I do not own Persona
It owned by Atlus
I just own my OC's
Enjoy!
Date: 4/12/20XX
Day: Tuesday
Time of Day: Early Morning
Weather: Rain
Location: Leblanc Cafe
Ren awoke the next morning and dressed in his uniform. He remembered his conversation with Igor about Persona, Palaces, and the Metaverse Navigator. He was still having a tough time trying to make sense of it but he wasn't going to give himself a headache about. Ren gathered his school bag and went downstairs and ate his curry courtesy of Sakura-san and thanked him for it. He flipped the sign to OPEN per Sakura-san's request. It was raining this morning so this time Ren came prepared and brought the umbrella. He was packed in with other passengers and listened to a pair of students chat about the recent train accident. The train stopped at the next station as Ren waited with passengers for the next train to arrive.
"Look, isn't that her?" Ren overheard a girl with her hair in a ponytail and in a Shujin uniform.
"You mean that one with the red ribbon?" another student wondered. Ren looked forward and saw a girl with dark red hair done in a ponytail tied with a red ribbon which he figured who they were talking about.
"She's so thin... It's not fair, I've got my hair in a ponytail too..."
"Okay, and what's that got to do with being thin?"
The guy had a point. The train came to a halt as the doors slid open for Ren and other passengers to board it. Ren noticed the same red-haired girl sitting on the train seats in front of him. She was a Shujin student which made sense why the others from earlier were talking about her. The girl stood from her seat and looked at the old woman in front of her.
"Please, take my seat," she offered to the old woman. "My station's coming up."
"Are you sure?" the old woman questioned. "Then..." the girl moved out of the way for the old woman to sit until a man in a suit quickly sat in the seat before the woman could.
"Oh wow, what speed!" the ribbon-wearing girl murmured but seemed somewhat impressed. "I mean- Excuse me, that seat was for this lady..." the man gave her a brief stare until he nodded off to sleep.
How greedy can anyone be? Ren could not help but think. The girl was trying to be respectful to the elderly woman and offer her seat on the train but this selfish jerk ended up taking it for himself. To Ren, that just seemed wrong. He cleared his throat to get the ribbon girl's attention.
"Want me to 'wake him up'?" Ren offered.
"It's all right," the girl said. "I can understand his position as well."
"I see," Ren understood. "It's too bad. You were only trying to be generous and help the woman right here."
"Yeah, I know," the girl smiled but it turned into a frown as she looked at the old woman. "I'm sorry I couldn't be any help."
"It's all right, dearie," the old woman assured. "Don't you worry."
"Please allow me to carry your luggage, at least," the girl proposed.
"Thank you!" the old woman stated gratefully and handed the bag to the girl. "Ain't it heavy, though?"
"Not at all!" the girl shook her head smiling. "I train plenty."
So polite Ren thought staring at the girl. The train stopped at the next station as Ren stepped off it and was walking out of the station.
"Pardon me..." Ren turned toward the source of the voice behind him. He saw it was the ribbon-wearing girl on the train who had chased after him.
"Can I help you?" Ren wondered.
"Thank you so much for earlier," the girl said with the addition of a bow.
"With what?" Ren asked twirling one of his bangs.
"For speaking up when I offered my seat on the train," the girl mentioned.
"Oh, for that," Ren realized. "It was nothing. I doubt I really did much." Ren remarked with a shrug.
"Still, thank you," the girl smiled. "You're a second-year at Shujin Academy, correct? I'm a first-year there myself. Thanking you totally slipped my mind back on the train, and I didn't want to be rude to my senpai. Please, excuse me." she bowed once more and walked away. Ren also started on his way to Shujin and saw that it started to rain, lucky for him, this time he brought his umbrella. On his way to school, he stopped as he overheard two girls talking.
"I feel so down when it's raining. I guess we're playing volleyball in the gym for PE today."
"I am not looking forward to that. Why'd I have to be on the same team as Takamaki?"
Ren looked at the girls' from the corner of his eye at the mention of Takamaki-san. He noticed that people, noticeably girls, talk badly about her. Jealousy perhaps? But all Ren had to go about from Takamaki-san was because of her unique appearance but he had to wonder what these two girls had against her.
"She's only a magazine model because of her stupid ridiculous body. Being near her disgusts me."
"Yeah, but we can't just ignore her, either, because of what happened with Mr. Kamoshida."
"Dealing with her is such a hassle. I wish she'd just not come to school."
Wow, Ren thought. Jealousy does not even begin to describe what their problem is. Though, I have to wonder? Is there something between Takamaki and Kamoshida?
Ren decided to not think about it more and keep on heading to the school. He was surprised he made it safely to school without any incidents. He still wondered how he, Ryuji, and Hiro got to that castle in the first place. Ren's first class of the day was Social Studies with Mr. Ushimaru as the teacher. He was a stern man and assumed the students were raised spoiled growing up. He happened to call on Ren when he asked a question about the Devil's Dictionary and if it's defined as a chief factor in the progress of the human race. 'Villains' is what Ren answered. Ushimaru seemed impressed as did other students. Whilst hearing the praise from others, Ren felt he was becoming smart answering that question correctly.
Date: 4/12/20XX
Day: Tuesday
Time of Day: Lunchtime
Weather: Rain
Location: Cafeteria
Hiro sat alone in the cafeteria eating the leftover Katsudon from last night. Hiro and Hamuko decided to use the last of the food for lunch at school, putting it in some bento boxes. Since this was the last of the food, he and Hamuko are going to have to stick to either instant ramen or tv dinners which were kind of a step down from their Dad's cooking. Their Dad handles the cooking when he's got the time, and in return, Hiro and Hamuko handle the cleaning, dishes, laundry, etc and split the jobs between them while finding the time to do their homework.
Hiro unscrewed a bottle of green tea open and taking a sip until a few students, three to be exact approached him. All three were familiar to Hiro as they were boys he knew on Shujin's volleyball team. The boys in question were Yamamoto, Hasegawa, and Miyazaki. Yamamoto had light brown hair, Hasegawa had black hair, and Miyazaki had dirty-blonde. All dressed in their volleyball gear, they also had a few bandages that covered bruises. For Hiro, it didn't take him to be a genius to figure out how they got those.
"'Sup, Isamashi," Yamamoto greeted. "Long time no see."
"Guys..." Hiro nodded while not even making eye contact with either of them. "What can I do for you?"
"That's a little cold," Miyazaki remarked. "You used to be on the volleyball team with us and now you're acting like you don't know us."
"Since he quit the team he feels like he doesn't need to talk us anymore," Hasegawa mentioned. "Think you're too good for us now, Isamashi?"
"No, not at all," Hiro shook his head as he continued eating.
"That so?" Yamamoto sat down beside Hiro. "Kamoshida has been really training us hard since you left the team. So we can be better."
"By training, you must mean his solo 'special coaching'?" Hiro inquired. "It's hard stuff. If you can handle it."
"We all can handle it," Miyazaki folded his arms. "But you couldn't."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hiro asked.
"You quit the volleyball team because you couldn't handle Kamoshida's coaching," Hasegawa noted. Hiro chuckled humorlessly as he knew damn well that wasn't true.
"You guys seem to forget that we took volleyball together in our first year," Hiro stated. "You guys all complained that you couldn't handle it but me; I never complained. Not even once. So don't you guys dare tell me I couldn't handle Kamoshida's coaching. Because like you, I went through two years of that bullshit."
"Yeah, you did," Yamamoto said. "Two years of being Kamoshida's lackey."
"What?" Hiro glared up at him.
"He said you were 'Kamoshida's lackey'," Hasegawa repeated. "That's right, you were the one who never complained about practice and did everything Kamoshida said. You were his lackey he got to do whatever he said."
"And for all that..." Miyazaki began. "You were made Team Captain. A lot of the guys on the team hated it when you were made Shujin's volleyball Team Captain."
"Well, since I'm no longer Captain they can't hate anymore," Hiro shrugged. "Now, I have no more interest in talking about this. So, leave me alone..."
"C'mon, you guys," Yamamoto scoffed. "Let's leave the 'lackey' alone. We have to practice." Hiro stood up quickly; stopping the three from walking off and grabbed Yamamoto tightly by the shirt.
"Huh!? what-!?" Yamamoto confusingly wondered. Hasegawa and Miyazaki only stood there frozen, eyes widened in confusion. Even other students within the cafeteria watched the scene.
