"And that's about it." Yu finished. He had explained everything to the novice Persona user, from Palaces, to Personas, to the fake guns.
"That's… wow."
"Yea."
"I mean, you guys…"
"Pretty much."
"I… I don't know what to say."
"Then I'll start." Yu said, prompting a raised eyebrow from Shiho.
"You now know what we're doing, and now, you have the same power as us. If you want, you can join us."
"What? Really?"
"Yes. It's going to be tough, so we can use all the help we can get."
"You even have to ask? Of course I'm in, so long as we make that bastard beg. When do we get back?" Shiho asked, slamming a fist into an open palm.
"Well, we can't do it tomorrow, lest we raise suspicions from Makoto." Yu pointed out.
"I agree. We'll have to pace ourselves if we are to succeed. I advise we continue on Sunday, assuming no one has plans." Akechi suggested.
"I have a kickboxing lesson with Sae-san, so I should be good after that."
"W-what? Y-you're going to have a kickboxing lesson with Sae-san?"
"Yea. Why do you make it sound like I'm knocking on death's door?"
"Because you are, Narukami-san. Sae-san is among the best, if not the best hand-to-hand combatant in the SIU. And that's because of how ruthless and surgical she is with defeating her opponents, on top of how much she fighting experience she has."
"I'm pretty sure that's an exagger-"
"The SIU Director, Tatsumi Azuma, uses Sae-san's instruction sessions as a threat."
"Well, have you yourself experienced-"
"Yes, I have. I had to leave work for two weeks in order to heal."
Yu let out a gulp.
"W-well, I'm sure that she'll go easy on me since she's my guardian, right?"
"Eeehhh…" was all Akechi could offer as he adjusted his tie.
"Well, that's just great. Oh, Shiho, take a few of these. I don't know what the dosage is, so just take once a day. Hopefully, they'll help you heal faster." Yu said, pouring about a handful of pills into her palm. She gave a nod of appreciation.
"So, what happens now?" Morgana asked.
"Right now, I say we focus on schoolwork. If my grades slip, Mokoto will get to decide how to spend my free time. Then we'll definitely won't be able to infiltrate the Palace."
"That makes since. Very well. For the next few days, we'll focus on our personal lives. Also, I recall Ushimaru-sensei saying he owed you a favor. Think you could perhaps get Morgana-san enrolled? In the third year class, so I can keep an eye on her." Akechi suggested.
"Hey! I don't need a babysitter!"
"I think it's a good idea. I'll talk to Ushimaru about it." Yu replied.
"... Fine. So long as it's Akechi." Morgana said.
"Now that that's settled, let's exchange contact info." Shiho suggested, holding out her phone.
After the exchange of contact info, the four went their separate ways, each steeling themselves for the many battles to come.
Yu woke to the sound of chains, and his eyes were greeted with familiar blue padding. Then he heard faint clapping and stood up from his bed. Standing before him were two smiling women in warden outfits and a long-nosed man.
"Welcome to the Velvet Room, Trickster."
"I'm happy to see you have returned, inmate." Justine informed, though her voice didn't show any happiness.
"You had us worried there for a moment, inmate. We thought you'd be the first Wild Card to back out of their contract." Caroline added, though her warm smile betrayed her harsh tone.
"I am delighted to see you Trickster. It appears that not only have you overcome your crisis, but you've also made bonds with new Confidants. Even in doubt and uncertainty, you made progress on your rehabilitation. Well done." Igor congratulated.
"Thanks. About the Confidants, I always hear a voice say that there's a birth of an Arcana. What does it mean?"
"Ah. Each Confidant you establish is represented by an Arcana. Each Arcana is tied to their personality and fate."
"Am I an Arcana as well?"
"But of course."
"Really? Which one?"
"The Fool."
"...What? You saying I'm like an idiot?"
"The Fool is the number 0 in the Tarot deck. And like the number 0, it is empty, but holds limitless potential. For example, take the Justice Arcana, the number 8. Alone, 8 and 0 are not that remarkable, but together, they form 80, a far greater power than either were individually."
"Don't underestimate the Fool Arcana, inmate. It represents potential, creativity, and the beginning of a life-changing journey." Justine explained.
