Chapter 3: The Plunderer of the Seas

Ω • Ω • Ω

•Akira•

"And why exactly are you so late?"

Jeez, she was pissed. Kawakami-sensei was looking at him with one eyebrow raised and her arms crossed over her chest. But, he'd been expecting this. And if he was good at anything, it was bullshitting and lying.

"S-Sorry, Kawakami-sensei," he sighed, making sure to stutter slightly and look away, feigning a look of embarrassment. "I thought I knew the route here, but… well, with the train accidents and everything, I kind of… well, it wasn't easy to find my way. by the time I'd figured out my train was going the opposite direction it should have…"

His teacher blinked, before groaning and massaging her forehead. "Well, I suppose that's why you missed four whole periods, but… there's nothing to be done about it. Everyone's being allowed to leave early for that exact reason." He stepped back as he watched her get up, before turning to him with a raised eyebrow. "By the way, I heard you were caught with that Sakamoto-kun."

"'That' Sakamoto?" Interesting, was he not liked? A troublemaker? In any case, unless it was something horrible, he wouldn't let their opinions taint his. Sakamoto-san had saved his life and tried to sacrifice himself for him. As far as he was concerned, Sakamoto-san was a cool dude. "In any case, Sakamoto-san found me on the way to school and helped me the rest of the way there."

The best lies were truthful and with just vague enough details that people would fill them in on their own, without really thinking about it. You didn't have to tell someone everything, as they would fill in the rest on their own. He'd loved detective novels and movies when he was younger, and especially books about chivalrous thieves, the likes of Arsène Lupin, which is most likely why he'd learned to lie so well, he liked pretending he was a thief from those books… of course, now that he thought about it, it was most likely why his True Self was the demonic thief that had assisted him.

Kawakami-sensei just sighed and began walking out of the room while motioning for him to follow. "Alright then. Come on, our class is 2D. The day is almost over, but we might as well get introductions out of the way so we don't waste time with them tomorrow."

He followed her out of the faculty room and through the hallways, shoving his hands in his pockets and looking around with some interest. Not exactly at the school itself, but imagining that castle in its place. Thinking of it as a dream would be easy… but too many things had happened there made no sense, and his inquisitive mind was already trying to fit together puzzle pieces that did not want to go together.

Hearing the words 'transfer student' snapped him back to reality. He turned his head slightly and saw two girls whispering to each other, but they weren't quiet enough. People already knew he was a transfer? How had that gotten out? He shrugged and continued walking as Kawakami-sensei turned to look at him. "By the way, when you introduce yourself, be serious about it, okay? Do not say anything unnecessary."

"Of course, Sensei," he nodded.

"Good," she nodded. They entered the classroom, and the talking stopped. However, when everyone's eyes landed on him, it started up again, though only in whispers.

"Being super late on his first day? He really is insane…"

"He looks normal though…"

"But he might slug us if we look him in the eye…"

Jesus, what the hell were these rumors? Were transfer-student horror stories common in Japan or some shit? Or… did they already know about his criminal record? It should have been impossible, only the teachers should have known, but then again, a massive castle with demons, a talking cat, and some devil shit that exploded out of him. Arsène…

He snapped back to reality when Kawakami-sensei began speaking. "This is Akira Starr. He was late due to the accidents messing with his train schedule and not knowing how Tokyo's trains work." She turned to him, and he stepped forward.

"Hey," he said, waving. Nobody really reacted positively, so after an awkward pause, he continued. "Uh, sorry about not being here for most of the day. Like Kawakami-sensei explained, the trains here are confusing enough for a country boy like me, and add in those accidents, and, w-well…" he shrugged, slipping on a fake, embarrassed grin and a stutter on the last word. He thought he heard someone chuckle, so he at least got something out of it, but everyone else still looked way too nervous. He internally cringed, nerves beginning to take hold of him.

When he didn't continue, Kawakami-sensei motioned towards an open desk by the window. "Go sit in the open seat. Could someone near him please share your textbook? Just for today."

He followed her directions and walked down the aisle, watching as most students didn't meet his eyes. However, when he saw who was sitting in front of him, he gulped. It was Takamaki-san… the girl who he'd talked to just a few minutes walk from the school. She was looking at him with confusion clear on her face, obviously wondering about the lie he'd convinced Kawakami-sensei of.

