Maximum over-spoilers for mid-December.
Short fare for today. Or rather, tonight, as per usual. Shockingly, I've hit a slight roadblock with the new chapter of ITF, but as of this writing I think I've found a way around that. Till then, enjoy this…whatever it is.
Fair warning, references abound.
"I wouldn't expect the ignorant masses of this country to understand…thus, I will offer proof."
Shadow Shido threw off his regal attire, revealing a muscular physique that belied the stifling garments. Joker raised an eyebrow at the sight even as he heard Futaba sputter and mutter something about this being straight out of a game she had played. "By forcefully crushing the Phantom Thieves!"
Joker whistled lightly as Shido reared back, tensing ever so slightly as the tyrant rushed him with a fist ready to strike. He dodged the heavy blow and leapt onto his shoulder, twirling lightly on his fingers in a wild handstand similar to how he would prepare to rip a shadow's mask off. Instead, he used the momentum to swing his knee straight into Shido's face, sending him stumbling back as Joker landed on his feet with a light tap.
Shido stumbled back several paces, tightening his jaw and forcing a grin after a moment. Joker stared at the titan briefly before returning the expression and speaking. "Alright...Masayoshi Shido, it's obvious that your powers are beyond even the highest category of scrubs we've taken down."
Joker chuckled under his breath and bowed his head, spreading his arms wide as the tails of his coat fluttered about dramatically. "Releasing Persona Restriction Systems, three...two...one."
Skull blinked a few times, standing straighter as he tried to figure out whatever his friend his up to. "...What is he doing?"
"Ooh…"
Queen was equally nonplussed, stance relaxing the slightest fraction as she watched Joker turn two fingers upward while the other hand pointed down, meeting them in front of his eyes as the familiar blue flame of a Persona rose around him. "Approval of situation G recognized; commencing the Phantom Invocation."
"Yooo, Joker! A man after my own heart!"
"Uhh, didn't he already-"
"Shut up, Skull, he's doing a thing!"
Joker simply smirked and continued. "Ability restrictions lifted for limited use until the enemy has been rendered silent."
"Until the enemy has been rendered silent! Whoo~!"
Oracle's cheers devolved into squeals as Joker's smirk curled into a full-on grin, the sound of breaking glass cutting the air to signify the arrival of Arsene. Shido hesitated at the sight of the maniacal grin decorating the Persona's mask, his face tightening angrily as he let out a snarl. "What the hell is that-"
His eyes widened in shock as Joker began to slowly walk forward, Arsene remaining floating in the air with that same grin as he spread his wings wide. Fear bit at Shido's mind and focus as he stared at the Persona, the wings and its cloak blending into a dizzying mix of blood red and black as Joker melted away from sight. Shido's poise faltered for a critical moment, the building terror in his gut taking over; he bit back a shout as Arsene's shadow threatened to swallow him, ready to run when he heard that damn kid's voice murmuring down at him. "Seems I was mistaken. You're far below our other targets. Like...worse than Kamoshida. And that's saying something."
"You brat!"
Shido's rage overtook any other emotion as he wrenched his arm up to force Joker off his shoulder. The Thief leapt from his perch and tumbled through the air, landing into a crouch as he called off Arsene with a snap. A pistol appeared in his hand from the depths of his jacket, levelling it at Shido with a calm smile.
YMMV, but I thought this was fun to write. If you got the reference, thanks for that.
I swear, there's more fluff between Futaba and Akira here than Makoto. I figured this chapter would have a better place here because it's fairly short.
Hope you enjoyed. Something more substantial will be out soon. Till then!
Also because I can't state it enough, check out LeafyDream. Got some good stories under his belt, don'tcha know.