Defender31415: Glad you like what Ive done so far. To answer your question, this started as a collection of 'What-if' scenarios and my mind kept wandering from there. But yeah, I guess you could consider it like an alternate route for Persona 5: Twilight.

Subaru left for school the following day, assuring his grandparents that he felt better and he would come back early if it was necessary. He didn't think it would be though-he felt a lot better than he expected but he wasn't quite sure why.

The boy hardly paid the busy streets any mind, thinking of yesterday's events. It all sounded crazy but he knew it was for real, he'd lived through it. Subaru had so many questions that he had no idea where to even start. Even leaving the castle aside for a moment, there was the Velvet Room. Igor made it sound like his presence here was important-but why?

It had taken him some focus but he was able to feel Aladdin's presence-at least it was a reassuring feeling he had in the castle. The awakening had been rough but Subaru felt it was worth it. Morgana had been right about the emotional clarity. It felt like a weight he hadn't even known existed was off his shoulders, it was empowering, knowing he had pulled that mask off.

That line of thought left him pondering the Persona's words. He knew every part of it was true. The incident from two years ago had been hard enough but the arrest and all that came of it had shaken him to the core. It left him with mixed feelings over everything. What hurt the most was everyone-his parents, the friends he knew, the people he grew up...those who should've known him better than that...all decided he was a criminal. They treated him like he was nothing-like those times they spent together were meaningless. He just didnt get it. Didn't he deserve at least some benefit of the doubt? Why didn't people see what was wrong in the situation?

At the end of the day, it all left him questioning everything. Even himself, something he was still doing now. Subaru knew that he didn't regret the choices he made. He didn't regret stepping in like he had two years ago and he didn't regret helping that woman either. It was part of who he was and he refused to let anyone make him feel ashamed of that. He didn't think he'd get over what they did anytime soon but he refused to let them get to him.

Subaru just felt bad about about burdening his grandparents after all they did for him...

"Honestly, you're wasting your time.''

The boy blinked at the voice, pausing near Shujin's entrance and looking around to find that the source was a girl in a uniform nearby. She was accompanied by two other girls in similar uniforms; their attention was on a girl with light auburn hair and brown eyes.

The girl seemed somewhat uncomfortable as the speaker carried on ''Really, Okumura-san. I highly doubt this school is as good as the talk says. Just look at it, simply looking at the place is depressing. Wouldn't you be better off transferring to our school? I'm sure your father would understand.''

"Thank you for your concern but I'm fine with this.''

Subaru raised an eye, Okumura...wait, where had heard that name before...?

He vaguely heard the girl assure them again as they persisted before entering the school. The girls seemed disappointed and somewhat annoyed but they left. Subaru wasn't too surprised when murmurs arose when people recognized him and quickly steered clear. There was no point wasting any time over this, they didn't know any better but he couldn't exactly convince them. The news about his record getting out was a setback but he wouldn't let that get him down. He knew the truth and that was enough.

It wasn't long before he spotted the girl from earlier lugging a box up the stairs. Subaru went to pick up the other side, helping her lift it. The girl looked on in surprise, he gave her a small nod to which she smiled and lead their way up to the roof.

"Thank you!''

"It's nothing-I felt like it.'' Subaru returned, looking around. He hadn't seen this place yesterday so he was curious. ''Why were you carrying that though?''

"Oh, they're just some new tools. A few of the old ones were beginning to rust so I believed this was better in the long run.'' The girl replied.

"Tools-for what?''

In response, she led him to a few pots by their right where a number of seeds were planted in soil. A pail was on one side which she picked up with a smile ''I enjoy gardening and after the teachers asked me to take care of the flowers by the entrance last year; I asked if I could be allowed to plant these.''

Subaru looked curious ''Wait, you're the one taking care of the flowers? They look great.''

"That's nice to hear...'' She returned happily. Her expression flickered with something he couldn't make out. ''...um, I saw you earlier...you heard our conversation, yes?''

"Part of it.'' He admitted. ''I wasn't sure at first but those girls look like they're from some fancy school. When they mentioned Okumura...I heard about the name on the news. Like the head of that company, Okumura Foods?''