Thankfully, however, she didn't say anything, just tilted her head slightly. He felt a smile crawl onto his face and whispered a silent 'thank you' to her, to which she hesitatingly accepted. He slipped into his seat and tried to ignore the new round of rumors that sprang up. Either his thanks hadn't been as silent as he'd thought they were, or people had noticed him linger in front of her desk for a moment.

"Did you see that?"

"Do you think they know each other?"

"They have to!"

"Do you think she's cheating on Kamoshida-sensei?" That last one caused him to choke on some saliva that went down the wrong way, as his gaze shot over to see who had said that. Kamoshida?! She was dating him?!

No, wait, don't jump to conclusions. He'd seen what the rumor mill at this school was like in just the few minutes that he'd been there. That could simply be yet another idiotic rumor. After all, teenagers were petty. If some girls were jealous of Takamaki-san for one reason or another, they might start up several harsh rumors just to spite her.

Yeah, that was the most likely explanation. As the girl next to him hesitantly scooted her desk over to share her textbook, Kawakami-sensei quieted the class down. "Now, who's on duty today?"

A boy with blue hair and… several bruises? Stood, looking downcast at his desk. He blinked when he recognized the boy as the only one who'd let out a chuckle earlier. Maybe he should talk with him later? The boy cleared his throat, "everyone, please rise…"

As the class continued, Akira found himself not paying as much attention as he usually would. His eyes were moving across the shared textbook, but he was seeing none of it, focusing more on the feelings rushing through his mind. He could feel something new, or perhaps it had always been there, but he'd never noticed it.

It was like a presence at the back of his mind, humming softly, yet non-audibly. It was a paradox, but it was there. And there was only one thing that it could be. 'Arsène?' He attempted to think to it, not sure if the Persona as Morgana had called it could respond in the real world.

I am here, Trickster…

He flinched at the sudden intrusive voice. It was similar to the voice in his head when he was thinking or reading something, but obviously different. Deeper, more menacing, yet familiar and comforting. Coming out of nowhere like that… He was lucky that he'd only flinched, and hadn't jumped in his seat. He didn't need rumors that he was on drugs or something spreading.

'Just what the hell is going on…?'

Thou knoweth that I am thy other-self… I know nothing more than thou thyself do. However, I shall be by thy side should thou ever need my assistance.

Ugh… no real answers then. But… It was nice to know he still had Arsène, even here in the real world. He might not be able to summon the Persona, he wasn't wearing his mask after all, but Arsène was still a comforting presence always with him.

The rest of the class passed quickly, and soon enough the school day was over. As he wandered out of his class, absentmindedly noticing how everyone made sure to stay out of a certain radius of him, he felt a sudden pain in his head and grunted, leaning against the wall. He opened his eyes and watched as the floor of the school wavered, switching between wood and carpet.

"Are you alright?" He turned to Kawakami-sensei, who's just exited the classroom and was looking at him with some concern, and nodded.

"Ah, yeah, just… a headache." Better to just fake it. Although he wasn't as good at lying when the pain was lancing through his head, at least it was fading quickly.

"Are you sure you're okay?" She stepped closer and looked at him, before shaking her head. "Well, I suppose you'd know best if you're okay or not… by the way, it seems like people are already talking about you… but I'm not the one who told them."

"Don't worry, I wasn't thinking that you did." While she didn't seem to care too much, he didn't think that she'd be the type to just blurt out stuff about him randomly.

She sighed, "I can't even catch a break… why do I have to deal with this? Anyway, you should head straight home without stopping anywhere. Sakura-san sounded pretty angry."

He winced. Looks like he'd need to convince yet another person. Well, he had his excuse, so it should be pretty simple. "Got it."

"Oh, and about Sakamoto-kun. Don't get involved with—" she cut herself off as the blond approached, muttering to herself, "speak of the devil… what do you want? I heard the police caught you cutting class today." He winced from behind Kawakami, remembering that encounter. Right after they'd escaped from Kamoshida's castle, a pair of police officers had found them while Sakamoto-san was still confused. He'd had to drag away the faux blond before he could dig their graves too deep.

"Ugh… it was nothin'…"

"And you haven't dyed your hair back to black either."

"Sorry 'bout that…" Sakamoto-san looked over to him and grinned, opening his mouth, before he cut him off with his own grin and grabbed his hand, clasping it in a bro-shake.

Sakamoto-san looked confused, so he used the handshake to lean close and whisper, "does what you want to talk about have to do with the castle?" Then, louder, "Hey, thanks for showing me the way to school."

