Opening Song – Black Gold, by Flying Lotus & Thundercat
Summary: I'll Face Myself
Ren wasn't surprised when he found himself waking up in a familiar cell. After the day he had, he expected the dream to come back with a vengeance. Sitting up on his bunk, Ren rubbed his face. Despite the fact that this place was supposedly between dreams and reality, he certainly still felt sore
"On your feet, inmate! Our master wishes to speak to you!" Caroline snapped, smacking her baton against the bars of his cell. Ren didn't even try to argue, only standing from the bench before walking up to the bars… at this point, he's so used to seeing the loli's being stuck up.
Stuck up Lolis…
"You do know that your thoughts are heard by everyone!" Caroline shouted, swinging her baton against the cell door. "And we're not these 'Lolis' things that you called us, we're wardens of this prison, and you are the Inmate!"
"It would be wise to listen carefully to what our master has to say," Justine suggested, her expression unchanging.
"Welcome back, Trickster." Igor greeted, his voice not particularly welcoming to the ear. " I wished to continue our conversation from your last visit. I'm sure you have a great deal to ask us after your latest endeavor in the cognitive world, and Physical world."
"Y-yeah, I do have a question of my own, too…" Ren admitted though that figured that was most likely what this visit was about.
"Of course. But before that, how are you finding your accommodations? Are you becoming used to this place? It has been seven months since you first entered the Velvet room." Igor asked, leaning forward on his linked hands.
"W-well...it was pretty hard to accept at first, but...after everything I've seen it's really hard to still be totally thrown off by this place," Ren admitted, glancing around the room of cells.
"That is good. This place is designed for your rehabilitation, after all. Your rehabilitation is aimed to determine if you can avoid ruin. But to do that, you will need more than your power alone." Igor continued, hand waving in the air.
" The formation of bonds will play a great role in the progression of your recovery. You've done well so far." Igor declared, though it still cleared up little as far as Ren's confusion goes.
" That said, I am not encouraging the formation of superficial relationships. They must be genuine threads linking you together with those willing to lend you their strength, be it by morals or faith. They will be bonds forged from a similar relation to you, those who have lost the place they once belonged to."
"How many bonds do I have?"
"Let's see here" Igor looks down at his notes, flipping through pages.
"Sojiro Sakura, The Emperor. Rank 10"
"Morgana, The Magician. Rank 6" Igor declares then points at the Twin Wardens
"Justine and Caroline, Strength. Rank 3"
"Hurry up, inmate, and strengthen our Bonds!" Caroline Shouted
Kinda hard, with the pair of you…
Ren thought smugly, then he just remembered that his thoughts are projected to everyone.
"Why you!" Caroline Growls
"Master, may we dish out Divine Punishment on the Inmate?" Justine spoke up, looking at Igor with what you can call her version of puppy eyes.
" Divine Punishment?!" He shouted, startled.
" After, I'm done explaining," Igor said, nonchalantly waving his handoff.
" OH, COME ON!"
" Izuku Midoriya, The Chariot. Rank-"
It has to be Rank 10… thought Ren
"Rank 4"
"Whaat?!" He grabs the cell doors, hoping to get an answer
" Silence Inmate, Don't raise your Voice at that Master!" Caroline shouted, nearly swinging her baton on his fingers.
" He has a right to be concerned, Caroline," Igor said, stopping her mid-swing.
Ren released a breath that he didn't even know he was holding, and spoke "How is that possible? I've known Midoriya for 5 years?"
" The Answer is unknown even to myself, Trickster. Perhaps you should strengthen your Bond with the Chariot some More, Aid him in his endeavor, and in return your strength will increase" Red Noded, and Igor continued down the list.
" Shota Aizawa, The Hierophant. Rank 3"
" Tae Takemi, Death. Rank 5"
" Makoto Nijjma, The Priestes- well isn't this one Interesting."
"Why's that?"
" It seems as if The Priestess had the potential to become the Lover's Arcana, some time ago. Had you acted on your feelings for her, she would have two Arcana's attached to her becoming a very powerful ally, but thus you did not act, and her Priestess Rank is 9 unfinished. Unobtainable."
Ren Grits his teeth, he did have feelings for her, but he wasn't the one for her. He was a quirkless nobody seven months ago, she deserved somebody better. "Will it impede my rehabilitation?" Ren gritted out.
" Unless you strengthen more bonds, it may not. It all depends on your actions in the future." Igor says then continues down the list.
" Nemuri Kayama, The Empress. Rank 6"
" Katsuki Bakugou, The Tower. Rank 4"
"So… making friends is supposed to make my Persona stronger..?" Ren guessed as best he could, though having trouble figuring out exactly how that would make a difference.
"Personas are the strength of heart." Justine suddenly spoke, most likely seeing his confusion. "And with the formation of stronger bonds, your Personas will also grow with them."
Ren blinked at that. "W-wait, but… I only have one Persona." He suggested, earning a small huff from Caroline on his left.
"Be quiet and wait until we're done talking, inmate!" She snapped at him, Ren flinching back instinctively from the small warden. "On that note, you better make a lot of friends! There are plenty of people around who are better than you in different areas!"
" She is right. You must be prepared to use even me, or else your ambition will not come to fruition. After all, a hero can only be as good as those who support them, hm?" Igor chuckled, his words starting to sink in. Ren had mixed feelings about using a friendship merely to gain power, but he also said that it wasn't going to work with something fake.
"I… understand." Ren nodded, deciding that there was no use in arguing over the logic of Igor's words. He doubted that the long-nosed man would even grace the conversation with an answer, anyways.
"Good. We have a deal, then. You have kept me waiting Trickster " Igor chuckled, accepting
Ren's words. In a flash before Ren's eyes, chains appeared, causing him to blink in shock.
I am thou, thou art I
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Fool Persona,
I have obtained the winds of Blessing
that shall lead to freedom and new power…
Ren heard the chains break and the card form again. Time resumed quickly afterward, though Igor and the twins seemed to be watching him expectantly. "Th-that was… but all we did was-"
" A bond may not start between people simply through friendship. Sometimes a bond is formed through a common interest. You might find this more evident as you continue to form more of them." Igor dismissed, chuckling at Ren's surprise. "In due time, you will be able to understand everything. Just continue to devote yourself to your rehabilitation."
