Here we go, the next chapter where Aqua does some daily life stuff.
Persona 5 Royal Fanmake Lysandre Arc Chapter 10
Strength and Speeches
The next day after school Aqua meets up with Uzi and Alexis at the Beacon line station like they agreed to go to their new hideout.
"Hey." Uzi said to her.
"We're about to head to the hideout too." Alexis said smiling. She then sees someone approaching "Who's that?"
They look and see Sunstreaker approach. Unlike his Shadow he was looking sad as he said "Excuse me…"
"That's Sunstreaker." Gatomon said to Uzi and Alexis, he then explained "Penny told us to meet him here in Beacon today."
"For real?" Uzi asked surprised
"…My name is Sunstreker." The cybertronain said unaware of what Gatomon was saying "I am the same Sunstreaker who was posted about on the Phantom Aficionado Webside."
"He seems pretty nice. Doesn't seem like the stalker type." Alexis points out. "I think the change of heart must have worked."
"The administrator of that website contacted me…" Sunstreaker explained "They told me to look for someone in a Citadel uniform with a cat…"
"So? What do you want?" Uzi asked.
Sunstreaker sighs and said "You may have already heard, but there's someone I wish to trigger a change of heart in…. An artist by the name of Lysandre."
This surprised the group hearing this and Uzi said "Ooh, you think this is it? Is the pupil gonna confess his master's secrets?"
"His Shadow did mention Lysandre as well…" Alexis said nodding.
"I'm… one of Lysandre's former pupils." Sunstreaker said looking down. "He gave me lodging at his home, where I thought only about art. I genuinely wanted to be an artist…There was another pupil as well. A very talented man, multiple years my senior."
"Obviously, Lysandre kept tabs on him." Sunstreker continued "Everything he made was claimed as a Lysandre original. He wasn't the only victim though…"
"All right, we got some real proof of the plagiarism." Uzi said nodding.
"In response to Lysandre's actions…. that senior pupil committed suicide." Sunstreaker said sadly.
"Suicide…" Alexis said shocked.
"He must have been unable to bear seeing his work praised under Lysandre's name." Sunstreaker said. He shakes his head and said "That was when I disobeyed Lysandre's orders and left….But he quickly pressured other parts of the art world, and my life as a painter was destroyed."
Sunstreaker looks down ashamed and said "I tried to turn over a new leaf working at a ward office… but it was no use. My attachment to art warped my emotions. Soon I began getting attached to everything…In the end, I even turned into a stalker… Ha… Haha…"
The Cybertronian looks up at them and said "…I'd like to ask again. Please, make Lysandre have a charge of heart. Not only for me. It's… to save the life of another robot as well."
"Save their life?" Aqua asked him.
"Even now, there is still one young robot remaining under Lysandre's tutelage." Sunstreaker explained "I think he would mentally be about your age."
"That has to be Zane." Gatomon said. This alerted the group.
"Not only is he a talented artist, he also owes Lysandre for taking him in after his father passed… He is the perfect target." Sunstreaker said.
"So Zane's got no choice but to listen!" Uzi said in anger.
"I actually spoke to him a few times, back when I was still living at Lysandre's." Sunstreaker said "I asked him if he found it painful to stay with Lysandre… and do you know what he said? 'If I could leave, I would…'"
"Zane…" Alexis said sadly.
"I have no right to say this given my prior cowardice, but I don't want to see another suicide!" Sunstreaker said to them. "I'd like to find a way to save this young one. He has a bright future ahead of him…Please consider that when thinking about changing Lysandre's heart." With that he nods and leaves.
After he was gone the four Phantom Thieves began to talk with Gatomon said "We've been asked to act directly on behalf of one of Lysandre's victims. It sounds like we don't have time to deliberate whether or not to change Lysandre's heart."
"Yeah, let's save Zane." Aqua said nodding
"Heck yeah!" Uzi said with a nod. "Lysandre's just a piece of scrap who preys on the weak!"
"Suicide…I'll never let something like that happen!" Alexis said with a nod. "Plus, we finally got to hear how Zane really feels!"
"Well, since we've reached a unanimous decision, how about we continue this at our new hideout?" Gatomon said.
