Okay, so... I'm a bit impatient at the moment, so I've decided to post chapters 2 and 3 as well... DON'T JUDGE ME. I'm currently working on art for the Ao3 edition, so they'll be up soon with images as well...

Few things to say for this point. First, yes, Philemon is in here, and he has lots to say on the matter at hand...kinda, so be prepared for that. However, I might need help for him since i might not be able to write him properly.

Second, I'm implementing Elements from DD in here, becuse I can, and some other stuff that'll be in for later... this includes some shit from Akira AND Arata's past...

Third, I Still plan on each arc having no more than 10 Chapters. I would have less, but i'm factoring in the new members and the extra content into the story, so for now, Kamoshida's arc will be about 6-9 chapters long and Madarame's shortly after. Like I said, keeping them semi fast, but also keeping in the main highlights with ample filler to bump up the reading goodness.

I took to much of your time, let's go to the chapter already.

~you have no Idea how long I've been wanting to see you Phil~ Arata sighed

"Same to you, Reaper. Though I do believe you have questions of your own…" Philemon agreed, beckoning the two to empty seats in front of him.

~Yeah I've got questions! First off, where the hell were you man!~ Arata shouted out, taking one for himself and hanging loosely on it by his tail. ~I got sealed away by whatever the hell THAT thing was back then, and I couldn't find you at all before and after...~

"Arata." Akira spoke, taking another empty chair and sitting on it.

~then I find out that Igor's balls dropped or something-~

"ARATA.."

~and NOW everything feels… wrong… the velvet room felt... disgusting... and that's not how we felt it before... We've been to it before, and it's not supposed to FEEL like we SHOULDN'T be in there! what the heck happened!?~

"Arata please!" Akira chided, but turned to a chuckling Philemon.

"It is alright Trickster. As for your questions. I'm afraid the answers you seek are… rather unfortunate..."

~... Please... Elaborate...~

"Before we discuss such events, allow me to bring in another guest." with a soft clap, a gust of wind flowed throughout the room, an old looking butterfly, wings torn and a damaged body, fluttered weakly along the wind, onto Philemon's hand. Surprisingly, a rather familiar voice echoed through the room seconds afterwards.

"I humbly beg for forgiveness Master Philemon." the voice chimed wearily. "My assistant and I have failed at our task, and she was taken hostage as I was sealed away."

~wait… I know that voice!~ Arata exclaimed in disbelief. ~Igor!?~

"Greetings Beldireaver, and to you as well Trickster... I apologize for my rather unbecoming form."

~Igor what the hell happened to you!?~

"From what I have gathered," Philemon continued, "the very same being, to which I labeled as Demiurge, who sealed you away was also responsible for Igor's current form."

"What!?" Akira Shouts out, nearly spilling out of his chair.

~WHAT!?~

"This Demiurge, a false god of order, has taken things too far out of line, he opted to play a game in which he has bent the rules to his favor. Even with the current power you possess, He will surely win in the end." Philemon looks between the two teens in front of him. "I'm afraid even your foreign magic will have... difficulty in doing much... outside of your strongest forms of it."

"...crap."

"However…" Philemon continued, "This act has reach the interest of beings far superior to even Igor and I. This Demiurge, a twisted being created by the warped desires of order and peace, strives on fulfilling what it was made for, at the cost of both morality and freedom. this has angered even those in direct power, such as Nyx, Zeus and even Lucifer."

~oh no… Nyx is in on this?~

"I'm afraid so, Reaper." Igor replied. "And while she sides with us, it is truly as terrifying as it sounds. And she isn't the only one troubled by this predicament..."

"Psst, Arata? Who's Nyx?" Akira whispered in the boy's ear.

"Right Behind you."

Both teenagers jump up at the sudden voice from right behind them, turning with frightening speed, both come face to face with a beautiful yet deadly sight. A rather tall, voluptuous Silver haired woman grins back at the, her dress, slender and tight, pitch black like a clear night sky, with twinkles of dots scattered round her form. laying upon her shoulders lay a long polearm, one end holding a skeletal upper half with what appears to be a crescent moon protruding from the back of the skull of the top half, forming an intimidatingly beautiful scythe, lounges on a recliner like throne, cross-legged and a clear goblet of wine in one hand.

"..." the teenagers gulped, already picturing an all powerful deity glaring holes into his soul.

~NYX! It's been SO long since I've seen you, I see you've decided a change in wardrobe. What a Beautiful choice in clothing by the way, really fitting for you-~

"Calm yourself, Godling, we are allies, and I hold no quarrel with you... though the compliments ARE appreciated."

~Noted~

"To digress back to the subject at hand." Philemon continued, gaining everyone's attention once more. "I have decided to offer up my services once more since my power has been fully restored just recently."

~...how did-~ Arata asked, only to stop as Philemon raised a hand.

"Demiurge, Aratakaja. He wanted no obstacles in his progress, and I was obviously one of the biggest, despite my position. Fortunately, he underestimated my power, so my only repercussion was a portion of my power being sealed away."

