Disclaimer:
I do not own the story and the concepts represented in the fiction written. This fiction and all Persona-related fictions belong to Atlus, the fantastic company that created the games.
Author's Note:
For everyone that has been patiently awaiting an update to this fanfiction, I apologize. There have been so many things needing my attention that I feel scatterbrained most days. The biggest reason why I haven't updated, however, is that my laptop got stolen along with the detailed notes I made for this story. Now that I have rewritten everything, it shouldn't take me months to update again, hopefully.
Comments to Reviews:
KaiSaeren: Thank you for reading my story. I recommended that you continue. While there are dark moments (got to create some angst!), I try to balance the story with the light tone in Persona 5. Concerning your questions about the plot, well, you're just going to have to continue reading my friend.
agamernamedjustyn: Thank you, I really appreciate it. Also, don't worry, I have no plans of ending this story until it's done
Boyo: Thank you! Capturing everyone's personalities while introducing new situations is difficult yet rewarding!
VenomousBite: My ears are red from your praise. Thank you so much!
emma-nyaaan: Thank you for your comment. I will admit that Chapter 13 was difficult to write. About Haru's panic attack, I asked a friend who experienced a few due to circumstances, and I've got to say it is both wild and unbelievable of how scary a panic attack can be. Lastly, about the plot-related questions, stay tuned for my, eventual, updates for answers!
Gravity Rush: No, they haven't done the nasty yet...in the past events. Though, they are heading in that direction.
prince of underbrush: Hey! Thank you for the review. Initially, I did want the events in Chapter 12 to have more a lasting, negative, impact on Akira. After reading your review, I can understand the direction you thought I was going to take. Truthfully, having him turn apathetic was something I considered in the beginning; however, and to be blunt, I needed him to recover a bit so I could flip his world upside-down some more if that makes sense. It's challenging to make impactful situations for someone numb to them.
After
11/27
Their infiltration of Shido's Cruiser was progressing smoothly. However, after their escapade on the Pool Deck – receiving the second letter of referral – enduring another gruesome mouse transformation, the charging team, consisting of Joker, Queen, Skull, and Fox, were understandably exhausted.
Rest, though, was not a luxury afforded to them. In the form of a security guard, a shadow exploded in red and black fluids, reanimating itself into two shadows: Oberon and Titania.
"Ah, shit, more of them!" Skull yelped.
"Skull," Queen said, "Language."
"But, I'm so out of breath that it feels like lava's in my throat!"
Queen ignored him, taking charge and summoning her persona. "Let's strike them! Anat!"
Two balls of light shrunk the shadows, but only Oberon caved upon impact.
Futaba's voice echoed in their minds. "Good job, Queen! One down. The other's weak to psychic. Joker, you got anything?"
"Sure, I do," Joker said, smirking as he and Queen shared a high-five. " Titania!"
Joker tossed his mask aside, summoning his persona, which produced waves of psychokinetic energy at its imposter, sending it crashing onto the red-carpet underneath.
"Hell yeah!" Skull cheered. "Come on! Let's beat'em up!"
"Go for it!" Joker ordered.
The attack followed was an onslaught of stabs from Fox's katana and Joker's knife and blunt impacts from Queen's fist and Skull's bat, reducing the shadows to particles of smoke.
"H-holy hell," Skull huffed, leaning against a pillar for support. "I-I need a minute. This is tougher than my last workouts put together."
"As improbable as that sounds, I understand the sentiment." Fox took a knee on the opposite side of the pillar from Skull. "This has been the most taxing infiltration as of yet."
Even Queen, always calm and controlled, was taking measured breaths. Joker couldn't blame them. He'd regularly had to wipe the sweat from his forehead, a phenomenon new to him in the Metaverse, and calm the rapid beatings of his heart.
"Oracle, find us the nearest safe room," he requested. "And come over with the backup team."
"On it, and we'll be there in a jiffy. Stay put."