They then move to the walkway. Luckily it didn't have a lot of foot traffic, so they were free to talk. Gatomon said proudly. "My fellow thieves, welcome to our new hideout! Our target this time is Lysandre! We all saw that Palace. We'll pay dearly if we assume it's just going to be like the last one. And furthermore…Lady Alexis' chasity is on the line!"
"What?!" Alexis said in shock.
"We'll need to do what we did with Gaston." Gatomon explained "First, we secure an infiltration route in the Palace. After that, we send out calling card. Once the Treasure has materialized, we steal it."
"Oooh, I got a question!" Uzi said "Lysandre doesn't know that we were doing stuff in the Palace yet. Why are we already getting treated like criminals in there?"
"You're learning, Uzi. Well done." Gatomon said smiling "It must be because he doesn't trust anyone. Any unknown person may as well be an enemy."
"Or maybe he's just super salty from all those rumors that have been spreading about him…" Alexis suggested.
"Then his Palace being so crazy had nothing to do with us?" Uzi asked.
"Either way, we should stay on our best behaviour." Gatomon said. "It'll be harder for us to steal the Treasure if we needlessly increase the security level."
"We need to be careful of Zane this time too." Alexis points out. "I'm sure that whatever he sees will just get passed on to Lysandre."
"That's right!" Gatomon said with a nod.
"Hey, what is Lysdanre's Treasure going to look like anyway?" Alexis asked "Another crown?"
"I'd doubt that." Gatomon said "But my sixth sense will know when I see it."
"Oh yeah, you go completely nuts, huh?" Uzi said remembering how the cat acted with Gaston's.
"Out time limit is when the exhibit ends, right?" Alexis asked. Aqua nods to that. "That means… June 5th."
"We'll carry out the plan after we've sent out the calling card." Gatomon said. "So our infiltration route will need to be set in stone two days prior, on June 2nd."
"Now listen here. We can't mess this up, NO MATTER WHAT! OKAY?!" Alexis told them.
"We got it." Aqua said nodding.
"This is the first job for Dragon Gems, so let's make sure we do it right!" Gatomon said to her.
"Yeah, but for now we should wait till after the exam results so we fully focus." Aqua said and the others agree and separate for the day.
As she walks she sees the homeless man in the undergroun walkway who said "Hey, I want to ask you something. I hear this 'Lysandre' has quite the reputation. Is he that great of man?"
"Well he's pretty famous." Aqua said to him.
"I see. He must still be pretty good at getting people to believe what he wants." The homeless man said "I have a friend who claims to be a former pupil of his. Apparently he's had a terrible experience…I didn't ask for details though. I felt awkward probling into his life"
Aqua nods understanding and heads to Central Street, first she bought new weapons and amour and then heads into the Velvet Room.
"You don't have time to be playing around Inmate. Hurry back to your prison!" Galla said and kicks her into the gate way.
Once back in the velvet room and Aqua recovers being kicked Yen Sid smiles and said "It seems you've gotten used to coming here. You must surely be accustomed to infiltrating Places by now?"
"I have somewhat gotten used to it." Aqua admits.
"Regardless, you have yet to obtain a truly acceptable number of Personas." Yen Sid points out. "This is not the full portential of the power of the wild card."
"He has a point" Pixie said "We've gotten stronger fighting with you, but there is a limit to how strong we can get"
"Hm, I suppose this is a prime opportunity to help further your rehabilitation along." Yen Sid said "Don't worry… This assignment is not mandatory. Think of it almost as a test of strength.
"Okay, what's the assignment?" Aqua asked
Galla and Gardine step up and the Gardivoir said "We will have you bring us the mask we specify."
"You just got to show us the Persona we ask for!" Galla the Gallade said nodding.
"First off… we would like for you to bring us a Jack Frost." Gardine said nodding.
"That's too easy, Gardine!" Galla said rolling his eyes "It should be a challenge. Hmmmm… I want it to have Mabufu too! You got that, Inmate? Bring us a Jack Frost with Mabufu."
"Very well. We ask for a Jack Frost with Mabufu" Gardine repeats. "Please speak to use again whe you have it."
"This will not be mandatory for your rehabilitation, but you will be handsomely rewarded for it." Yen Sid explained. "I encourage you to at least try your hand at this."
"Um…" Aqua said and looks at the Jack Frost with her who nods "I think I already completed this first task"
"Hee-Hoo!" Jack Frost waves,
"Hm?" Gardine said looking at it.
