A/N: This is a late release, but we're finally delving into Masato's reveal as the Spy! There's lots to get to, but I hope you like the little deviation I made with his dungeon compared to everyone else's! So here's Chapter 13, enjoy the drama. Hope you got your popcorn.
Chapter 13
07/25
The walk down the thin platform was awkward. So, very, awkward. Thanks to Marie dragging him down here, Masato was now exposed as someone who knew more than he let on. The exit from the TV World and into the real world was like he just escaped the frying pan and jumped into the fire.
Marie had to hastily part ways with Souji, as she had her role as meteorologist that needed to be fulfilled, requesting he sees her with his friends sometime this weekend for a small meetup.
But as Souji stepped into the food court, the team looked all on edge.
"How and when did you know about all this? How long did you know?" Yosuke was grilling Masato for all the dirt he had.
"I was sent here by the Shadow Operatives last year. I was to track the spikes and falls of Shadow activity and determine what the problems were and who was involved. I didn't realize you all were involved in all this until September."
"And you never thought to tell us?"
"Yosuke. Be at ease. You're getting too riled up." Souji tries to remain calm and collected, yet his partner remains agitated.
"Did you forget we almost died today!? And now I find out our 'friend', who you introduced us to by the way, has been watching us for all this time and did nothing."
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I had planned to at some point, but-"
"When would that have been, huh? Why should any of us believe anything you say? It's all been one god damn lie, hasn't it?
"Yosuke-kun, calm down!" Yukiko called out the agitated Captain.
"You should be more pissed than me, Yukiko! He worked at your place, after all."
Naoto finally realized what bothered her, her face lit upon this new revelation. He got that job so suddenly… Naoto picked up on a rumor about Akio Amagi after speaking with Yukiko; that her father has a job with a certain group. This is the best time to request clarification.
"Yukiko-senpai, what company does your father work for?"
"...The Kirijo Group." Everyone's eyes had a look that made it clear that something clicked.
"...That's what was bothering me. I have been skeptical of him ever since that day…!"
"Naoto, what are you talking about?" Souji asks as Rise flinches, knowing full well what this was in regards to.
"Naoto-kun, don't say it!" Rise begged, her heart was torn as much as everyone else's, but she didn't want this to tear everyone apart.
"I'm sorry, Rise-chan. My concerns were correct after all." She cleared her throat, Rise's eyes giving her a look that pleaded to not say it. "Days after the tournament, I spotted Masato-san with her; she was crying and looked absolutely shaken up. I realize now it was from a panic attack as a result of Sho, the true culprit, and while I am grateful you were there for her, I must now ponder if that was purely chance or was it merely your way of taking an opportunity to get closer to us, using her as your way in."
"I… was there…" His mask is now broken, and his real self could not give a convincing response.
"And if you were there by happenstance, how can you prove it? I pray for your sake you have proof you meant every kind act towards us. I know Rise-chan, Yukiko-senpai, and Souji-senpai want to believe in you, but I cannot just yet. How much of everything you've said and done for my friends was a lie? Answer me this."
It's such a loaded question, one that was never going to have a correct answer to every segment.
"Naoto-kun! Stop it!"
"Masato-kun… were all the times you spent with me a lie? You were our friend, right?" Yukiko asked with a heavy heart, her trust in him breaking. She defended him from Naoto and now it looks like the Detective was right all along.
The Shadow Operatives didn't know how to react to this. If they spoke up it might make things worse. Fuuka knew he wanted to be friends with them, but Akihiko… would not take this slander of his ally any longer!
"That's enough! He's a good man, and would never harm any of you! You don't even know what was going on!"
"You shut the hell up! That's what we wanna know!" Yosuke barked at Akihiko, feeling betrayed by Mitsuru's promises and actions during May. "Why should we trust any of you now?"
"Y-Yosuke-kun…" Labrys felt like an outsider. "Ya need to calm down. You're all actin' scary..."
"Well, excuse me for realizing everything that happened last year could have been prevented!" He shouted over her, her body felt smaller from his rage. Now his emotions were unraveling. "You knew as well, didn't you, Labrys? You could have told us something, like a real friend should!"
"Yosuke!"
"Bro, if they were watching us for this long, then they could have stopped everything before it could get worse!' The rest of the team was alerted to this revelation that he put out there. "Sure, they couldn't stop the deaths of Mayumi Yamano or Saki-senpai, I get that! But what about the rest of our friends who got thrown in the TV, or the copycat murderer who killed our teacher, or your god damn little sister, dude! All of that could have been prevented if they just showed up! No one else would have had to suffer!"
This is what he is so livid about. As much as he wanted to play the role of Hero last year, many had suffered from Adachi and Izanami's actions. It was a clear point when Ameno-Sagiri mentioned this was mankind's initial desires, and the way society deteriorated before they put an end to all that… made Yosuke more aware and considerate towards the town's state.
"Answer those questions, Masato! If that's even your real name!"
"Masato-kun… Yosuke's wrong, right? You've always been our friend, right?" Yukiko pleaded, not wanting to believe his implications.
Rise wanted to ask for confirmation on his feelings as well, but… something didn't sit right with her. Her mind was now recalling what they were going to talk about yesterday… but with these doubts… even she wasn't sure what to believe.
Masato's world felt like he was spinning, and he was at the center of it all, caged up in place, the words of the others all encircling him like hungry jungle beasts, clawing, pacing, ready to pounce for the killing blow.
