Chapter 16: Confession of a False King
Ω • Ω • Ω
•Akira•
"It's too bad we can't see Lady Ann after school…"
"Cheer up, Morgana. You at least get to see her all day during class."
"I'm stuck looking at your stomach when I'm inside your desk!"
"You think anybody would rat me out for having a cat in my desk with how scared they all are of me? Just peek out from time to time."
"Hmm… Good point…" He rolled his eyes and continued walking, rounding the corner to Untouchable's alley and walking past the doorway to the Velvet Room. Caroline sneered at him as he walked past, so he flipped her off, causing her to squawk in indignation.
Thou art going to pay for that during thy next visit to the Velvet Room.
'I'll deal with that when the time comes. Besides, it's not like I have any more need for the place. We took down Kamoshida, and now we can go back to our normal lives. No more needing to risk our necks. Well, besides helping Morgana become human again.' Arsène simply hummed in reply, before he entered the airsoft shop.
The owner was once more reading a magazine from his seat behind the counter, and he cleared his throat as he stood before him. Looking up with a raised eyebrow before nodding with recognition. "What can I do for you?"
"I was told that besides just selling airsoft, you purchased old knick-knacks and the like." The man raised an eyebrow at him, and he pulled out some of the treasures that he'd stolen from Kamoshida's Palace. He placed down several Golden candelabras and statues, and the man raised an eyebrow at him.
"I may buy items from time to time, but only when I'm not going to get railed by the police when I try and re-sell them."
Akira laughed, shaking his head. "Well, I can guarantee that the police won't come looking for any stolen goods."
He narrowed his eyes before sighing. "Alright, I'll buy 'em, but if the police question me about this shit I won't hesitate to tell 'em about you."
"Fair enough." Besides just selling off the excess treasure they'd acquired, he didn't want Ann or Ryuji to question where or how he got so much money to buy their equipment and medicine. Perhaps he'd need to find a job as well…
He exited the store and began walking to the subway station before his phone buzzed.
Crazy Doctor Takemi— Hey there, Guinea Pig, I've made some progress on my medicine, Want to come by and test it with me?
You— Absolutely not. I'll be there soon.
He sighed and put away his phone. Well, there went his plans for a relaxing day. Time to go pass out for several hours after ingesting deadly liquids.
The entire ride on the train and walk towards the clinic was done silently, as he began thinking about what he'd have to drink this time. His Personas snickered at him, not caring for his plight at all.
Karmic justice for thee decapitating me.
'Screw you, your hat was ugly, and I'm glad I chopped you up.'
Well, that's just rude, Saki giggled.
Takemi looked up when he entered the clinic and waved him towards the exam room. "I'll be right in, in a moment. Everything's ready to go."
"Great." She smirked at his dull tone, and he opened the door to the room he'd soon be passed out in, sitting down and preparing himself.
"Good luck," Morgana snickered.
"Keep that attitude up and I won't be buying you any sushi for several weeks."
"Nya?!"
Takemi eventually came in and began setting up, which he sat through silently, a bead of sweat rolling down the back of his neck as he began fantasizing about what exactly he'd be drinking. Finally, the doctor turned to him and handed him a cup of dark blue liquid. "Here you go. I made various adjustments to the previous drug, based on your trial results. Well, drink it down in one gulp."
"Hah… here we go." He chugged it in one go, before gagging. Bitter, sour, and it smelled disgusting too… "I… think I'm having some trouble breathing…" The room went dark, and he groaned as he fell to the side and passed out.
Snake? Snake?! SNAAAAAAAAKE!
'Shut… the fuck up… Ar… sène…'
…
Akira gasped as he woke up, looking around wildly. Takemi was smiling, looking down at her clipboard. "Ah, your reaction to it is absolutely perfect." He groaned, a sudden bout of dizziness slamming into him. "You feel a bit dazed, hm? Yes, I mixed in some… special components. It's to be expected. Now, let's take your temperature and your blood pressure. I'll also be drawing some blood, by the way."
"Sounds fun…"
"I also want to perform a few motor skill tests. Though, those might be too much for you right now. Anyway, since we're in the final stages, I should first stabilize the fundamental formula…" He drifted off as she spoke, counting to ten in his head to make sure he still had some of his intelligence until a man's voice drew him back to reality.
