One would think that after such an eventful visit, things would have calmed down and they would have easily returned to the real world, right?
Wrong, because that was exactly when took a turn for the very strange.
It all started when Mona spotted three shadows on a path not far off from theirs. Oddly enough, they seemed to be fighting. But it wasn't with each other...
The shadows were in battle with a teenage boy with brown hair who looked like he could be around the group's age. He had a pure white royal outfit with red and gold accents, white pants and dark shoes along with a red, long-nosed mask. He was currently cutting down a shadow with a serrated sword.
''Whoa, there's someone else out here...'' Panther trailed off.
''And he seems...'' Mona's words died in his mouth as the teen proceeded to touch his mask. He was surrounded in a blaze of blue before a strong figure clad in a white and blue outfit with gold accents and a bow in hand appeared, a cape flowing behind it. It looked somewhat like a super hero.
''Wait, that means...'' Skull's jaw dropped.
''Yeah, he's a Persona User too! And it feels really strong!'' Mona exclaimed.
That was quickly proven true as the Persona took out both shadows with a few blasts of magic before fading away.
It was just then that he noticed the group observing him, seeming just as surprised as they felt.
''...I never thought I'd run into people like this now.'' He remarked after a moment.
''We're just as surprised...'' Mona started.
''You're...a cat?''
The feline bristled ''No, I'm not!''
Panther sighed as the teen gave him a puzzled look in return ''It's a long story. Anyway, how long have you had your Persona?''
''A little over a year now.'' The teen replied. ''Would I be correct in assuming you're the Phantom Thieves?''
''Indeed. Who are you?'' Fox asked in return.
''You can call me Crow.''
Panther blinked ''Oh, you use a codename too?''
''I found out it was for the best.'' He replied. ''So you've been changing a heart then...''
The disdain in his tone wasn't lost on any of them, making Skull frown ''What, you got a problem with that?''
''As a matter of fact, I do.'' He returned. ''There's definitely a better way than what you chose to do.''
''Hey, you don't know anything about us, so don't go judging us just like that!''
Joker didn't really pay attention to that as he was hardly to voice his distaste regarding their team. There was something else on her mind, Mona seemed to be a little restless for a while now. ''Mona, what's up? You've been acting strange.''
''...Something doesn't feel right...'' The feline thief looked uncomfortable. ''...I can't put my finger but I think we should be leaving soon.''
What happened next served to distract the two of them...
Like their leader, Fox had also heard people talking down about their team and he chose to disregard it too. ''If you've known of the Metaverse for this long, do you by any chance know of a Persona User with a black mask?''
Crow's eyes widened ''How do you know about him?''
''A couple of our targets mentioned him before. In fact, he was contacted to cause that big accident near Shibuya a few days ago.''
''I see...'' The teen frowned. ''...to answer the question, yes I do...I met him when I first discovered the Metaverse and my Persona.''
''Whoa, what?! What the heck happened?'' Mona demanded.
''He tricked me...'' Crow grimaced at the memory he was thinking of. ''...he seemed so knowledgeable and he offered to teach me. If I'd known anything about him back then...can you tell me anything you know about that man?''
''Well...'' Mona paused, seemingly realizing something. ''...there's not much we can say but you're going to have to come with if you want to know. Staying here is only going to bring big trouble.''
Crow seemed to understand while the party wa left confused ''Ah, you're right...we've been here for too long.''
''Eh, I don't know what you're both talkin about...'' Skull suddenly paused. ''...Mona, is that usual?''
The cat blinked and looked back, seeing him point to the area behind Crow. It seemed to be flickering for some reason before a wall seemed to set in place, much to their surprise. Even using the Goho-Ms the party had merely orbed them back to the same area.
Mona's eyes widened ''What?''
''What's going on?'' Queen looked around.
If that weren't odd enough, the route the party took was also suddenly blocked off. The walls seemed to be completely solid and even attacking with their Personas only caused destruction but revealed more walls beyond the one they took down.
''This never happened before!'' Mona exclaimed.
''Not to me, either...'' Crow frowned. ''...it makes no sense...''
''Well, we've got one way through.'' Panther pointed out the path to their far most right. ''Might as well try from there, right?''
Joker looked at Crow ''Your opinion on us aside for the time being, would you cooperate with us?''
The teen looked surprised but Skull cut in before he could respond ''Hey, Joker, we can't work with this guy! You heard him...''
''This isn't the time to focus on that stuff. We're all stuck here, wouldn't it be better to work together and figure this mess out?''
''She's right, something is seriously wrong. We don't have to like each other, let's just focus on getting through this.'' Queen added.
''That's certainly true, very well then. I'll help.'' Crow conceded.
Unfortunately, it seemed that the hall they found was just as blocked off, even the part that lead to a staircase. No matter how you slice it, they were trapped.
''Okay, what's going on with you two?'' Queen asked Mona. ''Both of you seem tense and I don't think it has to do with our situation.''
Before the cat could respond, everyone was blasted by a wave of energy that threw them down. A big figure descended in front of the group, it was clad in a dark billowing robes. Its face was shrowded in a blood stained cloth sack, revealing only one gleaming white eye, it held two long barrel revolvers and a chain across its shoulders.
