"Gah, nothing makes sense anymore!''
Having no idea what to make of this strange turn of events, Subaru and Ryuji tried to look around for any clue or anyone who would know. However, anybody who had been nearby had simply disappeared. Even stranger, they found the school's name plate near the castle.
"It's even in the same place as the school, only how?'' Ryuji carried on, his eyes narrowing. ''And where'd everybody go?!''
"Good questions..." the latter paused. "...look.'' Subaru glimpsed a human shaped shadow in one of the nearby towers.
The former perked up ''Hey, let's go check this place out. I bet we'd find someone who can tell us what's going on!''
"You sure...? We don't know if anyone would help.''
"Ah, it'll be fine! 'Sides, standin' around here won't help much anyway, come on!''
Subaru bit his lip but nodded, following him into the building.
It looked to be quite a fancy place. There were numerous rooms decorated lavishly with fine furniture, long red carpets lining up the halls. A huge chandelier in the first area the boys reached, right before a stairwell to the second floor.
"Whoa...'' Ryuji looked around.
This really did make no sense, Subaru thought. How in the world did a place like this appear out of nowhere? He couldn't shake this ominous feeling he getting from here somehow...
"The more I see, the weirder it gets...'' Ryuji paused, spotting someone in a knight's armor walking on the second. ''...hey, look!'' The knight stiffened, glancing at them. ''About time we found someone here-think you can help us?''
"INTRUDER ALERT!''
"W-what?'' The blond recoiled, the knight brandished an axe as he leapt to attack. Ryuji jumped back ''The hell's your deal?!''
Subaru helped him up ''Never mind that-let's get out of here!''
"Right!''
As the two headed back from where they came, they found two more knights blocking their path. Left with little choice, the two backtracked and ran down the first empty hall they saw. It was long before they spotted more knights trying to get them and they tried their best to evade them.
They reached an area with some prison cells, stopping to catch their breaths once they were sure that there were no knights present.
"D-damn...what the heck was that?'' Ryuji winced and grabbed his knee.
Subaru blinked ''You all right?''
"Y-yeah, don't worry about that now...''
"What's going...whoa, what're you doing here?!'' A young, boyish voice asked, making the two almost jump.
A cartoonish looking cat with a somewhat big head, a yellow scarf and bright blue eyes was staring at them in confusion from one of the cells. ''I definitely didn't expect to see people here.''
"Well, we weren't expecting to see some freakish cat thing here either!'' Ryuji returned. Subaru was too bewildered to respond.
"I'm not a cat!'' He retorted, confusing the two. ''How'd you wind up here? Are you Persona Users?''
"No idea what that is but we just came by accident. We were trying to figure out how to get out.'' Subaru returned.
Ryuji looked at him ''How're you taking this so well?!''
"I'm confused too but we don't have time to focus on who or what he is, remember? We're in trouble already.''
"Lemme guess, the guards found you?'' The cat-like creature inquired, Subaru nodded. ''Man, you guys have no idea what you got yourselves in. Let me out and I'll help you leave, how about it?''
"Are you for real?! How do we know you're not with those freaks?'' Ryuji demanded.
"Do you even hear yourself? Why would I throw myself in a cell just to get at two kids? Those guys wouldn't bother with something like that.'' was the response.
"Uh...''
The creature rolled his eyes and Subaru spoke ''Can you really help?''
"Sure! You've probably figured but you're going to be in big trouble if you don't leave soon. Those guys got to sneak up on me before but I can defeat them!'' It declared proudly. Subaru nodded after a moment and it smiled. ''Right, the keys are at the far end of the corridor. Just be careful, some of those annoying guards show up every now and then.''
The boy hurried over, finding that there was a knight hurrying over, clearly looking for him and Ryuji. Hiding behind a wall, he spotted a nearby brick and proceeded to hurl it with all the strength he could muster. It crashed on the floor outside, leaving the knight to hurry over.
