Welcome back guys!
First of all thank you guys very much for the gigantic support! I love reading the reviews this story receives and to see you all enjoy this little concept. And seeing how well this story takes of fuels my writing spirit :)
This is something true for every writer. So if you like someones story hand out the reviews guys. I can asure you every reader will take delight in them.
Now before we go to revisit our fool some guest reviews.
Crosby: Request noted ;) and I am happy you like it. I am trying for a mix of funny, romantic, emotional, sexy and at some points even dark stuff… so yeah good to hear I succeeded in one point already.
And Ive heard about Joker in smash! Its awesome! However… don't think I will add any of them cause I don't know how to do it… but a Joker x Lucina (Edit: here used to be bayonetta but ive seen one of the best headcanons ever and changed it) story would be hella sweet. I keep that in mind.
Guest:
I have plans for Shiho actually. You see when we get to her.
Guest:
I thank you for the tip. I had many people be VERY supportive already about Saes age and I think I know how to deal with the age gaps.
Guest:
Did… I do her wrong?
Yusuke is such an artistic character I thought a female version would be that too and maybe try to embrace beauty and seeing Goro and Akira so good looking together, rying to change some of the shadows they throw on the ground would be in character.
I am sorry if you think I missed her character.
But if you just don't have a thing for genderbending I can understand that and I hope you can find a better story to fill your harem desire. Because I plan on having this be part.
And I get your reasoning of Akiras character. Its just that I have a different idea of him. He is calm and collected but can be snarky and slightly cocky but has a great heart. Also we never really hear inside Akiras mind so who knows what could be going on inside his head. Besides he went through some very traumatic events so… that can change a person.
Besides ive seen SO many different interpretations of his character. And Having Akira be just a bit more interactive would work well I think. Besides he still initiates talks and is actually the most talkative of the Persona protagonists.
At least that's how I see him.
PhantomDark:
Thanks! And you will see about Goro. And I do have a rough idea about who will be the first person Akira shares the bed with.
Guest: Okay not gonna lie that review was HILARIOUS! And a surprisingly fitting summary of the last chapters.
Guest 2: Thank you and I am glad you like it! I know about many stories not really explaining how they get send back in time, even some really good ones I like so I tried to give one. Happy to see my writing and plans I did so far hit of well.
Okay with that all said… here we go.
Bwahahahahahahahahaha!"
"THIS ISNT FUNNY LAVENZA!"
"I disagree Trickster. In fact… it is hilarious! Bwahahaha!"
Lavenza currently held her stomach from laughing so hard.
Arsene was floating next to her, giggling maniacally.
Their combined laughter resonated in the endless blue void.
The fairy had planned to take Akiras unconscious mind into the Velvet Room to have a small chat with him at the next opportunity. Or well she TRIED to but in the end, the current misfortune was just too funny for the attendant.
"Hahahahaha! I had thought you would be over this by now yet you actually FAINTED!? Bwahahaha!" She began to laugh again, tears forming in her eyes.
Akira pouted at this display. Why was life so cruel to him? First he got involved in a fight for the sake of humanity and now his attendant was laughing at him for his brain being unable to process what happened to his eccentric artist friend.
Lavenza eventually managed to catch her bearings, showing some form of Mercy to the Trickster. "Okayayay… hehehe… I think I am mostly done."
"I may need another minute hahaha."
"Well it is great that my suffering is amusing the two of you but… HOW!?"
"Haven't we been over this already Trickster? Fate is a fickle thing."
"Okay but counterpoint, and hear me out on this… HOW!?"
Lavenza shook her head, was it really this hard to understand for a human who had literally fought a god? "Just don't question it anymore Trickster. If it helps you… I did some research and I may be able to save you from SOME surprises. At least I can tell you that you are almost done with the gender changes."
"ALMOST!? I barely survived these two what next!? Don't tell me Ryuji is a girl too!?"
There was silence of Lavenza.
