Guess whose back?
…Yeah look I know I should address the whole me being gone for like a year thing but I would probably just repeat everything I already said in the past. Bunch of things happened. Not all bad though. Internship was begun and ended in that time. I'm in my final terms of college too and starting a job to get some money on the side (much as I love writing it isn't paying the bills lol). I address the whole situation in depth at the end of the chapter.
For now… I just hope you enjoy the latest chapter. You definitely earned it after all the wait :)
I put also a TW warning for disturbing content. Once again attempted sexual assault by Kamoshida. The guy warranted nearly every TW in this story.
As always guest reviews now
PhantomDark: thanks I will try :)
Zach T: Your very welcome glad you enjoyed it :)
Its fine really just appreciate the sympathy. But life is life shit just happens all the time. Gotta learn how to deal with it :)
Im glad you think so highly of the story! Yep trying to make a MC grow that already 'finished' his game was important to me and I wanted to portray it properly. Also always glad to see people like my take on Akechi. Definiteley experimental but fun to do xd. There is sadly not much to her in this chapter (P5 has too many characters) but hope its still fun to read.
I'll keep your words on the flashbacks in mind.
And thanks a lot. Life is a bit hectic and full but overall better I appreciate the kindness :)
Anonymousd: that's actually a plotpoint I had considered funnily enough. Wont spoil if that actually happens though
Anon92: thanks happy you enjoyed what I put my guy Joker through!
Honestly that bit was at least in part me mocking how much Persona clings to 'accidental pervert' beatdowns. They've gotten REALLY annoying (and even happened in Strikers) so just Morgana and Ryuko being awkward was a bit self indulgent to me lol
We will probably never know for sure how that original draft of P5 would have been. Appereantly you would have lived with Sae too so that's that. In any case I am overall happy with the game we got.
Noted but I do think it was too dark so it is still considered non canon
Hello: Don't worry Im good at ignoring certain people ;)
Ld5: very late but thanks! Merry Christmas to you too XD
Nsilver: there is already an ending planned if that helps your curiosity.
TheChaoticDragon: I mean their still them I didn't want to just erase Yusuke in his entirety XD. Happy you enjoy what I done with them! Yuzu will get her own share of time eventually she is fun
ILoveThis: Yes today.
The rest of the day passed by in a blur for Akira. The hours felt like seconds, all drowned out by the single message repeatedly going off in his head.
Distortion Found
These two words had made everything seem so far away in an instant, his teachers words, the glances of his classmates… all was drowned out by that one notification.
A part of him had wanted to grab Makoto right than and there, drag her to the Metaverse himself and make her face her shadow like Futaba did… but he just couldn't bring himself to do it.
Though as he left the school thinking to himself, the two words like a dark cloud over his head, there was at least one good thing that he could celebrate today. Shiho would be fine. Morgana would do his job well he just knew it.
Suddenly Akira's bag felt heavier. He blinked in small acknowledgement before moving to open it, grinning down at his feline companion.
"Mission suc-"
"JOKER BIG PROBLEM!" the cat said with wide blue eyes.
…Oh come the hell on.
His grin turned into a frown as he hurried down the nearest empty alleyway where no one could see him argue with his bag. "What do you mean."
"Okay I am going to save you the details but I screwed up poisoning Kamoshida."
Akira all but immediately grabbed Morgana by the neck and looked him dead in the eye in alarm. "Explain now!"
"I've been tailing Kamoshida all day trying to get a good opportunity to tamper with his drinks. I got his water bottle finally during a PE class but…"
"But what did he not drink it?"
"…have you seen Daiji anywhere today?"
"Who?"
"The bully."
"No but-"
"He is passed out in the bathroom!"
"From wha-" Akira barely got halfway through his question before he blinked again. "Are you saying-"
"That idiot drank from Kamoshidas bottle, yes!"
"…WHY!?"
"I've seen him argue about it with the two other Mementos targets. He called it Kenshu and wanted to do it. He thinks it makes him understand his coach better."
Over a couple drinks people could forge great relationships. When the alcohol ran so did emotions and many countries had their own traditions regarding sharing drinks. A Japanese belief was called Kenshu, the exchange of offering and being offered a cup. The belief was that by drinking from the same source, you better understand each others feelings. For someone wanting to emulate an idol this somewhat made sense.
There was just one thing to correct.
"…KENSHU IS DONE WITH FUCKING SAKE! EVEN I KNOW THAT AND I DON'T EVEN FUCKING DRINK!"
"But fuck me I want to start."
"Oh please don't ruin my abstinence." Arsene of all people said.
"Fuck you I read your books you still drink to keep your cover up."
"HEY HOW COULD I HAVE EXPECTED THAT! I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THAT WAS!"
"Okay no matter." Akira said and dropped Morgana to the ground. "Listen good Morgana. Watch Kamoshida. Don't let him out of your eyes."
"I will but what will you-"
"He went to Shiho after failing at Ann and that only happened because I interfered." Akira said and not even wasting one more second ran to the train station. He absolutely needed to catch the next train. Frankly, the thought of just running straight to his office and dragging Kamoshida into his Palace was equally as tempting.
Fuck all this. Fuck Kamoshida, fuck Daiji, fuck Makoto's Shadow, fuck Futaba's Uncle cosplaying an Egyptian God, fuck everything. He just wanted things to go his way for once.
"Will you please give it a rest!? I told you, I'm not feeling up to it…"
Ann felt her stomach churn once again. Why had she expected things would lighten up? Because of a few good days that shattered the norm?
Shiho still had practice and so Ann was forced to go alone back home. And at the station she received a call from the number she least wanted to see.
"I don't care. Come over. You know the address. Wait for me at the door like a good girl." Kamoshida said and there was something different in his tone. He wasn't mocking or condescending. He was angry. Downright livid.
Ann swallowed, her hands sweating. He couldn't actually…
"I don't have time for it today. I-"
"Am what, on your fucking period? I don't fucking care."
What… what was with him? She had never heard him speak like this.
"But-"
"Listen up Ann, either you make your way to my apartment right this second and if it means you have to cancel the biggest magazine in all of Japan, or I make sure Shiho will never step a foot on my Volleyball Team again."
"Wait what!? That's not what you promised!" The deal was that he'd go easy on Shiho and the team and not bother anyone. Not to the same degree as Ryuko and her leg. In exchange Ann would… be close to him. When there was something he needed or if he wanted some sort of companionship she would come over. Nothing ever happened… the man just got a rush from knowing he could.
But… that didn't seem to suffice anymore.
Ann had a feeling that day might come one day but she had hoped it would be when Shiho and her graduated and she could squirm out.