"...u are here then."
He got up and through his blurry vision saw a police officer, who Takemi glared at in exasperation. "I'm currently in the middle of an examination. I've told you before, Officer. If you want to investigate me, you need to show me a warrant."
He scoffed, crossing his arms. "I'm here because we received a report. I'll need to see a full detailed statement of medical expenses and full medical records." The cop sneered, and instantly he felt a rush of rage, remembering the cops who had… he shook his head. "I bet you didn't have enough time to hide any incriminating documents, huh?"
"Must be under the orders of the medical chief of staff," Takemi scoffed, turning to her computer angrily. She began typing, clicked through several pages, and then waved at the screen. "Here you go."
The arrogant officer blinked, surprised at how quickly she went about bringing up the records. "Hah…?"
"This kid here is my only patient today. If you're asking for my medical expenses, I'm guessing I'm under suspicion of improper billing? But without a receipt, I'd say you've been sent on a wild goose chase."
"W-What's going on here?"
"You're being manipulated. That 'report' is fictitious. It's nothing but an attempt to harass me."
"What?!" He ground his teeth, before turning to him. "Hey, you! What're you doing here?! You don't look sick, so you must be up to something illegal!"
He recoiled slightly, rage beginning to bubble up. The police in Onett could be difficult to deal with, it was true, but almost every encounter he'd had with officers in Japan… He tamped down his anger, focusing instead on how sickly he felt, letting his face pale slightly as he stopped trying to hold back his dizziness. "I-I have a bad heart, Officer… Takemi-sensei was prescribing me medicine so I don't get overwhelmed when exams come around…"
"A… b-bad heart?" The officer's face paled to match his, and quickly turned to face Takemi who had to hide a smirk.
"He's stressed about taking his entrance exams. I have some drugs that help with relaxation. You know, too much excitement could be bad for his heart." The officer swallowed heavily. "So, is there anything else? As you can see, I'm pretty busy here."
"F-Fine. You're infuriating, you know that? Heh, but what else could you expect from the doctor named the 'Plague?'" With that, he turned and stormed out of the clinic, leaving him and Takemi in silence.
Takemi sighed and rubbed her temples, letting her head droop. "I am so over this…"
Thinking back on his own experiences with officers in japan, he snorted. "I can agree with that."
"I think we'll get along just fine." She smiled towards him, before standing up. "Anyway, that was nothing to worry about. I'm sure it was just my former superior who made the false report."
"I've heard of bullying someone when you like them, but this is just ridiculous."
She snorted, shaking her head. "Yeah, hell no. You eavesdropped on us the other day, remember? He's just trying to put pressure on me… by having police investigate me and my practice. Anyway, I need to draw some blood. There'll be some mild anemia, but it's only temporary. You'll be fine."
"Well, guess I have no choice," he sighed while rolling up his sleeve.
"Good. I like kids who listen to their superiors. Enjoy your medicine." She picked up a syringe and he held out his arm, all the while the sound of crashing chains echoed in his mind.
RANK UP!
Death Arcana, Back-Alley Doctor: Rank Two
"I'm underage, if you've got a crush on me, you'll have to watch out."
Takemi raised an eyebrow. "Well, I'll draw more blood than usual, since you seem healthy enough to joke around."
"Ah, wait, don't—"
Ω • Ω • Ω
"I'm slightly lightheaded, and I can hear voices in my head—"
Nah, 'is completely normal fur ye!
"—But other than that, I'm completely fine."
"Heh. Well, you sound alright… Guess I've got nothing to worry about. Alright, I'll be looking forward to your next visit." He bid his own farewells to Takemi, before hanging up and entering Leblanc, nodding at Sakura.
"Ah, you're back. Mind helping out some, today?"
"Sure. Let me put my stuff upstairs."
The black not-cat within his bag poked his head out, frowning. "Are you sure you should be helping out around the place when you're so disoriented?"
