Turn 2: Coalition
"Being born is to be a blank slate, if so what does that make you?"
The clash of steel can be heard throughout Training Hall 001, the nearest training facility in Rhodes.
It is because of Kal'tsit's suggestion that I should improve my swordsmanship that I began inviting the likes of Midnight, Texas, and even Lappland to spar, the latter was quite rough to deal with. These sparring sessions caught Dobermann's attention thus I am now sparring with the trainer of new recruits herself.
That was when I discovered that Soul Forage only works once per person, making infinite item acquisition a definite impossibility.
Now that I'm a combatant as well as a field commander it was imperative that I was treated as such so Dobermann insisted on daily sparring sessions instead of the "on a whim" invitations I gave; which I use to pass the time since I can do paperwork quickly, the only rule is no Personas or ARTS.
"That was a great spar Doctor." Dobermann praised me even though it was clear I've yet to beat her. I did come close though if I had to estimate she's at seventy percent when sparring with me. I managed to disarm her by letting her snare my blade before pulling it back with the hook, she however disarmed me in return, so the fight devolved into a brawl.
"Yeah, I'll go have lunch now." The Guard Operator nodded and I headed to eat, sweaty I may be my mind is thinking about nothing but food.
Leaving my mind in my lonesome while having my lunch for the day I drift off to an earlier event…
I was suddenly called to the Velvet Room in my sleep; that was after an evening workout so it was great that fatigue doesn't exist in that place.
"Please tell you made Fusion possible now and that's why you called me again." I'm starting to get used to the entire absurdity of my situation and I do not like what that says about me.
I took a seat beside Igor's desk and started to discuss the matters they wished to talk about.
Igor pulled out that lab gear I saw before and took out two crystals, the same ones as before a blue and a yellow.
"Indeed Doctor, however due to how Soul Forage works it appears we cannot fuse your initial Persona." It's not like I wanted to anyways Igor. Ophiuchus is the first image my soul made; he is very strong for the first Persona I've got.
Igor chuckled as he set the two crystals into test tubes.
"We often say that the parting of their initial Persona is for the best to our guests…" He then proceeded to dissolve the crystals with water.
"They are but young spirits, still having the potential for growth, you however are an adult as such there is already an initial image in your heart."
In a sense, what Igor says is true; even if my memories are gone there is always something in there speaking to me. Seeing all that disparity and discrimination in Chernobog and what those sins lead towards…Ophiuchus he was compassion and hatred turned into my first Persona. These Personas I possess can be an allegory on how my image has to change out of objective necessity instead of preserving a social image.
Sherry spoke up, "Your amnesia can be seen as a blessing in disguise for you are the purest form the Wildcard." She flashed the Fool tarot card that represented emptiness because of the number zero but according to what Gitano told me before it is the card of unlimited potential.
Suddenly sparks emanated from Igor's desk and the resulting aftermath was a bluish gem, the form Personas took when they are not in use according to the Velvet Room.
Igor examined the crystal with interest, "There it is the new Persona, Empusa." The crystal lodged itself into my head like how I got Wyvern and they watched it slowly penetrate my cranium before dissipating.
"My, that must be the most visually brutal way of assimilating them."
After that spectacle, Igor proceeded to explain that aside from the initial Persona I obtained I am free to fuse any Personas I have at hand.
"Doctor, please wait for a moment and hand over your phone." Sherry requested and I complied, wait a minute this is my mind so why do I have a phone with me?
Sherry after a flicks and taps handed it over, nothing inside had been altered but there was a new app in it called "Velvet Key"
"Your phone in reality would now have that app installed, use it for fusion requests and to view your Personas." So my phone can view Personas and request Fusions…but what if other people-
"Do not fear, besides those you forged a pact other people will only see a static screen." Sherry reassured since one of my main concerns is concealing the truth of this power.
That was the gist of what Sherry and Igor said last night, and I feared that I would make frequent visits to the Velvet Room in person to get stronger Personas…imagine being kicked by your assistant to a door that leads to nowhere.
Recalling what happened yesterday I did not even noticed that ate all the food I got, perhaps it was so good that didn't even noticed that I ate through it all, kudos to you Gummy.
-SCENE BREAK-
It has been two weeks since the Doctor returned to Rhodes Island, in all honesty we were expecting something different when we first recovered him, and his taciturn coldness is what Rhodes needed since we were bigger and stronger than before but instead we got that and more. His personality being the opposite of the frigid ice that his newfound power can create, thanks to him I can at least rid myself of the doubts that operation brought me after that talk with him.
Dr. Kal'tsit was quite surprised when she found out I was playing the violin again, ever since the Doctor left I wasn't able to play that every sound it made only tugged at my heartstrings. The Doctor overheard me practicing one time; it was because I accidentally left my room open. I'm glad that I did however since the Doctor was actually there to ask me if want to play music with me.
"Kal'tsit told me that you know how to play the violin and Sora told me that music assists in controlling ARTS so I wonder if that could…" The Doctor shyly explained, he discarded his hoodie and mask ever since he returned so it was easy to see his facial expressions now, "It was a popular theory but it doesn't hurt to try right?"
Apparently that assistant in the Velvet Room he talked about gave him a music sheet for a song called "Last Surprise" and he carried a keyboard guitar with him. It was a ton of fun, I wasn't confident in singing so the Doctor had to fill that and I'm glad he did; who would have thought he has such a feminine singing voice.
