Hey guys! This chapter is gonna be a roller coaster of feels, let me tell you, oh my god. The original scene in the game was tear-jerking for me but this is one of the strongest chapters for me to write due to the fact that I can sympathize with the two characters involved. You will know those two when the chapter ends. Oh, I just skipped to the part where they are in the safe room. All you need to know is that Akano has Jack 'O Lantern, Mandrake and Agathion along with Pixie from the last chapter. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Ryuji's POV
We were finally able to reach a safe room. Mona heard some voices from down the hallway and went to go investigate. This left the two of us alone. Akano, I mean Joker, has been fighting with more conviction than before, is it because of what she told me?
"Shiho and I are similar. I was in that dark, dark place before. Even though our path to get there is different, I just can't help it."
So Joker was suicidal at a point of her life, what made her feel that way? "Hey, Joker?" I peeped up as she sets her gaze on me. Her posture was different from battles, maybe it's because she can relax here. "You told me that you and Suzui are similar... if you're okay with it, would you explain it? That's if you're okay with it... you don't have to tell me." Sighing, she folds her arms and sits down on a chair. "You know how I've said that when this year is over, I want to go back home? I never meant to where my mother and father are. I mean the place where my aunt and uncle live, London. I lived there for ten years of my life, making tons of friends, stuff kids normally do. But, one of my closest friends past away... I've never felt so lonely in my life. To top it off, I never went to her funeral due to the fact I have to go to Japan. This made me feel down at school. Culture shock kicked in eventually which led other kids to avoid me, bully me, you get the picture. It got to the point where I was suicidal... the first time I tried taking my life, my sister stopped me. But that didn't help. I jumped like Shiho did. As you can see, I survived, thankfully. Once I recovered, I transferred schools as my life turned around. I was genuinely happy and others were impressed of me coming from outside of Asia. Until... you know..." I didn't imagine her to pour her heart out. Why?
"I told you due to the fact that, you can get me. I feel safe talking about this stuff, Skull! Also, you were eventually gonna know anyway so, I just did it so I don't have to worry about it. I also want you to fully know my intentions of changing Kamoshida's heart. Suicide is no joke and thankfully, I'm a survivor. I wish to give courage to people who were in that dark world by setting them free. Seeing how that asshole treated her suicide really ticked me off. So, I wish to stop his acts for two reasons. First, to stop anything like that to happen again. Second, to avenge Shiho and the others he has wronged." She pumps herself up which, is actually kinda cute. She's been through so much... also willing to give everything to save anyone, even if she doesn't know them that much. "Joker, you're amazing..." I mutter not so loud but she was able to hear as she cocked her head. "What you just said... it was very admirable. That what makes you amazing..."
Akano's POV
"What you just said... it was very admirable. That what makes you amazing..." my heart skipped a beat as those words came from his lips. I don't think I'm THAT amazing... but man, if he wanted to, he could be the heartthrob high school boy type. "Heh, thanks dude. But I'm not the only one who's amazing in this castle. There's Mona, and you!" My face flushed pink and so did his. My lips formed a smile that put him more in ease. "Guys! This is bad!" Mona's voice broke the small silence Skull and I had as both of our attentions turned in his direction. "Wh-What's up? That was quick..." I guess it took Skull by surprise, "It's someone... she had a Shujin Academy uniform on and her hair is blonde in giant pigtails... SHE WAS TAKEN BY SHADOWS!" Wait, what? Ann's here? How did Ann get here? Does she have the app? "Blonde hair in pigtails... Takamaki!? How in the world did she get here!?" My thoughts exactly. "I don't know if it's her name, but she looks like that doll from the other day. The one who was all over Kanoshida's shadow." Yup, it's Ann. "We have to go and save her! Mona, lead us to her!" The cat-like-creature nodded and began to take the lead.
Ann's POV
Those guards just took me in this room and have me chained to a cross. 'Akano' has also been smirking at me this whole time. "Why are you doing this, Akano!? Why aren't you helping me!?" I can't believe this... this can't be her. "If only you were Princess Ann... then I could've helped you. Just wait. My king is on his way with Princess Ann, and with then we will decide your punishment, intruder!" she laughed while fiddling with her thighs. This is defiantly NOT Akano. "So, this is the intruder." You've got to be kidding me... "Kamoshida!?" another figure came into the picture. It was... me! Me in a really revealing pink swimsuit with pink pumps and matching cat ears. That... that can't be me... "I can't believe you mistook my Ann for someone like her. Thank you, Akano, for showing these dumb guards who's boss. My little bunny..." Kamoshida begins petting Akano's head as she purrs. Oh shit, he's only wearing a thong! "Are you afraid?" I have to bring this up, "What's with that outfit...? Have you lost your mind?" "I do as I please here. After all, this is my castle... the world of my desires" Holy fuck, what's going to happen? Am I on a red-light district thing? "What a lively slave." his chuckle just...