" While in the Metaverse, The Thief of Twilight Arsene, will not only absorb the slain shadow's power, now the Persona under the shadow's essence will be added into your Soul, After you have collected a sum amount of Personas, return here and all will be explained furthermore."
Ren opened his mouth, but Caroline was quick to silence him. "This conversation is over! Now Changing topic, inmate!" The Raven-haired teen could only face fault for her Change. Lighting flashes and Igor is Gone leaving the Wardens with Ren. Caroline turned to Ren and said, "Well done on making this far, inmate."
" Now that you have transverse your long, perilous recollection, you truly have entered the present…" Justine spoke emotionlessly.
" The effect of that bump to your head's gonna wear off soon. This is a golden opportunity. You must Grasp the Truth that will save you from the brink of ruin." Ordered Caroline
"The Evil influence who wishes you dead is fast approaching." Justine points to Ren's shoulder that was shot. " That was just the first try, they will try, try, and try to have you killed, any way possible because you are the antithesis of that evil'' Justine finished
" You're talking about the Jester, aren't you?" Ren asked
Both of them Nodded, and Caroline speaks up " The Jester isn't the only evil influence that wishes you dead. There will be others. I will inform you about the other one."
"And whom will that be?" Ren asked suspiciously
" The Hunger"
Ren Narrows his eyes and is about to speak until Justine cuts him off. "Sometimes the Jester and Hunger will be one in the same. Both combines will be a devastating adversary to yourself unless you strengthen your bonds, inmate."
"I understand."
"If you want to win this unreasonable game-"
"If you wish to take back your stolen future-"
"Strengthen, and recall the bonds you have formed with your allies, and grasp the truth that will save you from the brink of ruin." Caroline and Justine said.
"You're regaining consciousness, we pray that you survive this."
Before Ren could realize it, he was back in the physical world. Looking down at himself, he saw that he was back in his black and red thief attire, mask firmly in place on his face.
I didn't think they'd come out to me like this. It's disorienting…
He looks around the room, and quickly makes it out to be an Interrogation room.'Fuck this gonna take a while, I hope Morgana made it safe…
his thoughts were roaming until he recalled that he can collect Personas now, but if what Igor said is true, I really do have something incredible to help me in the future…
xxx(Take Your Time)xxx
Cramped, stale, and uncomfortable...
That would be the description of the cold interrogation room he found himself in. The hard chair dug into his back and the cuffs locked around his wrists were bound to the table, a few experimental tugs did nothing to soothe his sore wrists. Honestly, he would prefer his cell in the Velvet Room compared to this hole. He glanced at the one-way mirror on the opposite wall and smirked. There were eyes on the other side of that mirror, he knows there's watching and hopes that they were unsettled by his appearance.
His hair, while not that surprising, was a ruffled, curly mess. Grime and dust stained his face, his mask was on the table and there was a spider webbing crack across the mask after he accidentally knocked it off. Despite everything, his costume remained mostly intact, except his shoulder still burned from the bullet wound. The police didn't seem to care about it, but they at least had the decency to wrap it up in gauze; he ignored the crimson splotch that stained it. He counted the ceiling tiles 4 times before exasperation made his face plummet back against the table surface.
A simple healing spell or Dia would have him somewhat patched up in no time, yet he couldn't breach the strange fog that clouded his mind when he tried to call upon Arsene. He was distant but he was in the grasp of pulling through to Arsene but at last, he slips through his fingers like smoke whenever he tries to reach him. No doubt caused by these quirk neutralizing handcuffs, maybe if I'm able to get released 'somehow I doubt this is gonna be easy' I could practice and get accustomed, then I can bring him out.
The chains around his wrist clinked when he threw his head back with a sigh. Had it been Seconds?
Minutes?
Hours?
That has passed since he's woken up in here? He had lost count.
Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat as the door swung open and two people stepped inside. One, a plain-looking detective in a brown trench coat, and two, a cat-headed police officer with a small bell around his collar. He will never get used to the strange sight, But he definitely recognized the detective from the Raid on him.
He was the one, in charge if he remembered correctly…
Things hadn't made sense since the dawn of quirks, so he starts thinking about how the hell will he get out of this. He knew there was gonna be a day when the law caught him
shit man this was supposed to be my last job, fuck my luck…
so he plastered on a facade with his confident smirk as the detective took the seat opposite of him. A thin folder was set on the table and the detective dug a small notebook and pen from his coat pocket. He looked exhausted, but there was a kind smile on his face.
"We'll try to keep this short. My name is Tsukauchi Naomasa, I was in charge of the Operation to Apprehend you." The detective said, "We haven't been able to find anything about your identity in our system. So, for starters, why don't you tell us your name and story?"
"Information should be a fair trade, detective," Joker said, his gray eyes pierced through the other man, "Why don't you two tell me what your quirks are first?"
The detective pinched the bridge of his nose, then looked at the officer. Tamakawa gave Joker a bewildered look, his fuzzy ears twitched and swiveled like a real cat. What would Morana have to say about that?
"Well, mine should be obvious." Tamakawa said, "Feline mutation quirks are pretty common in Japan." I can't say that is necessarily true, considering you're the only Cat Person I've seen, well there's Morgana claiming to be Human…
Joker filed that information away for later, It can't hurt to know there's a cat mutation, who knows what else there could be? He's already, Dealt with a Walking Bi-pedal Crocodile, a Metal Man, and a Mobster Gorilla. Jesus is my entire Rogue gallery full of Mutation quirks? People are gonna think I hate Mutation quirks if they put two together…
"My quirk is pretty simple. It's called Polygraph, so I'll always know if you tell the truth or not."
Polygraph, huh? That's...Interesting…
Ren's facade of a smirk drops, and sighs "My name is….Ren Amamiya"
Tsukauchi Nods, and continues down a list of Questions that he wrote.
"Ren Amamiya? Are you the same Ren Amamiya, in that incident with the Serial Killer known as Killer Croc, during the summer?"
