Disclaimer: Persona 5 Characters except Fujin Katsuo belongs to Atlus, this fanfic has no commercial purpose.


Katsuo: I'm sorry, Lala-chan. My other job made a number on me. I wanted to ask you for the free night, at least only for this time.
Lala: Don't be ridiculous, my dear boy. You don't have to ask me if you don't feel right. Just tell me, and I will wait until you get enough rest.
Katsuo: Thank you, I will get some. I'll be back before Ohya-san finishes her glass.
Lala: I don't think you are that fast enough, my dear.
Katsuo: Fair enough; take care.
Lala: Get some rest and be careful on your way home.

Lala-chan can be a benevolent person, sometimes too permissive. Good thing she never minded about the free night because of how much I worked for the whole day. After all, a caring adult like her can bring some relief to young people. Always her kindness for others was her main trait that anyone who knew Lala Escargot would acknowledge. I wished I could think the same way about caring for others, what a hypocrite I am.

From what I saw on that evening. What the Hell was that? How? Why? Disappearing like that was not okay! They didn't look like using a portal or any sort of transition; they just became transparent into nothingness.

Nobody else saw that. Who blind could they be? I lost sleep while trying to understand that. Makoto was being dragged by those teenagers, who most likely are Phantom Thieves, into this mess with the Criminal Boss. I knew a few names from other bigger fishes, but none of them are in charge of Shibuya, so probably they were new in town. I had nothing to hold my ideas of what happened during the last few days.

I was lying on the bed of my apartment. That place was tiny. There is nothing but barely basic furniture, a small sink and oven, and a claustrophobic bathroom. It wasn't expensive, but it was kind of cozy. I was exhausted, never thought my stress levels would go beyond my limits. Why was I feeling so weak so suddenly? I got worse days before, but that was different. Maybe I was being aware of the imminent danger Makoto was getting.

What the Hell was I thinking? She got into this to herself. Why would I even care about her well-being? I should ignore anyone who made poor choices in life. She was with those Phantom Thieves; maybe she was safer with them. Why so sure of that? Nobody was sure if those people were good guys. They were trying to locate the Criminal Boss and maybe take him down. It can be anyone, including me, could be a target, but that wouldn't matter at the end.

I would regret that, but it seemed that I had to discover the truth about those people and stop such madness. I witnessed something people can't comprehend, and I didn't want to get involved in this, but I couldn't overlook that at the end. I was losing my mind.

Shibuya was busy like always. I followed the blond punk to where they would reunite on one of the train stations. Everyone was there, including Makoto. They started to talk, but I couldn't hear anything again because I needed to keep my distance. I wasn't able to understand why they bothered to risk their life to target such a dangerous person.

I almost forgot, they used that weird app to transport where Kaneshiro was. I deleted it without knowing what was for days ago. I was afraid I screwed up my only chance to follow them, but that thing was still on my phone like nothing happens. I wouldn't complain about that moment because it was the only thing I needed to find their method.

I had to comment. The idea of using a public place to hide was smart yet stupid.

They were standing on the way in front of the window while looking outside. Whatever they were planning to, I was hoping to replicate the same entrance method. Unlike other times I lost sight of them right away, I had to let them have some time of advantage. I needed to follow them, but not allowing them to discover me. I had to wait an hour or so after they disappeared, to go wherever that app led.

Just when they disappeared into nothingness again, I had to prepare if anything happens on the other side. The model gun I bought from Iwai-san minus well helps to scare anything on my way. I was shaking; not knowing what kind of place they would be is enough to feel uneasy.

That method of transportation was unconventional, weird that nobody knew about this app a long time ago. If I recall correctly, the app needed certain things before using it: Name, location, and keyword. What a strange app, requiring such information. Without hesitation, I said all the words needed to go where they are: "Kaneshiro Junya," "All Shibuya," and "Bank."

'Starting navigation,' said the voice coming from the app.

