Welcome back everybody!
You probably didn't expect to hear back from me so soon. Well I didn't either honestly. I just felt inspired all of a sudden and well… here we are :)
Also something I want to say real quick. Does everybody here know about royal!?
First of take my money Atlus! This looks amazing! I have a lot of new ideas for this now and I will defiantly implement some stuff from there into this story…
But at the same time I am also conflicted. Mainly because I have no idea what this game is going to be. Appareantly the new Thief is called Kasumi and a first year at Shujin and got there because of Gymnastic. I want to include her but… My lack of knowledge surrounding her and everything else regarding royal makes me nervous if I really will be able to include it. I just don't know. I want her in this story and I also think about adding her to the Harem but… do you all get my problem?
Well if any of you have ideas on what to do regarding that, if I should just make up my own version of Kasumi and the other royal additions (cause I don't want to keep this story on hold till next year) feel free to tell me.
Also… am I the only one who saw the first trailer and thought this was some sort of New game+ thing when Joker was suddenly on the streets?
Okay with that out f the way I Feel like addressing some reviews from guests on (for all who don't know I am crossposting this story on AO3 and Sorry if I end up missing someones review)
Corevair:… well it will still take some time for him to be 100 percent comfortable with everything and for everyone to actually… get together but they all will be happy eventually :)
DOOT76: You think? I genuinely never saw Joker as a hipster but okay you do you.
Kersplunk: are you a psychic?
Guest 2: Thanks! Well here is the next one ;) And good to see I got to surprise you.
Guest: It was Satanael… who is kind of Lucifer but different. And glad you think so. That's what I was going for.
Agent 5: Well in that case I wish you good luck for your own story :) if you manage to get your account back send me a PM I am curious about that fic.
Guest: thanks again :)
But now to someone who I want to address.
A Guest by the name of F3838d pointed out to me that Anns death was more gruesome compard to the other Thieves. I actually genuinely didn't know what he meant but than I reread the chapter… and yeah I can see why he was uncomfortable.
First of I want to clarify I do not hate Ann. I love that fiery Panther! When I went to chose the deaths for the thieves the first time I mainly went for variety so I could write it out. An just so happened to got the sword death. Because I thought people would like to know how they all died.
Well… I am gonna rewrite that bit. Well a ibt of a retcon. I just wont tell you all how they died. I leave it up to your imagination and gradually reveal it in Akiras thoughts.
Also I reread a few other chapters and found some other things that bugged me a little. Some spelling mistakes some things I could have phrased better. So I may just do that when I get the time.
Also… if anyone whos main language is English would have the time to beta read some stuff I would really appreciate it.
Okay with that out of the way I hope you enjoy this chapter. I have a special treat for everyone who hates Kamoshida at the end ;)
They probably sat here for an hour at least by now. Akira knew that the whole Palace was probably looking for them this very moment. They needed to get out of here soon.
But at the same time, he couldn't just end this moment. It would have been heartless to do so.
Ryuko was still shaking, he could feel her body trembling against his while she clutched to his trench coat so hard her knuckles turned white. Her tears were soaking the leather and her sobs were the only thing that could even be heard in this godforsaken cell.
In the meantime all he could do was hold her tight, trying to make her feel safe.
Akira felt like the biggest idiot. How had he not thought about that? How on earth did this never cross his mind? Kamoshida was a perverted bastard, it should have been obvious he would try something now that Ryuko was here. He should have thought about a way to prevent this.
Now was way to close.
"Hey, are you feeling better?" he asked carefully, but at the same time flinching inwardly. What a stupid question. Of course she wasn't feeling better.
Ryuko didn't look at him and instead still pushed her head into his chest as she replied. "I don't… how… he… I… you… that thing…"
Akira couldn't even imagine what was currently going on inside Ryuko. Being stuck in a castle and almost dying was bad enough but now a near rape experience? Not to forget she also saw him unleashing some sort of Demon Lord.
She… she wasn't scared of him right?
Very carefully, he took her head in his hand, making her look him in the eye. Her brown eyes were still full with tears and her face was red. "Hey. It's okay. He's gone." He tried to tell her in the softest tone he could muster. She sobbed a bit more but eventually nodded, staring right into him.
"Akira," she started, "What… was that thing you did?"
If there was one time Akira felt bad about lying in his life it was this time.
"I… I don't know honestly. I just… saw you and… sorry, saw what happened and I… couldn't let that happen. I knew I had to do something. Then I heard a voice and well… you know the rest."
"Y-yeah. Its just… ugh this is such a load of bullshit."
"You can say that loud." He scoffed. "Look I don't really know what happened. But the way I see it, all that really matters is that I can get us out of here now."
He wasn't wrong. No guard remembered to lock them up again and even if, he was pretty sure he could just break these bars.
"But what if there are more guards?" she asked again, brown eyes still overflowing with tears. The blonde was on the verge of breaking apart, like very fragile glass that already suffered a few cracks.
Akira looked at her with as much determination as he could muster. "I don't care about them," she went to open her mouth again but he silenced her by putting a finger on her lips, making her wide eyed and surprised. "Look, I don't care who is going to stand up to us. I WILL get us out of here and tear apart anyone who thinks otherwise. I am not going to let anything happen to you. I promised, remember?"
She took in his words, deeply thinking about them. It was like they were doing something inside her, calming her and Akira could tell she believed him. She calmed down, her breathing getting more even.
