Persona 7

Section III

The Arms Dealer

~ Reflecting Time 8/27 MON

Condition: Good

The Mirror Road ~ Platform

"Come get you?" Lee questioned. "What happened? Are you ok? What about the others?"

"This was supposed to happen," Ling said. "I didn't know it was going to happen this soon or to me, but here we are."

"Were you, Tess, and Axle taken to your Soul Stations?" EJ asked.

"That's exactly where we were taken," Ling said. "Telling you all about the Soul Station must've stirred everyone's souls. On top of that, Lola must've laid a trap. Both conditions were met, so the rest of us were taken. I'll be fine. You guys never have to worry about me. Remember, my power isn't the same as yours. I already have access to my Persona, so I can contend with the Shadow tormenting me. However, Tess and Axle will need you now."

"Who should we go after first?" Lee asked. "Who's in more danger?"

"Why wasn't Lee taken?" EJ asked, pondering aloud. He asked this more of himself than of Ling, but she answered him. He had come to his own conclusion: because Lee already had his Persona.

"I can only guide you to them," Ling said. "My power isn't much older than yours. I can't see all, and I don't know all. Tess is the closest. You'll have to fight your way to her. I'll assist you in battle as I did before."

"My journalist senses are tingling," EJ said. "What can you tell me about your power? I want to know more. How is it different?

"That'll have to wait," Lee said to EJ. "Tell us how to get to Tess." He told Ling.

"You're right," EJ said. "Sorr-," he was about to apologize, but he stopped himself. Lee smiled to himself. "We can't leave yet. Can we still get supplies Ling?" He turned to Lee. "We might need them. Also, we don't have our weapons."

"I'm getting ahead of myself," Lee said.

"You are," Ling said. "You want to protect them, I get it, but I know a little more about Tess and Axle than you. They can hold on. They just won't hold on forever."

"You don't get a Persona unless you're a strong person," EJ said, looking at Lee, but he sounded like he didn't quite believe that. He got one after all.

"Sometimes it can work that way," Ling said, "and other times it's about the potential to be a strong person. Most people aren't just strong. They have to overcome something to get that way. In the case of the Soul Station, you have to overcome yourself to become stronger. Not everybody can do that."

"You looked into them," Lee said.

"I did," Ling said. "This was before I met them. I looked into EJ too."

"I get the feeling you'd make a good journalist," EJ said, "or a private investigator." Ling chuckled.

"Enough chitchat," Ling said. "We've got work to do. Whenever you need supplies, you'll go through the yellow door. He sells goods and Arms, Arms as in firearms. He says he does something else too, but told me that wasn't any of my business. You don't have any money, so I hope my name carries some weight and he gives you guys some stuff to start off with."

Lee walked to the yellow door and took hold of the knob.

"Why would we need Arms?" EJ asked, following him.

"I'll let Ulysses answer this one," Ling said. "I had the same question, and he wouldn't answer for me because I wouldn't be using them. That's what he told me. He was right but still."
Ulysses. Lee wanted to question this newcomer, but it would have to wait. He opened the door, which immediately led to a huge warehouse.

"Whoa," EJ said. "Can't say I was expecting all of this."

Lee walked toward the counter that sat in the middle of the warehouse with a cash register on it. A bell sat on the counter too. EJ rang it.

A moment later, somebody dropped behind the counter from the ceiling. EJ jumped and his eye twitched.

"Good to know my nerves are still intact," EJ said.

Lee laughed.

Ulysses stood and reached his full height of about 6'8". Not only was he about as tall as a tree but also was built like a mountain. He was a hulking mass. He was a brunette with short, wavy hair, a beard, and bright blues eyes, which were soothing and intimidating at the same time. He wore yellow flannel with his sleeves pulled up to his elbows, a pair of suspenders, a pair of jeans that hugged him, and boots. Ulysses placed his massive hands on the counter and eyed both young men suspiciously. Then, he zeroed in on Lee. Between Ulysses, Julia, and The Woman, Lee didn't know how many more ridiculously hot people he could take.

"Name's Ulysses Duncan," Ulysses introduced himself, sticking out a hand. He and Lee shook hands, and then he and EJ did. "For a second, I thought you might be Ling when the door opened, but no you're who I've been waiting for." His voice was deep and had a hard edge to it although the expression on his face was softer. "The rest will come later. It'll be you two for now."

In EJ's mind Ulysses was trying to be amiable, but it didn't seem to suit him.

"If you're an asshole," Lee said, leaning on the counter, "be an asshole. You'll seem less suspicious."

"Cheeky," Ulysses said, grinning in a way that changed his whole demeanor. "I think I like you already kid."

