Memory 3: Silver Bullet

Kinshiro University/Afternoon
May 1st, 20XX

Three weeks have passed since Connor not only woke up and began his first year of university, but also since the day he met Haru when he was exhausted like he was. That day was marked as not only the day things would become even better for him, something of which he doesn't isn't aware of at this moment, but also the day he made his first-ever friend at this new school. Even if something about her had a hint of...Familiarity. But he didn't think much of anything. Of course, there wasn't much to think about at the moment, especially when classes took up a ton of his time. He'd have to focus from one class to another, after all.

At this very moment, he was sitting in a classroom with many others. But throughout this whole time, he was completely focused on the class and the professor, typing along on his laptop. All while wearing a Blue sweater, Black pants, and Brown shoes. As well as a laptop bag just close by. His Blue eyes were completely on the whole lesson, listening in...Until someone next to him leaned close. A male student, at that. But not close enough to be too obvious. "...Hey." They then spoke, making him stop to look over at them. "...You know Okumura?"

That very name confused him, making him tilt his head back. He was rather confused by the name. As far as he could recall. "...W-Who...?"

"...Ah, playing dumb...Got it. Say no more." Nothing but the sounds of the professor talking about the lesson then filled the air between them. "...So, spill the beans. How did you do it? How'd you get to be with Okumura?"

Get to be with...Okumura? He truly didn't know that name. At least, with what he could remember given his messed-up memories. "...I...Really don't know who or what you're talking about..."

"...Wait, you CAN'T be serious, right? You're-"

"...Excuse me. Are you two done talking?" A voice then rang around the classroom, silencing them both. "...Is there something much more important here than this?"

"...No, not at all. Sorry." The other student then spoke out, apologizing. And soon enough, he returned to his regular sitting stance. Despite being able to return to making notes now, he did start to wonder now. Question it, even.

Who WAS Okumura?

Kinshiro University/After Classes

Soon enough, classes were now finished for the day. And Connor began to make his way through the halls with a happy smile. Right now, despite being questioned as he did earlier, he was happy. Possibly the happiest he ever was since the accident and even beforehand. Although that question from before did make his mind wander. Who was this "Okumura"? Surely they were important enough to where he had to be asked about them. But, he didn't think much of it since his mind was now on another question. Where was Haru since he had last seen her? "...I haven't seen her since the semester started. I wonder where she is..." He was then left thinking, trying to figure out where she could be.

As he walked through the school, his eyes eventually caught sight of a bulletin board on the wall. There were many pieces of paper, but one caught his attention. A missing person poster, and one of a "Goro Akechi". Seeing it definitely caught his attention, and made him look and stare at it. He did recall seeing a lot about him back then. Especially regarding the Phantom Thieves. That much he was somehow able to remember. But then, just disappeared. It made him wonder what happened.

"...Yeah, you wondering how he just up and disappeared too?" Another voice spoke up, making him look over to see it was another male student, now looking at the board. "It's funny, dude just showed up and now he's gone. Same with those Phantom Thieves." However, Connor only stayed quiet, observing it further. And that caught his attention. "Hey, I'm trying to make conversation here."

"...H-Huh? O-Oh...Sorry..."

"...You know, you look familiar. Have I seen you somewhere before?" Just then, he looks at him closer, observing the young Black and Blue haired man. And just like that, something clicked with him. "...Yeah, that's right! I know who you are! You're that dude that walked in here with Okumura! All the other guys are talking about you!"

The sound of that name made him tilt his head in confusion once again. That was the second time anyone brought up that name. Just who were they if he was asked about them this much? Nobody, and not even he himself, could tell if that was his memories messing with him or not. "O-Okumura...?"

"Yeah! Okumura! That chick with the fluffy as hell hair!" That description definitely took him by surprise. So THAT was Okumura. Given how people asked him twice today, maybe she is well-known in general. "I'm just wondering how you even got ASSOCIATED with someone like her! What the hell's your secret?!"

"U-Um...I just met her one day. I don't even know much about her. Or rather, I don't know anything about her..."

The mere sound of that drove shock deep into this stranger's mind. "Wait...You don't know who she is?! How the hell do you NOT know!? Have you been living under a rock!? Went into a coma?!"

"...W-Well, I did just wake up from one a few weeks ago..."