Don't have to tell me twice, Joker thought, mimicking Fox and taking a knee. The support team, Panther, Morgana, Noir, and Oracle, appeared from a hallway corner.
"A saferoom's nearby," Oracle said. "Keep heading down this hall."
Fortunately, the number of shadows lessened closer to the saferoom. The group found themselves in an open space, the entertainment hall, revealing more cognitive people, slot machines, and stairs.
"Hmm, I'm sensing some shadow activity, but nothing en route to the saferoom." Oracle pointed at a set of large metal doors, out of place with its surroundings' lavish décor, down the stairs.
Skull rolled his shoulders. "Well, what are we waiting for? I'm dying for a break."
Everyone nodded, silently agreeing, and traveled to the doors. Once inside, flashes of light danced across Joker's vision, revealing what the room was in reality – an office of some kind. It was only for a moment before the place returned to just another aspect of Shido's palace.
The group dispersed – each member finding a spot to claim as their own in the spacious room. Skull quickly took possession of their supply bag from Ann and retrieved the food they had prepared beforehand.
"Skull, be sure to share," Panther reprimanded. "Queen and Fox need stuff too!"
"I know, I know," Skull said, passing the bag to a famished Fox. "Joker, want anything? I'll get it for you once the bag comes my way again."
"But, you just had it," Panther pointed out.
"Bu-hey! You're the one who said to pass it!"
Joker shook his head in Skull and Panther's direction, ending their dispute and signaling that he was fine.
"Joker, I can share some of mine," Queen offered.
In her hands was an elaborately decorated lunchbox with an illustration of a famous motorbike figure. Joker imagined what she had prepared was tasty and jampacked with nutritional value. It was tempting, but he was too eager to further the infiltration to rest. Rest would come when he had reclaimed his life and Shido was behind bars.
"Thank you, Queen, but I'll manage," Joker said. "Noir, Panther, Morgana. You guys ready to go?"
"Go?" Morgana questioned. "Go where?"
"Us four, including Oracle, will continue the infiltration while the others recover."
"Wait, you're going to go without us as the backup," Queen said. Her brownish-red eyes narrowed behind her mask.
"Yeah! We (munch) can still (munch) fight," Skull said in-between bites of his burger.
"Close your mouth," Morgana said in exasperation.
Fox looked confused, quietly eating away at some curry Joker had prepared.
Joker waved off their bewilderment. "We've made it this far so quickly thanks to you three clearing so much of the palace. The second part of the plan calls for the support team to continue the infiltration."
Queen set her box lunch aside on the table and scrutinized Joker. "We're aware of the plan, Joker. But, there wasn't any mention of proceeding without us."
"To save time, we'll obtain the third referral while you rest. By then, the three of you should be recovered, and we can continue as a group."
"You make it sound like you weren't with us when this entire time," Queen pointed out. "It was tiring to make it this far. You need to rest as much as us."
She was only half right, however. Barong, his latest persona of Emperor Arcana, was steadily restoring his stamina with its passive ability invigorate. Sure, he was nowhere near his best, but he could continue without too much issue.
"Thank you, Queen, but I'll be fine."
Queen continued to stare at Joker, evaluating his words before sighing and grabbing her lunchbox again. "If you're sure then. But, if things get out of hand, send a message via Oracle, and we'll be there."
Joker nodded. "Will do."
He turned to the support team. "Ready?"
"Yeah," Morgana confirmed.
"Anytime," nodded Panther.
Joker turned to Noir, who hadn't voiced her thoughts. She was completely different from her usual vibrant self when hunting down shadows. Instead of her calm and graceful façade, Noir appeared sullen and timid.
Upon noticing his gaze, and the questioning looks from everyone else, Noir jumped as if spooked. "I-I'm sorry. I'm ready to go."
At face value, she appeared fine, but something nudged the edge of Joker's mind, whispering precautions: Titania of the Empress Arcana.
Joker tilted his head; his eyes narrowed slightly behind his mask. "Are you sure?"