That was the happiest I've ever been, ever since…
Regardless, if we have enough free time we could practice together and maybe perform for the others on parties and such. Spending time with the Doctor…
However now is the time for that! We have a mission today, related to Lungmen the most economically rich country in Terra. Getting a lot of favors there would be extremely beneficial to our cause, even if their leader is a bit shrewd. I had so much fun with the Doctor that the mission has backed into the deeper reaches of my mind.
Wei Yanwu…if he finds out the nature of the Doctor's powers it'll be in his best interest to keep him and by extension Rhodes Island anchored to Lungmen.
-SCENE BREAK-
"So we're parked nearby Lungmen?" How astute of you Doctor, honestly why do I have to de-brief you two again? Oh right, I'm going to negotiate with the sly bastard known as Wei Yanwu. You guys got the easy job honestly…what would I give to sick some people on Monst3r's gaping maw.
How did he not notice that we're already at Lungmen? When I said spend the two weeks with your Operators I didn't say that's the only thing you should do, go outside for Terra's sake. At least he's not unruly and impulsive, wait scratch that last bit. The Doctor is impulsive; I mean he manifested a spirit out of impulse.
Either way, one de-briefing later I hurriedly went ahead to prepare for negotiations with Lungmen. I already know that I'm going to hate this. Especially since I have to deal with that uptight Lung officer…
-SCENE BREAK-
I guess another benefit to having Persona is the ability to improve an ally's ability to fight or this case run. Sukukaja made going to the rendezvous point really swift; it was like our feet are running on air according to what Amiya was saying as she joyfully ran with me.
Why did we rush towards the agreed meeting spot?
Simple, we saw a riot brewing outside. Actually we feared that we were late but luckily PRTS can also provide in-field assistance on a phone.
We didn't even spend a lot of stamina going there; Amiya and I didn't even feel winded by marathon running at least an estimate of four kilometers; one of the L.G.D was even surprised by our sudden appearance.
"That was fast…"
"Are we at Lungmen already?" Amiya asked as she downed a drink, parched but not tired.
The border here was even worse than what we saw going in, L.G.D blocking whatever the ensuing riot can throw.
I quickly interacted with the blue-haired Lung who was the first to notice us arriving as she continued to bark orders after the earlier remark.
"Were we late?" I hastily asked, simultaneously thinking of a strategy should we be ordered to hold the front as well.
She didn't even give me eye-contact, "No, you are three minutes earlier actually."
Alright, that's good. I left her alone so that Amiya can talk to her, seeing as she is our leader.
-SCENE BREAK-
A broadcast about the Lungmen's port blared throughout the area. The policy of this place is harsher than what Kal'tsit and other Operators say about this place. Unregistered infected refugees flood the area, so majority of the people in the gates are going to be sent to jail…
"That's the Doctor officer Ch'en." I heard Amiya introduce me and already the officer is gauging my ability.
"Alright…I'll take to see-"Their conversation was cut off by an explosion, and as we fear the rioting became more violent.
The rioters by observation were quite weak, aside from some heavily armored enemies. Regardless the team we had brought with us is more than enough; especially since I don't really want to reveal my Persona so early on as well.
My job first and foremost is tactical stratagem after all.
I saw Ch'en command her troops and signaled to Amiya to do the same.
"Seems the Doctor doesn't like wasting time." Ch'en chuckled as she continued to detain the rioting Infected.
Honestly…
The detainees on one hand should know better than to seek refuge to Lungmen but on one hand where exactly should they be going? Victoria and Kazimeirz are too far and Laterano is out of the question.
Nevertheless, the forefront was bombarded by a cacophony of pleas in seeking refuge. I even saw one of the guards Taser the wrong person but shrugged it off since they're Infected.
"Subdue them!" I commanded to our Operators.
-SCENE BREAK-
Kal'tsit was not joking when she said that he is the best tactician they've ever seen even post-amnesia. L.G.D could really use a guy like him…
How could the guy subdue a chaotic riot in an orderly fashion that he was even sipping on a drink? Heck, the Doctor commands his troops like he was playing one of those strategy games I play on my spare time.
It's like the guy was playing Flaming Insignia: Three Factions.
Then the last rioter was subdued by a bespectacled Defender smacking the blunt side of their sword on his head.
I look to my watch and find out that the battle took about fifteen minutes.
…Damn.
-SCENE BREAK-
Lungmen's able-ism or racism is really thick huh?
Our side only administered blunt force trauma and prioritized on knocking them out, Ch'en forces on the other hand decided to draw blood, the wounds weren't fatal but to make them draw blood in a riot? Is that really necessary? Especially since they are supposed to be professionals?
We won't question it for now however even though Amiya seems quite appalled at the dichotomy between the two factions.
Miss Ch'en is already ordering her men after that scuffle.
"Take them all to custody, evacuate the crowd, and reopen the port after thirty minutes," The soldier gave a "yes sir" and went off,
"Also, push the quarantine entrance forty meters farther."
Uprooting this world's discrimination is going to be arduous…
"Hey, you two follow me." The blue-haired officer approached us and we complied.
Walking through Lungmen is quite the different experience compared to the ruined city of Chernobog. Bustling lights even during the night, shops all around, and people going home or to the bar to end the night.