"Prove your honesty, Masato-san."
"Tell me ya ain't lyin', Masato!"
"Masato-san, calm down, please."
"Answer me, you Coward!"
He can't… stay here any more. The Impostor was to remove himself from the field of play now… and maybe even forever.
"I…!" He turned tail and ran off, running to the elevators behind the automatic glass doors.
"Masato-kun…!" Rise jolts up from her seat, running after him as quickly as her legs can get her to him.
"Tch! That's our answer, then! He was a liar, after all. Couldn't even tell us that he meant any of that."
Yosuke felt a hard grip on his shoulder turning him over, and he felt the back of a hand, no, two hands, the other being the palm, hit him at once. One was Chie, and the other was Souji. Yosuke winces in pain, stepping back from the two with hard steps.
"W-What the hell was that for!?"
"Yosuke, you went too far! You hurt Yukiko, Rise, and especially Labrys! Just look at her; she's afraid of you because of your outburst…!" Souji's gaze was fierce, but his tone was much more lethal.
"You idiot! You crossed the line! You and Naoto-kun! Master looks pissed right now; he would have decked your face in if we didn't hit you ourselves!" One look at Akihiko made it clear how hard he was restraining himself, a clenched fist pushing down on the table.
"But why did he run!? If he's innocent, he shouldn't run away!"
"Do you know everything about this situation?" And he cuts him off before Yosuke can even open his mouth. "None of us know anything about his intent, thoughts, or actions. He just helped save our lives by finding Marie for us, and you're telling me I should hate him for that? Did you forget what we fought for? We seek the truth. And I don't think we have the truth in our hands yet… so I won't say anything bad about him until I know all we need to know."
Kanji shook his head before looking down at a certain Detective. "Naoto… why did you go snooping around about Masato? Is that why you asked me about him back then? If you really want to know if he was a good guy or not, then ya shoulda asked him yourself. This ain't a criminal you were looking into." She spoke nothing back to him, for he was right. Kanji trusts his gut, and his Senpai's wisdom. He was neutral on the imposter, but he was not going to judge so recklessly as he did in times past. "That ain't how we roll, Naoto."
"Akihiko-san. I'm sorry for my friend's words. They were uncalled for." Souji bowed deep, seeing that Akihiko held some sort of bond with Masato.
Inside the store, Masato pressed the elevator button as hard as he could, the door opening with no one inside as Rise came up from behind him. His spirit now both battered and broken, did she really think she could help him now?
"Masato-kun! Please, talk to me!"
He wouldn't look her in the eye, keeping his back turned on the Idol.
"What's the point? They all doubt me… you should too. All I've ever lived now are lies… and they hurt people in the end." He stepped inside, passing the line of where the door would open and close, his hand was now feeling for the first floor button. Mitsuru warned him, and he didn't listen.
"I… want to believe you! Please, talk to me. I want to be here for you….!" She was split as much as he was. Her body stiffened up as she felt herself unable to step inside with him, like his fractured spirit was keeping her in place.
"Listen to your friends, Rise-san. I'm just going to hurt you again... I can't prove a thing. They don't believe me, and neither should you." He found it… now to press it.
"Don't go, Masato-kun!"
"Forget about me, Rise… I'm not worth believing in. I'm just… a guy who's living someone else's life. I'm not the guy you think I am."
He pressed it at long last, there were tears in his eyes.
"Masato-kun! No-!" The doors closed as she found the strength to step forward, the buttons not responding to reopen the door as his elevator began its descent to the ground floor. She had tears of her own. She wanted to believe him! All that talking, teasing, playing games… was that all really a lie?
No…. She refuses to believe it was all a lie! All fake! Now she realizes why she saw something a bit familiar within him. He too had lived a life of different roles as she did.
Now furious with some of her friends' behavior, she steps back out, returning to the group's location as she sees her Senpai bowing before the Shadow Operatives. But she saw red when glaring at Yosuke's face.
"Yosuke, you… YOU JERK!" As he turned to see the source of that comment, he took a hard Hysterical Slap to the face, taking many morel steps back compared to when his best friend and girlfriend hit him simultaneously!
"Gah! Rise, what the hell-!"
"You're so messed up, snapping at him like that! What's wrong with you!?" She is clearly seething with a loathing feeling for the Magician. Everyone looked surprised by this side of her… she was no Yukiko, but this anger wasn't worth trifling with.
"Rise… calm down."
"I can't just calm down, Senpai! Not after what I just heard. He thinks we all hate him now! None of you believed in him!" She's decided what she's going to do next. It's time to step up and own up to her own mistakes, but also their own. Turning her back to everyone, she declared, "...I'm going to find him, and apologize to him for Yosuke's words. For all of you…"
"Rise…" Souji understood exactly why she was so furious and torn up… that made this sting more for her.
"Don't you dare try to stop me. I'm going to find him and have you all say you're sorry afterwards! Whether it's true or not, he deserves a fair chance to talk for himself… I'll always believe in him, unlike you."
She sighed, walking away to start her search for the outed young man.
"We should go after her." Naoto spoke with the most rational and obvious course of action.
"No. Not you, Naoto. You'll just make her more angry. You and Yosuke set this off. And she's right… you both need to apologize. To her especially. With what you saw that day, how do you think she was going to react to this? That moment gave Rise valid reason to see him as a friend."