"Stop calling me that," Hiro growled. "I... HATE being called that. Go ahead. You guys can talk bad about me all you want. But at least I'm no longer on a team run by Kamoshida. That bastard thinks he's in control of everyone at school and on the volleyball team and I hated that he thought he was in charge of me. I may have quit but I kept at it for as long as I could until I got tired of all the lying. Lying to my family... So, think long and hard before you call me a 'lackey' again." The boy's face had a look of fear. The anger in Hiro's eyes was enough to ultimately frighten Yamamoto. Hiro shoved him backward as Hasegawa and Miyazaki both caught him before he hit the ground.
The three all looked at each other and back at Hiro as he sat back down at his table as the three volleyball players all walked out of the cafeteria. After that, Hiro didn't feel like eating anymore. He could feel the eyes of the other students still on him inside the cafeteria. So he gathered covered up his bento box and his drink, placing both in his school bag, and walked out of the cafeteria. Walking through the halls of Shujin, Hiro's walk was brisk. He clutched his school bag tightly in his hand. He didn't care if any other students were looking at him or not. Is that really how the other players felt about him quitting the team? That he was too good for them? They made Hiro feel as if he abandoned them. Was that really what he was back then. 'Kamoshida's Lackey'?
I'm not... Hiro told himself.
"Two years of being Kamoshida's pet."
I'm not, he told himself once more.
"Not just that, you were his 'lackey'. His lackey he got to do whatever he told him to."
I'M NOT! Hiro screamed in his mind as he struck one of the nearby lockers in anger and not being concerned who's it was. He brought his head up and found himself as the center of attention for a lot of students. Some turned away to avoid him, some kept their eyes on him and started to whisper. Hiro mainly noticed Makoto and the other members of the student-council keeping watch in the halls, each of them peering at Hiro. His eyes focused on Makoto as her's were on him, too. When they locked eyes, Hiro took a deep breath and walked into the bathroom passing a couple of students on their way out. He went straight to the sink to cool down and splash water in his face. Hiro took another deep breath and ran a hand through his hair.
As he left the bathroom, he was met with the face of Makoto. Her arms folded over her chest and eyes trained on him, trying to ascertain was even Hiro's problem was and he knew she wasn't going to let him go without an answer.
"Is everything alright?" Makoto asked him.
"Peachy," Hiro told her though he was speaking a half-truth. Why?"
"Besides wanting to tell you to not damage school property..." Makoto started. "I came to check on you."
"Of course," Hiro replied scratching his head. "I'm sorry about that. It won't happen again." Hiro moved to get past her but Makoto stepped to the side, blocking his path, and did it a second time when Hiro tried to get past her once more. "Mako..." Hiro groaned in annoyance.
"What's going on?" Makoto questioned as she stepped closer to him.
Hiro sighed and didn't want to burden Makoto with his troubles. But knowing her, she'd try to involve herself. Not just because she's Student Council President but because they've known each other since they were kids. The bell rang for classes to resume as Hiro tried to walk away again until Makoto placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him from moving.
"You do know the bell rang, right?" Hiro warned. "It would be bad if the council president was late. You would ruin your perfect attendance."
"I don't mind," Makoto said shaking her head. "Enough changing the subject. Tell me what's wrong."
"Let it go..." Hiro muttered.
You can't help me, Mako... for your own sake, please don't try...
"I won't," Makoto snapped. "Talk to me now."
"I said... let it go!" Hiro said with a raise of his voice. Makoto stepped back startled by Hiro's sudden outburst. Her eyes widened in shock with a hand clasped over her mouth. Hiro relaxed as he realized what he had just done.
"Makoto... I..." Hiro said. "I-I didn't mean-"
"It's alright," Makoto assured but Hiro could see the disappointment in her face. "You're right before."
"Huh?" Hiro mouthed.
"We better not be late for class," Makoto remarked.
"But I..." Hiro started as Makoto walked away from him as he watched her go. "Dammit." he shoved his hand in his pockets and walked off ignoring the various looks he got from students. He had threatened one of his former teammates but that was compared to turning away his friend who was only trying to help him.
When he was in deep thought walking to his classroom, he was brought out of his thoughts when he saw a girl drop her school bag on the ground. The contents spilling from the bag, a few papers scattered on the floor along with some mechanical pencils. As Hiro figured, some students just unknowingly bumped into her, didn't even stop to help her. The girl's hair was chin-length and is an auburn color, her eyes were brown. She wore a pink turtleneck cardigan with short puffy sleeves and a long sleeve shirt underneath, she wore the standard black and red skirt, white tights with black flower patterns, and black Mary Jane shoes.
"Oh, geez..." the girl murmured to recover her belongings. Hiro saw no one was even stopping to help her and sighed.
Guess I'll do my one good deed for the day, Hiro thought and stepped up to the girl and picked up a few papers and knelt down to pick up the rest. He felt the girl's eyes on him, probably knew nobody would help her but expressed surprise that Hiro would take the time to help her. He picked up the rest of her things and handed them to her and stood up to head to class.
"Um... the girl began to speak but Hiro was already gone. The girl watched him walk off, holding her papers to her chest.
Date: 4/12/20XX
Day: Tuesday
Time of Day: After school
Weather: Cloudy
Location: Second-floor hallway
Ren walked out of his classroom as the final bell rang for the school day to end. As he stepped out, Ren noticed Ann just leaving on her own down the hall.
"Hey there, Takamaki," said Kamoshida as he approached Ann with a grin on his face.
"You lookin' for a ride home?" Kamoshdia offered. "Things have been pretty dangerous with all those accidents."
"Sorry, I have a photoshoot today," Ann informed. "It's for the summer issue, so I can't afford to miss it..."
"Hey, now..." Kamoshida said placing his hands on his hips. "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? Some about appendicitis?"
"Yes," Ann replied. "I keep planning to go to the hospital, but I've been too busy... Sorry to worry you."
"You must be lonely, too," Kamoshida commented. "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..."
Ren felt Kamoshida's protectiveness over Ann didn't come off as trying to be a gentleman, it just came off as plain creepy. Ren also noticed Ann was just waiting for the moment to get away from him judging by her uncomfortable demeanor while speaking to him.
"Thank you..." Ann nodded. "Please excuse me." Takamaki took her chance to get away from the coach.
Ren watched Kamoshida glare at the girl in annoyance and stomped away himself. He was obviously angry about how Ann pretty much dismissed his chances for him to give her a ride home. Ren wondered if he had a hidden agenda behind wanting to do so. There is a rumor that they're a 'couple' which Ren thought if it was true or not. Ren made his way down to the first floor. He was about to walk out until he looked to his right and saw Hiro heading out as well.
"Isamashi-senpai," Ren said getting Hiro's attention as the upper-classman turned his head as Ren approached.
"Amamiya," Hiro spoke softly. "Hello."
Ren noticed that Hiro seemed... stressed. Which was the only word Ren could use to describe how Hiro looked right now.
"You seem out of it today?" Ren assumed as Hiro stared at the ground as he clutched his scarf.
"I'm okay," Hiro sighed. "It's just been a tough day, that's all. How was school today? You know since we were actually here the whole day this time."
"Normal," Ren stated. The day went by okay."
"Glad to hear it," Hiro nodded as he adjusted his school bag's strap. "You wanna walk together to the station again?"
"Sure," Ren gave a small smile as they both left the main-building. As they walked past the gate, Ryuji was beside it and once he saw them Ryuji approached them.
"Yo," Ryuji greeted.
"Hey, Sakamoto," Hiro nodded.
"What's up?" Ren asked.
"I wanna talk about the castle from yesterday," Ryuji mentioned folding his arms. " I tried tellin' myself it was all just a dream... I just couldn't do it. It's all connected to that bastard Kamoshida, after all. I wanna find out what's up with that place, no matter what." He focused his eyes on Ren. "And y'know, you're the only person I can come to rely on for this stuff. So, you in?"
Ren was surprised Ryuji would say he relies on him. Honestly, Ren was still curious about that castle and what it's all about. Igor explained it but Ren still had a hard time understanding it but the bizarre-looking man did mention that he would come to understand it in due time. If they do end up in the castle, they might come across those soldiers inside. Although, Ren had that power he used called 'Persona' which could help them out or they might see Morgana again. Since Ryuji asked if he was in, Ren decided they should go for it.
"Sure," Ren smiled. "What's next?"
"Just like that, huh?" Hiro commented crossing his arms.
"Ooh... looks like I managed to talk some sense into you," Ryuji grinned. "How about you, Senpai? I mean, I'd understand if ya didn't wanna go to the castle again..."
"Actually, I'm coming with," Hiro said seeming to have made his decision already. "If that place is linked to Kamoshida then I want to know why."