"Hmmm…" Ch'en began, "Nice skills you got."
You've been weirdly silent until now but we'll go along with that, I need to distract myself after seeing an Infected beggar asking for LMD.
"After the Chernobog Incident, people keep rushing through Lungmen like crazy…" I can see that Ch'en since we had to subdue some of them.
"The Infected should know better about what expects them in Lungmen."
"I agree, maybe they should go Laterano or Kazimierz instead…" I whispered sarcastically but judging from the glare sent back at me she heard it.
Amiya was oddly silent during the trip, perhaps more interested in entertaining her thoughts more than Ch'en's.
"Officer Ch'en is so harsh…"
Yeah Amiya, there's some truth to Kal'tsit's advertising.
The location where we are to meet the leader of Lungmen was as oriental as humanly possible, I might have some ideas on how to spruce some of the dorms after this.
"May I remind you once more…?" I heard a familiar voice, "Lungmen is the next Chernobog."
She's having such a hard time huh?
Amiya looks anxious as she whispered, "Dr. Kal'tsit is having a hard time with him…"
I nodded and quickly asked the receptionist for the Wi-Fi password, in case I and I mean me and Amiya might get bored.
Ch'en cleared her throat before opening the door.
"Your representative of Rhodes Island has already met Executive Wei beforehand."
She went inside partway seemingly anxious with discussion she was hearing,
"I'll call you two later before you are permitted to go inside, so wait here."
She didn't even wait for us to nod in response as she went in. That did not stop me from connecting to their internet, which is slower than Rhodes but serviceable.
"That officer Ch'en, she is really hard to deal with." You said it Amiya, although I'm starting to see that uptightness is more for functionality than personality.
"Doctor, we'll leave the rest of the negotiations to Dr. Kal'tsit." Amiya perked up, trying to hide her own nervousness, "I know that you already trust us, oh and by the way that commanding earlier was amazing."
"It was just a riot, but I'll take the compliment." I patted her on the head for a job well done, why does this gesture feel so familiar?
"Ehehehe"
A few minutes later and Ch'en told us to go inside, the inside being more oriental than the outside decorum could ever be. The tapestry screaming Lungmen beauty and pride and the Executive residing exuding this aura of distorted patriotism, this is Wei Yanwu.
-SCENE BREAK-
Amiya and I went inside to see a proceeding irritated Kal'tsit.
"Dr. Kal'tsit!" Amiya called out in relief. The other doctor in the room smiled and I waved my hand to greet her.
"Hmm, that was faster than I expected from you." Kal'tsit said to me, impressed at our efficiency I guess.
I nodded and went into my seat; since Kal'tsit is the one that is going to talk to him I can just relax.
Suffice to say it was frustrating being a third-person listener in their discussion especially when you were in that hellish situation and know for a fact that Reunion is not a joke.
I had to distract myself with my gaming console, before I blow a gasket as Ms. Ch'en's attitude.
"Lungmen is not obligated to inform Rhodes Island about its confidential operations." Yes, they are not Ch'en but get this; Reunion is far from confidential. Poor Amiya decided to follow my example as she was also holding back her irritation. Oh my, who would have thought Amiya was a hardcore player of RUIN INFINITE?
…
"No matter what, Lungmen can't trust a group of Infected" Likewise Ch'en, I don't trust Lungmen especially your leader. If he finds out about my power there is a possibility of me being a lab rat on the most low-profile sector of this place. He seems like the kind of guy, if Lungmen can be discriminative then I have the right to be paranoid.
I finally decided to let all the negotiation discourse flow into one ear and out the other, the slimy Executive is more interested on us being the ones who will take the brunt of casualties should Reunion go through.
"-Reunion Movement will capture Lungmen in two weeks." I was brought back to reality by Kal'tsit's declarative analysis of the situation, so was Amiya it seems as she set aside her game console as well.
Ch'en wanted to deny the declaration as nothing but malarkey; however Kal'tsit called Amiya to explain the Chernobog incident skipping over to the fact that I use a Persona to almost wipe them all out.
Suffice to say, even the Executive was at awe at what we had to go through, Catastrophes aren't your average typhoon after all.
"We also fought against their leader." That we did Amiya, you guys did anyways all I did was summon a walking Deus-Ex-Machina and order our people like chess pieces as if I was that Mephisto kid.
The executive went silent before asking, "Umm? And her name is? I can't remember." Wait a second; you know her gender but not their name? It will be bad if I press on that further so I just said,
"Their leader's name is Talulah."
"Oh right, Talulah…Officer Ch'en what do you think?" Wei was amused for some reason and Ch'en went silent for a few moments.
"…I know."
Amiya then went into detail and about Reunion's invasion being a calculated effort. With what we've experienced I'm inclined to agree seeing that we're the only rogue element in their operation. So, yes it would make perfect sense to attack Lungmen as the Catastrophe made Chernobog both great and barren territory at the same time.
With that the negotiation with Lungmen was at least a moderate success, even though Rhodes has two ball-and-chains to worry about now. Reluctant Ch'en might be at first she relented when she heard the name of their leader; did she and Talulah have some bad blood before? Either way for now, it is none of my concern.
"You have two days until your first assignment." Wei announced, "Use it to experience how beautiful Lungmen is." He jovially laughed as we went outside.