"This being goes by the name of Yaldabaoth, and he has already set the key players into motion in this game of his." Igor said. "He has created two powerful champions, one to serve his goal, and one who opposes, and has given them each the power of the Wild Card."

"Wait… so I'm…" Akira didn't even have to finish before Philemon nodded grimly.

"I'm afraid so, Trickster; Your are the champion who was chosen to oppose the Demiurge. He has even attempted to handicap you before the game even began... I assume you are painfully aware of the atrocity you suffered through, correct?"

"Atrocity? Wha…" he stopped, sporting a grim look on his face. "oh, my probation…"

"Indeed. The Demiurge has staged the whole event, from Masayoshi Shido to the trial, hoping it would gravely affect you negatively."

~so that Yabadaba dingus pulled that stunt on purpose, just so he could get an easy win!?~ Arata growled, slowly growing in size as his features grew more Reptilian in appearance. shaking his head, he calms himself before reverting to normal

"Correct." Philemon confirmed. "However, this may be used to our advantage."

~how so old man?~

"Really?"

"Simple..." Nyx Chimed in, sipping on her wine glass. "We Bite Back."

"As I have said before, I wish to aid you on your quest. The power of the Wild Card is a very unpredictable power, something the demiurge must have not known. The Wild Cards primarily challenges and changes fate, not serve it. You particularly have an extraordinary amount of potential. And with a trusted friend like Aratakaja at your side, this game can be won, even with the odds against you."

"The Demiurge has cheated already, so by all means, we shall cheat as well." Igor spoke, fluttering onto the desktop. With a snap of Philemon's fingers, a black key with a Blue Diamond attached to a Blue chain appeared beside the butterfly. "This key will give you access to this place, for it will aid you on your quest immensely. they may have taken my assistant, but they Haven't taken our other original residents."

"I take it you remember them from your previous encounters?" Philemon says, one of the curtains open as he says this, revealing a middle aged man painting various portraits and pictures and a beautiful songstress singing the calming music throughout the room. both nods at Akira and Arata in Acknowledgement.

"Alright. Thanks!" Akira thanked, nodding gratefully to them all as the key disappeared.

"I have also prepared a guide to aid you but…"

~but what?~ Arata continued. ~Sound's like something bad happened...~

"Yaldabaoth attacked. I was able to send my creation out of the Velvet room before the battle, but I do not know if he survived. If he did, then he will most likely be affected by the sudden event."

"What's the guide's name?" Akira asked.

"I have named him Morgana-" Igor stated, in which both boys coughed and sputtered in shock at the news. "And judging from your reactions, you might have already met him."

"Unfortunately…" as if on cue, a soft ringing of bells echoed throughout the room. Philemon sighed. "We will have to continue this discussion on a later date. The key will already be in your room when you awaken, and be sure to listen to Morgana's proposal. It may even be beneficial to you."

"Next time we meet, boys, I will tell you what I shall be doing to aid you." Nyx announced. "Be sure to prepare for that."

"Till we meet again,." Igor finished, as the two males faded away into the void.

Tuesday, April 12th

Cloudy

Leblanc's

Early morning

Waking up well rested, Akira, looked around the room he was in, a black key dangling on the chain by the deck it was hanging on in front of his bed. "So… this is gonna be a crazy journey huh Arata?"

~Yep! This'll certainly be… fun to say the least.~

~I agree.~ Arsene joined in, startling the two at the presence of the gentleman thief sitting loosely in the air of the room.

"Um… Arsene? How are you-" Akira trailed off, pointing around the room as they sit up at the question.

~you have this… soul pact as you call it… between the two of you to thank. Your power is exponentially immense with the powers of your Foreign blood and the combined powers of a god beside you, made a powerful area where you may channel your power with ease...~

~oh yeah…~

~I am honored to share my power to both my chosen and the god of potential. I shall aid you whenever i can.~

"Right…" Akira said, grabbing the key. After a long awkward silence of Akira getting dressed, the two teens headed for school after reassuring Sojiro about making it there on time. After a few minutes making sure to keep the phone off until they make it to school, this time they made it on time with Ryuji being not too far behind them.

"Oh god… I made it." he wheezed, ready to topple over. "I think I'm gonna throw up."

~not on us please.~

"Nah… just give me a- WHOA!" Ryuji yelped, looking at the floating boy beside Akira. "You were actually real!?"

~Of course I… wait….~

"You can see him now?" Akira asked for him, to which Ryuji nodded slowly.

~well this is… unexpected..~ Arata muttered ~usually you need to have a high enough Mystic Presence to detect magic signatures...~

"Uh… "

~Thoughts for later.. ANYWAYS!~ Arata said, pointing at Ryuji's face. ~please don't yell at me, people will think you've gone insane or something.~

"Let's change the subject." Akira announced, getting sighs from the two other people. "At least now we won't get in trouble for being late."

"Cool." Ryuji sighed in relief. "I was actually wanting to talk to you about that other place… that cat thing called it a palace right?"

"Yeah…"

"I was wondering if we could go back there."