The girl nodded ''He's my father. They're related to some of his associates.''

"Oh, so they think a girl of standing like theirs should be in the same school...and you don't want to go there?'' Another nod. ''Fair enough. Everyone's entitled to their opinions.''

"You think so...?'' She uttered. ''Um, you don't care that...''

"That your family's rich and all?'' Subaru finished, her surprised expression providing the answer. ''No, not really. I don't see why I should. You are who you are.''

The girl's eyes widened, her response was cut off by the sound of the bell ringing and the two knew they had to go. She picked up her bag ''...Thank you, really...'' Subaru looked confused, but she smiled. ''...it just needed to be said. I appreciate it.''

Class went on the same as yesterday, people were too frightened of Subaru and the murmurs and rumors arose. The boy couldn't help but note something about Kamoshida, who had come near the class when it was time for lunch. He was talking to Ann again, but the girl was as uncomfortable as she was yesterday.

The teacher treated Subaru with disdain but what caught his attention was that he never said anything about the castle. It was like nothing even happened. Subaru had no intention of bringing attention to any of that but this was still confusing.

What did it all mean?

Ryuji found him around then, seeming relieved. ''Hey, looks like you're doing plenty better!'' He grinned when the former confirmed that to be the case.

The boy continued when they sat down at an area near the stairs ''Soo, ah, your grandparents told me a bunch about what happened to you...it all actually made sense.'' Subaru gave him a confused look, wondering what he meant. ''You came through for me big time and you're the one who was all for helping Morgana right from the get go. Heck you gave me a chance when you had no reason to and you obviously see what's wrong with the school. You're way too nice to be the bad guy those idiots make you out to be.''

"Ah, thanks...it's really no big deal.'' Subaru returned modestly. ''I told what I think about the rumors and you're a good person, nothing like a delinquent.''

The two continued talking until the bell rang, with Ryuji telling him to meet near the school's entrance later...

After school...

Subaru stared ''You want to go back to the castle?''

Ryuji nodded, leaning against a wall ''I know its thanks in a big part to you that everything worked out. As much as I wanna know what the hell place is about, I know it's dangerous and I wouldn't be thinking of it like I am now but...see, back when we left, I saw one of the volley ball team's uniforms near the gate.''

The green eyed boy looked alarmed ''We wound up without even knowing how-it's not far off to think that we're not the first...does this mean someone from school might be stuck there?''

To Ryuji, this reaction was a confirmation of his thoughts on the boy's character. ''That's why I wanna ask you for help. I can't just leave this without getting answers...not after all what's happened. So would you help?''

"Yeah...'' The answer made him pause. ''...I'm still pretty confused about yesterday myself but if we're right about this-I won't stand back and do nothing.''

"For real? I mean, yesterday's been pretty rough on you and everyone's been treating you like crap...'' Ryuji started but Subaru shook his head.

"That doesn't matter now. I don't know how I'll manage this time but no one should be left behind in that place-especially seeing what that king was like.'' He returned firmly. ''Only how do we go back?''

Ryuji grinned ''Just leave that to me.''

The blond had found a strange application on his phone, which turned out to be the same odd one Subaru discovered on his own. It was still there despite his attempts to get rid of it but what was even stranger was that it was some sort of navigation app and Ryuji used the search history to allow them to return to the castle.

"It worked!''

Subaru looked around, seeing the castle before them. It took him a moment to notice that his clothes had changed once again. Ryuji raised an eye at the ensemble ''Hey, you look good. So is your, uh, Persona thing back?''

The former nodded after a moment, it was far easier for him to feel Aladdin's presence here.

Once they went closer, a terrible scream resounded, leaving them understandably alarmed.

"We were right-!'' Ryuji was all set to charge in but Subaru grabbed his arm.

"Charging in is a terrible idea, we're still over our heads here.'' The boy pointed out sharply. ''Let's be careful.''

Ryuji nodded and the former proceeded to observe the area before going on. Ryuji followed his lead and they entered the castle in a few minutes.

This approach worked fairly well, allowing them to evade a few knights that had been on patrol. Trouble arose when three knights almost spotted them as it came down the stairs; Ryuji hid behind the wall ''What now?''

