Persona: Prisoner of Fate
Chapter 1
„The awakening"
[ Tatsumi Port Island, July – 2009]
Ren Amamiya let out a long and tired sigh. Sitting on his bed, he went through an old album with pictures of the family. Despite having only a few pictures in it, this album was his most precious possession right now. Even more, since he moved into the local orphanage called the 'Sunflower'. His only living family, his mother, committed suicide two years ago. From what he could put together, her reason was probably due to his father's death as well as their financial situation. His father was hit by a drunk driver three years ago. He died on impact. Ever since his death, Ren's mother was trying her best to support him. Even going as far as doing some night jobs. After a year, she was barely functioning. It got to the point where she was hospitalized for days. Eventually, her depression drove her to commit suicide by overdosing on sleeping pills. Ren found her dead after coming from school. It took him a year to fully accept his mother's died. And yet, he kept staring at the album every day. He wished that his mother would burst into the room and hug him.
„You know, staring at this album won't bring her back, right?" -Said a soft and calm voice.
Looking up, Ren saw his one and only friend in the orphanage. He had long brown hair, barely reaching his shoulders. He was slightly taller than Ren, and despite his age, better build than most kids. Unlike him, his friend was always confident in everything he did. His name was Akechi Goro.
„I know that…" -Ren said, closing his family album. Putting it below his bed, he looked back at Akechi."So, what's up?"
„You're still sitting in your room alone." -Akechi said with a sigh."No wonder why you don't have any friends."
„Right back at you." -Ren huffed and rolled his eyes."It's not like you have any friends either."
„That's my choice. I don't like spending time with a bunch of kids." -Akechi chuckled.
„So why are you spending time with me?" -Ren asked annoyed.
„Because We can understand each other." -Akechi explained and sat down next to him."The reasons why We ended up here are very similar. And unlike the rest, there is something different about you."
„Like what?" -Ren asked, staring at the floor.
„Can't put my finger on it, yet." -Akechi said with a smile."Anyway, let's do something fun today."
„Do you really want to get in trouble again?" -Ren said tiredly. The last time Akechi wanted to do something fun caused them to be severely punished.
„Don't worry. This time We won't get caught." -Akechi assured with a smirk."Last time I simply underestimated our Caretakers. This time, I won't allow it."
„Mh-hm…So what's the plan?" -Ren asked, knowing full well that Akechi won't give up.
„We're going to sneak out before midnight today." -Akechi said and chuckled at Ren's expression.
„You really want to do something so reckless?!"-Ren exclaimed in shock."This isn't anything like last time!"
„Relax! It's not like We're going to vanish for a night." -Akechi said with a laugh."We're just going to wait till midnight and then go back."
„What for?" -Ren asked.
„You know what's tomorrow, right?" -Akechi smirked.
„You mean…My birthday?" -Ren asked quietly. Akechi nodded and glanced at the clock. It was 9 pm right now."Do We really have to do this?"
„It's not like kids celebrate their birthdays in this Orphanage." -Akechi snorted."Hard to believe that this place is still standing."
„Come on, this will be the last time." -Akechi groaned tiredly.
„You said it before." -Ren shot back. Akechi rolled his eyes and nudged Ren with his shoulder.
„Don't be like that. I'm serious here." -Akechi's voice changed. There was no sign of his normal carefree attitude."I need to talk to you about something."
„Akechi…" -Ren said surprised. He hasn't seen Akechi this serious before. Akechi got up and walked toward the door.
„I'll be waiting for you at the usual spot." -He said and left the room.
Ren was just sitting there, puzzled. He had no idea what Akechi was planning on telling him. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to know. But at the same time, Ren was worried if they were caught. The last punishment was more than enough for him. On the other hand, the thought of not listening to what his only friend wanted to say was equal to a betrayal.
Clenching his fists, Ren glanced at the clock. It was already 11 pm. He was just laying in his bed, thinking about what to do. Feeling pathetic, he quickly got up and glanced at his roommates. He didn't know any of them well, but he could tell they were fast asleep. This was the perfect moment.
