KIRIKO
"Tell me everything you know about what happened".
At my words, Brian's small smile disappeared, replaced by his usual passive expression. His "Back to Business" face, as I dubbed in that moment.
"Right. Disclaimer though… while I have been doing this for quite some time now, I don't possess all the answers to the likely thousand of questions that you have. For the most part, I received some vague explanations back when I was learning, while being told to 'just accept it and walk it off' whenever I was confused about something…"
I hummed, a bit bummed out, but it wasn't his fault, so I let it go.
"Let's start simple then. What exactly is the Metaverse?"
"A parallel dimension of sorts, similar to ours, that… is heavily influenced by us, for lack of better words. It's the world where our deepest, darkest desires take shape and life. I have no idea where it originated from, or why it even exists in the first place".
"Desires? What do you mean…?"
Not even ten seconds in and I already have even more questions. This is going to be a joy…
"How do I explain it… basically, the Metaverse is a cognitive world, inhabited by beings called 'Shadows', those monsters that you saw. It's influenced by each and every living being and the way that they see themselves and the world around them".
A cognitive world… okay, I was still not completely getting it, but it was a start.
"How did we reach it then? You fiddled with your phone right before everything… switched, I guess?"
"That would be thanks to this…"
He showed me the phone, pointing towards an app. It was a weird looking thing, with a big eyeball smack in the middle of it.
"It's called the Metaverse Navigator, or MetaNav for short. By applying specific coordinates, it's capable of sending the user and everyone they're in direct physical contact with in the Metaverse. Who created it? No idea. You should have it too now, by the way".
I blinked and quickly checked my own phone to confirm. Yup, there it was…
"It… downloads itself on a user's phone when they unlock their Persona. It signifies their newfound growth and self discovery… I think".
"What about Shindo Ōkusa? Did he also have the app?"
"He didn't. What you saw back in the Metaverse was a Shadow. Shindo's Shadow, to be more precise. Think of them as 'anti-you's, the manifestation of your true thoughts and feelings. The way that you would act if you didn't have inhibitors like morality or logic. By defeating them, you basically beat the desires out of a person and replace them with an overwhelming need to make up for everything that they've done. A change of heart, if you would".
That explained what happened to both of those damn bastards. But wait, if he said "everyone", then that meant…
"Do we also have Shadows?"
He nodded.
"Correct. Or at least… we used to have a Shadow".
"What? What do you mean?"
"Exactly what I said. We both used to have a Shadow each… but now they're gone. Or more like… they became our new source of strength".
It only took me a second to make the connection.
"Tamamo and Mordred!"
He nodded again, looking pleased.
"Correct. The ones that we sealed our contracts with were our Shadows… which in turn, became our Personas. It's no wonder that they're bound to our masks, if you think about it. We rip it off and show our true selves to the world, thus summoning them to aid us".
Wow… I leaned back against my chair, suddenly feeling drained. That was so… SO much to take in. Brian wasn't done talking though.
"Most of the Shadows can be found around the Metaverse… or in the 'Overworld', as it is called. But some of them are… special. Their desires are so deep and twisted that they transform the world around them, becoming so powerful to be able to extend their will over other Shadows. When that happens, they themselves change, becoming either Palace Rulers or Jail Monarchs, depending on what those desires are".
My brain sputtered and died for a moment. It took quite some effort for me to reboot it.
"Wow wow wow, slow down bucko! Start over with that train of… thoughts!"
Involuntarily, I yawned while I spoke. Not that he was boring me, but the adrenaline had completely worn off. I was more exhausted than I've ever been before in my life.
Brian blinked and looked at the time, noting how late it was. He stood up.
"Maybe it's better if we put a rain check on this conversation. Awakening and summoning your Persona for the first time takes a lot of energy, it's a massive drain both physically and mentally. We'll resume this conversation once you're rested, okay?"
I wanted to protest… but at that point, I could barely keep my eyes open. So I decided to accept his words, let him off the hook and file away everything for another time. I had just one more thing to say to him though.