"I-Wait, really...?" That definitely threw him off, but he pushed that to the side. "Well then, smartass...Just so you know, she's rich. Like, SUPER rich. Her dear old DAD ran Okumura Foods before he died." Hearing that alone did make his Blue eyes widen, especially with the passing of her dad. But most importantly, how casually he talked about it. "But, you know...That old bastard basically treated his workers like garbage from what I heard. So MAYBE he had it coming. Who knows...Maybe SHE'S like that too for all I know. But, that's fine...As long as she's someone with a ton of money-"

From hearing that statement, he shook his head. "I...Don't think so. She doesn't seem like that. B-But...Even if she was, nobody deserves to lose their family like that..." And it was just then, some part of his real memories began to surface. Even if it was JUST for a little bit. "...Losing a parent...Hurts..."

"Oh, come on...She can just buy herself someone to ACT like one for her! She's stupid rich! She's-"

"...You can't just replace them just like that! Even if you are rich!" Connor almost quickly snapped back, silencing this stranger. "I would know! I...I lost my father!" And just like that, back to how he was before. "Just because she's rich or that her father was like that doesn't mean anything! Is that all you see her for!? For just her status!? For her wealth?!" That question only made silence fill the halls, making everyone stop to stare. "...Y-You...You don't know her! And neither do I! But, maybe I want to know more about her than just that! Know who she really is! So...Stop, okay?!"

There was once silence filling the air. And slowly, everyone began to walk once more, though now whispering to themselves. And with that, the stranger starts backing up. "Alright, alright...Chill. Didn't need to start yelling...Think you got the message across. Jeez..." And with that, he began to walk away to leave him be.

With that, Connor was left alone, watching him walk away from the scene. Just as he was going to turn and walk away to leave, his eyes then caught the sight of Haru. And she was in his line of sight, standing there with rather wide eyes. It seems she heard what he said. And that left him blushing and rubbing the back of his head, unsure of what to say or how to respond. But, he had to say something. And so, he slowly starts to walk toward her, looking away from her for a moment. "...U-Um...How much of that did you hear?"

"...Um, just the last part. About, my status..." She spoke softly, somewhat taken aback by all he had said. Especially with how loud he was. But, she then shakes her head. "Y-You didn't have to-"

"...B-But I wanted to. No...It felt like...I needed to. It didn't...It didn't feel right letting him talk you down like that. Talking about you in that way...It just...Made me mad..." He spoke out to her, but silence then filled the air between them. But he had to continue. "...I...I didn't know about you or who you are until just now. But...I don't know, maybe...You'd want a friend, at least? I just...Want to know you for you. The...Real you..." But once more, there was silence...With her looking down in thought. "...I-If you don't want to, that's fine! I-I don't-"

"...I used to know people who accepted me for who I was. People who weren't only nice to me just for my name." She then started, catching his attention. "They're far away now, but they showed me kindness. Accepted me for who I was, and not for my status. They...Are my friends." Just then, she looked up at him with a soft smile. Her Brown eyes stared deep into his Blue ones. His eyes were filled with honesty and were genuine. "You remind me of one of them, Connor-Kun...In fact, you almost look like one of them! I think...You truly do mean what you say. And...Maybe you could use a friend too! So, of course! We're friends!"

The very sound of that made him happy right on the spot. To be able to...Start something with her was more than enough to make him want to fly to the moon and back. To finally have a friend to be around felt wonderful. But...Now came the next thing. What to do after. "...S-So, um...What do you want to do now? Do you...Need to study today, or...?"

She shook her head before now thinking about what they could do. "Well...I saw there was a movie playing, but...I hear it's a horror movie! Do you love horror movies, Connor-Kun?"

Just then they continued to walk together, all while a separate memory began to surface from his destroyed mind. One that was far from his. "...I love them! I watch them every day!" And so, they continued to walk and talk. And every second of it he loved. Loved to be with a friend he was quickly becoming attached to.

His first-ever friend.

Movie Theater(Shinjuku)/After Classes

Some time had passed since the pair had left the university campus to go watch the movie Haru was wanting to see for herself. She was certainly excited to see it for herself, and even Connor was. Although, deep down within those real memories of his, he wasn't too into horror like she was. But he didn't know that. Far from it. Though it didn't matter to him too much to him since he was going to be around her for today. Today was going to possibly be one of the few days they would get to be together given how busy they would be, so he wanted to ensure that it would be a day he would enjoy as much as possible.

Soon enough, they would be found watching the movie she was wanting to see, sitting next to each other as their eyes were glued on the screen. The movie in question was titled "Malien's vs Gredator's", though it wasn't quite what they had expected regardless. If anything, it was an action movie that took place in space. A movie about the Malien's fighting to protect their home from the Gredators from outer space. But, despite it not being what they expected, they still watched from just being entertained alone.