While getting out of the building, we heard someone quickly approaching us. I look behind to see Ch'en tired.
"Did you just run here?" I spoke out of concern for the girl's weird and sudden appearance. She nodded and composed herself, "I know we weren't on good terms in that earlier negotiation…"
She refused to look at Kal'tsit.
"However, I believe it would be detrimental if we still have animosity for each other." That we agree with Ch'en, that we agree and reached out for a handshake.
"Finally, you see that…here."
Ch'en was puzzled but accepted the offer anyway, "To protect Lungmen and defeat Reunion."
"To protect Lungmen…"
I am thou; thou art I
the creation of a new bond is at hand
the crux of thy oath manifests as power
the contract of hearts shall be the catalyst that nulls segregation.
Hence, the discovery of the Hermit Arcana shall guide you to the cure of thy heart
bestowing the gift of life in thy soul.
The Hermit: Ch'en
You can now spend time with Ch'en…
"Don't get wrong I do not trust Rhodes at all, I just do not want feelings of distrust to be present when we both want the same thing."
However, another dilemma in her mind was already occurring, leaving the three of us with some moments of silence; until the blue-haired officer finally worked up the courage to say something.
"Earlier I saw you and Amiya play with Zentendo Shifts." Ch'en inquired seemingly embarrassed by just bringing it up.
Oh, right I noticed her eyes glint of interest when I was playing Flaming Insignia: Three Factions in Excruciating difficulty again and how she's mentally taking notes while I was killing time.
"Ah so you're a gamer too huh?" Ch'en blushed as I stated it in a matter-of-fact manner while Amiya smiled seeing the normally cool Ch'en stutter incoherently.
"No, I was just going to say it is very disrespectful that lollygagging in-"
"But Miss Ch'en was staring at the Doctor's game that time…" Amiya mischievously pointed out and Ch'en was silent; even Kal'tsit had to stifle a chuckle at Amiya's comment.
Oh…wait a minute is that a Three Factions keychain on her phone? Seems that all three of us saw that, but before Amiya or I could point that out.
"Nevermind that, here!" She gave two pieces of paper, handwritten and with two numbers, "The first one is my phone number and second one is my friend code." Judging by how shy she was at this, she barely hands these things out especially since this was crudely written, by a reception pen I bet.
"Contact me if you need something or it's an emergency and you two better add that friend code got it?"
Roger, Ch'en sir! Amiya and I mock saluted and laughed and Ch'en just nodded and left with a red face.
Kal'tsit was seemingly miffed, "Tch, she didn't even acknowledge my presence."
Well, she must feel bad when she was arguing with you a while ago judging from her demeanor after that conversation. She seems like someone you will get along with Kal'tsit…provided you'd stop being a recluse and go outside for fun.
"I'll send my friend code to you two later." Kal'tsit said as we finally leave this place.
Finally, we're out and it's already eleven-o-clock. My stomach hungry and throat parched I look forward to eat at Rhodes again.
However as soon as we exited the place, Amiya let out a sigh of relief and frustration.
"Ughhh, ahhh, that old man was so tough to deal with…" We feel you Amiya, "He talks so slowly, but I feel like he's left me nothing to say."
"Amiya, you'll learn one day to negotiate with them yourself one day." Kal'tsit reassured her,
"Frankly, I'm just relieved that they didn't discover the Doctor's Persona given that Wei was sizing him up." He was? I never noticed; then again I was busy not listening to their conversation.
Amiya and I went silent on the idea that since Wei knows things that only Rhodes should know, there might be a possibility that he saw…that.
"Should we still continue the charade?" I asked to Kal'tsit to which she just nodded.
-SCENE BREAK-
Two days off huh? I asked the other two if they want to go grab a bite to eat but Kal'tsit as always wanted to go to Rhodes as soon as possible. Amiya wanted to come but she also reminded her that she has a check-up and other matters to attend to. I was left to explore Lungmen on my own but not before promising Amiya and Kal'tsit some souvenirs. I wonder what Jessica and my other Associates would like.
The first on the things I want to do is go find someplace to eat, one of the things that Kal'tsit gave me is my bank account. Apparently Amiya and Kal'tsit we're keeping hold of it in my absence, it is separate to the funds of Rhodes that we use to strengthen our Operators. Closure even joked that this is my sick leave pay, an indescribably long sick leave.
My musings were taken from me when I heard rustling in an alleyway, curiosity struck and I went inside the place full of nothing but mechanical garbage, the smell of rust and bad oil assaulting my nostrils.
I saw the silhouette of a person on the trash heap that is the end of the alleyway, whistling a tune while frantically digging for garbage.
"Hey!" I called out to the enigma and suddenly it backflipped of the heap to face me, still standing on the mechanical pile.
It was a familiar face, white hair, red and black aesthetic, their face almost always sporting a jester-like smile. A smile that thrives by literally blowing the roof off, it was the Sarkaz mercenary…W
"Oh it's the Doctor." She cheerfully greeted, "What are you doing here?"
I asked her the same question, to which she replied, "Well, my good explosives aren't cheap I'm trying to be economical and deadly at the same time."
"Couldn't you at least go to an antique shop or something?"
"Why are you here then?" She threw back at me, putting as she crouched and went back to scavenge for scraps, seemingly undeterred by my presence.