"Don't you dare go on without me, you hear?! We're in this together now, so we will finish it together!"
I had already figured him out. There was a very big chance that he was planning to leave me behind… and I couldn't allow that.
"Are you sure? What we faced today was just the tip of the iceberg. Things are bound to only get more dangerous from now on…"
I scoffed. As if that was enough to deter me.
"I know. And I don't care. I swore that I would protect everyone around here, and I will! Even if I have to do it alone!"
He squared me up for several, tense seconds. I will admit, I was kind of scared. Everything was so new to me and he was my only guidance in all of that madness. I don't dare to think about what would have happened had I been forced to go at it alone.
But then, to my explosive relief, he exhaled.
"... fine, you win. Let's meet up tomorrow at 10 am in front of the elevator. We'll continue this conversation then".
I nodded, more than happy to accept his conditions.
"I can do that. I better see you there!"
I glared at him for a moment, before smiling.
"Goodnight Brian, sweet dreams!"
He opened my front door and waved while exiting.
"Night Kiriko".
I exhaled through my nose, yawning again. It was time for bed. But then I spared a glance at the table, noting the dirty plates of curry that needed to be washed.
Or not…
BRIAN
I sighed after entering my apartment. Great. Just… just great. I had to babysit a complete amateur because I was foolish enough to trust her. If only my teachers could see me…
I brushed my hand through my hair, closing my eyes. Oh well, nothing to it, I screwed up and I had to pay the price for it. At least Kiriko showed some decent talent, she wouldn't be dead weight. Or so I hoped, she was still untested after all. But, it was time for the weekly report, so I bit back my remorse and lamentations in favor of sitting down in front of my PC.
In a matter of seconds, my employer called and I answered.
"How is it going, Knight? I hope that you have some good news for me…"
They sounded pissed even through the synthetic filter they used to muffle their voice. And who could blame them after almost a week of time wasted… but at least this time I have made progress.
"The mission is officially underway. I found a breaking point and I'm currently working my way through the Hashimoto's ranks. Just today I defeated a high ranking member and obtained my next target's name. I should be fairly close to reaching the main objective".
"I see. Very well. I have a question for you though… earlier today, close to your position, an explosion of energy occurred. The readings were very similar to an Awakening. You wouldn't happen to know anything about it, would you…?"
They knew. Obviously they knew. My employer always knew everything, somehow. They just wanted to see if I would try to lie and wiggle my way out of any punishment.
"Through a series of mistakes on my part, a local woman found herself with me in the Metaverse. She is a member of the group known as The Yōkai. She Awakened after the Hashimoto that we were fighting taunted her too much. She wants to stick around for the rest of the mission".
"Oh? You made a series of mistakes, Knight? How interesting, that never happens…"
They sounded beyond amused…
"Ah well, it can't be helped. At least this spares me the trouble of having to send you reinforcements. Is this woman trustworthy, in your opinion?"
"I believe so. She would do anything to protect her people… so I believe that her presence in this mission could prove to be a boon".
"I shall trust your judgment then. Carry on as you are, Knight. Contact me if anything happens, otherwise I shall speak with you again next week. Byeeeeee~".
And just like that, they cut the connection. I leaned back against my chair, exhaling through my nose. Kiriko could prove to be a boon…
I will admit, I was bullshitting back then while talking to my employer. I didn't particularly trust her, but I could also see her drive to save as many people as she could…
A drive that I could exploit, if I played my cards right. A smile formed on my face, several ideas popping in my head.
I could work with that…
The next day came without ulterior fusses and I emerged from my apartment at 10 am sharp, finding Kiriko already waiting for me. She was probably scared that I would ditch her… it was kind of adorable, in a way. Like a duckling waiting and following its mother everywhere.
"Good morning Brian! Slept well?"
"Not bad, all things considered. How are you? Feeling rested?"
She grinned and smacked her fist against her chest.
"Good as new! I'm ready for more!"
"That's nice to hear. You are going to need that energy for today".