"I've got questions for you," Lee said, "but they'll have to wait. I need supplies. I can't pay you yet, but my sister-" Ulysses didn't let him finish.

"I know who sent you," Ulysses said. "I'm sure she didn't tell you I was an asshole, just implied it. Well, I didn't trust her, and she didn't trust me. You, on the other hand, you got an honest face, and I'm sure you'll be lucrative for me." He reached under the counter and pulled out a box full of medicines, ointments, odds and ends, foods, and drinks. Also, several pieces of defensive gear were on top of everything else. It looked like different military, law enforcement, and tactical equipment. A note was stapled to the open box that EJ tore off and read. "That will tell you about the items and what they can do for you. Same goes for the gear."

If Ling didn't trust Ulysses, Lee wondered when she would tell him why she didn't.

EJ skimmed through the note and nodded before he packed his book bag. This was right after he put on some of the gear. He made sure Lee put some on too.

Ulysses turned around, climbed a short ladder, and pulled down a long, rectangular box underneath one arm and a large, long regular box underneath the other. Afterward, he walked down the ladder and placed them on the counter. One he set in front of Lee, and he set the other in front of EJ. He took off the lids of each.

"These are your Arms," Ulysses said. "I know you have weapons, but it's tough out there on The Mirror Road. You might get overwhelmed by numbers or just find yourself at a disadvantage. If that happens, you use the Arms. They're connected to your Persona. The more you use them the more energy your main, or should I say original, Persona gains, enabling them to use a special attack that could turn the battle, give you all the advantage, and save your lives."

"Thanks," Lee said. Main? Original? Later. "We appreciate the supplies, tips, and heads up."

"While fighting Shadows," Ulysses added, "they'll leave behind mirror fragments that will change into cards. These cards can become items, personas, or money."

"Hey," Ling said. "I was going to tell them that."

"Yeah," Ulysses said, "I bet you were girly."

Lee grabbed his rifle and swung it around his back. EJ reached for his machine gun and picked it up. It was surprisingly lighter than he expected. He carried it in front of him because his book bag was on his back.

"We'll be back Ulysses," Lee said, turning from him and heading for the door. EJ headed for the door too.

"I know," Ulysses said with satisfaction in his voice. "I look forward to the money you'll be bringing with you."

When Lee and EJ walked out of the door, they were surprised to find their Arms gone.

"They'll appear when you get in battle," Ling told them, "your weapons I mean. They reside in your personal mirrors. Whenever you need to switch between them, touch your mirror and I believe that will allow for you to change weaponry in battle."

"We'll test the theory when it comes time," Lee said.

"You guys have to see Florence before you go," Ling said.

Lee was about to hit The Mirror Road.

"She'll explain why we're going to collect extra Personas?" EJ asked. The question had come to mind after Ulysses mentioned it.

"After we collect some," Lee said, "we'll come back. Where do we need to go Ling?"

"That'll work," Ling said. "You're going to go straight ahead until you run into the mirror that took you to EJ's Soul Station. To answer your earlier question EJ in the meantime, you guys have field personas. They have the ability to fight in battle. While my persona would be considered a tactical support persona, this allows me to assist in other ways. I can analyze enemies, track everyone's movements and positions, communicate with you, and help in other ways, including teleporting you back and forth from The Mirror Road to this platform."

"You can't teleport the others because they don't have Personas yet," EJ said.

"That's right," Ling said. "Get ready. There are Shadows up ahead. They're blocking your way."

~ Reflecting Time 8/27 MON

Condition: Good

The Mirror Road ~ Part 1

Lee saw them right before his spear appeared in his hand. The three Shadows appeared similar to the first Shadow Lee faced. Ling analyzed them. They were weak to Pierce Physical Attacks, so Lee and EJ made quick work of them. After they were defeated, their weapons disappeared again and a few mirror fragments swirled around until they became several cards.

"These must be the cards Ulysses told us about," EJ said.

"Looks that way," Lee said.

"They are," Ling said. "While our cards represent the Major Arcana, these cards represent the Minor Arcana. They'll also act as support. After some battles, they appear, but you can only choose one. They're a gamble. They can help, but if you choose wrong they can bring trouble. Here's what they can do."

Ling explained each card and their purpose.

Sword (Red) – Grants Arms

Cup (Blue) – Restores Protagonist or Party's SP

Coin (Yellow) – Grants Money

Wand (Green) – Increases Exp or Equipped Persona's Stats

Persona Card – Grants Persona

Blank Card – Grants Nothing

Cursed Card – Angel of Death (Halo with Skull & Crossbones)

One White Wing, One Black Wing, Blood-Stained Chains, Halo, Gigantic Scythe, No Eyes, Black Headband that covers Eyeholes, Pale Skin, Long Wild Red Hair

"The stronger you guys become the better or worse the benefits or consequences," Ling said. "Choose a card." The cards began to shuffle.