"I heard something in the alleyway and went here." I clarified that I am not a dumpster diver, "You aren't exactly silent in scrap-hunting."
W hummed and continued her digging, "So…why aren't you fighting me?"
Pardon?
"We are in a secluded area, not casualties and since I'm here you probably already know that Reunion's here."
Good point, but for some reason I don't feel like fighting you. Your choice of weapons are exactly discrete using them would probably draw the attention of your comrades.
"You are not on Lungmen's or Ursus' wanted list." I replied, "As far as I'm concerned I have no jurisdiction on arresting a hobo scrounging for junk." Not that I will surrender you to Lungmen even if you were. That knowing smile you gave me in Chernobog, you might be a key to retrieving my memories.
"You don't believe in Reunion, do you?" I asked and she tensed and stopped scrounging, she turned to face me and smiled in amusement.
"I think that there's a better place to talk about this." Where exactly would that be? Not another dark alleyway I hope.
"Are you asking me out W?"
-SCENE BREAK-
I was surprised when she brought me to a café of all things; the place had the same red and black aesthetic as the girl who invited me here. Café Renegade…huh? The décor was pro-revolution and fighting the system, the music blaring was a cross between techno and hip-hop rap.
The Sarkaz woman feels at home at here even though she is clearly not a regular here or at the very least no one knows she frequents.
"I don't believe in Reunion you say…" She began the conversation, "I'm a mercenary, and the ideals of any faction I fight for are irrelevant."
"Then how much is Talulah paying you for then?" I sipped my coffee, black as the hair of my current companion.
She didn't answer, signaling to me that it is classified. Ok, new question,
"Why didn't you fight me then?" I smirked bringing the roundabout and she just smirked.
"Your life is not on my payroll Doctor, I don't kill for free."
I wonder if she would consider joining Rhodes if we defeat her employers. I can't put my finger on it but I feel a distant connection from her, I hesitantly asked…
"Do I know you before?"
W smiled gently, and then her features sharpened answering me with her expression, but her face say that I wasn't on good terms with her like Kal'tsit.
"I'm more interested in that power from before." She decided to change the topic since even she wants to omit any information of my past identity, "The thing behind you that allowed you to fight her on even footing."
"And why should I tell anything about him?" I coldly replied.
She smirked and pulled out some paper envelope with Reunion's insignia on it.
"This has the info about Reunion's operations here on Lungmen." What's your angle W? What, you just carry that thing around with you? I scouted the area again for Reunion members afoot; I even silently summoned Empusa to scout the area before sitting here and still there wasn't any hostiles hiding. She's willing to betray her current faction?
"I'll give you this on two conditions." Oh, and what would those be?
"One, you'll be my mercenary buddy and two" Rule of thumb, the heavier condition is always the last.
"Tell me more about your power."
Now this is a predicament, is the information worth it for her to learn about my Persona? What is she going to do with that information anyways? They have no means of countering my Personas and even if she gave it way to other factions…who would believe her?
"What are you even going to do with that information anyway?" I noticed that she's surprisingly open towards me for some reason; if it's the atmosphere of the café then I should better exploit it.
Her response was more humming and, "Nothing really, can a girl be curious?" Normally I wouldn't even think that you were telling the truth but that demeanor and those eyes; they were a determined kind of insane. Ever since I summoned Ophiuchus, she must have not gotten much sleep as her eyes were determined to understand my power.
I weighed my options and how this will benefit Rhodes and concluded that info about my Persona is something I can part with for now…
Time passed as I explained Personas with the lie Kal'tsit and I constructed from before.
"Hmmm, Spirit ARTS huh?" She drawled after opening the envelope's contents. "Those idiots will want these papers back so I suggest to read and memorize while we still have time." I instead took out my phone to picture them.
"Weird to see you use a phone." I heard her mutter, what was that supposed to mean?
W perked up after she took back the envelope and put it back, "Now about my first condition…"
Right, me being her mercenary buddy… whatever that means.
"I noticed you got yourself a weapon; I'm willing to bet you're really green when it comes to fighting in the frontlines." So she was interested in making a deal with me because I carry a weapon with me now?
"Thanks to Reunion, I'm not able to do my usual hunts." She moaned in fake frustration, "So in exchange you'll be going in my stead. "
So, I will be able to gain experience as a fighter, and get to Soul Forage for new Personas and Items? Not that W knows something about the latter; that also means I can't assign Operators to these missions.
"I'll get a cut of cash for providing you info on targets, don't worry about doing something illegal since I only take contracts on the real slimeballs of society and you also get some of the cut." W is a good negotiator in all honesty, little she knows though that I'm getting more than her on this deal.
I am thou; thou art I
the creation of a new bond is at hand
the crux of thy oath manifests as power
the contract of hearts shall be the catalyst that nulls segregation.
Hence, the discovery of the Tower Arcana shall guide you to the cure of thy heart
bestowing the gift of life in thy soul.
The Tower: W
You obtained the Recipe to fuse Babel, a special Tower Persona.
I feel like I have a new bond in W after all if she is willing to risk her life with to strike a deal with me, it's only fair I'd do the same. Alright, I won't spill the beans on your appearance here.
W suddenly stood up and set aside some money, "Now with that out of the way, I'd better leave."
With only a nod I watched as my new secret mercenary partner went outside café leaving only me and my coffee and pictures of the earlier Reunion file on my phone.