His Blue eyes were still glued onto the screen until he felt the need to use the bathroom. And so he looks over to her. "...H-Hey...I'll be right back..." She looked over and nodded slightly to him before looking back at the screen.

With that, he starts getting out of his seat to make his way out of the theater to start walking around to find the closest bathroom. But, he stops midway from just the mere feeling that somehow, and somewhere...He was being watched. He now starts looking around, wondering who it was. And if it wasn't anyone, then...Why did he have this feeling? But there was nobody. Or at least, nobody was standing around watching him from what he could tell.

And so, he decides to face forward to continue looking for a bathroom. Though the moment he started walking, someone that was close by that was looking down at their phone then looked up, as if they were trying to blend in. It seemed someone WAS indeed watching him. And that very person was Alena, who was wearing a Black sweater with a long White skirt. "...He seems to be doing well. He's happier, even...It won't be long now..." And once he was far enough away, she decides to walk away and leave the cinema.

It seemed whatever it was she did, it was going well for her.

"...That was so much fun! Though...I wasn't expecting the movie to be QUITE like that." Haru then spoke as both she and Connor were currently outside of the cinema, with many people now starting to walk out once it was over. Currently, they were in the streets of Shinjuku. While not in the Red Light District of it, there were still plenty of people passing by and even entering the theater. "But...I still loved what I saw! It's much more fun to watch things such as that with someone. Don't you think?"

"O-Oh? Y-Yeah, I think so too...T-Though..." He asked now, rubbing the back of his fluffy Black and Blue hair. "...I-I'll be honest...Something about that movie sort of...Scared me a bit more than usual. I...Can't quite tell you why."

"Well...It was very much intense...Even if it wasn't completely scary." But, she smiled back at him. A happy and kind smile on top of that. "...But, thank you for going with me today! I had a lot of fun! It HAS been rather lonely since all of my friends went their separate ways...But I'm glad you came with me today. Perhaps...We should do this again soon?"

Hearing that question now caught his attention. His sweet, Blue eyes stared at hers. To do something like this with her again sounded wonderful. It told him that she wanted to see him again. "...Y-Yeah...Yeah! I'd like to do this again sometime!" But, seeing where the sun was at this moment...He could tell it was getting late. The sky was starting to grow an Orange color. "U-Um...So, since it's getting late...Do you need any company on your way back to your dorms, or...?"

While she was happy to hear that he was willing to do this for her, she shook her head. "Oh, no thank you. I should be okay alone. But, I appreciate the offer! Besides...It's not too far from here." She then nods with her leer still intact. "...Thank you again for going with me. I'll see you soon!"

And with that, she began to walk away to get to the train station so she could return to her dorm room in the University dormitory. As she walked, all the young man could do was stare. To hear how she'll be seeing him again and that today went very well, even if it was just watching a movie...It made him happy. Although now HE had to return home now, he started walking away in a separate direction. And did so with a smile on his face.

Happy to have a friend he'll be seeing more often when the time permits it.

Present Day
Distracting Memories

Suddenly, Connor and Iris landed their feet on concrete once the light that surrounded him before disappeared, with his Blue eyes slowly rising to be the first look around to figure out where he was. "Alright...So where are we now...? Hopefully, it's nothing too..."He slowly stops himself from speaking out loud as he eventually saw what was around him, fully realizing where he was now. The front of Tokyo Dome. Although it had the Dark Green hue covering the area, what caught his eye the most was not only the dome in question, but the amusement park and entertainment complex area close by. From the large roller coaster to the giant ferris wheel.

It didn't take long for the smaller woman to then start observing the area as well, with her arms crossed and her natural Rainbow Hair out. "So...Where are we, Glasses?" She asked, now looking over at him...But instead, his eyes lay only on Dome City. And that made an eyebrow rise. "...Glasses?"

Just then, a sigh escaped him. "...Dome City...I remember this place...Mom used to take me here at least once a month when I was little...Just to help us get away from Dad for a bit when he REALLY went a step farther than he needed to..."Yet another sigh escaped him, with him crossing his arms as well. "Mom used to really like this one place here that had pancakes...They were easily her favorite."

"...Sounds like you really liked her." She then started to walk towards him, now in front of him. "I mean...I saw that memory a bit ago...Scratch that. I saw tidbits of your memories from that. Sounds like...You had it rough. With how your Dad was and all..." He could only stare for a bit before looking away. "...Guess me pecking at you like I did a bit ago didn't help things at all, didn't it?" But, he didn't say anything. The silence was telling. And so she sighed. "Well...Sorry about that. Didn't know."