~and WHY would you want to go back there of all places?~

"Well hear me out." Ryuji started. "Remember those prisoners we saw on the way to the exit?"

"Yeah.." Akira agreed, both teens nodding.

"Well, I recognized some of them as volleyball team members."

~they're fake though…remember?~ Arata said. ~Morgana said they're just copies the old man thinks about...~

"Right, but that's what king Kamoshita thinks of them right?"

~nice nickname, but go on.~

"If that's how he thinks of and treats them, like slaves and such, then there could be a chance that we can interrogate some truth out of them."

~AAAAAAAnd You lost me…~

"Agh, look, just… I'll explain more at lunch okay!"

"Alright see you Ryuji." Akira nodded, Arata waved as the blonde nodded back, advancing towards the school. Just as they were about to go themselves, an auburn haired girl approached them seconds after Ryuji departed.

"So, you must be the new transfer student." the girl announced, gaining their attention.

~who's this chick?~

"Yes I am. I'm Akira, miss…." Akira said, looking up and down at the newcomer.

"I'm Makoto, Makoto Nijima. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person." the girl, now named Makoto, greeted.

"Likewise…"

~ask her why she's here.~ Arata whispered

"...Is there something you need me for?" Akira asked warily.

"I've seen you hanging around with Sakamoto lately…"

"...And?"

"I wanted to see if you were alright with talking to someone like... him."

~and what does THAT mean exactly?~ Arata questioned, narrowing his eyes at her.

"Sakamoto is known to the school as a delinquent, and with your track record and rumors floating about…"

~OH, So it's NOT about our wellbeing; It's about Assumptions!~

"I came here to warn you about hanging out with people like him. He's a bad influence, something that won't help you out in the long run, if you're trying to make it past the year.."

~Ryuji's a nice guy, You-~

"Arata, Hush, I got this." Akira thought, looking her dead in the eyes with slightly narrowed ones. "I appreciate your concern, but Ryuji is a nice friend to have. A shame that people label him as such."

"W-Wha!? B-But." Makoto stammered, taken aback by the sudden tone Akira spoke in.

"At least he actually cared enough to not treat me as a criminal at a first glance, unlike you, Ms. Nijima. Not everything is as it seems, but I guess that doesn't matter to anyone except by those who were similarly kicked down."

"N-Now hold on-"

"Now If you'll excuse me, I have classes I need to get to in order to "try and make it past the year" as you've put it." Akira finished, walking away from the befuddled girl.

Tuesday, April 12th

Cloudy

Shujin Academy

After school

After lots and lots of boring lectures, throwing chalk back at the teacher who threw it at him, and lunch with Ryuji, school has finally, Finally ended for the day, and the group of three males were walking away from the building, swerving to an alleyway when nobody was looking.

"Alright, let's see if we can get some evidence!" Ryuji whooped.

~you still haven't told us your master plan, ya dingus.~ Arata mumbled out, tapping along the Blonde's mop of hair

"Speaking of plans…" Akira said, looking at the key in his pocket seconds later. "I believe I have a separate one in mind..."

"Oh, Right. Okay, so Here's the plan; we go in, we talk to the prisoners he tortured, record the abuse that dickbag's been putting them through, and use that to get him arrested."

~as much as I like the basis behind that, there are many holes in that plan of yours.~

"And why is that!?"

~well for one, your phone's won't work there~ Arata answered, pointing at the pocket holding the object of interest. ~I've tried with Kira's and only that eye app thing works.~

"Aw man."

~and not only that, but we're the only ones with a way to defend ourselves…~

"Then we'll make it a stealth mission." Akira chimes in, gaining both of their attention.

~huh?~

"What?" Ryuji said, having a look akin to a puppy being told not to eat random cardboard.

"We go with Ryuji's plan for now, but we make sure that we stay out of sight the whole time." Akira explained "that way, we won't have to fight the whole time, and Ryuji won't be in too much danger." Akira explained.

"...dude that's perfect!" Ryuji shouts

~eh, I'll go along with it…~ Arata shrugged, an ide forming in his mind. ~but I need you to help me with something when this is over Ryuji. I think I might have a solution to that...~

"Besides, we need to speak with Morgana anyway…" Akira said, thinking over to Arata, "What do you mean by that?"

~what fo- oooh, Right. and don't worry, if it works, then It'll save a lot of time... and will answer a long overdue question of mine...~

"Well then, What are we waiting for then?" Ryuji proclaims, activating the red app on his phone.

*beginning Navigation.*

The same wave of dizziness flowed through the two students and godling, the world warping and distorting into a familiar castle from before.

"So it really was the school this whole time." Ryuji whistled. "Good to know- whoa man, what happened to your clothes!?"

"Huh?" Looking down at himself, Akira stared in disbelief when he saw that he was in the same fashionable outfit from before.

~hey it suits you doesn't it?~

"Why are you three here again!?" the familiar voice of Morgana startled the three, turning downwards to meet the feline fighter. "The shadows are acting up and I had a feeling to come here, and look who I found!"

"We're here because we have many questions to ask you, Morgana." Akira stated. "There's obviously a connection between the school and this place. We want to confirm that first."