Akira let the question hang in the void a bit longer… with no reply from Lavenza. Only a smug smirk.
Akira paled once more, with even Arsene stopping his laughing. "Wait… really?"
The Persona asked only to receive the same smirk…
At which point,
the Gentleman Thief absolutely lost it.
"OH SHIT! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Akira fell to his knees, utterly defeated. He didn't even question why he essentially was staying on nothing. "Why?" he whispered out, the sound of broken man.
"HAHAH! BWAHAHAHAHA! AKIRA! THIS! THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"Just… why…"
Lavenza giggled slightly again. "Is this a bad time to mention that your friend Mishima isn't exactly as you remember him?"
"HOHOHOHOOOO! OHHO GOD! NOT MISHIMA! NOT HIM! BWAHAHA!"
"Mishima…?"
"OH SHIT! OH… OH MY FUCK! BWAHAHAHA! HOLY FUCKING SHIT! I CANT FUCKING BREATH!"
Lavenza could swear there was steam coming out of Akiras ears as his body and mind just shut down.
Meanwhile the manifestation of his soul…
"THEYRE ALL GIRLS I AM FUCKING WEAK! HAHAHAHA! I THINK IM GONNA LAUGH TO DEATH HERE! BWAHAHA! IM NOT GONNA MAKE IT! HAHAHAHAHA! THIS IS HOW I DIE AND I DON'T REGRET A THING! HAHAHAHAHA!"
"Personas can't die though." Lavenza corrected. But not loud enough for Arsene to hear as he acted as if he inhaled some sort of laugh gas.
The Trickster meanwhile just collapsed totally, some small whimpers being the last indicator that he was still with them.
Eventually, Lavenza took pity on him, leaned down and put his head in her lap, gently moving her fingers through his hair to comfort him.
"Just… why?" He said again weakly. Something Lavenza only replied with moving through his hair. A gesture she thought might calm him down… and something she enjoyed herself too to be honest. His hair was surprisingly smooth and fluffy.
While the Tricksters consciousness was in the Velvet Room…
The two girls from before were in a not so small panic.
"Akira!?" Goro shook his body, trying to wake him up.
Akira had just… fallen on the ground! No warning. No nothing!
"Did I do something wrong!?" Yuzu asked, just as worried, kneeling with Goro next to Akira. She only wanted to change the shadows their clothes were throwing lightly to fit the esthetic more. How had she caused this!?
"I don't think it was you…" Goro tried to reason. "There must have been something else. I think. At least he hasn't hurt himself while falling."
"What should we do?" Yuzu wondered.
Goro thought deeply, just as stunned. How did he just fall unconscious!? People don't do that! Without…
Suddenly a knot began to form in Goros stomach. Did he suffer a mental shutdown? No. No that wasn't the case. No need to overreact. There is no black liquid from his shadow coming out of anywhere so it's not a mental shutdown. It CANT be. He has no reason to be involved in the Metaverse and there shouldn't be someone else capable of using the App. She would have known.
But now…. what to do?
"I would like to apologize for my outburst. That wasn't Gentleman like of me."
It took some time but… eventually Arsene (after almost fainting himself) stopped his laughing and Akira caught himself somewhat.
"Forget it Arsene." Akira said quietly, not raising his head from Lavenzas lap. He needed some semblance of comfort now.
"Trickster please… calm yourself. On that note… I too apologize."
"Its fine…" he spoke in a lifeless tone, groaning a bit.
Arsene sighed. "Look Akira. They are girls now. So what? It's not like it changes who they are. Just accept it and move on."
"I am TRYING!"
"Oh Trickster."
Akira took a deep breath before pulling himself out of Lavenzas lap, rubbing his forehead. Taking another deep breath, he tried to completely process everything. "Okay. They… are girls. That's not a bad thing. It's just… surprising that's all. But… I can deal with this. I can do this."
"Are you sure?"
"No."
"Well honesty is a forgotten virtue."