Sakamoto-san seemingly caught on and nodded. "Meet me on the rooftop." Then, louder, "Uh, yeah, it was no problem. See ya." They most likely hadn't needed to have that secret conversation, as Kawakami-sensei had already begun walking away, but it was better safe than sorry, especially with the other students walking around near them.

The students glanced at them, and he could already hear their whispers. "Wow, he's already talking with Sakamoto-san?"

"Well, they are both delinquents, why wouldn't they hang out together?"

"That's true… come on, I don't want to get noticed by them…"

He sighed and made to follow Sakamoto-san up the stairs, but stopped and took a step back, leaning casually against the wall by his classroom and pretending to check his phone as Kamoshida and the principal walked up the stairs, talking about him. He frowned as he heard Kamoshida speak about how he was 'already friends with that Sakamoto,' which just made him wonder more on what exactly everyone's problem with the boy was.

Those students and Kawakami-Sensei had said that he was a delinquent, but he just didn't see it. Well, maybe the vulgar attitude, but… he shook his head. Once they were finished and they walked away, he walked out, eyes trailing them.

Ω • Ω • Ω

4/12, Tuesday

The next day he'd gotten to school just fine. No sign of the castle anywhere. In his classes, the other students usually tried to make sure that he couldn't hear them whispering about him, but they were pretty bad at it. Hell, he'd probably heard whispers from the literal other side of the room. Although, he might have convinced a few that he wasn't so bad when he was easily able to answer Ushimaru-sensei's question on Socrates without hesitation.

As the day ended, he stuffed his books back into his bag, before making his way out of the classroom. Sakura-san had chewed him out when he'd gotten back to Leblanc the day prior, but he'd managed to successfully lie to the shop owner just as he did Kawakami-sensei convincing him his lateness hadn't been his fault.

He continued to walk before pausing as he heard a not-welcome familiar voice say a welcome familiar name. "Hey there, Takamaki!" He pressed himself up against the wall and knelt, pretending to sift through his bag as he eavesdropped on Kamoshida. He'd just used her name without a 'san' honorific? If he remembered his lessons, using someone's name without an honorific was rude, unless they permitted you, or if you were a family member. Maybe? He wasn't sure about the last part, but the lesson he did remember was to always use honorifics, and family names.

Although funnily enough, what Ryuji Sakamoto-san had wanted to talk to him about the day earlier on the rooftop was partially about that. He'd explained that since they saved each other's lives, then they shouldn't have to worry about the honorifics and just call each other by their names. Plus, the boy had added, Ryuji didn't really give a shit about all that...

Wait, that wasn't important right now! He focused back on the conversation, trying not to make his eavesdropping noticed. Kamoshida was still talking, and he quickly used context to fill in what he'd missed. "…oking for a ride home? Things have been pretty dangerous lately with all these accidents."

He narrowed his eyes. 'Don't,' he thought at Takamaki-san, Arsène stirring within his psyche. So much about Kamoshida rubbed him the wrong way, even disregarding that odd golden-eyed version of him they'd met at the castle. 'Make an excuse.'

It seemed that Takamaki-san felt the same as him, as she looked away and nervously twirled one of her bushy pigtails. "Sorry, I have a photoshoot today. It's for the special summer issue, so I can't afford to miss it." She was a model, then? She certainly had the looks for it, and—

Did she say summer issue? He shook his head and fought down a blush at the interesting mental images that flooded his mind. 'Down, boy.' Arsène chuckled at his dilemma and thoughts, and he really wanted to try and summon the Persona to smack his stupid tophat off his head in revenge.

As he wrestled his hormones into check, Kamoshida spoke up. "Hey now, being a model is fine and dandy, but don't work your pretty little self to the bone." He unconsciously rolled his eyes even as he kept pretending to dig through his bag, pulling out a folder and flipping through it. "You said you weren't feeling well, right? Something about appendicitis?"

"Yes. I keep planning to go to the hospital, but I've been too busy. Sorry to worry you…" He winced at that one. If that wasn't the most obvious lie he'd ever heard then he'd eat Arsène's hat. But, it at least proved that she wanted just as much to do with Kamoshida as he did.

"You must be lonely too. I feel bad for keeping your best friend at practice so often. That's why I asked you out in the first place." Wait, so they were dating? But she seemed like she was disgusted by him. Something was not adding up… "Oh, and… be careful around that transfer student. He's got a criminal record after all. If something were to happen to you."

Takamaki-san shifted her feet, but he was busy keeping his gaze on his bag and couldn't see exactly what she was doing. However, she did seem to gain a somewhat guarded tone. "Well… he's quiet in class, and he seems alright so far. He can't be that bad."