"That's easy; this place is the school. The ruler of this Palace believes he owns this place, so the Metaverse warped accordingly."

"Metaverse?" Ryuji chimed in confusion. "Da hell is that?"

"That's what this whole world is." Morgana gestured to everywhere around him. "A reality of everyone's desires. Those with severely distorted desires can form these Special domains called palaces."

~So even distorted beings like these can make these... Domains?~ Arata thought to himself.

"Hey Cat, I have a plan that I wanna go over with you!" Ryuji wasted no time recovering to announce his plan, meanwhile Akira looked at the two bickering, deep in thought as he drags Arata to the side.

~so, how are we gonna tell them about Phil and the others?~

"I was thinking about taking Ryuji and Morgana to them…" Akira shrugged

~that might work, but… Well, we won't know how they'll react until we try... I guess~

"Hey, Frizzy hair!" said cat in question yelled back, popping Akira out of his trance. "I've got a proposal I'd like for you to consider."

"What is it?"

"I'll help you guys out," Morgana points to the three of them, then to himself. "-and in exchange, you three will help me out with something I've been working on."

~and why us?~ Arata asked, folding his arms and floating besides the black clad rogue.

"You have a persona, don't you?" Morgana Asked, pointing directly at Akira. "And you have access to magic… I think? somehow..."

~that's...true...~

"Very well, I'll only accept to hear you out first. I want to know more about what I'll be doing before fully accepting your deal."

"Fair enough."

"Awesome! Let's get to it then!" Ryuji whooped, Morgana leading them into the building.

A few rooms in and they already had to hide since there seemed to be more guards than before patrolling the interior. Evading them was simple and killing the few who did find them was easier, the hard part was the current set of guards blocking their route. Before the shadows, as Morgana kept calling them and correcting both Akira and Arata on, saw the group, the team ran into a random room.

"Agh, so close yet so far…" Morgana growled. "Well, at least we found a safe room when we did."

"Safe...room?" Ryuji repeated.

"A place where the palace ruler has little influence in. this room has a lack of distortion, so his control of this room is weak.." just then, the room seemed to warp for a few seconds, revealing the room to be a vacant classroom.

"Huh… figures it'd be a classroom. That bastard can't do much here." Ryuji sneers, kicking a random desk to the side.

"My concern is how do we get those guards to move?" Morgana questioned.

"My concern is all over the damn place. I've still got questions to ask."

~then why did you wait this long to ask?~

"I wanted to ask in a safe place." Ryuji answered sheepishly. "So cat-"

"I'm NOT-" Morgana yips.

"What's the deal with his clothes? And could you explain a bit more on this… palace thing?" Ryuji finished, ignoring Morgana's growl of protest.

"Well I can answer both; simply put, this world is the reason why his clothes are like this, and I thought I explained it to you last time!?"

"You're not making sense again cat."

"I'm not a cat!" Morgana Yells out, claws bared and ready to pounce on the soon to be yellow pin cushion.

"Alright alright, just... continue."

"Anything distorts according to how the ruler pleases within their palace. To combat these distortions, one must have a strong will of rebellion. His suit's proof of that; a manifestation of his will."

"I don't think I got all of it…" Ryuji sighed, stepping to the side and unknowingly dodging an annoyed Cat burglar who latched onto the wall instead.

~basically, this world's Kamoshida's true desires, the world he made is shaped to how he wants it to be, and Kira's suit is like a big Piss off to the ruler of this place… did I get that right?~ Arata said, attempting to simplify the slab of info Morgana barfed onto Ryuji's head.

"More or less…" Morgana shrugged, "and it's more like armor in a sense. It protects you from the ruler's distortions."

"Hmm… I think I get it now. Kinda…."

"So moving back to the task at hand… maybe we can make them move without fighting them." Akira suggested.

~like what, scaring them?~

"scare... Hey, I've got it!" Ryuji smirked, digging into his bag.

~got what? A gu-~ Arata stopped dumbfounded as the blonde student pulled out what looked like a handgun. ~what the FU-~

"Don't worry, it only makes sounds, but it looks real as hell." Ryuji explained. "We might be able to use this to make a distract-"

"Wait… you're a genius!" Morgana said, smacking his lips seconds afterwards. "Ugh, that sounds weird… why did I say that?"

~care to explain?~

"Later on. Let's go see if they left yet." Morgana said, peeking out the door before opening it and gesturing them to follow.

After following a single shadow down a hidden pathway, the four now hid behind a corner near the corridor, a big door labeled "Training Hall" was at the end of the hallway.

~okay, so what now?~ Arata asks. ~the Demon and his buddy are right there, do we kill it or…~

"Take out the toy first." Morgana answered. "We'll use that, and they're CALLED Shadows."

"Huh? Why?" Ryuji asked, taking out the handgun model from earlier.

"Hand it over to Frizzy hair here."

"I have a name you know…" Akira chimed in. taking the gun.

"Now let's go!" Morgana shouts, ambushing the surprised shadows.

