Hello, everyone! I'm back with a new chapter! Chapter 3! I hope everyone will enjoy this new chapter! Without further ado, let's start!
Normal POV
The next morning, Kai got up and changed as Aichi soon woke up and he smiled before walking over to him.
" Good morning, sleepyhead."
" Good morning, Kai-kun..."
" How are you feeling today?"
" I'm good... I always love sleeping beside you. You're always so warm..."
" That's good. You should sleep beside me every night from now on. Let's head out now. I don't want to be late for school this time."
" Okay."
" ... By the way, how do you eat? I don't really see any changes in you after you'd went into the pendant."
" Oddly, I don't feel any different. Even after not eating or drinking for so many days, my body doesn't feel any different."
" Then that's a good thing. I won't have to worry about your health. Now let's go."
" Yeah!"
Aichi went back inside the pendant after that as Kai went off to school. He inwardly sighed after being able to get to school safely without any trouble as classes soon started. Kai was talking to Aichi via telepathy in classes after that.
" I am the social studies teacher, Mr Ushimaru. I'll be teaching you the rules of society this year. Hmph... You all look like you've been spoilt growing up. Before we learn society's rules, maybe I should start with the rules of being a decent human being. Hey, new kid."
" ... I knew this'll happen..."
" Well, doesn't look like you have a choice..."
" Talk to you in awhile."
" Okay."
" The Greek philosopher Plato divided the human soul into three parts. A soul is composed of appetite, spirit and what else?"
" Logic."
" Correct."
" You did it, Kai-kun!"
" That was too easy. It's boring."
" You're amazing, Kai-kun. I kind of wish I was too."
" You're already as amazing as me. Saving the world is no easy feat. Sorry, I reminded you too much."
" It's fine. It's better to be reminded. Then I'll remember why I'm even like this in the first place."
" ... Are you sure?"
" Yes."
" But you'll feel hurt."
" I have to. It'll be easier for me if I'm reminded and I'll be able to let go more easily."
" If it gets too hard on you, then just tell me. I'll always be there for you whenever you need me."
" Yeah. Thank you."
As Kai continued to talk to Aichi, the bell soon rang as he packed up and exited the class to see Kamoshida talking to Ann.
" Hey there, Takamaki. You looking for a ride home? Things have been pretty dangerous lately with all those incidents."
" Sorry, I have a photoshoot today. It's for the special summer issue, so I can't afford to miss it..."
" Hey, now... Being a model's fine and dandy, but don't work your pretty little self to the bone. You mentioned you weren't feeling well, right? Something about appendicitis?"
" Yes. I keep planning on going to the hospital, but I've been too busy. Sorry to worry you."
" You must be lonely too. I feel bad for keeping your best friend at practice so often. That's why I asked you out in the first place. Oh, and... be careful around that transfer student. He's got a criminal record, after all. If something were to happen to you..."
" ... Thank you. Please excuse me."
As soon as Ann walked away, Kamoshida clicked his tongue and headed somewhere as well. Kai walked over to the gate after that as Ryuji came up to him.
" Yo."
" You again?"
" I wanna talk about that castle from yesterday. I tried tellin' myself it was all just a dream... but I couldn't do it. I can't act like nothing happened. It's all connected to that bastard Kamoshida, after all. I wanna find out what's up with that place, no matter what. And y'know, you're the only person I can rely you on for this stuff. So, you in?"
" ... Go ahead, Kai-kun."
" But Aichi..."
" If that teacher really is as bad as we think he is, I think that castle is the only way to find out."
" ... I don't see why not."
" Oh... Looks like I managed to talk some sense into you. I think we should try and retrace our steps from yesterday. In the meantime, you're walkin' to the station, right? Let's go together. Lemme know if you notice any other weird buildings on the way."
As Kai followed Ryuji and retraced their steps, they ended up at the school gate again as Kai sighed.
" We've done this a few times already and we're not really making any progress."
" Is it smaller than we think it is? What do you think?"
" Well, maybe you should check your phone again to see whether we're really on the right track."
" I already did that. I didn't see anything like it around here... Huh? Phone... Hey, that reminds me, didn't you have a navigation app thingy on back then?"
" A... navigation app?"
" ... Oh! That weird eyeball app!"
" Is that it? That's so weird..."