"A distraction would help-if only we had something to throw at them...''

"How about this?'' Ryuji produced a gun from the bag on his shoulder, surprising the boy. ''I got it from an airsoft shop this morning. The guy told me it fires blanks. Figured I could at least scare the bastards off-it looks pretty real, huh?''

Subaru nodded, glancing at their surroundings again. A thought occurred to him ''...We might be able to use this. Do you mind?'' Ryuji handed it over in response and Subaru took careful aim at a chandelier in the hall way to their left before firing at the base holding it up. The knights started as it rattled but Subaru paid that no mind, firing another shot at a window nearby. This resulted in the knights separating to find the cause behind all the noise.

"Dude, that was great!'' Ryuji exclaimed.

"Thanks come on...'' The two hurried ahead, ensuring the enemies nearby didn't see them. Things looked bad when they spotted another knight very close to their path. Subaru thought fast, grabbing his double saber before throwing it with all the power he could muster. The knight had no time to react as the blade struck a few times, finishing it off.

The boy let out a sigh of relief, getting his weapon back then. Ryuji looked amazed ''Totally badass! How did you do that?''

"I didn't know it would work. I have some experience with guns but mostly it's like Aladdin's guiding me...'' He admitted, to the other's surprise.

Subaru frowned as they heard another scream. ''...I think it came from that way.''

The two were found shortly afterwards by Morgana, who admitted to having spotted them early enough to see Subaru destroy the knight. ''I'm impressed you guys made it this far. Nice going.''

"It's thanks to Namikaze. He's brilliant.'' Ryuji chimed in.

"C-come on, don't exaggerate...''

Morgana looked amused at the green eyes boy's obvious embarrassment ''I don't know-I think he's on to something. But what're you doing back already?'' Ryuji explained about the uniform and their theory. ''Wait, you two are from this school? Things seem pretty bad there..."

Subaru looked confused at the wording but Ryuji spoke before he could question it ''We heard some screaming before, y'know where it's coming from?''

"I'd bet it's the prisoners.'' Morgana said grimly. ''They're being kept a bit deeper inside. I haven't seen the place yet but I overheard some talk from the guards...''

"Wait, so there really are people here...!'' Ryuji looked like he was all set to keep going to find them this instant.

"Hold on.'' Subaru interjected. When the former looked like he was about to argue, he pressed his point. ''We agreed to be careful, remember? We shouldn't just go charging in blindly. The fact is, we know next to zilch about this place. We need answers.'' He missed Morgana looking on in approval at this. ''Morgana, it's a good thing we found you. Can we talk?''

"Sure! Follow me.''

He took them to a place he called a Safe Room, an area which the enemies couldn't approach.

"Right, so explanations...'' Morgana cleared his throat. ''...you've seen the Ruler earlier and he didn't act like anything was unusual, right?''

"Yeah, it was weird as hell. I was convinced Kamoshida was screwing around with us but it didn't look that way...'' Ryuji trailed off.

"Because it isn't. The ruler is connected to him but that Kamoshida wouldn't have any idea this is happening.''

" ...Morgana, is this place connected to Shujin?'' Subaru questioned, making the two look at him. ''When we told you what happened, the first thing you said that things were that bad there. Then it just comes out of nowhere in the school's place and now there's this connection to Kamoshida and the team. The one thing I know they have in common is...''

The cat smiled ''You really are smart, Subaru. The truth is, this castle is the school.''

Ryuji's eyes widened ''What?!''

"This isn't your world. It's called the Metaverse, a realm shaped by cognition.'' He explained. ''The ruler and those knights you saw are beings called Shadows. Here things like thoughts, desires and beliefs can take physical form. It's completely influenced by the thoughts, feelings and desires of people. The stronger they are, the more the effect. If a person's desire is corrupted, it will reflect in the palace, his or her domain. The influence can depend on the real world though, it's why Safe rooms are this way, they wouldn't have much power on the equivalent to this place..."

"Wait, wait, back up...I don't get it...'' Ryuji started.

The former gave him an annoyed look ''You would if you'd let me finish. I'm saying that this is how Kamoshida sees the school.''