"I could help you transfer classes if you'd like."

"No, it's… I'm fine. I have to go." She began walking off, and he heard Kamoshida 'tch' after a moment. He got up and zipped his bag closed, and nearly bumped into the man as he made for the stairs.

"Ah, Starr-san. I hope you're not causing any trouble."

Though I wish we were…

"Shut up," He hissed. Kamoshida narrowed his eyes and he straightened up, sweat rolling down the back of his neck. "Of course not, sir." Now that he was speaking to the man, he could actually look at him. His gaze had a hint of suspicion in it, but nothing more. "If you'll excuse me, Sensei, I've got to get going."

Kamoshida nodded, and he wandered past him, down the stairs, and out the front entrance. 'Don't do that, I can't have people thinking I'm crazy on top of all the other shitty rumors.'

I am simply expressing thy thoughts. Thou knoweth thou truly wished to show him he is no king.

He sighed, adjusting his bag and continuing his walk. He'd learned a bit from that eavesdropping session, but there were still a few missing pieces. If he could just—

"Yo." He turned to see Ryuji leaning on the school gates, and the blond swiftly got up to approach him.

"Waiting to ambush me, I see."

"Wha— no, I was—" he smiled, and Ryuji sighed in response. "Man, you gotta stop messing with me."

"Ain't gonna happen." He shook his head and bumped his shoulder. "So, what's up?" To be honest, he was glad that he'd made a friend so soon. Ryuji, while brash, seemed cool, and he'd be glad to hang out with him more during the year. Honestly, Ryuji was probably his first real friend, even compared to kids back home, who'd just… he shook his head, warding off those thoughts. There was no chance of that happening here.

"I wanted to talk about yesterday some more…" Ryuji crossed his arms and sighed, "I kept trying to tell myself it was just some kinda dream, but… I couldn't convince myself."

"I get that," he nodded. "I'll admit, I'm definitely curious about it myself."

"I mean, I can't just ignore it, or forget about it… it's connected to that bastard Kamoshida after all…" Ryuji hissed the last part with extreme venom, and he quirked an eyebrow. "I wanna find out what's up with that place, no matter what."

"Well, you can count me in."

"Wha— for real? I mean, I was gonna ask, but…"

"Hey, as I said, it definitely intrigued me. And besides that, the place seemed pretty dangerous. I'm the only one of us two who can do that whole summoning thing, so I don't want you going into danger without a way to protect yourself."

Ryuji's grin seemed almost blinding. "Damn, dude… I don't… thanks, man."

"No problem."

"Anyway, I think to find that place we should try and retrace our steps from yesterday."

"But didn't you say that that was the route you always take?" He rubbed his chin, thinking on how exactly they'd reached the castle. "There has to be more to it…"

"Well, what else could it be?"

He looked around and spotted the alley that they'd walked through for the shortcut and wandered into it, looking around. "Well, this is the shortcut alley, correct?"

"Right, yeah."

"So, what exactly…" he thought back, to when they'd both entered and exited the mysterious place. "Hey, didn't the sky seem… I don't know, weird in there? I mean, it should have been sunny, the clouds were finally clearing after all, but for some reason, the sky was still dark, yet we could see perfectly fine." He looked down and scuffed the ground with his shoe. "And there was that odd liquid on the ground…"

"I dunno, I'm kinda lost here…"

He hummed, before bringing out his phone. When they'd exited… he remembered a chime coming from it, saying something about 'returned to the real world.' He unlocked his phone and checked, and sure enough, the odd eye app was on there. "I think this might be it."

"Huh?" Ryuji looked over his shoulder before nodding excitedly. "Oh yeah! I remember your phone saying some shit about the real world or whatever!" Ryuji tried to grab his phone, and he quirked an eyebrow as he leaned away and held it up.

"Whoa man, you can't just take another guy's phone without permission. I need to delete all my porn first." Ryuji began sputtering and blushing, and he let another grin form on his face as he handed it over.

"Ugh, saying that shit with a straight face…" Ryuji shook his head and tapped on the app. "Whoa! This is totally it! And hey, there's even a search history on it!"

"Don't look at the private tabs."

"Wh— no, for the castle! Jeez… Yeah, it looks like this is some kinda navigation app thingy. Here, let's try selecting the castle…" they both jerked as the world around them began warping and twisting, and the school in front of them slowly transformed into the castle. "Holy crap! It's the castle!" Ryuji ran up the drawbridge and he followed, stopping in front of the large doors. "We made it back… so what happened yesterday was for real too…"

"I guess so," he murmured, looking up at the stonework.