Ren nods "I don't know anything about this Killer Croc guy's name, but if he was the one that looked like a walking Bi-pedal dinosaur, and that ate his victims then yea, I am the same, Ren."
Tsukauchi turns to the cat Officer "Sansa, can you get the record on that case?"
"Sure thing" The Cat officer known as Sansa salutes then marches out the door, with the small bell making jingling noises. "Alright, while we wait on that to come through, let's move on to the Familial questions"
Ren nods.
"Date of Birth?"
"August, 29 XXXX"
"Your Father?"
Ren shrugged his shoulders " I don't know squat about my real father, but the man I see as a Father Figure is Sojiro Sakura. Noone else"
"Your Mother?" Tsukauchi asked but he already knew that answer.
Ren turns his head towards the two-way Mirror.
"Ah, I see now." Tsukauchi says while also turning to the mirror, " You know, now that'll I get a good look at you, you're an exact replica of her." A small smirk escapes Ren for a bit, "So I've been told."
"Alright-"
The Interrogation room doors open again, and in comes, Sansa with the Case Files, "The case files are here Detective Tsukauchi." Passing the Files to him, Tsukauchi Mutturs a "thank you", before skimming through the Case files.
"Ok, it says that at the age of fifteen your Quirk awakened when you were on the Verge of Death. Is that correct?"
"Yea" 'True' (A/N: 'True' or 'False' is Tsukauchi Qurik's activating)
"Before that night, you were quirkless, is that also correct?" Ren nods
"Multiple witnesses and from Pro Hero- Uwabami, the supposed target of that incident, said that you summoned a Twister of Blue Flames."
"I can't really remember that part," Ren says while sheepishly scratching the top of his head. 'True'
Then he just remembered something "Wait did you say that the person I saved was Uwabami The Snake Hero?"
Tsukauchi Nods, "Yes that's true"
Wow, I saved a Pro Hero that day, and it was Uwabami. She's so beautiful, in some of the pinups that I-...
Tsukauchi fakes a cough after he sees a bit of red tinge on Ren's Face, and decides to cut that fantasy immediately and refocus. Ren shakes his head of the thoughts and refocuses on Tsukauchi. A small chuckle escaped Tsukauchi, as he watched the boy fantasize about something, most likely something unappropriated, At Least he still acts like a teenager….
"Alright, let's refocus back on the topic. After the Twister of Blue flames dispersed, out Came your Stand."
Ren inwardly felt Arsene cringe at that comment "Ummm...Yes?, but it's not a 'stand' It calls it a Persona"
"A Per-sona?"
Ren nods, he was also confused with all this shit back then.
"And This Persona has a name, and it is sentient?"
"His Name is Arsene, and He is my Other Half." 'True'
Ren says while slowly adjusting his shoulder so it wouldn't hurt too much.
Tsukauchi then looks towards Ren's shoulder wrapped in Bloodstained Bandages, and a pang of sympathy runs through.
I had Personally Checked all the Gear, when we went out for the operation, nothing had Live Ammunition. It definitely wasn't one of the Officers, but the question is where did that shot come from…
He glances at Ren's face, then shoulder putting the two together Jesus, if he didn't dodge the bullet, he wouldn't be here right now. The Shooter was aiming for the Head… He Mutters an apology toward Ren
"Huh?"
"I said I'm sorry about that bullet wound that you have. We're looking for the possible shooter, but nothing's popped up."
Ren Nods while contemplating I know who the shooter was, I mean not exactly but it was most likely The Jester Card…
Tsukauchi shakes his head of thoughts and continues the interrogation.
"When you were shot in the shoulder, a pulse of something washed over everybody in the Harbor, and your eyes went Glowing red instead of the usual Golden yellow that people are used to reporting in."
"Huh? I did? I don't remember anything, I blacked out for a second then I ran for it after I was shot." Ren tilted his head in confusion. 'True'
"Ok, then. You're able to summon this persona named Arsene, are there other beings that you can summon?"
Ren looks to the side to contemplate it then he shakes his head. 'False' 'True'
Tsukauchi looks at Ren disbelieving that He hasn't lied the entire time, why now? I have to push this…
"Are you able to Summon another Persona besides Arsene?"
Ren again shakes his head. 'True' 'False'
What the hell, why am I getting double answers…?
Tsukauchi Shakes his head and continues with the interrogation. The Detective went on to ask Ren about more of his powers, and his reasons for becoming a Vigilante, while things were happening on the other side of the one-way mirror.
xxx(Take Your Time)xxx
"What do you think of the kid?"
Coffee-colored eyes glanced at Toshinori in disinterest.
"Honestly, I can't get a read on him," Aizawa said, "And He shouldn't even be in this situation, I had thought that I gave him a proper scolding at the hospital several months ago"
"Why are you here, anyway?"
Toshinori shuffled on his feet, "I wanted to be here for this. I need to know if 'He's' Involved, and there has to be a reason why he turned to the Life of vigilantism." Toshinori turned to him with a knowing glimmer in his eyes, "You're here because you feel like you owe him, don't you?"
Aizawa scratched at his stubble with a frown. Ren was right about him being a single hero, not having much of any influence, to obstruct the Government advances, if they wanted to take his body, but damn them if they think he's not gonna step up for the boy. He glances around and looks at Midnight's Seated form, she has tear trails leading up to her eyes, a very solemn look in her eyes, it's not a look you think you'll see in her usual cheery form, it was somewhat depressing to see. He opens his mouth to call out to her, but the words refuse to come out, so he tries again "Nemuri"
She turns to see him, and he gets a good look at her teary face, her mascara and makeup are ruined, and she has red puffy eyes, most likely from the crying. "Yes?" She says in an unknown timid tone. "Everything is gonna be fine, The Principal is still gonna try to proceed, with the Plan to have him Transferred to U.A. even if he's your son or wasn't." He tells hers.
The Principal's ears flicker to the conversations going on while in deep thought.
I've known that Midnight had a son, and was quirkless sometime ago, and when she told him that he had awakened a quirk, he had been happy for her, he knows all too well how the quirkless population is treated. But To think the Vigilante these past months have been right under her nose all this time… Nezu shook his head until he noticed...