"What the hell?!'' The boy growled while Subaru looked stunned. Both suddenly recalled the king mentioning that this was his world and he could do whatever wanted. ''The bastard really hasn't changed a bit-I knew it...!''

"So you know...'' Morgana started but Ryuji wasn't listening.

"We've gotta do something about those prisoners!''

"We can't.'' The feline returned, crossing his arms.

Ryuji scowled ''How can you say that?!''

"They always obey him and they'd never leave...''

"So?! Nobody deserves to live serving under him. The school's bad enough already, we can't just...''

"Wait, but...how can they be real if they'd never leave? Someone had to have noticed them missing or something. Kamoshida can't possibly keep something like this quiet...'' Subaru trailed off.

The feline nodded ''Exactly. That's because they're not real-they're cognitions of the volley ball team according to what Ryuji said. Kamoshida thinks of them as obedient puppets who wouldn't dare step out of line, so that's exactly what happens. So just like the castle is a reflection of the school, the prisoners reflect the state of the team in your world. I haven't been there yet but...it's definitely not good.

Ryuji inhaled and exhaled ''...Can we go there anyway? They might be fakes but I need to see them for myself. We can use the chance to learn more about their situation even in our world.''

Morgana hummed in thought ''Sounds reasonable-'' He looked at Subaru, who nodded. ''-all right, I'm coming along too.''

"I've got to say, it's brave of you two to come. Especially for someone else's sake, this place can be dangerous even for persona users." Morgana remarked.

"Someone had to do something." Ryuji shrugged. "We couldn't fell anyone else anyway. I know they're fakes not but I'd hate to leave anyone in this dump. We don't even know how we wound up here so how do we know if hadn't happened to anyone?"

"Good point...and I'm impressed it came from you."

"What's that mean?"

"You just look like the type to go in charge in guns blazing." Morgana smirked as he tried and failed to respond. "I'm right, aren't I?"

"...Shut up." He huffed as the former snickered. "I wanted to learn about this place more when it looked like it had to do with Kamoshida. Subaru is the one who actually pointed this stuff out. He has every reason not to want to help but look at him now..."

"Yeah, he sure seems nice..." Morgana wanted to question the last part of that statement but he saw that Subaru waiting for them nearby and hurried over with Ryuji following suit.

"You've been around here for a while from the sound of it, how come?'' Subaru asked Morgana as they walked down a new hall.

"There's something I want from here-something important. The feline returned. ''It's...''

He never got further than that as Shadows appeared, he quickly dodged an attack from one of them, slashing one with his scimitar. Subaru summoned Aladdin, who blasted his attacker with the red and black energy they had seen before and Morgana finished it off. The boy decided to try the trick from earlier, discovering that he really could throw his sword and get it back with out preamble.

Morgana used Zorro's wind magic to finish the last knight off before it hurt either of them ''You've gotta watch out. It's a good idea but it'd get you into lots of trouble if you're hasty.''

"Right.'' Subaru rubbed the back of his head. ''I wanted to see if it'd work like before sorry...''

The former nodded, deciding to leave it at that. More enemies arrived before long...

With the information he acquired rarlier, Morgana was able to take them to the area where the prisoners were located. But even he wasn't prepared for what they found.

Boys around the ages of Subaru and Ryuji were trapped in cells, enduring all sorts of terrible treatment. There were machines shooting balls at them. And if they couldn't catch them, they hit them hard. Others continued to run at a treadmill despite how weary they were and those were just a few examples of the horrible treatment going on here. The first thing they all noticed was that the students were battered, various injuries visible on their person from a single glance.

"What the hell?!'' Ryuji growled.

Morgana's eyes were wide. Sure, he'd heard talk here and there but ''...I didn't know it was this bad...''

Subaru could only stare in horror. The fact that those students weren't real didn't help at all. Why would anyone do this?

"Damn him!'' He glanced at Ryuji, whose fists were shaking in rage. 'That bastard...it's just like before...I so wanna get him for this!''