"Alright!" Ryuji exclaimed ecstatically. "Now I think we should retrace our steps from yesterday. In the meantime, you guys're walkin' to the station, right? Let's go together. Let me know if you guys notice any other weird buildings on the way." Ren and Hiro followed Ryuji to Central Street at the exact spot they met yesterday.
"If a huge castle like that really exists, I"m sure we'll find it in no time," Ryuji assured. "When'd they build something like that though?"
"Not sure?" Ren shrugged.
"Beats me," Hiro shook his head.
"We walked that way from here, right?" Ryuji asked as he looked about the street.
"I guess?" Ren wondered. "Maybe?"
"When you put it that way, I'm not so sure anymore..." Ryuji frowned.
"Well, why don't we just walk around," Hiro suggested. "If it ever shows up, that is."
"I'm positive it will," Ryuji said. "All right, this way. Lemme know if you notice something." the three traced their steps through the alley just like yesterday when they saw the castle and found themselves back at Shujin Academy.
"Huh...?" Ryuji gasped. "We're at school..." he scratched his head confusion. "There wasn't anything out of place along the way, right? I didn't see no castle either... We must've made a wrong turn somewhere. Let's try again."
"I want to go home," Ren confessed. He said he would help him get there but Ren had no clue how to even do that in the first place and he did want to go home. Even Hiro seemed to share his sentiment with an irritated groan.
"Sakamoto," Hiro sighed. "If you're trying to lead me on a wild goose chase, I'm drawing the line there."
"C'mon, you gotta stick with me in the end," Ryuji tried to reason. Hiro sighed but he decided to give another chance if they can go to that castle.
"I suppose we could try and see if the castle appears again," Hiro stated.
"Let's go," Ryuji said as he started walking off. They all returned the school looking the same way as always. They will not be finding a castle here.
"For real...?" Ryuji put his head down in frustration. "Is it smaller than we think it is? What do you guys think?"
"I don't know?" Hiro shook his head, trying to make sense of it. "There's gotta be something that made it appear? Like a trigger or something?" Hiro placed a hand on his chin. "Got anything, Amamiya?"
"Check your phones?" Ren suggested.
"Our phones?" Hiro asked.
"I already did that," Ryuji said. "I didn't see anything like it around here..."
"Wait a minute..." Hiro said. "Amamiya, didn't you have a navigation app or something on your own phone?"
"Navigation app?" Ren asked.
"Yeah, it sounded like one comin' from your phone," Ryuji remembered. "Y'know, didn't it say stuff like 'returned to the real world' or something like that? Lemme see your phone for a bit." Ren took out his phone as Ryuji immediately swiped it out from his hand and started going through it.
"What's this eyeball-lookin' thing?" Ryuji wondered seeing the Metaverse Navigator as Igor called it.
"Eyeball-looking thing?" Hiro repeated and looked at Ren's phone.
"Cute logo, huh?" Ren said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"That's not how I'd describe it..." Ryuji frowned.
"Looks creepy, too," Hiro noted.
"What a weird app," Ryuji commented. "Oh, wait, this is it!" he tapped on the 'app' and showed the screen to Ren. "I knew it-it is a navigation app! There's even your search history!" Ryuji exclaimed happily. "Oh man, I'm such a genius!"
"Not to burst your bubble, man..." Hiro deadpanned. "But finding an app doesn't make you a genius."
"Wha-!?" Ryuji gawked.
"And I think that was the bubble bursting," Ren joked with a small chuckle.
"Shuddup!" Ryuji shouted. "Anyway, let's try usin' it!"
"I dunno about this," Ren said. He was a bit skeptical about using the 'app'. He does recall Igor mentioning 'it will take him in between the real world and palaces' but it can't have been that easy, could it?
"Why? All we're doin' is startin' an app," Ryuji said trying to ease Ren's worries.
"How do we know if this even is going to work...?" Hiro said placing a hand on his hip.
"Kamoshida... Shujin Academy... Pervert... Castle..." said the female voice from the phone. "Beginning navigation."
"There we go!" Ryuji exclaimed excitedly.
"I can't believe this is happening...?" Hiro remarked shaking his head.
"Then, we went in a certain direction-" Ryuji said until everything around them went red which Ren noticed first.
"Are you guys seeing what I"m seeing?" Ren asked Hiro and Ryuji.
"Hey, what're you-" Ryuji questioned Ren.
"What's happening...?" Hiro wondered as he looked around too.
"Huh?" Ryuji finally noticed and took in the dark red color surrounding them. "What the hell!?"
Hiro noticed everything become blurry and turn red until it reverted back into focus. He, Ren, and Ryuji turned around and saw the castle had taken its place. The red sky looming over it despite how high reached into it.
"Look!" Ryuji pointed out. "It's the castle from yesterday!"
"We're..." Hiro was a bit speechless. "We're actually here!?" Ryuji ran and was followed by Hiro and Ren, as they stopped in front of the castle.
"We made it back," Ryuji said. "That means what happened yesterday was for real too..." Hiro turned to look at Ren and noticed he was wearing his other outfit.
"Amamiya, your clothes changed?" Hiro said as Ren looked down at his outfit.
"That they did," Ren said casually.
"That happened last time too, huh!?" Ryuji recalled. 'What's with that outfit!?"
"You jelly?" Ren smirked.
"I-I ain't jealous!" Ryuji uttered.
"I admit, I kinda am," Hiro mentioned crossing his arms. "Amamiya wears it well."
"Enough 'bout his outfit!" Ryuji shouted. "What's goin' on here!? This makes no effin' sense at all..."
"Hey!" a voice called from a corner. The boys turned their heads at the source of the voice getting their attention. It happened to be Morgana, Hiro remembered the 'cat' calling itself by that name as it skipped up to them on its two legs. "Stop making a commotion."
"You...!?" Ryuji gasped.
"The shadows started acting up, so I came here wondering what it could be..." Morgana explained shaking his head. "To think you guys would come back to the entrance when you barely managed to escape."
"What is this place?" Ryuji questioned. "Is it the school?"
"That's right," Morgana nodded.
"But it's a castle!?" Ryuji said stomping his foot.
"This castle IS the school," Morgana stated. "But only to this castle's ruler."
"The castle's ruler...?" Hiro asked tugging his bandana.
"You mean Kamoshida?" Ren asked.
"Yep," Morgana said. "It's how his distorted heart views the school."
"Kamoshida... Distorted...?" Ryuji said looking quite puzzled as he looked at both Hiro and Ren. "Explain it in a way that makes sense!" he shouted at Morgana.
"I shouldn't have expected a moron to get it..." Morgana frowned.
"What'd you say...?!" Ryuji growled angrily.
"Relax, Ryuji..." Hiro sighed.
"AAAAAAAGH!" a pained scream echoed from inside the castle alerting everyone. The outcry caused Hiro to slightly jump where he stood and Ryuji and Ren seemed to share his reaction.
"What was that!?" Ryuji exclaimed.
"It must be the slaves captive here," Morgana surmised.
"Slaves?" Ren wondered.
"For real!?" Ryuji said as more violent screams are heard in the castle. "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 order," Morgana declared. "It's nothing out of the ordinary; it's like that every day here. What's more, you three escaped yesterday. He must've lost his temper quite a bit."
"That son of a bitch!" Ryuji cursed.
"Ryuji...?" Morgana said as he stared at the blonde.
"This is bullshit!" Ryuji charged at the door and rammed it with his shoulder. "You hear me, Kamashida!?"
"Doing that isn't going to open it, you know..." Morgana frowned. "Still, it seems you have your reasons."
Hiro knew Ryuji had his reasons for being angry at Kamoshida for what happened with the track team leading to their disbandment. Ryuji knows how it feels to be shunned by the students at Shujin all because it had something to do with Kamoshida. Hiro could relate to that.
"Hey, Monamona!" Ryuji called as stomped back to Morgana.
"It's Morgana!" The 'cat' corrected glaring.
"Do you know where those voices are comin' from...?" Ryuji questioned.
"You want me to take you to them?" Morgana asked as he stared at Ren. "Well, I guess I could guide you there. But only if he comes with us."
"Let's go," Ren nodded seeming to immediately decide on his decision to venture into the castle once more.
"It's settled then," Morgana smiled.
"For real...?!" Ryuji grinned. "Thanks, man."
"What about you?" Morgana asked Hiro. "Are you going to come to?"
"It's why I came along in the first place," Hiro commented. "I'm curious about this 'palace'. So enough standing around here, let's head in."
"All right, let's do this," Morgana said. "Follow me!" The 'cat' got the boys to follow him to an open window that leads into the castle.
