The Phantom Justice (Persona 5 Royal & Strikers / Young Justice: Outsiders)
Chapter 12: Reawakening of the Trickster
The Crucible
Unknown Date & Time
Ren was thankful that he didn't give up on exercising. It was one of the things he did to pass the time when he was under probation. From doing pull ups from one of the beams in the attic to training at the Protein Lovers Gym back in Japan. His breath was panting as he ran through a forest. Despite being superhuman in the Metaverse, it was important to keep the body in physical shape.
Today, he wished he was in the Metaverse.
His hair stood on end as he felt the temperature warm behind him. Instinctively, he ducked down just in time to avoid a beam of ruby energy. It struck a nearby tree, leaving a smoking hole through it. Ren didn't stop to gaze at it as he continues running. He couldn't keep running forever, and his pursuer knew it. But if he stops now, then he will be able to pick him off. He needed to hide.
Eventually, he found a hiding place. While he was running, he spotted a massive tree root creating a narrow hole in the ground. Acting quickly, he threw a bag to the side before he lowered himself down the hole. He felt his body being squeezed at all sides, but he was able to hide himself before he heard the sound of running footsteps go past his hiding spot. He heard them slow down until stopping.
"Where did he go?" He heard his pursuer ask the wind. "Where the hell did, he go?"
Ren kept himself absolutely still. His hands gripped the edge of the earth as he struggled to not make a sound. If he found him like this, then he will be dead. He held his breath as he heard another set of footsteps running. The voice labeled them as female.
"Hey! Did you find him?"
"No! The bastard got away!"
"Damn it, Flashpoint! Do you know how bad it will be when Rose hears of this?"
"No shit, Flint! So, help me find him!"
"No time for that," Flint argued. "Look let's just find some more food. That way, we can say that we killed the bastard who took our stuff. I mean…it's not like she's going to ask for a confirmed kill, right?"
"Hey, you're right…" Flashpoint said. "Yeah, let's do that…"
The messy-haired man nearly gave a sigh of relief. They were about to give up the pursuit. He was about to pull himself up to check if they are gone when he heard a snap.
"What was that?"
Ren froze up. The sound was awfully close to his hiding place. If they walk over here and find him, he's as good as dead. He heard footsteps approach him slowly…
Then he heard something land on dead leaves. Judging by the sound, it was right in front of him.
"What the hell? It's just a racoon," Flashpoint muttered. "Do you think they taste good?"
"Then you should've killed it when you had the chance, it just run off," Flint muttered as Ren heard the aforementioned racoon scamper off. "Do you even know how to cook racoon?"
"Do you?"
"Nope, but we better go after it," Flint said as she began to run after their meat. "It's almost dark out. If we fail to catch it for dinner, I'm throwing you under the bus."
"Oh, hell no!" Flashpoint cried out as he ran after her. When the footsteps died out, silence fills the atmosphere. Ren gave it a several minutes before he lifted his head out of the hole. There was no sign of his pursuers.
He released the breath he had been holding ever since he hid in that hole. Content that he is safe for now, he pulled his body completely out of the hole. His already scruffy and ragged clothes are caked with dirt and bits of plants. Some of it had already gotten into his hair and on his face.
Slowly, he walked over to where he threw the bag and picked it up. Opening it, he made sure that the supplies he stole were still inside. A few fruits, two strips of cooked meat, and a bundle of rope. Considering his situation, a few small thieveries now and then would be justified.
Ever since he and the others were forced to take part of this killing game, Ren had struggled to survive. Aside from the forest and racoon, the island's biomes and wildlife are harsh. If that wasn't the worst of it, Templars words have set everyone against each other. Thanks to him, it was everyman for himself. Ren had close encounters with other victims, and they nearly killed him. Ren once witnessed a girl who had gleefully smashed a head of another with her bare hands. It took everything he had to avoid looking at the body as he escaped.
Ren decided to avoid anyone locked in combat and focus on survival. It hadn't been more than twelve hours before they started forming alliances. Turns out, there were people who believed working together will allow them to survive. But that doesn't mean they don't take the opportunity to kill other people trapped in this hell. He didn't know how long the alliance will last until they start turning on each other. What he did know was that there was no assurance that Templar or N.O.W.H.E.R.E would keep their word.