"This isn't funny! Enough of the bullshit, Kamoshida!" Kamoshida smirks and turns to 'Princess Ann'. "The girl's decided to tell me off. What do you think of that?" 'Princess Ann' just giggled and gave an airhead response. What the actual fuck is going on. "In that case... she should be executed." The guard's swords got closer to my neck while Kamoshida just spouted out more threats. Until...
Akano's POV
Us following Mona led us to a room where a scene played out that made me want to vomit. Girls from the volleyball team in seductive poses and acting like prostitutes from movies. "This is effed up... is that what he thinks of the girls on the volleyball team...!?" This guy needs to pay, for everything he has done. "Hey, that's...!" I turned my head to see Ann chained to a cross, guard surrounding her and 'King' standing there like the asshole that he is. "Ann!" "Takamaki!" The two of us called out to Ann as she looked thrilled, "Huh? Is that you, Akano? And... Ryuji!". "Just when I was about to start enjoying myself... Akano, distract them." Huh? But, I'm Akano... I ain't gonna listen to him! Wait, who's that next to Doll Ann? It was... me! Me with a bunny suit along with bunny ears and a tail. Don't tell me... he made a doll version of me!? "Hehe, of course my King!" She walks over to Skull and rubs herself against him. "What the hell!? Get off of me! You're not the real thing!" He starts to fight back until she started using her chest. "Skull!" I pull him away from her as she seemed annoyed and walked back.
"She's too strict. Unfair." That is how he sees me... just some whore...? "Ugh! How dare you disrespect my Princess!" 'King' got even more pissed as he gave Doll Me to Doll Ann. "What's the deal with this guy...!?" He's a massive perv and he thinks of me and you as his small 'treasures'. I hate this guy more. "... how many times are you gonna come back? I bet you're just like those thieves. You came because you're pissed at me, huh? But, ah... I forget that chick's name, but it's your fault she jumped, you know." You're really blaming Ann. Making her feel awful for what happened!? "You were so reluctant to throw yourself onto me that I had her take your place." "You bastard!" My thoughts exactly, Ann. Just because Ann couldn't get your dick wet, doesn't mean you should go and rape someone! "...!" Oh shit, the gold armor guy brought his sword closer to her throat. Skull and I desperately called out to her but he threatened us not to or else she will die. "Maybe I'll start with her clothes..." You've got to be fucking with me. "H-Hey, what are we gonna do!?" I'm thinking Skull, I'm thinking.
"Is this... my punishment for what happened to Shiho...?"
Ann...
"That's more like it. You should've looked like this from the start."
Shut it you rat bastard!
"Shiho... I'm so sorry..."
"Ann! You're not at fault for what Shiho did! You both love and appreciate each other. From what you told me, you two were so close. When it comes to cases like this, it is NEVER the person who supports the other person's fault. It is the one who treated them like shit and nothing else. Do NOT blame yourself for what this bitch has done, stand up for yourself!" I had to. Ann was about to give up.
"Huh...? You're right. Letting this piece of shit toy with me... hehehe... what was I thinking...!?"
There we go Ann, go for it!
"It's like I always say. Slave should just behave and-"
"Shut up. I've had enough of this... YOU'VE PISSED ME OFF YOU SON OF A BITCH!?"
3rd Person POV
"My... it's taken far too long."
Ann's eyes change to yellow as she experiences the same migraine as Akano and Ryuji.
"Tell me... who is going to avenge her if you don't? Forgiving him was never the option... such is the scream of the other you that dwells within... I am thou, thou art I... we can finally forge a contract..."
"I hear you... Carmen... you're right! No more holding back...!" A red cat mask appears on the blonde, blue eyed girl as it sends shivers down King Kamoshida's back.
"There you go... nothing can be solved by restraining yourself. Understand? Then I'll gladly lend you my strength."