"People with the Fool Arcana are pretty much the jack-of-all trades, and hold infinite potential. If you want to tap into that potential, you'll have to work hard on your rehabilitation." Caroline continued.
"Alright. How many Arcana are there?"
"There are 22 in total, including the Confidants you've already established bonds with, and the Fool." Igor answered
"22. Holy shit."
"Remember, the year has only just begun. You have plenty of time to forge strong bonds." Igor reminded.
"Yea, but only if you have enough proficiency, charm, knowledge, guts, and kindness." Caroline added.
"Um… that's oddly specific."
Before either warden could reply, a bell rang, and Yu knew he'd have to return to the waking world soon enough. Lying down on his bed, he closed his eyes.
The next morning was almost completely without incident. There was another news report about an official suffering from a mental shutdown, but that's all there was. Lunch break had ended, and Kawakami was in the middle of a lecture. Then there was an announcement on the PA system, and the message filled him with dread.
"Yu Narukami, please report to the PE Office, Yu Narukami to the PE office."
There were murmurs among his peers, ranging from how he's going out of the school in a body bag, to calling him another casualty in Akechi's crusade. Yu marched to the office, like a prisoner on death row. This was the real world. If he wanted to survive, he'd have to heel. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door.
"Come in." Came the gruff reply.
Yu opened the door and came face-to-face with Kobayakawa himself. Alone and without Izanagi or any other Personas. And yet, despite his impressive physique, his malicious aura, and the piercing gaze, Yu didn't feel fear. Not anymore.
"Sit down." He ordered, and Yu numbly obeyed.
"Now, young man, I've heard that you've been a busy bee lately."
"I have to be, or else the stress really gets to me."
"And how exactly would that stress get to you?"
"I have a tendency of lashing out at total scumbags."
"Haha! Well, I hope for your sake, you don't consider me a scumbag. Because if you did, well… I might have to contact the police out of fear for my safety."
Yu narrowed his eyes, the spark of rebellion flashing behind him. Kobayakawa pulled out his phone, and sure enough, there it was. The picture of Yu holding his gun, with Akechi and Morgana looking at him. The picture that could end his second chance at life.
"I did as you said. Shiho won't implicate you."
"I have no idea what you're talking about. I do not know what Shiho would implicate me of, or why. But back to the issue of a dangerous juvenile delinquent being in possession of… this. I wish to see you succeed, doing so would be a boon to Shujin's renown. And because of that generosity, I'm willing to make a deal with you."
"One I can't refuse?"
"Only if you want to stay a free man. Now, it is most unfortunate that Akechi was mixed up in this terrible business because of you, but it is what it is. To keep him from throwing his future away, I'll have to intervene in his life for the rest of his time in Shujin, and probably for when he goes to college. A detective in my pocket will be very useful indeed. However, there's someone who would try to stop me. Someone you should be familiar with."
"Makoto."
"Correct."
"She isn't interested in fighting you. Not anymore."
"I don't believe you. Besides, with her grades and resume, she's bound to have a bright future. One that I intend to capitalize on for the benefit of Shujin."
"What do you want?"
"You know what I want, young man. You have two weeks to give me something I can chain Makoto with, or your probation officer sees this photo. Understood?"
"Yes." Yu said, getting up and leaving.
"Yes, what?"
"I already gave you my answer." Yu answered, opening the door.
"Defy me all you want. You'll fold, just like those before you." Kobayakawa foretold as Yu made his way back to homeroom.
Yu had finished texting his friends what happened, and got a variety of responses. Akechi said that it was only a matter of time before he was blackmailed, Morgana said this meant they had to work overtime with the Palace, and Shiho promised that she'd be ready when they need her. Yu rubbed his head. Two weeks. He was on a time limit, and he was going to spend the first three days of that time limit goofing off. He took in a deep breath as the bell rang, signaling the end of school. Packing up his things, Yu told Makoto he was heading out, and decided to try and focus on his studies. But as he was heading out, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw a slouching student with spiky hair dyed blonde.
"Ryuji? Is something wrong?"
"Nah, nothing's wrong. It's just… well…"
"What? Did Kobayakawa tell you to do something?"