Like they said sky was getting dark. Ren decided to take a leaf from a book he read once. Approaching the nearest tree, he began to climb it by grasping the branches and using them as footholds. When he got high enough, settled down on a big branch. He tied himself to it with the rope, so he didn't fall off when he slept.
With his balance stable, he dug into the food like a wolf. While he ate, he thought about what to do next. He couldn't keep wandering around forever. No doubt he's going to encounter another group of people either waiting to kill him or force him to join
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Status report."
"Subjects twenty and sixty-seven are confirmed meta-active, Templar sir," A computer operator said, never taking her eyes off the screen. "Subject twenty is showing signs of damage transference. Subject sixty-seven is demonstrating some kind of super-strong psycho-kinetic limbs."
"Excellent," Templar said as he looks at the various screens displaying various parts of the crucible. One screen showed a blonde Caucasian girl letting a man with knives stab her, only for himself to suffer the wounds. Another screen showed a Mexican teenager beating a man with phantom arms.
They are not the only ones they are watching. He and the men of N.O.W.H.E.R.E are monitoring the activities on the crucible. The goal of the crucible is to instill a state of duress into the subjects so that they activate their meta-gene. Some of the teens have already become meta-activated through the climate where Leash had dropped them off at. Some of them have been activated during a life-or-death scenario such as combat. Already, this thirteenth batch is already showing promising results.
While he was watching, he felt his communicator go off. Knowing exactly who could be trying to contact him at a time like this, he answered it.
"Hello, sir."
"Any progress, Templar?"
"Of course, sir," Templar replied. "The subjects of batch thirteen are showing promising results."
"I'm not asking about the batch, Templar," His boss hissed in irritation. "I'm talking about the status of Subject 21."
"Ah, yes. Well…" Templar looked over at a screen. "He has made it through the first twenty-four hours without engaging the other subjects. Subject 21 is currently taking shelter above a tree. I'm sorry to report that he is not meta-active… yet."
"And why hasn't he been meta-activated?" His boss hissed. Templar winced at the tone. He was none too pleased about this. This isn't good.
"While some of the subjects are eager to engage in combat, the others are still clinging to their moral consciousness," Templar replied smoothly. "Subject 21 is one of them."
"All the more reason to make sure he's meta-activated."
"Forgive me if I am overstepping, sir," Templar apologized. "I know that you have such a high interest in Subject 21, but at this rate, he may just end up becoming a washout, and then we will have no choice but to dispose of him."
"No! It must be him! He must be meta-activated!" His boss declared. "Everything we've worked for is dependent on his meta-gene activating! There are no second chances! Do you understand?!"
"Of course, sir. I understand." Templar replied, trying to keep himself composed. He snapped his fingers at a nearby computer operator. "You! Make sure that Subject 21 is forced into combat with the other subjects."
"Sir, there is a group nearby," The operator reports. "But they are currently positioned in the urban biome. Subject 21 is too far away."
"Hmm…" Templar hummed in thought. "Bring up the group onscreen."
"At once sir," the operator said. Templar read over the information displayed. Slowly, a plan took hold.
"Get me in touch with that group," Templar said. "I have a proposition for them."
"Understood, sir." The operator replies. Templar nodded at this answer and talks into his communicator again.
"A plan is underway, sir," Templar replied. "If nothing else will make him meta-active, then there's nothing I can do."
"You've already done enough," His boss replied. "One more thing Templar… The correct term is awakened."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Ren's eyes fluttered open to the bright light of morning. For a moment, he thought he was back home in Japan. Unlike Tokyo, it was a simple small town. It was peaceful until that faithful day when Shido ruined his life. The upside is that he got to meet his friends and save the world from a god of control.
But no, reality was a cruel mistress. He was still on the island in the middle of a forest, trying to survive a death game. Despite his situation, it was quite beautiful being outdoors. He can observe nature and it was beautiful. The trees, the birds, the smoke…
Wait…smoke?
Sure enough, there is a column of smoke rising. Ren could make out the flicker of flames as they spread up the tree. Vegetation became black as it was used as fuel for the flames. Right now, they are headed towards his position.
Acting quickly, he unhooked the rope around him and climbed down. Halfway down, he let himself drop. He tucked his chin down and lowered his head. For additional protection, he brought his arms up to protect his head from the fall. He let out a hiss of pain as he hit the ground. Thank goodness that he kept his habit of reading.
As quickly as he got up, he took off running in the opposite direction of the flames. The air quality is hazardous during a wildfire. The smoke contains carbon monoxide and pollutants that can cause several health issues. That's only if the fire doesn't catch you first.