"I-It's...Fine. If it helps, it didn't hurt that much. Though..." Hearing him trail off caught her attention as he slowly revealed and opened his closed hands to her, showing the singe and burn marks on his hands and gloves. "...This hurts a lot more..."

Seeing that only made her eyes widen and turn her eyes and hair Red from shock, but then turned to anger. "W-Wha-Are you serious?! You ACTUALLY got hurt from that?! Why didn't you tell me about that?! What are you, stu-" She did stop as she looked up from his hands to his eyes. Despite the mask, one could see that he could do nothing but take the scolding. He was used to it, even if it was much lighter than the words that were casually thrown at him. But, a groan escaped her while her colors turned to Blue. "...Just, stay still. Okay?"

He did as he was told and stood there. Though unknown to them, a Black glob began to form close to them. But he remained where he was, watching Iris as she places her hands on top of his as a Mint Green energy began to form. Slowly but surely, he began to feel the pain disappear. And after a set of time, she stopped to let him see his hands. Perfectly healed, as if nothing happened...For the most part. "W-Wow...Thank you...That..."

But then, a groan escaped from the forming Shadows just close by, making the pair quickly look to see the demon that formed and what they looked like now. While keeping a White mask, it wore what appeared to be a poncho made of darkness and what appeared to be a large, Black brimmed hat. Slowly, it used a finger to slowly lift the front piece of its headpiece to reveal its mask. Unlike before when they had crying ones, now they had smiling ones. And had a sinister grin on their faces on top of it. But...Why was it grinning instead of being sad like before?

To try and understand, he then spoke out. "H-Hey...Is something funny...?" Instead of responding, all it did was laugh. And its laughter only grew louder and louder, which then made him grow a bit more serious about it. "...H-Hey! C-Can't you hear me...?" But the Shadow continued to laugh, having it grow even louder and much more sinister. But, he knew he wasn't getting an answer. So, he ripped his mask off to summon Lancelot. But not before Iris jumped back a bit. "...Okay...Slash him, Lancelot!" And by his command, it swings its sword to not only slash through it, but also have it cut down the middle and have its two halves fall to the ground. "Was...It just the one...?"

"...What a weirdo. How about we-" Iris spoke as Connor looked over...Until she hears the laughter again. Something which makes them look back at it in shock. Not just from the sound, but by hearing a set of two now. Each one from each half. "What the hell...?"

Slowly, the two halves then began to regrow their lost halves before standing up before him. Now there were two Shadows, both of them laughing in unison. Seeing this threw them back before the male swung his arm, commanding the Black Knight to slash through the two of them into another set of halves, making the tops of their bodies fly clean off. But just suddenly, they regenerated their lost halves once again. Now there were four. In fear just from them just continuing to come back, his Persona continues to attack with the blade. But the very same happened once the two horizontal slashes landed on the ones in the air, making them multiply and land on the ground. They went from four to eight, then finally to sixteen. The laughter continued to fill their ears and the area around them.

It didn't take long for her to realize how dire the situation was looking, with those eyes and hair of hers turning Red now. "...Hey, uh...Glasses!? Nothing's working! How about we try something else!" Seeing as it wasn't working, he steps back slowly while Lancelot returned to being a mask on his owner's face. But with each step he made backward, the Shadows stepped forward at a much faster pace. Something which made that fear start to sink into him even more. And now the Red color on the female turning to Black.

"T-These guys won't die no matter how much I attack them like this...What do I do!?" He wondered to just then, suddenly, they all whip out what appeared to be old western revolvers. And by seeing this, it makes him swing his arm to form a barrier in front of him to protect himself. "...I-Iris! Stay close! Tetrakarn!" And right on time, they fired off their guns immediately, having the power behind the attacks immediately absorbed into the defensive skill he used while she quickly turned to her bird form to perch on his shoulder. And quickly, he absorbs the ability within his blade and readies to swing it. "Get...Away from me!" And then he quickly swings it to let out a wave of White energy towards them, making them all quickly roll away. Some were successful, others had been cut in half. But it led to their numbers increasing. Now there were twenty of them. And that alone started scaring him. They were outnumbered. "O-Oh no..."