Subaru let out a breath of relief and grabbed the key ring hanging from the wall. The cat-like creature was watching him with a grin ''That was some good thinking, Green Eyes..'' His eyes widened as he spotted a knight appearing behind Subaru. ''...look out!'
The boy started to turn but the knight swiftly hit him on the back of the head hard, making him collapse. Ryuji scowled ''Namikaze-! Let him go!''
"You don't have time to worry about others.''
Before the boy quite knew it, another knight slammed him against a wall, twisting his arm behind his back. The cat-like creature looked on as the second knight proceeded to knock Ryuji out before picking the boys up and heading off ''Oh, no...there's gotta be something I can do. At this rate, they will die...''
The boys awoke to find themelves in a prison cell, finding one of the knights walking away. Ryuji kicked at a pebble, cursing ''What do we do now?!''
"So it was you, Sakamoto-as always you're nothing but trouble.''
They looked on in surprise at the new voice, revealing a man clad in little else but a crown and a cape-his face was someone they recognized...
"Kamoshida?!'' Ryuji cried while Subaru's eyes widened. The new arrival smirked, golden eyes glinting with malice. ''What are you...?''
"Hmph, my guards are certainly useless if they struggled with trash like you.'' He went on. The two knights accompanying him lowered their heads as if in repentance.
Ryuji bristled ''Who're you calling trash, you bastard?! It's'cuz of you that-gah!'' He cried out as one of the knights punched him through the cell's bars.
"Show some respect to King Kamoshida, you imbecile!''
"Respect? I don't see anybody deserving respect there!''
The 'king' laughed as he and the knights entered the cell ''Somethings never change, I would've thought you'd finally learn your place. But you're obviously too stupid even for after what happened. What a shame for the former ace of the Track Team...''
Ryuji glared back ''Don't you talk about that...'' He and Subaru were restrained by the knights.
"Enough. It's time for you to die.'' The 'king' declared coldly.
"Stop it! You can't do that-!'' Subaru cringed as the knight holding him tightened his grip.
The 'king' sneered ''I don't think you got the memo, brat. I'm the king here-which meant can do whatever I want and no one can stop me. Now quiet down, you'll catch up with him soon.'' He nodded at the other knight who proceeded to throw Ryuji down and raise his axe.
The blond recoiled, fear in his eyes ''N-no...''
Subaru tried to think, unable to bear watching this. The man was really going to kill them just because they entered the castle. He couldn't escape his captor at the moment but there...there had to be something he could do, right? Was it hopeless?
Ever since that night, he'd lost so much. It didn't really feel like he was living-more like going through the motions. After what happened with the news about his record getting out-he tried to push the matter aside but it hurt. That people just decided he was no good again-simply because of something he didn't do...just like in his former home. He'd simply tried to convince himself that there was nothing he could do about it.
It all made him think of how powerless and helpless he had been...he never wanted to feel that way again. He didn't want to just watch-he couldn't...!
'So your resolve endures...'
He started at the voice, barely noticing a glowing blue butterfly flying nearby. 'This truly is a cruel game but if you can hear my voice, there is still hope. You can defy fate.'
Before he could make sense of this, Subaru heard another voice, this one seemed somehow closer to him despite being unable to see the source. 'Are you going to give up? You've always tried to live with kindness in your heart, you are someone who could not turn away from what you know is wrong. Your spirit was nearly shattered due to the cruelty of others stronger than you. The betrayal of those you once held dear left you doubting everything-even about yourself. So tell me-will you cower and surrender? Will you leave him to this fate? Death awaits him if you don't take action. The choices you made-like the one two years ago...or that fateful night-do you regret them?'
Subaru didn't need to think about it. He wouldn't hesitate-not now! 'No...I won't ever regret them. I refuse...I refuse to be like the people who just turned a blind eye to what's wrong right in front of them. If I have the power to make a difference than I want to put it to good use...' A sharp pain erupted in his skull but he persevered. '...I told myself I'd lay low to avoid trouble but I can't just avert my eyes after all I've seen either. That's not who I am, I won't give up! It'll only be over when I say it is!'