"Here goes nothing," I said this to myself, feeling unsure of what was going to happen to me.

I felt another chill through my body like other times they used while I was present. The surrounding didn't change much, except no people around, and the sky was dark. Something didn't feel right, maybe going to Central Street. I would be able to see the difference, and boy, I saw the difference. Not only was there a UFO sucking yens like a vacuum from the sky, but people around Shibuya looked like ATMs with arms and legs.

That place was bizarre beyond logic, what the Hell was all that? The UFO left a ramp to aboard them, the top of what looked like a bank with giant golden pig statues, and yen symbols on the front gate. Whatever was that place, somebody loved money, almost make me feel sick about how bad the aesthetics of the area was. I couldn't see anyone outside, no signs of Makoto or the others around the front gate. Going inside the back was the only thing I could do because I saw the front door busted. I wondered what happened or who broke it. The only way I found was a hole next to the pig statue, with a convenient secret passage.

Once finally inside the bank, it didn't look that bad, at least with the interior. The main hall looked like a regular bank, except for the stalls that resembled a church. If this place is where someone worships money, then that person was awful in the head. More people ATM humanoids around, but they looked broken than the ones outside of this bank.

From all things, they weren't the only ones there: I saw security guards with yellow suits and breathing masks while patrolling around the area, it would be troublesome if they caught me snooping around.

I walked around to the other area; I saw an elevator, some stairs, and a door. Those guys patrolling around made me feel nervous, but it wasn't time to lose my cool. The door was already open, maybe that led to a way where they were. I heard dogs barking nearby.

"Have you found the intruders?" One of the guards asked while looking at his surroundings. Just what I needed. I took cover and jumped between corners. I don't know who keen they were, but so far, no issues. The moment they turned around, I took the chance by moving quickly while still crouching.

I walked down the stairs; the level felt like a labyrinth. Somebody has to fire the architect of that place because it was inconvenient to move around without getting lost. So many doors, yet too few places to go, most of them were dead ends. One room, in particular, felt safe; there were no guards or dogs, but none of the Phantom Thieves either. It appeared those guys already covered a lot of terrains if, for some reason, I had no problems to trespass around without difficulty about locked doors or such.

The last place I went to was some sort of giant safe blocking the way. It locked with two panels on each side, and it required keycards. It looks like they are not there yet, so where are they now?

"What are you doing here?" I heard a familiar voice behind me before I could turn to see who it was.

"What the eff is this guy doing here? Is he a Shadow?" A guy with a skeleton mask was surprised.

"I don't think so; he doesn't look like one of the guards," the thing resembling a monster cat said it with confidence.

"Then, who is he?" The girl with cat-suit said it with curiosity.

"Senpai?" The other girl with the rider outfit was surprised, judging by appearance and eyes. It was Makoto.

"Niijima?" I said with shock by seeing her in that getup and acting like one of them. "I have to guess you are the Phantom Thieves that people are talking around, but you, Niijima, I never saw it coming."

"Can you tell me who this person is, Queen?" The guy with the fox outfit asked Makoto.

"He is…was my senpai from last year at Shujin," Makoto explained to everyone, I felt their confusion.

"So, why is he doing here?" The guy with a domino mask and suit asked her. I know who he was.

"What the... You are the guy who traded info with Ohya-san at Shinjuku. So, you are the one in charge!" Now things started to make sense. He looked like the leader type for a calm person.

"Wait, do you know him, Joker?" Makoto asked him about that, almost looking upset at that guy and me.

"Now, you mentioned it. We saw the guy working in that bar where the reporter was," the monster cat said with disappointment. "Had we were being followed by him this whole time? That's so embarrassing for a thief of my reputation."

"Whatever that cat said..."

"I'm not a cat!" It jumped and yelled at me.

"You are the worst thieves I ever met in my life," I said with amusement.

"Can you explain to me how you got here?" Makoto asked me with an irritated tone.

"The same method you guy used: this weird app," I showed them my phone with the app.