The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end and he felt heat coming from behind him. He flattened himself to the ground as a fireball soared above him. It crashed into the earth a few feet from him. The explosion had set nearby foliage on fire. Ren coughed out dirt as he struggled to get back up. He was seriously getting a sense of Déjà vu right about now.
"You were getting cold pal," A voice spoke from behind him. "But don't worry…you're getting warmer right about now."
He dared to glance behind him. Walking out of the spreading flames like a demon from the underworld is a red-haired teenager with yellow highlights, just like a flame. The clothes that he wore, a simple red shirt and jeans, had burn marks. His eyes were glowing molten yellow. Something told Ren that he was the one who started the wildfire.
The newcomer clued him in by conjuring a fireball in one hand. Ren kicked up dirt as he struggled to run as he threw the fireball. He didn't stop to look when the fireball missed him by a hair and set a tree on fire.
"Come on buddy! We're just having fun!"
He must have a sick definition of fun. Ren could tell from the way he acts that he didn't care what happened to him. It must've been because he can create and control fire. No sane person would set a forest on fire.
Ren continued to run, keeping his path serpentine and random as possible. It was a faint hope to lose the pyromaniac. It was also at risk of being burnt to death by the fireballs he keeps throwing around. Sometimes, it would be a tongue of flame. Being burnt alive is the most horrible death of all.
Eventually, he came to an urban biome. Abandoned apartment complexes stood tall like concrete trees. It reminded him somewhat of Inferno. Ren briefly wondered what the island was before it became an arena for this killing game. But there was no time to think. He needed to hide.
Ren ran into the nearest building. Luckily, it won't be fuel for his pursuers flames in case he tries to smoke him out. Did he seriously think of a fire pun at a time like this?
Running up the steps, he reached the door that led him to the roof. Slowly, he crept to the edge and peered over it. Sure enough, his pursuer came running out of the forest, which by now is escalating. It didn't look like he wanted to put it out.
"Now where did you go?" He yelled as if talking to the entire biome. Ren withdrew his head to avoid being spotted. He prayed to everything that is holy that he won't be discovered.
If he knew what was going to happen next, he would've stayed inside. Because the next moment, he felt something strong grab him by the shoulders. Ren was felt gravity lose its hold on him as he was carried into the air by something. As struggled against the grip of inhuman talons, he heard the flapping of wings.
"If you keep struggling, I'll drop you," A female voice called over the wind. "And trust me, it's a long way down."
Ren had to strain his neck to get a good look at her. She looked, for lack of a better word, like a harpy from Greek mythology. Her skin is covered in orange feathers aside from the ponytail that seemed to be made of red hair. Wings extended from her armpits to her forearms. Her legs are digitigrade, with strength to carry a human as he is experiencing for himself.
Reluctantly, Ren ceased his struggling as she continued to fly up. He knew better than to test someone when they are holding you fifty feet in the air. After a few minutes of flying, the harpy dropped him on top the roof of another skyscraper. Ren grunted as he rolled on his side before stopping.
Suddenly, he heard cackling laughter. Looking up, he saw another man leaning against the wall, giving him a mad grin. He wore red open hoodie and matching sweatpants. What drew Ren's attention was his spiky purple hair, which didn't look either dyed or natural.
"What's up? Didn't like Talon's drop off?" He asked. "Maybe you'll like this!"
The stranger's hands glowed a purple light as his hands became blades. They were longer than his forearm and looked like it could cut through his bones like butter. Ren scrambled to get up and back away from the grinning madman clinked his blades together.
Before he could approach him, a shadow moved in between the two. To Ren's astonishment, it rose in humanoid form. Ren couldn't make out any features due to the fact it's like a silhouette like Templar. It stared down at the blade man who backs away.
"Knock it off Shiv," The shadow being ordered. "I want this guy alive, not skewered."
"Okay boss," Shiv said as his hands returned to normal. Slowly, the shadow turned to look at Ren. Eyes white without pupils stared at him with the rest of his features obscured in shadow. It unnerved Ren somewhat.
"I apologize for my associate," he drawled, gesturing towards Shiv. "He hasn't been able to slice anyone lately."
"I'm suspecting that will change depending on the circumstance," Ren asked tensely. At the corner of his eye, he saw the orange harpy land behind him. If he remembered correctly, Shiv called her Talon.