"Let's avoid The Cursed Card at all times," EJ said.

"Good thing it didn't appear this time around," Lee said. "We only have to choose between the first four. The Coin Card will be useful eventually, but we should try for The Wand Card."

"I agree," EJ said. "No telling how dangerous Shadow Tess might be. Choose the Ace of Wands." The cards stopped.

"We in agreement?" Lee questioned EJ. "It's the second card."

"Yeah," EJ said. "That's what I saw."

Lee chose correctly, and afterward he and EJ felt a little stronger.

A full-length mirror was now before them, and Lee and EJ saw a library lit by candlelight.

"Don't have to jump this time," Lee said after a nod of his head to the side.

"Hopefully," EJ said, "there'll be no more jumping." He glanced at all the mirrors that hovered nearby off The Mirror Road.

Lee walked through the mirror with EJ going through after him.

The Angel of Death

~ Reflecting Time 8/27 MON

Condition: Good

EJ's Soul Station: Library Of Solitude - Library By Candlelight

Song: Here

Artist: Alex Aiono

I'm sorry if I seem uninterested, or I'm not listening, or I'm indifferent.

Truly, I ain't got no business here, but since my friends are here I just came to kick it.

"This place is a lot more inviting than the last time," Lee said.

"This isn't where we were though," EJ said.

"The place has changed," Ling said. "You'll have to return to that room to reach Tess. After you go through two levels, you should find the mirror that will lead to Tess. Some Shadows still remain, but they should be easy for you guys to handle."

"Two levels," Lee said.

"Our supplies should hold out," EJ said.

"Let's get it done," Lee said.

Lee and EJ made their way. They ran into a few Shadows here and there, but those Shadows were weak against Fire so they didn't give them too much trouble. Lee and EJ didn't have to use their Arms. They found some silver books around the library that turned into money and found a few medicines and items to add to their supplies. Not that much time passed before they found the staircase that led to the second level. They passed through a mirror to reach it.

The second level proved to be trickier to navigate, and there were more Shadows. They did collect some Personas: Pixie, Angel, Ukobach, and Sandman. Ling told them they could collect seven and equip up to three, but they'd have to see Florence before they managed that to equip them. Lee didn't want to go back, so they continued onward. They had been walking around the second level for a while when one of the candles went out. EJ noticed it and stopped to examine it.

"You guys either have to find that staircase or let me teleport you out of there," Ling said. She sounded like she was about to panic.

"What is it?" Lee asked, walking along.

"The Angel of Death is there," Ling said breathlessly. "It's coming for you."

EJ noticed something from the corner of his eyes, flying fast straight at them. It was the Angel of Death just as Ling had described it, and its very presence extinguished every candle it passed. EJ didn't like the looks of its giant scythe.

"No worries," Lee said calmly unaware of what was happening behind him "I'm looking at the staircase now."

EJ took off running without a word and grabbed a hold of Lee on the way until Lee could run for himself. EJ and Lee ran, leapt, and jumped up the staircase.

"Get through the mirror!" Ling shouted. "You'll be safe!"

Lee passed through the mirror at the top of the staircase, and EJ threw himself through the mirror. They worked to catch their breath. They looked back to the mirror and saw the Angel of Death before he disappeared from sight.

"You guys can't stress me out like that," Ling said after letting herself breathe normally again.

"We're never fighting that thing," EJ said. "You can't fight Death."

"It's a Shadow," Lee said. "We can't beat it now, but one day we might be able to beat it. We'll be strong enough that we won't have to run from it. I look forward to that day."

"I don't," EJ said. "That day is a long way off either way. Let's survive Shadow Tess first before we try to take down the Angel of Death. Note to self and you Lee: we don't stay on any level for too long."

EJ got back on his feet. He and Lee took in the room, which had changed dramatically. All the stacks of books had disappeared. The books were all on bookshelves now. The place was furnished with a classic look. A few tables, chairs, and comfortable couches occupied the room. Many of the candles had elegant candleholders. A few candles hung above on simple chandeliers. EJ and Lee saw that all the Ice and all the damage done during their fight was gone. EJ noticed the desk that he had been brought to because the Bible sat on it. He walked toward it and placed a hand on it for a moment. He flipped through it quickly, and all the pages were filled. EJ smiled to himself.

"I don't know what it is," EJ said. "This place is in better condition, and I feel like I'm in a better position."

"A better position?" Lee questioned.