Slipping into some dark clothes, Ren quietly opened up the window. Glancing at his roommates one more time, He carefully went through the window and climbed down on a wooden fence. Carefully observing his surroundings, Ren saw that no Caretakers were patrolling the grounds. Sighing in relief, he carefully made his way through the bushes until he reached his destination. After climbing over the tall fence, Ren saw Akechi waiting for him by a large tree.
„Well, well, well…I almost thought you wouldn't show up." -Akechi said with a big smile.
„Sorry for making you wait." -Ren apologized, but Akechi waved him off."Anyway, where are We going?"
„To Naganaki Shrine." -Akechi explained."It wouldn't be your birthday party without Koromaru, right?"
Koromaru was a dog living in the Naganaki Shrine. In their only free time, when they were coming back from school, Ren and Akechi often stopped by to pay him and his master a visit. However, Koromaru's master, a monk from Naganaki Shrine, had died in an accident. Despite his master's death, Koromaru continued to protect the shrine and waited for his master's return. Feeling bad for the god, they often sneak out at night to spend some time with him. Sadly, it led to them being discovered by the Caretakers. Since then, they were unable to visit Koromaru.
Considering that the „Sunflower" was far away, it took them some time to get to the Shrine. They also had to avoid being seen by any adults. But they felt as if they were being followed. After turning their head, the only thing they saw a black and white cat with unusual blue eyes. For whatever reason, it was following them.
„What's the deal with that cat?" -Akechi wondered out loud.
„Maybe he's lost?" -Ren said with a shrug."Anyway, We're close to the Shrine."
Eventually, when they got to the shrine, they heard a familiar sound.
Woof!
Suddenly, they saw an albino Shiba Inu dashing madly toward them. Koromaru lunged himself at Ren and Akechi, knocking them both down. Laughing it off, they got up and petted Koromaru.
„We know! Sorry for not visiting you." -Ren said with a big smile.
„Our bad." -Akechi apologized and took out a dog treat. Koromaru gladly took and started to munch on it."Well, We still have some time before midnight. Let's grab a seat."
They sat down on a bench near the shrine. Koromaru decided to lie down next to them and listen to their conversation.
„So, what did you wanted to talk about?" -Ren asked, seeing Akechi's perplexed expression.
„Ah, straight to the point I see…" -Akechi smiled briefly."Well, I won't be beating around the bushes. It seems like I'll be getting adopted." -Ren stared at Akechi in disbelief."I know, right? Shocking that anyone would want to adopt a kid from the 'Sunflower'."
„But this is good, right?!" -Ren shocked to that of joy."You're going to be living a loving family and all!"
„Is that okay with you, though?" -Akechi asked with a sigh. Ren was taken back by his friend's question."With me gone, You'll be on your own. Are you alright with it?"
„Well…I mean…" -Ren wasn't sure what to say. Part of him was sad that Akechi would leave the Sunflower, but the other one was happy for him."I guess…I'll manage, somehow."
„That's your answer, huh…?" -Akechi said quietly and looked up. The half-moon was clearly visible from their position.
„When are you leaving?" -Ren asked, and Akechi glanced at him.
„In the next few days. But, I'll have transferred to the orphanage in Shibuya." -Akechi explained."It seems like they're a bit busy at the moment, so they can't come straight here."
„I see…" -Ren let out a sigh.
„Listen, I know this isn't much…" -Akechi started."But I'll try and ask if they knew anyone who would want to adopt a kid. It's a long shot, though…"
„Really?" -Ren was surprised."So, We can still hang out together if that happens, right?"
„Long shot, remember." -Akechi reminded."Hmm…Look! It's almost midnight." -He pointed at the nearby clock.
Ren and Akechi wanted as the minute hand was slowly moving toward midnight. They decided to silently count until the clock finally struck midnight. But something very unexpected happened. For a second, it seemed as if the reality broke into millions of pieces. There was a strange and eerie silence surrounding them. Koromaru was quick to react and growl at his surroundings.
„What the hell? What's with the sky and the moon?" -Akechi said, pointing his finger at the sky. The normal dark blue sky was replaced by a shade of green. The moon seemed to be bigger than normal as well."What's going on?"