"Wait WHAT!?" Ryuji shouts out, running out as well.

~the cat's crazy!~ Arata shouts, rushing in behind the feline with Akira and Ryuji close by.

"What the!" the guards shout, as they morphed into a fairy and a humanoid flower.

"You have the gun, right?" Morgana asked, taking out his scimitar. He continued when Akira nodded. "Then use it! Point it at a shadow and fire!"

Heeding the cat's instructions, Akira pointed it at the pixie, and was thoroughly surprised when an actual bullet fired off, knocking it down.

"Careful with your ammo. You only have a limited amount, so use it wise- uuuuuh...are you okay." Morgana said, looking back to find Akira staring blankly ahead, his hand on the gun shaking in increasing instability...

*PAP PAP*

~KIRA NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR THAT!~ Arata shouts out, slapping both cheeks of the shaking rogue, which seemed to do the trick as he blinks rapidly, the sudden pain bringing him back to reality

"Wha-!? Oh! Right... Arsene! Cleave!" Akira agreed, pulling off his mask as Arsene appears before him and strikes the downed fairy, killing it.

"Uhm... All right, I'll show you my weapon too!" Morgana shouts, pulling out a slingshot and striking the flower shadow multiple times. The flower thing responded by flailing at the cat, but Ryuji came it and bashed it in the face with a thrown barrel, knocking it down.

~I got it.~ Arata said, chopping it with his hand and killing it off as well.

"Thanks for the assist Ryuji." Akira said giving a thumbs up at the Barrel wielding boy.

"No problem" Ryuji cheered, returning the thumbs up, "I'm more hyped about the gun! Did that toy just shoot real freakin' bullets!?"

"This is the cognitive world." Morgana answered, "as long as they see it as real, then it works like its real. It helps that it's realistic-looking."

~so we can bring toys here, and they'll work like the real thing if we believe in it?~

"Pretty much." Morgana nodded, putting away his slingshot as he looked over at the slowly recovering Ravenette "Though, what the heck would cause Frizzy ha- Akira to freeze up like that..." he thought.

"That's effin' awesome!"

"Anyways, we should divvy up our roles in battle from here on out. We need to converse our energy, so we'll need some form of coordination in our moves. I'll provide intel, Fri-"

~Akira.~ Arata corrected.

"-Akira, you should call the shots in battle."

"Alright. Let's move on." Akira announces, the group advancing forward ignoring the wierd look the cat burglar was giving him.

"Alright, I think it's time I taught you guys something called an all out attack." Morgana says, gaining the three others attention. after a few more encounters with the Demons ("SHADOWS!" Morgana Shouts back), they managed to make it over to the last obstacle in their path, another small platoon of Guards.

"A what?" Akira asked.

~what are you up to now?~

"Just listen. See those guards? Let's fight them." he said, pointing to the lone guard in the corridor they entered. A few minutes, later, they ambushed the shadow, revealing more fairies, plant creatures and a Horse like creature.

"Listen, there's a flow to battle, and we can use that to our advantage." Morgana explains. "First, knock down all the enemies, that's a must in doing this."

"Hey, Kira, try using the gun again." Ryuji suggested, "i think it'll work like last time."

"I'd... rather not... not unless really necessary." Akira said, his hand twitching with each word.

"Dude, What? what's wrong, you don't like guns or anyt-"

~Hey Morgana, we just need to trip 'em right!?~ Arata shouts out, driving attention to himself, and away from the silently thankful fidgeting mess. ~I got something!~ Swinging back his hands, Arata glowed a pale grey, before colliding both of his palms in a wide birthed Clap-

*BOOOOOOOM*

And unleashed a Giant burst of sound from his hands, pointing not at the shadows... but at the ground beneath them, most of the fairies and Mandrakes fell from either the force of the boom or the very sound that rings in their ears. the last fairy who seemed to be still up looks at the sprawled mess that was their group as they look back to the group of humans and friends, and slowly lowered down to the floor of its own volition with their hands up.

~Would that work?~

"Uuuuuh... Yeah! Now surround it and attack all at once!" Morgana said, with the other three running into position, flanking the shadow group from all sides. A flurry of slices, gunshots, and strikes danced along the area, striking the mass of shadows in every direction before shredding them in a flashy finishing move.

"Okay, what was that flashy crap!" Ryuji yells.

"I told you, it's an All-out attack." Morgana answered, walking forward. "Knock them all down, and we can take them all out in one go."

"Yeah… that was over quick."

"Let's keep moving." Akira stated, following the short companion. With the other two joining them and ignoring the sideways glances he got from the other members.

"Uhm... about earlier... I didn't get an answer to my- Wait..." Ryuji said, stopping midsentence as he picks up on something "I think I hear something behind this door." Ryuji shouts, running closed to the door to the training hall.

~then open it then.~

Opening the door, the four fighters, were shocked beyond disbelief at the immediate sight they're seeing. Countless people were being beaten into submission on volleyball nets with their hands tied to the poles, others were running for their lives from a spiked roller desperately reaching for various water bottles that were just out of reach, a few were hung by their ankles and were bludgeoned by softballs shot out like cannonballs straight into their upside down bodies, and more. The most notable trait from all that they saw was that the victims all wore the same tattered uniform, which barely covered their bruises at all.