The voice laughed 'Excellent! Let us make a contract. I am thou, thou art I. Do not forget thy resolve. Let your heart be free and you shall be the one to show others to freedom. Remain true to yourself no matter what and I will be with you until the very end...' Subaru suddenly registered a strange on his face, a mask. It was black and white, covering the upper side of his face. He was seized with a sudden urge to pull it off and so proceeded to do just that. '...it's time to release my power! Show this so called king your potential!'
A strong wind caught everyone off guard, pushing the two knights back. Subaru's eyes flashed golden as he pulled the mask off his face, not even registering the blood that followed this act. Suddenly, it turned into blue and white flames as a tall, human like figure with dark hair clad in a black and grey arabian style coat with armor on its shoulders and legs appeared. It also donned a small red hat, pants that matched the coat and red shoes along with a black cape. It held a wicked looking double saber in an arm, its gleaming silver eyes narrowed on the king, who could only look in shock.
Ryuji's jaw dropped, staring from the figure to Subaru and back ''What the hell?!''
Subaru had no idea what was really going on either but he wasn't about to question this. He didn't remember feeling so empowered before, ever. It was like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He had never seen this figure before but it somehow felt familiar-it was somehow connected to him. He felt that he could trust it completely...
Whatever this was, it could mean their survival. The new arrival gave him a smirk and inclined his head and Subaru called out ''Aladdin, take them down!''
Aladdin spun his weapon cutting the nearby knight a few times. Holding up a hand, he sent out sharp tendrils of black and red energy that blasted both knights down. The 'king' recoiled fearfully as Aladdin hurled his sword, cutting one of the knights several times. It turned into ash as the other knight tried defending its king but Aladdin blasted them both with that strange energy, taking the opposition down.
Before they quite knew it, King Kamoshida had fled and Aladdin disappeared. Ryuji turned to Subaru, amazed ''Dude, how did you do that?!''
"I don't know...'' The boy paused, noticing red gloves on his arms. This made him look himself over, finding that his clothes had changed completely.
He was clad in a coat that ended at his knees, it was black and white with some grey lining. He wore a black shirt underneath along with pants that matched the coat. He also had big plated red gloves that covered most of his arms as well as plated grey boots. ''...what...?''
Those showed up once you called that thing...'' Ryuji offered. Both boys turned as Aladdin disappeared and the black and white mask appeared on Subaru's face. The next thing they knew, Subaru's clothes changed back to what they were. ''...weird. Hey, is it really gone?''
Subaru paused, closing his eyes. A soothing feeling washed over him, almost as if to reassure him that Aladdin was still there. ''I don't think so...''
"Man, I dunno how to take this...'' Ryuji admitted, looking stunned.
"We can figure this out later-let's get out of here. Who knows what else might happen?''
Ryuji nodded and they headed off. They were able to find the corridor from earlier, finding the feline creature back in the cell. It looked at them in surprise ''Wait, you escaped?''
"All thanks to Namikaze.'' Ryuji grinned as the boy rubbed the back of his head, looking bashful.
It looked intrigued ''...Something about you feels different, Green-Eyes. Did you awaken to a Persona in there?''
"Is that what you call it? I was somehow able to call Aladdin to help us.''
"Mm, that must be it! So you had the potential all along...'' The creature paused. ''...can you get the keys, please? I think they fell off to our right before. Just making it clear Blondie, I'm your safest bet out of here.''
"I didn't say nothin'!''
"Uh-huh...''
Ignoring their banter, Subaru was able to find the keys quickly and opened the cell. The creature hopped out of the cell, beaming ''Ah, freedom! Thanks, Green Eyes. Now let's see about you getting you to safety.''
Subaru nodded ''Thanks-ah, what's your name?''
The creature smiled ''I'm Morgana! Come on, let's go.''