"Yeargh!" He flinched and turned to Ryuji, who was staring at him oddly. "Those clothes!" He looked down and blinked in shock when he noticed that he was wearing the uniform that he kept transforming into. "That happened last time too, huh? What's with that outfit?!"

He wasn't sure, but he was definitely digging it. He reached up and felt his mask, firmly secured to his face, even though there was nothing to hold it on, and tugged at his red gloves. He frowned and pulled one off, only to put it back on. So the outfits were removable? But for some reason, he'd transformed when he'd entered… either way, he wasn't complaining. The outfit was awesome, and it made him look like a dashing rogue. "What, you jelly?" He smirked at Ryuji.

"I-I ain't jealous," Ryuji huffed, crossing his arms. He just snickered at his friend, already feeling the rush of rebelliousness that filled him whenever his outfit had burst to life around him when they'd fought those monsters the previous day, before looking up at the castle again.

"So what the hell is this all about?"

"I don't know! God, this makes no effin' sense!"

"Hey, stop making a commotion, the Shadows are gonna notice!" He turned to see Morgana sneak around a corner, and knelt to try and be level with the tiny creature.

"Oh, hey, it's you."

"I heard shouting and came to see what it was all about, and here you two are, coming straight to the entrance when you'd barely managed to escape last time."

"So, what is this place? Is it the school?" Ryuji questioned.

"That's right."

"B-But it's a castle!"

"The castle is the school. At least, to its ruler. Kamoshida, you called him? It's how his distorted heart views the school."

"Why don't you slow down and just explain it all to us," He sighed, holding out a gloved hand. "We have no idea what any of this is, and it's not like any of those… what did you call them, Shadows? It's not like those Shadows are chasing us right now."

Morgana sighed, crossing his short arms. "I'm really not sure how to explain it any better. Kamoshida thinks of this school as his castle, so it became like that."

"But that's impossible, thoughts can't simply warp reality in such a way."

Morgana shook his round head. "But this isn't reality, or at least, not the real world. This place is another world, formed because of his warped desires."

He massaged his temples, fingers accidentally brushing at his mask as he did so, forgetting it was there. A world formed by desire? It was like one of those shitty anime or manga where simply because a character had enough willpower they could survive bullets to the damn head. But, the evidence was right in front of him.

A sudden scream shocked him out of his thoughts, and Ryuji stumbled back. "W-What the hell was that?!"

"It must be the slaves held captive here," Morgana sighed.

"For real?" Another scream sounded out. "Oh shit… it's for real… we saw other guys held captive here yesterday… I'm pretty sure they're from our school."

"Slaves…" He clenched his fists and felt Arsène flare up within him.

"Most likely on Kamoshida's orders. It's nothing out of the ordinary; it's like that every day here. What's more, you two escaped yesterday. He must have lost his temper quite a bit." As he wondered how the cat-human could say such things with complete nonchalance, a growl from Ryuji's throat drew his eyes. "Ryuji…?"

The blond suddenly yelled and slammed his shoulder into the doors, screaming up at the castle. "This is bullshit! You hear me Kamoshida?!"

"Ryuji, calm down," he grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back, though he desperately wanted to rampage through that castle himself.

"Doing that isn't going to open the doors, you know. Still, it seems like you have your reasons to hate him…"

Ryuji suddenly spun around, "hey, Monamona!"

"It's Morgana!"

"Do you know where those voices are coming from?"

"What, you want me to take you to them?" The cat seemed to think for a moment, looking at him not-so-subtly. "…Well, I guess I could guide you there. But only if he comes with us."

"Let's go," he answered without hesitation.

"That quickly? Heh, it's settled then."

"For real?" Ryuji smiled at him. "Thanks, man."

"Alright, let's do this! Follow me!"

Ω • Ω • Ω

•Ryuji•

"Look out!" He watched as Akira jumped back, landing on his hands and flipping onto his feet, narrowly avoiding the strike from the large, two-horned horse. "These things are tough!"

Akira nodded at Morgana's words, pulling out his handgun and blasting his horse opponent with several shots to the head. It staggered back, letting out something between a whinny and a roar in agony. Akira then leaped forward and pulled out his dagger, stabbing it in the eye before rolling as it attempted to wildly Headbutt him while cutting one of its legs.