"...What-" Akira said.

"-The-" Ryuji continued.

~FUCK!?~ Arata finished.

"What the hell is happening here!?" Ryuji shouts, pounding and slamming his fists against the walls and openings of their perch. "Dammit! This is Bullshit!"

"Calm down, Monkey boy." Morgana hissed back, clawing and pulling on the blonde's leg as he tried to pull Ryuji back. "They aren't real, you know this, and how many times do i have to tell you to keep your voice down!?"

"I know but... This is beyond messed up! Come on, Guys!" Ryuji said, staring intently and studying some of the victims faces.

"...what are you doing?" Akira asked, walking up to find him having an impromptu staring contest with one of the chained cognitions

"Since our phones won't work, then we'll study the victims by Heart here." Ryuji answered, moving over to the next windo over to study the running track torture device. "then, we talk to the real ones in reality when we get back." Ryuji explained. "These people are on the volleyball team, so we could get them to talk if we know who to go after."

"... huh, so there is a brain in there after all." Morgana snickered lightly, nearly dodging a kick to the skull by the angered pineapple man.

"Just shut up and help me study them! Hey Kira, I'll need you to write down some names for me!"

~With what Pen!?~

After a few more minutes of memorizing some potential victims to interrogate, the four decided to leave the palace. After dodging most of the guards and fighting a few more, discovering a hidden passage and finding an odd red colored object akin to 3 fused skulls, They almost managed to make it out too, until they were ambushed near the entrance, being surrounded by all sides by numerous guards.

"What the hell!?" Ryuji shouts, dodging a sword swinging in front of him.

~oh god not again.~ Arata shouts, rolling away from another attempted dog-pile.

"We're surrounded!" Morgana shouts, counting around 20 shadows.

"You knaves again!?" Shadow Kamoshida scoffed, walking up to the four with a golden knight behind him. "To think you'd make the same mistake again, how hopeless can you be!?"

"Piss off, you bastard!" Ryuji shouts back. "I've studied all the victims you're abusing, and together, we'll send your sorry ass to jail!"

"Huh, so it's true when they say, "barking dogs don't bite!" Hah!" the speedo weirdo insulted. "How far has the star of the track team has fallen."

"The hell are you gettin' at!?" Ryuji yelled, kicking one of the guards in the leg and grabbing onto the sword that it dropped, swinging it wildly at the shadow creatures.

"I'm talking about the "track traitor" who acted in violence and fucked up the whole teams' dreams. I can only imagine the pain of the others you dragged down from your … selfish act."

"Violence?" Akira asked, looking at Ryuji, dodging another swing as he grasped the helmet of the guards the metal warping to a distorted mess as lightning courses through the shadow's body.

~what's this floozie talkin' about Sakamoto?~

"You've never told them about your play in it? Shame on you." the man grinned maniacally. "He betrayed his whole team and crushed their hopes, and acts as if it never happened."

"BULLSHIT!" Ryuji screamed, slicing off one of the shadows legs, it dissipating seconds after. he then points at Speedo wearing Warlord "You were the one who did that! and When I actually stood up for myself, you went and CRIPPLED me for MONTHS!"

"Alas, I don't have time for you worms. Go, kill them all. Don't sully my castle with trash." Kamoshida ordered. The guards morphing into various creatures and advanced towards the four.

"We're surrounded!" Morgana shouts out, Summoning Zorro to push back against the now formed Horse riding knights, unfortunately, Zorro dissipated shortly after, one of the horses trampling the poor feline Fighter into the group and pinning him in place.

"Ryuji, get out of here!" Akira shouts, blocking a horned horse's attack. and stepping back. before he could get trampled, Arata steps in front of him, hands outstretched. a dome like barrier formed instantaneously, blocking multiple sword slashes and lance stabs, however the barrier begins forming cracks as the group of knights continue to wail at the dome.

"WHAT!? But-" Ryuji shouts, rolling out of the way of a charging spearman and stabbing a horse of another riding knight.

~not the time, Sakamoto! Move your ass!~ Arata shouted, the sides of his torso rippling as 2 more arms and hands sprout out underneath his normal arms shooting several eldritch blasts at the onslaught of shadows.

"I'm NOT leaving you guys!"

"GO!" they all yelled back, holding out as long as they can. Ryuji stepped back a few times when he saw several of the horses trekked towards him. "no...NO. It can't end like this!" he thought. "I can't let you die here... I Won't let you Die here!"

"What a worthless piece of garbage, getting emotional, so quickly." shadow Kamoshida droned on. "How dare you raise your hand at me. Don't you remember my kindness when I coached your team?"

"That wasn't kindness, you just abused us, just like the volleyball team!"

"It was just an eyesore, just like that worthless coach. Only I'm the one who gets results around here. Had he not opposed me at all, then i would have settled with only breaking the star runner's leg."