"...Let's run for it, Glasses!" And with that, he began to sprint away to get away from them while she hung on. But with no time to lose, they quickly gave chase, shooting their guns at them. Connor continued to run as fast as he could while dodging bullets until he found cover behind one of the pillars near the entrance, leaving him breathing heavily from just the sprint and fear alone. Collecting himself, he looked back from the side and began to start shooting. The Shadows wasted no time in firing right back, all while slowly making their way over to him. However, he kept missing each shot toward any one of them, and the anxiety of them approaching started to surface. "Glasses! Figure out how to take care of them already! They're getting closer!"

"W-What am I supposed to do?! There's so many of them! And I'm more worried about them hitting me!" However, with one shot, he finally hits one of them. Not only destroying its head, but also making it fade away as a result. From that alone, he knew exactly what he had to do. But after seeing one of them die off, the rest of the enemies began to charge at him in retaliation. Now they were starting to become violent. That slowly began to replace the fear on his face with a smile. One full of confidence. "...One down...I know what I have to do now..." He had to make his next move soon. And so, he takes many deep breaths. "...Stay close to me..."

"Uh, duh! Like I had a-" And before she could finish, he ran off to the side. That alone made her start screeching. As he ran, Connor suddenly formed a barrier to try and block any of the attacks, but not sending it back to make the situation worse. While he ran, all they could do was to continue firing. However, one bullet managed to luckily hit his shoulder and earn a scream from the college student, making him fall right onto the ground. And that resulted in Iris falling right down on the ground and rolling. "G-Glasses!" And upon being weakened, they all start making their way over to him, wasting no time to break into a sprint and suddenly piling on top of him. All of this is to make sure that he doesn't escape or get out. And in doing so, the bird quickly starts flying at them to try and peck them. But doing so only led to her being bounced back. "Get off of him, you assholes!"

However, from underneath, all that could be heard were muffles cries from the boy. On top of that, the ooze that makes the Shadows began to cover him, as if to drown him. That alone makes him try to get out of it by trying to push them off of him. But to no avail. Desperate, he tries to move his wounded arm over to his mask to try and rip it off since the other was stuck under them, screaming from the pain. All he could do was work through it. The darkness was close to fully consuming him on top of it. But soon, he finally touches his guise, his eyes opening up to have a Golden glow. "Lan...Lancelot!"

And just then, an explosion formed around him, not only knocking the monsters back and forcing them to return to their ooze forms, but summoning his Persona once more while his owner stared down at them with his glowing eyes. Eyes full of determination. Just the suddenness of him now standing left Iris staring in surprise. But she wasted no time in getting back on his shoulder. "Jeez...Don't scare me like that, you-" She had to stop herself once more. But instead, she began to glow in a Green aura to have it surround him, healing the bullet wound in no time. "Just...Be glad I didn't get hurt. Otherwise, we'd be in trouble."

"...I appreciate it..." With the healing finished and the moment she stopped glowing, the Shadows began to rise up to retake their forms once more all while the young male slowly took out his gun and glanced at all of them surrounding him. All of them were still laughing while they took out their guns. But his Persona only stood there, staring at the sight while he glowed brightly. Which in turn, made the user start to do the same. "...I've had enough of this..."

While he began to glow, all she could do was observe and watch. "What...What is this guy doing...? He's...He's syncing up and unifying their powers together? Wait...No, he's absorbing his Persona's power and making it his own! W-Who is this guy?!"

"...It's time to put a stop to this...Rioting Deadeye." Just when they were about to fire at him, he then began to quickly start shooting from multiple directions at a lightning-fast speed. The attack halted each and every one with each shot fired. All of them stood there, with the laughter stopping on top of it. And with that, he slowly put the weapon back on his side, making all of their heads explode and their bodies drop to the ground to fade away. Victory was now his once again.

Each and every blown-off head only took her in complete shock, amusement, and wonder. There was something about this particular person that was unique. At least, compared to the ones she's heard about from Anastasia. The ones she heard about from her other sisters. However, the fight was over, and that's what mattered. She let out a sigh and her feathers turned from Black to Blue. "That...Was close...We're lucky we didn't end up being hunted down!"

"...So am I..." After he was done, Lancelot then faded away to return to where he was while his owner's eyes returned back to their Blue color. Now, they were fully alone once again. With the matter dealt with, he slowly looks over to the amusement park just nearby, his head now tilting. He wondered what awaited him or what reason he had to be here. Surely, there was a reason to be in this particular place. "...Well...I guess there's nothing else we can do but...Walk ahead..." Slowly, he starts to walk and make his way there, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the location.

Somewhere, one of the twelve Shadows was here.