The gun he wielded was a fake, a simple model airsoft gun, but somehow, due to the weird way this world worked, since their enemies saw their guns as real they became real. He'd even brought a shotgun for himself to use for intimidation, but even though now he could use it, he was afraid of firing it and dislocating his shoulder or something. He'd never fired a gun before!

Akira dodged a horse charging right at him, jumping and rolling across the enemies' back like a trained acrobat, summoning Arsène in the process. "Cleave!"

"Hahahaha! Take this!" Arsène laughed and swiped at the Shadow with his knife-like heels, cutting a deep gash along its side, before bringing his leg up and slamming down, chopping the monster's head off. Akira recalled Arsène, the flames on his face reforming into a mask as he flipped his dagger and continued to fight alongside Morgana.

Speaking of the cat, he was fighting just as well but was starting to become overwhelmed. He was faster than Akira in every fight through the castle they'd been in so far, but in the endurance department, he was weaker, blows that barely grazed him doing some serious damage. His curved sword and slingshot, however, seemed to do enough damage to hold off the horses.

Zorro as well, with his rapier and wind powers, was dangerous, and his healing powers kept him and Akira in the fight. Everything began going wrong as Morgana was hit head-on though, and was sent rolling across the floor.

Ryuji saw another horse preparing to attack Akira from behind and tried to warn his friend, cupping his hands around his mouth. "Akira, behind you!"

Akira attempted to dodge, but the horse was faster and slammed into his back with enough force to expel the air from the boy's lungs, tossing him forward. He watched as Akira attempted to control his roll, slipping back onto his feet, and scrambling for his mask. Yeah! If Akira could just summon Arsène—

The beast reached Akira before he could rip his mask off, attempt to dodge, or just do anything. Akira choked as it slammed itself into him, and he watched as it threw the black-clad boy onto his back. This time the golden guard that hadn't transformed slammed its boot down on him, preventing him from getting up. He watched helplessly as Akira attempted to reach his mask again, but the guard pointing its sword at his throat gave him a clear message to stop.

He saw the sadistic king slam his own foot on Morgana, keeping him down, while he could only watch, like always… "I bet you simply came here on a whim and ended up like this. Isn't that right?" Shadow Kamoshida laughed, while he just cringed back.

"No…"

"What a worthless piece of trash. Getting so emotional so quickly… how dare you raise your hand at me." As Shadow Kamoshida sneered at him, Akira attempted to struggle out from underneath the guard's boot without having his throat impaled. "Though it was only temporary, did you forget my kindness in supervising track practice?"

He growled and threw his arm out, remembering the 'training' they'd been put through. "It wasn't no practice— it was physical abuse! You just didn't like our team!"

"It was nothing but an eyesore! The only one who needs to achieve results is me! That coach that got fired was helpless too… had he not opposed me with a sound argument, I would've settled it with only breaking his star's leg."

He could see Akira snap his gaze back to him, but he didn't react, his mouth going dry. This… this problem he'd had to deal with, his fucking limp, his slouched stance… He couldn't keep up with Akira or Morgana, wincing and sweating whenever he was forced to run to keep up with the two of them… He remembered the event that had caused it, storming up to Kamoshida… the 'self-defense' that the school had called Kamoshida's actions… "…what?" Ryuji whispered, looking with wide eyes at the king.

"Do you need me to deal with your other leg too? The school will call it self-defense anyway!"

He clenched his eyes shut, lowering his head as he fell to all fours, pain clear in his cracking voice. "Damnit… am I just gonna lose all over again?! Not only can I not run anymore, the track team is gone 'cause of this asshole too!"

Just when he thought they'd had a chance to finally get back at that effin' pervert… they'd found the source of the screams, a bunch of volleyball students being tortured by the guards like Morgana had said. Whipped, forced to run without water or risk being grounded up by a spinning wheel with spikes, even being shot by a cannon…

Morgana had explained that they were simple cog… cogni… dolls or something like that, and weren't real. But they represented what the bastard king was doing in the real world, beating down on all of the team members with no one to stop him, all because he was the 'Pride of Shujin!'

He'd tried to take pictures of the students, but nothing on his phone was working, and even Akira could only access the weird navigation app that had gotten them there. So instead he did his best to memorize all of the faces of the tortured, to interrogate them in the real world and prove what Kamoshida was doing. And they were almost out of there, home free before they were caught. And now…

"Once these two are dealt with, you're next. Hahahahaha!"