"Is he… meditating?"
Nezu leaned forward in his chair, which had been practically glued to the one-way mirror ever since Tsukauchi started talking to the boy. The boy had his eyes closed and refused to speak even after Tsukauchi asked what happened before.
He tapped his foot. Nezu's eyes caught the vibrant ripples of color, it was as if there was an invisible puddle of paint under his boots. Tsukauchi frowned and glanced in their direction. The detective stood and left the kid alone in the interrogation room, it only took a few seconds for the door to open.
"What's the verdict?" Aizawa drowned.
"I don't know." Tsukauchi closed the door behind him, and sighed, "He's…. a mystery, and he won't say another word on how his powers work."
"He claims we won't believe him, despite the fact that he knows your quirk. What a marvelous conundrum." Nezu swiveled his chair to look at them with his usual mad grin, "He wasn't lying about anything else, was he Tsukauchi?"
"No," Tsukauchi scrubbed his eyes, then approached the mirror to stare at Joker, "He told the truth. Something else worries me. He doesn't want our help, and even suggested that he was abused by the police before."
"He was." Midnight's voice cuts through, they all turn to her "Ren was charged with an Assault charge some time ago by a politician after he intervened in the man's business. The Man was in a drunken state, trying to force a woman into his car. Obviously, Ren saw this and intervened, but the man tried to strike Ren, but the man caught his foot on the sidewalk, and collapsed, opening a gash on his forehead. He then threatened to Sue Ren, then Officers came, and he lied to them and threatened the woman to also lie, thus the officers took Cuffed Ren and had Mistreated him while in his cel-"
Toshinori kept watching the boy during the conversation going on, remembering that night. If I didn't record anything, the boy's life would have been ruined, and possibly destroyed…
"Indeed. If only he would spill his secrets. And since he's not in the system…" Nezu looked at Aizawa, "Are there any other powers that are similar to his? Something that you heard from the underground perhaps?"
Aizawa looked up in thought and he was drawn to an odd flicker on Ren's finger. He narrowed his eyes, but it must've been his mind playing tricks on him.
"Not that I can remember." Aizawa said, "I'll ask around, though. Maybe one of the information brokers knows something."
Toshinori crossed his arms and stared at the ground.
"Something bothering you?" Tsukauchi asked.
"It's just.." Toshinori glanced at them as a dark look flashed in his eyes, "The boy has shown multiple powers and not just that. His mastery of parkour, knowing how to use a blade, and he obviously received training with firearms. I can't help but think that he's connected with All For One."
"But that man is dead," Nezu said softly.
Aizawa glanced between the others and decided not to question who they were talking about.
"I know. If not All For One, then perhaps one of his underlings is still kicking. I wanted to know if this boy was involved in any of it." Toshinori peered through the glass, "I was thinking maybe he was a victim or an unwilling test subject, but now that I've seen him myself, I have thrown the connection away, but no matter the case, the power he has controlled over was strange and powerful." He clenches his fist remembering the shield-like glass shattering with his punch.
"He didn't use his quirk against me and was still able to get away from me," Aizawa said, then continued "I'm not sure when he learned how to fight in such close encounters, but his punches do pack a punch with them."
"We're lucky he chose to help people, albeit out of the law's influence." Toshinori said with a sigh, "But other than that, he's been the opposite of not helpful, and his quirk is one of the strangest I've ever seen."
"He didn't use a quirk." Tsukauchi tapped his chin in thought, "He didn't lie when he said it wasn't the power of quirks, so where would he get powers like that? Or is it that weird Spectral being that has all of the power, and he just listens to him?"
The temperature of the room plummeted, and three grown men and women experienced the hair-raising fear of Nezu's fury.
" A Strange, unnatural creature. An extreme skill set. Inhuman durability." Nezu slowly swiveled to face the boy, who finally opened his eyes and glanced at the window as if he felt it too.
"If I may sir" Tamakawa spoke up, and everybody turned to him.
"You may"
Tamakawa Nods "He's isn't the only one with this strange quir-power" Everybody looks at him with questioning looks. "What do you mean, when you say that the boy isn't the only one with this power?" Tsukauchi asked.
"You if you didn't know already, The Detective prince Goro Akechi, has a similar, if not identical power to Joker here," Sansa says while pointing at Ren, and continues "But his power is still a complete mystery to the Public, but the name of the spectral being that he has control over is named 'Robin Hood', and has a strange weaponized 'Holy Light' attacks." Everyone had their mouths gaped at that.
"But how do they have similar powers if they're not related? Their only way to have similar Quirks is for them to be related and I didn't push out another boy." Midnight said with a deadpan face, then something dawned on her " I don't have any powers like that unless his father had it, then he would have happened to…." Everyone looks at her, with a questioning look, until a Tick appears on her head "UNLESS THAT BASTARD CHEATED ON ME!" she exploded. The Timid Midnight that was there had disappeared now replaced with an angry Midnight kicking a wall and cursing her boy's father. Everyone sweatdropped watching her rage on...until Tamakawa coughed into hands, and spoke up "Actually when we were bandaging up his wound, we took a blood sample, and I ran a test on it. They're not related, so that doesn't explain how they have similar powers." said, managing to calm Midnight down. Nezu spoke up "Times are changing, maybe these new powers are evolved quirks that are awakening" Then he Turned to Aizawa "Aizawa I think I've seen a recommendation form for Goro Akechi, at U.A, we will accept him to study his Powers, keep an eye on him, and see if they're Powers are similar in more ways than one."
" Do you mean to say that you're gonna be taking…" Aizawa Points a thumb at Ren "Problem child to U.A" Aizawa says while ignoring a death glare from Midnight. Nezu Chuckles "Well, of course, this always was the plan, to begin with. Why Have one when we can have both new potentials evolved quirks to study?" He said gleefully while rubbing his hands 'paws?' together.
Midnight Bows her "Thank you principal Nezu"
"But…. I'm sure there's gonna be some consequences for being a vigilante for the past seven months, isn't that correct?"