As Connor walked through the entertainment complex with Iris on his shoulder, now back to the Rainbow color she had before, his eyes lingered on the now empty place. From the benches, trees planted into the ground, and the shops to the carousel and even the rollercoaster close by, everything was quiet. Too quiet. He remembered it being full of people, or at least a tiny bit since he was young. But now, it was empty. Something about this disturbed him a tiny bit. But as he continued to walk through it and kept his guard up a bit, unsure of what was to come. "It's...So creepy being in here. It's so dead...Like the scene in that horror movie we watched. But..."

"...So, uh...Glasses? You said in the last place that it wasn't like that, right?" The bird then spoke out before flashing by his side to return to her human form, looking over at him. "Is it...Like this too...?"

He shakes his head in response. "...No...It's usually filled with people, like in Shibuya. Nothing...Quite like this...And not just because there's nobody here..." That caught her attention. "...It's usually not this...Green. Or dead looking..."

"That right...? Makes me almost want to see what your world has to offer if it's WAY livelier than this, actually...ALMOST." That too made him look over to the hair color changer, seeing that hair of hers turning Green while she looked around. "...But, it's also weird...I feel like...I recognize this place too, somehow..."

"R-Really...? This place too? So then...We seem to be entering places you've also been in here before. I wonder why..." He spoke, now having questions raising in his mind. "...U-Um, Iris?" Hearing her name now caught her attention. "...I've, uh...Been meaning to ask...How are you able to heal like that...? Or change your hair and eye color from just your mood...?"

"Huh...?" Just then, she began to think...With her eyes and hair now turning Yellow. "...Uh...I know I've been able to do the hair things since I was born., I guess. But the healing thing, I've just been able to ever since I met Annie. But before I met Annie, I..." Slowly, she began to trail off...That hair slowly turned to an Orange color, and her eyes were full of questions. "...What was I doing before Annie, actually...? Where...Was I...?"

"...Iris...?" He was going to talk further until he heard a noise behind him. The sound of...A spur? "W-What in the...?"That alone made them quickly turn around to see what the source of it was, and the sight did surprise the two. Before him was someone wearing a Brown jacket, Blue shirt, Black pants and boots, a cowboy hat, and a Dark Red cloak. Their eyes were wide at the sight of it alone. "A-Another...Shadow...?"

THE GUNSLINGER

"...Well hey there, partner...And little lady...Looking lost, are ya?" With what appears to be a golden revolver in his hand, he uses the tip to lift the top of his hat to show his looks. Underneath was a White mask, with the very same smirk as the others did. Surely, this was their leader...Perhaps. "What brings you out here, kiddos...?"

Just from hearing the names alone, it immediately made the small woman's hair and eyes bolt to Red and full of anger. "L-LITTLE LADY!? KIDDO?! I'M NOT A KID! I'M SHORT, YOU ASSHOLE!" She was then about to run to the Shadow, but the male quickly grabbed hold of the back of her jacket to keep her from rushing toward them. All she could do was just swing her arms in anger, with the sheriff just standing there and watching. "LET ME GO! I'LL KILL HIM! NOBODY CALLS ME LITTLE AND GETS AWAY WITH IT!"

Seeing how she was acting, all the Shadow could do was let out a laugh. "Ease up, doll. I meant no harm." But then, its attention moved over to Connor. Especially when the girl in his grasp only got angrier from being called that. "Looks like ya got a lot to have a handle on, huh sonny?"

The young man was only able to stare, trying to process how this one was talking normally. Unlike the Wolf, who only spoke in butchered sentences. "...You look just like those things from before. Except...You can talk." From that alone, it made the short one stop to then start observing the Shadow in detail, the realization hitting her. And soon enough, her colors changed to Green.

"Well, jeez kid. Of course I can talk, I'm-Wait...What did ya say about "those things from before"...?" It asked while the Gunslinger began to observe the young man, now starting to pace with his gun out. The sound of his spurs filled the air.

"W-Well...I came across those...Things that look just like you. Black cloak and everything...Are you related?"

"What? Ah...Those rascals? Those guys are some of my biggest fans, kid. Sure, they're quiet as they can be...But they're good kids." From that very sentence, their eyes widened even further Connor was frozen stiff from the confirmation. This...Was going to be difficult to explain. "How are those kiddos anyway? Stayin' out of trouble, I hope." However, silence was all that filled the air. He wasn't sure how to answer. All while the humanoid Shadow looked over at him. "...What? Cat got your tongue? How are...Say, ya look familiar..." It then began to observe him closer...Until a realization came to mind immediately. "...You're that kid. The kid that doctor lady put me in here for. Then that means...Ya..." Just then, he whips out another revolver from his side. "...Ya killed those kids, just like ya killed your mum. Seems I didn't have to look for too long to close that bounty. Time to avenge 'em both, you little brat!"