He chuckled as he walked upstairs, setting Morgana and his bag onto his bed. "I should be fine… hopefully. Maybe." He breathed in and out, activating the psionic energy that flowed through his veins. He was never able to use his healing ability after the first time he'd used it when he'd partially fixed Shiho after her jump, but just letting the energy move throughout his body managed to wash away some of his disorientated state.
With a shake of his head, he changed into his apron and started assisting Sakura. He began cleaning up tables and washing the dishes, while Sakura prepared curry for the next day. A few late-night customers entered and he carefully made several cups of coffee for them. Luckily the types of coffee they asked for were types Sakura had already taught him to make, and the customers were satisfied.
By the time it came to close shop everything was put away, and the curry had been prepared. "Hey, how's it going? You getting any better at remembering how to handle different bean types?"
"It's getting easier, yeah."
"Heh. Alright, maybe I'll teach you a little more. Now then… There are three factors that determine the flavor for a cup of coffee: grind, heat, and time. First up is grind. For the siphons we have here, we're aiming for medium-fine." He nodded, and his guardian raised an eyebrow. "Hey, you listening?"
"Of course, sir. Medium-fine."
"Right. Keep up the good work. It doesn't net much profit given the effort it takes, but hey, money is money. I'm not gonna forgive you if you serve our customers crap coffee though. Just remember that."
"'Our' customers? I see you're already prepared for me to be your successor."
"Don't get too excited." Sakura was distracted when his phone rang, and he wiped his hands before picking up. "Who could this be…? Hello?" Whoever was on the other side of the line spoke, and immediately Sakura frowned. "How'd you get this number? …Now? Where? ...Fine."
He was silent and watched Sakura hang up, before the older man turned to him. "Sorry, something just came up. We can keep going with the lessons some other time." A frown spread across his face, and Berith murmured from within his mind.
It seems thy guardian is surrounded by peace. Is there a need to discuss it with him?
'Thanks for stating the obvious, 'O chivalrous knight.' Berith just snorted in response, both the knight and his horse, while he spoke to Sakura. "Is it some kind of trouble?"
"What, you worried about me?" He chuckled and shook his head. "It's nothing you need to concern yourself over. Just do the dishes while I'm gone. Oh, and remember to shut off the gas before you close up shop."
"No problem."
"Hm. It's nice having someone around to help at times like this. Turns out you're a harder worker than I thought. Keep it up."
RANK UP!
Hierophant Arcana, Sojiro Sakura: Rank Three
Two rank-ups in just a few hours of each other. Well, without the weight of the deadline hanging overhead he supposed he had more time to simply relax and spend time with his Confidants. "Okay, I'm off. Don't eat all our food while I'm gone."
"No promises."
He closed up as Sakura left, and walked upstairs to find Morgana trying to turn on his video game console that was attached to the small television he'd purchased from the second-hand shop down the street from the store. "Delete my save files and I neuter you."
"Y-You wouldn't!"
"Wouldn't I?" He questioned softly. "Wouldn't I?"
Ω • Ω • Ω
4/30, Saturday
DEADLINE: MAY 2ND
DAYS UNTIL EXPULSION: 2
Await the change of heart.
It didn't matter how long he'd spend in Japan. Fuck them for having school on Saturdays.
"Morning."
He blinked and turned to find Ann walking up to him. "Hey. Good morning to you too." He smiled, moving aside to let her have some room on the train platform. She stopped beside him, and he noticed the distracted look on her face. He nudged her, raising an eyebrow. "Yen for your thoughts?"
A smile broke out on her face to match his. "Isn't the expression 'a penny for your thoughts?'"
"When in Rome."
"Ha. I guess." Her smile wavered and she sighed. "Well… I've just been thinking that the board meeting is the day after tomorrow. What if… Kamoshida didn't have a change of heart? What if we failed?"
"Listen, Ann… I get that it's nerve-wracking, not knowing what could happen, but right now, we can only hope for the best."
"Yeah… thanks, I feel a bit better now. I guess it's because of your composure, huh?"
"I do have a natural charisma that comes from my composure," he jokingly hummed.
"Ha! Yeah, alright, we'll be able to avenge Shiho, and you and Ryuji won't get expelled! After break, we'll all be able to laugh together! That's what I'll believe!"