„I don't know…" -Ren said weakly. He suddenly felt extremely light-headed."I feel weird…"
„Hold on, let's just get out of here." -Akechi said, and grabbed Ren. Together they slowly made their way toward the stairs. Koromaru was following them closely, still growling. As they finally made their way to the stairs, they froze.
Next to the lamp, they saw someone standing with its head hanging down. That being, if you could call it that, was extremely tall and muscular. Its body seemed to be made out of metal. It also wore a mask on the upper part of the face. In a way, it resembled a wrestler they once saw on tv.
„Akechi…What's that?!" -Ren gasped, and his entire body tensed.
„I don't know! We have found another way!" -As soon as he said that, the creature lifted its head and stared at them. Koromaru glanced at the boys and then at the monster. With a growl, Koromaru charged at the monster."Koromaru! Don't!"
Woof!
It was too late. The albino Shiba Inu jumped and landed on the monster's shoulder. Without hesitation, Koromaru tried to bite the monster. But its skin proved to be too much for Koromaru. The monster didn't even flinch. Instead, it grabbed Koromaru and threw him to the ground. Koromaru whined loudly.
„Koromaru!" -Ren cried, but Akechi pulled him back."We can't just leave him!"
„We're to going to die if We stay here!" -Akechi quickly starts pulling Ren away from the stairs. The monster saw it, and in a blink of an eye, it vanished. Moments later, it reappeared before Ren and Akechi."Dammit! Now what…?"
„Mweehehe! I guess it's my time to shine!" -Sounded a voice throughout the shrine. Akechi, Ren, and even the monster were surprised to hear a voice echoing around them. Suddenly, something jumped down and landed between the boys and the monsters."Seems like you two could use the help!"
It was another creature, albeit not as scary as the monster before them. The creature was an anthropomorphic and biped tuxedo cat-like creature with a large spheroidal head. Its fur was predominantly black, except on the limbs and tail which appeared white. The bottom front half of its face or its mouth is also white. The creature wore a mask that covered much of its face with elliptic eyes consisting of white sclerae, blue irises, and black pupils. It has a yellow scarf around its neck and a utility belt around the hips, with two golden buttons and two bags attached. In its right paw, the creature was wielding a scimitar.
„A cat?" -Ren said out loud.
„I AM NOT A CAT! I'm Morgana!" -Morgana yelled at them."Anyway, you kids go and hide somewhere. I can handle this!"
„What are you talking about?! Look at this thing!" -Akechi protested, causing Morgana to smirk.
„Don't take me for an amateur!" -Morgana pointed his scimitar at the monster before him. Suddenly a blue engulfed Morgana's body."Come, Zorro!"
Out of nowhere, a being manifested behind Morgana. The being was dressed in black clothing with a cape floating in the air. It resembled a character from a movie poster that Ren and Akechi saw once.
„W-What in the world is going on?" -Akechi stuttered.
„I don't know…" -Ren said weakly. His head was spinning for some reason. It was as if he was on a roller coaster. To make the matter worse, he was beginning to hear things.
… I am thou... Thou art I...
„Get a grip!" -Akechi snapped at him.
„We have to check on Koromaru first!" -Ren protested. Akechi nodded, and they both rushed down the stairs to check on the dog. They saw Koromaru lying down with blood on his mouth."Koromaru!"
Koromaru whined when Akechi and Ren rushed to his side. Whatever that monster was, it threw him hard. It was obvious that Koromaru won't be able to walk on his own. Akechi was trying to carefully pick up Koromaru. He looked at his friend and said.
„Alright, let's get out of –!" -Akechi gasped, and Ren turned around.
Ren gasped as well. Behind them, different monsters appeared. Unlike the previous one, these resembled black slimes with blue expressionless masks. They were squirming in unnatural ways as if they were in pain. They decided to run away the other way but were immediately stopped. Some monsters were blocking the way. There was no way out, and that strange cat creature was nowhere to be seen. They were on their own right now. Even worse was the headache that Ren was having right now. He heard a voice again.