"...My apologies, Senpai."
"That apology means nothing to me. Akihiko-san, Rise, and Masato-san need to hear it more. Now that I think about it… I need to own up to this as well. I'll go."
"Let me come too!" Yukiko rose from her seat, only for Souji to defer on that request. "I… remember him saying he wanted to tell me something that he was too afraid to say… I think… this might have been it." It all clicked for her, and for Souji. Masato's character was in need of further clarification to confirm if this was really true or not… but it gave them something to believe in.
"I'm going, then!" He rushed along, Yukiko following after him.
"...Master, I'm so sorry about Yosuke." Chie turned to the Boxer, who was frustrated, but kept his body calm."I didn't realize he was a friend of yours."
"You didn't know, and I understand why you're all feeling on edge. Battles like that can bring out the best and worst in people."
"It's starting to hit me now…" her body fell into a nearby white chair. "I'm exhausted."
"My dogs are barking!" Teddie comments, his bear suit long since put away.
A moment of awkward silence passes until something goes off from Fuuka's laptop. It's a message from headquarters!
"Is that… Mitsuru?"
"Mm, it's her!" She pulls up the email. It seems to be a report, and she only found some strong Shadows, far less than they had to deal with. Fuuka needed to share what she and the others had witnessed. The Culprit's identity, description, and the fact he is still at large!
Masato fled the area, opting to take the most unorthodox way. He didn't want any of them to track him down… Not after what happened. Going Northeast, he walked along a smaller, less traveled bridge across the Samegawa river, something being spotted out of the corner of his eyes…
Stacks of old televisions. Yes, this was where he met Mitsuru back in May… and it was here, reflecting upon everything that happened that he realized she was absolutely right. Attachments… were a bad idea. They were forbidden for a reason. He looked upon them with slower steps; an idea was forming in his head. Descending down after crossing the bridge, he walked up to one with the least damaged screen.
Can he do it…?
He fell in with Marie against his will earlier. Perhaps he can enter and…
A lone tap and the screen had a different texture. It felt almost like water, as circles would expand beyond the point of his subtle touch, like a ripple effect!
This never happened before. In his mind, he realized this was an opportunity he could not pass up! Recalling all he could muster from the prior report, he opted to take his chance. If he has to leave this place now that no one wants him here, he may as well go beyond this role and become something greater; to actually help others without hurting them like he did with Rise, Yukiko, and the rest of them. He can graduate from the title of Imposter and finally make a true difference!
He gulped, mustering his courage and throwing himself into the TV; he'll get his Persona, no matter what it costs him!
Minutes would pass; those who remained at the food court were trying to center themselves after what happened earlier. Yosuke was deep in thought, reflecting on what he felt at the time was justified anger. Fuuka had been exchanging emails with Mitsuru who was still in Tokyo. It seems frantic, but it's unlikely Mitsuru will just stay in one place after learning some of what just happened. Kanji muttered something to himself, sighing after; Teddie stuck around Labrys as she too felt hurt, especially from the normally kind Yosuke's outburst. Chie had stepped away to get a drink for herself and was now returning to her seat.
A different jingle came from Fuuka's laptop. This sounded more serious compared to your usual pings when you get a message on social media platforms or emails.
"What does that sound mean?" Kanji asks, his tone indicating he was caught off guard by it.
"That's…!" Fuuka's eyes start to look worried, quickly clicking some program to confirm what had her on edge. "No…! He didn't-!"
"W-What's up? What's goin' on, Fuuka-san?" Kanji rose up from his chair.
"Oh no, I recognize that now! It's when someone's beacon goes and stops respondin'!" Labrys' recognition causes everyone to jump up in fear.
"What? Who went in!?" Akihiko asked, turning to Fuuka, knowing full well the likely candidate.
"It was… Masato-kun!"
"What!? But how the hell could he go in? Didn't you say he don't have a Persona?" Kanji's tone grew loud.
"Yosuke and I could enter the TV after Souji helped us get in once… maybe that's how-?" Everyone looks at Chie, clearly striking gold once more! "W-What's up? I just guessed, that's all…!"
"Quick! Call the others, we need to let them know that he's gone missing!" Naoto warns as Chie and Yosuke pull out their phones on instinct, calling Yukiko and Souji respectively.
As this was coming to light, the long-time couple of Souji and Yukiko were still searching for the Impostor, contemplating where he could have run off to. The two stopped by an intersection, looking to see if they may see some trace of him.
"Yukiko… are you alright?" Souji asked while looking in the opposite direction, scanning for any trace of his friend's figure.
"Mm, I'm fine."
"Yukiko; I mean are you alright about what we just learned."
"That… I don't know if I can answer yet." She turned to see him now facing her already. "I… trusted him. He was teaching me a lot of things, and now I wonder if he meant that; or if Yosuke-kun was right." Truth be told, she felt a bit betrayed by this revelation. But that might be the shock value talking, as she did consider that moment before where he wished to tell her something he was afraid to tell her.
"Yukiko."
"I know. We mustn't jump to conclusions. But… I understand why Yosuke-kun lashed out the way he did."
"Yukiko; I'm going to trust in him. Like I trust in all of you; until we know everything, I'm going to refrain from judging him."
"Mm. You never give up on anyone, Souji-kun. I… have always loved that about you. Even for someone like Adachi, you never-"
Their phones started to ring at the same time, the two pulling them out and seeing it was their best friends respectively calling each of them.