" ... I think so. Let me check."
Kai took out his phone and tapped on the eyeball app as Ryuji suddenly snatched it from him.
" This is it! Oh man, I'm such a genius! Let's try using it."
" I don't even know how to use it."
" Then I'll do it."
" Kamoshida... Shujin Academy... Pervert... Castle... Beginning navigation."
" There we go! Then, we went a certain direction and-"
Kai became alarmed after that as their surroundings started changing back to the castle.
" Look! It's the castle from yesterday!"
" Kai-kun!"
Aichi had appeared again as he ran to Kai.
" Looks like we did it."
" So that means what happened yesterday was real too... Those clothes...!"
Kai looked at himself as he saw that he'd changed back to the same clothes when he'd summoned Arsene.
" That happened last time too, huh?! What's with that outfit?!"
" You sound jealous."
" I-I ain't jealous! What's going on here?! This makes no effin' sense at all... And hey, dude. You disappeared yesterday, did Kamoshida get you?"
" Oh, no. I was safe. Don't worry about me."
" Hey!"
They turned to see Morgana running out to them.
" Stop making a commotion."
" Ah... You?!"
" The Shadows started acting up, so I came here wondering what it could be... To think you guys would come back to the entrance when you barely managed to escape."
" What is this place? ... Is it the school?"
" That's right."
" But it's a castle!"
" This castle is the school. But only to this castle's ruler."
" The castle's ruler...?"
" I think you called him Kamoshida? It's how his distorted heart views the school."
" Kamoshida... Distorted...? Explain it in a way that makes sense!"
" ... I get it now. So basically, this is just inside his heart and this whole castle is just how he sees the school as."
" That's correct. I shouldn't have expected a moron to get it though..."
" How can you two even know that?!"
" We've been through a lot more than this. I think we've just gotten used to it."
" Right... This can be classified as a supernatural thing."
" In fact, we've already gone through the most supernatural thing anyway... But this can just go up the list..."
" Even you two don't make sense to me now..."
Suddenly, they heard screams as they looked around.
" What was that?!"
" It must be the slaves captive here."
" For real?! ... Oh shit... It's for real! We saw other guys held captive here yesterday... I'm pretty sure they're from our school."
" Most likely on Kamoshida's orders. It's nothing out of the ordinary, it's like that every day here. What's more, you three escaped yesterday. He must have lost his temper quite a bit."
" That son of a bitch...!"
" Ryuji...?"
" ... This is bullshit! You hear me, Kamoshida?!"
" Doing that isn't going to open it, you know... Still, it seems you have your reasons."
" Hey, Monamona!"
" It's Morgana!"
" Do you know where those voices are comin' from...?"
" You want me to take you to them? ... Well, I guess I could guide you there. But only if he comes with us."
" Me? Why me of all people?"
" Kai-kun, don't be rude. Besides, remember what I told you about Kamoshida?"
" ... Fine. I'll cooperate. But just this once."
" It's settled then!"
" For real...?! ... Thanks, man."
" Alright, let's do this. Follow me!"
They followed Morgana and entered through the vent that they used to escape as Morgana taught Kai more about the basics of using a Persona while they explored the dungeons in the castle while Ryuji memorised the faces of the volleyball members they saw in the dungeons before finding the exit to the entrance and was stopped by guards and Kamoshida's Shadow.
" ... You knaves again? To think you'd make the same mistake again. You're hopeless!"
" The school ain't your castle! I've memorised their faces real good. You're goin' down!"
" It seems it's true when they said 'barking dogs seldom bite'. How far the star runner of the track team has fallen."
" The hell are you gettin' at?!"
" I speak of the 'Track Traitor' who acted in violence, ending his teammates' dreams. Oh, I can only imagine the pain of the others who were dragged under with your... selfish act."
" Ugh..."
" What's wrong?"
" What a surprise. So you're accompanying him without knowing anything at all? He betrayed his teammates and crushed their hopes, yet he still carries on as carefree as ever."
" That's not true!"
" You've come along with this fool and are now going to end up dead... How unlucky of you. Go. Kill them all. Don't sully my castle with garbage. Oh, but leave the blue hair alive."
" Here they come!"
" Goddammit..."
" Ryuji, move!"
Suddenly, the Shadows surrounded them and knocked them down as Aichi gasped.