…From the sea of thy soul, I come…
„Dammit! What do We do now?!" -Akechi gritted his teeth. They're surrounded by monsters. He glanced at his friend.' What's with Ren? Is it because of these monsters? Nothing makes sense!'
Suddenly one of the monsters grew a long black tentacle. The monster lunged its tentacle toward Ren. Ren froze on the spot. Everything seemed to slow down as Ren suddenly saw Akechi in front of him. As if still aiming at Ren, the monster changed the trajectory of its tentacle and smacked Akechi to the side. Akechi hit the nearby wall and drop to the ground. Ren stares at Akechi, who wasn't moving at all. The only thing he saw that his head was bleeding. Koromaru whined pitifully, trying to get up to protect Ren and Akechi. Ren's legs were shaking. He had no idea what to do now.
…Are you simply going to watch? Death awaits them if you do nothing….
„Agh! What am I suppose to do?!" -Ren yelled at the voice inside of his head. He didn't want to be a coward and run away. There was no way Ren would have to forgive himself if he had run away."I want to save them! I really do!"
…No need for mere words. Show me your true feelings…
Mustering all the courage he had, Ren's legs stopped shaking. He grabbed Koromaru and rushed to Akechi's side. After putting down Koromaru, Ren shielded them with his body.
… Very well... I shall lend you my strength. Vow to me… I am thou... Thou art I...
Without realizing it, a mask of sorts was trying to take shape on Ren's face. Then, his body was engulfed in a blue flame until a figure appeared above him. Though you couldn't really make out how it looked, you could clearly see a long top hat, horns, and large, feathery wings. The area around the figure appeared to be glitching as if something wasn't right with it.
…I am the pillager of twilight, Arsene!...
Ren screamed at top of his lungs and pointed his hand at the monsters. The figure, calling himself Arsene, screamed as well. They created a resonating roar throughout the area. Even the monsters decided to back down a little. But one was was brave enough and decided to attack Ren. With a swift motion, Arsene pinned the monster down with the heel of his boot. The slime monster splattered into pieces.
Without giving a second thought, the slime monsters lunged at Arsene. Grinning, Ren watched how Arsene laughed while charging at the monsters. Despite 'glitching', Arsene was still handling the slime monsters as if they're nothing. Ren had no idea what was happening, but he was loving it. He never felt so alive before. But something was off. His chest was starting to feel tight. Like something was trying to stop his heart.
Smirking, Morgana watched as the Shadow disintegrated right in front of him.
„Piece of cake!" -Morgana chuckled."Alright! Time to check on the kids-" – Gasping, he saw blue lighting near the shrine entrance."This isn't good!"
Quickly rushing toward the entrance, Morgana saw more shadows. Weaklings, but still nothing to underestimate. These types of shadows were dangerous in big groups. Looking to his right, Morgana's eyes widened. The kid with black hair was shielding the other boy and a dog. But what surprised Morgana more was the fact that the kid was using a persona. Or rather something that looked like a persona. He also noticed that a mask was trying to take shape on the kid's face. This wasn't good.
„This kid can't fully use his persona!" -Morgana said out loud. Even the said persona was slowly disappearing, probably due to the kid's condition. The kid was forcing out his persona, which was dangerous for his life."Gotta step in and save this kid! Come, Zorro!"
Summoning his Persona, Morgana directed his paw at the shadows. Zorro charged with his sword at the enemies. Noticing someone else coming, Ren was ready to use his new founded power to fight more. But the more he wanted to fight, the more his heart hurt. But upon closer look, he recognized the being from before. It was the same being that cat thing summoned. A persona, he thought. How did he know what was it called?
„Kid! You have to stop!" -Morgana yelled at Ren. Panting, he glanced at the Catlike being. His vision was getting blurry."You'll die if you keep this up! I got this!" -Ren's persona suddenly disappeared.
Ren's legs gave in. He drops to the ground, slowly losing his consciousness. In his last moments, he heard the fight going on around him. He also heard someone in the distance. Someone who yelled; Persona.
*Persona 5 OST - Aria Of The Soul*
A wave of calmness washed over Ren's body. He felt his body being rock back and forth in a gentle manner. It was a similar feeling to that of not wanting to leave the bed in the morning. But he knew that something was off. Why was he sleeping? Wasn't he surrounded by a monster just a second ago?