"That Persona…" Galla said looking as well. Then he looks at Aqua "Hey, sit right there!" Aqua nods and sits as the two examin Jack Frost.
"It seems you brought the specified Persona." Gardine said thinking.
"Hmph… Fine, I'll take it." Galla said shrugging. He grins "By the way, your Personas are super weak no that I'm surprised, Inmate. Thought I guess you deserve at least some praise for finishing your penal labor at record time. You might actually complete your rehabilitation…"
"In order to promote your process, we would like to offer you the use of a new facility." Gardine said smiling
"Hmph. It's rare to see you smile, Gardine." Galla said to her.
"You are the smiling one, Galla." Gardine said looking at him "Did something happen to make you so joyful?"
Me?" Galla said in shock.
"They're like siblings." Pixie said and Aqua chuckles.
Galla seeing that, glares and said "Hey, are you laughing at us?!"
"No but you do have cure smiles for cyborg Pokemon" Aqua said smiling.
"Know your place, Inmate!" Galla said annoyed.
"As wardens, we simply feel satisfaction in seeing your rehabilitation progress." Gardine explained "…That is the extent of it. I find it upsetting that you would see such a matter as a source of amusement."
"It's like you forgot where you are, Inmate." Galla told Aqua. "You got some real guts though! With that spirit, you should have no trouble making progress!"
"Understood, so what is next?" Aqua asked
"Very well then…" Gardine said looking at her clipboard "If you have the will to continue your penal labor, we can grant you greator freedom within this prison. It is a deal between us, the wardens, and you, the inmate."
"Not like you have the right to turn it down though!" Galla said grinning "Hard work is what you're meant to do, Inmate!"
Aqua nods as she feels her making a deal with Galla and Gardine.
"I am thou, thou art I…Thou hast acquired a new vow." The Female voice said "It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity. With the birth of the Strength Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall to freedom and new power."
Aqua has are card with Pokemon Wardens named on it and depices a man about to rip a wolf in halg by the jaw. She also feels a new ability known as Group Gullotine that allows her to fuse three Personas to create powerful new ones.
"Nice" Aqua said nodding
"Now it's time for your next task!" Galla told her.
Gardine checks her clipboard and said "We request an Ame-no-Uzume with the skill Frei. Please come to talk to us again once you have it."
"Oh, that one is a Lovers" Pixie said happily.
"Interesting." Aqua said nodding. She then leaves and heads back to the real world.
Once back she headed back to Metru-Nui street and goes to the Mordin's clinic, as she walked she sees the old man who listens to the radio who was asking if anyone seen a cat that usually comes to hang with him, now that she things about it there have been fewer cats around here.
She decides with Mandrake to do another medical trial with Mordin who agreed as he made some refinements to the medicine. So she accepts.
"Excellent, in that case, go into the exam….huh?" Mordin said as he sees someone enter.
"So this is Mordin Medical Clinic of Internalt Medicine?" A man named Ned Flanders said "Oh I'm so diddily glad it's still open. I'm so sorry, I have my son Todd that needs to be examined…"
Mordin seeing this said "…Looks like I have a patient with an emergency." He comes out from the back and checks on Todd as Ned and Aqua watch. He then asked Ned "…So why come here? Aren't you under the care of another hospital?"
"Not that I am proud to listen to gossip, but I've heard rumors about this place. I'd like for you to examine him." Ned explained. "He was diagnosed with bronchitis, but the medicine he was given hasn't been working at all. He has a fever that won't go away and he's losing weight because he's not hungry…"
"Yikes that's not good" Aqua said.
"Agreed, a young boy no matter what species losing weight is defiantly not good." Mordin said nodding "You should go to a bigger hospital. I can't provide a thorough examination here."
"We've been going to a big hospital!" Ned said "A university hospital in East Remnant! But all they tell us is that it's persistent bronchitis!"
Mordin looks at him "…A university hospital in East Remnant?"
"I don't want to talk hill on medical professionals, but I have to say this. The doctor there performs exams like he's on an assembly line with little care." Ned said shaking his head "I think he's famous or something…"
"A famous doctor, huh?" Mordin said thinking "I'm just a general practitioner out here in the sticks. As you can see, I don't even have any staff."
"W-Wait! I've heard there's a medicine that can only be acquired here!" Ned said to him stepping forward. "Please! I'll pay you! Please in the name of the lord, at least just examine him!"