"A better position to live," EJ said.

"Good to hear," Lee said from behind him.

Lee noticed the full-length mirror that had taken them to The Red Velvet Room.

"Will we be going through the mirror we went through last time?" Lee asked Ling.

"No," Ling answered. "The mirror you're searching for should be up ahead. Be careful though. It appears Shadows are there to block your path."

Lee and EJ walked several steps before they saw the Shadows toward the back of the room. Lee saw a full-length mirror on the ceiling above the Shadows. EJ took in the three Shadows they would have to fight. Two of them were familiar. Lee and EJ had fought them on the prior levels. The one on the left was a large, hovering book. It kept turning its pages back and forth. It was weak against Fire. The one on the right was a large candleholder and candle with a face in its flames. It was weak against Pierce Physical attacks and Ice. These two Shadows were at the forefront. The third Shadow hovered in the back and at the center, keeping its distance. It was new to them. A round, silver chandelier full of candles hovered around a figure made of flames. Its right fist and half its body were covered in silver.

"You guys are going up against a strong Shadow," Ling said. "It does have a few Weaknesses: Wind, Ice, and Shot Damage. Lee, you can use your Wind attacks against it, and both of you can try out your Arms."

"That's all I needed to know," Lee said. He turned to EJ. "The faster we get past them the faster we get to Tess." EJ nodded in agreement.

Battle Start

"I'll take care of the Chandelier," Lee said.

"I think we should change weapons," EJ said. His mirror hovered before him. He touched it and his bow became his machine gun. "I have no idea what I'm doing." He said this as he aimed his machine gun as best he could and unloaded on all three opponents. The Chandelier Shadow went down, but it got back up.

"Good idea," Lee said with his spear in hand. His mirror hovered before him. Lee touched it and his spear became his rifle. "Let's see what this baby can do." He aimed and fired at the Chandelier Shadow. It immediately hit the floor, Lee's rifle having done critical Shot damage, and stayed down.

Pages from the Book Shadow came at both of them, and a few seconds later they burst into flames. Lee and EJ both took damage from the Fire, but they remained standing.

"You are me," EJ said. "Persona!" His mirror appeared before him. He shot multiple bullets at his mirror, shattered it, and brought forth Roland, using [Agi] Fire on the Book Shadow. It went down. EJ switched weapons, back to his bow, and he shot an arrow at the Candleholder Shadow. It dodged his attack.

The Candleholder Shadow front flipped at Lee [Bash]. Lee took the hit, but he didn't get knocked down.

Lee touched his mirror to switch weapons, taking up his spear again. He went at the Candleholder Shadow, taking it down.

"This is our chance," Lee said. "All-Out Attack!"

"All-Out Attack," EJ called back.

EJ unleashed three arrows from his bow into the air at the same time. First, Lee drove his spear into the Book Shadow as EJ's first arrow hit it. Next, Lee moved onto the Candleholder Shadow and drove his spear into it as EJ's second arrow hit it. Finally, Lee ran and jumped before driving his spear into the Chandelier Shadow as EJ's third arrow hit home.

All three Shadows took the damage and then recovered.

EJ shattered his mirror with an arrow having Roland use [Marakukaja], raising his and Lee's defense.

The Chandelier Shadow raised its fiery hands and sent all the candles on its chandelier into the air, and the candles dive bombed Lee and EJ, exploding all around them [Blaze Blitz]. Both Lee and EJ were blown back and downed.

"You have to do better than this," Ling told them.

More candles replaced the ones used for The Chandelier Shadow's attack. Afterward, the Chandelier Shadow jumped at Lee and punched him with his silver-covered fist [Bash.] Lee took the punch, and this allowed him to recover. He also managed to help EJ, giving him a hand to pull him onto his feet.

"It's them or us," Lee said. "Persona!" He spun his spear with his left hand and stabbed it into his mirror, shattering it at his feet. He had Horus use [Sidewinder]. He hit the Candleholder Shadow for critical Pierce damage 3x, destroying it.

"One down two to go," Ling said.

EJ had Roland heal both him and Lee [Media] after shattering his mirror.

The Book Shadow closed itself and hovered at Lee, striking him [Bash].

EJ had Roland use [Agi] Fire on the Book Shadow, and after that the Book Shadow was no more.

A second Book Shadow and Candleholder Shadow appeared behind EJ and Lee.

"This is new," Ling said. "Looks like reinforcements."

The Chandelier Shadow jumped at EJ and punched him with his silver-covered fist [Bash].

The Candleholder Shadow front flipped at EJ [Bash] and knocked him to the floor.