"Okay. Let's get out of this Hellhole." She managed to say.
Akira nodded in full agreement and stood up, but Ryuko didn't stand with him. She seemed to have tried but… wasn't able too.
"Ryuko?" he asked her concerned.
Her expression was really all the explanation he needed. As much as she was trying to pull herself together, they still betrayed her fear and panic. "Sorry I… my legs are still shaky."
She couldn't move out of shock he guessed. Akira contemplated the situation and made a bold decision.
He took of his trench coat and before she could question him put it around her, like a sort of security blanket. He then picked her up and held her in his arms bridal style.
She yelped more than a little surprised, "What are you-?"
"You still are under shock," he explained himself, "I just wanted to make you feel a bit safer that's all. And I see guys do this stuff all the time in movies so I thought it might help. Feeling better?"
Ryuko just gazed up at him for a while, feeling the clothing wrapped around her and the warmth he was radiating. She didn't seem to notice the blush that was going all over her face either, more focused on leaning her head on his chest again.
Finally, she gave her answer "Yeah, a bit better." Smiling content she closed her eyes in trust, her body becoming less tense by the minute.
Akira smiled himself, just glad he could help her and walked out of the cell. They already spend WAY too much time in here.
He expected there to be more guards, considering his stunt. But maybe the opposite occurred. Maybe the guards tried to avoid him because of what he did to the Palace ruler. Whatever the reason was he was grateful. For the lack of fighting and not that big of a need to hide.
It also helped that he knew the way out of here already.
They (well he) jumped over the broken bridges and cages, making sure to keep his grip on the blonde. When they reached the same closed door he rather decided to use his newfound strength to bust it open, rather than let go of her so they could crawl through the hole in the cell next to them. He half expected Ryuko to give a witty comment, but she chose to remain silent. Not as big of a surprise given their current circumstance.
The silence was somewhat welcome to him. It gave him opportunity to think. For example, about his newest ally.
Satanael.
He already knew his name. Just like when he awoke to Arsene the Personas name was ingrained into his mind the second he was awoken.
So that was Arsene's evolution? Like Captain Kidd becoming the Monkey King Seiten Teisei, Carmen transforming into the Chief of witches Hecate, all of his friends other Personas ascending to their advanced state, the same had finally happened to him and the Thief of Leblanc's books.
He always wondered when it would happen. What he would become and how strong he would get.
This… this was far beyond anything he ever dreamed of.
He knew this was just a FRACTION of Satanael's might, something he gifted him so he may strike terror into Kamoshida and save Ryuko. Yet with that alone he could feel the entire Palace SHAKING, the entire Metaverse!
This was the Power that rivalled Yaldabaoth.
The irony in that. That his greatest ally would turn out to be the Devil in a war against a false god. That the very first rebel was rooting for him.
Akira felt like a junkie addicted after the first shot. He wanted to learn more about Satanael. He wanted to fully master it, experience his Apex, unleash it on all his enemies.
As soon as he did the game would be a breeze. He could already imagine Shido and Yaldabaoth begging for mercy. A delightful vision.
Sadly just like with Arsene previously, Satanael wasn't talking to him. It could be he was just giving him and Ryuko space? Well anyway, there were more pressing matters. He could fantasize about the possibilities of his new Persona right after making sure Ryuko was alright and they were back in the real world.
They continued their small journey, passing by a statue of Kamoshit's head, which made Ryuko's body tense up again. Akira scoffed at the thing. How self-absorbed could people be that they needed to see their faces everywhere? He still recognized it as the same statue they needed to use to lower the bridge but he couldn't do that before he… 'knew' how to with the help of a certain Cat.
"Hey, you there. Blondie, frizzy hair, look over here!"
A certain Cat that already demanded their attention.
Ah yes. There he was. His loyal feline companion, embodying all of humanities hope. It was such a relief to see him.
But while he was quite happy seeing the Cat of hope again… a certain someone was only further nearing another breakdown.
"What the eff is that thing!?" the girl in his arms shouted, having flinched at the sudden voice and not quite believing that the creature even existed.
Just like last time, Morgana didn't mind the sudden outburst and rather continued in his pleading.
"You're not soldiers of this castle, right? Get me out of here!" the expression on his face was one of relief mixed with slight begging. Very unlike the Morgana he got to know but well… that lies in the past… or future.
"Look the key is right there." He continued while pointing with his paw to a key hanging on a metal hook, merely inches away from them.
"We are trying to get the hell out of this shithole. I mean… you obviously look like an enemy too!" Ryuko gave her only reply, quite apprehensive towards anything in this place that wasn't linked to her or Akira. Not that anyone could blame her.
Morgana only further pleaded, "My Lady please, I beg of you! I am locked up here too so how could I be your enemy? Please help me!"
Okay that… somewhat made Akira feel strange. That he would live to see the day Morgana talk to SKULL of all people like that. He became so used to their constant arguing that anything outside that norm seemed downright alien.
Ryuko still looked very deep in thought, as if trying to figure out what was the deal with this creature. Akira eventually decided to speed things up a little. "I think we can trust him."
"What!?" Ryuko objected, "How can you be so sure that… MONSTER CAT, wont stab us in the back?!"
Mentally, Akira sighed, preparing himself for the first of many 'I am not a Cat' speeches of the creature.