"This is our infiltration point," Morgana explained.
"Ain't that where we escaped outta last time...?" Ryuji asked.
"That's right," Morgana nodded. "Not barging in through the entrance is one of the basics of phantom thievery."
"'Phantom thievery'?" Hiro repeated raising an eyebrow.
"How're we supposed to know about that stuff...?" Ryuji questioned as Morgana leaped up to the window.
"I agree," Hiro wondered clutching his scarf. "Neither of us knows what you're talking about."
"I'll make sure to teach you as we go," Morgana said confidently. "Come on, follow me!"
"So uh..." Ryuji said to Ren and Hiro. "Sorry for draggin' you guys into all of this... But I can't forgive that bastard Kamoshida doin' whatever he wants! Really though, thanks for comin' along. I owe you guys big time!"
"It's no problem, Sakamoto-san," Ren smirked nodding.
"Yeah, don't sweat it," Hiro smiled. "Come on, let's get up this window."
The window they climbed through lead them into the room they used to escape last time. Morgana dropped down first, followed by Ren, Hiro, and lastly Ryuji. The latter of the four realized the room they escaped from yesterday.
"Man, this place is as creepy as always," Ryuji commented talking about the castle as a whole.
"Mm-hm," Morgana agreed. "Now, make sure you do exactly as I say, all right?" Morgana ran out the door that leads to the hallway. "Follow me!" The three teens followed Morgana out of the room and found themselves in the entrance hall of the castle.
"I remember this place," Hiro announced as he stared about. "We set foot in this room when we walked into the castle the first time." The entrance hall then turned into the main hall of Shujin Academy for a second before turning back.
"What the...!?" Ryuji gasped. "I was seein' double or something just now...! Was that Shujin!?"
"It... it was!?" Hiro noted. "If you go to school there then you know that hall anywhere. This castle is the school, right?"
"I've told you before," Morgana reminded. "This place is your school. Regardless, we don't have time to stand around. Who knows when a Shadow might show up."
"There are more of those shadows here?" Ren asked.
"In a place like this, there are always shadows," Morgana said. "Come on, this way!" The four ran into a doorway and made their way down a long flight of stairs. They fund themselves back down into the dungeon but then finally spotted some Shadows lurking around.
"Shoot... I had a feeling there would be guards here." Morgana sighed. "It looks like we're going to have to start fighting out way forward
"F-For real...?" Ryuji said worriedly.
"Oh boy," Morgana sighed. "I'll just teach you the basics of battle for now. You'd better not forget all of this. Always try to ambush enemies instead of rushing everywhere headlong. Attack from behind whenever you can. You'll need to rip off their mask to momentarily break the control that the Palace ruler has over them. If you succeed, your opponent will be caught off guard, allowing us to jump in for a preemptive attack."
Ren got the basic idea of where Morgana was going with this. They had to attack an enemy from behind to get the jump on them before they even notice. It would certainly give them an edge in battle which made Ren smirk in anticipation.
"Let's do this," Ren said.
"So we wanna get the jump on 'em and make the first strike..." Ryuji grinned. "Okay, got it!"
"Hold on, Sakamoto..." Hiro sighed. "I don't think you and I will be doing any fighting. In this case, it should be Amamiya and Morgana."
"Yeah," Morgana affirmed. "You two don't have a Persona so just back and watch." he turned to Ren. "Let's go. Sneak up from behind the shadow and rip of its mask. Only then, we'll be able to take it out."
"I got this," Ren nodded and snuck behind the Shadow once it's back was turned. "Show me your true form!" tearing the mask from the Shadow, it morphed into a Crypt-Dwelling Pyromaniac.
Ren tore off his own mask, bringing out Arsene, and attacked with Cleave. Morgana summoned Zorro and finished the Jack-o-Lantern with Garu. The blast of wind being the enemy's weakness as the shadow dissipated away. After the fight, everyone followed Morgana's lead across a bridge. Once they made it to the other side Ryuji brought his attention to a closed empty cell.
"Why ain't anyone here?" Ryuji wondered as he stepped up to the cage to look at it and turned around. "Dammit, they were here before! Where'd they go!?"
"Quiet down!" Morgana shushed.
"Oh yeah, there were more of 'em further in too...!" Ryuji realized dan darted off to check the other cages.
"Oh, hey, Morgana...?" Hiro said getting the 'feline's' attention.
"Yeah?" Morgana responded.
"If those tortured prisoners aren't here, then where are they?" Hiro wondered.
"They might have been transferred already..." Morgana notified as they all saw Ryuji run back to them in a hurry.
"Crap, I can hear footsteps comin'!" Ryuji warned. "Lot's of 'em!"
"We should hide!" Ren suggested with a nod.
"Yeah, it would be a problem if they discovered us now..." Morgana agreed and pointed at a hazy-looking door beside him and the three teens. "Hey, let's head into that room. We should be able to hide in there until they leave."
"Shut the door," Morgana said.
"Got it," Hiro complied and closed the door behind them. He wondered if those shadows could possibly follow them in here but it seemed safe enough. The room resembled a storage room of some kind with stacked crates and a table with seats placed around it. But Hiro had to know if this room was secure enough to stay in.
[BGM: Persona 5 OST: Wicked Plan]
"The Shadow's probably won't come in here," Morgana mentioned as leaped onto the table.
"Why not?" Hiro questioned.
"There's a lack of distortion here, meaning the ruler's control over this area is weak," Morgana explained.
The room shifted into a classroom of Shujin Academy. The effect causing Hiro, Ren, and Ryuji to stare about in astonishment as it soon reverted back.
"Is this a classroom...?" Ryuji asked.
"Now do you understand?" Morgana said. "This place is another reality that the ruler's heart projects."
"This is Kamoshida's reality...!?" Ryuji questioned incredulously. "Shit makes no sense at all!"
"One could say it's a world in which one's distorted desires have materialized," Morgana mentioned. "I call such a place a "Palace."
"A palace, huh?" Ren repeated putting his hands in his pockets.
"This is happening because he thinks the school is his own castle," Morgana explained.
"Hold on a minute..." Hiro interjected. "The school becomes this 'castle' because this is how Kamoshida views it."
"Precisely," Morgana nodded.
"You have got to be freaking kidding me..." Hiro grunted in frustration.
Kamoshida was becoming much worse of a person for Hiro. He already acted like a king but he has to have his own fantasy world to outlive his desires.
"That asshole!" Hiro muttered.
"That son of a bitch!" Ryuji cursed angrily.
"You two must really hate this Kamoshida guy," Morgana figured.
"Hate doesn't even cover how I feel," Ryuji grunted. "Everything is that asshole's fault!"
"I don't know what happened between you guys, but don't let your emotions get the better of you," Morgana said. "His lackeys are everywhere inside. You're curious about your outfit, aren't you?" Morgana asked Ren.
"Maybe a little," Ren stated twisting one of his locks.
"Yeah, I'm curious as hell about it too," Ryuji said folding his arms.
"How does he have that outfit?" Hiro asked as he himself was curious about Ren's current outfit as he had gotten when he received his persona. Hiro could only imagine how it felt to summon a persona even though when Ren first did it, it looked painful when he ripped that mask he wore off his face.
"That's also because of this world," Morgana replied.
"More stuff that makes no sense..." Ryuji sighed in exasperation.
"Anything distorts according to how a ruler pleases within his palace," Morgana described. "A school can turn into a castle like this, after all. In order to prevent such distortions, one must hold a powerful will of rebellion."
"A will of rebellion?" Ren asked.
"Yep and your appearance is a manifestation of that," Morgana stated. "It's the image of rebellion that you hold within."
"That you hold within?" Hiro repeated.
"I'm so fed up with all this!" Ryuji groaned. "I'm more curious about you than his clothes! What the hell are you anyways!?"
"I'm a human," Morgana proclaimed. "An honest-to-god human!"
"No, you're obviously more like a cat!" Ryuji frowned.
"I must admit, Morgana, you look more like a cat than a human," Hiro mentioned folding his arms.
"W-well, I am human..." Morgana stammered. "It's because I lost my true form. I think."
"You think?" Ryuji wondered.
"But I do know how to regain my true form," Morgana smiled. "The reason why I snuck in here was for a preliminary investigation of those means. Well, I ended up getting caught though..." he frowned but his expression went to one of determination. "Besides, I've been tortured by Kamoshida too! I'm gonna make him pay for sure!"
"What is this, a comic book?" Ryuji said confusion. "This is seriously crazy..."