Groaning, Ren's eyes fluttered open. Rubbing his eyes, he noticed that he was in a small wooden room. It sort of looked like a cabin with a small circular window. Ren slowly go up from the bed and walked up to the window. He blinked in surprise, seeing that he was indeed above water. He was in a ship of some kind. But where and how he got there was a good question. Due to the thick fog, Ren was unable to determine where exactly was he. Looking around the room, Ren spotted the doors leading to the outside. Carefully peaking outside, Ren saw a small corridor and stair leading up. He walked calmly to the stairs and lookup. He could see the grey sky and immediately recognized the smell. He was on an ocean. Despite feeling safe, Ren unintentionally gulped.
Slowly making his way up, Ren was wondering what was waiting for him on the outside. Finally reaching the top, Ren's eyes widened. He wasn't alone on the ship. Before he was a round table with a white couch around on. On the couch was sitting a bizarre old man with a long nose, pointed ears, and bulging, bloodshot eyes. He was wearing a black suit with white gloves. His hands were clasped together with his elbows resting on the table. Next to the table was standing a young girl with long platinum hair and golden eyes. She was wearing a blue dress and stylish matching headband with white butterfly ornaments and yellow roses. The girl was also caring an abnormally large book with her.
„Welcome to the Velvet Room." -The bizarre man said with a calm and kind voice." My name is Igor. I am delighted to be your acquaintance."
„Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Lavenza." -Lavenza said with a kind smile.
„Where I am?" -Ren asked confused.
„This place exists between Dream and Reality. Mind, and Matter." -Igor explained." Only those who have signed the contract can enter this place."
„I didn't sign anything, though…" -Ren said while shaking his head.
Suddenly, a chair appeared before him. Lavenza pointed him to sit down. Though reluctant, Ren sat down before Igor. On the table, he saw a set of cards arranged in some sort of formation.
„Now please, Why don't you introduce yourself?" -Igor said, and Ren scratched the back of his head. What was happening right now?
„My name is Ren Amamiya." -Ren introduced himself."Um…Can I ask you a question?"
„By all means." -Igor nodded.
„Why do you call Velvet Room? It's a boat." -Ren asked while looking around. Igor also glanced at his surroundings.
„Indeed. This is quite new to me as well. How interesting…" -Igor admitted with a chuckle."But what's more interesting is you."
„Me?" -Ren was surprised. Compare to him, everything else in here was more interesting.
„Indeed. Your awakening occurred a little bit earlier than expected." -Igor explained and pointed at the cards before them."It seems like something has altered your fate as a Trickster. This is quite unusual…"
„Trickster? What do you mean by that?" -Ren stared at the cards but was unable to understand their meaning.
„Perhaps, We should leave it for another time." -Igor mused under his nose."Now…Is there a reason for your awakening or was it an accident? Either way, it seems like you're not ready to wield the power of a Trickster."
„Master, if I may say something?" -Lavenza said, and Igor nodded."Maybe this is a good thing? Even if our guest is unable to utilize the power of a trickster, he's still a Wild Card. Why not use this opportunity to prepare him for what's to come?"
„Is that so? Hmm… What do you think?" -Igor asked. Ren looked at them puzzled."Whatever your choice is, I shall respect it."
„I don't fully understand what's going on." -Ren admitted."But you're saying that I have some kind of destiny, right?" -Igor nodded."So no matter what I say, I'll face it sooner or later. If learning about what happened to me is going to help me, then…I won't use this opportunity. Whatever that is…"
„I see…So, that's your decision." -Igor said with a chuckle."Very well, then…"
„Don't worry. Everything will make sense in time." -Lavenza promised with a kind smile. Suddenly, Ren was momentarily blinded by a light. Blinking, he saw a light flickering in the distance."Ah, seems like it's time for you to wake up."
„Ah! Before you go… I have a gift for you." -Igor snapped his fingers and a key appeared before Ren."This is your Velvet Room key. Next time, you'll come here on your own…"
With that, Ren was blinded by the light again.
End of Chapter