"...Don't bother...'' A weak voice called, bringing their attention to one of the cells. Subaru stiffened when he saw that it was the blue haired boy from his classs. He was very pale and weary, his eyes dull as he watched Ryuji. ''...it's no use. There is no going against King Kamoshida-his word is law. All we can do is obey.''

"What?! The hell you sayin'...?!''

But then, the other prisoners spoke up.

"That's right.''

"Those who rebel will fall.''

"We must obey his every command.''

Others also chipped in with similar statements, the utter detachment and certainty in those words disturbed the group of three. Morgana grimaced in revulsion ''I know they're cognitions but still...''

The other two completely agreed. Knowing they were fake was one thing but hearing this now and knowing what it all meant was more than a little sickening. After all, if this place reflected the state of thing in the real world...

Ryuji noted something odd "Hey, how come it's only boys here? The school's team is mixed.''

Morgana blinked ''It is? Hmm...''

An ominous chuckle reached their ears, making the three turn towards the source of the sound. Shadow Kamoshida appeared in the area just before them, accompanied by more knights. The prisoners all scurrried as far as possible from him, clearly terrified.

"Hmph, you again? The Track Traitor brings two pests along-what else can you expect of such trash?'' He sneered.

Ryuji bristled ''What'd you say-!?''

"Track Traitor?'' Morgana echoed.

The Shadow didn't miss his or Subaru's confusion at this, smirking ''Oh, so you two came along without knowing a thing? This fool cost Shujin's track team their dream. All because he stepped out of line when he should've known his place...''

"Shut up, it's your fault!'' Ryuji barked.

S. Kamoshida carried on, ignoring him ''...he attacked me so naturally I defended myself and broke his leg, disbanding the team afterwards. He caused his teammates so much pain and suffering. So much for the lauded ace! How the mighty have fallen!''

"So that's why...'' Subaru muttered, glancing at Ryuji in concern. The boy didn't seem like the one type who'd hurt someone without good cause. No wonder he hated Kamoshida so much.

"You fools are going to die today.'' The ruler snapped his fingers and the knights stood at attention. ''Attack!''

They charged at once, their numbers forcing the three into a corner. Morgana had Zorro launch a swift punch to stun an enemy before the two took it down. Subaru tanked a wind spell coming his way before Aladdin spun his double saber which glowed with the dark and red curse energy, throwing two knights away. Subaru shot a knight which almost hit Morgana, knocking its weapon away. The feline returned the favor by finishing off another knight with the help of Zorro and healing both of them before they carried on fighting.

The battle continued this way, with the duo's teamwork beginning to improve. It was a hard battle but the two did well against the odds. However, the enemy numbers were proving to be a problem. One of them got a lucky hit on Morgana, who yelped as he was knocked down. Another cast a spell that pushed them both back before a third strike from two disposed of Aladdin and Zorro as their users were slammed down.

Ryuji called out to them in alarm while S. Kamoshida laughed ''It was inevitable.''

Morgana pulled himself, cringing ''Th-there's so many...''

A glint caught his eye, making him look up above to see a lantern right above them. The feline's eyes narrowed ''Subaru!'' The boy looked at him and he produced a slingshot, his eyes traveling back up. Subaru's eyes widened in understanding before swiftly taking out his gun and the two fired shots at the ceiling, destroying the chain holding it up and leaving it to fall on their enemies.

"Wha-?!''

Ryuji perked up as Kamoshida recoiled from the sudden fire. It would've burned him badly had he not moved in the last second, as it were the trick got a number of his knights at once. ''All right!''

"Nice going.'' Subaru told Morgana, who puffed his chest.

S. Kamoshida growled ''Don't celebrate yet-this is far from over!''

Don't act like we didn't have you running scared just now.'' Morgana pointed out, making him bristle. The fact that the ruler was a fair bit away from them now emphasized the point.

"Yeah, I totally saw that look on your face!'' Ryuji added.

His eyes narrowed hatefully ''Don't push your luck, you're nothing but trash. Finish them off now!''

The remaining knights attacked with renewed vigor and the duo proceeded to hold them off. It quickly became evident that the battle was wearing them down despite Morgana's healing and they needed help.

"No, dammit...'' Ryuji grimaced as the two were pushed back. What could he do...? Coming back now had been his idea but they were the ones doing the work. Couldn't he do anything to help them...?