Morgana led the two of them through the castle, showing impressive stealth and skill. It quickly became evident that he was familiar with the layout of the place as he was able to point out areas they were better off avoiding. ''There's a bunch of spots I haven't seen here but I've been scoping the place out for a while. We should be fine if we keep to this route.''
Ryuji saw that the area ahead was empty so he began hurrying over. This was forcefully put to a stop when Subaru grabbed his coat and pulled him back. Before he could question this, he spotted Morgana taking down a knight with a scimitar at said area.
"I see Green Eyes is the one who bothers to use his brain here.'' The feline huffed, looking annoyed. ''Just what was that? Don't go rushing ahead-you can't defend yourself!''
"Sorry...'' The boy lowered his head, conceding the point. ''...y'know, you're pretty cool. How'd ya do that?''
Morgana smiled proudly ''I may be small in this form but don't underestimate my meowvery skills.''
"In this form?'' Subaru echoed.
"Ah, caught that-did you? It's a bit of a long story...''
"So hey, you got one of those, uh, Personas?'' Ryuji wanted to know.
"Of course. Oh, right-you guys must be confused.'' Morgana cleared his throat as they continued walking. ''Personas are essentially a part of ourselves. You know how everyone has a side of themselves they choose to hide away? Or how they just run away from something or pretend to be something they're not?'' The two nodded. ''Well, Personas can come to be after facing those feelings. After facing oppression by others and mustering the will to fight back. They've been around for sometime so I imagine there are methods to awakening them. But the bottom line, they're the strength born from one's heart. That's why I believe the user has to be tough enough to fully face and accept themselves.''
"Whoa, that's...uh...'' Ryuji was distracted upon noticing Subaru's pensive look. ''...did you get all of that?''
He nodded ''That actually explains what Aladdin said.''
The comment left them curious ''Oh? What was it like?'' Morgana wanted to know.
"He reminded me of how things changed and...what I've lost.''
Ah...'' Morgana and Ryuji shared glances, both sensing the weight behind that statement. The first's expression softened somewhat ''...you've been through a lot, huh?''
"...He also helped me realize somethings, pushed me to bring out my resolve. It's...enlightening.'' The boy added.
"I hear you, nothing like that emotional clarity you get thanks to" a Persona, huh?'' Morgana grinned.
"Sounds like somethin' pretty special.'' Ryuji remarked.
"Oh, it is. The awakening can be hard but the end result is worth it.'' Morgana stopped walking, his eyes narrowing as he spotted two dark figures approaching. ''Heads up!''
Two knights arose to block their path, brandishing their weapons. ''Try willing your power forth, Green Eyes. Remember the feeling from the awakening...'' Subaru nodded, watching him step up. ''...Zorro, show your might!''
A burst of blue flames appeared behind Mona before a big, burly male figure in grey wielding a rapier emerged.
Morgana held out a paw ''Garu!'' Zorro waved his rapier and sharp gales forced one of the enemies back. He then rushed, scimitar at the ready before slash the knight on the chest, forcing it on a knee.
"Nice!'' Ryuji exclaimed.
Subaru concentrated, trying to recall the power from earlier and heed Morgana's advice. His new clothes reappeared in a flash of flames but then a double bladed sword appeared in his hand. Confused as he was, Subaru didn't have time to question that as the enemy was attacking. ''Aladdin!''
His Persona emerged in a second, using the black and red energy from earlier to strike, forcing the knight to a stop in order to guard. Growling, it thrust its javelin at Subaru-who blocked it with his new weapon's handle. Aladdin tackled the knight then before he and Subaru struck in tandem with their blades, finishing it off.
Ryuji looked on in awe ''Whoa...''
"He's doing pretty good.'' Morgana remarked with a grin. ''He may not have his power control but I can tell that Persona is powerful. Think you've got a better handle on it this time, Green Eyes?''
The boy was panting a little, wincing as he felt pain surge over him but he responded ''Y-yeah...somewhat...''
The former didn't miss the signs of his growing weariness ''Come on, the awakening can be harsh on new Users. We're almost there!''