Goddamn effin' son of a bitch! This was all his fault… his little crusade or some shit for justice had led to this…

"Ryuji!" Morgana cried.

"I… I'm sorry, guys… I'm to blame for all of—"

Akira growled to himself, before snapping at the boy. "What the hell are you doing?!"

He slowly looked up at him, blinking. "Wha—"

"You're just going to sit there and feel sorry for yourself while letting this asshole win?! Stand up for yourself, damnit! Get revenge, get angry! This fucker feels like he's the king of the world, so get up and dethrone the shithead! You think just because we're beaten and bruised we'll give up?! Fuck that!" Akira suddenly reached up, grabbing the blade about to plunge into his neck, even as it began cutting into his gloves and causing blood to leak from his hands as he slowly pushed the blade back. "FIGHT, RYUJI!"

"Why you—" before Kamoshida could continue, he clenched his hands and squeezed his eyes shut. This bastard… Akira was right! This bastard would PAY!

"…you're right. Everything that was important to me was taken by him… I'll never get 'em back…"

Kamoshida just scoffed. "Stay there and watch. Look on as these hopeless scum die for nothing because they sided with trash like you."

"RYUJI!"

The blond grit his teeth, and slowly got up. The self-pitying look on his face was morphing into one of rage and determination. "No… that's what you are… all you think about is using people… you're the real scumbag, Kamoshida!" He began walking closer, gripping his fists so tightly that his nails were beginning to cut his palms. But he ignored the pain.

"What are you doing? Silence him!"

He felt something begin to twist, coming closer and closer to snapping.

Akira was right.

It was time to rebel.

He suddenly screamed, having had enough, pointing his finger directly into Kamoshida's face. "Stop lookin' down on me, WITH THAT STUPID SMILE ON YOUR FACE!"

That thing in Ryuji that he felt. That pull, that… that feeling. It snapped.

You made me wait quite a while…

He gasped and clutched at his head, sweat beginning to trail down his head. The hell… the hell was that voice?! It was so foreign and so familiar at the same time. He fell to his knees, before slamming his head into the carpet, crying out in agony. In the back of his mind, he remembered Akira going through similar pain, but that was the furthest thing from his mind at the moment.

You seek power, correct? Then let us form a pact.

He began clawing at the carpet, drool and spittle leaking from his mouth and staining the red rug below him as he screamed, tears leaking from his eyes and mixing with the other fluid. His eyes flashed, going from his natural blue to bright gold to blue and back to gold.

Since your name has been disgraced already, why not hoist the flag and wreak havoc…?

He rolled onto his side and once again clutched at his head, nails digging into his flesh as blood began running down his face. He cried as he moved to roll onto his back, kicking at the ground and snarling like a rabid dog. But the words echoing through his head made so much sense… He couldn't just ignore them…

The 'other you' that exists within desires it thus…

The voice seemed amused at the situation, whispering in his ears, within his brain. Get up. Fight. Your friend needs you, he thought to himself, willing himself to try and get back onto his feet, but the pain escalating cut through that and he let off a horrific scream as he rolled onto his side.

I am Thou, Thou art I… There is no turning back.

He scrambled onto his front, feeling his nails cut through the rug beneath him with sudden strength, and a sense of clarity and power began cutting through the pain, growing ever stronger.

The Skull of Rebellion is your FLAG HENCEFORTH!

He slammed his head down one last time, but now there was a metallic clang and a flash of bright blue as a mask appeared on his face as he glared up at the soldiers and Kamoshida. The golden knight simply scoffed at him, ripping his sword up from Akira's hands to skewer the boy with. "What can you do? Hmph, cower in fear and watch!"

Unfortunately for the guard and Kamoshida, Ryuji did neither. He ripped the mask off immediately, and a pillar of blue flames burst out of him alongside a shower of blood as the mask tore at his flesh, the flames shooting to the ceiling. A shockwave of energy blasted out of it, and the guards plus Kamoshida were sent stumbling or flying back, freeing Akira and Morgana as neither were harmed. Akira coughed, spitting saliva onto the ground as the pressure on his stomach let up, and the boy grinned as he saw Ryuji's outfit, born from his rebellious spirit.

He wore matching black pants and a high-collared jacket, knee and elbow pads, a partially undone red ascot tie, combat boots, and yellow gloves. Around his waist were two bandoliers holding what looked to be shotgun shells. He could also see what seemed to be metallic, riblike armor on the sides of his jacket, with silver-colored armor on his back, mimicking his spine. Remembering the skull mask he'd worn before Awakening, he looked remarkably like a more modern take on a pirate. Akira felt a chuckle slip out. 'So, that's what Ryuji thinks a true rebel looks like? Must've watched a lot of pirate movies then.'