It detailed minor operations of raiding Lungmen storehouses for equipment and supplies, it's not a step to fully repelling Lungmen but it's something Ch'en would want to see. Now how will I make her not question where I got this information?
Unlocked: Contracts
Thanks to the hidden partnership with W, you can know take on contracts with enemies. These foes are not your typical elk however and they have rare items on hand as well as materials for Rhodes Development and Persona Crystals. Doing these contracts increases your bond points with W but are not required to, rank-up her Associate.
I did not even notice that after that conversation that it was already noon, and I still am very hungry.
-SCENE BREAK-
Stumbling with my hunger on my mind, I find myself in front of a restaurant, Whelp Cove was the name. The walls and décor just scream family-friendly restaurant, but to my surprise this place is quite popular not just with families but workers and students all happy and filling themselves up with food before nightfall strikes to sap their remaining strength for the day.
Luckily, I was able to get a table. The waitress said I was going to share my table with another but I did not mind.
I wish I did because my tablemate was for a lack of a better term…shocking.
Why in Terra's name is Talulah here!? Oh how I wanted to book it, but that would just make things worse so instead I decided to examine her. A grey turtleneck and jeans with shades that clearly screams "I'm suspicious and hiding my identity" you didn't even bother to change your hairstyle Talulah?
"I'm not here to cause trouble…" Talulah whispered to me, why is she shy?
This situation freaking me out, before it was W dumpster diving, now it's Talulah being the poster girl for poor social interaction. What's next? am I going to bump into Mephisto reading comic books?
Another waitress came by and took our orders, doing my best to be calm I said…
"I- I'll have t-the Nine-Spices Me-e-at Ske-w-wers with the Special Ch-ch-chao fan."
"I-I'll have the same" Talulah stammered, wait why is she anxious too?
"Any drinks?" To that I just asked for some Iced Tea while Talulah asked for some Lemonade,
"Alright, we'll get it ready for you two, thank you for having your date here ."
Wha-aa-what? Did she just assume that we are dating? I can sense Talulah heating up in front of me. I quickly switched my Persona to Ophiuchus in my head so that I won't die. Before I could deny any assumptions to the contrary however, the waitress left. Your waiting staff made me share a table with her lady!
"I apologize that I'm being the reason for your anxiety." Why are you apologizing!? What is with that demeanor? Who the hell are you, and what have you done to Talulah?
This is strange, it's like this girl is not the leader of a bunch of Infected out to destroy the pre-established governments of Terra. She instead is anxious and full of anxiety.
"It has been a while since I've gone outside…" I heard her mumble as she rested her hands on the purse on her lap. What does she mean by that, hasn't she just conquered Chernobog and almost burnt us to cinders and she is aware of me…wait she didn't mention anything about that at all.
"So…" I might as well confirm it, "Do I know you?"
"Y-yes…y-you a-are the D-doctor right?"
Her earlier comment of being outside and her knowing me specifically as the Doctor, not a Doctor…what could it mean? With my earlier anxiety gone, I instead want to figure out the curious case of Talulah. Like with W I feel like there is more to her than what we already know of, that and detaining her would be difficult.
"I-I'm truly sorry f-for ca-ca-causing you so much tro-trouble." Talulah stammered almost like she wanted to cry, luckily we were in a heavily packed restaurant or we could have drawn too much attention.
"I-I'm also tru-truly grateful to you D-Doctor." Huh? I asked her on what she meant by being "grateful" to me when during Chernobog…well it wasn't a time to be grateful of.
"I-I co-couldn't rem-rem-remember the last time I woke up." Heavy emphasis on the "I" part Talulah…couldn't it be? However as my own suspicions arose, as if she already knew what I was thinking she said,
"Ye-yes m-my mind is f-fractured a lo-long ti-time ago."
It really is strange, after Chernobog when I woke up at Rhodes I always assumed my second encounter with Talulah would be where I would avenge all the lives that were lost in the hellfire of Chernobog; Satisfaction in my face as I defeat the Reunion leader with my newly acquired and hopefully mastered power. Just by being in Lungmen and dealing with Wei and this place's discriminative policies to the Infected I couldn't have in my heart to hate Reunion, where else are they supposed to go? Can I really hate a general when the lives lost are casualties of war? A war that was made because of Ursus' own doing. No matter what Reunion did to that place it was a consequence of its government's actions.
It was strangely relieving that their leader has a damaged psyche and for her to be honest with me, an enemy commander, then her condition must be that desperate.
"I-I do not kno-know how mu-much time I have left but I-I have to at-at least say it to-to yo-you some-somehow." She softly said; a far-cry to the cold-hearted leader of Reunion.
"Why me specifically?"
-SCENE BREAK-
When I woke up it was like waking from a cold and frigid nightmare. The burning and smoldering concrete that laid out the battlefield as my cruel doppelganger's control weakened; with whatever strength I still have , I attempt to free Faust from being laid in an icy coffin. Alas, it was too late and I closed my eyes in fear as Mephisto's screams of grief were abruptly silenced.
But as I opened my eyes something was off, he had let go of the injured Sniper and treated the wounds he inflicted with a command. My other self would eliminate him in an instant but he did not. He was in a perfect spot to eliminate a majority of our Reunion's important men, but he hesitated? No, it was mercy; he was as horrified as some of us are at the carnage he wrought.