And with that, she ripped off the mask with blood curdling out of her face. Blue flames changed the young girl's uniform into a tight, latex, red catsuit with tons of zippers. Behind her was her persona. A masked woman with twin drills and a cigarette in her mouth, a poofy red dress that resembles a rose while the corset shows her cleavage, vines around her that tie to men with heart cases as heads and roses around her waist, and finally a pair of red knee high heels. The ultimate femme fatale, Carmen. Ann ran up to a guard and kicked his sword out of it's hand. With that, she struck down on the Doll version of herself. King Kamoshida kept hiding behind his high-ranking guard, "You know what? I'm not some cheap girl you can toy with... you scumbag." 'Bitch' was all he could respond with, "You stole everything from Shiho... you destroyed her... now it's your turn! I will rob you of everything...!" Akano, Ryuji and Morgana stood with her as the high-ranking guard turned into a demon on a toilet. "I've had enough of you! No one's gonna stop me now! Let's go, Carmen!"
Akano's POV
"How dare you deny King Kamoshida's love you selfish lass!? Pay for this insolence with your life!" Did this motherfucker on a toilet just say that? "That dirt-bag just sees women as sexual outlets! Don't make me laugh with the LOVE bullshit! C'mon Carmen! Let's give 'em hell!" With both Jack 'O Lantern's and Carmen's fire, we were able to get his health down low. Now it's Ann's turn. "Dance, Carmen!" Fire came from Carmen as it knocked it down. "All-Out-Attack!" I call as we got in formation. "Do it with style!" With Ann's words, we were able to end it with style indeed, "A beautiful rose has thorns!" And with that, the battle's over.
"Oh shit...!" Now the asshole just runs away. What I expected of a pussy. "Wait...!" Oh fuck, Ann's exhausted. She just fell while trying to get up. "Why are you here? And more importantly, how!?" Crap, that's right! She must've been near us when we triggered the app... "Hey! Is that how you speak to a woman!? Are you alright, Lady Ann!?" Of course Mona has a gentleman side, he's always calling me 'Lady Akano'. "Huh? What the hell is that!? A monster cat!?" Ha! Get wrecked, Mona! "M-Monster...? Gah! Now's not the time for that! You need to calm down and we'll help you out!" Keep trying Mona, chivalry died a long time ago. "How am I supposed to calm down!?" Holy shit, she just used him as a way to stand up. Ann, you're amazing. She then looked down and realized what she's wearing. "Huh!? Why am I dressed like this!? When did I-" Don't worry, I would be freaked out if my phantom thief outfit was like that. Thank god it's not. Now she's trying to hide her figure, especially in front of Ryuji. Guess she doesn't know Mona's a dude. "Ann! Calm down and we can get you out of here to explain everything. We need to retreat so that you can just sit down and understand the situation." I got to her level to say that. It took her a while but she nodded. "Skull, help me out." And with that, the two of us helped Ann up and led her to the exit.
Shibuya, Underground Walkway...
"You okay, Ann? That was a lot to take..." The two of us were on a chair while Morgana was in my bag and Ryuji was getting us drinks. "Yeah... it's just, what you said sounds unbelievable. But after seeing it all, I have no choice but to accept it. Heh, to think this is the only way to get back at that dick!" I know Ann. "At least your fast, unlike Ryuji..." Speak of the devil, Ryuji comes in with two bottles of soda. One cola and one melon soda. "Which one you want?" Ann asked for one that wasn't carbonated but neither of them were. Eventually, she just went the cola and Ryuji just gave me the melon soda. "Where's mine?" Morgana stuck his head out as Ryuji folds his arms, using the excuse that he's a cat. This made me feel bad for him. With a sigh, I took my water bottle lid and filled it with melon soda for Morgana to drink from. "Thank you Lady Akano!" seeing that just made both Ann and I chuckle. "You okay Ann? Have you calmed down?" My head cocked to the side as she nods. "Everything just happened all at once, I didn't know how to deal with it. What I will ask is, what is up with that me in a swimsuit and you in that bunny suit?" Ann's question made Ryuji go pink.
I know what he was thinking about. With zero effort, I slap his face as he groans. "If you're planning on 'fantasizing'about those dolls, don't do it in front of us!" "C'mon, I'm a guy. It's natural." I don't give a fuck, just don't do it in front of us! "*sigh* They are what Dog Shit thinks of us. He sees you as a bimbo and me a skank." Ann's expression changed drastically which I cannot blame her. I mean, I feel the same way. "From what you guys told me on the way here, if we steal the core of his words, his treasure, he would confess everything? If so... I want to join you. He will pay for what he's done to Shiho!" As expected of Ann. Ryuji just looked shocked while I giggled a bit, "You two know my answer. What say you? Yay or Nay?". Morgana jumped out of my bag and on my lap, "Yay Lady Akano! Welcome aboard Lady Ann!". I turned to Ryuji as he also agrees. "I won't let you guys down! I hope we work well together!" Ann's cheerful smile made both Morgana and I smile bright, "Oh yeah! Let's exchange contact information and chat ID too". And with that, we got each others numbers and chat ID.