He grinned and pushed his glasses up, "sounds like a plan to me."
He then returned to mentally cursing out Japan's Saturday schooldays.
Ω • Ω • Ω
5/1, Sunday
DEADLINE: MAY 2ND
DAYS UNTIL EXPULSION: 1
Await the change of heart.
Ryuji— Yo bro I kno we beat kamoshita but I'm still nerv.
You— I can understand that. Do you want to do some training? It might take your mind off of things.
Ryuji— Nah I don't feel like training rn
Ryuji— But I kinda want 2 vent
Ryuji— Want 2 grab sum ramen? I'll show u my go 2 place
You— I'd be happy to. Should we meet at Shibuya Station?
Ryuji— Ye, well meet there n a hour?
You— We can meet up at the Buchiko statue.
He put his phone away and turned to Morgana. "I'm going to get ready and go hang out with Ryuji. Do you want to come with me or stay here?"
Morgana scoffed. "You think I want to spend my relaxing Sunday with that blond monkey?"
"Yeah, monkeys and cats don't get along, huh?"
"Take that back!"
Ω • Ω • Ω
The ramen shop was in the Ogikubo residential district, and the line to get in was insanely long, but Ryuji only grinned and said that it just proved how good the ramen there was. "It may be far, but the flavor's outta this world!"
"I have high hopes." After a while, they were finally able to sit down and order, and he had to admit, the food was definitely great. Almost as good as Sakura's curry, and that was a compliment. "And they've been met."
"Ha! Told you! I love the feeling of noodles slidin' down my throat, so any place will do, but this place is the best! Ramen is life"
"Too much information, my friend," he spoke with a laugh. Ryuji joined him, before beginning to choke on his ramen. He pounded on Ryuji's back, before giving him his glass to drink water from.
"Ah, thanks… man, I used to come here a lot more after training. I's cause light soup like this really gets your body goin' again after a good run, y'know? The whole track team too, we'd…" he drifted off, grin fading. "By the way, I've seen Nakaoka around a couple times… But for some reason, it don't look like he's gettin' along with the others."
"It says a lot about you when you're still worried about him after he tried picking a fight with you as he did."
Ryuji smiled, embarrassed, and looked down at his bowl. "Ha, I guess…" He took a breath, sighing. "I've been thinkin' about what he said… How the whole track team was puttin' up with Kamoshida's shit. And how I 'effed it all up for 'em… I think he was right. They don't even got a club room anymore, so they've been storin' their stuff behind the gym. They can't use school gear either, so they just run laps around the block for practice. There ain't really a place for outcasts like that. I should know that better than anyone."
"I'm not so sure about that. In my eyes, you're doing great. Who cares about everyone else? When we haven't been in the Palace and I wasn't preparing for more infiltrations, we hung out and had fun, didn't we? Who cares about fitting in or being normal?"
"...Y'know what? Yeah, you're right! I guess now that I'm thinkin' about it, tryin' to fit in is a real pain in the ass! I mean, I'd never have met you guys if I wasn't an outcast, right?" They grinned at each other and shared a fistbump. "For real though, it's been a shit ton of fun! Hangin' out with you guys is so freakin' cool!"
RANK UP!
Chariot Arcana, Ryuji Sakamoto: Rank Four
He ignored the shattering chains and threw his arm around Ryuji's neck. "Yeah, seeing you get your head stuck in the ground every time you can't dodge an attack is damn funny. Plus, it makes me look better by comparison."
"Shove it, asshole!" They laughed together before Ryuji rubbed his chin. "...I, uh… just hope there's something I can do to help those track guys. Though it'd prolly mess 'em up if I tried to butt in."
He silently shook his head at Ryuji, still amazed at how much he cared for people who had insulted him in the way that they had. "I suppose they wouldn't accept your help, but who cares, if you want to help them, help them."
"Yeah. Oh, hey, we still gotta find a new spot for our trainin'... Hm, I'll think about it. No slackin' off, got it?"
"Gotcha, coach. Now come on, let's finish this ramen."
"Ha! Hey, after this let's head to the arcade in Shibuya, that place is wicked!"
"I don't think we should, I don't want to ruin your good mood by absolutely destroying you in every game at the establishment."