The ice he had made me feel nice and warm, and I noticed that it was healing everyone subtly, Reunion or Rhodes it healed them however Rhodes Island was being healed at a faster rate than us.
Reunion and Rhodes Island went their separate ways after that "clash" but it was at his mercy. I was in control of my own body ever since…if she would take control again at the very least I would do the things I want to do first.
Without the knowledge of even Crownslayer, I went to Lungmen. My goal is not to encounter my sister or my relatives or even burn Lungmen to the ground, all I want is to have a meal at the restaurant we both loved when we were children. It must be presumptuous of me, a woman with so much blood on her hands; reluctant they may be, but while I'm still myself I want to feel like a person again…
I do not know if it was fate or a deity hearing my pleas but I was sat with him, ordering the same food that my sister would usually eat when things were better. He was technically my enemy but if there is anyone who could believe my situation, then it must be him. There was no basis on this faith and all I could sense was a feeling similar to mine, but nevertheless I took the first step.
"I-I do-don't really kn-know…" I answered his question; even now I can't remove that stutter when talking to people. My heart lightened up when he was willing to me, an enemy commander, about my distorted psyche.
He chuckled and gave a more comfortable smile, "I am a Doctor, and it's kind of my job to treat people with disabilities."
"I'm starting to get a better picture on what's happening." He reassuringly smiled, "I always had a feeling that your group isn't that united from earlier battles."
-SCENE BREAK-
Talulah chuckled at the backhanded comment on her group, agreeing with me. She then explained how divided the group actually is with one faction of wanting to kill every single non-infected in Terra and the other that wants to stop the discrimination of Infected even if it's through violent means. At least that's was I understood.
"O-one o-of my su-subordinates, he ki-kills any who ha-harm ci-civilians. I-I agree wi-with his st-stance but She ju-just does not care."
I did not even hesitate when I offered this at least help Talulah with her problem, like with W I can't help but feel like there is more to this girl than what is given. Besides, when I awoke to my Persona I swear of discriminating others, if Talulah wants to be relieved of her suffering then who I am to say no? If there are others like her in this conflict then there might be hope.
"Re-regardless of my condition, do not hold ba-back when fighting them." Talulah insisted; she must be concerned that I will start to hold back with my strategies against her faction. She wants me to treat her as Talulah not as the leader of Reunion but as a patient.
Yes, even now Reunion as it is; is a threat to Terra and her other personality is not fit to lead what Reunion allegedly stands for.
"I understand, as long as they harm innocent lives then I will…" She nodded and with that another bond was formed.
I am thou; thou art I
the creation of a new bond is at hand
the crux of thy oath manifests as power
the contract of hearts shall be the catalyst that nulls segregation.
Hence, the discovery of the Justice Arcana shall guide you to the cure of thy heart
bestowing the gift of life in thy soul.
Justice: Talulah
Associate Skill: Consultation
"By spending time with Talulah, "consulting" her slightly changes Reunion enemies' cognitions, slightly increases the quality of what Soul Forage gives out."
Well, that's enough of the seriousness I can already smell the cooked food approaching us. That discussion apparently took about fifteen minutes.
"Now, that we finished that discussion…let's eat shall we?" I said to Talulah after the waitress set our plates before us.
Talulah just gorged on her meal, savoring the taste of the meat and ordering extra fried rice after each bowl was downed occasionally sipping her drink with satisfaction. She then noticed how slow I was eating compared to her and stopped.
"I-I'm sorry you have to see that…" I noticed that her stutter was slightly gone, was it because we are friends now?
"I should be the one apologizing, I felt like I should repress my usual eating habits in front of a lady." I reassured that it was ok and ordered the largest fried rice they had and started to scarf down my meal as well.
By the time we were done, we amassed a lot of plates. The waitresses were amazed at the stable tower of porcelain that our lunch had made.
"That hit the spot…"Talulah sighed in relief.
After paying the bill, Talulah and I exchanged numbers. To understand the truth of Reunion and Lungmen I feel a step closer to it just by being her friend and doctor. As a doctor it isn't right of me to discriminate and refuse the treatment of those in need.
That wasn't the first time I would spend time with Talulah or W…
-SCENE BREAK-
Returning to Rhodes, I spent more time with my other associates and got around to adding Ch'en and Kal'tsit to my Zentendo friends list. Surprisingly according to the friend list Ch'en was online only five days ago. Luckily I was able to call Amiya and the other two to play RUIN INFINITE since they usually have tight schedules.
I could have sworn that I heard Kal'tsit scream in terror from her room as Amiya blasted her character for the tenth time and headed to Ch'en next, even though we set the voice chat off I can feel Ch'en panicking as Amiya chases her with a melee weapon.
Suffice to say I can feel our bond deepening.
-SCENE BREAK-
Two days allotted to us before the first operation to secure Lungmen's safety I made sure to spend time with all my associates and do missions given by W and Ch'en.
Fusing and obtaining more Personas and bonding with others on this broken world, will I look back upon these memories and smile or be in tears?
The concept of a Shadow, the repressed emotions and thoughts of a Persona, Sherry and Igor explained that they are the flipside of a Persona.
"This world is so divided that it does have its own sea of souls, they are more like ponds if anything." Igor grimaced, "That it also the reason you can use your Persona in the real world, it reminds me of another calamity from our original world…"
The operation at hand would answer my question, "Where does the Shadow go?"