From the gun being pointed at them to what he said, he was shocked and surprised. They said the exact same thing the wolf said...But he had to shake it off. This HAD to have been something Alena set up to dissuade him. "N-N-No...No! I-I couldn't have killed her! I...I only...I only..." But then he began to trail off...But it couldn't put the blame on him. There was nothing to be blamed for. Iris slowly looked up in concern, with those eyes and that hair of hers turning Yellow once more. But, he shook his head and readies his magnum, ready for the firefight ahead. All while Iris then turned to her bird form to latch onto his shoulder. "N-None of you...None of you know what happened! I-I didn't kill her!"

"Except ya did, kiddo! I've been living in this stupid head of yours for a WHILE. I KNOW ya did, no matter how much ya say ya didn't! Well, guess I'll collect that bounty and get the hell out of here! Stop more kids who kill other people like ya!" It screamed out, with it now spinning the revolvers and preparing to shoot, and readying to fight. And so, it began to shoot out multiple bullets in an attempt to hit him. In reaction, Connor quickly jumps back while using his gun as quickly as possible to counter as many of the bullets as possible with his own. But with the amount coming at him, it was starting to become overwhelming for him. Too many were coming to him at once. And so he had no choice but to jump to the side to evade them, with the female hanging on.

I've come here from nowhere, across the unforgiving sea.
Drifting further and further, it's all becoming clear to me.
The violent winds are upon us and I can't sleep.
Internal temperatures rising. And all the voices won't recede.

With bullets evaded, he knew he had to try to do something to knock him off guard somehow. "Same thing as those guys before...Yeah...If those clothes didn't spell it out already, then this guy...Definitely the leader." Iris then stated, thinking of how to go about this one while those feathers turned Red just from the dire situation. "...Think you got this, Glasses? I'll heal you if you need it." As she spoke, the Gunslinger then readied to shoot once again.

"...Y-Yeah...I do..." Quickly, he unstraps his shield, grabs it with his right hand, and suddenly tosses it to catch the Shadow off-guard. The very action also deflects any bullets that were in its way the moment the Shadow starts shooting again. It does work in his favor and the revolver user was left with no choice but to dodge to the side once it got close enough. But it was far from what was needed to make him stop shooting fully. As soon as it lands on its knees, it stands right up to continue firing its guns at him. With that, all Connor could do was jump and dodge every bullet he was capable of evading.

Though unknown to it, the shield was starting to make its way back after bouncing off of one of the closest walls. Hearing the whirling of the object coming at it from behind, it takes him by surprise and it wastes no time jumping upward to evade it. But doing so was enough to make the shooting stop. And that alone bought the Black and Blue-haired man time.

I've finally found what I was looking for!
A place where I can be without remorse!
Because I am a stranger who has found an even stranger war.
I've finally found what I was looking for!

With the bullets stopped and him now catching the shield, he sees the Gunslinger ready to shoot and throw more bullets his way. But he was prepared this time. He rips off his mask to summon his Persona. "Go, Lancelot!" With that very action, the dark knight then appears before him just in time, with the two of them forming a Tetrakarn in front of them to block out and cancel out the bullets by latching onto the made shield. From that alone, the gun user then began to stop, observing what was going on before him. And just then, Connor swings his arm out. "Tetrakarn!" And immediately, the bullets shifted into particles of light and began to shoot off of it right toward them.

Reacting, the gun user then counterattacked by shooting his own bullets to try and stop their own counterattack. The hailstorm of bullets and orbs were canceling each other out from the sheer amount of them alone. But on top of the shield reflecting the attacks back at him, Connor then takes out his own magnum to shoot out a quick potshot. And one directly to one of his shooting hands. The bullet pierced and destroyed the Shadow's left hand, causing the one gun it had to be knocked out and a scream to escape the Gunslinger. "Ya...Dadgum...Little shit!"

Here I come!

With it now lacking a firing arm, he resummons his mask back onto his face to disperse of Lancelot. Now, things were much more manageable for him, and the Sheriff was given a crutch that it was forced to work with. With the shield quickly strapped back on, he takes out his sword and starts rushing towards the gun user, ready to take care of this once and for all. Despite the pain it was focused on, the western fighter took notice and was left with no choice but to continue shooting. But each of the bullets was deflected by using his shield for protection while he dashed. His sword was ready to be used and ready to finish the fight.