"And you call yourself a teacher!?"
"I CALL MYSELF THE FUCKING BOSS OF THIS FUCKING SCHOOL! WHEN I SAY JUMP YOU DON'T ASK HOW HIGH YOU JUST DO AND IF IT BREAKS YOUR LEG!"
The blonde recoiled, even over the phone she felt his presence right there with her, taking a step back out of pure instinct.
"What do you wanna do huh? Cry to the Police? Like Ryuko-chan tried before? How did that turn out? Or wait maybe you try and tell your parents, have them ruin themselves because of a cry-baby that can't comprehend the way the real world works. Oh what about your modeling career? Yeah people would just love to print pictures of a filthy slut and liar."
He was more aggressive than usual that was clear. And he was currently with Shiho. She wasn't even sure if everything he said would be true but even a single world was enough for her throat to tighten.
And if it wouldn't be her it would be Shiho. He'd ruin her reputation, take away the one thing she loves to do.
She was silent, even though she wanted to spit so many insults at him.
Instead there was nothing and he eventually had the final word "Come to me."
And with that he hung up, leaving Ann alone. Alone with that deep, burning pit where everything went to waste away.
"…Shiho.." Ann whispered, putting her face into her hands. It took every bit of control not to collapse on the floor surrounded by all these-
"Sorry. Ann was it?" Ann reeled back at the familiar voice, coming face to face with the by now infamous transfer student. Ryuko's new friend. She almost completely forgot about him, even after all he did to make her dumbfounded.
…he made Kamoshida angry didn't he? At the sports rally?
Was… this his fault? Is he why Kamoshida is so unhinged?
"Akira?" she asked as if to make certain he was existing and he only nodded, a concerned expression on his face. "Hey is… everything okay? Sounded like one hell of a phone call."
…Good grief Ann what are you doing now? Blaming people that already have been dealt a bad hand? Akira had enough things to deal with. She could already see Kamoshida had him in his sights.
But he was making Ryuko happy. She was so closed off ever since she broke her leg and Makoto… became more distant. How would she react if Akira was expelled?
…Maybe Ann could convince Kamoshida to… let Ryuko have him? Restrain himself around the transfer student?
But for that she would have to-
Ann felt sick. She had never wanted to pressure Shiho for anything, just content with kissing, cuddling and maybe more than that. She still had ideas for how she wanted to lose her innocence. Candles, flowers, something right out of some ridiculous romance novel.
Not… not like…
She felt her mouth go dry, her entire body sweating, shaking. Not trading it to HIM just to-
"Hey uhm… I might be speaking about something that doesn't concern me but- oh fuck!" she heard Akira curse as he barely avoided getting some of her bile on his shoes. Ann heaved and choked, she never felt this sick before. Not ever since she was six years old and flying for the first time. Her eyes went watery and she just couldn't stop heaving.
People were watching and one had his hands on her back. She immediately recoiled but looked into silver eyes.
"H-hey, hey it's okay. Let it out." Akira said softly stroking her back and holding her hair behind her as she stood there, panting and choking. It was only pure endurance that stopped her from collapsing right here and there.
"I… I need to go." She needed to go to Kamoshida's place, without vomiting.
"No you don't. You need to rest. I think there is a burger joint around here-"
"No I need to… I need to go-"
"Ann look at me."
"Let me go I need to."
"Look at me." He said but… something seemed different. He slowly turned her head towards him and…
…There was something so warm about these red eyes. She felt… oddly calm now.
"…You are distressed… you aren't thinking correctly. Please let me just… bring you somewhere quiet and safe. Okay?"
Ann felt herself still… calmed but weak. Oh so weak looking into these silver eyes. She didn't want to have a panic attack in public or in front of HIM… maybe Akira was right.
"O-okay." She choked out, her knees shaking as Akira helped her down the street.
Akira felt sickened. Not an unfamiliar feeling by any means. He felt sick about this country, about the apathy of the masses, about their targets…
But now as his eyes burned as if injected with a dozen syringes, he felt sick at himself.
"You did what you had to." Satanael reassured him but it was a small condolence.
Ann was one of the most headstrong and determined people he knew. If she set her mind to something she really wanted, like protecting Shiho, she would do ANYTHING.
Something went worse this time with the phone call and he couldn't help but feel like this was his fault (another thing to hate about time travel… EVERYTHING is your fault). She didn't vomit before. And he knew that she was going to go straight to Kamoshida and he couldn't let that happen.
So… he used Satanaels power ever so briefly… just to make her calm down and consider his words.
But… he manipulated her. Ann, his Panther, his Lovers. He would never do it again. He could never do it again.
But for now he just paid her meal at Big Bang Burgers. Something to drink and some burgers with fries and of course some sweet ice cream for dessert. She offered a half-hearted complaint when he ordered and went to pay for everything but Akira shot it down.
And now, they were back here in this familiar booth away from anyone else, Ann having replaced the taste of vomit quietly with something to drink and to eat. Still… she seemed so fragile it made Akira feel like burning that entire Castle to ash.
"Listen I… appreciate the food but… I am fine. It was just an argument. You are wasting your time with me." Ann finally said, unable to look him in the eyes.
"No it wasn't and no I don't." he said firmly. "Look it may not be my business to pry-"
"Then why do you?" That sounded a lot more aggressive than he expected.
"Because I am not someone who just stands by when someone else is feeling bad." Akira spoke with conviction. That made Ann look at him. "People who do that usually end up-"
"As Kamoshida's victims?" he asked bluntly and these precious blue eyes blinked in shock… before lowering in what appeared like defeat. The best way to deal with Ann was front up no hesitation. "Let me guess… you've heard the rumours haven't you?"
"I heard some." Akira repressed the urge to snark about the dumpster fire that was Shujin's rumour mill… instead wanting to keep Ann speaking.
"…Everyone says me and Mister Kamoshida are… doing things. But that's not true." The blonde told him, finger playing with the napkin on the table. "I… spoke with him. I avoided giving him my number for the longest time. He… told me to go to his place after this." Her hand now crushed the napkin. "You know what it means."
He did. He knew exactly what it meant… but the raven said nothing, letting Ann continue speaking. Continue to pour her heart out.
"If I turn him down… Shiho… he'd take her off the team. It's… the only thing that she likes anymore. That makes her happy."
He doubted every meaning possible from that phrase. That Shiho was still happy playing and that she wouldn't be a lot happier with Ann doing the most mundane things rather than that dumb sport.
"I've been telling myself his is all for Shiho's sake. I… can't take it anymore." Ann began to choke up, eyes watering. "I've had enough of this… I hate him!"