"What the..? He used the Metaverse App!" The skeleton mask guy said it, trying to snatch my cellphone from my hand. I moved away from him.

"The What?" I was confused if they were referring to that app.

"No time to explain, we need to get you out of here before the Shadows appear!" The cat-suit girl exclaimed with desperation.

"Wait a minute. I'm not going anywhere until you answer my questions!" I was demanding them for some info on what was happening.

"It doesn't matter; this place is dangerous for a person like you," Makoto said.

"What do you mean by a person like me? Look, I'm not going anywhere, even if you force me to leave, I will come back here anyway." They looked undecided of what to do with me.

"What should we do, Joker?" The guy with the fox outfit asked his leader.

"It's already dangerous letting him go. Our only option is to let him tag along with us until we find the next Safe Room," the leader was confident of his choice. I couldn't ask for more.

"Are you sure about it? We are risking his life if he goes with us!" Makoto wasn't happy with his response.

"Hey, I'm not going to get in your way if you have to fight. Better have a damn good explanation when this is over with whatever you are doing in this place," I stood away from the safe, waiting for them to do their job.

Two of them were in position, each one in front of a different panel while Makoto and their leader were standing to our only route was.

"Okay… Let's try turnin' it all at the same time." The skeleton guy said it while waiting for the cat-suit girl to be ready.

"On three! One, two…!" She made the countdown until the safe opened.

"This took some time, but we managed to force it open," the fox-suit guy claimed.

"Great teamwork, everyone," the leader congratulated his fellow thieves.

"Yes, I agree. The cooperation of our whole team is what helped us through this particular ordeal." She smiled satisfactorily.

Teamwork, huh? It made me feel bad because they looked like they can depend on each other without worry. I had to admit. They made my work more accessible because they went through so much trouble only to open that safe. It was bothersome to listen to those guys.

"Dude... There is money all over the floor…" The skeleton-mask guy said with surprise; I would be too if I saw all that money. I could grab some on the way, maybe, but I bet it wasn't even real due to this weird dimension.

"So, he took all this from the weak…" The monster cat commented on the money.

"He is going to pay for this." Makoto sounded determined.

So, that was what Kaneshiro took money from students at Shibuya. What petty man, acting like some schoolyard bully. From what I could get from their reactions, he sounded like a despicable man. When we walked into this hall made of glass, we saw someone. There was a fat man in a white suit accompanied by another two guards while blocking the door at the end of the hall. Who looked familiar somehow. "Seems you made this far," The white-suit man said it with a sinister tone.

"You were expecting us here, didn't you?" Makoto looked at him with anger on her eyes.

"After you defeated two of my best employees, I think it was time to stop you here, right now," He looked composed, yet it made me feel like I want to punch this guy in the face. He turned at me, giving me that weird look. "I never saw you with them at the cameras," he rose an eyebrow. "Have we met somewhere before?"

I, in fact, finally recognized his face. That stupid face and obese physic were familiar at first glance. Slowly began to remember every single thing from six years ago. "You!" I pointed at him with absolute disdain, and my eyes fueled with anger. "You were the one who betrayed my family!"

"Wait, are you a member of the yakuza too?" The fox-suit guy asked me.

"A name that longer bears any meaning, thanks to this guy," I said as I couldn't depart my sight away from that fly-magnet Bozzo.

"Such a fool, you came all the way here just to seek vengeance?" He smiled with malice. "Well, there are better ways to solve this without resorting to violence, as I'm sure you are a reasonable person."

"What are you implying, Kaneshiro?" I said, raising an eyebrow.

"You can work for me; maybe someday you will get as much money as me so you can accomplish to restore your name," He tried to make some bargain, but it was nothing but mockery toward me.

"Why would you offer something like that!?"

"Because I waited to kidnap you and do ransom for your family. I can see we are not so different; we wanted to be our own man. How about it? You can get the best business you could ever imagine," He said with that smirk, that stupid smirk.