"Damn, you're smarter than I took you for," the shadow said. "The name's Ebon. Master of shadow and darkness. I'm the leader of this crew."
"So, I guess everybody is already abandoning their real names," Ren muttered. "Alright…I'll play along. You can call me Joker."
"Joker? Is this guy serious?" Shiv asked, throwing his head back as he laughed. "Dude, I don't know what they've told you in China, but that guy is locked away in Arkham and you look nothing like him!"
"I'm Japanese," Ren snapped. "And you're right…that mad man is supposed to be in Arkham…so what are you doing here?"
Behind him, Talon burst out laughing. Shiv didn't seem to take the joke kindly, because he turned one of his arms into blades again. Before he could move, Ebon held out a hand in front of him.
"Cool it," He ordered. "Besides that, was pretty hilarious. Looks like Joker definitely suits you, my friend."
"Friend? If I recall, 'friend' isn't exactly a word used around the crucible."
"It will be once you join my crew," Ebon said. "You can say that I'm a collector of sorts. I'm looking for people like us to survive the second day of this hell."
"People who are being pushed to kill each other you mean," Ren rebuked. "You do realize that Templar has no intention of keeping his promise? Their organization is built on exploiting meta-humans."
"You think I don't know that? That's why I have a way off this island."
"You have a way off this island?" Ren asked in surprise. "How? I'm pretty sure that they have taken every measure to make sure we don't leave the island."
"Let's just say that I have my ways," Ebon said cryptically. "So, what's it going to be, Joker? You going to join us or what?"
Honestly, Ren was tempted to accept his offer. If what he is saying is true, then he can escape this hellhole. He can reunite with his friends, letting them know he's alright. This nightmare could be put behind him at last.
But like Templars promise, it carried risk. He wasn't sure if Ebon is giving out false hope to these people. Even if he was, to obtain something, one must give something in return. Something told him that this man isn't giving a 'get out of hell free' card. Especially when he made no mention of getting everyone else off the island. He's like a devil asking for his soul.
That wasn't something that Ren had no intention of giving.
"I refuse," Ren said. What he is saying could get him killed, but he refused to let anyone control his life. "Even If I had powers, I think I'd rather take my chances."
Everyone stared at him blankly. It was silent until broken by the sound of Shiv's laughter.
"You don't have any powers?" Shiv guffawed. "How the hell did you survive this long?"
"A little something called using your brain," Ren answered. "Would it be alright if I borrow yours? You sure aren't using it."
"He's not wrong," Talon said pointedly to the fuming Shiv.
"Everyone calm down," Ebon ordered. He narrowed his eyes hard at Ren. "If the issue is activating your Meta-Gene, then I have a solution. If you make it out, maybe you'll change your mind."
He did not like the way Ebon said that. At that moment, the door leading off the roof opened. Walking out is the pyrokinetic that was chasing him. He looked to be out of breath.
"There…you…are…" He said in between breaths before he glared at Ebon. "Would it kill you to give me a ride once in a while?"
"Think of it as your punishment, Hotstreak," Ebon said without looking at him. "You were supposed to bring him to us, not set the whole forest on fire! Lucky for you, the next assignment will more than make up for it."
"What am I, you're lapdog?" Hotstreak asked heatedly.
"You do want off this island, right?" Ebon asked, his tone steady. He and Hotstreak glared at each other in a silent standoff. The latter threw up his hands in resignation.
"Alright! What do you want me to do this time?"
"This guy over here doesn't have any powers," Ebon said, pointing towards Ren. "I'm going to have you fix that."
"How?"
"You tell me. Set him on fire for all I care. Go to the bottom of the tower when you're done, and I'll pick you up. Later."
With that, Ebon's shadowy arms stretched out towards Talon and Shiv. Grabbing them, he pulled them towards him. They seem to vanish into the darkness of his body before Ebon slithered to a nearby shadow. Like his compatirots, he seemed to vanish into it. This left Ren alone with Hotstreak.
"Nowhere left to run now," Hotstreak leers as he creates a fireball for each hand. "Now the question of the day is…do I feel lucky?"
As much as Ren hated to admit it, he was right. The only way out was the doorway behind Hotstreak, and there was no way that he was going to let him pass. He looked eager to finish what he started back in the forest. These thoughts ran through his head as Hotstreak advanced, but Ren refused to back away in fear.