Rise was much farther ahead; by the riverbed, actually, going back up the steps to go back along the path. She even tried calling him, but his phone was shut off. And soon, it was out of service. What was going on here?
Now her phone rang; for a second, she was hoping it was him; but it was Kanji calling her.
"Kanji, did you find him?"
"Uh… kinda. We know where he is."
"What? Then tell me already!" She was in no mood for games or to be led around.
"Fuuka-san says he's in the TV World. He had a beacon thing on him too!"
"W-What?" Her fingers clenched up around her phone.
"Rise, ya gotta get back here! We gotta go back in and save him! That fog that Marie released is still lingering around. Naoto thinks it might make Shadows come back once it fades away!"
"..." She was not sure how to respond, but she knew what to do. "I'm on my way!"
"Alright! We'll get ready!" Rise pressed the end call button, making a beeline for Junes once more! Regret was filling her heart. She should have done more to stop him. Maybe if she followed him right away, she could have stopped this from happening… No, there's no time to think about what-ifs and what could have been. Now she needed to return the favor; to save him. Just like he did for her.
Rise is the last to arrive, noticing that Souji was the only one around their spot.
"Senpai? Why are you the only one here? Where are the others?"
"I wanted them to go ahead so I can talk to you first; make sure you're okay." He spoke with a soft concern.
"I-I'm fine! We need to save him!" She tried to turn around, but Souji reached out to hold her by the wrist.
"Rise. You're being reckless. I want to make sure you're calm and at your best before we go down there... Everyone is still tired from earlier. That battle tore into us more than anybody wants to admit. We can't afford to make any mistakes. We'll lose him if we do, alongside each other."
Her Senpai once again proved why he is their Leader. Against the whirlwind of a day they had so far, with this only being the eye of the storm, he still maintained a strong composure, owning up to Yosuke and Naoto offending their allies, and kept a strong aura of hopefulness… despite it being so clear he's still recovering from the last battle... No wonder she crushed on him last year. Souji's integrity is an amazing trait to have.
"Rise. I know you care for him a lot, but you shouldn't blame yourself for all of this. Nor should you shoulder the burden all by yourself. We're all here for you. And we'll bring him back."
Turning around, a single tear rolled down her cheek. Everything he said was correct. She needs to slow down, not be hasty, or overexert herself. This isn't something she could just tell herself! It's harder to even do it…
"Senpai… I believe he's a good person."
"I know. I do too."
"Senpai-!"
"Let's save him together. And when we do, he can tell us the truth, of his own free will."
"Mm." She brushed her arm across her face, wiping the tears away. "Okay. I'll do it."
"Alright. Let's go. I know you can find him." The two walk to the electronics section, with both peace and resolve in their minds, and not blinding emotions. Entering the TV, they reached the open backstage, where everyone is gathered, Fuuka already has her persona out searching for him.
"Rise-chan!" The Elder Priestess exclaimed in joy, a welcome sight to see now that everyone else was together again in this dire situation.
"Sorry about that. Have you found him yet?" Rise had absolute faith in Fuuka's abilities to find anything she needed to search for. Yet the lady had a stumped expression as she heard that question.
"I'm having trouble finding him. This fog is messing with me... It's something that will take time to overcome; time we might not have. It's like I'm trying to repair something with my eyes covered. I can find things… but I cannot be certain of if it's him or not in this case." The idea that Fuuka would struggle in this instance… took Rise by surprise. She was not as infallible as she perceived her as back then.
"I'm having trouble sniffing him out! I don't know enough about him to get an idea on narrowing down his scent." Teddie shook his head, back in his bear suit.
"Rise-chan." Yukiko stepped up, glasses in her hand. "You might be the only one who can find him."
"But… I don't know if how he acted was really him or not." Rise shook her head, the fog was almost as thick as when they were knee deep in the case last year.
"Rise. Believe." Souji's blunt words were all she needed to understand what she had to do. And what she told herself earlier.
"...Right." She stepped to the middle and called Kouzeon, staring intently into her visor ring. She recalled as much as she could from every time she interacted with him, through messages, calls, or days of them just hanging out with one another or with the others as well. The first thing that came to mind was… when she spoke about how everyone might rope him into their group, he said it meant a lot to him. Or when he reminisced that he had to be there for people in the past… What did he mean by that? There's no way that was fabricated. She refuses to see it as a fake tale.
Her thinking cap was on, as everyone was looking at her, their gazes not phasing her at all.
"Rise…?" A shush was heard, as it was clear Rise was deep in her thoughts.
This was her spotlight! Or rather, she was the only one who could make it work. The world went black around her, as she and her Persona were all that remained. She phased everyone out as she focused… entering a deep trance.
In her mind, she recalled back to what happened in May. Her panic attack that he helped stop; there was something before he told his little tip about his past that bothered her.
"But that's because you were nice to me of all people."
Why would he say that? 'Of all people'... why did that stick out to her? If she considers what he got exposed to just now… perhaps he looked down upon himself. For why, she doesn't have anything to find a result with.
But then, one last thing stuck out to her. Yesterday, he said he was afraid. This is what it was. He really did intend to tell her about his identity being a lie. He wanted to come clean! This was his way of showing he genuinely yearned to be their friend! His foundation of being true to himself and to them!
He was afraid of hurting everyone! This fear pushed him to run!