I sense a strong fighting resolve from Ann...
Back to interrogation room...
"I doubt something as dangerous as your group could've been pulled off with orthodox methods. It wouldn't be odd if you had someone that was proficient in deceiving the eyes of others... if you're listening, then answer me!"
Back to the past...
I am thou, thou art I...
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Lovers Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
shall lead to freedom and new power...
Baton Pass= Allows you to pass your turn over to other Baton Pass users after a 1 more.
"Hold on, Morgana. Where are you gonna stay? You can't stay in the Metaverse..." my mind wandered as he jumped on my head. I'm seriously getting used to this now. He's actually lighter in this form than his other one. "I'll stay with Lady Akano. With her having the ability to change between personas at will, I want to watch over her." Wait, will Sojiro be okay with this? Meh, I don't care. I'll just make up a sob story and hope he'll fall for it. "That's all you, Aka~Tan. I can't take a cat home." Noted, Ryuji. "I'm always busy so that wouldn't be fair on Morgana." Noted, Ann. Fake sob story, confirmed. "Anyway, I got to go. I just remember I have to go somewhere, seeya guys!" I wave bye as my train was announced to be at the station in five minutes. I have to go to Takemi Medical Clinic for a checkup. Basically it's to see if my blood sugar is at an okay level and I have to go once a week. She will also ask for me to go a certain number of weeks without the gummies and eat like a normal high school student. What that means is to make breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily and go for takeout once a week. This is the stuff my old doctor told me that I'm fine with doing.
The train wasn't that long nor was it packed. Thank god. "Hey, Morgana. We're gonna go somewhere before we go home, 'kay?" I asked as he stuck his head out and accepted it. I made my way to find the clinic and with help from a kind woman on the street I was able to be there quick. "What's up?" A voice came from the reception the moment I stepped in here. There was a lady there with short dark blue hair, brown eyes and wearing a black dress with a white lab coat and red belt on top. "Um, I'm here to see Dr. Tae Takemi... is she here?" her tone just gave me the creeps. It was a mixture of monotone and a somewhat deep voice. Hell, she had a resting bitch face. I don't know if she's pissed or not. "I'm Dr. Tae Takemi. What's up?" She talks different from other doctors I've been to. I have yet to hear 'what's up?' from a doctor til now. "My name is Akano Kurusu, my doctor sent my files here due to me moving here." She begins to look through files as she eventually picks one up. It had my name. "Make your way to the examination room." I do as I was told and sat on a chair.
She did a few tests, one I had to prick my finger on and the other I put my finger into a thing called a 'Pulse Oximeter'. "Your vitals are normal. Try laying off the lollies for four weeks and eat more carbs. One last thing, jump on the scale." Takemi pulled out a scale while I took my shoes off and anything from my pockets that could affect the reading. Stepping on it, the scale showed '49.7kg' (109.6lbs). "You're underweight, at least gain three kilograms. Or not since it isn't that far off." This doctor is really saying this? Other doctors would just be straight up in this situation, ordering me to gain some. But she's really doing this? Eh, it's best not to question it. Takemi went to a cabinet and pulled out ibuprofen and handed it to me. "It's best to have painkillers with you. Take two twice a day starting tomorrow. That's all, you can leave now." And with that, she left the room. I do what she told me and made my way out.
Hey guys! I actually have an announcement for you guys. So, since I'm gonna be busy for a few days (probably a few months too), I can't write as many chapters as I want to now. I will say when I will be more available but it isn't now. This also extends to Persona 4 (V) Female Protagonist also. Anyway, now that I got that out of the way, I want to talk about this chapter. Ann is my favorite character along with someone else later down the line. I wanted to make her awakening the best since it was one of three that made me cry and the other two that made me cry, I will try to top this one. Lastly, Akano's backstory. I went with this because I wanted to make Akano a tragic character who looks at life through a different lens. I'm only speaking from experience that I act like Akano and I think this is an easy approach for me to write about. Anyway, I'm done with this small A/N. Have a good day, bye!