"H-hold on now." Mordin said and then the three hear Todd cough.
"Doctor…. My chest really hurts…" Todd said weakly. Mordin looks at him sadly.
"Don't worry, Dr. Solus will help." Aqua said reassuring him.
"Yeah, if anyone can solve this, it's him" Mandrake said nodding.
"What?!" Mordin said in shock.
"Doctor…!" Ned said worried.
Mordin sighs and said "…Fine." He then begins examining Todd "Is your vision blurry? How about your throat, does it hurt? Hm. There appears to be no signs of swelling." He thinks and looks at Ned "Are you sure you've told me everything about his symptoms and treatments you've tried so far?"
"Yes, I swear on the bible, I'm sure!" Ned said nodding.
"Hmmm…" Mordin thinks gets up then gets on a comm and said "Hello, Joy? Is Red Alert there? There's something I'd like to ask him about a case that was in last month's medical journal." He talks privately for a moment then gets off the comm "I see. Guess the ones in stock will have to do…" Mordin looks at Aqua "There's a shelf by the reception desk. Bring the contents of the second drawer into the exam room."
"Wait…me?" Aqua asked shocked.
"You'll need to help me administer the medicine." Mordin said firmly "Also, bring the beaker with the red label in the fridge, a towel, wash basin, and measuring spoon…Well, what are you waiting for? Get moving!"
Aqua yelps and hurry to get the stuff. Everyone then moves to the Exam room and a while later the medicine was administered.
"Th-Thank you so diddily daddily much!" Ned said smiling "I didn't expect him to recover so quickly…"
"It was fascinating as it was a very unique strain of an infection disease." Mordin explained "It can't be detected by conventual exams. I temporarily suppressed the symptoms. We'll make adjustments as his condition improves. Okay, that'll be one million credits for today."
Aqua and Ned were surprised and the latter said "A-A million credits?! Th-That's outrageous! You're completely taking advantage of…" He thinks and said "I mean, it's my fault for saying I'll pay anything…okay…I will pay the amount. You don't… take credit cards… do you? I'll go withdraw some cash, right now!"
"Wait, you're actually going to pay?" Mordin said surprised and Ned nods "By the way, that famous doctor you mentioned earlier…Was it Medical Chief of Staff Arthur Watts?"
"Yes…are you familiar with him?" Ned asked.
"…I knew it." Mordin said nodding. "In that case, I'll make this free of charge."
This again surprises Aqua and Ned and the man said "F-Free?!" Mordin chuckles and nods
"You seem happy." Aqua said to Mordin.
"You're right he does" Mandrake said nodding.
"Doesn't it feel good? Trearing his patient without permission." Mordin said with a grin. He then said annoyed "…By the way, thanks to your outburst earlier…I'm going to perform a very special exam on you today…
Aqua eeps at that and Ned confused asked "So, is she your…assistant? She seems awfully young…"
"Indeed, my assistant…. Guinea pig." Mordin said nodding. "She's about to put in a LOT of hard work today. Aren't you?"
Aqua laughs sweat dropping but feels her bond with Mordin grow deeper as a fourth star shines on the Death Card.
"Um, Doctor? Can I go back to school now?" Todd asked Mordin.
"Not for a while." Mordin said shaking his head "You will need to start eating and regain your strength first. Will you be able to do that for me?"
"Yes! Thank you, Doctor!" Todd said smiling.
"Just doing my job…" Mordin said awkwardly. Aqua smiles. He looks at her and said "Your turn. I wonder what kind of response you'll have this time…Maybe you won't even be able to make it home…"
"Oh joy…" Aqua said gulping as when she does the clinic trial her Guts increase. She then leaves back to LeBlanc when her phone rings and she answers "Hello?"
"…How are you feeling now?" Mordin asked "Today's drug was kind of a rough one, huh? But maybe it was just what my careless Earthling guinea pig deserved, correct? Especially after approving that boy's consultation without my permission?"
"I'll reflect on my mistakes." Aqua said sighing.
"So much so" Mandrake said nodding.
"Good girl." Mordin said "But I'm only letting this go today. Don't pull anything like that again. The drug does seem to be more stable compared to the early stages, though. It's probably thans to your cooperation. Feels like I'm almost thing, so… try not to die just yet please."