"Hey, this gate's locked...'' Ryuji started as they glimpsed the structure up ahead.
Morgana shrugged ''Were you expecting anything else? We'll just have to do something about it. It's simple.''
"How's that?''
Subaru was looking around, noticing that there was indeed a way they could reach the gate without encountering enemies right in the wall. ''The air vent?''
"You're sharp! Come on-it'll be a cinch.''
Morgana's words were proven true as they made it much closer through the vent. An enemy passing by happened to notice them but Morgana and Subaru were able to take it out with ease. The former proceeded to lower a lever in the wall, and the gate opened. ''There we go!''
"Great! You've got some mad skills!'' Ryuji praised and Subaru nodded.
"Heh, thanks.'' They turned to the exit, but not before Ryuji spotted a familiar red uniform in the courtyard. ''Let's go!'' Shaking his head, he followed them.
They made it to the area beyond the castle, stopping in a few moments. Subaru took a couple of quick breaths ''Thanks, Morgana. I don't know where we'd be without you.''
The feline beamed ''Well, you did give me a chance and release me from the prison just like that so it's no problem.''
Ryuji raised an eye as the former glanced back at the castle ''What're you gonna do?''
"There's something I need to see to here so I'll be sticking around.'' The boys shared worried looks. ''Hey, appreciate the concern but I'll fine. I know how to lay low. At any rate, you should be on your way.''
"All right, see ya.'' Ryuji returned, waving, Morgana waved back.
"They're interesting kids...'' He mused as they disappeared from sight. Morgana had intended on telling them more but Subaru was looking tired and it wasn't fair to force more on him now. ''...especially Green Eyes-to think I'd find someone with such potential...''
"We made it!''
Subaru barely heard Ryuji's exclamation, feeling familiar pain flood him. It was as if his body seized up and he leaned against a nearby wall, holding his chest as he struggled to breath.
"Whoa, what's wrong?!'' Ryuji hurried over. ''Hey, Namikaze-talk to me. How do I help you?''
Subaru drew a ragged breath ''I-in my..front pocket. There's...there's medicine...''
The blond quickly grabbed said item, finding a white bottle full of liquid. He helped Subaru drink some of the contents. The boy slumped back after almost a minute, wincing. Ryuji lead him to a nearby bench before they sat, rubbing circles around the other's boy back as he began to breathe slowly ''...Better now?''
Subaru nodded ''T-thanks...sorry about that...''
"Ah, don't sweat it. You just startled me-what happened?''
"I was born with a bad heart.'' He admitted, leaving Ryuji alarmed. ''I keep medicine close just in case...but I can manage well enough usually. It's just, today...''
"Yeah, that shit was beyond crazy.'' The blond nodded. ''Don't blame you for being real tired. The cat even said that awakening stuff was rough. But man, I've got so many questions about that place and I don't know where to start!''
"I know the feeling...''
Ryuji sighed ''Actually, I never got around to thanking you-huh? You really saved our butts back there. Thanks a bunch, you're awesome!''
Subaru looked amused ''I wouldn't go that far but thanks...''
Ryuji noticed a nearby clock, showing that it was almost evening. ''...whoa, all this time passed?'' Subaru seemed just as surprised after following his line of sight.
The blond glanced at him, the medicine may have helped but Subaru was obviously wornout. He knew what to do now ''Where do you live, Namikaze?'' The boy blinked. ''Gotta make sure you make it back safely.''
"? You don't have to...'' Sure, he was tired but he didn't want the other boy to go through the trouble.
"Nah, it's the least I can do. Hang on, I'll get us a cab.'' Ryuji headed off.
Yuri answered the door, her face lighting up when she saw who it was. She had been getting worried since it took so long but Subaru assured her that things had been busy and the time went by. Relieved, the woman greeted Ryuji, welcoming him in. The boy grinned somewhat bashfully back as he thanked her.
He couldn't help but look around curiously, it looked like a cozy place. A couple of the things that had him curious was the trophy and nearby medals on a shelf as well as a guitar case in one of the rooms. Who did those belong to?