Tsukauchi Nods, and speaks up "Alright, then let's get the details over with"
xxx(Take Your Time)xxx
When Joker first decided to start a career as a vigilante, he knew it could only end up in one of two ways: Arrested, or six feet below the ground. Only he had hoped he'd meet his end after a Vaillant stand-off against a powerful Villain, not by being ambushed in the middle of the night.
"Ugh Man, this was my last Gig too" He grumbled
He was finally saved from agonizing boredom by the opening of the only door in the room. He recognized the man standing by the door frame as the same man that had tried apprehending him, though he was not wearing goggles this time, just a white scarf. Now Joker had the opportunity to closely pursue the brooding individual.
"Aizawa" Ren greets
"Problem child" Greeted back. His face bore an enigmatic expression of immense fatigue. It was hard to tell whether he was tired of work, living in general, or just tired of everyone's shit. Ren always wondered what type of joke could make a man like that laugh, and then he wondered if such a being was even physically capable of laughter in the first place.
Tsukauchi also came in and took to a corner of the interrogation room giving him a friendly look.
Aizawa broke the silence. "Are you sure about this?"
"What?"Joker thought, utterly confused by the question. Is he talking to me..?
"Don't tell me you're having doubts already, Eraserhead." A high-pitched voice replied, exacerbating Joker's confusion.
He looked around the room trying to ascertain the origin of the peculiar voice. Nothing on the corners, nothing behind him. He tilted his head to the side to look over the large table in the middle of the room. It was then that he spotted the new interlocutor, which did little to alleviate his puzzlement. Next to the Aizawa stood a rodent-like creature. The mysterious mouse spoke again.
"No, never mind. Let's get on with it." The fatigued man responded.
The three visitors finished entering the room and stared at Ren. Before anyone could say a word, Ren was the first to speak. "What happened to the women in the Warehouse?"
Aizawa responded. "They're fine, a bit freaked out, but fine. They're upstairs now; the detective in charge of the case is waiting to take their statement. Most of them don't speak a lick of Japanese, but a translator is already on their way. Don't worry, we'll get them home soon."
Joker felt relief but did not say anything else.
He was expecting a lot to happen but what wasn't expected was the weird-looking, white-furred animal with a scar that was wearing sneakers along with a suit and tie that jumped on a booster seat across from him. The creature stared at him with a calm and happy expression before it gave a silent nod.
Everything was fine until he started hearing this buzzing noise in his head.
Mor–ana ha-s a n-ew chal–enger…!
Oh, it's just Arsene….oh! It's Arsene…!
Arsene do you copy..?
—-
He gets snapped out of his inner monologue
"Why, hello! I've been waiting to meet you, mister Amamiya! You are quite the hard young man to contact! Why I had to get the teachers of U.A to go get you! Your Mother has said quite a lot about you in the previous months! " The animal gave a high-pitched laugh and clapped its paws together.
Alright. This was a joke, right…?
"And too now, the reason we are gathered here today…"
Tsukauchi dropped a folder on the table. Ren opened it to reveal a plethora of photographs, datasheets, and handwritten reports. All detailing everything there was to know about Joker before the interrogation. "This is the complete list and data on you now"
"Ren Amamiya, a.k.a. 'Joker'. 15 years old. Wanted for multiple counts of vigilantism in the Mustafa and Tokyo prefecture. His activities began about seven months ago. Starting out fighting petty crime, he eventually graduated to tackling organized crime, and even some supervillains. No matter the target, a calling card is always found at the scene. Not much was known about your Quirk, but witness reports confirm that his victims often display signs of burning or physical trauma. Multiple accounts of Battling Miruko The Rabbit Hero, Also Number 5 on the top ten hero Billboards" He spoke with a straightforward voice. "Quite the impressive record you have."
I wouldn't really say battling Miruko, more like evading her as best as possible and teasing her while at it
He can vaguely remember the first time he encountered the Rabbit Hero.
xxx FlashBack xxx
"Hahaha! So many people, over just a little ol me like this? I've already dealt with the criminals in the building. So I'll just be on my way now!"
Joker spoke giving them a smirk, He was in his usual Phantom Attire, as he looked over at the small group of heroes that were after him.
He was on the top of a building, surrounded by 3 heroes.
They had been called in by the police to arrest him after he had dealt with petty criminals already, most likely a nearby civilian heard the commotion going on in the building.
"Give it up, we have you cornered." A massive man, 205 cm tall, with massive muscles and a large, squared jaw. He had thick metal bands around his wrists, and his abs were on display since his hero costume was skin tight and didn't cover everything. Has spiked back white hair, and his fists slammed together to show that he was ready for a fight.
"Death Arms, right?" The teenager asked with a grin under his mask. "Cool, you're a pretty big name... but not as big as All Might."
He had 2 pretty big-name heroes after him, and a hero who was in the Top 10.
"I was more than enough to handle a simple thief... don't see why you two needed to be called in. I didn't need any help with this." A tan-skinned, tiny and muscular woman spoke with a confident grin. She was even shorter than the thief, 159 cm in height, and contrasting her tan skin was long white hair and red eyes, as well as her long white bunny ears instead of human ones. She had an attractive body, barely hidden by a white leotard with a yellow moon on it, white gloves, and purple thigh-high stockings.
"He's already taken justice in his hands, You should know that the acts of vigilantism and the use of your quirk in public is a crime. They called in those best suited for this situation." A Knight armored man, also tall standing near 183 cm, with Engines in his calf.
"Mirko... Death Arms, and Ingenium. You're super hot... and you're...Too Bulky, and you're too fast for my liking" Joker pointed to the three of them in turn.
He might be in a little bit of trouble.
"Ppffffft... bulky... you're a scum for being a vigilante, but I like the way you speak," Mirko spoke as she pointed back at the vigilante. She tensed her legs and rushed off at him faster than a speeding rabbit, he jumped up a clear 15 feet into the air and dodged her, landing on the opposite side of the rooftop with his hands. She didn't hesitate to crack the rooftop when she changed directions and chased after him.
Without looking at Mirko, he ducked underneath her kick and turned his head to look at her face from between her cleavage, with her looking down at him.
