our crew. And now, it seems I've made a wrong choice of recruiting you, after all."
"It wasn't my happiness… It's how cold you are! You just didn't care about me except others you've trusted!" Saburo pounds his fist to the ground as Baiken watched.
Shadow Goto: "It was nothing of much of how annoying you are. Claiming you're better than anyone, trying to surpass me and getting ahold to yourself. The only one who achieves perfection is me! That one person you outranked him was a rookie. He was too scared to help you and left like a coward… I was concerned of you that you've always loves to ride. So I settled it by calling on my members to break your left leg, your so-called 'career', and your precious bike."
"W-What?" Saburo noticed and looked at him.
"I-Is that really true…?" Baiken talked in as she was shocked, too.
Shadow Goto: "Do you plan to call the cops on me? Then again, I can lie whenever I want and get away with it. They'll call it a false report, anyways. I can slander and spout lies whenever I want to break their spirits. That'll make them feel better."
"Shit… Am I going to lose again…?" Saburo puts himself at risk as he gritted his teeth. "Not only I lost everything I had… my bike… my left leg… everything 'cause of this asshole…"
"So that's why…" Labrys looked at him as Saburo slowly falls into despair while Labrys gets pushed a little hard as she feels pain.
*Persona 5 OST- Regret
Shadow Goto: "Once these two are dealt with. You're next. You as well, Baiken… Man… you still never change. I even heard about your family know for generations. Too bad they just can't take things seriously. And now, they've lost the sense in trust in you because of how you act. How much honor can you reclaim, huh? Hahahaha..."
"Tch… It maybe my fault… But, I'll gladly accept my fate!" Baiken starts to regret it because of this situation… I have to do something… Get their attention to stand up for themselves…
"Dammit, Saburo-san! Baiken-san! Stand up for yourselves!" I exclaimed at them as the two noticed and remembered…
"...You're right…" Saburo said as he stood up…
"Just what was I thinking…" Baiken said as she shook her head. "Not only that…"
"Everything that I had was shattered, taken away from him… I'll never get them back…!" Saburo said as he looks at his hands and tightens his grip.
"And the faults I've made because of my behavior… I cannot accept that…" Baiken said as she puts her sword on her hips as she tightens her hands.
Shadow Goto: "Stay there and watch. Look on as these hopeless scum die for nothing and vanish from the face of their existence because they sided with shitheads like you."
"No… that's who you are…" Saburo glared at the golden armored emperor.
"All you think about is abusing your luck… You're the real scumbag, Goto!" Baiken exclaimed as if the two spoke together as they walked towards him…
Shadow Goto: "What are you doing? Silence him!"
Then, Saburo and Baiken then stops and points at him.
Saburo/Baiken: "Stop looking down on me with that shit-looking smile on your goddamned face!"
Third Person POV
*Persona 5 OST- Awakening
Male Voice: "Finally, kid… You've made me waited far too long…"
Female Voice: "And now, you've gained our trust to fight for your own will…"
[BA-THUMP!]
Saburo and Baiken's eyes turned golden as they felt the pain in their head as Saburo lied on the floor while Baiken was kneeling on the floor as the pain continues on…
Male Voice: "It seems you wanted power, a power that far much stronger than a mere mortal?"
Female Voice: "And a power to defend your precious honor you once sought? Very well…"
Male & Female Voice: "Let us form a pact…"
"A-AGGGGGGHHHH!" Saburo and Baiken screamed from the top of the lungs as they felt excruciating pain in their head.
Male Voice: "Since you've lost everything and given up to start over again. Why not wreck havoc and upbring the chaos."
Female Voice: "And the sympathy you've lost. Let us continue forward into a the rising sun we've must protect."
Male & Female Voice: "I am Thou... Thou art I..."
Male Voice: "The 'other you' who exist within desires thus…"
Female Voice: "There is no turning back. This is the path you've chosen…"
Male & Female Voice: "The power of your rebellion shall bring destruction henceforth!/The honor you've looking to seek shall lead you into the sun!"
"RAAAAAAAAH!" Saburo and Baiken regains their respective eye color but glowing a blue aura around themselves.
Golden Samurai Soldier: "Hmph. What can you do? Cower in fear and watch!"
Just for the golden samurai is about to kill them with his sword raised up high… Saburo and Baiken stood up as they lends out their hand as their respective cards appear…
"Come… PERSONA!" Saburo punched the card while Baiken slashed the card with her iaido as they were engulfed into blue flames…
[FWOOOOSH!]