''No...'' Mona grit his teeth ''...remember when I told you guys that we can't stay in any part of Mementos for long? That's why!''
''Wait...'' Panther vaguely recalled him mentioning something of the sort before. ''...you mean that's the super powerful Shadow you warned us about?''
''Yeah! I've only seen this thing once and even the other shadows are terrified of it...''
''Well, that was before right? We're way tougher now, let's fight it!'' Skull called.
''Hold it, Skull.'' For some reason, Joker could feel a terrible aura off the Shadow. ''Don't you feel it? That thing seems crazy strong...I can't shake the feeling that it outclasses us by far.''
''You'd be right to believe that.'' Crow was just as tense. ''I've had to face the Reaper once and I was lucky to escape alive...'' His eyes narrowed as the monster raised an arm. ''...trouble is, I don't think we have much of a choice in the matter. Brace yourselves.''
He was soon proven correct as the Shadow attacked, striking them all with a powerful Megidola spell, which they endeavored to dodge or defend against as much as possible.
''The hell?!'' Skull recoiled.
''It really is powerful...'' Queen winced.
Knowing they had to move, the two shook it off and summoned their Personas. Calling for a Mazionga and Freila which hit home, it soon became clear that the attacks did next to nothing. Fox and Mona attacked up close but the Reaper merely threw them back. It also remained when Johanna and Captain Kidd attacked it, striking them both down.
Panther grit her teeth as the rest began summoning their Personas ''Carmen!''
Fox steadied himself ''Goemon!''
''Setanta!'' Joker called.
''Zorro!'' Mona cried out.
''Robin Hood!'' Crow exclaimed.
The four Personas appeared before them and charged the enemy per their summoner's orders. Setanta tried to battle it up close but it was quickly outmatched by the Reaper. It then easily brushed Zorro's wind blades and was unfazed by Carmen's flames. Robin Hood notched an arrow and fired it, but the Reaper merely knocked it aside, even breaking out of Goemon's ice magic a second later.
''No way! We're not doing anything?!'' Skull cried out.
''Weren't you listening?! This thing's way too strong for us now...'' Mona grimaced.
''Yeah, but what do we do?''
''I don't know. Even the Goho-Ms are useless!'' He cried out helplessly.
''Either way, it won't help...that thing's first attack damaged almost all the ones we have.'' Fox stated. ''At any rate, let's not give it any breathing room. It's best if we keep attacking.''
Everyone agreed with the sentiment, continuing their offence. Sadly, it seemed as their efforts were of no help as the Reaper easily brushed their attacks off again. It proceeds to cast Maragidyne, the fierce flames knocking Fox out.
Mona looked alarmed ''Fox is down, we've gotta help!''
''Phoenix!'' Joker switched Personas, not noticing Crow looking on in surprise at this. ''Recarm!''
The spell was successful in rejuvenating the young artist, who immediately re-joined them and called for Goemon. Joker helped by switching again, this time to Orthrus before the two directed their Personas to strike.
Crow's eyes widened ''She can...? But why?''
''Hey, come on, we've gotta fight!'' Panther called.
Shaking his thoughts off, the teen nodded back and re-joined the battle.
Whatever they threw at the Reaper, it just fought hard and hit even harder. As if its own strength wasn't bad enough, it clearly had skills of various elements to cause more damage to everyone. This left some of the group to hang back and help heal everyone. Things were going terribly, to put it mildly. Nothing they did fazed it in the slightest. The Reaper seemed to consider them as nothing less than insects. Even as it seemed that the walls holding them here were beginning to disappear, there was no way to make use of the chance as they couldn't get far enough from the Reaper. It was no surprise that the shadow was so feared, its power was incredible...
''Dammit...'' Skull ground his teeth as everyone pulled themselves, but it was clear that they couldn't last much longer.
''It's too strong...and we don't even have a way to get out of here...'' Mona frowned, glancing at the sealed areas. How could they get out of this?
''No...is it this it for us?'' Panther whispered fearfully-were they going to die here? The thought scared her to the core.
This made Mona stiffen as he couldn't help but recall Chihaya's prediction, making him look at Joker, who was taking some medicine.
Did that mean...no, he couldn't believe it...
Joker forced herself up, even as she could see her friends falling to fear and exhaustion, two things she felt plenty of in spades. She knew they couldn't just back out here. But as she tried to think, nothing came to mind...
Then, she took another look around, which was an idea hit her.
It was a long shot, very much so. It wouldn't even finish the Shadow, at best, it would buy them some time to find a way out. But she preferred trying that than waiting for that monster to kill them.
''How is it not tired...'' Queen was distracted by the sight of Setanta flying at the Reaper. ''...Joker?''
The girl kept her eyes on their enemy, not even blinking when her Persona was struck back, telling it to attack once more. They were even more confused when the Reaper took it down soon, but Joker merely summoned Shiki-Ouji and had it tackle the shadow repeatedly. Either way, nothing seemed to have changed.
''Joker, stop, this isn't working!'' Fox called.