Death Arms threw a punch at the vigilante, and it was dodged as well, slamming into the rooftop and getting his fist stuck in it. Mirko put her feet on his chest and kicked off of him to chase after Joker.
He's got to have some kind of Quirk that gives him excellent spatial awareness...
Ingenium Calf started to push out smoke, and then that smoke turned into fuel, as he activated his own Quirk and Rushed towards the vigilante they were facing. He threw a roundhouse kick out, only to have the vigilante duck, then He threw more rapid-fire kicks at him. Joker threw himself off the top of the building to escape Inguinem's range, shooting out a Grappling hook, swinging across the streets and landing on the other side's roof.
Mirko stopped at the edge of the building, looking down, and then to the other side where Joker was standing.
"You guys are going to slow me down, I've got this!" Mirko jumped off the building after him, and she blinked when he started running again. She kept landing, rolling back onto her feet, and Lunged forwards with her speed, almost catching up to him. she grinned when she realized he had jumped knowing that she would jump after him.
He jumped onto the side of another building, so she kicked the side of the building and followed after him. In mid-air, she threw a kick at him as she passed him by, faster than him, but he ducked in the air and did multiple flips as he reached the next building. He jumped through the air again, and she chased after him in their mid-air fight the second she could get her foot onto the side of another building.
In minutes, they had already traveled far away from their starting building, Ingenium and Death Arms long since left behind in the chase.
She's practically flying... this is kinda fun…
The Phantom thief thought as he landed on the side of the building, and he felt her coming behind him. Instead of jumping, he did a backflip, and allowed her to kick the side of the building, her body breaking right through the concrete wall, while he landed behind her, having just fallen a few feet back.
He waited for her.
"You're not getting away from me!... where the hell did you go?" Mirko shouted as she tried to unlodge her foot out of the crumbling wall. He had to have jumped to try and escape from her, that was what he had been doing for minutes now. She continued trying to unlodge her foot.
Joker walked up to her from behind, and Place a hand on her shoulder "I'm Right here"
A cold shiver ran down Miruko's spine, she didn't even hear him as much as move, like his entire existence didn't exist, no noise indicating that he was behind was picked up by her ears.
She turned her head and glared at him. Crimson red meeting Golden Yellow. He smirked and then cupped her by the chin with his red gloves, then he pulled her into a kiss. He gave her a swift kiss on the lips before he pulled back when she out of instinct kicked where he had been having enough power to dislodge her leg back out of the concrete wall.
she glared at him for the kiss.
"Consider that thanks for the fun chase."
"You slipped me a tongue you bastard... you've got some balls, I'll give you that." Mirko saw the thief run again, and she chased after him. With a fiery passion to kick him in her eyes, she went full speed, breaking part of the building she jumped out of. She looked him eye to eye as he flipped through the air, her body sailing underneath him as he landed on top of the roof of a shorter building, and she went clean over it.
As soon as she landed, she jumped after him.
Oddly enough, he was standing completely still on the building, waiting for her to join him. He
Had a hand to his face, partially covering his face from view.
She blinked in surprise, no doubt he was thinking of ways how to escape from her. That time was over now because she was going to end this.
"Debilitate!" Joker shouted
She landed.
"So, you decided to give up" Mirko started to say, before she suddenly felt extremely weak, and nearly dropped, but the vigilante had caught her, and placed her down on her side. All of her strength had left her body, and she saw him smirking down at her, his face visible again.
"As hot as you are, that kiss was for more than just thanks for the fun. I didn't just slip your tongue, It was a needed distraction for me to activate a part of my power. Don't worry, it's not lethal or anything, but once it kicks in, it really packs a kick." The thief stared at her as he kneel down to her level. She tried to push herself back up but, once her arms started to shake from the effort of holding herself up. She barely had the energy left to even glare at him.
She saw him digging through his coat, and a thousand thoughts were running through her head
Shit... shit...!
Mirko thought as he brought something out, only for it to be a Journal.
He opened the journal, then she saw a small flicker of blue flames on the other hand, out came a pen. He started to write something in it, "What the hell are you writing, now of all times" she growled. He stopped writing, and looked her in the eyes, then continued writing. "Oi! Are freaking ignoring me while I'm laying down in an embarrassing position!" She Growled out, attempting to push herself up again, only to fall back down. She heard him sigh, then he laid his head on her side like a pillow. "Wh-what are you doing!?" she sputtered out embarrassed, by the way, this vigilante was acting. He closed his journal, and placed it back into his Coat, turning to her.
"You know, you have beautiful eyes. I think I have a thing for red-eyed babes" He said smirking, then sighed Placing his arms on her side resting them on her body, like one would when sitting on a couch. "Wa-watch where you're putting your han- Eek!" she was trying to say before the vigilante gave her rabbit tail a soft squeeze. "It's soft, that's interesting," Joker says nonchalantly. "What the hell, stop being so weird!" She says with a red tinge on her cheeks.
"I'm actually just waiting here with you to see how long this 'drain energy' lasts. I don't want to leave you up here completely, defenseless." Joker says while staring at her eyes, then she turns away and grumbles something about him being a weird-ass vigilante.
Some minutes pass...
Joker pushes himself off her and stands back up. "I think it's almost time." Joker starts making his way towards the edge then stops. "Mmm Maybe doing it again won't be so bad," He says while walking back toward Miruko. "What the hell do you mean-" he cuts her off, by cupping her chin softly and kissing her deeply this time. He lets her go, licking his lips. "Damn, did I just suck face with Miruko, no one's ever gonna believe that," Joker says while walking back towards the roof's edge.
"You... bastard..." she growled out, her face red as a tomato.
"The name's Joker, remember that."
With that, he was gone, taking a leap off the side of the building and dropping down into the alley below. Cursing her luck, unable to follow him, she was forced to stare down at the ground, licked her lips then sighed "That Bastard...Joker."
Landing down onto the Alleyway Arsene Materialized.
Wow didn't think you go through with that…honestly I'm shocked…
Shut up, shut up…! Joker's face was red as a tomato
Aren't you lucky? Not so many little boys can have their first kiss with a pro hero…
I hate you…
I am you..haha…
xxx FlashBack Ends xxx
The sound of someone snapping their fingers in front of Joker had rocked him out of his thoughts.