"I'm fine," she insisted, hefting her ax over her shoulder. "Let's go."
Joker sighed but nodded. Within the confines of his soul, Titania continued to whisper warnings. Still, he decided to ignore them and focus on the matter at hand. After receiving the supply bag, the team, him, Panther, Morgana, and Noir, exited the saferoom. As before, the entertainment hall was packed with cognitive people lording around. Following Oracle's direction, the team ventured to a set of staircases leading down to where the TV president played slots.
"Wait," suddenly echoed Oracle's voice when they reached the foot of the stairs. "Guys, you have company coming from upstairs."
Joker caught sight of a pair of shadows in security outfits sprinting down the stairs toward them. He quickly unholstered his gun and fired three shots at their feet, causing both manifestations to fall at the team's feet and explode into red and black swirls.
"Watch out," said Oracle, "you've got Titania, King Frost, Cerberus, and Hanuman!"
Damnit, Joker thought. His decision to leave the others behind was already biting him in the ass.
"Want me to send backup?" Oracle asked.
"Do it," said Joker in reply. To his team members, he said, "Panther, light them aflame. Morgana knockdown Hanuman and Noir use psychokinetic attacks."
Having given out his orders, Joker leaped into action. He evaded two swipes from Hanuman, aimed for his head, and sent a volley of bullets at the shadows, keeping their attention on him. A moment later, balls of fire struck each enemy, though only King Frost was knocked down from the impact. Hanuman soon followed King Frost after Morgana's lucky punch connected.
"Alright," cheered Oracle. "That's two down and two more to go. At this rate, you might not need backup!"
Joker smirked wickedly and ripped off his mask, summoning his own King Frost. Before Cerberus could pounce on Morgana, Joker's King Frost unleashed spikes of ice its way, sending it sprawling helplessly onto the ground.
"Noir," Joker called, raising his head to exchange a high-five.
The baton was passed, and Noir reached for her mask to summon her persona. Milady loomed over the enemies, her glare menacing. Milady raised her fan in preparation for an attack but then stopped mid-action.
It was as if the world around them froze, every combatant waiting for Milady's assault. Noir broke the spell by whispering, hesitantly, her persona's name.
"Milady…"
And then Noir's persona rebuked and began to shudder violently.
"Milady!"
The persona spared her summoner one final glance before fading into a barely visible silhouette. No one reacted until the enemy shadows did, commencing their assault. The scene felt like an eternity for the members of the Phantom Thieves present.
"Hey, guys! Watch out!" Oracle's voice screamed in their ears, but it was too late – chaos erupted. The enemy, King Frost, regained its bearings and fired an ice spell. The spell hit Panther, sending her flying toward the wall and some slot machines.
"Lady Ann!" Morgana rushed to Panther's side, but the enemy Hanuman intercepted his path and bared its twin swords at the feline.
"You! Get out of the way!" Morgana cried. A contest of skill commenced between the two advisories, Morgana desperately trying to defeat the shadow and make his way to Panther.
Standing in the middle of the action, Noir hadn't moved from her spot after witnessing her persona disappear. The enemy Cerberus caught sight of her and considered her easy prey. It stalked toward Noir, slow and predator-like.
Joker, noticing the impending danger, called out to Noir but to no avail.
"Damn it!" Joker evaded a psychokinetic attack from the enemy Titania and sprinted in Noir's direction. He lunged, pushing her out of the way as the Cerberus's paw came crashing down. The force of the blow sent Joker bouncing like a ball on the carpeted floor until he collapsed next to a slot machine occupied by the cognitive TV president.
Without sparing him a glance, the cognition said, "Sir, would you kindly take your shenanigans elsewhere? Continue, and I will call security."
What the hell, Joker thought.