What he feared was them hating his true identity!
"I got it! I sense him!"
"Whoa! That's our Rise-chan!" Teddie spoke with pride.
"He's… that way!" She pointed in the direction to where Yosuke would typically stand, but higher up.
"Okay then. Is everyone ready?" Souji hoisted up his sword from before. "Glasses on." The entire group he struggled with had all pulled their own pairs and put them on. This lingering fog was only temporary, yet it's best to be safe than sorry.
"Yeah! I'm ready for Round 2!" Akihiko started warming up in place.
Rise's Persona receded back into her, a sigh escaping her lips. She felt her chest tighten up like it's time for her next concert! But now was not the time to be afraid.
"Let's go, everyone! Follow me! Stick close if you don't have the glasses on!" She ordered all the guys up the stairs afterward, then the ladies would follow up after. Now she can lead the way!
After they climb up, Fuuka walks closer to Teddie to ask a question to the bear.
"Um, Teddie; why do you all wear glasses here?"
"Ooh, that's right. You never saw the fog when it was here before. These glasses and my eyes can see through the fog like it's not even there!"
"Ah, I see. Is it bad to not have them on?"
"That's a good question. It used to, but now this world was more peaceful until now." Then the bear recalled something. "Ooh, ooh! I just remembered! I got one for you! I need to put more time into making a good pair for Akky, but yours are good to go!" The bear fiddled into his pockets and procured a pair for Fuuka.
They were thin framed, the color was darker green around the lenses.
"Oh, they look perfect!" She politely grabbed them and quickly put them on. It seems to have the exact effect Teddie spoke of! It's like she was a part of their little group now.
Farther away, Masato awakens, knocked out this time as he landed much worse compared to the first time here.
"Ugh… where am I…?" He forced himself to stand, the floor was pristine and beautifully tiled. But around him were… dancers!? What's going on? A being with a mask and suit approached him.
"Master Masato! Please don't pass out on the floor like that! You wouldn't want to concern your potential dance partners."
"W-What!?" He was unsure as to what this was. Was it a Shadow?
"Come. You're needed for the Main event! Right this way, sir!"
"W-Whoa!" He was strong-armed by this butler looking thing and moved further into the extravagant looking building! Where was he being taken? Farther in, that's for sure.
Outside of it, the team was coming up the place Masato was within. It was… old fashioned to say the least.
"So uh… what is this supposed to be?" Yosuke asked, scanning every detail he could spot with his eyes.
"Hm… I believe this is a manor… likely inspired by medieval era Europe." Naoto concluded, hand on her chin as she also inspected the details that adorned it. Glass pane windows that were taller than anyone, tile roofing… there was much for her to appreciate.
"Looks like a big ol' fancy house to me." Kanji spit, not impressed one bit. "That or a tiny castle."
"Castles were meant for royalty like Kings or Princesses." Yukiko felt many gazes upon her as Naoto said that. "Manors were more so for nobility like Barons and Duchesses. They were more than homes, as some could house events like ballroom dances or stage plays for a select few."
"Well, good to know. Let's get this mission started." As Akihiko led everyone closer in, Shadows would mold into… human beings? They turned into lightly armored knights, but had huge Masks on that covered their faces.
"Welcome to the Ball and Show. Please tell me your names." The shadow on their left spoke.
"What? Do Shadows talk? Whatever, let's go." As Akihiko hastily pushed forward, a poleaxe from the other guard blocked his way.
"Tell us your names, please. Only guests chosen by our Host may enter."
"What the hell's he talking about?" Akihiko was unsure of what he was experiencing, as this has never happened before.
"Akihiko-senpai, step back for now." Fuuka asked for his return to the rest of the group, as she had a possible answer.
"Have any of you dealt with Shadows that spoke?"
"No, we haven't. Well, except for the Shadow of the person that got thrown in." Souji shook his head, also making it clear this was new to them.
"This is just my theory, but… since Masato-kun is the first person to enter of his own will, perhaps the Shadows are not as hostile? As in, he wants us to find him." This was a far-fetched idea, but it's better than nothing. "Let me try something!" She would walk up to the Shadows by the door quickly.
"Welcome to the Ball and Show. Please state your name."
"Um… Fuuka Yamagishi."
"Let's see here…" The Shadow would produce a scroll and unfurl it, scanning the list of names. "Yamagishi… there! I see Fuuka Yamagishi here! You are clear to enter… but where is your partner?"
"Partner?" This stumped her.
"Yes. Non VIP Guests must have a dance partner. Where is yours?"
"Oh, um…!" She looked frantically, then turned around and saw her Senpai! "Akihiko Sanada! He is my dance partner!"
"Let's see here… ah, he is here as a VIP Guest! Excellent choice, you are both free to enter."
The guard on the right would bang the lower end of his poleaxe into the ground and the door would peek open enough to allow entry.
"What the hell? Why are we named?" Akihiko approached the Tech expert, confused about all this nonsense. "I'm not here to dance-!"
"Akihiko-senpai, just come with me!" She turned to see everyone else. "Try using your names to get in! That's how you enter!" She and Akihiko went along, the doors closing shut afterward.
"Well… you wanna try it?" Yosuke suggested, as the rest of the group formed into a circle. "Wait a sec… There's nine of us remaining! That means someone that will be stuck out here… I nominate Teddie!"
"No fair, Yosuke! I want to dance with a cute girl!"