This was the second time he had this conversation… and he still didn't know what to say right now, his throat feeling raw and mouth dry. "But… Shiho she… she is all I have at that sorry excuse of a school!" Ann cried out, tears now fully rolling down her face. "What should I do?!"
…And as quickly as it happened, just as quickly Ann got herself back under control, wiping away her tears.
"Sorry… I shouldn't have asked that. It's not your problem."
"I swear on God I am making this my problem."
"What… am I even saying? I've barely even talked to you before?" Ann questioned.
"I… have that effect on people?" Akira said awkwardly before shaking his head. "Sorry. But it's fine. It is better to let these kind of things out rather than keep them inside so long. And… I feel like you have been holding this in for a while."
Ann looked at him as if she found out he read her soul. A bit of gentle surprise at being read so clearly on her face. "…You're so weird. Usually everyone just ignores me."
She took a sip from her drink before looking at him… as if gauging his true self. "Just… who are you?"
"Hm?"
"Are you really a bad person? I've seen people talk about you as if you were the Devil incarnate. But you make Ryuko happy and now you're… here."
The question hung in the air before Akira let out a sarcastic chuckle. "Oh I am bad to the bone."
…While at first looking at him as expected she eventually did a small chuckle, the faintest of grins on the blondes face. "Is that supposed to be a joke?"
"Not a good one but it lightens the mood?"
"I suppose so." Ann leaned back into her seat and right now he wished he could tell what she was thinking. "But I already knew they were all just allegations. You seemed… lonely. Like you didn't belong anywhere."
"Was that why you offered me the tour through the City with your friend?"
"Oh right… I did do that didn't I?" Ann asked herself more than him. "That already feels like forever ago."
Akira just gave a shrug. "Well it's fine. And… you are probably right. I am not really the type of person that can make roots easily."
"I guess we're the same in that regard. Maybe that's why it was so easy for me to talk to you." She offered with a soft smile before staring at her drink again. "I just… wish I could help Shiho."
"You care about her a great deal don't you?"
"…Yeah." Ann replied with a bit of a wider smile and…
He blinked. Was that the hint of a blush?
"Then go be with her." Akira advised and Ann only widened her eyes somewhat.
"What do-"
"I mean exactly what I say. Be with Shiho. If she is what makes you happy don't hesitate. And if you care so deeply about her that… you are willing to go through whatever just made you puke than I am willing to bet that she does as well."
Ann looked bewildered. "Well… of course she makes me happy and I think she is happy with me as well-"
"Then fuck Volleyball!" Akira urged with a smile which only took Ann more off guard. "Fuck Shujin and all these stupid threats. Stop making yourself miserable by doing things for a person that doesn't deserve a smidgen of your time."
"I… wouldn't have done this for Kamoshida I would have done it for-"
"Your girlfriend?"
Ann suddenly snapped her head upwards, her whole body going stiff as her blue eyes were as big as dinner plates. "H-how did-"
"So you are already? Wow. I was half expecting it to just be a crush." Akira said jokingly but softly. He reached his hand forward to grab Ann's own, catching her by surprise. Surprise that made her listen. "Don't worry I won't tell anybody. But please… promise me something."
"…Promise you… what?"
"Go home. Call her over. And tell her everything. Show her how much you love her and why you do what you do. Complete and total honesty. I am willing to bet whatever you want that she would stop Volleyball herself in a heartbeat."
"But I don't want-"
"Why because Kamoshida has the only Volleyball team in the entire City? That it would ruin her if she stopped playing for a year or two till you two are completely untouchable by him once you are outside the school? From what I have seen so far of the Team I think she is a far cry from enjoying it as much as she used to."
His voice was firm but clear as he spoke.
"…People only have as much power over you as you allow them to. And if someone is not worthy of power you strip them from it. Take it back. Be with Shiho. Both of you be with what and who makes you happy."
Ann stared at him as if in trance… as if she was trying her hardest to comprehend alien words. But eventually… she smiled. "…I really wish I knew the words to tell you right now how I feel."
"Think about them and tell them Shiho." He insisted and Ann gave a chuckle. "…You're right. To hell with Kamoshida and to hell with the school. I mean… Shiho is the best player he has as if he would even dare! And even if… it's not like there are not other options."
"That is the spirit." Akira complimented. "Now go."
Ann chuckled a bit at the order. "What?"
"I am serious get going."
"Please get going I need to save your girlfriend."
Thankfully even without him needing to voice his thoughts Ann stood up and was taking her things. She did stare at him for a bit longer though. "Thank you… just… for everything just now. I feel a lot better now. I… pay you back for this sometime I promise."
"Be happy and you can consider us even."
Ann laughed at his words and with a last fond look walked out of the restaurant…
Akira waited roughly 10 seconds before dashing like possessed back in the direction of Shujin.
Akira didn't stop running for even a second, even his trained body beginning to burn as he finally approached Shujin's gates. "Okay Ann is safe. Now I just need to save Shiho and come up with some way to ensure Kamoshida-"
The familiar sound of dry heaving snapped him out of his thoughts, making him stop ever so briefly.
"Uuuugh… I want Sushi."
He turned around to see Mona in a corner, directly next to some vending machines.
"Mona?" He asked the Magician who was NOT with Kamoshida to ensure he wouldn't touch a certain Volleyballplayer.
"What are you doing here-?"
"It is taken care of." Morgana snapped immediately before resuming to dry heave.
"…What do you."
"It is. Taken. Care of."
"And I am asking you WHAT is taken care of. Why aren't you-"
"KAMOSHIDA. Is taken. Care of. Trust me… he did not touch Shiho… and he will not touch anyone anytime soon." Morgana said and… was that… why was there something dry and red on his paws?
"…How?"
TW: For Kamoshida being Kamoshida and attempted sexual assault
Shiho looked over at her phone, constantly ringing like a siren.
Kamoshida merely smirked "Hmm… that might be Ann-chan."
He wasn't guessing. He knew it was Ann, could see her name being displayed on the screen.
She had heard from Yuuki that Kamoshida wanted her in his office. Maybe to feed his ego or sit on his lap.
But the second she was at the door, he was already pulling her inside, locking the door behind him. It sounded like the Gates of Hell had been closed.
He made her empty her pockets, put her phone away to the table at his side, leaning against the only way out of this room.
"I think she can wait for the two of us to finish can she not?"
"Finish… what?" he was far more aggressive than usual. But than why was he not beating her yet.
"Strip."
Shiho's mind went blank.
"…What?"
"Strip. Your clothes. Take them off. Start with your shirt."
She was good at Sports, she could outrun him, no the door was locked and he was like an immovable object. She could jump out of the window? No he would catch her and they were too high up.