Lavenza pulled him in a hug, one that he partly reciprocated. "Better now?"
"A little."
A few minutes passed and Akira was down from his emotional breaking point, breaking the hug. On the bright side… now that this was all open he had the roughest part done… right?
"Lavenza… is there anything else I need to know?"
"No not really. The only people who seem to have their gender switched are Ryuko Sakamoto, Yuzu Kitagawa, Yui Mishima and Goro Akechi as you already know. But it should be worth noting that some ages are changed too. In fact… all of your teammates seem to have gotten a year older somehow. Futaba is 17 with the rest of you being 18. Some of your other confidants seem to be a bit younger too. That is about all I could find out."
The raven acknowledged the information given. "Okay good to know… I guess. How did you find that out though?"
"I am not sure how to explain it in a way for you to understand. It is a bit like catching fish in a river."
"You guys really like comparing Fate to a river don't you?"
"It is a fitting metaphor. Point is it is a difficult thing to do… even my Master has problems with doing it and we can only see the most obvious changes. Like gender, name and age."
"That's something at least." he sighed, okay so some age and gender changes. He could do that. Yes… totally. No need to freak out anymore. It is simply the new normal. Just accept it…
Oh he was going to need a break once this was all over.
"Do not fret Trickster. I am sure you will be able to handle all these women."
Akira didn't know how Arsene meant that but he wasn't going to complain anymore. He just wanted to get this whole thing over with. "Anything else?"
Lavenza shook her head. "Not really. I only could add that my Master and I are currently working on making a new Velvet Room. One that would suit a Gentleman Thief."
This awakened the said pair of Gentleman Thieves curiosity. What kind of Velvet Room would they have? Whatever it was it would be better than that Prison.
"Okay just one last question."
"That would be?"
"How the hell do I explain the two girls that I fainted without mentioning I remember them as guys?"
Akiras eyes opened, causing him to blink rapidly and a groan to escape him. "Ugh… what the hell."
"Akira!" He heard Goro shout, she immediately made him sit straight, giving him another look over and clearly relieved that he was back with them. Yuzu chimed in "Are you okay? Why did you suddenly faint?"
"Alright Akira time to fucking roll with it."
"Just do as we discussed Mon Ami."
"Sorry about that. I just am… REALLY hungry. I haven't eaten anything at all today and this stuff can happen with a low blood sugar."
He wasn't completely lying. He really hasn't eaten anything at all today.
"Wait. Is this why you wanted to go eat?" Goro asked, somewhat unnerved. "If you were that hungry why didn't you just say so!?"
"I didn't want to approach it myself?" he somewhat explained.
"So you would have rather starved than tell me were hungry?"
"I didn't expect it to be THAT bad already and I was really looking forward to that band that invited us. Or well you."
Yuzu perked up. "You mean FNKI?"
"Yeah I think that's their name" Goro answered, "You know them?"
"Somewhat. I never spoke with them personally because they are always in their band room when not otherwise occupied."
"Well… ANYWAY," she turned back to him, "You need to get something to eat. I won't have you pass out on me another time."
"I do live in a Café. If you want we can go there."
"ANY restaurant would suffice now."
"Wait… the two of you will eat?" Yuzu hesitatingly asked. "May I go with you? I feel a bit hungry myself."
"A bit? I am pretty sure you were starving around this time."
"Sure why not. Just follow us I can get us there." he replied in a casual tone, gaining a smile from Yuzu. He turned to Goro too, reminded of something else Arsene talked to him about. "They have some very good coffee there too. Might be good for you. You seem kinda stressed."
"Stressed?" Goro leaned her head while asking. "How did you get that idea?"
"Am I wrong?"
"Well… no. I had a bit of a rough night yesterday."
"Then it is decided. It's like a thirty minute walk on foot I think. I think three stations if we take the Train."
NOW he could see Goro perk up, before like always catching herself. But enough for Akira to notice. "I don't think that will be possible. I heard there was an accident."