Death has always been the final stop in life, yet this is how it ends. After so many heists, fighting shadows, and close encounters with death, this is how he dies. Burned to death on a remote island without anyone knowing he was here. He saw the face of his friends, his loved ones flashing before his eyes as Hotstreak prepares to burn him. Ren closed his eyes and braced himself for his inevitable end.
"I'm sorry, everyone…"
"Are you really going to let it end here?"
Ren's eyes opened up at the sound of a familiar voice. Hotstreak didn't appear to have heard it. Why would he? He didn't have a Persona. The last time he spoke was when he first awoke to his power in Kamoshida's castle.
"Arsène…?"
"What'cha say?" Hotstreak asked, lowering his arms.
"Was everything you've done all for naught? Countless battles against injustice and you willing to let this one slide without question?"
"Of course, not…," Ren whispered. Even if he didn't have any power in the real world, he refused to just sit on his back and die.
At his answer, Arsène let out a deep sinister laugh. Despite the absurdity of the situation, Ren almost felt like laughing himself.
"Now that's the spirit!" Arsène roars in delight. Then, Ren felt excruciating pain sear through his head. This was all too familiar.
"Yo! You trippin?" Hotstreak asked.
"Never forget your vow to me again!" Arsène declared. "For your resolve and tenacity, we shall renegotiate the terms of our contract! With the power at your disposal, you shall be the next greatest thief!"
At that moment, a wave of force shot out from Ren, knocking Hotstreak off his feet and on his butt. Ren felt something on his face. Tracing the outline, he realized that he is wearing his mask. But why is it on his face? It was only worn whenever he is in the metaverse.
Hotstreak was starting to stir from the knockdown. Ren knew he was going to be dead the second he gets his bearings. Quickly, he gripped his mask as he began to pull. It felt like it was stuck to his face with super glue. Just like when awakened Arsène for the first time. Yet something is different in this déjà vu.
With the sound of squelching blood, he ripped the mask off. It was like his skin was ripped off as he held the mask. Warmblood is running down his face. He ignored the stinging air against his face.
"What the hell!?" Hotstreak exclaimed, looking at Ren as if he was psycho. When Ren looked up, the pyrokinetic flinched as gold, not grey, eyes stared back at him. But what really frightened him was that sinister smile and the laugh that seemed to follow. That laugh sent shivers down his spine.
It became deeper as Ren's face caught fire. But unlike the pyrokinetic flames, this fire was blue. Those golden eyes shrunk as the flames engulfed his head, forming a grinning face. That face became more demonic looking like the blue flames that spread out his body. Yet his eyes never stopped staring at him.
Hotstreak was paralyzed with fear as the burning figure approaches him. Without warning, a burning hand reached out and grab his face. That snapped the redhead into action. Try as he might, he couldn't get the man's grip off.
From where they stood, a column of blue fire erupted towards the sky.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Templar and the rest of the drones were watching the exchange. The silhouetted doctor was determined to make sure everything was proceeding as planned. He contacted the subject calling himself Ebon and told him that he will be allowed to leave the island with anyone else provided he carry out the deed.
They left the subject calling himself Hotstreak tried to burn Subject 21 in hopes of making him meta-active. They watched as Subject 21 seemed to have grown a mask on his face and ripped it off. Grisly display at first, but then the subject caught fire. It was disturbing to see Subject 21 laughing while being burnt. Just as he was enveloped by the flames, the camera's cut to static.
"What is going on?" Templar demanded. "Why aren't the camera's working?"
"I don't know sir," an operator said nervously. "We performed maintenance before the culling begun. They should've been no issues after—"
"Give me results not excuses!" Templar yelled, slamming a hand onto the console. The atmosphere became tense as his eyes seem to glow dangerously. "Get me visual on that area at once or I'm feeding you to my pets."
"That will not be necessary Templar." The voice of Templar's boss cut through the conversation like a knife. Everyone froze up at the sound. Most of them wouldn't admit that hearing that voice sends chills up their spines.
"Sir…?"
"Everything has gone according to plan rest assured. Focus your attention to the rest of the subject for the remainder of the culling."
"What about Subject 21?"
"He is exercising his newfound power. Or should I say… powers."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Hotstreak finally reached the bottom floor. After countless hours of walking down several flights of steps, most of them broken, he made it. His legs were aching, but after a few moments of rest, the pain lessened if not faded completely.