"Betraying my family for some money? ARE YOU FUCKING NUTS!? The Hell I would do such a thing after everything you did by tarnishing my family's name!" It was nothing but the madness of what I heard.

"Fujin-senpai…." Makoto was shocked to see me like that.

"Well, it seems that I would have to the original plan and do the ransom. What a worthless coward," for him, was always about profit. Disgusting and dirty rat, I had enough.

"A worthless coward, you say?" Something struck my mind, I finally understood. I did nothing but laugh about it. "You think I'm a worthless coward? Then let me give you some news for you! I'm not a fat-ass like you who thinks that every person has a monetary value. Maybe you are right; there is no way I can be other than a lament and hide. Do you think you can compare it to me as one? Hah! So be it! If I'm one, then you are nothing but the same stupid good-for-nothing debt collector thinking you are above everyone else because you have dirty money to hire those brutes while taking everything from innocent people! I'm done with that! I'm sick of keeping my head down and pretend that nothing is my problem while others needlessly suffer from horseshit reasons! You know what? I will show you who the true cowards is, you fucking maggot!" I was feeling so angry about him thinking that this life was about eating or being eaten. That was when I heard its voice.

Done hiding?

I was in pain. My head started spinning until I felt sick as that voice continuing speaking.

Tired of how society reverts to old ways? Humans can be real savages... Turning into animals. And yet, you act more like a wounded creature that would rather hide in a hole if things are too much for you. You are more than that. You are a slumbering beast who forgot to enact its revenge, and you kept hurting more people despite deluding yourself of being tamed. You became complacent with injustice to the point that you're afraid of risking a future you won't ever have. If you don't want that strength to go to waste, then how about striking a contract with me? Your days of starving might finally come to an end.

I was on my knees, holding my scream from the agonizing pain. It was an unbearable feeling that I punched floor repeatedly until the glass cracked and my knuckles bled.

I AM THOU, THOU ART I... ACCEPT YOUR ROLE AS A BEAST! TIME TO SHOW THEM WHAT TRUE FEAR IS!

"I get it now.." I finally stood up while holding a mask attached to my mouth. I struggled to rip my mask off for a few seconds until mouth and hands were covered on my own blood. "Unleash thy fury, Faust!"

I couldn't believe what my eyes were expecting: An humanoid surrounded in blue flames. It had a metallic mouth, black horns for eyes, and covered with a long red coat with massive arms and claws. It had nothing from the waist down, but not that it needed legs anyways to stand up by itself.

I AM FAUST, THE WICKED SCHOLAR; ONE WHOME KNOWLEDGE AND MIGHT BRINGS CALAMITY. GIVE ME THEIR HEADS AND PUNISH THOSE ANIMALS CALLING THEMSELVES GODS.

Such power, I didn't know what exactly was, but it felt different. Awake. I never thought I had something like this within me. I knew it was time to get some payback. One of Kaneshiro's guards tried to hit me with his baton, but I stopped him while Faust held from the legs while ripping it off in two from the waist up with his mouth with such brutality that black goo scattered all over the floor.

"So, those are not humans. It is fine with me. I'm just warming up before I take your turn, Kaneshiro!"

I was nothing but wrath incarnated. Before he could do anything, that fat-ass in suit sent another guard. This time, it transformed into one Chivalrous Fiend and three Two-Headed Guardians blocking my way to him.

"All security, hold your positions, and send reinforcements! We are not going to be afraid of some p-petty thieves!" The Chivalrous Fiend said it while feeling intimated of what Faust did to his friend.

"Are you not afraid of me? Fine, you will start calling the Boogeyman after I'm done with all of you!" I got ready for what appeared as a long battle. However, I wasn't alone.

"Do you think you can fight them by yourself?" That monster cat said to me while wielding a huge cutlass.

"Back off! This a matter between me and Human Meatball right there! Don't interfere!" I said while holding a chain with a hook on my right arm.