"My lady I can guarantee you, I won't dare to go against you. It is not in my nature to attack a woman. Besides haven't you heard a saying about Black cats in Japan? They bring luck!" Morgana tried to speak as reassuringly as he could.
…
Okay THAT was unexpected.
Usually Morgana reacted with ferocity towards anyone who even so much as joked about him being a cat. Hell that was what happened the last time within minutes of meeting him! Now… he literally said he was a Cat!?
Akira couldn't wrap his head around it, had Morgana changed this time as well? How much?
…
Was he a girl too?
No that probably wasn't the case. His voice hadn't changed the slightest. Still his body was fairly… genderless looking.
And what made Igor think Morgana was the name of a guy?
The Cat seemed to take his silence as caution however and took the word again, "Look I can get you out of here. I know the best way out of this place! You don't want to be caught or worse right?"
He could feel fingers gripping him a bit tighter. Clearly Ryuko was thinking back to the 'worse' option.
"You know… he is not wrong. We have no idea how to get out." Akira snapped out of his daze and addressed the blonde in his arms. Morgana's changes were questions for later, for now he had priorities.
Ryuko considered the words carefully, before facing the creature once more. "Can you really help us?"
Morganas smile was definitely reassuring this time, all but brimming with promised kindness. Kindness Akira himself knew was in him. "Don't worry. I am not one to go back on my word."
Some more shouting could be heard from somewhere else. Looks like the guards had started to catch up to them. Ryuko seemed to think the same and Akira could tell she had decided whatever could get them out of here was fine with her.
"Alright."
She gave her permission and soon a key was grabbed, turned and a happy Morgana was stretching his furred little body, all but jumping out of his cell.
"Ahhhh, freedom tastes so great."
Ryuko looked still kind of confused and just went to question the feline. "Okay you're free, now get us out of here. Who are you anyway?"
Morgana looked a bit sheepish, rubbing the back of his head, "Oh right, where are my manners." He cleared his throat and spoke with his all to familiar extravagant voice, even making a small bow as he talked. "My name is Morgana, Gentleman and Phantom Thief extraordinaire, a pleasure to meet you."
He however also raised an eyebrow though and couldn't help but address a certain… situation.
"Say… why is he carrying you around like that?"
Ryuko's blush got just a bit redder and Akira could feel himself doing the same. "He is just… we're… I was freaked out and he decided to be a good person okay!"
"Okay!", Morgana raised his paws in defence, clearly not expecting that reaction "Geez, I didn't mean any harm. Just…"
"Can we please focus on getting out of here?" Akira intervened, wanting to just get a move on and… how would Futaba say it… skip the tutorial.
Thankfully Morgana got the hint and nodded in confirmation. "Of course, just after me."
He stopped not even a few steps later, at the same bridge that the two of them were stuck at. On Ryuko's question on how they were supposed to get over there all Morgana did was to pull the jaw of Kamoshida's statue down, lowering the bridge.
Ryuko was baffled, "How were we supposed to know that?"
"You weren't" Morgana smirked, "That's why you have me. Now come on let's go."
And so they went, running over the wood construct, eager for freedom. But like so often (and he was almost certain it would happen a lot more), Akira already knew that this wouldn't be so easy. And look at that, there were the two guards running up to them right after they crossed the bridge.
"Oh shit! Its them!" Ryuko shrieked, making Akira clutch her tighter, trying to show he would not just let them get to her. He went into a battle stance as best as he could with Ryuko in his arms but…
"I got this!" Morgana screamed while jumping in front of the duo, pulling out of seemingly nowhere a Saber readying himself for combat.
Was, was he gonna take them on alone?
"Hey frizzy hair!" Morgana shouted over his shoulder at Akira, trying and succeeding in getting his attention, "I know these clothes. You can fight right? Be my back up and make sure to keep the girl out of harm, I'll deal with these small fry real quick."
And there was the answer to his question.
Morgana really intended to fight without him this time. Why Akira couldn't possibly know. Had he become even more arrogant due to the reset?
The Knights barred their weapons and transformed into their true forms, those of Jack-o-Lanterns riding brooms, with devilish smiles. "Prisoners, get back into your cell!" One of them demanded, fire magic seething out of his mouth.
Morgana only gave a smirk as a retort, "I don't think so shadow. You will be nothing but a smashed pumpkin once I'm done with you!" he boldly proclaimed, touching his forehead as he said so. Blue flames were circling around him, encasing him just like Akira previously.
The Cat focused his rebellious thoughts and made them manifest and it seemed like a bomb was about to go off. A bomb Akira was already familiar with, anticipating Zorro's arrival.
"Come…" Morgana started, the fire growing stronger and erupting into a pillar…
…
"MERCURIUS!"
…
Hang on…
"WHAT!?"
True to Morganas words, the blue flames didn't form into the rouge thief of Spain but into the Greek God of Thieves! Instead of a muscular silver warrior this figure was almost completely blue in color, wings attached to his feet and holding a golden staff. There was no doubt about it, this was the same Persona Morgana had gained through their bond on that faithful night before Christmas Eve.
"I am the God of Thiefs, Guide through the underworld… Mercurius!" the Persona exclaimed, affirming his existence so early, the air he commanded swirling around him.
"You have one of these things too?" Ryuko asked in slight awe seeing Mercurius, it being the second time she ever saw one of the manifestations of ones soul.