" Kai-kun!"
His arm was then grabbed by one of the soldiers as Kai tried to get up but was stepped on by another soldier.
" Aichi...!"
" I bet you simply came here on a whim and ended up like this. Isn't that right?"
" No..."
" What a worthless piece of trash, getting emotional so quickly. How dare you raise your hand at me. Though it was only temporary, have you forgotten my kindness in supervising track practice?"
" Wasn't no practice, it was physical abuse! You just didn't like our team!"
" It was nothing but an eyesore! The only one who needs to achieve results is me! That coach who got fired was hopeless too... Had he not opposed me with a sound argument, I would've settled it with only breaking his star's leg."
" ... What?"
" Do you need me to deal with your other leg too? The school will call it self-defense anyway."
" Dammit... Am I gonna lose again...? Not only can I not run anymore... The track team is gone too 'cause of this asshole...!"
" So that's why..."
" Once these two are dealt with, you're next."
" Ryuji!"
" ... Come on! What are you doing just kneeling down there for?! Stand up for yourself!"
" ... You're right! Everything that was important to me was taken by him... I'll never get 'em back...!"
" Stay there and watch. Look on as these hopeless scum die for nothing because they sided with trash like you."
Ryuji slowly stood up after that.
" No... That's what you are... All you think about is using people... You're the real scumbag, Kamoshida!"
" What are you doing? Silence him!"
" Stop lookin' down on me with that stupid smile on your face!"
That was when a voice was heard in Ryuji's head.
" You've made me wait quite awhile."
" A-Argh...!"
" You seek power, correct? Then let us form a pact. Since your name has been disgraced already, why not hoist the flag and wreck havoc...? The 'other you' who exists within desires it thus... I am thou, thou art I... There is no turning back... The skull of rebellion is your flag henceforth!"
A skull mask appeared on his face after that.
" Hmph. What can you do...? Cower in fear and watch!"
As the Shadow raised his sword, ready to strike Kai, Ryuji pulled off his mask as a giant whirlwind surrounded the area as Ryuji's Persona appeared.
" Ugh... This one as well?!"
Kai and Morgana got up after Kamoshida's Shadow and the Shadow backed away.
" Right on... Wassup, Persona... This effin' rocks! Now that I got this power, it's time for payback! Yo, I'm ready... Bring it!"
" Ngh... Don't mock me, you brat!"
" Blast him away... Captain Kidd!"
With Ryuji's help, they managed to defeat the Shadow as Aichi ran back to Kai after the Shadow holding him disappeared from a hit.
" You okay?"
" Yeah..."
" ... How 'bout that?!"
" Whoa... So Ryuji had the potential too..."
" Even if you apologise now... I ain't forgivin' you...!"
" I told you that this is my castle. It seems you still don't understand."
They turned their heads and saw the girl in Kai's class walking towards Kamoshida's Shadow.
" Wh- Takamaki?!"
" Oh...! Wha... What a meow-velous and beautiful girl...!"
" What's going on...?!"
" ... Something seems off."
" Yeah, now that you mention it... But why is she even here?!"
As Ryuji said that, Kai covered Aichi's eyes as he tried to get his hand off his eyes.
" K-Kai-kun...?!"
" ... Just don't look, alright...?"
" A little too late, don't you think...?"
" ... Just don't... It might ruin your mind..."
" How will that even... I don't get you..."
" Hey! Let go of her, you perv!"
" How many times must I tell you until you understand? This is my castle, a place in which I can do whatever I want. Everyone wishes to be loved by me. That is, everyone besides slow-witted thieves like you."
" Takamaki! Say somethin'!"
" Calm down, Ryuji! It seems that girl isn't the real one. She's the same as those slaves, a being made from Kamoshida's cognition of her!"
" Are you jealous? Well, I'm not surprised. Women aren't drawn to problematic punks like you."
" Dammit...!"
" Clean them up this instant!"
More Shadows appeared after that as they quickly made their escape out of the castle.
" Anyways! I don't remember changin' into this!"
" Well... It suits you, actually."
" Uh... Should I be happy about that? ... Then again, it ain't as bad as his."
" Kai-kun looks plenty better though."
" ... What a shutdown..."
They then heard voices from the other Shadows as they lowered their voices.
" So what's goin' on? I'm completely lost, man...!"