"This ain't a field trip, you dumb bear!" Yosuke lightly shoves the bratty bear. "Well, why don't we pair up?"
"Just one moment… I have a theory." Naoto stepped forth, realizing something moments before the Shadow Operatives entered the building. "The Shadow referred to Akihiko-san as a VIP. And it also stated that Non VIP guests must have a dance partner. Perhaps if we have an even number of guests and an extra VIP… then we all can enter."
"Oh yeah, that's right. Why don't we figure out who's a VIP." Then one person came to mind. "Yukiko! She's his boss, right? Surely that's worth a try."
"She'll pair up with Souji-senpai, regardless. So we need one more."
"I'll do it." Rise answered with a somewhat deeper tone.
"Rise-chan? But what about Moi?" Teddie interjects playfully, Yosuke pushing him back.
"Lay off her, bear! We gotta have someone try!" As he said this, she started walking forward to the Shadows at the door.
"Welcome to the Ball and Show. Please state your name."
"Rise Kujikawa."
"Let's see here… Kujikawa… Aha! You are a VIP Guest! We have been expecting you. Please enter!" The door quickly opened for her. And like that, problem solved! She entered and turned to see her friends as the door behind her would close.
"...That takes care of that. Now partner up." Souji ordered as he quickly sidled over to his girlfriend.
"Ugh… Chie, pair up with me." Yosuke would step up to his girlfriend, expecting immediate backlash given the rocky state of their relationship.
"...Fine. Let's do it, then." Chie put her feelings on the matter aside, realizing this was too important to let ego get in the way. Perhaps she was finally maturing, as the two would walk forward.
"Welcome to the Ball and Show. Please state your names."
"Uh… Yosuke Hanamura."
"Chie Satonaka."
"Let's see… Hanamura, and Satonaka! Please enter!"
Two more go in!
"Labby-chan! Let me be your knight and escort you to the big dance!" Teddie was even more enthusiastic about this.
"Haha, fine. Let's see ya live up to the rank, then." Teddie and Labrys would enter hand in hand, though she saw it as a joke more than anything.
"Kanji-kun, Naoto-kun, it's just you two left…" Yukiko spoke with a pinch of brattiness in her tone, causing the two in question to streak red across their cheeks.
"T-That ain't funny, Yukiko-senpai…!" Kanji reacted the most vocally about it, while Naoto lowered her hat.
"That's… uncalled for."
"C'mon, you two. We need everyone for this." Souji shook his head, as if to push Kanji on with his 'disappointment'.
"Agh! Fine! Let's go, Naoto."
"W-Wait!" She followed with heavy reluctance.
As they were the last two remaining to enter, Souji looked upon his girlfriend, arm in hand.
"...Is it bad that I once daydreamed about this?" Yukiko spoke with an embarrassed, yet dreamy tone.
"Haha, not at all. I only wish the circumstances were less… strenuous."
"Hmhm… You're right. Can I say something that I've always wanted to say if this moment came?" Her cheeks were burning at the thought of recalling those words.
"Sure."
"...Please escort me to the ball, my Prince." She spoke sheepishly, trying not to melt metaphorically after finally saying it.
"...Of course, Princess." It was time to face the music, the two now walking towards the guards.
"Welcome to the Ball and Show. Please state your names."
"Souji Seta."
"Yukiko Amagi."
"Let's see… Amagi… Seta… There you are! Both of you are VIPs. We nearly have all our invited guests! Please enter and enjoy yourselves!" Other guests? Were they just listing anyone he had some ties with? Well, they have no time to contemplate that.
At last the doors would open for the last two, the both of them smiling while entering. It was time to save their friend.
Deeper within, Masato was placed in the center of what looked like a stage floor, a lone spotlight shining upon him from up high.
"What…? It's too bright-!"
"'Too bright', he says. Haha… isn't this what you wanted? The Spotlight, all for you…?" A voice eerily similar to his own rang out from around him. "Don't you want everyone to look at you?" Another light appeared yards in front of him, a figure was basking in it with no issue. It… was him! The report was right! It's another version of him just like with Labrys! But he was wearing drastically different clothes.
His duplicate was wearing a black suit, a white button up reminiscent of late 1800s European design, alongside tight black gloves. But across his eyes, a rounded out mask with black on the mask's right side and white on the left half made for a clear distinction in color. Black and White… yet no gray in sight; strict rigidity. Said eyes glow a menacingly bright yellow, a look of hollow mockery and deep sadness. His smile looked arrogant, yet was not genuine.
"You… You're me, aren't you?"
"Of course. I'm glad you aren't running away this time… That's a first."
"Then let's get this over with. I know you're me, and I'm not going to deny it! So say your piece and talk! I want to be able to do more. To be more-"
"Useful? Yes, I know. But who said I'm making this easy for you? You think because you read that one report that you can just say the correct answer and move on? This ain't a multiple choice quiz that you can cheat, you ignoramus. …But you are right on one thing… We do have to talk. Our act is going to begin soon. You need to prepare for the main event!"
Back at the entrance hall inside the manor, Souji and Yukiko enter slowly, yet a bright light suddenly envelops their bodies.
"W-What's going on, Souji-kun?"
"I don't know-!" The light takes a dark glow, their clothes covered and transfiguring into something different.