"Nah. And even if he did, I sure as shit wouldn't do it. I mean, what else can he take from me? Family's living in a shithole without that much cash, I've been kicked off the track team, and I ain't that bright. So no chance of college for me."
"Don't think that way. You can do anything if you try hard enough. I could help, if you want. I was an honor student back home."
"Ah, don't worry about it. I'll just find some fast food place or some other place to work at. Besides, I may not have a future, but thanks to you, I'll still have one of my friends."
"It was nothing."
"That's a load of bullshit, and even I know it. But I also know just how to thank ya."
"Is that so?"
"Hell yea! I know the best ramen place in Tokyo." The spiky-haired boy exclaimed, leading the way through the thinning crowd of students. Onboard the subway, Yu had to admit, he was a little curious into how this blonde, foul-mouthed boy ticked. He seemed to care about Shiho, and have plenty of reasons to hate Kobayakawa. Yet, Yu felt like he was missing something, something important. This trip would be the perfect opportunity to satiate his curiosity. Arriving at the ramen shop, they saw a long line stretching all the way to the end of the alley.
"Wow, line's pretty short today." Ryuji told him, amazed.
Of course this is its version of short.
"How long is it usually?"
"Let's just say that if it was it's usual longness, we'd be here till midnight."
"Seriously?"
"Yea. I wasn't kidding when I said it was the best ramen place in Tokyo. Now, let's get in line. Trust me, it'll be worth it." Ryuji promised, dragging him and Yu into line. It took a few hours, but they were eventually seated, and were served in minutes. Yu put the noodles into his mouth, and had to stop himself so that he could fully appreciate the delicious flavor. He let out a groan of appreciation and heard Ryuji chuckle.
"Everyone got that response when they eat here."
"Ryuji, 'best ramen in Tokyo' doesn't do this place justice." Yu replied as the spiky-haired delinquent started on his own bowl of noodles. Within minutes, both boys had completely devoured the food, even drinking the broth. Ryuji let out a loud burp, and if he noticed the other guests' looks, he paid them no mind.
"Ryuji, why'd you ask me here?" Yu questioned.
"Huh? Thought I told ya, it was-"
"No, that was an excuse. Why did you really want to talk to me?"
"Heh. Guess Akechi's smarts must be rubbing off on ya. I heard ya get called to that bastard's office. That can only mean he's finally got his effin' hooks in ya. I want ya to know, no matter how much shit everyone else gives ya for whatever he's gonna make you do, you've got me in your corner."
Yu smiled, and felt like Ryuji was a person he could count on.
I am thou. Thou art I
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that will lead thee to the truth
With the birth of the ChariotArcana,
Thou hast obtained the blessing that will grant thee new power.
"Thanks Ryuji. It means a lot to hear that."
"No problem. I know how it feels to be treated like a sack of shit."
"One more bowl?"
"Hell yea! This is all on me!" Ryuji said, not trying to hide his wide smile.
Yu and Ryuji had a mini eating contest with the ramen. After a good few hours, and thoroughly draining Ryuji's wallet, Yu checked the time, and saw it was high time to get back to the apartment. Thanking Ryuji for the huge weight gain, Yu headed back home.
On the way back home, Yu suddenly remembered something. Shiho was now officially a member of their little group, but she didn't have a gun like the rest of them. Deciding to correct this, he decided to make a detour to a police station. Texting Shiho what gun she wanted, she replied to next time ask her over a call instead of a text because she didn't want someone reading the messages while she slept. She then answered by telling him to buy whatever he felt was best for her. Armed with this knowledge, Yu entered the police station, and when he made eye contact with the fat receptionist, the cop smirked.
"Heh, didn't expect to see you back so soon kid." Kaneshiro greeted, wolfing down a whole donut in one bite.
"I need a model SMG."
"An SMG? Oh, you'll have plenty of variety to choose from."
"I got a few precious stones."
"That it? You gotta offer something better kid."
Yu fished into his pockets and pulled out the small pouch full of rubies, sapphires, and jades. Kaneshiro examined each and every one of them. After he finished with the last one, he looked at Yu and smiled.
"Heh, well, well. Where'd you get these?"