Akira on the other hand…
"No. Nonononono Ryuko, the WHAT isn't the problem here. The WHO is! How in the Hell does Morgana have Mercurius!? He isn't supposed to get him till Christmas!"
Was really freaking out.
This… this didn't make any logical sense! The roman god was not supposed to exist yet! What was the meaning of this?
…
Could… could it be?
Could it be Morgana somehow travelled with him?
As far as he was concerned only himself, Igor and Lavenza remembered anything about the previous game. He remembered because he caused the destruction of fate in the first place and the whole wildcard thing. Igor and Lavenza were beings of the Velvet Room who had its own laws so that's why they were spared.
And now that he thought about it… Morgana was one of them.
He WAS created by IGOR to help him in his journey. Could that mean he really did keep his memories?
"Magarudyne!" was shouted at the top of Morganas lungs and the air around them became weaponized, trapping the Jack-o'-Lanterns in tornados and the sharp winds cutting them all over their bodies, reducing them slowly to nothing but dust.
Morgana beamed with pride at his accomplishment. Turning around he presented them yet another smirk "Not bad if I say so myself."
The blonde was still baffled. "That… you… is EVERYBODY here having one of these things!?"
"Not the Shadows. They are these things but… somewhat different. Now let's go, we have no time to waste." He said while…
Did… did he just wink at him?
Morgana definitely just looked Akira in the eye. And his right eye most certainly closed for a second.
Okay… that was way too much to unpack right now.
Before he could question it, he already found himself running after the Cat who already ran of himself, again.
They didn't get far before Ryuko made them stop. "Wait up!"
"What is it?" Morgana asked back in a hurry. Not happy with having to stop. Was Akira just imagining it or did it look like Morgana was annoyed in… in a way that he had already been through this?
Sure enough, Ryuko pointed towards the cognition of a student sitting inside a Cell. Akira already knew what was going to come next. Ryuko, not knowing that any of these were not actual real, would say they need to get them out of here.
"We have too-."
"No we don't." Morgana insisted. Okay, now the Cat DEFINITLY looked like he had been through this before.
"What do you mean with-?"
"Look I'll be short, none of these guys are real. There are just cognitions of the Palace Ruler."
"That only brings up more questions!"
"Ugh. Okay listen, this place we are in right now is called a Palace. A Palace is essentially the place where the twisted desires of someone are made manifest. This is all just a collection of thoughts, emotions and desires. These students in the Cells aren't real. Their pretty much just a side effect of the Palace."
"I am… uhhh… oh my head is hurting from all of this."
"I can understand that this confuses you but all you need to know now is that you don't need to help them. You need to help yourselves right-"
"There they are!"
"Godddamit!" Morgana cursed.
The shout came from another guard who now stood in front of them, not alone but two others with him. Great just what they needed.
Morgana summoned Mercurius once more preparing for battle…
However before Akira could offer his help he felt something collide with his back at full force, throwing him and Ryuko to the ground. He ignored the pain and snapped his head back. Three Knights, one of them even gold, stood there to strike him down, just like Morgana.
"There they are!" The golden one shouted, "That is the Demon that harmed our King! Kill him!"
He screamed enraged as their shape twisted and they went to avenge their King. An Archangel, fully armoured and furious, with two Bicorns as backup.
Before Akira could blink, the Archangels War Cry came out and he raised his sword, eager for his blood.
Beneath him he could hear Ryuko shriek up again, as his mind went into Phantom Thief mode, out of instinct calling upon an ally.
He was prepared to let Satanael raise a new hell.
The sword swung down just as the azure fire build up… a shape manifesting part by part.
A claw stopped the attack with minimal effort, to the Archangels great shock.
But it wasn't Satanael who rose from the flames and was revealed to them when the fire subsided.
Instead it was a Demonic figure of a Gentleman Thief, top hat and formal clothing standing in contrast to his bladed legs, pitch black wings, claws sharp enough to tear through steel and fiery mask.
"I am the Pillager of Twilight! Arsene!" Arsene exclaimed, breaking the sword as he said so flapping his wings and surrounding them with cursed energy, throwing the Shadows down to the ground by sheer force. A very intimidating pose for any who were against him.
While Akira truly appreciated his first Persona, now he was actually ticked of seeing him.
"What took you this long!?"
"I am sorry my friend. I didn't had the means to arrive sooner. To be blunt… there is quite the chaos inside of you right now."
"Uggggh. Okay I am gonna have a long talk with Igor after this."
"You have TWO of these things?" Ryuko's voice could be heard, in even more disbelief.
"Questions for later!" was his only answer. That may just become his new catchphrase at this point.
The Archangel was the first to stand up again going in for a new attack. Arsene parried the sword with the blade on his leg, letting it stab the ground harmlessly, before slashing at him with the other leg, swiftly disarming it and causing a large gash in its armour as it was thrown back. A Bicorn charged at him, ready to avenge his comrade, but was grabbed by the horns. The Thief broke them off, the screams of the Bicorn echoing as he rammed them both into his skull, leaving it for dead as it collapsed and its corpse faded away.
The second Bicorn made the very wise decision of running the other way, leaving the Archangel alone to the fight.
Arsene merely cracked his fingers before the cursed crimson fire filled the room.