The golden samurai was blown away as well as Shadow Goto as he watched…
Just as the light dies down… it starts to reveal itself for Saburo's initial persona… It has taken form of a light blue/white motorcycle but it was replaced with a fur… a body of a wolf with the head on the front while it's legs are attached to hold the wheels while it's legs has broken shackles with chains blown by the wind. But the chains tied around it's back resembles an motorcycle seat as Saburo was on it… the tail was swaying by the wind after it's summoning. But the head of a wolf growled and starts to howl with a roar as Saburo held its horn as a handle as he looks at it…
Shadow Goto: "Shit… These two as well!?"
"Hell yeah… wassup, Persona… this freakin' rocks!" Saburo looked around of his Persona as it growls in response as it understands him.
Next was Baiken's whose Persona appearance of a beautiful female samurai donning an elegant samurai armor with no helmet as she wielded a long, slightly curved, fiery blade shining like a light. Her hair was long to touch the ground and her eyes are closed as the wind was swaying her hair…
"So… this is what it's called… Persona…" Baiken looked at her Persona as it held her sword ready. Then, Ichiro and Labrys got up and looked at them.
"Now I've got this power, It's time to make some payback…." Saburo smiles as he revs the throttle.
"Prepare yourself… Goto Kusanagi… I shall erase you!" Baiken then unsheathed her katana and held it in her hands for preparation.
"Let's kick some ass… Take 'em for a spin, Fenrir!" Saburo commanded his Persona, Fenrir as it howls.
"Burn then away, Amaterasu!" Baiken points her sword at the enemy as Amaterasu swung her sword ready as the wind blows…
Golden Samurai Soldier: "Ngh… Don't mock me, you knaves!"
The golden samurai starts to melt and dissolve until the ground rumble… finishing off with a new, evolved form… a red armored knight with a spear on a horse as it starts to neigh…
Ichiro POV
"It evolved… no matter." I said to myself as we grouped up. "Everyone… Let's take that thing down!"
[Sub-Boss Battle: Eligor]
*Persona 5 OST- Will Power
Eligor: "What troublemakers that bother Goto-sama with trifle matters!"
"Heh. Goto's cognition ain't changin', right? Then, I'll keep being a troublemaker as I am!" Saburo said as he smiles as I looked at the evolved shadow.
"No time to mess around. Let's kill this thing and call it a day!" I said to the three as they nodded. Then suddenly, the red knight summoned two evolved shadows of black horned horses.
"Heh… Leave it to me… Fenrir! Frei!" Saburo commanded his Persona as it howls and drifts around the circle as the blue light of particle drops on the right black horned horses and explodes on impact, instantly killing it.
"Amaterasu! Agi and Cleave!" Baiken commander her Personas as she dashed and casted a explosion of fire to damaged the left horned horse and instantly killing it with a slash.
"Watch out!" Labrys warned us as we split up to prevent the incoming downward attack as it destroyed the ground as me and Labrys were in the air, Saburo riding on his Persona via the walls, and Baiken's Persona carrying her.
"Damn… he's tough, isn't he?" I asked her.
"It can be. But, we need to defeat it fast." Labrys said as she switched her axe and puts it on her back as the thrusters from the axe as she starts to hover.
"Okay. Can you do it? Got anything to surprise me?" I asked her as she nods with a smile.
"Yeah, I do." Labrys replies as she summons her Persona. "Ariadne, Beast Weaver!"
Ariadne starts to create read lines of weaves behind the red knight as the weaves takes form of a horned beast as it quickly charges through and gravely wounds the evolved shadow in one go…
"My turn! Susano, Zio!" I summoned my Persona as Susano raised its sword high as it zaps the red knight as it can't go further as we landed while Saburo finished riding on walls.
Eligor: "I am… a loyal subject… of the glorious Goto-sama… So why... have I lost…!?"
"It just proves that Goto isn't something special." Saburo grinned as he pets his Persona.
"True… But, we shall rob everything away from him." Baiken said as she brandishes her blade.
"And now… Join me…" I leaned out my hand to use Nyarlathotep's ability again as tattoos on my body appears around me. "Now… remember who you are!"