"That… that-"
"Either you strip yourself and walk out of this room able to dress yourself up again or you will have to walk home in tatters and have the whole world look at your body when I'm done tearing them away. Who knows maybe someone will want my sloppy seconds. You're already asking for it when they are on after all."
Shiho felt herself hyperventilating, air refusing to enter her lungs.
"P-Please…"
He glared now, "Or I could always just look you in here and visit Ann-chans place personally. Her parents are always away on trips. So are yours. The address is so easily to get from the register. Maybe she will be more cooperative."
A gun might as well be trained on her, not daring to move a muscle as if she was risking a slow and cruel death. Risking Ann…
"Tick Tock. Hello!" when did he get closer to her?!
He looked down at her as if she was trash on the wayside, yet desirable for his needs. She wanted to throw up. She wanted to die. She wanted to earth to swallow her whole. She wanted to be home with Ann.
And yet she couldn't move a single muscle-
She shrieked, Kamoshida's hands on her shoulders, pushing her to her knees. He was so strong. He could carry her with one arm.
From her position she looked up to him. He towered over her, if she even so much as tried to punch him he'd have no qualms about breaking her arm. If she ran away he'd either go after Ann or simply drag her back in. There would be no one to come for her rescue.
"Still acting like a fucking prude are we?" he grabbed her by the neck as she kneeled. Shiho couldn't even think about how to cover it up this time.
"Tell you what I do you a favour… let you get used to it first. Just open that mouth of yours."
He didn't wait for her reply and her heart shattered as he undid his belt, tearing of his pants and boxers till-
…Whatever she would have ended up seeing was blocked by a sudden black blur jumping into her vision…
…Right into Kamoshida's…
That vile mans face became emotionless for a moment…
Before he let out the shrillest scream she ever heard in her life, accompanied by mad hisses from a cat that seemed to come right out of hell.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! GET OFF! GET OFF! GET OFF!" Kamoshida screamed at the actual cat currently biting and clawing away at his loins. He desperately tried to get a hold of it, but the cat was too quick and squirmed out of his grasp whenever he so much as lunged for the tail. The pain was not doing him any favours.
She could barely make out blue eyes from the ball of black fur.
Kamoshida was crying now, hot tears and sobs cascading down his face as he stumbled around, crashing into tables before rolling on the ground as if to put out a fire.
It was… surreal. Was this happening? She almost wanted to pinch herself to make sure this wasn't a dream.
But instead she grabbed all her things and made a mad dash for the door, not looking back.
Not even when she almost crashed into someone, not even bothering to check who it was.
TW warning over
Sometime after the incident… Akira stared at his Magician utterly and completely starstruck. A wave of nothing but sheer relief hit him like a Tsunami once his confidants retelling was finished…
Before being unable to stop a downright maniacal laugh, every Persona inside of him joining in. "You actually attacked him there!?"
"Yes I did. Now please get all the water in existence. I want to wash myself."
Akira did immediately as requested, getting a couple dozen water bottles from a nearby vending machine. He then practically showered and drowned Morgana in water, before picking the best cat the world was ever graced to have walking on its surface into his arms, utterly uncaring if he himself got wet.
"You amazing, beautiful cat you."
"Repeat that."
"YOU AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL CAT YOU!" Akira immediately did. "You saved Shiho and then some! There is no way in hell he would even so much as CONSIDER doing anything with a broken tool. I mean… Shit! Did you tear it off?"
"I TRIED to but I settled on biting and scratching every inch red that was available to me. There is no way he will do anything with it when even touching it would risk opening wounds. I didn't really had any other options. I couldn't even handle Sugimura like this it was surprise attack or nothing. Would have gone for the eyes but a better target presented itself."
Akira laughed, "If I wouldn't have known where you were I'd kiss you."
"Do it anyway, suffer as I have."
"How about instead I buy you so much Sushi you end up vomiting?"
"…Acceptable."
Akira made damn sure to uphold that deal. He had walked right into the nearest store offering any seafood and bought a dozen portions.
The same portions Morgana was currently digging into, right on the floor of Leblanc.
Sojiro looked at the cat in small disbelief. "You really spoil that cat huh?"
"He earned it." Akira complimented, getting some 'YES!' from the Cat, probably only heard as small meows by Sojiro.
"Where did you even get the money for all this?"
"…Savings."
"You burned through all of your savings for cat food?"
"Not all of them."
"…I'll just take your word on that." Sojiro said with a sigh. "Anyway I'm closing up shop now. Don't stay awake for too long or you'll get sick."
"No longer than I need to."
The Barista was content with that answer it seems as he walked away, giving a last scratch to the feasting Morgana, getting some small purrs out of him before walking out of the door and into the night.
Akira looked after him, before sighing himself. "No longer than I need to."
Which would be right after making a small trip to a certain pyramid.
He opened the Navigator, already selecting the Palace in question, but was held back by the latest notification "Distortion Found."
Now that he actually had some breather time, able to rest tonight in the knowledge that Kamoshida wouldn't traumatize anyone for a bit… he had to think back to his other problems. Like so many Metaverse related.
Makoto had a Shadow. The App said Distortion Found so no Palace at least just a Shadow in Mementos. How could this affect her chances of awakening? What if he were to try and talk her down like he did Yuuki?
And… what about Futaba? Didn't he just yesterday promise that he would ensure his Oracle can sleep easy?
Where the hell was he supposed to start?
Getting out his Velvetian Book, he made a small checklist, trying to figure out who to prioritize.
Futaba
+You know exactly what you need to do for her mental state to get better
+Every day you don't help her she is sinking deeper into suicidal depression
+Might help keeping up contact now that the Bugs are gone
-You know she will survive at least till Summer
-But there is no telling if this remains true at this point
Makoto
+Every day you don't help her she becomes more dangerous
+You could get Queen back sooner than expected
-You'd have to start at 0 regarding how to deal with her Shadow
-Is fighting her Shadow really the best solution?
"Please tell me you know you can't do both in one night." Morgana said, suddenly having jumped on the table, the many empty sushi boxes still on the ground. Akira groaned. "Yes I do. But… I need to do something. Makoto can't have a Palace right?"
"If it says Distortion Found no but I'd have to visit Mementos to figure out how far into it she is, and with how perceptive Makoto is chances are just visiting her could end in a fight. Not to mention that I'd highly doubt you'd be able to talk her down like with Mishima or that we could even descend that deeply into Mementos just yet."
"Good point. Maybe we can't reach down normally but… the longer we wait the deeper the distortion goes and she already is starting to spiral out of our hands."