Needless to say the Shadows were quickly dealt with. While Arsene didn't held the sheer power of the Persona Akira had previously awoken he WAS still his starting Persona and an extremely good fighter. Within seconds they broke out of the ambush, continuing their way to freedom.
Beforehand though Morgana had asked him about the TWO Persona thing. Something that made Akira even more suspicious. It wasn't the fact that he asked but the way he actually did it. The first time there was this sense of wonder and disbelief in Morganas voice. This time it was still there but sounded… of.
Akira had become very good at seeing through masks. And Morgana wore one as he questioned him, he could almost guarantee that. There just seemed something fake about the way Morgana addressed it.
It kept gnawing on Akira's mind, even as he went to pick Ryuko up again.
Soon they were on their way out, to the Hall and into the small room with the 'entry point' aka. the ventilation shaft. Now that it was finally save for them and freedom within grasp, Ryuko was okay being let down and all but jumped at the metallic mesh to rip it of, immediately as she was set down.
"And a one, and a- Whoa!" the metal gave in and with it falling of so did Ryuko, landing with a loud thud.
"You're okay?" Akira helped her up and she dusted herself of a little. "Yeah I am good. The guards didn't hear us did they?" she followed up in concern.
"Even if its all the more reason for you to get out. Now get going." Morgana pushed the two.
Ryuko was somewhat hesitant suddenly though. "But… what about you?" she questioned the Cats motives, clearly concerned for him.
Morganas next line gave Akira an even bigger shock. "Its not the right time for me to leave. There is something I need to do first. But don't worry my lady, well meet again soon."
Time.
It was AWFULLY suspicious for Morgana too use THAT word right now.
The blonde was about to argue again, but Akira gave her a nod through his confusion and she eventually agreed. Climbing up the way to the shaft she looked at their guide one last time. "Thanks for helping us out of here." She gave him her gratitude.
Morgana bowed as a reply. "Don't thank me my lady. It is in the virtue of a Phantom Thief to help those in need."
The girl looked like she was gonna question that at first, but just decided to let it go and instead crawled through the shaft, a rushed "Don't get caught again!" coming out of her still.
Even though Ryuko was okay with leaving, Akira wasn't.
There was no way he would be able to get some peace if he couldn't find out NOW what was up with the feline.
Apparently the same seemed to be true for Morgana. The manifestation of hope simply looked straight at him, as if to wait for him to make a move. There was a sort of tension between them Akira couldn't quite explain. So… he asked the only thing he could.
"Mona?" he gave him his former alias. One that he wasn't supposed to possess yet. If he really came with him…
Mona gave him a soft smile and spoke the word he never thought he would hear from him again, after the bolt of lightning rendered him to nothing but a smoking corpse.
"Joker."
The sheer relief Akira felt was incredible. A gloved hand had to be pressed on his mouth to keep him from gasping, still letting out a small heartfelt laugh. Yet, he repressed his emotions for now. He couldn't just hug the Cat here or breakdown crying in a Palace, while Ryuko was waiting for him.
They shared a moment of mutual relief and understanding. Joker wanted to say a lot to the feline… but for now that needed to wait.
"Meet me at Leblanc tonight?"
"You bet on it." Another grin that oozed joy and Morgana made his way out of the door, with an extra jump in his step.
Finally.
They were free.
Ryuko was not sure if she ever felt so much relief in her young life.
After Akira had crawled through and met her on the other side of the vent, the two had ran of out of the gate and the world just sort of… folded and distorted.
Next thing she knew she was standing on the streets of the Tokyo she was familiar with. The right Tokyo. The normal Tokyo. The Tokyo she grew up in without purple skies and castles that may just be pulled from hell.
She took a deep breath of the city's air. It didn't smell any different, still the familiar air of the City. Not wet, bloody or musky.
It was the same air she inhaled when she was running. The same she felt on her skin and in her hair every time. The same sense of familiarity.
"We are back." She whispered out, still out of breath, exhausted from the entire experience.
"Looks like it." Came from Akira next to her, the same relief she felt all over his face. She smiled at him, just happy about having gotten out of that-
Akira's expression twisted soon. His face became much more pained and he grit his teeth. This surprised the girl and she was immediately worried.
"Aki-?"
"GAHHHH!"
What happened next came out of nowhere. Akira held his head in excruciating pain. Falling to his knees, he clutched his forehead and chest. He acted like something was gonna burst out of his body!
"GAH! SON OF A MOTHERFUCKER! OWWWWWWWWWWW!" he continuously cursed and shouted while wildly shaking.
Panic went through her. What was happening to him!?
"Are you alright!?" she fell to her knees herself, sitting next to him, hands on his shoulder and back. He grunted in between his reply.
"AAAAAAG! FUCK! AAAAHHHHHAHAAA! My head feels like its exploding!"
"Do you need some water? Some food or…"
"NOooooua! I! I am fine! Just… Gah fuck! I just need a moment that's all!"
She just decided to listen to him now, feeling still bad though to see him in so much pain. Tenderly she rubbed his back, like her mother always does to her whenever she felt sick. Hopefully it could help him too with whatever was plaguing him. Was this because of this whole demon summoning bullshit he did in that Palace place?
Thankfully before she could think about that any further his breathing became more controlled, less rapid and normalizing on a steady rate. Slowly he managed to stand up, rubbing his head a last time, a few last curses coming out of him.