"W-What on earth- Wait a moment… I remember now… I am not Goto-sama's Guard Captain… I am [Eligor]. From now on, I am thou… thou art I…" The red knight on a horse known as Eligor turns into a card as It sent inside my heart as I felt it…
[Gained a -Eligor- Card]
"W-What the… the Wild Card… is this what Yu-kun has?" Labrys said to herself as she think as Saburo and Baiken deactivated their Personas as Shadow Goto was left in fear…
Shadow Goto: "Tch… Don't think it's over yet… I'll get you next time… You're free come in to my castle… my soldiers will do their best to stop you easily. Heheh…"
Shadow Goto starts to run away upstairs as I sighed… it's over… for now…
"Then again, I'm surprised you two have the potential." I said to them as Saburo chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Heheh. Yeah, it's all thank to you, Ichiro-san. You helped us finds our resolve. Now, we have the power to fight them back. I'm putting my trust into you, leader!" Saburo smiles as he points at me.
"Me? Leader? U-Um… I'm kinda not sure about it…" I said as I was shy about it.
"You were the one to have that power first, Ichiro-san. So that should make you into a leader." Baiken said to me… Right. I was the only one to gain that power. All thanks to Nyarlathotep.
"Right… Well, guys. I'll do my best as the leader. Since we have Labrys-san now, we have the power to push forward. But for now… We have to call it a day. Also, Labrys-san. I think you haven't met my friends yet. So… I guess I can let you introduce to them. But, you need to explain to me. How did you get into the Another World, anyways?" I asked her about it as she completely forgot about it.
"Huh? Oh, right. I forgot about that. I can explain once we head back to the real world, 'kay?" Labrys said to me as I nodded. So, we then headed out of the castle and left…
4/13/1945 Velvet Train After School - Cloudy
*Persona 5 OST- Have a Short Rest
So… we're once back in the train again that'll take us back to the real world. I talked Lavenza about Labrys. Though, she seems to welcome her nicely. Baiken and Saburo introduced herself to her in hopes to becomes friends with a Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon. After that, she is ready to explain.
"Well… It all started when I was sent by Mitsuru-san to investigate the shadow readings in Masaki City based on the rumors of the 'Mental Shutdown'. Suddenly, a strange software was installed on me and suddenly, I was sent to the castle and met that Goto guy… He is a shadow but… That's how I got captured. Until you rescued me." Labrys explained to us as we all pretty much understand.
"Damn. Though… I hear you can do the rocket punch thing, right? Can you show me?" Saburo asked her as she sighs.
"If you say so, it's gonna hurt." Labrys decided to do it as she lets out an right arm as it fires a punch towards Saburo as it punched him. But, the arm has a chain connected to her. Then, the arm attached back and looked at him…
"O-Ow… Okay… that is too strong…" Saburo said as he rest on the couch as we all laughed.
"That must have hurt." Nyarlathotep said in my head as I didn't say anything.
"You seem to gather a lively crew, Ichiro." Lavenza said to me with a smile.
"Heheh. Yeah. Besides, there's four of us now. With that, we can push further than ever before. I'm glad Saburo-san and Baiken-san can use a Persona now. Though, I'm surprised that Labrys can use it as well. Oh yeah, Lavenza. Can I have a permission to enter in the Velvet Room? I have business as well." I said to her as she nods.
"Very well, please follow me." Lavenza said as the door opens as I went in as she follows me as the door closes while the three are getting to know each other.
[Velvet Room]
*Persona 5 OST- Aria of the Soul
"Ahh, Welcome to the Velvet Room. How can I help?" Igor welcomed me as I took a deep breath.
"Yeah… Lavenza, I would like to register two of my acquired personas, Pixie and Eligor." I said to her as she nods.
"Very well, I shall register them." Lavenza then proceeds to open her book as she uses her feather to write down the names as my mind felt a sensation for a moment… Just as that, she closes her book and smiles at me. "The two Personas are now registered to my Compendium. Is there anything else?"
"Oh no. That's about it. I'll think about fusion later so… I need to check on my friends right now. Later, Igor." I said to him as she takes me out of the room. Somehow, I'm basically improving.
Which is… I'm appointed as the team leader. And the days of liberating the Another World has begun…
[CRACK!]
Thou art I… And I am thou…
Thou hast established a new bond…
It brings thee closer to the truth…
Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the [Fool] Arcana...
The Fool, huh?
You have established the [Motley Crew of Fools] Social Link of the [Fool Arcana]! This is the sign of your journey as the leader of this crew.
I guess my team name should be the Motley Crew of Fools after all, huh? I guess I'm pretty much liking it. Heh.
4/13/2019 Rooftops, Kyuden Academy, Masaki City, Japan After School - Cloudy
*Persona 5 OST- Sunset Bridge
Just as we're back from the Another World. We find ourselves back at the school's rooftops with Labrys.
"Hey… we're back!" Labrys looked around the place… school has already ended.