"You must be quite confused, correct? Pardon me for getting ahead of myself there, it's just so exciting to meet such young talent! You must have questions, so ask away!" The White Mouse said.
The room fell silent for a second as Ren looked between the creature and the two men in the room, pure and utter confusion in his voice.
"Who- I mean, what are you?"
After a second of silence, the small animal laughed once again and threw its arms in the air. The sound sent a chill down Ren's spine.
"Who knows! I may be a bear, a dog, or even a mouse! What really is important, is that I am Nezu! UA's very own principal, and Shouta, otherwise known as Eraserhead, is one of my staff members!" Nezu Proclaimed.
Questions. Just so many questions were running through his head.
A one-foot tall teddy bear ran UA? He didn't really have a problem with that at first, but this thing just scared the hell out of him for some reason. Ren once again looked at Aizawa, prompting the man to sigh and run a free hand through his hair. "Yes Problem child, the rat is the principal and my boss. He's also one of the most intelligent creatures on the planet, so let it be known that he doesn't come to personally talk to any random teen without reason."
Ren was taken aback by the unexpected response. "What is that supposed to mean?"
The mouse-like man interjected. He seemed to have better interpersonal skills than Aizawa. "Mr. Amamiya. Let me ask you a question. Do you know what the penalty for vigilantism is?"
"Life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. In extreme cases, capital punishment." Ren let out a small laugh as the severity of his current situation dawned on him. "Even if I'm a minor, I doubt they'll show me any leniency. The prosecutor will probably want to make an example out of me."
"That is correct. Under normal circumstances, that would be your immutable fate. However…" He took a small pause as if to collect his thoughts. "What if I told you there was an alternative?"
Ren did not react, his mind started to theorize what the proposed alternative could entail. Nezu carried on without waiting for an answer.
"If you wish, I'll leave you to your own devices, you can try your own luck on trial. But you and I both know how that will play out. After that, you can enjoy the abundant amount of free time that comes with incarceration. Who knows? Maybe in 20 years, you'll get a reduced sentence for good behavior. Either way, you won't have to worry about me bothering you again. However, if you let me help you, I can show you a different path…" He leaned in and put on the most serious face an anthropomorphic rodent could.
"This is my offer. Should you choose to accept it, your sentence will be reduced to a 3-year probation period, and do 4000 hours of community service. At that time, you will then attend U.A. High, under the supervision of my colleague here, Mr. Aizawa, as your homeroom teacher. I'm sure you're already acquainted with Mr. Aizawa here." Ren Nods then Nezu Continues "During your probation, we'll oversee your rehabilitation-
Ren Inwardly Cringed at that word
You will learn how to be a Hero, and we'll train and nurture your Quirk to better help and save people, all while abiding by the established Heroism laws. There will be no more vigilantism, no more rogue escapades, and no more lurking in the shadows. We've cleared this deal with the prosecutor. If you complete the probation period without stepping out of line, your criminal record will be expunged and you will be allowed to become a fully licensed pro Hero."
Ren's immediate reaction was that the deal seemed way too good to be true. At one point in his childhood, he did fantasize about studying to become a Hero, but that was many moons ago. Now, the idea of him being a student at U.A. was simply unfathomable! Their Hero course was one of the most prestigious in the world. The institution's hallowed halls were the starting point for the likes of Best Jeanist, Endeavour, and even All-Might. Joker thought himself awfully out of place in that line-up. This offer was surely some type of bait. "Alright, what's the catch?"
Nezu shook his head. "There is no catch. We simply wish to help you."
"And, what does my Mother say all about this? I know she's here, an-" Ren starts but is Interrupted by Aizawa's soft but firm voice. "Ren"
He looks toward Aizawa, he takes it as permission to continue "Your mother has already taken it the hardest, she hasn't even told Sakura-san yet. Think about it, and do the right thing."
Those words cut deep. He remembered the first time he found himself in need, the desperate calls for help, and the ensuing disillusionment with Heroes after no one responded to his call. Then he had summoned Arsene, more out of luck than anything, but maybe it was Fated to always happen? He doesn't know. He swore that as long as he lived, he would never allow anyone to feel the despair he felt back then. He never cared about the status, the wealth, or the notoriety that came with being a Hero. He only wanted to help. Speak for the voiceless and fight for those who can't fight for themselves. Giving up now wouldn't be fair for them, it would betray every one of his core principles. If he had the opportunity to keep fighting, he had to take it no matter what.
The room grew still as Nezu walked up to Ren's face, his face showing a grin."Why did you choose a life to be a Vigilante, Mr. Amamiya?" He asked paws behind his back.
What? What was he supposed to say…?
J-st -Ell Th- Truth… Even Arsene's Static cracking voice cut through his inner thoughts.
"I chose to be a Vigilante because I wanted to do the good that these abilities let me do, cause I know that I can help someone out there, that means I have to. I want to help every powerless person out there, ones that we're powerless in the face of danger. Just like how I was several months ago."
The room fell silent as the boy finished talking, Peter saw how Eraser had a more thoughtful look in his eyes than before. As the group sat in the deafening silence, the quiet was broken by the small, high-pitched chuckles turned giggles that Nezu gave off. Before anyone could ask, the animal gained a fond smile as he looked from the boy to Naomasa. The man perked up as he saw the creature's gaze. "My quirk didn't go off once, he didn't lie." The black-haired man responded, pocketing the paper pad into his coat.
"Do you accept the Offer?" Nezu proposed again.
The boy spoke with sincere regret. " I'll do it. I'll take your offer."
I have to get stronger, or ruin will come…
"Marvelous! I knew you'd choose wisely Mr. Amamyia. You don't have to worry about the entrance exam, you'll count on the recommendation of none other than yours truly, a.k.a. the principal himself! Based on your exploits as Joker, I can say for certain that you are U.A. material. The school year starts in 9 months." The sentient mouse said with a genuinely cheerful tone. "Now, I'll go fetch the keys to undo those handcuffs."