Makoto getting a Palace would be an utter nightmare scenario. He didn't even want to imagine it. He wanted her Persona at his side not her Shadow opposed to him.
"Would having a distorted Shadow make her awakening harder? I know Futaba had a Shadow but her Shadow WANTED her to awaken. Nothing about her Palace is like the others."
The hope of humanity looked thoughtful at his words. Then… something gleamed in his blue eyes. "Persona are self-actualization and realization. Shadow's are distortion and denials. Hold on."
Morgana went downwards, picking up the last piece of sushi he hadn't yet devoured and put it next to Akira on the table. The piece had some tuna in the middle, with rice surrounding it and Akira couldn't help but notice that as he placed it in front of him Morgana looked rather smug.
"Imagine Makoto as this sushi piece. The rice is her distortion. The tuna is her potential for a Persona. The distortion makes sure the… delicious potential remains inside and can't escape. Now-"
Morgana held up one of his claws, "Let's say we would be able to fuel her potential for a Persona, allow it to" he then pricked the piece of fish with the claw and tore it out of the rice, "Break through, then we would have also dealt with her distortion. Now how do we do that?" Morgana asked, eating the tuna from his claw.
Akira contemplated on the question. "Well there are three things helping in it. Her Love for Ryuko, her hatred of me, and her belief Kamoshida and Kobayakawa couldn't be wrong in this situation. We'd have to target one of these things at minimum."
"And what do you think would be the easiest?"
…There was only one of these things that had proof of how distorted Makoto's Worldview had become.
A Castle worth of it.
"Kamoshida's castle."
"Correct."
"Wait are you suggesting-?"
"That we drag her into Kamoshida's Castle and make her awaken? Yes that is exactly what I am suggesting. I've been thinking it over while eating and… it would be the fastest and most effective way to get it over with. Maybe more messy but… well I agree with you. I want Queen back as soon as possible as well and for her to stop bothering you."
Akira let himself smile at his friends and first companions plan.
"Do you think getting her into the Palace would be enough?"
"Maybe not. But hearing Kamoshida admit to his crimes, maybe even gloat about it like he did with Ryuko? That'll do the trick."
"We'd also have to do it in a way that doesn't make anyone suspicious. Akechi would definitely notice if I had thrown her in on purpose."
"So we just gotta make sure she follows after you when you guys enter. Like Panther did."
Akira sighed. "I… suppose that's a Plan. But Makoto in Kamoshida's castle…"
He was in favour of her joining the Thieves again this soon honestly. But with everything else.
Kamoshida was just becoming more and more complicated a Target.
But if they committed to it, at the very least it meant he knew who to focus on tonight.
Standing up from his seat, he cleaned up after his Magicians slaughter of the thankfully already dead fish "Come now than. If we can't get back our Queen today, lets at least help our Pharaoh."
Somehow it had never occurred to him that a Palace could have a day and night cycle. The sky either was a constant twisted red or the sun only present as one of innumerable stars. Then again Futaba's Palace always did manage to stand out for many reasons.
Right now was no different, the chill of the desert night quite the contrast to the expected heat. Driving through the dunes, Morgana's wheels thankfully not getting stuck in them, they finally reached a destination, or the closest thing to it.
And somehow this only managed to make his heart ache more.
Futaba's Shadow, always the anomaly among the many he encountered, was resting. A golden barque serving as a makeshift bed. But her sleep did not seem restful, mirroring whatever nightmares his Oracle must be imagining as her body twitched and groans escaped her mouth.
Joker placed a hand on her orange locks, carefully combing through them.
A head pat.
That was all she requested as a reward back when he helped her work on herself.
Out of any of his friends, every person he saw change for the better, Futaba stood out as the one who went through the most, bettered herself the most.
So what if she needed their help to begin this journey of self-improvement? She had still made it and he was so proud of her for it.
…And now that journey needed to begin again.
And for that a different kind of journey needed to play out in full.
"Egypt was all about various cycles. Not surprising when you consider where they lived and how much depended on the Nile's tides." She had explained to him on one of her adorable geeky rants. "The Journey of Ra is the perfect example of how it shaped their believes and mythology. Each and every night Ra the Sun dies and goes through the Underworld on his barque, at his side Gods from Seth to Horus to Isis and so many more. They would travel past Gates, past the God of the Dead Osiris… and snakes. SO many snakes. And each morning, having triumphed over all obstacles with the aid of his allies, he is reborn."
All in all the Journey of Ra was rather lively and the Underworld crowded to the point it should burst at the seams.
And yet the Pharaoh, the symbol of the Egyptian Gods on Earth, was alone.
Always has been ever since losing her mother.
Even down here in this remote part of her palace, the only companions to be found were himself and Mona.
Sojiro was here as well but only if you counted the various paintings decorating the first few walls, before the finely crafted clay gave way to rock. As no other than Osiris, the Guardian of a girl who only wanted to die and pass on.
He isn't sure how much time passed, filled with nothing but the water below them getting blacker and blacker, as if light itself was being swallowed the deeper they went, the golden shine of the barque the only source of illumination.
It didn't had to be much longer. Just a little more until-
"You knew who he was. Didn't you?"
Akira turned to Mona, sitting at Futaba's feet like a watchful guardian. Just like the felines of old.
"What do you mean?"
"Apophis. The Shadow we saw when we first entered here in this timeline. You recognized him."
That wasn't a question anymore. Akira sighed, perhaps the worst reply he could give to an impatient cat.
"There is something you're not telling me."
"Mona."
"Joker if there is something you know about what we are fighting than I need to know!" Of course that made sense. Know your enemy and such. But-
"It's complicated."
"Everything in our life is!"
That wasn't something he could disprove.
"It's something relating to Futaba."
"Oh really?! Who would have thought considering whose Palace we are in."
"Can you stop with this passive aggressive tone?"
"I don't know how else I am supposed to get through to you sometimes and frankly my patience has run thin after the day I had." Mona stood up, his tiny body still managing to seem imposing.
"I… promised Futaba I wouldn't tell anybody."
"No. You promised last timeline Futaba. You haven't made any promises to her whatsoever this time."
Ah right the beauty of time travel. How easily it could bring forth loopholes.
"You are not the only one who cares for her Joker. Whatever is the reason you are keeping a secret for her sake… it wont make me walk out of here you know that."
"It is just… personal." He confessed. "I don't want to betray her trust. She begged me not to share any of this with any of you. She just… wasn't ready."
"We already had been to her heart by then. What could be more intrusive?"
"He will not budge… and frankly your insistence on keeping potentially vital information for survival a secret is not as virtuous as you may think." Orpheus took the word, rather explicitly siding with his Magician. Though no one else raised a word, he did feel approval from his other Personas within him.