"Would it kill them to have working elevators?" He muttered. Clapping his hands, he walked to the center of the lobby. "Hey Ebon! I'm here! Bring me back or I'm shoving a flame up your ass!"
For a few moments, nothing happened. Then a shadow rose of from behind him and enveloped him. The temperature dropped as Hotstreak found himself surrounded by darkness. He couldn't feel anything for what seemed like minutes. Finally, he felt solid ground beneath him as his vision returned.
From what he can guess, they are in an abandoned subway. Shiv was sitting on a crate juggling three energy balls, humming a tune to himself. Talon was perched on top of a subway cart like an actual bird. Ebon was standing behind him as he returns to human form.
"How did it go?" Ebon asked.
"The guy is burnt like toast," Hotstreak gloats as he claps his hands. "Disappointedly, he didn't scream like the others."
"Really?" Shiv asks. "He didn't scream at all?"
"Not at all."
"Damn," Shiv whistled. "That guy must have lost of grit. I would be screaming my head off if I was being burned alive."
"Can we please stop talking about this?" Talon snapped, clearly uncomfortable. She turns to Ebon. "So, what's our next move?"
"While that last guy was a disappointment, I heard that there are other teens gathered in the mountains," Ebon said. "In one hour, we're going to head up there and add them to our collection."
"Ugh! Do we really need new guys?" Hotstreak asked, spreading his arms wide. "I mean, aren't we enough?"
"The point of building an empire is that you need manpower," Ebon said, getting into Hotstreaks face. "Once we've gathered enough members, we can finally get out this hell hole. Just like I promised as long as you work for me."
"Just to be clear…you can get us off this island, right?" Hotstreak asked. "I mean, I hate to agree with the guy I just fried, but what if he's right?"
"Have I ever steered you wrong?" Ebon asked, getting up and close with Hotstreak. "As long as there is a shadow, I can get us there. But take a good look at us. You think your parents are going to accept you back now that your meta? Why do you think that they are starting the witch hunts all over again? Because they fear us. They fear our power…and that's how we will rise."
"That's a big ambition," Shiv says as he turns his energy balls into a knife. "You really think we can pull it off."
"With the Justice League's hands tied, we can rule like kings," Ebon said, spreading his arms wide. "Together, we will be the greatest criminal empire since Al Capone! Then, when the time is right, we will overthrow the government and the League to usher in a new world order for people like us. The normal people will be serving us like gods! Nobody can tell us what to do."
Ebon's crew stared at him wide eyed at his ambition. Their mouths were open wide at his bold desire. Then, the silence was broken by Hotstreak's laughter.
"Ha! I have to admit, I thought you were just some crazy ass punk with that speech," Hotstreak said as he killed his laughter. "But what you said makes sense. Why the hell should we listen to the normies when we can just take what we want?"
He held out his hand. "So, count me in."
"This is probably, the smartest decision you've ever made, Hotstreak," Ebon said, shaking the offered hand. "Allow me to officially welcome you to the Meta-Breed."
Hotstreak smiled. At that moment, his eyes glowed golden. A ring of fire erupted around the red-head and Ebon. Shiv and Talon took a leap back in surprise. In Talon's case, she flapped away from the wall of flames.
"Hotstreak, what the hell are you doing?"
"Just thought that this place could use a little more fire light!"
"Are you crazy Hotstreak?" Talon cries out. She and Shiv kept their distance lest they want to get burnt. They couldn't see past the flames, but they could make out the sounds of fighting in the ring of fire. They could make out a blast of fire and Ebons limbs. For a moment, they thought they saw wisps of blue fire.
After what seemed like several minutes, the flames died out. Standing in the center was Ebon, alive, and unharmed. From his posture, he was furious.
"Where'd Hotstreak go?" Shiv asked.
"I almost had the rat before he ran off," Ebon snarled. "Shiv, you're with me! Shive, go outside and cover the sky in case he tries to make a run for it above ground! We're not leaving this area until we find him, got it!?"
"You got it boss," Shiv salutes, one hand turned into an energy knife. Talon nodded and flew towards the entrance. Within seconds, she was flying upwards into the sky. The air rushed against her as she gained altitude.
Briefly, she wondered why she was still with these thugs. With these wings, she could've flown away from the island. She would have been free from this death game and everyone who wanted to exploit her. But Ebon had a point. Would her parents really accept her back? A freak like her?