"Got it." Aque said smiling
"All right. Take care." Mordin said.
Aqua nods and goes into LeBlanc
Aqua gets dressed into her regular clothes and does the crossword to increase her knowledge then heads out back to the station and she sees the homeless man this time he was his more active violent personality.
"…Just like I thought, people are getting excited with that old fool acting all grand." The Homeless man said "I wonder how many people suffered behind the scenes 'cause of him. Well, not like I care either way."
Aqua steps away and heads on up and sees Optimus making another speech and goes to him. Optimus said the same speech as before and sees Aqua "…You're listening quite attentively. Are you interested in politics?"
"Yeah I am interested." Aqua said nodding.
"Are you a student? I am delighted to captivate the intersted of someone your age." Optimus said nodding then looks at Aqua closely "…Hm? Have I seen you somewhere before…? Oh, you were working at the beef bowl shop before! You have a lot of perseverance for a young Earthling."
Optimus smiles "Well, if you're interested, I could use your help. I want to change the state of this country, and to do so, I need the power of the youth….However, due to certain regulations, I can't offer a job to a student."
"I was thinking you could learn some things if you choose to attend a few of my speeches though…" Optimus said thinking
"I'd be glad to." Aqua said smiling.
"Really?! That would be helpful indeed!" Optimus said smiling "Well then…would you mind telling me your name and contact information?"
"My name is Aqua Strife." Aqua said giving him the information including her school.
"You're a student from Citadel Academy, hm? It's nice to meet you." Optimus said nodding. "I am Optimus Prime. I was once the leader of the Autobots, then a member of the Galatic Union….but no longer." He sighs sadly. "In these past twenty years, I've lost seven straight elections…This isn't good. I'm dwelling on the negative right before my speech. Well then, I hope I can count on your help immediately."
Aqua nods and gets in position holding up a sigh for Optimus as he begins his speech.
"The lines of what is considered right and wrong in society today have been blurred." Optimus said to the crowd "With common sense no long our guide, we make decisions based on selfish wants and desires. This has resulted in a delugeof self-centred people who delight in taking advantage of the weak."
"However, even in this modern day and age, it is imperative that we act in the best interest of all." Optimus added "A world where it is acceptable to trample on the rights of others for your own benefit…A world where the young exist only to be exploited…is a world that must be changed!"
"Hmph, easy for him to say…" An Elderly Woman scoffed "Old-timers like me have our hand full taking care of ourselves."
"He's actually making some good points, but he's a no-name…He probably won't get too far." A Young Man said "Nothing's going to change. We'll just keep getting exploited."
"…What's this wannabe politician blathering about now?" A Grim-Faced Man asked "He isn't even affiliated with a party." He apporches Optimus "How about you just leave matters of state in the capable hands of the Liberal Co-Properity Party!"
"You mustn't base your decision on when to support merely according to the party they belong to…" Optimus said to him.
"Ah, just shut up already! You're just a washed up Poltician!" The Grim-Faced Man said.
"If I am chosen to represent the will of the people, then I am fully prepared to…" Optimus continued his speech.
"'In the best interests of all'?! Hah!" The Grim-Faced Man said "Save the blathering for when you get elected!...If you get elected!"
Soon the speech came to an end Optimus talks with Aqua and said smiling "Thank you. That is all for today. Well, what did you think of my speech?"
"The best interests of all?" Aqua asked
"Indeed. Do you feel the same?" Optimus asked "Sure as I am, I'd like to believe that I'm capable of giving a moving speech." He sighs "…However, there are times, like today, when the audience has a difference of opinion on a topic. Some feel I should concentrate on getting elected before I worry about others… Do you agree?"
"Don't worry, you have my support." Aqua said smiling.
Optimus cheers up smiling "Thank you. It's encouraging to know that my message has won you over. Besides, I have grown quite accustomed to those types of reactions…Although…I don't know if that is necessarily a good thing. Regardless, no matter what they say, I must continue on…"
Aqua nods and thinks 'You know, I think I can learn a lot by listening to Optimus' speeches…'
Soon the two go their separate ways with Optimus hope to have her help again. Aqua then goes to bed.
Well Strength Confidenat in hand and progress with Death and getting closer with Optimus, soon we will get the Exam results and the infiltration will begin.
Please Read, Review and Suggest. Thank you.