"Another? How unfortunate. I guess the only other option is to walk then." Yuzu finished.
And so the three walked of. Akira in his mind thanking Arsene for noticing the extra layer of make up on Goros face.
He had completely forgotten about the accident already. Who knows maybe some foolish part of his brain thought Goro wouldn't go through with it this time. Still it gnawed on him.
Damn it. He was given the once in a lifetime opportunity to fix everything and he was making mistakes left and right! Of course Goro wouldn't open up about that herself. He had wanted to make her more direct with him, having her take the initiative so that their friendship could perhaps feel more like something she had wanted and wasn't just accidentally happening.
Obviously that was the wrong angle to go by. Goro would have better needed someone reaching out to help her, not her reaching out for others.
He assumed a cup of coffee would help that. And hey, Yuzu was here now too. That could only speed things up and Goro being surrounded by more kind individuals could only be a good thing. Right?
He hoped at least.
Okay he could not allow his mind to be even more distraught than it already was! It would only make things worse. This was the first and last time he would pass out because of someone undergoing a sex change!
But he had to admit… the Chocolate bar Goro gave him was very delicious.
Akira opened the door and greeted his caretaker. "Hey Boss. We're back."
"WE'RE back?" Sojiro pointed out and saw with surprise the two girls with the delinquent. One the girl he had left him with and the other a new face. A girl almost as tall as Akira with what seemed to be a B-Cup. She looked really thin for someone her age.
"Oh you brought company. I get it."
"Yeah and we could use something to eat. Akira passed out so do you have something?" Goro informed.
"What… you passed out?"
"She makes it sound worse than it actually was."
"You fell down like a rock!"
"But I'm fine now."
"Look just sit down and I will bring you a bowl of curry."
"Thanks Boss. Could you make a second bowl too? Yuzu could use something too and a cup of coffee for Goro? On my bill."
The Kosei student seem flustered. "Oh you don't have to-"
"I don't mind really." he shoot down her halfhearted attempt at an argument. If memory served right Yuzu would pretty much always be starving and never eating enough. That was the first thing he wanted to fix with her. Well… alongside Madarame.
That was when Sojiro added that he couldn't make Coffee while preparing Curry. Something of a perfect set up for Akira, who swiftly offered to make the Coffee himself. Sojiro had laughed at him and only agreed to see what kind of mess he made. Not much later four perfectly made Cups were steaming and ready to be consumed, much to Sojiros surprise.
"I can't believe this. Kid you are a natural." a stunned Sojiro muttered while inspecting the coffee for all its components. Akira lied about how he learned it because his father was a coffee addict and so he learned himself how to brew a decent cup. Well… it was a half lie. His father was an addict of the drink but his father FIGURE taught him. But he could hardly say his future self-taught him around the same time he beat down a perverted Gym Teacher.
"Thanks boss. If you ever need some help around here I can fit in if you'd like."
"Hmmm… I'll be thinking about it kid."
"Okay good that you want to work but now eat."
"Goro I am telling you I am fine."
"I repeat. YOU PASSED OUT!"
"Your friend is right kid. Go and eat something. I need to go real quick anyway."
Oh right, around this time Futaba likely was getting hungry herself.
So the barista left the teenagers to their own devices, with Goro insisting that he and Yuzu should eat if they were so hungry. This was a side of the Detective Akira never thought was possible. So insistent on their well-being.
"I must say this Curry is delicious." Yuzu praised while eating, her face all but beamed in joy to Akiras relief. For all he knew this was the first meal in days for the artist. Now with her mostly taken care of…
Goro was a different situation. She only looked at him, a tranquil look on her face, becoming slightly relaxed whenever she took a sip. Well… time to ask.
"Say what got you so stressed out now?"
"Nothing really… it's just… I had a rough night on the job." Goro admitted while Yuzu all but inhaled the Curry. Akira knew he likely wasn't going to get much info out of her, not with someone else here but still…
It did calm him somewhat that Goro had least seemed somewhat troubled over causing the accident.