"Trust me, this is pretty bizarre for me too," Hiro agreed. Hiro, too, was having trouble keeping up with all of this. People only saw stuff like this in comics or television
"If we're gonna keep going, we should hurry along," Morgana suggested. "I'll be counting on your skills this time too, rookie." he gestured to Ren. Got it?"
"I'll do my best," Ren nodded.
"Don't worry, I'm not gonna force it all on you," Ryuji said to Ren. "I thought it might help, so..." Ryuji reached into his bag and pulled out a handgun. "I brought this just in case! It's a model gun though, so it only makes sounds!"
"That's a toy!" Morgana exclaimed eyeing the item in Ryuji's hand.
"Sakamoto...?" everyone looked at Hiro was now pinching the bridge of his in exasperation. He finally inspected the weapon in his underclassman's hand. It indeed was, in fact, a toy, though from far away it could probably look real to someone. Hiro was at least thankful a teacher at school didn't catch him with it as that wouldn't have been good. "Well, it does look somewhat real."
"Right!?" Ryuji grinned. "So, it'll at least fake 'em out. I brought some medicine, too. You know what they say: 'Providin' is pre... something.' Huh? huh?" he sounded rather proud of himself.
Hiro wouldn't admit it out loud to Sakamoto but he believes that the faux-blonde had half a brain in that head of his. He knew he probably meant well but he probably doesn't think things through too well.
"So you were planning this from the start..." Morgana figured putting his paws on his hips. "Well, fine. If you're ready to go, we'll resume our infiltration."
"Suppose it's better than nothing," Ren shrugged and took the model handgun and medicine from Ryuji. "Thanks, Sakamoto-san. Good thinking coming in here prepared."
Ryuji smirked in pride whilst rubbing the back of his head. Hiro and even Morgana couldn't help but shake their heads at the grinning Ryuji. Just a throw a little praise his way and he's walking on air.
"Hm, there are probably still sentries making their rounds outside," Morgana said bringing everyone on track. "Let's use this time to hash out our current situation."
"I'm ready to head out now," Ren confirmed with a nod. "Think we'll find more soldiers out there?"
"There'll definitely be soldiers outside," Morgana stated. "Let's take note of the situation and get out there."
Ren creaked the door slightly and saw three shadow's conversing. Ren figured it would be bad if they found them already, so it would be best to stay hidden and listen for now.
"Hm, I thought I just heard something move over there... Guess it was just my imagination..."
"And what of the slaves?"
"They're all in the training hall. I'd assume they're all screaming in pain by now."
"Very well. By the way, I heard we may have intruders around. Stay on your guard."
"Did you hear that?" Morgana asked as everyone left the safe room which relatively safe for them to come out.
"They said trainin' hall, right?" Ryuji questioned.
"I think that's a little further ahead," Morgana confirmed. "Let's go."
"Why do I have a strange feeling that that 'training hall' is something not good," Hiro wondered.
"Guess we'll know soon enough," Ren started.
Walking a bit further down they came to some stairs that'll lead them down. But below the stairs, there was a shadow. Morgana went on to explain to the three about the palace's security level and how it will rise if they are spotted. Ren carefully snuck up to the shadow ripped off its mask. The Shadow transformed into Galllow's-Flower and split into two. Ren and Mogana used their Persona's to deal with them swiftly. After the fight, the four went through a caged door and found themselves in a dark hallway that was dimly by torches on the walls.
"The trainin' hall's up ahead, right?" Ryuji asked.
"Yeah, it's a little further," Morgana said. "Make sure you watch out for any guards along the way." Ren ahead first and lead everyone in through the hall until they spotted two more shadows.
"Hold on..." Ren spoke stopping everyone in their tracks. "Shadow's up ahead."
"Good eyes, rookie," Morgana praised.
"Let's listen to what they're saying," Hiro mentioned as they all quieted down to listen to the shadows.
"Hey, have you seen anyone who looks like an intruder?"
"No, nobody yet..."
"Shoot... I had a feeling there would be a lot of enemies," Morgana said. "It'd be impossible to dodge all of them..."
"Then what do we do?" Ryuji wondered. "Should we try and take 'em down like before?"
"It's not that simple," Morgana explained. "We still have a long way to go, so we should be conserving energy."
"I-I see..." Ryuji sighed. "Sorry... Dammit, I wish I could fight... I'd at least be able to help out at least a little bit... But all I got was this toy from earlier... I'm such a loser."
"Don't put yourself down," Hiro told him. "How do you think I feel? I didn't even bring anything to even remotely help us."
"Do you mean that gun?" Morgana realized as he pointed at Ren.
"Yeah..." Ryuji said. "It looks real n' all, but it don't shoot anything..."
"I see..." Morgana's eyes sparkled like stars. "Well, there is a way..."
"Do you have something in mind?" Ren wondered holding up the handgun. He was curious about what Morgana had in mind and didn't feel the need to ask any questions.
"We'll use that to take down the enemies!" Morgana smiled.
"What!?" Ryuji mouthed. "Were you listenin' to me? It don't even shoot pellets..."
"Uh, will that even work?" Hiro questioned skeptically.
"Only one way to find out," Ren stated getting the gun ready as one of the shadows drew closer.
"You got the right idea, Frizzy Hair!" Morgana called. "Now, attack away!"
"Leave it to me!" Ren nodded.
"Dude!" Ryuji exclaimed trying to stop Ren. "I keep sayin', it's not gonna fire anything!" Ren not paying any mind to Ryuji's warning ran at the Shadow and slashed it with his knife as the shadow separated into the 'Crypt-dwelling Pyromaniac' and 'Gallow's Flower'.
"You have the gun with you, right?" Morgana asked. "Point it at a Shadow and fire!"
Ren aimed down the barrel of his new weapon at the Crypt-dwelling Pyromaniac. He pulled the trigger and let loose all eight shots from the gun. Ren had no idea a toy gun could fire bullets which surprised him as he stared at the gun. Hiro and Ruyji seemed to also gawk in confusion as to who the gun was able to do that.
"It shot actual bullets?" Hiro stammered. "Incredible!"
"How about that?" Morgana smirked at Ren. "Surprised? There are plenty of instances where rapid fire's going to be more useful than swinging your knife. Of course, you can run out of ammo, but using it all up does more good than letting it collect dust!"
"All right, I'll show you my weapon too!" Morgana claimed as he aimed a slingshot at the Gallow's Flower and fired a few rounds ending the fight.
"That was only a toy and it shot real ammunition," Hiro remarked impressed.
"That was crazy!?" Ryuji said with wide eyes. "How was that even possible!?"
"This is the cognitive world," Morgana explained. "As long as our opponent sees it as real, it becomes such. It's a good thing it's realistic-looking."
"I don't get it," Ryuji frowned.
"Because they recognize it as a gun..." Morgana started to explain carefully. "Your ammo capacity is limited in battle. But your enemies are expecting you to come at them with guns loaded, so your ammo's replenished in every new fight."
"What's this commotion over here...?" a shadow ran from around the corner and to turned its head to find the group. "Why, you bastards!"
"Here comes another one!" Morgana announced. "Take 'em down!"
"On it!" Ren said and swiped at the shadow with his knife. as Shadow took the shape of a Gallow's flower.
"Our ammo's replenished!" Morgana announced. "Go on, dump it into the enemy!" Ren only grinned in response and aimed the handgun and fired every last round into the shadow, the being dissipating away.
"Just like I thought, all our ammo had returned for that fight," Morgana figured.
"I'll admit, the idea that ammunition returns to your weapon is very helpful," Hiro smiled
"I wasn't sure whether or not to bring it at first, but I'm sure glad I did," Ryuji grinned.
"We're definitely lucky to have the additional firearm in our arsenal," Morgana stated. "I must say, well done - even if it was just dumb luck that it worked here."
"Did you really have to put it like that?" Ryuji scowled at Morgana.
"Quit griping, Blondie," Morgana said. "You're still getting praised. Oh, by the way, we should decide how we divvy up our roles in battle from here on out. As you can see, there are quite a lot of enemies. It'll be important to coordinate our moves well. I can keep providing intel for us, but you should decide how we fight, Frizzy Hair."
"Why do you want me to decide on how we fight?" Ren repeated.
"You look like you can catch up on things quick," Morgana commented. "When in a fight, feel free to tell us what to do or let us figure it out. Though I guess I'm the only other one fighting right now..."
Ren felt honored that Morgana was trusting him to figure out how they perform in combat, even though he was still new to this. They ran around and come across some shadow's, nothing they couldn't handle, and soon came across a door guarded by another shadow.