"Does it matter?"
"Heh. Guess not. I'll take them for… 30,000 yen."
Yu was about to accept the deal, but he felt he had enough guts to try and haggle.
"Make it 35,000."
"Hahaha! You got balls kid. Here you are, on probation, and you're bargaining with a cop?"
"No, I'm bargaining with you."
"Awww, so this badge doesn't exist when I'm talking to you?"
"On people like you, it's just a piece of tin. On people like my father, it means something."
"Bwahaha! Oh, that is rich. But you're right about one thing, it is just a piece of tin. But we can argue about that kind of shit later. Right now, I believe you have an order you'd like to place." Kaneshiro reminded, leading him the way to the display room.
"Alright. Pick your-"
Suddenly, the both heard the front door open, followed by the clacking of heels, and a woman's voice demanding to see Kaneshiro. The cop's face took a grim expression. Kaneshiro simply held a hand up, and Yu understood that he was to stay behind. But staying behind didn't mean that he couldn't watch. His curiosity was piqued. Sending out Izanagi, Yu was able to get a clear view of the conversation. Kaneshiro was arguing with a woman, one who had short, chestnut hair tied up in a much too tight bun, and her face was caked with mascara, lip gloss, and other forms of makeup.
"The hell do you want, bitch?" Kaneshiro's voice echoed.
"I want what you owe me." The woman replied.
"I owe you a punch to the jaw."
"Now now now. You remember what happened last time you tried something like that."
"You had it coming then too."
"Is that any way to treat a lady?"
"No, it's not. So it's a good thing you ain't a lady."
"Excuse me?"
"Listen bitch, my shift is gonna end in a bit. So you can take your fanny ass and walk right out. Unless there's a crime you'd like to report."
"The only crime there is, is your horrid manners."
The sound of heels left, followed by a hefty sigh from Kaneshiro. Yu picked up the first weapon he saw, and decided to leave his hiding spot. Kaneshiro looked at Yu as he approached, and rubbed his temples.
"How much did you hear?"
"Pretty much all of it."
"Heh. At least she didn't see you. Now, did you pick something out?"
"I did." Yu answered, showing the SMG to the cop, who simply smiled.
"An MP5? That's an expensive piece kid. I'm not sure you can afford it with just these rocks." Kaneshiro lamented with fake sorrow.
"You want me to help you deal with your lady problem." Yu cut right to the point.
"Heh, there's that Narukami intuition. Yea. Given how you were able to get your hands on these, I'd say that you're a resourceful man. The best kind of man to have when you need something done." Kaneshiro thought out loud, gesturing to the jewels in his hand.
"The jewels could be fake."
"Nah. You wouldn't risk pissing off a cop with contraband. Besides, I'm the only guy who could supply you with weapons, so you'd lose a lot if you screwed me over. So, here's the deal. You give me a hand once in awhile, and I give you a discount. Sound good?"
"I feel like I don't have a choice."
"Look kid, this whole business will just be easier with you helping out. You don't want to get involved? Fine, you can pay full price. But this'll be the only time I'll make the offer. Back out now, and you won't know what that talk was all about." Kaneshiro informed, smirking.
Yu felt his eye twitch. Kaneshiro may be a fat, corrupt thug, but if he was smart enough to figure out Yu's curiosity would always get the best of him, then he was not to be taken lightly. Yu crossed his arms.
"If I'm going to help you, I'm gonna need information."
"That's on a need-to-know basis. For now, we'll start at a ten percent discount. You in?"
Yu took in a deep breath.
"Fine."
"Perfect. Here's to a healthy partnership." Kaneshiro said, extending his hand. Yu shook it with disgust.
I am thou. Thou art I.
Thou has acquired a new vow.
It will become the wings of freedom that will lead thee to the truth.
With the birth of the DevilArcana,
Thou hast obtained the blessing that will lead thee to new power.
"Alright. You got the gun right? Then head on out. I'll call you when I need you." Kaneshiro ordered as Yu stuffed the model weapon into his school bag. Leaving the police station, Yu was able to smuggle it into the apartment, and texted Shiho where she could find it. After she replied, he stashed it in the closet, and went to bed, the thoughts of the.