His eyes once again glanced down at Futaba, avoiding Mona's blue orbs that all but begged him for transparency.
Swallowing down an apology this sleeping Futaba could neither understand nor hear, he faced his friend.
"It all started when I was helping Sojiro out one day in Leblanc and some guy came into the Café. He was starting to talk and… every word sounded so utterly false it was nauseating. As if he was tempting Sojiro to reach over the counter and punch him in the face. Sojiro was acting immediately off, all cold and I could tell there was some bad blood between them."
"And that was Apophis?"
"His name is Youji."
Morgana looked thoughtful, as if mentally rereading a dictionary of every name ever entered in the Nav. No familiarity with this one however. "So he had a grudge against Sojiro. Well I guess that could explain why he was on her mind. Sojiro was her only lifeline before we came."
Maybe he should just leave it at that.
"Sojiro was just a means to an end."
Of course.
"Sojiro was basically like an ATM for Youji. Really I don't know if he has any hatred for the man. It's all just a means to finance his gambling addiction."
"And how does-"
"His full name is Youji Isshiki."
That finally was a name Morgana remembered, his eyes widening, nearly going blank with shock. "Wait Isshiki? As in Wakaba Isshiki!?"
"Mhm." Akira merely grunted out. "He is her uncle. Wakaba's brother."
To his credit, Morgana quite quickly gathered his composure again, though just by meeting his gaze Akira could tell there were a hundred scenarios going on in his head, trying to figure out for himself just what went down.
Well Akira began unpacking already. Might as well go all the way.
"Sojiro would tell me sometime later who he really was in full. You know how Futaba was blamed for Wakaba's death? She was handed out between her relatives. His place was the last one she stayed at. He treated her like garbage. Futaba wasn't fed, wasn't allowed to shower, was forced to sleep on the floor. She had nothing and was nothing under his watch. He is the reason Futaba is so terrified of the world. Maybe she could have handled Wakaba's death if her family hadn't trampled all over her. But after what he did there was no way she couldn't end up as a shut in."
Maybe it was that her Shadow was so close to him, or the fact they were I her Palace that was born from such abuse and mistreatment, but his own heart began to race as he retold the tale.
"Sojiro found out what happened and saved her. Threw some money that snakes way so he'd shut up and kept her safe in his own home. But of course that wasn't enough for the scumbag. He came back to want more money. Threatened to drag Sojiro to court over Futaba. 'Futaba is better of with a blood relative' this and 'She is a mess ever since she was under your watch' that."
Morgana looked as if he was trying to figure out how to travel between timelines just to give him the Kamoshida treatment. His fangs seemed to gleam wanting fresh meat. "Okay that very much explains why his Shadow is here-"
"There is more." Akira interrupted him and the cat looked now visibly stunned at how Akira could possible make him hate Youji more.
"He came back another time demanding more money. Sojiro defied him, so did Futaba. He came at her so I pushed her behind me. He then tried to punch me but I dodged and he fell on his face. And that was where I got a flashback to many, many months ago. 'I'll sue!'."
"He tried what!?"
"He wanted to drag me to prison because he bloody tripped on me." Joker repeated, scoffing at the Déjà vu. "To be honest he is no Shido. I don't think it would have ended as badly as with him but still. That was a scare in the moment.
"Why didn't you tell any of us!?" Morgana asked, no demanded to know. "That is an easy unanimous agreement. We would have been in Mementos the same night! Why would you not-"
Morgana stopped himself. Once again Akira could not look at him.
"…You would never refuse to fight a man like that… would you Joker?" Morgana accused. Joker merely shook his head.
"You fought him… without us!?"
"Futaba wanted to take his heart so he'd stop threatening Sojiro and wont sue me. But on one condition. That… we do it alone."
"AND YOU AGREED!?" the Magician screeched offended. "You did a change of heart without US!?"
"Mona-"
Mona jumped towards him, right into his sight. "We have one rule. ONE! RULE! All changes of hearts are voted on! We face everything together!"
"Futaba wasn't ready to talk about him with all of you."
"She would have never been able to talk about anything again if you two had died!"
Ah there it is. The most insidious and paradoxical source of anger. Fear for a loved ones safety.
"You could have died! We would have had no idea what happened! You broke our one AND ONLY RULE AND FOR WHAT!?"
"I know! But Morgana you don't understand!" Akira tried to defend. "He came by another time before the whole threatening to sue me thing and Futaba met him. She shut down instantly when she saw him. Not even the Sphinx made her this terrified. Hell she peed herself just when he looked at her! I practically jumped over the counter in between them and she clung to my back like I was a life raft in the Pacific! Sojiro told me what he was as I literally cleaned away Futaba's piss from the floor! She would have done anything to avoid talking about him. I just couldn't force her into it!"
A hard knock on the ship from below, interrupted their argument. Both Thieves nearly fell to their knees, barely stopping themselves.
"SHE IS RIGHT TO BE AFRAID!"
A voice, dark and seeping with malice, shouted from the darkness below. The same darkness that now began surrounding everything around them.
The waters were pitch black, liquid darkness. Glaring into the lightless void, Akira grabbed his knife so tight his gloves strained. Morgana followed swiftly, the sudden threat erasing any current argument.
"That miserable insect is nothing but the garbage left behind by that whore! Always Wakaba this Wakaba that! No room for me! The only way anyone ever acknowledged me was when I won that lottery! And even than they deported that waste of life to me!"
The voice, far too human sounding, ranted as the waves gradually crashed against the barque. Mona fired a few shots, hitting nothing and merely causing splashes. "I have heard any of this self-serving justification crap too many times!"
Akira was tempted to use the World P-
The sudden nausea that hit him threw aside that temptation.
"It is the truth! The truth that is just one brick in this temple of demise. One drop in a stream that leads to me. Is devoured night for night for night. The taste of her Shadow… it is quite delicious. It reminds me of the paycheck send my way by that walking corpse of a man."
Futaba was always more observant than people gave her credit for. He was not in the least surprised she had this much awareness of the situation. With how uncanny realistic Wakaba was, as much as a Sphinx could be, the familiarity in the snakes voice was not something to question.
Instead the only thing he questioned was where he would strike. His eyes gleamed and below there was a shine-
"This is all she can look forward to. There is no sunrise, just a continuous dusk. Till one day-"
Behind him rose a serpent, towering above him for miles before descending like a meteor, fangs reflecting the dimming sunlight.
"There will be nothing left to devour-"
"SETH!"
Akira screamed and the God of Chaos and Deserts arose from his soul. A bullet was fired directly into Apophis maw.