"That's right, just watch, Sakamoto.'' S. Kamoshida sneered. ''You're nothing but a pathetic weakling anyway-you wouldn't have made it nearly as far without those two, I'll bet. Once again, you're there when I need to get rid of fools who go out of their place. You're just making things too easy.''

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?!''

"Isn't it obvious?'' He chuckled. ''I needed a way to get rid of the Track Team. You were getting all the fame I wanted-the fame I should've had. So I did something about it. You were the biggest threat to my rise to power, and then I was told bout you and it all fell into place. Then I just made a litle plan and you walked right into it.''

Ryuji stared ''S-so...you didn't just...you really had it out for us all along?! You planned this...''

"What's your point? I told you-you were in my way and I get rid of everything in my way.'' He taunted.

"So what? Trash like you deserves nothing. You had no place getting what I wanted...''

Morgana growled ''That's why? He broke Ryuji's leg for such a stupid reason?''

The Shadow glowered at them, malice clear in his eyes ''The fame was mine, no one else deserves it. Only I, the great Kamoshida, deserves to be admired by the masses. A pitiful brat like that was nothing. You should be hating him, just like his former team does now. He lead you to your deaths just like he lead them to ruin.''

Ryuji had despised Kamoshida for a long time. He knew there was something fishy about the man all along but he'd never though he'd sink to such levels...

Subaru was disgusted, this man truly was terrible. He just kept treating Ryuji like that out of some petty jealousy and ruined something so important to him. He hurt students all this time but didn't care so long as it served his goal. And if that wasn't bad enough, he was so proud of himself-continuing to put Ryuji down again and again...

"Are you really going to take this, Ryuji?'' The boy demanded. ''It's true that we didn't know what we were getting into but you weren't in the wrong for trying to help. The whole problem is that people keep burying their heads in the sand and acting like it had nothing to do with them just to make their lvies easier. Nothing would change if no one takes any action. You have nothing to be ashamed of for wanting to stop this scum.''

"...Yeah...'' The blond grunted. ''...what the hell was I doing? Enough is enough. I had my doubts about that day but I never thought this was the truth...'' He glowered at the shadow. ''...you son of a bitch! I lost everything 'cuz of you! But you're not getting away with it anymore, y'hear me?!''

Ryuji stiffened as he was hit with a sharp wave of pain that nearly made him buckle over a second later.

'You made me wait quite a while.' A new voice spoke to him. 'You seek revenge, correct? Then let us form a pat. Since your name is already disgraced, why not hoist the black flag and wreak havoc?' A silvery skull half-mask formed on the boy's face as he struggled to move.

Morgana was grinning ''Well, well, about that...?''

The voice carried on 'The 'other you' who exists within desires it. I am thou, thou art I...There is no turning back! The skull of rebellion is your flag henceforth!'

Ryuji's eyes turned gold as he tore the mask away. The blood that spilled turned into azure flames that surrounded him, forming into a pirate floating on a ship. The entity had a skull for a head and a cannon where one of its arms were, towering above them. Ryuji was wearing a black biker's outfit, a red scarf, yellow gloves and knuckles.

"Right on...'' A wide grin formed on his face. ''...wassup, Persona? Let's get him. Blast away, Captain Kidd!''

The new arrival aimed his cannon, firing a blast of lightning that struck multiple enemies. A few were knocked down and this gave Morgana the opening he needed to heal himself and Subaru.

Ryuji was surprised to find that he had a weapon out of the blue, a pipe. He managed to use it well, avoiding an enemy attack before slamming the pipe to his head, leaving it rattled. Subaru quickly shot it down a second later. Two enemies tried to hit Captain Kidd with magic but he simply flew away to dodge and swiftly rammed them down. Ryuji knocked down another enemy with his newfound weapon and S. Kamoshida could only watch as the three dismantled his forces with relative ease.

Morgana leaped of a wall and slashed an enemy, knocking its javelin away and finishing it off with Zorro's magic. Likewise, Aladdin struck an enemy that aimed its magic at Subaru, who focused on another caster on the opposite, dodging her lightning magic before getting rid of her. Consecutive spells from Aladdin, Captain Kidd and Zorro ended the fight.