"A guard... I'm pretty sure that's where we need to go, too..." Morgana concluded.
"You guys going to fight it?" Hiro wondered.
"Yeah, you guys gonna take it down again?" Ryuji smirked.
"I guess that's our only choice..." Morgana said. "But wait, this might be a good time..." he nodded. "OK, I've decided! I'm going to teach you three a special way to fight enemies!"
"It's a new technique, isn't it?" Ren asked.
"Something like that!" Morgana said. "Let's go!" Ren and Morgana engaged the enemy as Ren hit with his knife as took the form of the Beguiling Girl.
"Look, there's a distinct flow to battles, Moran mentioned. "Let me show you. After all, seeing is... something? First, knock down all the enemies! Everything starts at that crucial step!"
"Got it! Arsene!" Ren summoned and hit the shadow with Eiha. Knocking it down as the shadow fell from being weakened by the attack.
"All right!" Morgana said. "Now rush on in for an All-out Attack!"
"Sounds good!" Ren said. "Let's go!" Ren and Morgana grinned as they both rushed the shadow and hit it from all directions. Ren landed on the ground in a crouch and stood up with a cocky smirk while pulling on one of his cuffs as the shadow gushed into black sludge in defeat behind him.
"Mm, that went well!" Morgana smiled. "You're definitely fit for this."
"Wh-what was that super-move thing you just did!?" Ryuji asked.
"I told you, it's called an All-out Attack," Morgana mentioned.
"An All-out Attack, huh?" Hiro repeated with hands on his hips.
"If you manage to knock all the enemies down," Morgana started. "You might be able to use it to beat them all at once."
"Yeah, that was over quick!" Ryuji said.
"It's a concentrated attack on defenseless enemies, after all," Morgana explained. "Now as I mentioned before, I want you to be our head of command." He told Ren. "You can decide when we use this. Strike the enemy's weakness, knock them all down, then do an All-out Attack! That's the ideal pattern!"
Again, Ren was surprised Morgana was leaving everything up to him. He thought Morgana be a better choice for all of that since has the experience doing things like this? He must be planning something and not telling him, Ryuji, or Hiro. With the explanation done, Ren led everyone through a door, and ahead there was another door with a banner above it that read: "Kamoshida's Training Hall of Love!"
"All right, this is it!" Morgana said.
"What the hell...?" Hiro said squinting at the banner. "Kamoshida's Training Hall of Love...? What even is this...?"
"Right!?" Ryuji exclaimed. "What kinda bullshit is this!?"
"Only one way to find out," Ren remarked opening the door. Right when they walked in, there was a voice or rather multiple voices crying out in pain. The noise made the teens and Morgana grimace in disgust.
"This voice..." Ryuji spoke. "Where's it comin' from...? Oh, is it comin' from over there!" The four ran to the cage and saw others what looked to be members of the volleyball team being beaten by the soldiers of the castle.
"Oh no..." Hiro mouthed worriedly as he stepped away from the cage. He had a hand clasped over his lips once he saw the scene. It was unmistakable that they were members of the volleyball team as Hiro knew their faces. There were four members, specifically, with their hands on the volleyball net as the four soldiers beat them.
"Are you okay?" Ren asked him in concern but Hiro didn't respond and kept his eyes on the scene before him.
"Dammit!" Ryuji growled. "This is bullshit!"
"How many times have I told you to keep your voice down!?" Morgana snapped though he went unheard by Ryuji as the blonde was busy looking for a way to open the cage.
"How do I open this...?" Ryuji wondered.
"Stop it...!" called a scared voice as everyone turned around and saw a volleyball player step up to the cage. "Leave us alone. It's useless..."
"If we stay obedient..." another player stepped up. "We won't be executed like guys!"
"You're tellin' me you wanna stay in a place like this!?" Ryuji questioned.
"Wait a minute..." Morgana said. "Were you planning on taking these guys outta here?"
"We can't just leave 'em here!" Ryuji argued.
"How stupid can you be...?" Morgana glared. "These are only humans in Kamoshida's cognition,"
"What are you saying...?" Ren asked. "That they're humans who are apart of this place and not like us?"
"Basically," Morgana said. "They're different from you three. It means there's no point in saving them! They're different from the real ones in the real world. You could say that these are extremely similar-looking dolls."
"The hell!?" Ryuji complained. "Why's it gotta be so complicated!? So, the school's a castle, and the students are slaves... It's so on point it makes me wanna laugh." Hiro slowly stepped back to the cage and gripped it with his hands and watched the 'students' that are being tortured.
"This really is the inside of that asshole's head...!" Ryuji growled.
"Still, this is horrible," Morgana grimaced. "It must mean he treats them as slaves in the real world too."
"In the real world too...?" Ryuji repeated. "Wait? I know these guys... They're members of the volleyball team-the one Kamoshida coaches for!" Hiro's hands tightened around the cage as it made his knuckles white.
"They must be physically abused every day..." Morgana said. "There's no way they'd be so beat up normally."
"Hmm?" Ren hummed with his hands in his pockets as he approached the cage to stand beside Hiro.
"Don't tell me..." Ryuji said with wide eyes. "They're going through similar shit in reality!? So, it might be for real... I heard that Kamoshida's usin' physical punishment. They're just rumors, but..." Ryuji turned to Hiro. "Yo, Senpai! You were on the volleyball team. Is the physical punishment thing really true?"
Hiro never looked at the other three and kept his attention on the beatings taking place behind the cage. Ren, Ryuji, and Morgana each waited for him to say anything about the abuse. He's never had to mention to anyone but Hamuko before. His Dad knew about his place on the team but never found about the abuse thanks to Hamuko's help, which means she had to lie for Hiro. Hiro hated putting Hamuko through that and hoped to never do something like that ever again. The least he can do right now is be straight with them since they are all just learning about it right now.
"Isamashi-senpai...?" Ren spoke. "It's alright. It's okay if it's hard for you to talk about." Hiro shook his head and let out a long, dreary sigh as he put his head down.
"It's true... true," Hiro muttered. "It's all true."
[BGM: Persona 5 OST: Regret]
"How long has this been going on?" Ren wondered.
"Since I was a First-Year," Hiro mentioned with a sigh. "It was an everyday thing. It was one of the reasons why quit the team in the first place. I... I was also a victim of the abuse, too."
"Woah..." Morgana frowned
"Holy shit..." Ryuji gasped.
"If it's true, wouldn't this be something to report to the police?" Ren wondered.
"It's not that easy," Hiro shook his head.
"We won't know unless we try..." Ryuji said as he pulled out his phone. "I'll use these guys as evidence. If it all goes well, we can take down that asshole Kamoshida...!"
"You're welcome to try..." Hiro shrugged as he leaned his back against the cage.
"How come you kept quiet about the abuse?" Morgana asked.
"Yeah," Ren said. "You're pretty much a key witness to it all. Why the secrecy?"
"After I quit I was told to keep quiet about everything," Hiro sighed. "All because of Kamoshida."
"You're telling me the school is willing to go to such lengths for Kamoshida?" Ren questioned.
It's exactly that," Hiro said. "You noticed how Kobayakawa acts when it comes to Kamoshida. He's completely wrapped around his finger... that fat bastard..." Hiro muttered the last few words under his breath.
"Ryuji...?" Ren addressed the blonde. "How's it coming along with those pictures?"
"It's not workin'!" Ryuji said holding up his phone. "We can use the navigation app but the camera's a no go!?"
"A navigation app?" Morgana questioned.
"We used that to get here," Ren said in a calm.
"How about you guys?" Ryuji asked Ren and Hiro. Ren pulled his phone from his pocket but Hiro didn't as he kept his head down with an angry look on his face.
"The camera app isn't working at all," Ren said as he tried tapping his phone.
"Then I guess that means our cell phones won't work at all while in this place," Hiro noted.
"So now what...?" Ryuji asked.
"Whatever you do is fine, but we're gonna caught if we stand around like this," Morgana cautioned. "We need to head back!"
"Hang on a sec!" Ryuji proposed. "There's no other way... I'll just memorize their faces before goin' back home! Mkay, let's check the cells 'round there."
Walking to the right they saw another cell. More volleyball players running on a rolling track floor with a gold kettle of water hanging from the ceiling. There were three of them trying to run for the kettle but never succeeding. If they were to stop running, they would be crushed by a rotating roller pin with spikes.
"That seems a little accurate..." Hiro said staring at the display. "Back when I was on the team, Kamoshida barely gave the team any water breaks."