"Screw you, I'll kick your ass! I'm awesome at Gun About!"
He smirked and finished his ramen, standing up. "Ready to put your money where your mouth is, then?"
"You're on!"
Ω • Ω • Ω
5/2, Monday
DEADLINE: TODAY
…
He shuffled in place, pushing his glasses up in what was likely becoming a habit, just like him adjusting his gloves within the Metaverse. They weren't told why they had all been assembled, however, it could either be about Shiho's attempted suicide, or the calling card. But given the fact that it was the very same day that their deadline was on, his heart was pounding hard, and he was anxious that at any moment they would be called out.
Obviously, it was very unlikely that an entire assembly would be called just for their expulsions, it'd likely be something done in a more private setting, but his anxiousness wouldn't let up its grip on his heart.
It was as though a guillotine's blade was hanging overhead. Would their executioner arrive and send it down towards their necks, or would they finally be released from the deadly contraption?
He could see Ann standing ahead of him, several other students between them, and Ryuji was next to him. His attention was drawn to the stage as their egg-shaped Principal walked up to the podium, a smile plastered across his face. "Let's begin this school-wide morning assembly. As you all know, a tragic event took place some time ago. Thankfully, we have been informed that she has pulled through, but it will take some time until she fully recovers."
"Everyone here has a bright future ahead of them. I implore you all to rethink the importance of life, and—" He was interrupted when the gymnasium doors slammed open, and everyone turned to watch as Kamoshida, looking haggard and sick. Kobayakawa looked shocked at his entrance, leaning over the podium. "What's—"
"I," Kamoshida interrupted, "have been reborn. That is why I will confess to you all… everything." As Kamoshida walked solemnly towards the stage, he heard the other students around him whispering amongst themselves in confusion. He tried to ignore them, sharing a glance with Ryuji as he did.
Upon climbing onto the stage, he looked out over the sea of teenagers, eyes looking dead and vacant. "I have repeatedly done things that were… unbecoming of a teacher. Verbally abusing students… physically harassing my team… and sexually harassing female students. I am the reason Shiho Suzui tried to kill herself!"
Several people gasped, others began muttering angrily to themselves, and Kobayakawa just stood behind his podium, too shocked at what was happening to say anything. Kamshida meanwhile, fell to his knees and began weeping silently, tears beginning to run down his face. Ryuji looked shocked at how the confession was going, and he couldn't see Ann's face since she was standing in front of him, and he forced himself to look as shocked as possible, all while his heart danced with glee.
Just as it had in the Metaverse, the castle that had been Shujin Academy crumbled around Kamoshida.
My my, looking at him now, I can't understand what I ever saw in such a vile man, Succubus hummed.
Power, obviously, harlot.
Oh yeah, that's right!
How good this feels… I could get quite used to this sight, Kamoshida on his knees.
'It wasn't enough seeing him like this back in the Palace?'
It will never be enough, seeing such a disgusting creature beg and grovel. You, of course, feel the same.
Aye laddie, ye seem ferr chuffed wi' yersel'.
"I thought of this school as my own castle… There were even students that I sentenced to expulsion, simply because I didn't like them… I'll retract all of that, of course, and… I am truly sorry for putting such innocent youths through such horrible acts. I am an arrogant, shameful person… N-No, I'm even worse than that! I will take responsibility and kill myself for it!"
Immediately his pleasure disappeared, the feeling of cold dread washing over him.
This was not supposed to be how it went! He'd kill himself?! Fuck!
"Please, get off the stage right now!"
"I—"
"Don't run, you bastard!" Ann's voice cut across the panic of the gymnasium, and everyone focused on her. "Shiho's still alive after all the things that made her want to die! You have no right to run from this!"
"Y-You're right… you're absolutely right! I should be punished under the law and atone for my crimes. I… I did horrible things to Takamaki-san as well. In return for giving Suzui-san a position on the team, I… I… tried to force her into having relations." Several girls and boys began looking guilty, likely students who'd judged Ann thanks to the rumors around her, and were regretting talking behind her back or propositioning her. "As of today, I will resign from my position as an instructor and turn myself in. Someone, please, call the police!"