When the Cerberus readied itself to strike at Noir once more, a ball of white light smacked it, tipping it to its side. Joker scanned the hall. Panther was up, healed, alongside Morgana and making quick work of the enemy Hanuman. Skull and Fox dished out powerful physical attacks on the enemy Titania and King Frost. At the same time, Queen made Cerberus her punching bag. Watching the conflict, Oracle provided physical and defensive boosts to keep the team going strong.
Within seconds the fight was over, the enemy shadows reduced to puffs of smoke. Joker stood up, using the chair affixed to the slot machine as leverage to stand. He momentarily sent the TV president, fixated on the device, a sneer before eyeing Queen as she approached.
"Joker," she said, "What happened?"
Joker was glad that she wasn't the told you so kind of person. Otherwise, he'd completely lose his composure.
"Complications," he said, glancing at the still shell-shocked Noir. "Queen, round everyone up. We're calling it early today."
O
Upon returning to reality, the team quickly relocated away from the Diet building. The group formed a circle. A tense silence hovered in the air until Makoto said, "Akira, what happened?"
Akira met her gaze sullenly, ready to answer when Haru spoke up.
"I'm sorry it was my fault." All eyes turned toward her.
"Everything was going fine under Akira's direction, but I – couldn't focus on the enemies in front of us. In my hesitation, everyone became distracted, allowing the shadows the chance to counterattack."
"You couldn't focus?" Makoto asked softly.
"Yes," Haru said. Her gaze fell to the ground. "Certain circumstances regarding…the passing of my father, and the company has been demanding as of late."
"Is that why you haven't been to classes? Because of Okumura Foods?"
No, Akira thought. That isn't it at all, but he opted to remain silent. Giving such sensitive information away would breach the trust between him and Haru.
"Yes," Haru affirmed. "I apologize for not being more mentally prepared."
"Don't worry about it," Futaba reassured. "With how much progress we've made, today's infiltration is an S rank! No S plus rank!"
"But, hey," Ann spoke up, "what happened to your persona, Haru?"
Yusuke titled his head. "Her persona?"
"Oh, yeah," proclaimed Futaba, "I remember sensing that. It was like it disappeared or something because I couldn't sense it at all."
Even Makoto seemed alarmed at the information, cocking an eyebrow. "Her persona disappeared? Morgana, can that happen?"
Morgana popped his head from Akira's bag. "No, personas don't disappear. Their part of you. But –"
"Here it comes," Ryuji murmured. Ann hushed him.
"— like anything else, if you're too overwhelmed, your persona can fail to appear until you've controlled your mental state."
Ann looked at the sky contemplatively. "So, it's like when you have this test that you've studied for, but when it starts, you're so nervous that you can't remember anything you've studied."
Ryuji sighed in frustration. "That happens to me like every time."
"Yeah, but you don't study," Ann pointed out.
"Oh, yeah."
"Hmm, aren't finals coming up for second years?" Makoto voiced, her eyes narrowed in Ryuji's direction.
Ryuji crooked. "Um?"
Makoto sighed. "We'll have to have a group study session for everyone later. Mona, so if someone's under too much pressure, they won't be able to evoke their persona."
"Yep."
"I see." Makoto turned to address Haru. "Haru, is there anything that's bothering you that we can help with?"
Haru shook her head. "No, it's nothing to concern yourselves with. Everything should settle down soon."
"…If you're sure."
The group looked to Akira for the next course of action.
"I think we call it a day," he decided, voicing everyone's thoughts. "Like Futaba pointed out, we've made good progress so far. The due date is some time away, so there's no need to rush either. The situation with Noir – Haru – is something we didn't expect. But we should have that information now to plan for it. If anyone's having trouble with anything personal or feeling overwhelmed, call one of us. Let's take care of the issue before it becomes a problem."
"Heh, you sound like a guidance counselor," Ryuji said.
"Really? I found what he said very inspirational." Yusuke raised his hand. "Akira-san, currently, I'm having issues with my paintings. I'm looking for –"
"So, help me," Ann interjected, raising her fist, "if it has anything, and I mean anything, to do with someone naked, you're getting hurt."