"Uh. Holy fuck. That… that was bad. I never felt THAT bad in my entire life. I mean I felt something similar bad a year ago or so but that was nothing compared to THIS."
She still rubbed his back, making small circles with her index finger. "What do you think could have caused this?"
"Side effect of a Persona I guess?"
"Persona?" What on earth was that? She never even heard the word before. "Wait. Do you mean these spirits thing?"
"Yeah that! Apparently their called Personas."
"How… how do you know that?"
"I just… sort of know? The big guy is called Satanael and the second guy Arsene."
She raised an eyebrow. Sort of knowing? She couldn't really believe that.
"You ripped of your face and just 'sort of know' what these demons are actually called?"
He just shrugged and Ryuko just… accepted it. This was far from being the weirdest thing that happened today after all.
Dear Lord she was exhausted. Mentally more than physically but still tired nonetheless. She really felt like saying screw Shujin and just… go home, wrap herself under a blanket, eat some good ramen and watch a movie with Akira or something. The way he looked he could use some relaxation too and she didn't feel like being without him right now. To hell with Shujin. Any place that had the same name as that school could rot for all she cared.
"Do you wanna sit down for now?" she eventually asked, spotting a very comfortable looking bank a few meters away.
As he nodded she already pulled him with her. Dropping down on it, the two let out a deep breath, none of them knew they were holding.
Something else neither of them knew was… what to actually do right now. Ryuko felt like she should talk about what happened. But how could she when she still didn't understand half of it!? And the other half…
"Okay so…" Akira took the word and she looked at him. These previously determent eyes still held a lot of energy but Ryuko could easily make out that he was bewildered. "If I understood Morgana right we just were inside our Gym leaders mind?"
"I… guess?" she shuddered remembering it. She always knew Kamoshida must have been royally messed up in the head but if the cat was right than Kamoshida's thoughts were even more horrendous than she had ever thought. "It was an effed up place to be in that's for sure."
"Won't argue with that."
There was another silence between them. Ryuko just didn't know what else to say. Within a few hours so much had happened. They got attacked by some Knights. Akira was this close to being tortured and dying and she…
Ryuko crossed her arms before her chest and crossed her legs. She felt uncomfortable just remembering it. His smell. His words. His hand on her throat. Trying to close her legs but the knights-
Ryuko felt sick beyond words. She came THIS close to being raped. Losing her virginity to KAMOSHIDA of all people. She would have preferred being killed over that any day.
If she would have been alone... Ryuko didn't want to think about it. Chances are she would have never made it out of that cell. Stuck forever in that… messed up torture sex dungeon with that inhuman! That was a fate she wouldn't wish upon anyone.
She side eyed Akira again, who was in deep thought, silver orbs just gazing into nothing. His head must be as dazed and muddled as hers.
Thank whatever ghost, angel or god was watching over her that Akira was with her.
"He saved me."
There was no denying it, even if she would have wanted to for some reason. Akira had saved her life. Not only prevented her from experiencing one of the worst things that could happen to a person but literally carrying her out of that nightmare.
What were the odds? How were the odds that she would even meet someone like him and be in that situation with him there? It was like the Universe had send her a guardian angel…
Well guardian demon probably would fit better, if those two 'Personas' were any indicator. But if a demon was like Akira, having done in a few hours more for her than almost any other person in her life, she would be more than fine being around them.
Before she could stop herself she closed her eyes, leaning her head on his shoulder, just enjoying the wave of comfort and safety that surged through her upon contact.
"Uh… Ry-?"
"Thank you." She surprised herself with how soft she sounded.
Ryuko couldn't see his face but she was almost sure he was surprised. The small 'What?' he gave as a reply only strengthened her assumption.
She nuzzled against him, uncrossing her arms and hugging his left arm. Taking a deep breath she spoke. "Akira. You saved my life."
"That?" he sounded almost embarrassed, "It was nothing."
"Nothing?" she couldn't believe it. The way he said it, like he didn't even realize what he did for her. "Akira I almost got raped just now. You… I owe you my live. I don't know how to thank you."
A small silence, until she felt his hand on the back of her head, comfortingly touching her hair. "You don't owe me anything. I only did what anyone should have done."
"So everyone should rip of their face and summon some demon?"
"…I mean yeah?"
She could actually give a chuckle at that, "Still, I wasn't there with anyone. I was there with you and… you saved me."
"What else was I supposed to do? I couldn't just ignore it."
He didn't. But she was sure there were a lot of people who would.
"Still just…" she looked up at him again from her comfortable resting place on his shoulder, "Thank you, seriously."
He simply gave her another one of his smiles. "It was nothing."
She just took it as an acceptable answer. Leave it to the 'deranged delinquent' to show chivalry isn't dead just yet.
She did feel somewhat embarrassed though and tried to change the topic eventually. "Still… this whole thing was beyond crazy. "I feel like I fell straight into some anime shit. How did we even GET there in the first place? What the hell is going on!?"
"Good question."
"You have returned to the real world. Welcome back." A robotic voice exclaimed.
The two students perked up, not expecting whoever that was. Ryuko could briefly see recognition going over Akira's face however. He let go of her head and scrambled to get out his phone. Unlocking it… there was the weird symbol taking up the screen once more. "That thing again?"
"Did… your phone virus just talk?"
"Looks like it."
But what stood out the most weren't the fact that it spoke at all but the words it used. "And did it just say returned to the real world?"