EJ climbed onto his feet and switched to his machine gun before he unloaded on all three Shadows. This downed the Chandelier Shadow. Afterward, he switched back to his bow and hit the Candleholder Shadow with an arrow, downing it. Finally, he had Roland use [Agi] Fire to down the Book Shadow.

"Let's get rid of them together," EJ said. "All-Out Attack!"

"All-Out Attack," Lee called back.

EJ let fly three arrows in rapid succession. Lee ran past EJ and followed the arrows. First, all three arrows went through the Book Shadow, and Lee thrust his spear through it, taking it out. Next, all three arrows went through the Candleholder Shadow, and Lee followed up with his spear, finishing it off. Then, all three arrows went into the Chandelier Shadow in a triangle formation before Lee threw his spear into the Chandelier Shadow's chest right at the center of the arrows.

"You guys are getting pretty good," Ling said, "but that last Shadow isn't done with you two yet."

The Chandelier Shadow sent its candles into the air, using its attack [Blaze Blitz]. Lee and EJ were blown back once again and downed. The Chandelier Shadow jumped at EJ afterward to punch him.

EJ got onto his feet, and he helped Lee onto his feet. [Marakukaja] wore off.

Lee switched to his rifle. With one hit, he did critical Shot damage to the Chandelier Shadow, downing it. His mirror began to glow. Somehow, Lee knew this meant Horus could use his special attack.

"Horus," Lee called to him. "Skyfall!" His mirror shattered, and Horus appeared in front of their foe, hovering before the Chandelier Shadow. Horus flew upward bursting through the ceiling, but the ceiling disappeared on contact and Lee and EJ saw the bluest sky filled with puffy white clouds. Horus stopped in mid air and began to flap his wings. Lee and EJ watched the sun pass behind him, from left to right, and stop just behind him. Then, they watched the moon pass behind him, from right to left, and stop just behind him. Afterward, the sky became half day and half night but all of it filled with stars. Horus charged down at the Chandelier Shadow with his staff. Rays of Sunlight, Moonlight, and Starlight joined him at his side. They spiraled around Horus until he disappeared from sight within the light. Lee could see Horus. He watched as Horus ran his staff through the Chandelier Shadow before the light gathered within it. Horus, back in view, allowed the staff to emit its light, obliterating the Shadow. EJ used his arm to make sure he didn't go blind. The Chandelier Shadow tried to turn its head away from the light, but it was gone before it had the chance.

"Wasn't even a challenge," Lee said.

"Don't get cocky," EJ said.

Lee felt a surge after the battle. EJ felt a surge after the battle.

They felt a rush. They felt relieved. They felt stronger.

Something inside them had definitely changed. This had happened a couple times since their battle against Shadow EJ. If it meant they were even stronger, Lee and EJ were glad it had happened again.

Battle End

They received the Persona, Pieces of a Whole. It looked like a blank card, except it had a red and white background like the other Persona Cards.

"Job well done," Ling said. "You two might be able to handle whatever comes next."

Lee climbed the ladder that led to the full-length mirror on the ceiling. EJ climbed after him. Lee went through the mirror and when he came out on the other side he saw The Mirror Road.

~ Reflecting Time 8/27 MON

Condition: Good

The Mirror Road ~ Part 2

This was a different part of it. Lee stepped onto it, and so did EJ.

"Here we are," Ling said. "Go several steps to your left, and then jump off on the right side. You'll pass through the full-length mirror that leads to Tess."

Lee looked toward the direction Ling indicated, but he didn't move. He was thinking of their next move.

"Are you ready?" EJ asked, "or do you need a few minutes? Because I'd understand if you did." He sighed. "Heck, I might need a few minutes."

EJ's words brought a smile to Lee's face before he turned toward him, speaking to him and Ling.

"We should go back," Lee said. "We should rest a minute, but more important I want us to be as prepared as possible. We should see Florence and Julia while we have the chance."

"That works for me," EJ said.

"I'll teleport you back now," Ling said.

~ Reflecting Time 8/27 MON

Condition: Good

The Mirror Road ~ Platform

A moment later, Lee and EJ were back on the platform. They went and stood in front of The Red Velvet Room door before Lee put his hand on it and pushed it open for them to enter.

P7 Soundtrack: So far

Lee on The Mirror Road – Hit The Road Jack/Feeling Good

Artist: Kled Mone

The Red Velvet Room – Euphoria in {The Red*} Velvet Room

Artist: Childprey69

{*} = Not part of original title.

The Seventh Floor Lounge – Aria of the Lounge (Persona Chill-Out Remix)

Artist: Dazidia

ZRT on The Mirror Road – Hit The Road Jack

Artist: KABANN

!~ All music can be found on YouTube.