"You can say that again. Damn… I'm beat… tomorrow's a day off. So we can finally rest and take our time. But… I think we need better weapons…" Saburo sighed about it.
"Don't worry, I have many weapons used by the Karibuchi Family. I'll try if I can steal one." Baiken nodded as she turns around to make her leave. "Now then, I'll be heading home. Later."
"Same. I gotta book it." Saburo joined as both and Baiken went home.
"Well, I guess I'll have to talk to Mitsuru-san to report about this. Talk to you later, Ichiro-kun. Might investigate more about this city." Labrys said as she flew off into the sky… I guess I'm the one only left, huh. It guess I'm going to call it a day as well.
As soon as I was about to leave and exit the rooftops. I soon encounter an blonde woman who was there. Kiiro? Why is she here?
"Eh? Kiiro-sensei?" I said to her but she was smiling.
"I heard you were hanging out at the rooftops.~" Kiiro giggled cutely. "Don't worry, I won't tell anything about it. It maybe off limits, but you can still use it. The reason why I'm here was to check on you since school is finished. Anyways, See you on Mondays, Ichiro-kun.~"
Just as that, Kiiro left downstairs. I think for a second as a moment. Strange… Kiiro was cold at the beginning but somehow was taken interest in me. Oh well, I'll have to be careful when I hear about… Yanderes.
4/13/2019 Arlequint Academy, Saitama, Japan After School - Clear Sky
Third Person POV
Meanwhile at someone's dorms in the elegant-looking academy. In someone's room where there was a huge monitor who was recording Ichiro leaving the rooftops as the girl recorded the events with a drone. She was seen using the other monitor as if she was coding or researching. But, on the notes that said, 'Research the occurrences in Masaki City' and her ID card with her name, Ernesta Kühne.
Ernesta kept typing as her appears shows her light chestnut hair color, and "almond" shaped sea green eyes. She wears what appears to be two large clips near her ponytail. Thus, she wore her uniform top of the academy she represents, black shorts, thigh high boots, and a lab coat.
"Heheh…~" The Ernesta stepped back from her moveable chair as she becomes relaxed and spins around after pushing away from her desk. "So it's all true after all. These ongoing occurrences in Masaki City… Good thing I have the recorded footage of that door that appeared out of nowhere…" She smiled and takes a peek outside to see the city of Saitama. "I guess it's time for me to transfer out of this school and head to Kyuden Academy.~ I'm going to ask the headmaster for this.~"
So, Ernesta skipped and exited out of her room. Just as she exited out of her room, she closed the door as it abruptly went back.
4/15/2019 Kyuden Academy, Masaki City, Japan Morning - Rainy
Ichiro POV
*Persona 5 OST- Is It Boring?
"You don't feel too good, Ichiro-san. Something happened?" Saburo said to me as I sighed.
"Oh, it's nothing. I just had normal talks with my uncle and my uncle's daughter. Nothing special. How's your end?" I said to him.
"Well, I tried summoning my Persona in the real world but it didn't even work. So… I guess it only works in the Another World when we use it, right?" Saburo said to me as I nodded.
"True. I guess that's the only thing we can do now." I said to him until the door slides open as everyone went to their seats. Kiiro arrives as she looks at us.
"Okay, class. I see you've took a relaxing day yesterday? Good. Before we start our lessons. I would like to introduce two new students who will be joining us as part of the second year." Kiiro said as she brings two new students… one that I know and one that we don't know of. That light chestnut hair colored girl. She's wearing the female uniform top and a lab coat.
Brown-haired male student: "Huh? Two new transfer student? We're getting lot of them today. Don't you think?"
Brown-haired female student: "I'm curious about that white haired girl, though."
Black-haired male student: "Hey… that girl on the right with a lab coat. Isn't that Ernesta Kühne? That german japanese-speaking girl partnered with Camilla Pareto who won the International Robot Exhibition 2018 tournament with her latest 'dolls' she called, AR-D and RM-C. I can't believe this genius is joining classes with us."
Brown-haired female student: "Huh? Really? I thought she's one of those dress code breakers like our top kendo classmate, Baiken-san."
"My~, It seems everyone is talking about me." The girl known as Ernesta smiled as if she takes the compliment.
"Well, you are popular after all." Labrys said while she wore the same uniform for females. I can't believe she's here.
"Now then, these two new transfers students are Labrys Kirijo from Gekkoukan High, Ernesta Kühne from Arlequint Academy." Kiiro introduced to them as more people talked about it.