"...what?" Ryuji whispered, his eyes wide at the blatant confession.

"Do I need to break your other leg too? All you have to do is ask."

"Dammit… I'm gonna lose everything again...? Not only can I not run anymore, but the track team's gone to because of this asshole…!"

"So that's why he hates Kamoshida…" Morgana whispered, wheezing at the severe weight on top of him.

"Enough. I'll kill these three first, then you're next!"

~Ryuji!~ Arata yelled back pushing Akira back from the shadows as the barrier fully collapses, only to get ran over by several horse shadows.

"Don't let him win!" Akira finished, also getting trampled soon after slaying a few more shadows.

"Win... WIN... Your right." Ryuji announced, slowly staggering up from the floor. "Everything I had was taken from me… by him… I'll never get'em back..." He steps forward, a sudden jolt of sparks echoes from that very stomp as he stalks forward. "But I won't lose anything else! I won't lose the closest thing I have to friends from the likes of you!"

"Still trying to act tough, huh!?"

"All this time… it was you who staged everything… you ruined my Career... My life... EVERYTHING on PURPOSE!" Ryuji shouts, walking forward to the shadow ruler, his footsteps booming louder and louder, like the booming thunderclaps of a brewing storm. Sparks of electricity, now begin going up his legs and into his arms, dancing around his form the more he gets closer.

"Someone shut this twerp up!"

"Stop Goddamn smirking at me you piece of SHIT!" he Roared, his voice Echoes outward like the mighty bellow of a Thunderstorm... or the wrath of a God of thunder

~you made me wait quite a while...~

~you seek power, correct?~

~Then let us form a pact...~

~since your name's been disgraced already, why not hoist the flag and wreak havoc?~

~The "other you" who exists within desires it so…~

a new voice, deep and smooth, entered his mind, forcing Ryuji to double over in pain, Screaming in Agony as full on lightning begins jetting outwards in all directions, some hitting the shadows pinning down the other members of the group, freeing them. Ryuji, however, hears nothing... nothing but the booms of thunder, the crashes of Lightning... and a deep gravely Voice, echoing throughout the chaotic storm within...

~I am thou… thou art I…~

~there's no turning back…~

~the skull of rebellion is your flag henceforth!~

~Now Speak my name to the Heavens, and Proclaim your Liberty!~

With a final howl of absolute rage, the blonde male bursts into azure flames, a metallic skull mask forming on his face. Reaching up and pulling with all his might, Ripping his mask off, he screamed an almighty roar, and the flames burst forth, turning into lightning of various colors, knocking and shocking everyone back and even killing some of the lesser shadows.

When the flames and electricity died down, Ryuji stood triumphantly, his attire changed drastically. Instead of his earlier uniform, in its stead was a biker like garb with silver bone shaped plates, red scarf, and yellow gloves. The being behind him was just as intimidating, taking on the appearance of a skeletal pirate riding a flying ship. the sparks and bolts of lightning surging between the two in a swirling spiral, as if they were within the eye of a mighty storm.

"W-w-what the hell!?" Shadow Kamoshida stuttered, taken aback.

"Aw hell yeah, Sup Captain!?" Ryuji laughed, his eyes now tinted gold as his pupils shrank, his wicked gaze staring down Kamoshida like a predator that cornered his prey. "This effin' rocks! Now that I've got this power it's payback time!"

"Silence you knaves!" the golden knight shouts, morphing into a gigantic red knight on horseback.

"Rip their worlds asunder Captain Kidd!" Ryuji shouts, the pirate persona laughed as it shoots out of the cannon on its arm, crashing straight into the Red knight. as he is left skidding back. Powerful bolts of lightning then blasted out from the cannon, slaying most of the horse and horse riding shadows and stunning the red knight.

"Again! Blast them away! Zio!" Ryuji shouts. his arm reaching back and gipping tightly, a bolt of lightning solidifying into what appears to be a metallic baseball bat as he slammed it down, cracking the skull of a wayward shadow and making it dissipate.

"Arsene, follow up with Eiha!" Akira shouts out, whispering something to himself, and dashing up to the red knight, stabbing his knife into a slit in its back as dark energy erupts from the knife, causing the red knight to stagger forward in pain as Arsene knocks him off his horse with a beam of dark energy.

"Zorro! Garu!" Morgana shouts out, jumping up and clinging onto Zorro's blade, the Spaniard persona thrusting his rapier forward and rocketing the cat burglar in a burst of wind, akin to a bullet from a gun. now up close to the stunned shadow, he spirals upwards, sending numerous cuts and slashes along his armor.

~I got Ya back!~ Arata stomps the ground, a small glyph like circle appearing underneath the horseman, only to expand as spectral chains hold the red Knight in place, the shadow struggling futilely as it thrashed wildly at the binding chains. "I got them still!, Finish it, Blondey!~

"TAKE... THIIIIS!" Ryuji yelled, his form bursting with lightning as he propels himself forward, reaching the Red knight immediately before swinging with all his might with a ferocious War Cry, his Bat connecting with the shadow's head... and knocking it off completely in a burst of sparks. the headless red knight spasms and twitches a few more times.. before it falls to its knees, dissipating its form entirely.