" I told you before. When a Persona-user opposes a Palace's ruler and becomes a threat to them, this happens. It's to prevent you from being affected by distortions."
" Is this... a skull?"
" Your appearance reflects your inner self. It's the rebel that slumbers within... Not that you'll get it."
" Nope..."
" Then stop asking questions and accept what you see for what it is."
" Easy for you to say. Wait, we're in deep shit!"
" I said to be quiet!"
" We might've gotten away here, but we're still screwed with Kamoshida at the real school..."
" That's quite sharp of you! ... For being an idiot. Relax. The Kamoshida in reality can't possibly know about what happens here. The Shadow is a true self that is suppressed, a side of one's personality they don't want to see."
" ... So we're okay?"
" Did the Kamoshida in reality remember about the execution? There you have it."
" Alright. Now that we know that, all we gotta do is-"
" Wait. I guided you as promised. It's your turn to cooperate with me. That's why I was super nice about teaching you idiots everything."
" Huh? Cooperate?"
" Don't you remember? I originally came here for an investigation. I need to erase the distortion from my body and regain my real form! That's why we must delve deep into Mementos and-"
" Whoa, hold up. What're you goin' on and on about? We never said anything about helpin' you out."
" Huh? Don't tell me... Are you not going to repay the hospitality I showed you? Especially you! You're going to up and leave, even though you're already part of my master plan?"
" ... I never said anything though."
" Is it because I'm not human...? Because I'm like a cat...? Is that why you're making a fool of me?!"
" We're busy! Thanks for everything, cat. You've got guts, bein' a cat and all! See you around!"
As the two started running back to the exit, their surroundings slowly changed again as they were at the alleyway, trying to regain their breath.
" ... Thank god. We're back. I dragged you around a lot, huh? ... Sorry, man. Ugh, I'm dead tired... How're you holdin' up?"
" ... I'm fine."
" That's impressive. I'm exhausted even though I used to do track. But damn, if what we saw was for real, this is gonna get good! I totally remember the guys Kamoshida was treatin' like slaves. Once we make 'em fess up to any physical abuse, Kamoshida will be done. So, wanna help me look for those guys or any witnesses?"
" What do you think, Kai-kun?"
" It's not as simple as we think it is. One wrong move and we're done for."
" I know, but it's our best shot. We've seen what he could do in that Palace. Who knows what he's doing to them in real life."
" ... Fine. I'll help."
" Now that's what I'm talkin' about! Hey, so... If you're thinkin' of layin' low 'cause you got a record, I don't think that'll help... Everyone already knows. They totally got you pegged as a criminal."
" As if it wasn't obvious enough."
" Kamoshida opened his damn mouth!"
" I thought so. I'm not surprised in the least."
" Yeah, no one else but a teacher could've leaked it that fast! It doesn't matter if it's a student or a club, that asshole just wrecks things he doesn't agree with. Just like he did with me...! No one'll take anything I say seriously. Still, those rumors about him gettin' physical might be real. And after seein' Kamoshida's distorted heart thing in person, there's no way I can just sit back!"
" Well... I can agree with you on that part."
" I'm countin' on you! Don't worry, I'm hyped about this too!"
" Well, we've made a deal..."
" Those abused students must be saved from that teacher. I'll try to help as much as I can too."
" In the pendant?"
" I don't know how but... After I entered this pendant, me hearing became a whole lot better. I can hear even the slightest things from a distance. You can count on me!"
" Well, as long as you're here with me, nothing is too difficult."
" Oh... Right. I haven't eaten anything since lunch. It'd be weird splittin' off now, so why don't we grab a bite somewhere?"
" ... Fine."
" Just follow me! I mean, I totally gotta hear about your past!"
Kai inwardly flinched at that as he looked at Ryuji, who was picking up his bag on the floor.
" The... past..."
" It's okay. You can tell him. I don't mind. We've talked about this before, haven't we?"
" I know. I just... don't want you to hear that story again..."
" I'll be fine..."
" You don't sound that assuring... Besides, I don't want him to know about you yet either..."
" Please don't worry about me regarding the story... And whether you want to tell him the truth now or later will be your choice. I won't say anything."
" Okay..."
Kai followed Ryuji as they entered a restaurant and started eating while Kai talked about his probation to Ryuji, making sure to leave out the details about Aichi.