I sharpen the knife and look down upon the bay.
For all of my life, a stranger I remain!
A stranger I remain!

With his sword ready, he eventually, and finally, got close enough to the Gunslinger in a fast speed. And quickly, yet suddenly, he swings his shield upward to knock its arm back as well as letting go of the gun and having it fling into the air. With the gun no longer an issue, he moves his protective buckler and swings his sword, cutting off the Shadow's arm...And with no way of protecting or fighting against him.

All the enemy could do was holler and scream in pain as it held onto the stump with its spare hand. Or whatever was left of it. "Y-Ya...Bastard! I'm gonna-" Just as he spoke, Connor then put up his sword and continued to keep his hand in the air, as if waiting for something to land. Eventually, it gripped onto something that fell right down while taking out his magnum once more; The Gunslinger's own gun. And it was at that moment, it knew it was defeated. "So...That's it then...? Ya just gonna kill me like ya killed them? Kill me...Like ya killed ya own damn mot-"

A stranger I remain!

"...I didn't! You know...Nothing of me!" And just like that, he began to quickly fire both of the guns at him at a quick speed, each bullet penetrated and blew off a portion of its body. And the firing starts from its head and goes all the way down to its torso as well as its arms. By the time there was only half of its body remaining, the Shadows body then fell right down onto the ground before it faded away into dust. Eventually, its remains fully disappeared, leaving them to be the only ones in the area once again. Afterward, he eventually drops the gun the demon used while looking down. "...None of you do..."

With the fight over, Iris then flashes and returns to her human form. But, unlike before, she didn't have a look of relief this time. But rather, one of concern. And those eyes and hair of hers returning to Orange. It was twice that he heard that. That he killed his mother. So...It did make her wonder, especially with what she learned of him. But just then, she noticed something that was left behind once the Shadow disappeared. "...Hey, look! Over there!"

However, his eyes then caught onto it as well. A small snowman-like plush with Blue boots, a Jester-like hat, and had Black eyes with a large smile. Seeing it, he was left with questions in his mind before he began to walk up to it. He crouched down and then grasped the small toy, looking at it while observing all of its features. And upon looking at it, the area began to be covered in the light once more, with another memory filling his mind. One of his real ones. "This...I remember this..."

Twelve Years Ago

"...I love the toy you brought to my attention, Connor." His mother spoke to the young seven-year-old Connor by her side within the amusement park area, now full of people. Full of people having fun and screaming children having the time of their lives. In one hand, she held her child's hand while holding the small plushie in the other. One she couldn't help but stare and smile at. "I'll keep this...Just to remember the time we spent here." She then looks over to her son, her smile not once going away despite the tired look in her eyes. It seemed that the abuse only made her grow much more tired...And depressed. But kept that smile. "Are you liking the amusement park?"

"I love it! Thank you for taking me here!" The mother and child continued to walk together despite...What would be waiting for them at home. But that didn't matter at the moment. The both of them were happy and smiling, trying to enjoy this moment of peace they had. That was, until the child stopped when a thought crossed his mind. "Hey, Mom...? Do you think Dad will ever join us one day?"

Hearing it made her sigh a bit, with her hand holding his tightly. "I'm...Not sure, Connor. Your father...He went through a lot of pain losing Takeshi..."

"Um...Mom? Who's Takeshi...?"

"Well...He was our son. Long before you came into our family. He was...We were in an accident one day and...Sadly, he didn't make it. So, your father does the stuff he does just to...Feel something, I believe. It doesn't justify it by any means, but...Well, let's not think about it too much, hm?"

"Is...That why he says the mean things he says...?"

"That's right..." She looks over to his Blue eyes, slowly kneeling down to his level. "I want you to know something, Connor. No matter what, you'll never be Takeshi's replacement, even if your father claims that you are...You'll never be him. You're only Connor...The sweetest boy I've ever known and met...And I love you for you...And nothing else."

He only stood there, taking in the words she said despite being as young as he was. But he nods. "Okay, Mom...I'll remember that..." She smiles at his response and pulls him in for a small hug before slowly getting up to go back to walking and holding hands with him. Something which made the small boy smile.

He felt loved. More loved than he ever was in his whole life.

Songs and Lyrics Used; All owned by their respective artists:
A Stranger I Remain - Jamie Christopherson & Logan Mader/Metal Gear Rising