"Yo, Talon! Down here!" Shiv was waving his arms at her. Talon swopped down in front of him, kicking up a small gust of wind.
"What is it? Did you find him?"
"Yep, and the boss is giving him a hard time. An EXTREMELY hard time," Shiv chuckled. "Maybe now he'll learn to cool his head. Want to watch with me?"
"What was the point of sending me out here then?" Talon complained, but she proceeds to walk back down the dark place they call their base. Shiv followed behind her. Strangely, it was quiet considering that Hotstreak should be screaming from whatever pain Ebon is putting him through. But when she got back to where it began, there was nobody there.
"Uh, Shiv? Where did you say Ebon was?" Talon asked. She didn't hear a reply, which wasn't like the psychopath. Turning around to ask him what was up, she saw that he wasn't there.
"Shiv?"
The moment that she turned her back, someone stepped out from behind the pillar. The figure conjured up a chain of blue energy and wrapped it around her neck. Talon felt the air cut off from her windpipe. She grips the chain with her hands in attempt to get some air. The harpy tried to buck her assailant off, but they held on. A familiar voice spoke into her ear.
"If I recall correctly, if the pressure if immedieatley released, the consciousness will be regained within ten to twenty seconds," he said. "After hearing all that from Ebon, I can't just let you guys loose. So, if you are smart, I recommend staying down here until it all blows over."
"You are—!" Talon breathed out before her world became black.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
When Ren felt Talon become slack, he realeased her. Her unconscious body fell to the ground. Ren was wearing his metaverse attire instead of his damaged clothing. He felt stronger and faster like he was in the metaverse. No longer was he Ren Amamiya. Now, he was Joker, leader of the Phantom Thieves whom defeated four metahumans on his own.
After confirming that Talon isn't getting up, he reached out a hand towards her. Blue wisps of flame flew out from her prone body and toward his hand. Slowly, the feathers shrunk until they are replaced with white skin. Her legs shrunk back into human looking ones. The wisps traveled up his arm to where his mask is, briefly glowing as it accepts the new power. By then, Talon had been transformed into a human again.
Upon awakening to his new abilities, he instinctively seized Hotstreak's power. It was just like acquiring a new Persona. After experimenting with the ability to create and control fire, he felt hope blossom within him. From what he can tell about Ebon, he can travel through shadows like they are portals. If he could get his hands on his ability, he could get home.
The problem was finding him. Luckily, he told Hotstreak to head to the bottom floor of the building so that he'll pick him up. While he was trying to figure out how to get Hotstreak to help him get there, he accidentally discovered another ability. Blue wisps of flame had washed over and transformed him into Hotstreak. Everything about him looked and sounded exactly like the pyrokinetic, down to the smallet detail. While this ability was active, he felt the presence of his first Persona.
If he recalled correctly, Arsène was a master of disguise and can change his appearance in an instant. Perhaps his Persona's powers have manifested based on the exploits and fame of the gentleman burglar himself. An accurate reflection in the real world if he does say so. Could it be the same for any Persona that he acquires?
Leaving Hotstreak on the roof, he made his way downstairs. To pass the time, he experimented with his newfound powers. He found himself as physical as he was in the metaverse. He was stronger, faster, and more durable. Switching between powers was like swapping Personas. As it turns out, he can only use one at a time.
When he got to Ebon's hideout, he quickly used his flame powers to cut Ebon off from the others. It was when he was trying to take Ebon's powers that he found some complications. Naturally, the target would resist the power transferal. Ren theorized that if strong enough, they could prevent the process all together. It would be easier if the target were worn out before trying to take the power.
That was exactly what he did. He fought Ebon in a fight between fire and Shadow. The light of his flames was enough to keep the shadowy villain from teleporting out of the ring. Ebon retaliated with his stretching limbs and flattening himself like a real shadow. But unlike the villain-wannabe, he had plenty of experience in fighting Shadows more dangerous than him. It was thanks to his agility that he was able to avoid being hit.
Finally, he was able to defeat Ebon by increasing the intensity of his flames. The bright light seemed to paralyze him long enough for Ren to land a fire ball. The concussive force was enough to knock Ebon out. Fortunately, he didn't appear to experience any burns, which was fine with him.
Upon taking his power, he dismissed the ring of fire. In mere seconds, he took on Ebon's appearance. He ordered Talon to go outside so he can take Shiv alone. It was a brief skirmish, but he was able to defeat him and take his power. It was a simple manner of luring Talon back inside and incapacitating her.