Yuri quickly noticed the signs of weariness on her grandson. ''Ru-chan, you're looking a bit pale. Did your heart...?''
He nodded ''It's okay now though-Sakamoto-kun helped me.''
"Ah, I really have to thank you for that.'' She smiled at the blond.
Ryuji chuckled ''No sweat-he bailed me out big time today.''
"Oh? Well, why don't you join us for dinner?''
He blinked ''Uh, you sure?''
"Of course!'' was the response. ''Look at the time, I wouldn't want to send you home hungry. Just have a seat, it'll be done in a few minutes.''
Dinner proved to be a hearty affair. They were joined by Itsuki in the midst of it and he jovially greeted the boys before grabbing himself a plate. Ryuji was struck by how different Subaru was here. He was still quiet and softspoken but he was much more relaxed and carefree here. Which, when he thought about it, made sense-after those rumors came out...
He found himself growing to like the family of three. Yuri and Itsuki were nothing but friendly and welcoming to him. It was clear they cared a great deal for their grandson. Subaru seemed somewhat subdued-which was obviously because of today's events-but he treated Ryuji well too.
The blond glanced at the boy's retreating figure as he headed for his room to change. Itsuki gave him a curious look ''Something wrong, Sakamoto?''
"Ah, just wondering...I, ah, I don't have the best rep in school but he didn't care at all. He just said he'd give me a chance no matter what others said.''
The man smiled ''That sounds like him. Subaru never did gave a damn about that sort of thing.''
"Yeah?'' Ryuji frowned for a moment. ''It's really unfair. People got the wrong idea about him and they wouldn't even know what a good guy he is...''
"What do you mean by that?''
The blond held back a wince, forgetting that the man had no idea. ''Ah, see...''
Subaru was nodding off from the exhaustion of the day and the food. Morgana hadn't been kidding, this awakening was rough. He didn't remember the last time he felt so tired...
"You should rest up-it's obviously been a long day. We'll see to Sakamoto-kun.'' Yuri assured.
The boy gave a slight nod, really too tired to argue. She patted his head with smile, glancing at the hall when she heard her husband's angry cry.
Raising an eye, Yuri left the room and rejoined Itsuki and Ryuji in the living room ''What's the matter?''
The former scowled ''One of those damn incompetent morons in Shujin leaked Subaru's record!''
"What?'' Her eyes went wide. ''But they assured us it would be confidential...''
"Yeah, apparently that was a load of hot-air. The word was out even before the first class! Now everyone's treating him as a pariah because of something he didn't even do...''
"This was his chance at a fresh start...'' Yuri grimaced. ''...it's no different than what we left behind.''
"Wait, so what really happened?'' Ryuji wanted to know. ''There's a whole bunch of rumors but they're all crap if anyone just thinks about it. He's obviously a good guy.''
The couple proceeded to explain the situation, leaving the boy shocked before outrage settled in. ''The creep forced the woman to testify against him and he's in probation just because he tried to help her-and everyone just abandoned him like that? Even his own...that's total bullshit!''
"You took the words right out of my mouth, kid.'' Itsuki grunted. ''Subaru deserved a hell of a lot better than that and we're making sure he gets it. It's also why we refuse to stay in that sorry town again. I refuse to accept what they've said and done, how they treat our boy so terribly.''
"I hear you. It's cool that you're sticking by him-now that's what a real family should be.''
Yuri chuckled a bit at the boy's statement. ''Oh, it isn't just us. His uncle is adamantly behind us too. He had to leave the country because of work relating to his company but he made it clear that he supports us. Akira was always so fond of Ru-chan, they get along like a house on fire. I expect he'd have quite the choice words for them.''
"Oh, I would totally wanna see that.'' Ryuji thought those people would have it coming in spades. Hearing all this made him see Subaru in a new light, the fact that the boy could remain as kind as he is was worthy of respect.
A short while later, the boy thanked the Namikazes for the hospitality and returned home.