The second the words left her mouth she could practically see the gears turning in Akira's head as she too made the connection. His expression that followed was one of sheer disbelief, as he spoke the obvious… yet unbelievable fact.
"Did my PHONE got us into a different world?!"
Ryuko was at a loss for words. How was this even remotely possible? Suddenly landing in different worlds and summoning demons was only supposed to work in fiction! Did she really stumble into some Anime!? "Uh… could be?"
Akira just kept looking at her and his phone over and over again. Sinking his head back he stared up at the sky, "What the hell even is my life right now?"
Ryuko would like to know that too. She sighed not knowing what else to do. "I really wished we could ask someone about this stuff. But the only one we could is still in that Castle and… a cat. It sounds weird even saying it out loud."
At this point she began to feel her head pulsating again, no doubt from the pressure of trying to grasp the situation. The raven however seemed to have an idea however. "Or is he?"
"What do you mean?"
"I think I might now someone who could help us with this whole mess."
Ryuko raised an eyebrow. "Do you know many cats that can talk?"
"Not a cat but a few days ago I meet a girl and she is basically a detective. She even is called the Detective Princess. Her name is Goro Akechi and she is very smart. I mean… it is a long shot I admit but it wouldn't hurt to ask her about this stuff right?"
Ryuko wasn't quite sure what to think about this. "Do you really believe she could help us? What if she thinks were crazy?"
"True but we have gotten along pretty well. And if we explain to her the situation maybe she could get some idea? Look I know the idea isn't THAT good but really how many options do we have? I am not saying we should tell everyone… in fact that would be a horrible idea, but we could tell ONE person who may be able to help us out."
Ryuko had to admit he had a point. They were literally clueless considering that other world and it seemed that Akira seems to hold this Akechi girl in high regards. She had heard about her before and that she managed to solve even the toughest cases within days. If she really was such a genius maybe she could help them find out more about that Palace. At the very least they could try.
There was also something else that had started to appear in her mind. Morgana said that the castle was essentially a manifestation of Kamoshidas thoughts. If he was thinking like THAT about the members of the Volleyball team… could that perhaps be evidence for the abuse he was putting them through? Maybe this was their chance to finally put a stop to him. If they could get that detective involved…
Well what was the worse that could happen if she didn't believe them? Make jokes about their imaginations? Tell them they are idiots for thinking Kamoshida is like that? Wouldn't be the first time in her life someone told her that.
She nodded "Alright lets ask that Detective."
Akira nodded back, looking oddly pleased with her approval. "Ok. I text her later and we meet up after school."
"Do… we really have to go to school?" She was not in the mood for anything relating somehow to Shujin Academy, let alone Kamoshida. She didn't had any classes with him today but still… she didn't know what she would do if she would see him.
Akira's smile feel, seemingly understanding where she comes from. "Well… we are already late and this is my first day. The staff and principal are already having a close eye on me as it is. I don't want to get expelled just yet. I can get you home if you want and tell everyone you got sick?"
She considered the offer… but at the same time…
"… You know what? No. Lets go."
"Are you sure? I mean you've een through a lot and with-"
"I am sure." She said with resolve. If Akira could handle it after collapsing because of some Demon than she could too. And she wasn't about to runaway from this perverted asshole.
Before Akira could show his reaction-
"Hey you two there!" a grumpy voice shouted at the two of them.
Snapping the head into the direction from where the voice came, two aggressive looking Police man approached them, sounding more than just a little agitated.
"Arent you two students of Shujin? Cutting classes are we?"
"What!? NO! We wanted to go to School but-" she tried to defend herself… as words failed her. How was she gonna argue with them that they entered a castle? And just as Akira said, it would be for the best if they didn't tell everyone about it. Even though a part of her really wanted to tell them about almost happened to her.
Oh why did she even bother? Police are useless anyway.
The second policeman sighed, "Look kids I get it, youre young, you don't want to waste your time in some building."
"What!?" Ryuko became bright red, "HES NOT MY BOYFRIEND!"
"Really?" the aggressive policeman spoke sceptical, "You cling pretty tight to him for someone who is not your boyfriend."
Ryuko stuttered, far too embarrassed to form a counterargument, "Say something dammnit!" She said to Akira, bright red himself and just as embarrassed as her.
He shook his head and tried to get them out of this. "Look Officers, were very sorry. We got lost on our way to Shujin because we followed a cat."
"…A cat?"
"Yes a cat. We are animal lovers you know? And the cat looked so unique and for a moment we thought maybe it lost its owner. So we tried to catch him and see if anyone is looking for him but sadly we lost him. My FRIEND was comforting me about it."
The two policeman looked at one another, before theaggressive one spoke again. "Okay whatever. Cat, couple, we don't really care. Just go to your school now. If we see you next time we contact your principal."
"Got it. Don't worry it wont happen again." Akira told tem before grabbing Ryukos hand and leading her away.
Ryuko herself was stunned. Akira was quite the actor.
"How many aspirin do I still have to take for that shit to go away!?" Kamoshida loudly complained while rubbing his forehead.
For some reason, just after he entered the school and dropped of one of his favorite trophies, he had gotten the worst headache of his life. It felt like his goddamn head was being split in two from the inside out.
Thankfully he had found a leftover pack of medicine in his trusty car. But these pills didn't to jackshit. In fact it was only making things worse.