"This morning's assembly is over! Return to your classes immediately!" Students began dispersing as various teachers began waving shooing them out of the gym in a semi-panic, the rumor-loving teenagers all whispering and muttering to each other about what they'd all just witnessed.
He slipped through the throng of students, easily finding Ann and pulling her along with him and Ryuji. They found a quiet corner and watched as everyone trickled out, Ann still eyeing the stage where Kamoshida was being led away.
"Well… I certainly expected something, but not something as… overt as that. I expected he would go to the police in private, so seeing this was quite the shock."
"Tell me about it… his heart really did change."
"Yeah, but…" Ryuji looked down and frowned, kicking the floor. "Was this for the best? I mean, that breakdown, sayin' he was gonna kill himself…"
"I think it was. As extreme as that was, it's better than him having continued his crimes in secret."
"Yeah… I guess things're happenin' way too fast."
"U-Um… Takamaki-san…" He looked over his shoulder and saw Mishima along with two girls, one of which he recognized from class. Mishima suddenly bowed, tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry!"
"Huh…?"
"We all knew… but we pretended we didn't…"
The taller of the two girls spoke up next, looking at Ann regretfully. "Takamaki-san, I had you all wrong… I'm sorry that I spread rumors about you!"
"I-I didn't know at all," the other girl spoke. "How Kamoshida-sens— Kamoshida was forcefully pushing himself onto you… It must have been so hard for you!"
"I'm sure there's a ton of people who want to apologize to you! We're so sorry!"
Ann was silent for several moments, before shaking her head. "No. It's okay. The same goes for me too." She sighed and forced a cheery tone into her voice. "Besides, it's all in the past now."
"Hey, you there! Return to class at once!"
At the teacher's orders, the girls began walking away, waving over their shoulders. "W-Well, see you later then!"
Before Mishima left, the boy turned towards him and looked him in the eye. "I can't apologize enough for what I did to you. I promise I'll make it up to you someday."
"Mishima-san, I never held that against you. You were forced to do it."
"That doesn't excuse anything!"
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright. Just buy me a can of soda or something and we'll call it even, okay?"
"Starr-san…" Mishima shook his head, before walking away. They watched him leave before Ryuji turned to Ann.
"So, looks like those rumors 'bout you'll die down, yeah?"
"That doesn't matter… We made Kamoshida apologize, about Shiho. That's more than enough for me."
"You should hurry and tell her about it, then."
She smiled at Ryuji's suggestion and nodded. "Yeah."
"Let's meet on the roof after school, and after Ann meets with Shiho. The teachers are going to kick us out of here soon." Ann and Ryuji nodded at him, and they quickly walked to their classrooms.
No one could focus for the rest of the day, and even the teachers were slightly shaken up by the events that had taken place. Focusing on his work, he kept an ear open to the murmurs of his fellow students, and when the day finally ended, he met Ryuji on the roof where they began to wait for Ann.
"Man, when he came in I totally freaked… But hey, his mind didn't shut down or anythin', so this was an A-plus job!"
"You must be happy," he smiled, patting Ryuji on the back, "this is the first A-plus you've ever gotten!"
"Screw you!" Ryuji punched him on the shoulder and he snickered, while Morgana stretched as he exited his bag. "I get A-pluses in fighting too! I totally kicked ass when we fought Kamoshida!"
"You wish."
"Could you two be any louder?" Ann sighed as she walked onto the roof, closing the door behind her.
"Ah, don't worry about it!"
"Lady Ann is right, moron, if anybody overhears us then it's game over!"
"Yeah, 'cause they'll convict us over fightin' some dude in his own head."
"Ryu has a point," he chuckled, "but still, do be sure not to say anything that could link us to the incident. We should be careful."
Ann was silent for several seconds before a bright grin spread across her face and she winked. "She's regained consciousness!"
His and Ryuji's eyes widened, while Morgana meowed happily. "That's amazing!"
"For real?!"