"If your job is so stressful than why don't you just quit? You can't go through life only doing things you don't enjoy."
"That sounds like something out of a fortune cookie."
"Even food can be wise at times."
This did get a chuckle out of her, the sound music to his ears. Yeah, this was working. "But seriously now… what is it that is giving you such a hard time?"
"It is… complicated." Goro said out, releasing a bit of air, "It just feels like… no matter what I do it is not enough."
"Your boss is a dick than." Akira shrugged and grinned at Goro's alarmed face. "What? You're one of the most brilliant peope I have met. In person or on a TV. If they don't appreciate you it's their problem. Why still go through with it? You deserve better than that."
"Going a little overboard perhaps?"
"Hey it's all or nothing."
Goros eyes widened ever so lightly before she could force it down.
There it was again. This… random boy was making her feel more appreciated in such a casual way than almost everyone she knew. Goro simply stared at him for a few minutes… at a loss for words.
"He is right you know girl?"
The voice of Loki came up in her mind. "You deserve better than having to deal with that asshole Shido. Just get rid of him."
"While I don't agree with our partner's violent approach, I too am of the same opinion my dear maiden. You deserve better than an uncaring individual like Shido. The root of my being is making some very valid points."
Robin Hood joined in. Goro almost blushed behind her make-up, putting the cup of Coffee back on her lips to hide her smile. After catching herself she replied. "Thank you Lupin. I appreciate your kind words but I can't give up my job. That would be losing… everything I worked for."
She wasn't exactly lying. Just not giving him the full truth.
Akira… with his sharp eyes that really didn't require an aid, simply smiled again. "You know… I lost everything when I came to Tokyo. My friends, my Family and now I am sitting here in a beautiful small Café, eating delicious Curry made by my grumpy but kind caretaker and even with a new smart friend, who doesn't see me as criminal scum. I guess… if you lose everything you can only gain things."
"I… suppose." There it was again. This one boy just being in charge of his own destiny it seemed. Not minding how life had treated him but instead embracing what he had now. And then this one word…
"Friend."
Why was this making her feel so fuzzy? Why did such a simply word made her think so deeply?
"Isn't it obvious my dear? You never had one. "
Robin Hood pointed out, to Goro's frustration. Yes it was obvious. But why was it so important for her NOW!? She went through her whole live not minding the lack of friends, why was it different this time?
"Maybe cause you actually having someone who cares about you kid?" Loki added.
Goddamnit. They were right. She couldn't deny it. But still…
"Loki told me how you always had trouble sleeping after a mission. Sometimes it is because you're thinking about there being another way, sometimes it is because you are worried of endangering someone else. You justify your acts with the crimes they committed but feel a pang of guilt everytime somewhere in your soul."
"Are you mocking me?" Goro thought somewhat aggressive.
But she didn't expect Robin Hoods reply.
"I am not. I am merely saying… this guilt you feel deep down? Hold on to it. It is the undeniable proof that you are better than you think you are. The proof of there being a person inside you deserving of friendship and kindness. And to remind you of that… is my purpose."
She… didn't have anything for that.
She… couldn't deny it nor could she disagree or form a counterargument. Thousand thoughts were in her had in one second and not a single one in the next.
"Wow… Good job pal. You're actually useful to keep around."
"Thank you my mischievous comrade."
"Excuse me… but what are you two talking about." Yuzu suddenly spoke up.
Goro almost jumped. She had completely forgotten she was here!
Akira looked flustered too. "Well it's a long story. One that I am not comfortable just sharing with anyone."
"But… he told me. Why?"
"I understand. I am sorry for asking."
"Its fine don't feel bad. Maybe some other time."
"But if it maybe changes anything," Yuzu once again pulled their attention to her, "I know what its like to feel like you're not good enough."
This surprised Goro even more. "What do you mean."