We boarded the elevator, descended and exited the flat. We walked in silence for a bit until we found a deserted alley.
"So, now what? Do we start hunting down that woman? What was her name…"
She snapped her fingers a couple of times, trying to remember, but I interrupted her train of thoughts.
"Norumi Mikoto. But that doesn't matter, she's not here in Kanezaka anymore".
"How do you know?"
"Don't you remember? She went to Hanamura to interrogate one of your supposed colleagues. She's likely going to stay there for a couple days…"
"Oh… yeah. Right… wait, that's right! Why are we still here?! Shouldn't we go there and…!"
"No. Not yet. Today, I have something else planned. If everything goes well, we'll go after Norumi Mikoto tomorrow, I promise".
"Do you? I'll hold you to that, you know?!"
I chuckled.
"Of course. But for now, take out your MetaNav and input the coordinates 'Overworld'. I want to see exactly what you can do".
"Roger that!"
She fished out her phone, inputted what I told her and waited. After a couple of seconds, the world started to shift once more. We were back in the Metaverse.
"Before we start, we need to decide on your codename".
She looked beyond puzzled.
"A codename? Why?"
"People and their Shadows, while one and the same, don't share the exact same memories, usually. A person is not going to remember what their Shadow saw or heard… but there are some cases amongst the most powerful ones where some exceptions occur. Names are the most obvious ones, as such it's better to not use real ones, just as a precaution".
"You are a paranoid guy, aren't you?"
Her dry tone cut a bit, but I couldn't refuse her statement. Paranoia was one of my most defining traits. Rightfully so, but I could go overboard sometimes.
"Ah, whatever. So, how do we decide on these… codenames, then?"
"I already got mine. When in the Metaverse, all of my colleagues call me 'Knight'. For… obvious reasons. For yours… that's your decision. Look at your outfit, or your Persona, or a word that defines you in some way, shape or form. Take your time…"
I smiled kindly at her. She crossed her arms and started to think, while I took a seat on a nearby bench. I just hoped it wouldn't take too long…
KIRIKO
Take your time… sure, because he definitely didn't sound in a hurry while saying that. I huffed while I crossed my arms and wrecked my brain for a suitable name.
Truth be told, a couple popped in my head immediately. Fox… too obvious. Kitsune… that could work, but I wanted something more… symbolic. Amaterasu could work… but it was too much of a mouthful. He didn't give any specific instructions, but even I could tell that these… "codenames" were supposed to be short and snappy, for battle purposes.
I decided to dig a bit deeper. I was a protector, first and foremost. My main objective was to keep the people of Kanezaka and Hanamura safe, not necessarily to destroy the Hashimoto. Many more ideas appeared in my mind afterwards, but one stood out. I was a protector… not just of the people in the city, but of the city itself. The heart of this place was our temple, our shrine, easily. And the one who protects the temple is the…
"Miko".
"Hm? You decided?"
I nodded, smiling with just a touch of pride.
"Yes. My codename will be 'Miko'. Just as I protect and serve our temple and shrine, I will do the same for Kanezaka and its people, even in the Metaverse".
Brian… or Knight, at that moment, accepted my explanation with ease.
"Well, I'd say it fits pretty damn well. Good thinking. Now, for the reason why we're here…"
I stood at attention, the easy and friendly aura of my companion turned sharp.
"Show me your Persona again, if you would".
With a flash of blue flames, Tamamo was back, floating behind me like the day before. Knight started circling both of us, observing the kitsune with a critical eye. After he was done, his gaze swept back to me.
"Listen up. Personas have many differences between each other, ranging from abilities to their types, or Elemental Affinities. These last ones specifically are as follows: Normal, Fire, Ice, Electric, Wind, Nuke, Psi, Bless and Curse. Each one of these all have specific strengths and weaknesses against the others, except for Normals who are neutrals in both categories. Tamamo here, for example, is a Wind type. Wind excels at healing and support, but can also dish out some nice damage in the right circumstances. Their opposite is Electricity".
He ripped off his own mask, summoning his own Persona.