Brown-haired male student: "Arlequint Academy? It's at Saitama, right? I hear it's super hard to apply. And you really needed to be smart to attend. Again, it's a pretty serious academy."
Brown-haired female student: "I heard about it that, my friend tried to attend there but failed the entrance exams. She said that she planning to take it again once a new year starts."
Black-haired male student: "What I'm more interested is Labrys. She's pretty unique."
"Okay, class. Please stop talking. I know Ernesta is popular but… would you two mind to take a seat? One in front of Ichiro-san and one next to Baiken-san's seat." Kiiro said to the two as they nodded.
Labrys sat on the seat as I was behind her and Ernesta sat next to Baiken's empty seat. Since she's busy doing her kendo at this moment. But… I have to help her which she'll have to train me during lunchtime. Oh yeah, since she said she'll bring a weapon for me… I wonder where she has hid it?
"Hey, Ichiro-kun. Let's get along together in a class, 'kay?" Labrys said to me with a smile as I nodded.
"Yeah, let's do so." I said back at her as we started studying. But, I looked at Ernesta who quickly looked at her work after she looked at me. What's with her… but then again… two new students so far
"You know, Ichiro-kun. I had a strange feeling… I think I know Kiiro-san from somewhere… Was it last week? Oh well. But, I'm surprised she's a teacher." Labrys quietly said to me as I became more interested.
"Really? If she's not human… what is she?" I asked her as she thinks while studying.
"Well. I think she's from a different branch of Kirijo Labs, Masaki Branch. I did visited there last year with Mitsuru-san. So, I think she's definitely an artifi-" Labrys' sentence was cut as the PA announcer spoke…
PA Announcer: "Kiiro Hikagami, please come to the faculty office. I repeat, Kiiro Hikagami, please come to the faculty office."
Just as the PA Announcer finished talking as it ended. Kiiro sighed.
"Who could this be? Well, I'll come back later so make sure you don't fool around." Kiiro said as she left the classroom. Just as that, everyone in the classroom started talking to each other.
*Persona 5 OST- Wicked Plan
"Well… she's left. Say, Ichiro-san… I guess we need some time into preparation. After all, you are our leader." Saburo said with a smile and a thumbs up
"Yeah, thanks. We can do this tomorrow or the next day. Does that sound good?" I said to him and Labrys.
"That's fine by us. Say, Ichiro-kun. When are we gonna study?" Labrys said as I tried to answer the simple way as possible.
"Well, I have no idea of when will she come back. For now… we can talk about this. And we can do something about Goto. For now, Let's wait for Baiken-san to finish so we can head off to the usual place we hang out." I said to them as they both nodded. "Anyways, going to study… so make sure you keep yourselves busy."
Third Person POV
*Persona 5 OST- Suspicious Person
Meanwhile, Ernesta who is in her seat, secretly bought out her headphones and a strange small device who was eavesdropping their conversation. She then hides her device and headphones. She then proceeds to smile with a smug look on her face as she plans to do with them.
"So… thats Ichiro Okabe? Heheh…~ It seems they're going to meet up on the usual place, huh? I guess I'll watch them. I need to know about their power…~" Ernesta said to herself as Ichiro and friends didn't notice while talking.
Ichiro POV
*Persona 5 OST- Is It Boring?
That I'd realize… my Persona I've got recently… Eligor… I think it's a strong one I've got. Damn, I guess Nyarlathotep's powers are pretty strong but not strong enough against stronger shadows. Then again, I guess that it just works, actually. Though… My bond isn't getting close to it's finish line but I'll manage. This time… Goto… you're not getting away… We'll rob you of everything you have… We'll come for you...
-CHAPTER PREVIEW-
"So, you're the guys who's behind all of these occurrences going on."
This is what Ernesta said after exposing the four of who they are.
Enemies nor Friends, they must stay determined to take down Goto for good…
Next Chapter: [Stepping forward to the revolution.]
Author's Notes: Hello, everyone. Thank you for reading this chapter. Apparently, this is my longest chapter I've made. I must have tired myself out. Anyways, Ernesta Kühne is a character from The Asterisk War: The Academy City on Water. But, I have her to have the inspirations of the same appearance and personality. But her role will be different. You might expect more characters who will likely have Social Links as the protagonist progresses. Now then… the Motley Crew of Fools, it'll be similar to The Phantom Thieves (which will still be in the story) but a more lively bunch with their respective unique, distinctive personalities they have. Anyways, In the next chapter. This will cover up the last and final Goto Arc. Will they prevent him from leaking pics online? Well, we have to find out next time. Until then… Switch on your Youth!