"Senpai, don't worry, it's harmless!" A voice rang in his head and then Yukiko's, but their clothes… changed! Souji felt his becoming more layered, as a black suit, white button up, and black tie were the first to appear, and then a heavy black coat over it, just enough to wrap around and expose his suit underneath its veil, collar popped up. Yukiko's Cocktail dress was form fitting, hugging around her body was black veil with light glitter to further help her shine. Her dress had a cape-like piece that came from the back of her neck down, covering her from behind.
"W-What is this?" The first thing she realized was that she had some of her bust exposed, her cleavage was not prominent, but for her, this was still too much.
"This is… a bit much. What's going on?" Souji looked upon his own set of clothes, gloves now appearing on him to complete his look.
"Ah, you are now properly dressed in the ideal attire!" Another Shadow walked up to him, a new mask on and with the design of a Butler.
"Excuse me, but can you please explain this to me?" Souji could see all his friends starting to come up to him from behind the butler.
"Of course, sir. This event has a strict dress code, and you two were not appropriately matched for it. You and all your companions have been fitted with the attire fit for dancing and showgazing. Fear not, as your original attire will be given back to you once you depart."
Souji listened, yet something still gave him pause. "What if one of us tries to mess with these clothes?" He saw Kanji, who looked very irritated.
"Ah, then Security will have to escort you out. We would rather it not come to that, however. Your companion, Sir Tatsumi, has already been given his warning from that and for being too loud."
That explains why Kanji looked frustrated.
"My apologies, then. I shall make sure that will not be a problem."
"My gratitude to you, Lord Seta. Please enjoy your time at the ball and do catch our stage play! It will begin soon, after all."
"Pfft, ahahahahaha! Lord!? Pahahaha!" Yukiko started laughing, now completely ignoring her previous qualms.
"Mm, yes; is something amiss, Princess Amagi?"
"W-Wha-? Princess!?" Not this again! Yukiko thought this joke had died at long last!
"Of course; you both are VIPs, are you not? If you require anything, do not hesitate to contact the staff. Now, if you'll excuse me…" The Shadow Butler gave a bow and departed, passing by Kanji and the others.
"Yo, Senpai! What's with the monkey suits and fancy dresses? We're all looking so weird." Kanji bluntly spoke, definitely higher than room level. He was dressed in a suit as well, but with a red tie, and his blazer was over his back akin to how Dojima carried his own after work. His white button up had a black vest over it.
"Kanji-kun, please calm down. We mustn't let you encounter trouble once more." It was Naoto hiding behind him.
"Naoto-kun? Why are you hiding?" Rise pulled her out. The idol wore a tea length black dress with thin straps, exposing her shoulders and her legs. Her heels also were of adequate length, making her taller than she normally was, but she seemed to be much more comfortable with them. "Is it that hard for you to walk in those?" Naoto on other hand, looked more uncomfortable with the heels; but that was the least of her concern as she was pulled away from Kanji's backside.
"R-Rise-chan!" Now it was clear as to why. Her dress was more form fitting, exposed her leg, and had clear exposure of her bust. More than Yukiko's. The straps were tied up behind her neck as the black dress accented a bit of a red gradient. Actually… they all did. It was subtle, but this was all an intentional design choice.
"I'm surprised Kanji isn't flustered like before…" Souji whispers in his girlfriend's ear.
"Mhmhm, I think that's because he doesn't want to get in trouble. Look at his face." She giggled, and he saw why. He was trying to hide his blush now that she was in front of him again.
Yosuke and Chie appeared on the other side, also dressed up but more awkward about their outfits.
"Man… I can't pull this off like you can, dude." Yosuke's outfit was more akin to a butler's design, with a bowtie instead of the usual necktie. He was rubbing his neck, not used to this type of getup.
Chie's outfit was similar to Rise's, yet it was more pressed and straightened out, a bit like a pencil skirt fitting around her own figure. Kicking may be problematic in this one.
"Ugh, I hope we can get this over with. I don't think I can get used to it."
"You look good in it though, Chie." Yosuke bluntly replied, causing her to look away.
"T-That's not-"
"If you two are finished… Where are the other four?" Souji cut them off, realizing Chie had a point. Masato was somewhere in here.
"Oh, Fuuka-san said she sensed something further. Teddie also got a lock on his scent!" Rise replied, turning around immediately. "Follow me! I'm going on ahead!" This was rare after all; no Shadows were hostile as long as the rules were followed. This… made for a rather unusual situation. A first for everyone. Whereas Nanako's dungeon was a blend between her desires to see her mother, tainted by Namatame's messiah complex, which in turn, attracted the hostile shadows, this was nothing like that. However, the recent battle with Sho's legions of Shadows may have led to this being far less challenging.
"Let's go. And stick together." When partners were mentioned, Souji had a gut feeling that may be part of the rules as well. Best to stay safe, rather than sorry.
As they entered the ballroom, Shadows in the shape of masked dancers were littered around the center, moving to the sound of elegant music, strings echoing within their ears.
"Wow… it's so calming. I wish everywhere was like this." Chie felt at ease, a rare feeling for the normally peppy tomboy.
"I wonder… if this is reflective of how he views us?" Naoto posed a thought, scanning the large room with her eyes. "I wonder… did he really want to befriend us?"
"Of course he did!" Rise turned, arms straight down as she gave Naoto quite the glare. "He enjoyed his time with all of us. If he didn't, he wouldn't have…"
"Rise. Your voice."