"Mordred here, instead, is a Curse type. Their main focus is damage dealing, but can be sturdy enough to take a good couple of hits before collapsing. The opposite is Bless, of course. I will explain further when we meet different types, overwhelming you now won't help. For now, I have a question: do you possess any kind of ranged weapon?"
If I had range? I took out my kunai, twirling them around my finger.
"Will these suffice?"
"Yes. And now… for the test".
Knight held his sword with both hands and the flat of the blade in front of his face. He looked ready for a brawl.
Did… did he wanted to…
"Attack me with everything that you have. I need to see just how far you can go at this moment, before I bring you along to look for more trouble".
He wanted to fight. I was stunned, obviously. But in hindsight, I probably should have expected it. He looked like the type of guy to prefer a more... direct approach, whim it comes to fighting.
"Are you sure…? I don't really enjoy fighting my friends…"
He smiled when he heard the word "friends".
"Don't worry. Think of this like… a spar. We're just going to spar for a bit, just so I can see how strong you are".
"... all right then! You asked for it! Get ready to be amazed, Knight!"
"Come at me with your full power, Miko!"
I readied my new wakizashi with my right hand, the other holding a kunai with a firm grip. He switched to holding his greatsword with also his right hand, while on his left he had the golden gun that he had stolen from Dojima Kenzo two days prior.
Tamamo appeared, giggling behind one of her fans, wind started to pick up around us. Behind Knight, Mordred grunted, planting his zweihander in the ground. Thin wisps of dark smoke emitted from the massive suit armor that was my friend's Persona.
We smiled at each other. Even if I was a bit reluctant… I can't deny that I was also a bit excited. Brian was obviously strong. Very, very strong. It was my occasion to measure up against someone who knew how to fight. And even if I knew that I was at a disadvantage in the Metaverse, I wanted to prove myself. To him, to my Persona… and to me, as well.
We both bent our knees at the same time.
"Hunt them down, Tamamo!"
"Slaughter, Mordred!"
And then...
We clashed.
BRIAN
Our weapons met each other with a resounding noise of steel against steel. Our difference in terms of physical strength became immediately obvious when I started to overpower her, my greatsword applying all its mighty pressure to her smaller blade.
And she knew it very well, if her smirk was anything to go by. In a show of grace, she slid her weapon along mine, making me lose a bit of my balance while she slashed with her now free wakizashi. My gauntlet clad arm intervened to block her attacks, before I switched grip on my weapon and lashed out with pommel, forcing her to duck and disengage.
She was obviously well practiced with the blade and knew how and where to strike. I wondered if that was part of being a Yōkai or if she had been trained prior to her joining the rebel group. The way she was holding herself suggested she had quite a few years under her belt…
I surged forward to meet her before she could recover, using my superior reach to hold her at bay and keep her on the defensive. And while she was distracted…
The gun that I… borrowed all the way at the start made its presence known when I shoved it in her face, pulling the trigger. Miko was more than quick enough to see it coming and dodge, but now it was her turn to be unbalanced. I could have probably cut her in half right then and there, but I settled with a heavy kick to her stomach.
I frowned. That shouldn't have hit, based on the way she had fought the first time I met her.
"Ohi, you aren't holding back, aren't you?!"
"W-Wha?! No I'm not! Damn, that one hurt…!"
"If so, then why are you so slow? I remember back when you fought against those Hashimoto members two days ago. Where are all those teleporting tricks?!"
Miko rose back up to her feet, still holding her midriff. She looked sheepish though…
"... don't tell me you forgot about them".
"W-Well, what did you expect?! I suddenly have an onslaught of new abilities I never had before! I wanted to try those out…"
I couldn't hold the chuckle that escaped my lips. I wasn't judging her, but it was funny how much she reminded me of myself when I first started.
"By the by, what the fuck?! I thought this was a spar!"
"It is a spar. But I have to push you if I want to see how strong you are. Don't tell that love tap I gave you hurts so much…"
"First! You kicked me with boots MADE OF STEEL! OF COURSE THAT'S GOING TO HURT! Second… you shot me! Like, outright shot me in the face!"