After acquiring Talons powers, he wondered where this development would lead to. Could this have something to do with why he tested positive for the metagene? If so, what does that mean? He'll have to talk to Lavenza the next time he visits the Velvet Room.
For now, it's time to find a way home. Briefly, he thought about bringing these people with him. But he only recently acquired these abilities. There was a risk that they could die upon his first use of shadow travel. Besides, he felt no obligation to help them escape after trying to kill him. He will let the whims of fate decide their fate.
Then he thought about the other victims of this death game. With his abilities, he could help them escape. He remembered Fairchild, Freefall, Grunge, Rainmaker, and Burnout. They like so many others don't deserve to be trapped in this hell. But he didn't know where he can find them or if they are alive. He didn't have time to go out searching either.
Long ago he and his friends learned that despite their powers, they are only human. But that didn't mean there was nothing he could do. If he could alert the proper authorities, then they could raid the island and rescue the kids. But first, he'll need to find some proof.
And he knew just where to find it.
"I'll come back for you. All of you," Ren promises as he switched to Ebon's power. His shadow extended in front of him. He felt his body turn into a darker shade of black, making him wonder if Shadow form is required to manipulate and travel through shadow. Further experimentation is required when he gets back to Japan. Ren felt himself descend into his Shadow with determination set on his face.
He was going home.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
However, rather than home, he came upon what appear to be a server room of sorts.
"What the...?" Ren let out. "Is this a server room?"
He then noticed a light coming through the glass of a modern-looking door. He walked over, before looking out into a hallway outside. It was then that he noticed the familiar form of Silverback coming from the right, walking in a way that any gorilla normally would. He quickly moved away from the glass as Silverback walks by. After several moments, before looking back out into the hallway, seeing that there was no sign of Silverback, or anyone else, for that matter. Knowing that he was safe for the time being, Ren let out a sigh of relief, while sliding down with his back against the wall. However, it was at that moment that he realized something.
"Wait... If that was Silverback out there, then... I must still be in the N.O.W.H.E.R.E. facility!" He quietly exclaimed. He then looked down at his hands. "Guess I don't have a good hang of these powers just yet... I guess I'm just going to have to practice on the go." He said, before noticing some hard drives on a nearby cart. He then got an idea. He dashes over to the cart and he grabs one of the hard drives before using the shadow powers he got from Ebon again. A moment later, he was gone.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Unbeknownst to Ren, however, he was being watched thanks to a hidden camera in the server room. A cloaked figure watched the holographic display of Ren snatching the hard drive before disappearing.
"He has taken the bait." The cloaked figure said in a heavily distorted voice.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Public Security Intelligence Agency Headquarters, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
August 9th, 2018 8:00 PM JST
"Why don't you stop wasting my time with your bravado and tell me what I need to know?"
Inside the headquarters of the PSIA, an interrogation was taking place. A meeting room is littered with the bodies of headless members. Blood dripped from the neck and stained the carpeted floor. There was only one who was left with his head, and he is suspended in the air as if restrained by invisible ropes.
Hovering off the floor in a cross-legged position in front of the screen is a male wearing a maroon and purple suit. He had blonde hair with handsome features. The right eye is covered in a red patch in the form of a lightning bolt. On his lap is a wooden bo-staff. His one blue eye stared at the man in front of him.
"It's a very simple question," He continued. "You people are obviously the only ones in Japan who has this information. I mean, you made it clear that you knew his identity a while back, didn't you? So, I ask again… Who is the leader of the Phantom Thieves?"
"Go…to…hell…" The Pubsec member gritted out. This earned him a smirk from his aggressor.
"Thank you for the information," He whispered. The last expression that the Pubsec member showed was confusion. His head exploded in a cloud of blood, bone, and brains. Some of it got on the man, but he didn't seem to mind. Rather, he relished it.
He picked up his staff as he lowered himself down. Standing up, he pressed two fingers to his temple.
"This is Threshold," He speaks out. "I've got the name of our target. Find out everything you can about him. Friends, family, everything."
Surprise! Turns out that the previous chapter wouldn't be the last chapter for a while. This one is! I hope that this will satisfy you all for a while until I do get back to it. Later! And feel free to let your own imagination run wild, as well as message me whatever ideas you do have that could help me out later on!