The beast recoiled, choking as if he had eaten too much spicy curry, diving deeper down, out of range of a wind spell from Morgana.
Akira himself grabbed his head, shaking away the small headache.
Some may wonder his choice in Persona. Why Seth? He had yet to see Shinya again, his Tower Arcana was incomplete. But Seth was more connected to his Strength than his Tower, the final request of the twins.
And furthermore.
"Damn Joker now that is a level up I can get behind! I always did like Seth the most you know?"
"Really? The Satan of Egypt?"
"He is not Satan! I mean if anything he reminds me of you."
"…Me?"
"Seth is a God of Chaos but not like the World Ending Chaos that Apophis is. He even is one of the go to Gods to fight him. And really nowadays I feel like him being evil to begin with is more propaganda. He was a God of the Desert and of foreigners you know? But Egypt… didn't really had that many great experiences with Foreigners so he also got his fair share of villainization. But even than… I think he is or at least can be a Hero when you need him most."
This realm was one of symbolism and meaning. The best weapons exploited this fact.
He could feel an approving grunt from the Desert God.
The beasts tail tried to slap on the barque, the body still hidden beneath the waves, only for a blade of air to slice it clean off, Mercurius having two more saw blades in his palm.
"Cats used to be seen as protectors of the Pharaoh and your against two of the strongest Persona users around, as well as the God that has a talent for killing you. Do yourself a favour and stay down there!" Morgana yelled into the watery abyss. The reply came in the form of the ship itself being send flying, a torrent of water making it shoot in the air.
Airborne as they were, Akira saw the rapidly reforming tail slamming down from one side, Morgana the open maw.
They didn't need to discuss strategy, another One-Shot-Kill further clipped the tail. A friendly gust of wind made the ship dodge the bite, instead slamming onto the head, splitting it like a watermelon as blood and tainted viscera splashed on them.
The groans of the Serpent were like music in Akira's ears as the barque was turned into a scalpel, sliding down the snakes body and clawing through its skin.
As the most gory water ride came to an end, the splashes of water washed barely anything away as they touched down on it again.
"WAVE!" Mona warned, a vicious tide trying to send them overboard but only drenching them. Only a taste of the wave coming for them now however, more like a skyscraper in size.
"Mercurius!"
"Seth!"
Bullets and winds forced the wave to part like the red sea, a perfect cut in the middle for the barque to sail through.
And then… nothing.
After the nonstop assault, the waters were as calm as a pond.
"There is no way that was enough." Akira spoke, his voice the only thing cutting the tension. "His whole deal is that he doesn't stay down for good. Futaba knows that."
"Yeah I saw that tail regenerate from what I did too. The cognition has a healing factor of some sort. I guess its just not used to fighting." Morgana agreed, trying to taunt him, get him to show his face. "Afraid we do what the twins did-!?"
The noise of steam being created rang in Akira's ear long before he saw the smoke reaching up to the surface, swallowing them whole.
Suddenly everything went to black.
There was nothing.
No light.
No Futaba.
Akira blinked, commanding Seth to strike everything in sight, shoot his curses and bullets, slash with his wings and claws-
His vision returned, a snarl on his lips. "Fight me like a man you noodle limbed ass-"
But his voice was robbed from him, as soon as his mind comprehend the scene in front of him.
Of the construct made of glass and metal, holding golden tools of torment.
The expressionless triangle of a face glaring down at him, his loathing coursing through his bones.
But none of it mattered.
Not when he saw Fox's blade fall to the ground, a hole in his chest exposing his lungs filling with blood.
"Joker!" Morgana called out, seeing his friend and leader collapse on the barque, fall backwards like a limb sack of meat and bones.
Despair ailment of course. Because why should only Wakaba be able to inflict it?!
All good. Morgana could handle this. Just one Salvation and-
He was pulled out of his thoughts by a stream of fire rocketing towards the trio, two of them sleeping. A gust of wind parted them, but somehow the Agi continued to burn on the black waters, only fanned by his Garu.
"Pathetic feline." Apophis snarled but it was less mocking and more fury. "Why do you continue to stand?"
Despair never did work on Morgana. He had been grateful, knowing what it could do to you. Trapped in your own nightmares, whatever could hurt you down to your soul the most, consuming your mind. Ann had to watch Shiho fall over and over again. Haru was at first alone with Sugimura but after her fathers Palace, always saw her fathers death again and again.
There was no more insidious ailment and he needed to heal Akira and do it now-.
Morgana was nearly blown back, another fire blast singing his fur before he could reflect it with wind.
Futaba's uncle grew angrier, Akira began to choke either from whatever was happening in his mind of from the smoke.
"Just a puny stray that forgot to die on the streets!"
"Focus!" Mercurius warned. "He is trying to stall you. Taunt you into doing mistakes. Do not let it happen!"
Of course he wouldn't. Despair could cause to great damage if left untreated for too long. But once upon a time these words would have occupied his mind more than the imminent danger.
Oh what a Fool he had been. And not like the one Akira was, signifying immense potential.
Morgana always hoped he could be. That maybe he was a legendary Thief and Casanova and that he only needed to remember his glory. But unlike the fool back then, he knew who he was now.
Another fire blast, another gust of air. Another roar ringing in his ears as the heat made him wish he could take his fur off.
He never truly got why he was immune to the ailment, it wasn't like Mercurius or Zoro had Null Despair.
At least he hadn't understood why until that final day of reckoning.
He took a deep breath, smelling the smoke around him and the bitterness coming off the beast.
"You are nothing! You fight for nobodies! Just a worthless cat-"
"I am not just a cat." Morgana declared… and inside of himself, inside of Mercurius he could feel something resonate.
Offended by his resistance, Apophis maw filled with more flames, rushing down at him.
His mistake.
"I am humanities hope!"
And suddenly… Apophis was pushed back.
His head was directly above the barque, his hot flame filled breath being felt by the feline. Just a few more inches and he could have decapitated Morgana.
But Apophis couldn't go further.
Blocked by something he'd never understand, his flames forced back into his throat by the force of a Tornado.
And then Morgana twisted something within him.
Blasts of air circles around the barque, extinguishing the errand flames, their very presence akin to a healing spell. To Morgana that is. To Apophis…
"RAAAAAAH!" the snake howled as the winds whipped against his scaled, rapidly, too rapidly than it should be possibly. His serpentine body was dragged higher and higher, until it was trapped in the tornado, rocketing around like laundry in a dryer.
And Morgana shouted.
"Viento de Esperanza!"
Like innumerable needles, the intense gust continued to dig into the beasts body, flaying it inch for inch for inch…
…Until there was nothing left for the night.
And as soon as he saw that Morgana collapsed onto the ground.