Ann lost strength in her legs and she sat down, tears welling up. "Yeah… It was only for a little bit… but I got to talk to her! I was able to tell her that Kamoshida admitted to what he did!" The three boys stayed silent as Ann cried happily before she began wiping away her tears. "Shiho, she… she told me she was sorry… Looks like she found out that I was flirting with Kamoshida for her sake… And here I was, wanting to apologize to her…"
"Kamoshida's at fault for all of this," Morgana sighed. "Neither of you should have needed to apologize."
"I know." Ann breathed in and hesitated. "...Shiho's mom is thinking of transferring her to another school after she recovers. The whole sexual harassment and attempted suicide… people will label her after that. Sounded like Shiho had the same idea too."
"It'll get lonely for you without her, huh?"
"Maybe, but I think it's for the best. I'm sure it'll be hard if she stays here."
"Just remember that she's alive, and you can go see each other whenever ya like!"
"Ryuji's right. Plus, it's not like you're alone without her. We'll all be stuck with each other for quite some time," he chuckled.
"What Akira said!"
Ann stayed silent, so Ryuji changed the subject, elbowing her. "That aside, I was surprised you could hold yourself back against Kamoshida's Shadow!"
"It wasn't exactly like that… I just wanted Kamoshida to apologize. He couldn't do that if he's dead."
"You're so kind, Lady Ann!"
"I'm not sure whether I could have done the same, were I in your position."
"Yeah, no matter how much of a shitbag he was, finishing him off woulda left a bad aftertaste, huh?"
Ann looked confused before understanding dawned on her face. "Hm? Oh, that's not it. I think revenge is better served if I make him repent." She clenched her fists and Akira swore that the air around them got colder as she laughed harshly. "Realizing what he's done, he'll grovel for forgiveness the rest of his life, you know? No one will want to help him, no one will ever want to associate with him... Death would be too quick and easy. There are fates much worse than death, and he deserves them."
Silence reigned after her statement, Morgana and Ryuji trying to say something but failing, their mouths hanging open. He found himself doing the same, processing her words. Succubus giggled in his mind, a lusty tone to her voice. Ooh~ What a delicious sense of wrath this girl holds! Master, wouldn't you agree?
Arsène sighed at Succubus. Thy horny must be purged.
My horny is eternal.
Ignoring that byplay, he coughed into his fist and hid a blush. "Ah, well… I guess that's that? L-Let's move on."
Ha! Laddie, seems ye'r a tad turned oan yersel'!
'Shut the hell up, Sith.'
Ryuji, snagging onto his attempt to change the subject, leaned forward. "Um, so, I was thinkin' that it was weird, but… Why was Kamoshida the only one with that Metaverse thing?"
Morgana answered, prowling around Kamoshida's medal which had been placed on one of the tables. "It isn't necessarily linked to him. It's something anyone could have if their heart became warped from their desires."
"Anyone…?"
Morgana, once again, managed to somehow grin even with his cat face. "Wanna check it out?"
He and Ryuji shared a look before the faux-blond shook his head at Morgana. "N-Not right now. We better lay low for a while. People are still gonna be talkin' about Kamoshida. Then again, it's totally impossible for someone to find out what we did at his Palace…"
"And just when I was going to praise you for being careful and thinking ahead," he chuckled.
"Yeah, about that… Weird rumors are already going around about you guys."
"Ah, the two delinquents are the main subjects of the female students' yaoi fantasies, eh? I can't say I didn't see it coming."
"Aw, dude, that's nasty!" Ryuji recoiled and grimaced. "No, now the image is in my head!"
"Yes, come to the dark side…"
"Ugh, not stuff like that. Stuff like you got together—"
"Gaaaaay."
"—and threatened Kamoshida with something close to physical violence."
Ryuji nearly fell out of his chair, looking at her with wide eyes. "The hell?!"
Ann sighed. "People aren't going to easily believe that phantom thieves really exist. The calling card's being treated like it was a prank by someone who knew what Kamoshida was doing."
"Yeah, makes sense… We're the ones who did it, and I still don't completely believe it myself."
"I've got assholes talking in my head all the time and I also find it hard to believe. Plus a talking cat— excuse me, a human in the form of a talking cat." He chuckled as Morgana huffed, while his Personas began complaining in his head.
How come urr ye cawin me an hurdie!? Ah haven't dane anythin' tae ye!