"Not givin' athletes water even for tough trainin' is a common thing in the real world too..." Ryuji said. "That sack of shit...! I'm gonna try and memorize all these guys' faces before we go back... Mkay, I'm done. Let's check and see if there're any more!"
The other three went to check the other torture devices inside the said 'training hall'. Hiro got a good look at the three players running. It was Yamamoto, Hasegawa, and Miyazaki. In reality, they may have not wanted anything to do with him anymore but seeing that is hard to watch.
The final cell they went to involved a volleyball player being hung by his legs, arms tied behind his back. He was repeatedly being hit with volleyballs.
"The hell...?" Ryuji's eyes widened. "This ain't trainin' at all... It's just violence!"
"For me, it's pretty accurate..." Hiro said finally joining the others by the cell.
"You mean 'that' happens to you?" Ren pointed.
"Not exactly," Hiro shook his head. "If we mess up during practice. Kamoshida would tell us to stand still and he'll spike the ball straight into your face."
"Despicable...!" Ren muttered.
"Damn that bastard...!" Ryuji cursed.
Come on, Ryuji, hurry it up," Ren said. "We don't have all day."
"I know, I know..." Ryuji said. "Just gimme a sec. I'll memorize 'em quick."
"Hey, are you done yet!?" Morgana shouted. "We're cutting it close here!"
"Don't freak out like that, you goddamn moron!" Ryuji growled. "Anyways, I got all of 'em!"
"Then let's stop wasting time!" Morgana called. "We need to scram!" the other boys nodded in agreement and went to leave the training hall for good but their departure was soon cut short.
"Surround them!" ordered a commanding voice. "Don't let escape!"
"Tch, we've stayed here too long..."Morgana sighed. "We should've left while we had the chance." Four soldiers walked into the Training Hall of Love. They surrounded Morgana and three teens boxing them in to prevent them from leaving and the last who entered the training hall was a golden soldier and Kamoshida.
[BGM: Persona 5 OST: Blood of Villain]
Ren and Morgana settled into battle positions as Ryuji and Hiro were kept behind them. Kamoshida stepped forward with a glare directed at the quartet.
"You knaves again?" Kamoshida groaned in irritation. "To think you'd make the same mistake again. You're hopeless!"
"The school ain't your castle!" Ryuji stated stepping closer. "I've memorized their faces real good. You're goin' down!"
"It seems it's true what they say 'barking dogs seldom bite'," Kamoshida sneered. "How far the star runner of the track team has fallen."
"Star runner...?" Ren repeated as he had no clue what had happened to Ryuji in the past with Kamoshida. He only heard rumors at school even though spread rumors are often not the real truth. It seemed Kamoshdia was going to shed some light on the situation.
"The hell are you gettin' at!?" Ryuji growled.
"I speak of the 'Track Traitor' who acted in violence, ending his teammates' dreams," Kamoshida mentioned. "Oh, I can only imagine the pain of the others who were dragged under your... selfish act."
"Violence?" Ren said in confusion as Ryuji only grunted in response.
"What a surprise," Kamoshida commented in mock surprise. "So you're accompanying him without any knowledge at all? He betrayed his teammates and crushed their hopes, yet he still carries on as carefree as ever."
"That's not true!" Ryuji shouted.
"What a tragedy..." Kamoshida smirked at Ren. "You blindly trusted this fool, and he's led you right to your death."
"Wrong," Ren remarked. "I don't care about what Ryuji had done in the past!"
"Amamiya..." Ryuji mouthed in surprise.
"From what I'm hearing, it sounds to me like what had happened to him was you're doing!" Ren figured as Kamoshida glowered at him seeming to have enough of him.
"Hurry up and dispose of them," Kamoshida ordered his soldiers. "I can't stand their stench." his gold soldier gestured for the two soldiers to attack. They approached the teens and cat and transformed into black horses with greenhorns sticking out their white manes.
"Here they come!" Hiro exclaimed in alarm.
"Goddammit..." Ryuji grunted.
"Ryuji, Hiro move!" Morgana warned as he and Ren stood in front of the two to fight.
"Okay!" Hiro nodded. "Sakamoto, c'mon we gotta stay outta their way for this." Hiro went to find cover but Ryuji only stood there unmoving.
"Both you stay back!" Ren advised. "We'll handle this. Ready, Morgana?"
"Let's go," Morgana agreed as the horses surrounded them.
"I'll kill you!" the shadow threatened. "I'll kill you 'cause King Kamoshida told us! I'll kill 'cause that's what he wants!"
The horses that went by the name 'Dirty Two-Horned Beasts' went to attack them. The first went after Morgana with Lunge, the next one attacked Ren with its horns as the strike sent Ren off his feet. Ren stood up and took this time to attack and summoned Arsene and used Eiha, it didn't have an effect against the enemy at all. Morgana went to fight back as well and used a Garu but it wasn't enough to finish off the beast. It wasn't long until a fourth beast joined the fight soon after which outnumbered them.
"There's more of them?" Morgana questioned worriedly. "This is bad..."
"Hate to say but you're right..." Ren agreed hesitantly.
A shadow rammed Morgana with its horns and with that attack, Morgana was down. The 'honest-to-god human' fell on the ground, he tried to pick himself up but didn't have the strength to stand anymore.
"Morgana!" Ren shouted. Another shadow sped at Ren to attack him. Ren rolled away to avoid the attack summoned Arsene and for a cleave. The shadow dissipated but another shadow had struck Ren from behind. The hit was enough to cause Ren to join Morgana on the training hall floor. With the battle over, a pleased King Kamoshida stepped in again and placed his foot down hard on Morgana's back.
"You piece of-" Morgana muttered angrily.
"Get... off him..." Ren growled as he tried to stand but was pinned down by the gold soldier's foot on his own back.
"This is bad..." Hiro whispered as he hid behind a crate.
"I bet you simply came on a whim and ended up like this," Kamoshida remarked. "Isn't that right?"
"No..." Ryuji said shaking his head.
"What a worthless piece of trash, getting emotional so quickly..." Kamoshida grinned. "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!" Ryuji argued. "You just didn't like our team!"
"It was nothing but an eyesore!" Kamoshida snarled. "The only one who needs to achieve results is me! The coach who got fired was hopeless too... had he not approached me with a sound argument, I would've settled with only breaking his star's leg."
"What...?" Ryuji said with widened eyes.
"Do you need me to deal with your other leg too?" Kamoshida mocked. "The school will call it self-defense anyway!"
"Dammit... Am I gonna lose again...?" Ryuji said as he fell on his knees, his head down and his hands balled into fists. "Not only can I not run anymore... the track team is gone too 'cause of this asshole...!"
"So that's why..." Morgana said in realization staring at Ryuji.
"Sakamoto..." Ren murmured as he stared at the blonde with a sad expression. Now it all made sense why Ryuji despised Kamoshdia so much. Morgana groaned in pain as Kamoshida put more pressure on him with his foot.
"Once these two are dealt with..." Kamoshida said gesturing to Ren and Morgana "You're next. Hahahaha!"
"Ryuji!" Morgana shouted at the blond.
"Come on, Ryuji!" Ren shouted as he tried to crawl out of the golden soldier's foot. "Don't listen to him! Whatever Kamoshida's has done to you, whether it's about the track team or what he says, you can't let him win! Stand up for yourself!"
Ren's words seemed to have gotten through to Ryuji as he stared directly at Ren. He knew couldn't let Kamoshida win, he had to stand up and take the fight to Kamoshida as shown by the determined nod he gave Ren.
"You're right," Ryuji nodded. "Everything that was important to me was taken by him... I'll never get him back...!"
"Stay there and watch," Kamoshida smiled. "Look on as these hopeless scum die for nothing because they sided with trash like you."
"No..." Ryuji stood back up. "That's what you are... All you think about is using people... You're the real scumbag, Kamoshida!" Ryuji slowly stepped toward him.
"What are you doing?" Kamoshida ordered one of his soldiers. "Silence him!" Ryuji pointed his finger right at Kamoshida.
"Stop lookin' down on me with that stupid smile on your face!"
[BGM: Persona 5 OST: Awakening]
"You've made me wait quite a while," a voice said in Ryuji's head. His eyes shot open as they went a golden-yellow. Ryuji let out a scream as he held his head in pain "You seek power, correct? Then let us form a pact. Since your name has been disgraced already, why not hoist the flag and wreak havoc...?" Ryuji screamed in agony as he thrashed about on the floor, the pain in his head seemed to anger him further as the voice spoke to him. "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!"
Ryuji brought up his head as a dark-grey skull mask appeared on his face as he glared at Kamoshida.