Yuzu gave her a sad smile, "I am a student living and learning under a famous artist. I dont want to bother you with any details but… he is currently going through a difficult time and as such, I try to support him. I hope my works could inspire him but instead I only receive criticism." she said the last part with a somber tone.
"I know he means well but it can be very frustrating to have your efforts criticized."
"I see." Goro somewhat distant said. This was… interesting.
Akira was the one to break the silence, "I am sorry to hear that Yuzu, but does the Curry at least taste good?"
"It is delicious thanks! And in general I like the aesthetics of this place. I feel… very inspired."
Goro agreed with that "Yes I like this Café too. I don't feel this relaxed very often. I may come here again soon."
"Well you're both very welcome to come back any time. I am sure Boss wouldn't complain over some new guests."
As if the raven had summoned him, Sojiro came back through the door, surprise written all over his face. "You guys are still here?"
"Is that a problem?" Goro asked, to which Sojiro only waved his hand. "No it's no problem. Just surprised that's all. I have been away for a good while and the Trains are all gonna stop soon."
The trio were all surprised by that. Did they really spend so long talking and eating? Where did the time go? Goro didn't even have the chance to ask Akira over his introduction in school. Well given the… company that may be for the better.
Yuzu swiftly said goodbye to the group, having given them her number in case they would allow her to paint them. Something that Akira saw coming a mile away.
"Wait you want to do what?" Goro asked as if she couldn't believe the offer.
"The two of you are simply such a good sight together I just feel the strong urge to capture this beauty. If you would allow me?"
"This is a bit out of nowhere-"
"Look I don't have much time." she gave them a small sheet of paper each with her number hastingly written on "Here is my number if you ever decide to do so please call."
She than all but stormed out of the Café. Not much later Goro said goodbye as well, thanking Akira for the offer and telling him she felt much better right now.
All in all… Akira thought this was a good start as he washed the few dishes.
Now he had some stable relationship with Goro to work on and Yusuk- no Yuzu was already in the picture. Perhaps she and Goro would become friends? He would have to deal with Yuzu now though. She wasn't supposed to met them till over a month. There is no way he would try and take on Madarame as long as the Phantom Thieves weren't at least introduced to the world. What to do?
That are things to think about later though. He would need to prepare himself. As soon as he was finished he would go through the box Lavenza gave him and set up a plan for how to approach the coming year and what events he could still remember.
Just as he was finished Sojiro stopped him. "The saying seems to be true huh?"
"What do you mean?"
"Girls must really like bad boys." Sojiro grinned at him, surprisingly friendly. Even Sojiro was getting much closer to him already. A successful day two in Akiras eyes. "I leave you with one and you come back with two."
This did embarrass Akira a little though. "Oh well… I am not really a bad boy I just… happened to be their and…"
"Don't search for excuses kid. I am actually strangely proud." Sojiro admitted, his eyes suddenly looking in the distance.
"I have to admit…. you remind me of myself a little."
Akira suddenly got VERY worried. "Where is he going with that?"
"You know… when I was your age…"
"Oh… oh GOD NO!"
Akira did not like where this was going. He couldn't take being traumatized by Sojiros womanizer days! Not today!
"Oh boy." Sojiro smiled widely and was about to begin. "There was this girl named-"
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Akira screamed in panic while running up the stairs as fast as he could, leaving a dumbfounded Sojiro to shrug his shoulders and go back home.
Oh Poor poor Akira. He just cant get a break huh? Now he has Sojiro torturing him with his stories and Arsene and Lavenza are greaty enjoying his misery.
Well our dear Joker has his work cut out for him. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It was more of a tie in probably but I plan on the next chapter being a little more active.
On that note… here some new questions for you all. What do you guys think would make for a good Velvet Room for akira? I have a few ideas but I want to get your opinion on it.
I also hope you like my portrayal of loki. He is a bit of… chaotic neutral instead of being every part of Goros madness manifested like he is often portrayed as.
Well than… see ya next time ;)