"H-how the hell!?" Kamoshida stammered whimpering lightly at the sudden shift in the paradigm before composing himself... with varying levels of results.

"You're next Kamoshita! I ain't forgiving you at all, no matter how much you beg!" Ryuji shouts out, pointing his metal Bat at the main Boss Shadow.

"I told you shits that this is MY castle. Whatever i say goes. Seems like you still don't understand." as if on cue, a familiar blonde haired girl in a cat bikini walked up to the speedo wearing shadow, alongside another female a bunny bikini who flanked the other side of the Speedo wearing Shadow, startling the other four.

~hey, isn't that the blonde girl from the other day?~ Arata said, looking confused at the two sudden newcomers.

"Wh- T-Takamaki!?" Ryuji shouts in disbelief. "S-Suzui!?"

"Wow! What a Meow-velous looking hottie!" Morgana purred, drool leaking from his mouth.

~Priorities Cat! Now's not the time for a Pussy Boner!~

"Why the hell is she here!?" Ryuji yelled, all the anger fading at the absurd gestures of affection the cognitive cuties are giving the Shadowy sleazebag.

"... something's off here.." Akira added in. "We need to leave, NOW..."

"I don't have to answer to plebs like you. Guards!" the shadow king yelled, several more troops flooded the room.

~time to go!~

"Right. Let's get out while we still can!" Morgana added.

"But-"

"NOW monkey boy!"

As the four escape, the shadow king laughed at their retreating figures the cackling muffled their wheezes of exhaustion as they made their way out the Castle of Lust.

Now outside the palace, the four stopped running and took a much needed breather.

"What the hell!?" aaand there goes the peace while it lasted. "What happened to my clothes!?" Ryuji shouts out, just now noticing the change in attire from earlier.

"It suits you." Akira compliments.

"Looks like they don't know our escape route… that's good to know." Morgana interrupted, looking over at the three other occupants. "So.. about that favor…"

~remember Kira, Phil said we should at least hear him out…~ Arata whispers to the ravenette. the Boy nodding to both sides.

"Simply put; I need your cooperation to steal something."

"Steal?" both Akira and Ryuji asked.

"Deep within the palace is a thing called a treasure. That treasure's the one thing that's keeping this place intact; it's the source of the palace ruler's distorted desires. I need you guys to help me steal it."

"...and what do we get outta this?" Ryuji questioned. "There HAS to be a damn reason for us to go further into that death trap..."

"Would forcing Kamoshida to confess his crimes be good enough?"

"WHAT!?"

"Keep it down monkey!" Morgana hissed jumping up and pushing his paws on the skull wearing delinquent's mouth. "That Treasure holds this palace AND Kamoshida's desires in place. Without it, Kamoshida is forced to grow a conscience, and all of the guilt from his misdeeds will come crashing down on him, forcing him to confess."

~I don't wanna be a dick about this… but I sense a "but" in here somewhere…~

"Well…"

"Well what?" Akira goaded, kneeling at the cat creature as his eyebrows raised at the drawl he gave out...

"This process is extremely delicate. People needs desires to live, the desire to eat, sleep, breath…"

~Get to the point, Morgana...~

"If done wrong, then there's a chance it might kill him…."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! KILL!?" Ryuji interrupted. "I'm all down for making that dickbag suffer, but Killing…"

~and what's wrong with that?~ the familiar voice of Captain Kidd echoed through his mind, the pirate materializing behind Ryuji immediately after. ~after all he's put you through, killing him is a mercy at LEAST.~

~if it's murder that you're concerned about, then I'll volunteer.~ Arsene joined in, materializing behind Akira. ~I'll chain him up, carve out his insides and feed the entrails to animals as he watches.~

~Ooh, I'll join in to, I'll shock the bastard til he's well done. last thing we need is some food poisoning. even the little critter don't deserve THAT from such a wretched pile of Kraken Shit~

"Guys, can you maybe NOT talk about murder right now!?" Ryuji butted in, a look of disgust on his face from how casual the two spirits were discussing HOW TO MURDER A PERSON IN FRONT OF HIM. "You're freakin me the Hell out with that!"

"...Morgana." Akira stated, gaining everyone's attention. "I'll give you my answer in a bit, but first, I want to take you guys somewhere."

"Where to?" both said, gaining the attention of everyone, Spirits included

Smirking, he pulled out the key he had earlier, silently thanking the gods that he still had it. "Oh, just A nice little place called... The Velvet Room."

And that's all for now. Chapter 2 of 6-9 for Kamoshida's Arc is complete.

A few things I still forgot to mention… some of the characters will be a bit OOC, just a tiny bit, and will have some extra stuff exclusive to this, if you're wondering... Bonus points if you can find out what spells they use that isn't your typical ST/Persona spell...

I'm still missing a lot of stuff, but hopefully I can get them done by the time I can get to them. One more thing I'll say is that the order of the Pts joining will be a bit different from canon, so look out for that.

TBC