"What can you do...?" the gold soldier mocked. "Cower in fear and watch!" the soldier raised its sword getting ready to behead Ren.
Ryuji stood up clutching the mask trying to pry the mask from his face. With all of his might, he forcefully ripped it off his face as blood covered his face and his eyes rolled back in his head.
"Hraaaaaaaaagh...!" Ryuji screamed as a blue pillar of fire enveloped him. A large gust of air blasting everyone backward.
[BGM: Persona 5 OST: Willpower]
The fire cleared away from Ryuji to reveal wearing an all-new outfit. He wore a black jacket and pants with knee pads, a red ascot tied around his neck, and a pair of yellow gloves. Behind Ryuji, standing on a black pirate ship with an evil smiley face painted on the front is a being that looked like a pirate. A pair of cutlasses crossed its chest, it had a cannon for a hand, a pirate hat on its head, and its head looking like a skull.
"Ugh... this one as well!?" Kamoshida muttered.
"S-Sakamoto...?" Hiro whispered from behind the crate.
"How are you feeling man?" Ren asked.
"Right on... wassup, Persona..." Ryuji smiled. "This effin' rocks! Now that I got this power, it's time for payback..." Ryuji cracked both of his fists. "Yo, I'm ready... bring it!" Ren and Morgana stood on either side of Ryuji.
"Don't mock me, you brat!" the gold soldier turned into a red knight that rode a black steed with a white mane.
"Blast him away... Captain Kidd!" Ryuji commanded his Persona with a point of his finger. Ryuji got a lead pipe from inside Captain Kidd's ship and looking ready to hit a shadow.
"What troublemakers that bother King Kamoshida with such trifle matters!" the shadow snarled.
"Kamoshida's cognition ain't changin', right?" Ryuji snapped back. "Then I'll act like the troublemaker I am! Let's do this, Captain Kidd!" On either side of the Guard Captain shadow, he summoned three two-horned beasts to aid him in dealing with Ryuji and the others.
"I knew you had it in you, Ryuji," Ren smiled at the blonde.
"I have you to thank, man!" Ryuji smirked back. "Let's go!" Ryuji tore off his mask. "Persona!" Ryuji called out as he summoned Captain Kidd, the pirate Persona materializing behind him. "Hrragh!" Ryuji screamed as he blasted Zio, an electric skill, and zapped one of the two-horned beasts, immediately weakening it.
"Whip 'em, Persona!" Ryuji summoned Kidd once more. "Let's go, Captain!" he zapped the second of the two-horned beasts as Ryuji was on a roll as he ran up to the last one he zapped and smacked it dead with his pipe.
"Get wrecked!" Ryuji shouted as he destroyed the shadow.
"Hey, Morgana!" Ren called. "We'll leave the big one to Ryuji! Let's finish off the last two!"
"Alright!" Morgana agreed. "Let's do it!"
"Arsene!" Ren called forth his Persona. "Cleave!" Arsene immediately brought down his bladed feet on the first shadow Captain Kidd hit with electricity, it dissipated signaling its defeat.
"Hey, let's take this one down together!" Morgana suggested to Ren.
"Let's!" Ren grinned confidently. He and Morgana aimed their weapons, Ren's fired his handgun and Morgana shot his slingshot. They continuously fired their projectile weapons into the shadow. When they finished, both Ren and Morgana took their blades and cut down the shadow together in sync.
The Guard Captain shadow Ryuji was facing off against charged him as Ryuji dodged out of the way to avoid it.
"Persona!" Ryuji called Captain Kidd and hit the shadow with a Zio. The attack barely managed to defeat the shadow but it was certainly feeling like it was in trouble.
The shadow ran to attack Ryuji again but the boy was quick on his feet. He dodged the attack and countered with his own attack with his pipe. He did a jump-kick and smacked the shadow with the lead pipe in his hand. Ryuji wasn't done as he summoned Kidd once more to finish the job.
"Ram 'em with Lunge, Captain!" Ryuji ordered his persona. Captain Kidd slammed its pirate ship into the shadow as the red knight and its horse leaned over weakly in defeat.
"I am... a loyal subject... of the glorious King Kamoshida..." the shadow groaned. "So why... have I lost...!?"
"It just proves that Kamoshida ain't anything special," Ryuji smirked gloriously. With the fight now over, the shadow morphed back into the gold soldier and fell over on its back defeated. Ryuji leaned over, grasping his knees, feeling exhausted.
"So, Ryuji had the potential too...?" Morgana said staring at Ryuji.
"Damn..." Ryuji breathed trying to shake off the dizziness. "Is this how it felt when you awakened your Persona, Amamiya?"
"No, not at all," Ren shrugged walking away. Ryuji's mouth gaped in surprise at Ren's nonchalant answer. The blonde tried to stand himself up and he had to use his lead pipe to keep himself from falling
"Shit..." Ryuji grunted as he caught himself.
"Careful," Morgana told him. "You just awakened your persona so you're probably feeling the exhaustion that normally happens when doing so."
"Right," Ryuji nodded tiredly. "Gotcha." as they were talking, Ren was looking around, he turned his head from side to side.
"Hey, Isamashi-senpai!" Ren called out. "It's safe to come out now!" there wasn't a response from Hiro which made Ren keep looking about the training hall.
"Hey, wait a minute?" Ryuji noticed. "Where's Kamoshida? Did that bastard get away again?"
"He must've got away while we were fighting his soldiers," Morgana explained. "Wait a second? If they're gone and Hiro isn't here..." Morgana looked at Ren. "That means that..."
"They kidnapped him during the fight," Ren surmised. "Dammit!" Ren growled as he placed his hands on his hips, putting his head down. "How could we let this happen? We got careless and they nabbed him when we were distracted."
Ren was angry that they were too pre-occupied fighting the shadows to even figure out that Kamoshida nabbed Hiro when he escaped the training hall. Ren knew that Kamoshida pretty much has it out for Hiro since he was apart of the volleyball team. There's no telling what he has in store for him. Since Hiro doesn't have a weapon or even a Persona, he has no way of fighting back. Thinking the only solution there is, Ren nodded his head.
"We have to save him," Ren decided as he turned his head to Morgana and Ryuji. "Hey, Ryuji, I know you must be tired but we're gonna need your help. Think you can do it?"
Ryuji smirked at Ren as he stood up slowly. "Are you kiddin'?" Ryuji clenched his fist. "We can't let senpai go out like this. Let's go save him!" he punched his fist into his open palm.
"I agree," Morgana nodded. "It would leave a bad taste in my mouth if we left Hiro to die in here. Kamoshida could be planning something bad for him. It could be torture or..." Morgana's face went serious. "Never mind, let's go."
"Okay," Ren said as he started walking off. Ryuji and Morgana following him out of the training hall. "Hang on, senpai. We're coming to save you."
This chapter was going to be much shorter but I added more to it. Plus, I thought it'd be cool if Ryuji awakened Captain Kidd in the Training Hall of Love. I got that idea from a couple of other Persona 5 stories. That means Hiro will awaken his own in the castle's main hall.
Reviews...
GreenD109: Yes, but here I felt that the strength arcana matched Hiro. I might make the velvet twins persona request similar to Elizabeth's own request in Persona 3.
PRemington900: With all the crap Kamoshida pulls, as well as the other acts he commits, later on, he deserves to get his ass kicked. As a matter-of-fact, We will definitely be seeing a lot more of Kaede in the future.
Heisei255: I hope so because it's happening next chapter.
streetlife34: Well, Hiro knows not to piss off Makoto. I mean, he did promise they'd spend time together before classes started and assumed she'd be upset with him. Hiro won't be spineless around her, he could get upset her if he wanted to.
ShadowUzumaki55: True, the second girlfriend is just an idea? People can reject it if they want and I'll more than likely agree to it. I could do a poll on it in the future. If it came to the second girlfriend idea, expect some drama but I plan for it all to work out in the end. Just a reminder, I'm still up for those alternate chapters for if Hiro is in a romance with a different girl.
ReallyLazyReader: Ah, I forgot to mention when Hiro's mother past away. But yes, Hamuko was quite young. Later in the story, it will be brought up how long it's been since their mother's passing.
Naruto RWBY: Yeah, Hiro will try to save Shiho from committing suicide. Kamoshida will get what's coming to him, don't you worry.
Well, that's all I got for this one.
I'll see you guys next time!
Later!
Update:
The chapter went the same as the last, the new thing that was added was the meeting between Ren and Kasumi. I've also gone about fixing some sentences and it took longer because this chapter is the longest one so far in this story.