Yusuke lowered his hand.
Ann, Haru, and Makoto walked together. Ryuji mentioned going to Big Bang Burger along with Yusuke. Akira watched the trio go, his eyes on Haru, and wondered if keeping her situation a secret was the best action. He'd hoped to speak to her privately, but she had sped off when the meeting ended.
Akira sighed. At his side, Futaba was tinkering with her cell phone. "Hey, let's go. There's this TV series that finished streaming on my desktop."
X
After walking Futaba home, Akira returned to Leblanc. It was empty inside, Sojiro having left for home, so Akira flipped the sign outside from Open to Close. The dim lighting of the establishment served as a reminder of how sore and exhausted he was. It was not physical exhaustion but a mental one. Already he knew that sleep wouldn't come easy.
So, Akira picked up the old phone on Leblanc's counter and phoned Becky. His teacher arrived in record time, donned in the outfit of her previous employment.
"Since I'm not getting paid for this anymore, you're refunding me for the taxi fare," she claimed, walking inside. She stopped to scrutinize Akira's appearance. "Wow, what happened to you?"
"You should've seen the other guy," was his witty remark.
"Knowing you, Mr. Phantom Thief, I'd rather not. Come on; let's get this over with."
Kawakami led him upstairs and instructed him to undress. Akira removed his jacket and shirt underneath, falling onto the bed on his stomach. Kawakami straddled his back. If anyone saw the two of them, their mind would go to exotic places. For Akira and Kawakami, though, it was business as usual.
"You're tense today. Hold still and try not to yelp," were Kawakami's instructions.
"Yes, ma'am."
"And no smart remarks, or else…."
POP!
Kawakami was right. It did hurt, but the pain eventually gave way to relief, and Akira's mental fatigue – along with some knots in his back – disappeared.
"That felt great," Akira breathed. He sat up on the bed and put on his shirt. "Thanks."
"No problem, but I mean what I said. You were tense today. Is there something going on? I mean more than what's already going on with you."
"Just complications," Akira mused. His thoughts returned to Haru's failure to summon her persona, the grave fight afterward, and the lie she told the group. It was almost comical to him that Haru's situation was unraveling him the most out of all his burdens and responsibilities. He wished it could be whisked away with a trip to Mementos or by defeating some shadows.
"But some things aren't that easy…."
"Hmm, what was that?"
"Nothing," Akira quickly said. "Just…talking to myself."
He could see the concern growing in her eyes. She scooted closer and did something he didn't expect – pull him into a tight embrace.
"Hey," she said.
"Hmm?"
"Don't push yourself, alright? You're just a kid?"
Akira scoffed, to which Kawakami pulled away and stood in front of him. "Oh, don't give me that. I don't care how many crazy things you do. You're just a high school student…Don't try to overburden yourself."
She offered her hand to him. "Here, come on."
When Akira didn't react, she took his hand and pulled him to his feet. Before he could question her motives, she shoved his jacket in his hands.
"Ok, that's enough moping. Go outside and get some air." She moved to the stairs. "I'll make you some food, so come back hungry."
And she was gone, her footsteps echoing throughout the attic.
"Don't be gone too long," came Morgana's voice from the sofa by the TV.
"I…kind of just want to stay here."
"And do what? Mope? Is it about leaving Ryuji, Makoto, and Yusuke behind? What happened in the palace today wasn't your fault?"
Morgana sat up, stretching. "In hindsight, it wasn't your greatest idea, but you'll learn. Now, go out and clear your head. Afterward, you'll eat, and then we'll talk about what's on your mind."
Light glistened in Morgana's eye as he positioned himself comfortably on the sofa again. "After all, you said we shouldn't let ourselves get overwhelmed."
Akira rubbed his tired eyes. Nodding, he fitted his jacket and went downstairs. Kawakami was behind the kitchen, busy gathering the ingredients for curry, and shooed him along when their eyes met. Akira smirked as he stepped outside.