It was so bad he could barely think about anything else. So he took a walk around school for a while, all the while searching on his phone for what to do against headaches. Maybe he should just see a doctor at the end of the day. For now though, this was annoying as hell.
He already contemplated telling the Principal and just take a day of. That would be easy to do. Kobayakawa was eating from the palm of his hand. The overweight potato may be officially the Principal but he had the true power of the school. What he wanted he got it… and Kobayakawa was intend on keeping him in a good mood.
He really was the King of this place, and Kobayakawa was just another servant there to please him.
Still he didn't like missing a day here. Not if there were so many more pleasurable things to do…
So it seems for now he just had to deal with it.
"Were have you two been!?" Kamoshida heard the voice of the Counselor shout at some students. Curiosity grabbed him. What was with the old man this time?
"Look we are sorry! This is just a misunderstanding!"
Kamoshida recognized that voice everywhere. So the little slut Sakamoto had caused trouble again? Well he could get some enjoyment out of this.
Putting on his best smile, just the right amount of fake to not seem (too) sadistic and walked out of the doors, approaching the counsellor and the slut… and some other person Appareantly. "What misunderstanding?"
He entered her viewfield and the same second, yeah there she was. The blonde whore, eyes wide the second she saw him. Oh was that fear he saw? Not only that but she was shaking like a bunch of leaves. What a relaxing sight.
"Kamoshida!" she shrieked and it send delightful shivers up his spine.
His smirk widened, "You seem so carefree Sakamato-chan. Quite the difference from when we did morning practice for the track team."
She grit her teeth like a feral animal. Oh could he break another one of her limbs? "Come on slut," he though sadistic, "Make my day."
"You fucking piece of shit!" she cursed at him, something he took particular pleasure in. The bitch only said fuck in extreme situations. And he was one of the only ones who could get that reaction from her. It was almost like a foreplay. He couldn't help but wonder how many times she would say it once they skipped that part, as the counsellor berated her for her rude tone. For the untempt time someone told her by now that there was no leeway left for her.
Sooner or later she would break… than she would beg to be his again so it may stop. Her life was his long ago.
"But he! HE!" Right now she struggled to form coherent words, the counsellor interrupted her still saying something about that she should come with him.
"Now now." He stepped in again. Time to make her owe him even more, "I should have been more considerate too. Lets just forget about this little accident. I am sure Ryuko-chan didn't want to be late. How about we just let this one slide. I take responsibility."
The counsellor sighed and looked at him with some sort of admiration. What else could he direct towards him, "You have way to much hope for these students Mister Kamoshida. But alright just for today I shall let this slide. I can not guarantee however that the other teachers will be as welcoming to the two of you."
Ah yes, there were two right now. He had only eyes for the slut that he completely forget about that. Who was this other kid anyway? He took a good look to Ryuko's right, were some guy was holding her hand...
…
…
His breath failed him.
The headache he got became even worse the second he looked at him, turned from pounding to a thousand needless stabbing his brain!
He could feel his heart pumping wildly in his chest, he thought he was going to have a heart attack.
That thing… send him a glare that could incinerate him on the spot.
"RUN!" something inside him screamed at him. His body didn't obey him for some reason. He only stood there, mouth wide open, eyes bloodshot. All the while he only grew more and more in panic, his whole body violently shaking.
"Mister Kamoshida? Are you okay?" the counsellor asked him.
"AA… Ahhhhh... aaaaaaaaa." A high pitched wheezing was all that he could force out of his mouth. Even though he wanted to shout his throat sore.
"Kill it! Kill it! SAVE ME! KILL IT!" was all he could think about.
"Alright than." The monstrosity talked. Dear god it could TALK!?
"I believe we wasted to much time already. Lets go into OUR CLASS." He wasn't the only one hearing this right!? He couldn't be the only one hearing that deranged demon voice at the end right!?
That thing took the whores hand and led her up the stairs, it came closer!
He stepped right past him, Kamoshida never let it left his eyesight, otherwise who knows what it would do to him!
The beast walked past him and his elbow made contact with his side, slightly stubbing it.
Kamoshida felt two sudden wet and warm sensation in his pants, one going down his legs and on the ground.
It walked past him. Thank god. Thank the almighty god it left him alone!
It turned around. It smelled his fear!
It… smiled at him.
"Mr Kamoshida." it said while gazing in his terror striken eyes with demonic, blood red glowing orbs. IT KNOWS HIS NAME!
Were… WERE THOSE WINGS!? WAS THAT A GUN!?
"Mr Kamoshida. Are you alright?" the counsellor said again.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" he screamed continuously as the monster walked away from him.
The next thing he knew he continued to scream as pure darkness surrounded him and he fell to the ground.
Ryuko… didn't quite believe her eyes.
Did… did Kamoshida just wet his pants and fainted?
No. That smell wasn't just urine.
Kamoshida shit and wet his pants and fainted?
…
She… kind of wanted to stay and laugh at him honestly. She didn't really know how to react to something like that after this whole day.
But for now… she just let herself be lead away by Akira. They needed to get into class soon anyway.
Yes Kamoshit just took a shit in his pants.
Akira had that much of an impact.
I am feeling very satisfied with myself.
Is there a better way to end a chapter than with a suffering Kamoshida?
I don't think so.
So I will leave you with this mental image and say goodbye. :)