I sighed. I guess I hadn't been clear enough when explaining what exactly the Metaverse is.
"Miko, this is a cognitive world, shaped by our perception of the world. That includes our weapons. I'm the one that gets to decide when and where the bullets that I shoot become lethal. As of right now, they're just going to hurt a crap ton, but they won't kill you".
She glared at me, not believing a single word. I smirked. Good, she shouldn't take everything that I said at face value.
"Break's over foxy! Ready or not, here I come!"
She yelped, barely managing to deflect my greatsword. She kicked me in the chest and backflipped away, before, finally, teleporting to my left and slashing a quick three hit combo. She teleported again and did the same on my back.
One more flash, but this time she was a short distance away, a hand to her mask.
"Come, Persona!"
Tamamo appeared, sending four wind bullets against me. I dodged the first two, slashed apart the third and shot away the fourth. Using my distraction, Miko teleported once more, aiming a kick to my face, which connected. But before she could get away, I attacked with my own weapon, but she was ready with a small sphere in her hand, which she threw at her feet
Her body glowed white for half a second, and my weapon went right through her. I grinned, finally seeing something I liked.
"There we go! Much better!"
She teleported away before the effect of her ability wore off.
"Like it? It's called 'Protective Suzu'! It cleanses the body, mind and soul. Very useful for a last second save, if I do say so myself!"
I was genuinely impressed. Slowly but surely, she was proving herself to be a true menace on the field. Maybe… just maybe… those last few days were a blessing in disguise, rather than a series of mistakes.
Her grin remained intact, while her Persona made her appearance one last time. But I was ready to counter.
"Finish it off, Persona!"
Mordred was back once more. He readied a sword strike, and just as Miko was about to dodge, I used my gun again to shoot in front of her feet, making her stumble. Tamamo went on the defensive, but the physical difference was too much. My Persona's attack went through, creating a small shield of smoke.
Once it dissipated, there she was on her back, panting. The spar was over. I walked over to her and sat by her side with a grin.
"I must say Miko, I'm impressed. You did much better than I anticipated!"
"So… that means… we're… going after… Norumi Mikoto… tomorrow…?"
I nodded.
"We sure are. She won't stand a chance!"
She grinned.
"Good… to hear…"
We stay there for a couple of seconds.
"Hey, Knight…"
"Yeah?"
"I don't think… I can move… little help… please…?"
Oops. I think I went overboard there…
I quickly helped her up and went back to the real world, accompanying her to her apartment. I came to Kanezaka expecting a long, drawn out job. And it was just that, at the start. But at that moment… I was confident that it was going to be over quickly, thanks to Kiriko.
Hello?! Is this thing on?! It is?! Noice.
Welcome back, dudes and gentleladies to another episode of UTFW, the show where kicking the everloving shit out of each other is how we make friends!
And so, Kiriko's Metaverse name has been revealed. I did want to go with Kitsune at the start, but I figured that, since I was already doing some research on Japanese culture while searching for a suitable Persona for her, I might as well be more creative with the whole thing.
So I looked up Kiriko's wiki and saw that she was a shrine maiden. At that point, I just had to look up their names in Japanese, and thus Miko became the winner.
Some differences with Persona's Metaverse are also being exposed! Namely, Gun and Physical Affinities are now grouped together in Normal, the Overworld instead of the Mementos, the existence of Palaces and Jails at the same time and a change in how weapons work with cognition. This last one especially will be better explored in the next chapter. Almighty still exists too, but that will come much later.
Also, I hope that the exposition here wasn't too heavy, but I figured that I might as well, given the changes to the Metaverse that I presented earlier. In case it was a bit boring, I apologize, but it had to be done. Kiriko may also appear a bit… weaker than she would usually be, but in this case, Brian's experience prevailed against her training. But don't get me wrong, in the real world, she would kick his ass into next week without even trying.
That's all folks! Ta-ta for now!