He wondered what a walk would do to ease his current predicament. Haru's problem wasn't the only thing that weighed him down but everything from Akechi's betrayal, his fugitive status, the deadline for Shido's palace, and his home and school life. Never before had things been so chaotic. Perhaps Haru's situation was the icing on the cake, the extra weight on his shoulders that sent everything toppling down.
In his rumination, Akira wandered to Shinjuku. He didn't have a destination in mind. Still, the red lights and the activity provided a welcomed escape from the confines of his mind. He spotted a familiar figure sitting straight before a covered table down the street to the right.
Chihaya Mifune waved at him enthusiastically as he walked over. "Akira-san, hello! How are you?"
"Chihaya-san, I'm fine, thank you. And yourself?"
Chihaya smiled warmly at him. "Better now that you're here."
"Why? Is everything alright? Is that chairman bothering you again?"
"No, no," Chihaya insisted. "Nothing like that. I'm just glad to see that's all. You know, after watching the news about you and that you…died, I was pretty dumbstruck. When you stopped by later, I felt like I could breathe again. I check the cards every once in a while to ensure you're ok."
"Chihaya…"
"Oh, don't mind me." She gestured frantically to the seat across from her. "Oh, dang it, my manners! Please sit. I'll do your fortune unless you're busy."
Akira managed a small smile and shook his head. "I have all the time in the world."
"No need to lie to me, but I appreciate it. I want to quickly check your future – for my stake."
Akira nodded, reaching for his wallet. "Sure, I don't mind. How much will that be?"
Chihaya dropped both hands on the table. "Free! For you, it's always free. You're my…hero, after all."
"What was that last part?"
"Nothing! Here. Give me your hand."
Akira did as he was instructed and then watched Chihaya conduct a reading as she had done multiple times in his presence. She did a Special Fate reading with the utmost concentration and produced three cards from the tarot deck.
"Ok," she said. "Let's see."
She flipped the first card, The Tower Arcana.
"The Tower," Akira said. "That's…not a good start."
"It isn't," Chihaya confirmed. "But look here. It's reversed."
"Reversed?"
"Yes, tarot cards have different meanings, whether upright or reversed. Reversed Tower represents entrapment, imprisonment, and old ways."
Chihaya took his lack of response as confirmation to continue. She flipped the second card, and The Empress Arcana reversed.
Akira grimaced. Chihaya, noticing his discomfort, winced apologetically. "Another reversed arcana. Luckily, The Empress reversed doesn't signify anything as bad as The Tower. It represents inaction, lack of concentration, vacillation, and anxiety."
Chihaya offered a smile to Akira, which he returned. Internally, however, her reassurances did little to quell his anxiety at witnessing the tarot card. It reminded him of Haru and her situation and how powerless he was to help.
"The reversed Empress also represents infidelity." Chihaya giggled, her eyes narrowed mischievously at Akira. "You wouldn't happen to be two-timing anyone, would you?"
"Wha – n-no! I'm single!"
Chihaya burst into laughter, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I – I was only kidding. Geez, don't tell me you are because the only future I see coming from that is two angry women chasing you down. I know I would."
Akira shifted uncomfortably in his seat, giving Chihaya the satisfaction of knowing she'd gotten under his skin.
"Ok, ok," Chihaya said, regaining her composure. "Let's see that final card. It'll probably be something confirming you're two-timing."
Chihaya flipped the final card and flinched away from it as if it were a hot pan. Akira stared at the Death Arcana upright.
Creases formed on Chihaya's brow, and her voice quivered as she explained. "T-the Death Arcana. It's usually difficult to explain it. Its meaning isn't positive upright or reserved."
Akira met her gaze, noticing her cherry complexion pale significantly. "What…what does it represent?"
Chihaya's facial features tightened. In a grave tone, she said, "Upright, the Death Arcana represents unexpected change, loss, failure, and…death."