"Mona?" A soft voice made Morgana blink, his blue soon encountering silver. Akira stood over him, mask off his face and relief written all over him.
"Hmm?" the feline merely asked in reply. "Joker? What…" it all came back to him. And that was when he saw… everything.
There was no more darkness around them, hanging like an ominous curse. It was just… a river. Clear blue water sparkling in an otherwise peaceful cave.
But perhaps even more satisfying to see was the somewhat teary expression of Akira, currently holding him in his arms. Oh thank god that move had healing properties.
"So… I how much did you see after I cured your despair?"
"Enough." Joker spoke proudly, a half laugh in his tone. "How… what was that?"
"Well… I happened to have undergone some soul searching that last year and I thought if I really was mankinds hope… I should act like it." Morgana tried to laugh it off like the hero who saved the day should, but only coughed violently. "Aaaah… that kinda… took a lot out of me though."
"I see." Joker said somewhat breathless still. A hand went through his hair, as if just coming down from his own high. "Okay… next night… Anti-Despair accessories. Or Persona's with null Despair. Maybe I can get it on Seth somehow."
"Make another Egyptian God a Persona just to counter someone. Sounds good."
A soft groan took both their attention, almost stopping their hearts as their head snapped to Futaba. Was it all for nothing after all?
…No… no it wasn't.
Futaba's Shadow next to him looked as if she was… sleeping. Actually sleeping not just twisting in nightmares. A soft smile graced her face, just groaning and snoring peacefully.
Holy shit this had actually worked!
Both he and Akira simply took it in, nothing but the sound of the flowing river and Futaba's breathing between them.
"You saved her." Akira praised. He simply scratched the back of his head. "That's what the Phantom Thieves do don't they? They help those that can't help themselves… and each other."
"True." The raven nodded but couldn't remain silent. He looked at him with that fondness… this was not just pride it was as if Akira suddenly remembered something about him.
And Morgana chose to say nothing right now. That didn't need to be said. He could figure out himself just what Akira was most likely dreaming just now. What… unpleasant sight he himself must have left behind when Yaldabaoth-.
"I'm sorry." Before these thoughts could rise much further, already there was Akira being all apologetic.
Morgana just gave a gentle sigh.
"If you say this because of the change of heart, don't be I get it. But Joker… We are the Phantom Thieves. There is nothing we can't talk about. Everyone in our Group would have gone to war if they even heard a fraction of what you're telling me now."
"I know… it is just." Futaba gave a small yawn, turning on the side and Akira had direct view at her face.
The Magician merely chuckled. "Yeah I get it. But still… make sure she knows it should something similar happen this timeline. Alright? Consider it a reward to me that isn't merely sushi."
"Did you just say... merely sushi? Did I hit me head when I feel down?"
Morgana just rolled his eyes. "I do have some priorities you know? Like… getting out of here. This should be everything right? We did take care of the cognition for tonight."
"…True." Came the reply as Morgana already saw the Metaverse Navigator in his friends hand. He couldn't wait to just collapse on that shitty bed in the attic. But before-
"I do have one question though before we sleep."
"Really your stalling now getting some rest? Who are you and what did you do to-"
"I am serious Joker." Morgana insisted, and the mood changed just as quickly, the nearly everpresent smile fading from Jokers face as he waited for the demand.
He took a deep breath.
"Was there ANY OTHER time when you broke our unanimous decision rule?"
…Suddenly the silence and background noise of the waves and snoring didn't seem as calming. But eventually it too became unbearable, Akira giving a sigh.
"Yes. One other time. I never told anybody."
There it was, just one more example of Akira doing too much on his own. Morgana wasn't angry though. Not disappointed or the like either. If anything he just hoped this whole night would ensure it wont happen again. But yet he needed to know.
"And who was it?"
Though the answer Akira gave him, stunned Morgana too much to press further.
"My parents."
So who expected Morgana to be the MVP of this chapter?
Yeah I feel that about sums just about everything I feel like commenting up for this.
Now regarding the Shiho and Kamoshida scene I WAS worried whether or not it was too big of a tonal shift too quickly to skip from Kamoshida to Mona to Akira laughing his ass off. What you all think? Too sudden?
In any case… Morgana is a smart kitty that knows he doesn't stand a chance against a grown man. He would take advantage of weak points. I mean… my hands were tied really it would have been OOC otherwise.
For the record I don't like character bashing. But all my characters hate Kamoshida so he sure as hell isn't getting away.
…get fucked Kamoshida.
Anyway moving on Akira and Morgana make plans regarding the Makoto situation before visiting Futaba. I could explore the Despair ailment a little (that shit kills you three turns it has to be brutal) and give Mona some respect.
See I don't think anyone is actually… truly getting Morgana. I mean literally, metaphysically.
He is the embodiment of humanities hope. Does that remind you of something?
Like Yaldabaoth being the embodiment of control?
Or Izanami of lies?
Like… seriously it is just dumped on you at the end of the game and just never is brought up again even though by persona rules Igor pretty much made the cat a God. Or at the very least something a lot more powerful than he lets on.
How am I the only one thinking this? At least I never saw someone else be curious. Anyway I wanna dive into what being the embodiment of hope… could mean for Morgana. I mean Hope is even the Heavenly Virtue that goes against Despair. For starters obviously he couldn't be affected by Despair. And when he truly tries to make use of what he is? We have a new move.
Viento de Esperanza: Deal Colossal Wind Damage to One enemy and cure ailments from all allies
SP cost being a shitton with the side effect of stunning Mona for a while. The name is basically Spanish for Wind of Hope. That being said I cant speak it and Google Translator may have fucked up. I apologize to any Spanish speaking readers.
Okay so with that off the table I wanna address something.
…Guys this fic is taking too long to update. Like… this is a legit problem at this point. And I cant always blame life keeping me busy for it.
I am trying out a system where I try to at least write SOMETHING in 1k words every day/week. I wanna try uploading shorter chapters (this one was only 10K) and cutting out some of the fluff, even if the character dynamics are probably the biggest draw of the whole story but… were still at Kamoshida.
Hell even than I have two other fics that I have a hand in and I am already choking down any more story ideas. I don't want this fic to die and you all actually deserve a ending. I mean I already am blessed with probably the most patient readerbase an author could ask for. I know that for me it was always a pain to find a story I enjoyed that just never updated again or ended without any conclusion so I want to avoid that for this story at least.
I will try to think about some options I have. With some luck I have a few more ideas with the next chapter in hopefully… two months? Don't nail me down on this but I don't want to be stuck in the Kamoshida arc by this time in 2030.
Well in any case I hope you enjoyed and have a good day!