Subaru woke up to find himself in the strange blue room, which he now realized was a cell...
Confused, the boy headed to its gate, finding the man with the long nose and the girl just like last time.
"Welcome back, dear guest.'' The man greeted while the girl gave him a small smile.
Subaru blinked ''Guest...? Where are we exactly?''
"This is the Velvet Room. I am Igor and this is my assistant Lavenza.'' He returned. ''This is a special space between consciousness and subconsciousness, between dream and reality.''
"I'm not sure I fully understand but...why is it a prison?'' The boy inquired.
"The Velvet Room is influenced by cognition. Even how you perceive yourself.''
"In other words...'' Lavenza spoke up. ''...because you feel imprisoned by the rules and expectations of society, it influences the room.''
Subaru looked a bit taken aback at this but after a moment of thought, he realized it was true. This was exactly how he had been feeling ever since his arrest.
"Allow me to congratulate you on your awakening.'' Igor spoke up ''Removing your mask and attaining the awakening is not easy but it is the first step towards your rehabilitation.'' The boy frowned a bit at this but Igor carried on before he could speak. ''Ah, apologies-we're well aware of what transpired and that you are no criminal. What I mean is that this is the start of your journey to reach your true potential and overcome fate.''
Subaru wondered how they seemed to know of what happened today but he would save that question for now ''What do you mean?''
"Your presence here is vital. But that is a matter for another time. How does it feel to awaken your Persona?'' Igor inquired.
"It actually feels good...really good.'' The boy started as he felt a pulse from Aladdin, relaxing somewhat at this. ''Aladdin made me realize things I never even noticed. I've been trying to keep a low profile just so I can get through the year-those people's words were really getting to me. I thought I could get a fresh start but it was just wishful thinking-after all that happened but maybe it isn't so hopeless. I told myself just to steer clear if possible-that what happened in school didn't have to do with me. But...''
"But you couldn't avert your eyes, yes?'' Lavenza tilted her head a bit. ''You're not the sort of person who'd turn away from what they know is wrong. You're concerned even for those who foolishly judged you. To retain such kindness even after all you've endured...it may not seem like something special to you but it is wonderful.''
"Ah, thanks...'' Subaru paused, remembering something. ''...wait, back in the castle...''
She nodded, smiling-silently confirming that it was indeed her voice he heard. He looked from her to Igor ''...if you both know about that place then can you tell me what it is?''
But he felt his eyes droop after a moment, leaving him confused. Igor picked up on this too ''Another time, Trickster-you do need your rest. Today was quite an ordeal but you've done very well.''
Lavenza agreed and he thanked them again, returning to the bed. As much as he wanted answers, Subaru knew the man was right. He barely registered Lavenza coming closer before holding up a hand. White light emanated from it before surrounding him. The boy didn't know what this was but it was rather comforting. He was soon lulled into a peaceful sleep.
Well, let's stop here.
I've given it a lot of thought and as much as I like Arsene, I wanted to try something different here. I'm using Arsene a whole bunch in Twilight anyway so I've made this choice for a little fun. It wasn't easy to choose which Persona to give Subaru but I've always liked the story of Aladdin and I think he works well considering what I've got planned for Subaru. Aladdin's mostly based off the Disney version (because that's the one I'm most familiar with). I've been reading up on the story's origins, like how he has a bunch of nationalities like arab and indian so I tried to incorporate that into the design.
And yes it's both Igor and Lavenza here-circumstances are a bit complicated here but you'll see how this came to be down the line. The God of Control is plotting else where, waiting to enjoy his 'game'.
On the romance front, I was torn between Sumire or Haru but I figured I could make a one shot for the girl I didn't choose here so it'll be Sumire.
Oh, before I forget-descriptive writing is definitely my forte and I'm working to improve that. I'm thinking of drawing a picture of Subaru and posting it. For now, if it helps clear things up-his soul armor is somewhat like Ix's outfit from Tales of the Rays: Fairy's Requiem.
Welp, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!