The Persona behind him simply reinforced the image. It was even taller than Arsène, but that was from the fact it was riding a large boat with a painted shark-toothed smile and red and yellow eyes. It was a pirate ship specifically, with the masts broken and netting ripped, flowing in the wind created by the Persona. The creature atop it looked like the classic conception of a pirate, from the cutlasses crossed on its chest and the chains and anchors whipping around it, to the black and light blue outfit, along with the large pirate's hat, proudly displaying the skull of rebellion. The main differences were that its right arm was normal up to its hand, which was replaced with a bright gold cannon that sparked with electricity and thunderbolts, and its left hand ended in incredibly sharp claws. Its face was skeletal, with its right eye covered with an eyepatch and the other red and yellow like the ship's eyes. The Persona seemed to smirk and pointed its cannon forward, yellow lightning flashing around the barrel.

'Oh yeah. That kid really likes pirates.'

Arsène simply chuckled within him in response. Thieves and Pirates have no kings. Let us show this tyrant what we can do.

The Pirate Persona laughed as he surfed upon his ship, eye glinting and smirk widening."I am the Plunderer of the Seas— 'Captain Kidd!'"

"Aw man… right on! Wassup Persona?"

"Your Persona's pretty damn cool, Ryuji." Akira smirked and walked to his side, bumping his forearm against his own, and he smirked back at the raven-haired boy. Morgana followed, hopping to his other side, and they both summoned their own Personas, Arsène and Zorro appearing beside the Captain.

"Heh, right on… it effin' rocks! And now that I've got this power, it's time for payback!" He cracked his knuckles and inclined his head at the guards. "Yo, I'm ready! Bring it!"

"Ngh… don't mock me you brat!" The golden guard growled in anger, slamming its sword into the ground as it transformed, becoming a knight riding a large black horse. The horse reared up and whinnied, while he simply grinned maniacally and pointed his Persona forward.

"Blast them away! CAPTAIN KIDD!" The Captain cackled and electricity charged up within its cannon arm, before launching bolts of lightning at their opponents.

It was time to show that bastard Kamoshida just how much of a troublemaker he could be!

And here it is, chapter three. Man, one more month and then the Royal releases. Can't wait. Gonna wreak havoc with Orpheus, Izanagi, and Arsène once more.

Anyway, Ryuji has awakened to Captain Kidd! The full battle and escape from the castle shall be next chapter, and maybe even some PSI finally! I have several different PSI abilities planned for Akira to have, though probably not the ones you'd think. Yes, he'll have his unique standard main attack like Ness and Lucas, with their PSI Rockin' and Love, but the rest of his abilities aren't exactly going to be purely offensive! He is a thief after all!

Now, I love how the lightning baby is introduced as 'Vulgar Boy' yet he never says fuck out loud, only in texts or non-verbal segments. Captain Kidd is one of my favorite of the Thieves' Personas, maybe up there with Noir's or Crow's. And even his ultimate form is cool, since in P5 the Ultimate Personas are usually less cool than the beginning Personas, whereas in P4 the Ultimate Personas usually looked cooler.

I had fun with Arsène's segments, having the Thief speak within Joker's head while he's thinking. Even played with quotations, using them when the Personas speak aloud, and none when they are speaking in their users' head. Definitely different from Canon, but fun. I also liked the idea of Akira being a good liar from having an interest in thieves and detectives, especially as the leader of the Phantom Thieves. And of course, the Sun Arcana will be able to help him become even better.

Also, I'm sure everyone familiar with P5 noticed the added line, "The Plunderer of the Seas," by the Captain. Only Arsène and Orpheus from P3 have an introductory title, as even though Izanagi from P4 does the whole 'I am Thou' segment, he doesn't give himself a title. I really like the idea of the Personas having titles like that, so we'll be seeing more with each Awakening. of course, it may be a bit difficult for some Personas like Noir's or Fox's, so if anyone has a few ideas they'd like to suggest I'd gladly take them into consideration.

Oh, and happy Valentine's day for all you non-single folk out there. As for the rest of us, hope that a family member gets us chocolate's or something, lol. We're all Ryuji's this year. Anyway, leave a review on everything you liked in the chapter or just a 'nice.' Both are always great to read. See y'all next time!