"Would you like to save the game?"
….
"Save successful."
-SCENE BREAK-
Just Wild-Card Things 1
Working with L.G.D prepared me for a lot of things and training to get there made me tolerant to struggle. However never in my life have I seen such power…
It started with a simple hangout, the day was one of the rare days that I have nothing to do after work. Hoshiguma and Swire suggested that we should go to that popular steakhouse called The Slab. It would have been pleasant with just the two of them even though Swire pisses me off as Hoshiguma said that the beer there and the meat was great, besides Beatrix could use the meat on her body.
To my surprise however, she brought three other people; the Doctor, Dr. Kal'tsit and Amiya. Apparently ever since the partnership of Lungmen and Rhodes, Hoshiguma and the Doctor hit it off quickly over their love of food and how Hoshiguma already trusts the Doctor's tactical expertise. Swire told me that Hoshiguma was giving the Doctor combat tips while the Doctor shares some of his tactical knowledge in exchange.
So we went to the steakhouse for dinner, it was slightly awkward for Kal'tsit and I since we were at each other's throats a while ago. The Doctor and Swire, surprisingly, acting as mediators if I have to slap a bitch.
The reason why Hoshiguma was eager to go to this place was the giant steak they have on the menu, scratch that, calling the steak giant would an understatement, the thing is heckin' enormous. Then again it might be because the steak is called the Behemoth.
Swire and I are aware that Oni especially Hoshiguma can eat a lot if they want to, might be because Oni are durable in battle, regardless we were dumbstruck by the fact that the Doctor of all people order the damn thing as well.
For context, the Doctor and I are about the same height.
We ordered our food and waited; spices and the smell of meat permeating the room. Thirty minutes later our orders arrived and the fifteen minutes afterwards the gigantic slabs of meat followed.
While I ate my food, thinking back on that restaurant me and my sister use to eat at, I compare the meat skewers' taste to the one I usually ordered there, the nine spices one.
It isn't as good as the ones I eat there but it may be because of nostalgia, whatever the factor maybe I brought back to reality by a tap to my shoulder, courtesy of Swire.
The sight was shocking to say the least, Hoshiguma had carved out half of her meat but in the end she was on the verge of vomiting, the kind you get by overeating.
But.
Holy fuck, the Doctor, the fucking Doctor was chewing to it like it was nothing. Amiya looked like she was used to it but was slightly embarrassed seeing that the whole steakhouse was staring at the man chewing through a steak that is a big as his head.
"This is so gooooood…" He moaned in pleasure, perhaps savoring the combination of the herb butter and the meat's juices.
Kal'tsit on the other hand was recording the whole thing? Why? For what reason? We can't live in a world of chaos!? She looked miffed at the other Doctor's eating, her medium-rare forgotten in the spectacle. I looked to her with a face that asked her what she is doing.
"Closure was curious about that steak and the Doctor's appetite." The hell does that mean!?
I could only watch as this man devours a giant slab of meat as big as his head with morbid fascination…
-SCENE BREAK-
Associates
The Hermit: Ch'en
Rank 1
"Even though she is rough around the edges, the Doctor and the others decide to work together. At the very least they get along on video games."
The Tower: W
Rank 1
"On a purely give-and-take relationship with the mercenary, she forcibly takes the Doctor as her proxy for her mercenary job, however she is unaware on who is getting the better deal. To understand Reunion's inner workings the Doctor accepts.
Justice: Talulah
Rank 1
"A chance meeting in a local restaurant, the leader of Reunion feels like the Doctor is the only person who could believe her condition. Seeking to understand the true state of things the Doctor promises to be her ward."
Personas
Empusa LV 3
Arcana: The Magician
Trait: Demonic Bloodline
"Reduces skill costs by 25%"
Skills: Aqua, Dormina, Sukukaja
Author Notes
I apologize for the wait; the electricity went out for half a week. I was actually afraid that it corrupted the file. That's why I want to thank you all for your support first and foremost.
This is the end of the first-person only chapters, concluding the tutorial part of the story. I'll switch to third-person for now in the subsequent chapters.
To answer the questions from the last chapter, I'm thinking of combining aspects of other Persona games in this story, hence the Earth and Water additions to the elements.
Lastly, to answer the question of the masks, in Turn 0, the Doctor swallowed a pill to summon his Persona however that is only the Awakening portion, the mask is the summoning method because I just think that masks are cool. Different medications will be used for the other Persona users, they won't be OCs either the Velvet Room attendant would be the only OC of this story that is important.
In the base story, it was teased that Talulah has some sort of problem with her head going by that I felt like she would make an interesting bond the Doctor would form. Her personality took inspiration from other multiple personality characters like Vinegar Doppio hence the contrast between the two personalities.
Ch'en's Arcana is the Hermit because of Chapter 7.
Finally, thank you for the input so that I can better my writing. Actually I was planning to make this a fan-game but certain stuff prevented me from doing so here I am with this story as my debut.
Once again, I, WordBound thank you for reading.
Next Turn: Turn 3: Pieces of Wreckage
(If anyone misses it, RUIN INFINITE is a parody of DOOM ETERNAL; the other Zentendo game is obvious.)
Dammit, my usual transition marks don't work.