"Oh, these? Don't worry, I got it." With a quick motion, Ren pulls his hands together before immediately pulling them apart. As if by magic, the handcuffs detached from his wrists.
Instantly feeling Arsene's comforting presence. If Arsene was to describe the situation he was in, it would be a Movie pauseing, the inner mindscape rapidly disintegrating, then suddenly someone pushes the play button. The movie quickly resumes, all changes going back to its original form.
He did not want to look a gift horse in the mouth, still, he needed to ask the question that would not leave his mind.
"Excuse me, sir. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but… can I ask for a small favor?"
Nezu, turns to Ren "Favor? If it is in my power, then I can allow it."
"I-I want to get in through the U.A exams, I want to get into U.A with my own Merit, not with somebody's helping hand," Ren says, then looks at them. They seem to be contemplating, and Ren bows "I-If you allowed it that is."
"OK!" Nezu exclaimed, but continued, "Let's make a deal, if you don't score in the top five, then everything we just said we'll be forgotten, and You'll go to prison." Nezu said gleefully.
Aizawa coughs in his hands "Sir, are you sure?" Nezu only Nods, then he looks expectly at Ren.
"Deal"
The principal nodded in approval. "Impressive. I wouldn't have expected anything less from the infamous Joker." Nezu smiled, extending his small paw toward the boy for what Ren guessed was a handshake. Ren hesitated for a second before he captured the small paw with his own hand. The creature smiled brightly and shook his hand with incredible enthusiasm. Tsukauchi gave a small smile and exited the room.
"Excellent! There are seven months until the entrance exam, so you will have time to get settled with your new situation and the conditions of our deal." He walked to the other side of the table and hopped onto Eraser's shoulder, the man reluctantly letting him stay there as the animal hid inside his scarf.
Aizawa's expression did not change at the principal's words, but he slightly averted his eyes away from the boy in front of him.
"I see…" Ren bowed profoundly. "Thank you for this opportunity, sir! I promise I won't make you regret it."
"Calm down, kid. Save that enthusiasm for the classroom." Aizawa and Nezu stood up and made a beeline for the exit. Ren quickly followed suit.
Eraserhead held up his hand. "Not so fast, kid. You'll spend the night in the holding cell. Use this time to think about all you've done. Your Mother will come in shortly, I'm sure that's another interrogation within itself." With that, the two walked out of the room and left Ren in silence.
The boy ran a hand through his frizzled hair as a small smile graced his face. "Yeah, that's fair enough."
fuck…
Bonus Short Chapter! Takes place right After Operation Phantom's Fall Part 2.
Starring everybody's favorite Detective Prince...
"Damnit, I missed…" Muttered Jester, ignoring the sizzling smoke trail that came out of the Barret. 50 cal's barrel in his hands.
He had missed his shot, maybe he should have taken account of a changed trajectory just in case. Joker's Persona had taken control of his body just for a second, shifting his head out of the way. It seemed that the Persona that resides in Joker, had taken its survivability into its own hands. Once the bullet had made contact with the Persona-controlled body, it releases its own inherited magical power, and the surge of magic came out in waves. Since he has a persona himself, he can physically feel the surges as if it was Roaring Storm right next to him.
He feels tingling the sensation of his Persona rupturing from his back, materializing itself.
(▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅)
"I know" he turns to see his Persona.
(▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅)
His Persona was black and white striped in several odd patterns while having a few spots of red sprinkled on his hair while his feet encompassed red flames that seemed to resemble the blue flames that surround Arsene whenever he's summoned. He brandished a blood-red great double-bladed sword. The red aura he gave made it seem much more sinister than even Arsene.
A malignant god of Norse mythology. Not always driven by malice, but impulsive and devious, and its name was Loki.
"I should have killed on that day…You say?"
(▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅)
"You idiot, how was I supposed to know some random worm would be the Fool!" Storing the sniper in his inventory, it broke into white motes.
On that day…
I had shooked his hand, and an electric current ran through him, he felt a burning sensation in his hand. All the while keeping a calming facade, talking to that mongrel. It hadn't occurred to him but… He was the one that nurtured the seed of Rebellion in that Dog. The seed had already been planted, it just needed fertilizer, and he provided it!
Loki had told him that all previous Fools, were created by a single random meeting between each other. Coming to face to face with that boy, made him instinctively want to start a conversation with Him!
And He shook his Hand…! He starts to ball his hand into a fist, digging into his palm with his nails, and blood starts to drip from his hands.
"I should have killed everyone in that Store…!"
(▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅)
"It doesn't matter anymore, his time will come again eventually," he replies while approaching the edge of the roof, dropping down into an alleyway. Loki dematerializes and Releases his form revealing his normal clothes, wearing a gray suit with a briefcase in his hand with the letter A on it. He was tall and slim with brown straight hair, covering his eyes.
He pushes his hair out of his eye and starts making his way towards the entrance, until…
*Ring *Ring, a catching tune, and vibrating in his pants cause him to pause. He digs into his pants pulls out the phone and looks at its caller.
Unknown Caller
Preppy and nice, sophisticated and regal…
Bringing up the Phone to his ear he answers.
"Hello?" long gone was his aggressive tone, and instead was a charming voice.
"Cut that Crap Akechi…!" the voice is raspy and aggressive.
"Tomura…what is it? I'm working."
"Sensei and Kurogiri wish to even further our discussion on, 'Killing All Might'" walking out of the alleyway and onto the sidewalk. Ignoring civilian gazes wondering why he just came out of a random alley.
"Tell Father that I'll be there…."
Did this chapter as an excuse to go back and fix the Prequel up a bit, so it can match the Sequel on quality.
Origins Finished. Ending Song – A Sky Full of Stars, a Persona 4 Golden soundtrack.
On an additional note: Some scenes that were executed were inspired by other stories. Go check out their better-written stories. I honestly did try to avoid making things similar but sometimes it can't be helped. When I had read those scenes, I was like damn that can also fit in my story too. The Miruko scene and the Colossus Fight were heavily inspired by ' Quirky Villain' and 'The Last Argonaut'. Also, check them out!