"I-I know…" Her head drooped.
"Man… and I snapped at him like that…" Yosuke's tone reeked of regret, his arms crossed too tight around his chest. "We need to go. They should be on the other side, yeah?"
"Mm. I can sense Fuuka-san and the others past this place." Rise nodded, trying to corral everyone into coming along around the ballroom so as to not disturb the dancers.
Minutes pass as they come upon the others, before a door with Teddie growling at the Butler guarding the entrance.
"Grr…! Why can't I enter?" Teddie was in his own suit, his blue fur looking like it was gelled up to look as formal as it can get away with.
"As I said, sir; VIPs only. Your friend there can enter, but you cannot. I insist you move along before I call security."
"Grr… Why you-!"
"Teddie!" Souji's stern voice caused him to stop in place.
"Oh, Sensei! I found him! He's behind this door, but the stinky guard won't let me through."
"Teddie, back down. I'll handle this." He could distinguish the word "VIP" in that conversation. Maybe that's why he can't get in.
"Excuse me, how does one enter to view the Performance?"
"You must be a VIP to enter, as I have told that rough gentleman. Are you one?"
"Yes. I'm Souji Seta. I should be on the list."
"Seta… Let me review it." He pulled out a smaller scroll, and it did not take him long to find it. "Ah, here you are. You are free to enter when you are ready. The Show will begin soon."
"Thank you. I have other VIPs alongside me that I would like for you to check on."
"At once, sir. Simply have them come up and share their names with me." The Shadow gives a nod as Souji steps back to regroup with everyone. "One more thing, sir! If you all are a group… If there are four of you, we can allow one non-VIP to accompany you directly while your other guests will have to take the upper section up the stairs; but you are responsible for them. Should any of them violate the rules, then you all will be escorted off the premises. Is this acceptable?"
"Oh, of course."
"Very well. Present your party and decide upon your extra guest. I shall be waiting here."
With a nod, Souji returned to the rest of the group. Fuuka was wearing a black A-line style dress, her skirt slightly expanded, she was covered up well, save for broad shoulders and long black gloves. Akihiko was wearing a black suit, black tie, and a gray vest inside his put up blazer. Thick black gloves rounded out his design.
"So, what's the word? They said I could enter, but I don't think it's worth going in alone."
"You'd be correct, Akihiko-san. All VIPs can enter, and if we go in as a party, we can bring in one more person." Souji nodded, hand resting inside his coat pocket.
"Allow me to review the situation." Naoto interjects, finally getting used to this dress that plagues her. "Only VIPs can enter without issue; those include: Souji-senpai, Yukiko-senpai, Akihiko-san, and Rise-chan. Fuuka-san can support you all regardless of the location, but this means you are short one person for a frontline party. But this can be remedied by whomever you choose." She was completely dialed into her analysis, recalling everyone's strengths and weaknesses.
"Then we gotta have someone who can cover something we lack. I use Electric skills, Yukiko can use fire and healing, and Souji can cover for anything else. So what should we go for?"
"That's correct. Perhaps someone like Yosuke-senpai given his wind affinity… No, but I have a feeling he and I appearing before the shadow may rile it up. Or Masato-san himself…" Kanji would be a redundant pick and Teddie would as well save for his Ice affinity; and Chie was also more Physical leaning. Perhaps she can work? But someone spoke up to nominate themselves before Naoto could make that suggestion.
"...I'll go. I wanna help out Masato-kun." Labrys, who was adorned in a black a-line mini dress, perfect for mobile attacking style. Her Axe was still on her back, as if emulating a butterfly.
"Ah, that… might work. Your type of attacks would be a great asset. What do you think, Senpai?" Naoto tilts to look at Souji, nodding as he sees the team shaping up well.
"I'm fine with it. I think that's our group. This place may be less hostile, but we've never had a Shadow confrontation that didn't end in a battle."
"Heh… then let's get going!" Akihiko spoke with enthusiasm, fully confident in rescuing his friend.
"Right. Then are you ready, Yukiko?"
"Mm… I just hope these outfits don't get in the way." Her eyes trail, feeling a bit cumbered down by the dress still.
"Think of it as a challenge. We can cover for you. Ain't that right, Souji?"
"Of course. Then, if we're all set, you all go ahead and go upstairs. We'll get ready to enter from here."
Their plan was set and now all that was left was to save Masato himself! Little did they know, his Shadow had already begun arguing with him about his repressed feelings. Will they be too late? The Stage is set for a climactic conclusion! What other secrets does he have to hide now? His Shadow isn't afraid to speak of them. Can he accept them and himself? This Phantom was ready to rock the Opera house. It was time to see what lay beneath the Mask!
A/C: The fight is in the next chapter! This was just the setup! The fight won't last too long, but I made sure to make it have enough impact. Masato has much more room to grow. But, how do you all feel about the outfit swaps? The idea came to me from this "Persona x Devil Survivor" fanart I saw many years ago. It's a trip down memory lane just seeing it again. But this trend of them wearing different outfits into these new dungeons is a fun idea I wanna do again, so who knows, you might see it again! Albeit in different clothes next time.
Today's Musical Reference is "The Day I Tried to Live" by Soundgarden. Feels very fitting for Masato right now as he got outed. Next chapter's title I'm still a bit torn on, but I think I know what to go with!
Next time, the big fight with his Shadow. The next act's coming! Get ready for it!