"You are not the only person who wants to deal with him. We are not letting you do anything reckless," Their leader said it while he took out his knife.

"We are doing this as a team; don't risk your own life fighting them without proper planning," Makoto was holding two brass knuckles on each hand while doing a fighting stance.

"Suit yourselves, I'm only aiming for that bastard. Curse them all, Faust!" Holding my mask while my familiar leaped towards it like a predator hunting its prey. It knocked down only 1 out of 3 of the Twin-Headed Guardians. "Terror Claw!" I shouted as Faust swung his left arm, knock it down once again, and trembling it in fear.

"Let me deal with it. Come, Arséne!" The leader held his mask with his right hand; he summoned a being with black wings and red suit, doing a powerful strike that knocked it down as well. We got the upper hand. "Hold on!" He shouted while everyone, including me, aimed with our guns at them.

"It is time for an All-Out Attack!" The monster cat shouted the assault signal, that was the part everyone went full rampage on them. Killing everything on there, but it was far from over.

Two Chivalrous Fiends appeared accompanied by three Prankster Leaders. "Damn, the reinforcements came," The monster cat was upset with more enemies appearing.

"Step back, freaks!" I pulled a double-barrel shotgun while aiming at them, hoping to scare them off.

"Shoot them!" The leader gave me an order.

"What?" I said, confused about his idea.

"Just pull the trigger. Trust me." The leader smirked, sounds like waiting for a pleasant surprise.

I pulled the trigger, the model shotgun shot as if it was a real one. It made jack and shit to the red monsters, but it killed the Prankster Leaders with only two shots. One thing that made me said: Neat. Those two on the field, time to try one more trick Faust had to offer. "Faust, punish it!" It roared upward, as a purple vortex surrounded the red monster, causing it to cower.

"Not bad, but let me show you how to make it with true skills. Here Zorro!" The monster cat summoned a swordsman bandit using his sword to knock it down so easily despite not doing too much damage. I was impressed, though.

"Baton Pass, Mona!" The leader requested to change places with it for a better attack strategy. He used a bunch of cards to cast light, killing instantly too. The bad news was more reinforcements came for another round. There was one Tornado Devil and two Human-Eating Ladies for this fight.

"Come on! Do I have to kill every single one of them just to reach Kaneshiro!?" I was getting annoyed by the reinforcements coming every time we defeated those monsters.

"Don't let your guard down. It is almost done..." Makoto at least tried to give some relief of this fight. "Move aside. Go, Johanna!" She summoned a motorcycle with a face. What the Hell was she riding? Cast energy spheres to the enemies, knocking down the Human-Eating Ladies, only leaving us to deal with the Tornado Devil. "Fujin-senpai! Baton Pass!" She rose her hand, wanting to do a high-five to her like what their leader did. I smirked.

"Bring it!" I embraced myself to get ready for the finishing move. After passing turns, I threw my cape aside while feeling much lighter on my movements. "Faust, maul it!" The being who I called leaped at the Tornado Devil and ferociously chomped the opponent until it went down.

We made the same formation from before by surrounding the enemies for another assault. And when the leader gave us the signal, we attacked them from all directions. At the moment we stopped, those monsters were standing like nothing until I gave them the thumbs down and vanished into oblivion.

WASTE OF TIME


Faust/The Hunger (La Faim) Arcana

Trait/Fiend Knowledge: Low chances to decrease the cost of Phys attacks for all allies.

Stats/Resist Physical & Gun

Initial Skills:

-Double Fang

-Terror Claw

-Evil Touch

-Rakunda

-Touch N' Go

Persona Background:

A dissatisfied German scholar from the 16th century who sold his soul to the devil, Mephistopheles, in exchange for powers and knowledge to fulfill himself, regardless of the consequences. The famous Goethe's version depicts him as a tragic anti-hero who redeemed himself by using his magic powers to help others and escaping from Hell in the end.