S. Kamoshida recoiled when they looked at him, growling ''You...! You haven't won yet-!''

Ryuji growled as he ran ''Hold it...!''

"It's okay,'' Morgana waved a paw. ''This isn't the time-remember what I said about awakenings?'' The boy's eyes widened in understanding. ''Yup, it's better if we leave.''

The trio stopped near the enetrance, turning to face each other...

"We really would've been lost without.'' Subaru told Morgana, who smirked.

"I'll be honest-I wasn't totally helping you guys for nothing. Seeing the state of those cognitions, I think that asshole should be dealt with but...''

"Hey, you've got your goal, we've got ours. No one's judging.'' Ryuji returned.

"Subaru nodded ''I don't see any harm in helping you so I'll see what I can do.''

"Same. This is obviously a big deal if it means you were going through this whole place alone.'' The blond added, earning a grateful look from their companion.

"Ah, thanks...I wasn't expecting that...'' The feline admitted. ''...so look, I'll be sticking around for a bit so I can learn more about this place. I guess I'll see you guys around.''"

"Sure thing.'' Ryui returned.

Ryuji slumped wearily after they took their seats on bench ''Man, that was rough...you all right, Subaru?''

"Kind of tired but I can manage. You?'' Subaru's lips twitched as Ryuji gave him a thumbs up. ''If it's anything like how I felt yesterday, I'm having trouble believing it. But you did great today.''

The ex-athlete beamed ''Back at ya, buddy. You really came through again today-not to mention getting my head in gear back there...'' The sound of a stomach growling made him grimace a bit. ''...hey, you hungry? I know a great place.''

The blond took him a ramen shop. It was small and the area as crowded but one could tell from the smell alone that was it was a popular pleace for a reason.

"Eat up, it's my treat.'' Ryuji said happily as they received their bowls. Subaru thanked him but he waved it off. ''Ah, this is nothin'. You helped me out big time, your grandparents are awesome and the dinner was great. Besides, you stood up for me even when you knew nothing about me-that means a lot, y'know?''

"Well, you deserve it.'' The other boy returned. Curious, he tasted the ramen, his eyes widening a moment. ''This is great...''

"Right?'' Ryuji grinned. ''Their ramen's the best. I used to come here a whole lot after training. Even with a few of my teammates sometime...''

His expresssion darkened as he clenched his chopsticks, Subaru frowned ''Ryuji...''

"I keep thinkin' about what he said back there.'' He ground out. ''It just pisses me off so much. We knew Kamoshida was trouble after he started working with us but everyone kept saying it was okay and things would get better. Except they never did...the only person he ever cared about was his lousy self. It's bad enough that he ruined us but then everyone calls me out as a delinquent just 'cuz I wouldn't take his crap. He talked trash about my family. I dunno how he found but I could care less when talks smack about my old man. Heck, I'd probably done worse than him. But my mom...she's always done her best for me.''

Ryuji clenched a fist ''He ruined so many lives for fame. Mom actually blamed herself-she thought she wasn't a good enough mother so she apologized 'cuz she thought she failed me. Even though she's the best mom I could've ever asked for. That's why I'll make him for mom and everyone he hurt.''

"You mean we will.'' Subaru corrected. ''We're going to do something about this once and for all. I'm not turning away. Least of all now.''

The former smiled ''Thanks a lot, Subaru. Let's make sure to have each other's backs."

"Right."

Then something in the air seemed to change.

I am thou, thou art I

Thou has become a new vow.

It shall become the wings of rebellion

That breaketh the chains of activity

With the birth of the Chariot Arcana,

I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and a new power...

Well, let's stop here.

There we have the aftermath of the first foray into the cognitive world and second awakening. Subaru is feeling better in general after getting Aladdin but awakening a persona doesn't solve all his problems, there's a lot he needs to deal with while settling down in his new life. You don't get over what he's been through so easily after all.

Haru is one of my favorite characters so I felt like I could introduce her earlier here. Especially given some of my upcoming plans.

Confidants:

Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 1)