" WHAT?! The hell, man! How much shittier can that asshole get?!"
" Quiet down... We're in a restaurant where everyone can hear us."
" Are you for real? If it was me, I wouldn't calm down until I punched that dick in the face. So... you left your hometown, and... you're livin' here now, huh? We might be more alike than I originally thought."
" Really now? So what did you do?"
" I don't got a record like you do. I mean, that's not the point. I guess it's how we're treated like a pain in the ass by the people around us, like we don't belong. I did some thing stupid at school before too. The place you're livin' in now is in... Yongen, right? It's rush hour on the subways. I suggest you kill some time before headin' home. What the hell, man. You barely touched your food."
" You don't have to add so much. I can do it myself."
" Just lemme do it. I gotta thank you for helpin' me. Anyways, I got your back like you got mine from tomorrow on. As long as we do something about Kamoshida, I'm sure we'll both feel better about bein' at school. Oh, yeah! Tell me your number. Chat ID too."
Kai sighed as he reluctantly exchanged contacts with Ryuji after that.
" Just you wait, Kamoshida... We're gonna start right away tomorrow. First, let's hit up those guys that were kept as slaves. They volleyball rally's tomorrow, huh? Shit's recommended by Kamoshida. Makes me wanna gag. But thanks to that, we got no classes in the afternoon, and we can walk around unnoticed. Well, I guess we can work out the details tomorrow... C'mon, you gotta eat more. There's tons of ginger here."
Kai moved his bowl away as he sighed.
" It's fine. I had enough of it inside."
" Okay then. Oh right... I've really gotta ask. Your friend in that castle..."
" Who? You mean, Aichi?"
" Yeah, that guy. The blue hair. How did you meet him? I mean, you seemed really surprised to see him there."
" I never... expected him to show up there."
" So... was he your best friend turned lover or something?"
" Something like that... We met when we were young kids. He's everything to me. I lost my parents in a car accident and never talked a lot ever again. But when I met him again... He became someone irreplaceable. I couldn't imagine a life without him."
" But... Why was he even there? Shouldn't he be home or somethin'?"
" I don't know either. But he's... Never mind I said anything."
" What's with that?! C'mon! You've gotta tell me more! He's just too mysterious and furthermore, he was targeted by that Kamoshida in the castle. Do you even know why he was targeted?"
" No, actually. It didn't make sense to me either."
" Yeah, it's as if he just suddenly wants him. I wonder why... Well, hopefully he's safe now. We have Personas to protect ourselves but he doesn't. It'll be dangerous for him to keep going there."
" I know. I'll just have to figure out how but for now..."
Kai quickly finished his meal after that as they went their separate ways from the train station and Kai walked back to Leblanc once he'd alighted. He arrived at the cafe as Sojiro soon left him alone again in his room. He finished texting Ryuji about tomorrow's plans before Aichi started speaking.
" Kai-kun? Am I a bother?"
" What are you talking about?"
" Please... Answer my question."
" No, I won't until you give me a reason."
" ... It's because... you've been protecting me ever since my verdict and took on this burden. Then there's that world and you having that power... You always had to protect me from something... And I'm just standing there, being unable to do anything. I'm just putting you in danger every time...!"
" Aichi. You remembered what I said before about me choosing this path, right? And didn't you hear what I said to Sakamoto? You're everything to me and losing you would be the worst thing for me. So, don't think like that ever again. Promise?"
" ... I can't make a promise anymore. I'm sorry. I just can't take it anymore."
" Aichi... Come out."
Aichi reluctantly came out of the pendant after that as Kai hugged him while patting his head.
" You know that I would never abandon you for something so petty. I love you so much, Aichi. This feeling grew so much that I can't bear to be away from you anymore. I want to stay with you forever, don't you feel the same?"
" ... I do... I do feel the same... But..."
" Shh... That's all I want to hear. You don't have to feel hurt anymore. I'm here with you."
" ... Yeah..."
" Let's head to sleep now, okay? Stop thinking about those things."
Kai kissed Aichi's forehead and turned off the lights as they laid down on the bed with Kai's arms wrapped around Aichi before sleeping together.
And that's the end of this chapter! I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter! Thank you for reading and I'll see everyone in the next chapter!