Calling a messenger of heaven an asshole… truly, I must work on teaching you the virtues of God.
Thou shouldst knoweth, Saki Mitama is pouting heavily in the c'rn'r. Eke, screweth thee too.
'Why the hell did you suddenly turn Shakespearean?'
"Well, anyway, let's see how much this medal's worth!" Ryuji grinned and pulled out his phone, typing away. It'd be better if we get it pawned off ASAP! Uh, wait, thirty-thousand yen?! That's all a gold medal's worth?!"
"Thirty thousand…" He did the calculations in his head and frowned when he realized it was just a little less than three hundred dollars. "That is… less than expected."
"Hey, Ryuji?" Ann suddenly smiled, leaning forward. "Remember that time in middle school when I lent you some money?"
"Oh, there is NO way I lent you thirty-thousand yen!"
"But wouldn't it be around that much with compounded interest~?" Ann questioned with a sing-song tone.
"'Interest' my ass!"
"I, for one, would like to point out that I am not interested in Ryuji's ass," he quickly spoke, snickering as Ryuji punched him on the shoulder.
"I'm not saying that I'm taking all of it. I mean, it's your fault for not paying me back all these years! It's just common sense!"
"Damnit…"
"In any case, I agree on laying low and keeping an eye on the situation. However, you dragged me into this. It would be nonsense not to celebrate a successful mission."
"Eh, I guess we could blow this dirty money on somethin' fun."
"Discussions among phantom thieves are to take place over luxurious food. How about it?"
"Hey wait… ah, I guess it's fine. There's somewhere I want to go, then."
"Where's that?"
"It's a place Shiho and I have been wanting to go for a while."
"Well, I owe money, so I can't complain… You good with that?"
"Fine with me."
"And I'll leave it to your discretion as well, Lady Ann."
They spent the rest of the meeting discussing the plans for their celebration and eventually settled on Children's Day, May the fifth, the final day of Golden Week. He would be the one to sell off the medal, and they split up to head home, but not before revealing that Ryuji had borrowed money all those years back to buy a dolphin plushie.
Neither he nor Morgana missed the opportunity to tease Ryuji mercilessly.
As they rode on the train back to Leblanc, Morgana meowed happily from his bag squirming around excitedly. "I can't wait to spend all day with Lady Ann!"
"I just hope wherever she picks for the holiday lets cat-like creatures eat there."
"Oh, yeah…" He just chuckled at Morgana, walking through the open train doors onto Yongen-Jaya station. "Well, if Lady Ann picks the place, I'm sure it'll accept me!"
"Uh-huh."
Jesus Christ, three Rank Ups in one chapter. Thankfully this will be stretched out once the next Palace appears.
And apologies for being a couple of days late with this chapter, I've been so busy I couldn't even edit and post it. Ugh.
It's pretty frustrating writing Berith sections lol. I write them out like normal, but then remember he's supposed to be lying unless asked a question, and have to go back and either correct it or make sure that the previous person speaking is asking him a question.
Still, pretty good practice for writing future odd-ball Personas. A couple I have in mind should be pretty fun, especially some I want to make for the World Arcana. Speaking of, I've made up several already that should fit, but if anyone wants to suggest a Shadow/Persona for the World Arcana, your suggestions would certainly be welcome.
There aren't many legends I can actually think of that really fit for the World Arcana. It is, after all, totality, fulfillment, wholeness, and harmony. It also symbolizes an ending to a cycle of life and a pause in life before the next big cycle.
For example, sort of a spoiler, but one Persona I've considered is King Arthur. As a King who fought off invaders, protected Britain and wielded the magic blade Excalibur forged in the Fairy Isles of Avalon, and then died at the Battle of Camlann, leading to Britannia's (or at the very least Camelot's) destruction and subsequent rebirth into the next age, I'd say he fits… semi-alright into the World Arcana's cycle of life.
There are some creator gods/deities that I've also considered, since in their myths they're usually the ones creating the world, or symbolize its totality… But anyway, if anyone has some good ideas for World Arcana Personas, and can give a good reason for why they fit, I'd love to hear them and think about putting them in.
But yeah. Other than thoughts on a World Arcana Persona, 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!