Whether the girl heard him or not, she didn't show it and merely summoned another Persona to strike next.
''...Let's help her.'' Queen said at last. ''Somehow I don't see this being a last stand, she knows normal attacks won't work. I think she's up to something.''
''You're right, let's do it!'' Mona agreed and they joined the girl.
It was when she attacked a third time with Phoenix that Crow caught on to the girl's line of thinking.
''So that's why...'' His fist clenched and he called on Robin Hood. ''Megaton Raid!'' He looked at the rest. ''I see what she's up to now, it's our best chance. Try to keep fighting as much as you can. I think it'll make sense soon.''
Joker was glad they had come to help, telling them would have been too risky now. As she fell on a knee, she figured her strength was depleting fast but she refused to fall here. She didn't care how hopeless the situation was, she couldn't let her team down.
The girl summoned Arsene, as her original Persona battled, she began to feel a sudden strength welling up within her...
'This is...' Arsene paused, making it clear that he felt something too.
The gentleman thief chuckled a second later '...you continue to amaze, my other self. Very well, let's put this new strength to good use!'
He spread an arm out, creating a myriad of dark energy lances, before slashing his other arm down. A red blast hit the Reaper, seemingly freezing it in place before the lances began to descend, each one hitting the target with explosive force. Arsene snapped his fingers before the final lances turned into an energy beam that sent the enemy crashing down into a tunnel, numerous rocks falling on it.
''W-whoa...!'' Skull's jaw dropped.
''What was that...?'' Queen looked stunned.
''Amazing...'' Crow trailed off.
It was all making sense now for everyone. ''No wonder she hasn't said anything. She was just trying to make sure it wouldn't catch on to her plan. She was pushing the Reaper back to the tunnels to trap it and since it just underestimated us, it went off without a hitch. Brilliant!'' Mona exclaimed.
Panther couldn't help smiling ''Joker, you're awesome!''
''I'll say, way to go!'' Mona added. ''It looks like the walls are gone. We can get out of here!''
Joker began to smile, it worked...what a relief.
She tried to stand even as black spots invaded her vision, knowing they couldn't stay here-she had to move...but she was so tired. She had never felt so tired before-except maybe when we she awakened Arsene...
Before the girl quite knew it, the last of her strength failed her and everything went black...
''Joker!'' Skull yelped as the party ran to her.
Mona transformed ''Come on, let's go. That thing could come back any second. She did all this to buy us time, let's not waste it!''
''Right!'' Fox picked Joker up and they headed to the bus...
''I think we're far away now...'' Mona admitted, stopping after
''It seems so.'' Fox agreed. ''That aside for a moment, what about Joker? Is she all right?''
''I'm afraid not.'' Queen grimaced, focusing on the girl sitting between her and Panther. The two were tending to their leader, who had yet to awaken. ''She's really pale...I don't know what that new attack was but I think it completely drained her.''
''I doubt that's all...if we're this tired from fighting, how do you think she feels after switching between Personas like that? Fighting that way must be even more draining...'' Crow frowned.
''Good point, dammit, it must be hell on her.'' Skull grunted
''Yes, the burden she bore back there was tremendous...'' Fox trailed off.
''The worst part is, I can't gather enough power to heal her...'' Mona admitted regretfully. She had done so much for them and yet...
''Don't feel bad Mona, we're just the same.'' Panther stated.
''Give her these.'' Crow handed the girl a couple of medicine bottle. ''I found a few during my recent visits here. They work rather well.''
''Oh, thanks!''
''Hey, you sure about this? Panther, remember this guy really doesn't care for us.'' Skull pointed out.
''I have my own reasons but I'm not so ungrateful as to ignore your leader's efforts.'' Crow replied. ''Had it not been for her courage, we wouldn't have escaped the way we did. This is the least I can do.''
''That's certainly true, thank you.'' Queen returned as Panther helped their leader to the medicine.
''I'm still confused about what happened in the end, guys.'' She admitted.
''So am I...where'd that even come from?'' Queen wondered.
''I wonder...'' Mona trailed off. ''...say, Arsene? Can you even hear us when Joker's like this?''
'Yes.' The Persona returned. 'I'm afraid she's the one bearing the strain for our battle, not to mention that last skill.'
''So you do know how you two pulled that off?''
'One...but it's a far shot. It's best not to say anything for now.'
''All right. We'll wait till you two figure it out...'' Skull conceded. ''...I still wanna know why the hell we got trapped like that!''
''That's certainly troubling.'' Crow frowned. ''It never happened to me either...and no matter how I look at it, the whole thing screams of a set up.''
''I had that impression too.'' Fox concurred. ''But who on earth would do this?''
''There's the million yen question.'' Queen's eyes narrowed as one possible explanation behind their predicament came to mind. ''This is way too much of a coincidence...someone wanted us to run into that monster.''
They were able to leave without trouble, with Crow going on his own after they neared Mementos' entrance. Had they not been preoccupied with Joker, the team would've been more interested in learning more about him.
''I am so glad that's over...'' Ann sighed as they paused at the traitn station.
''That makes all of us.'' Makoto leaned back on her seat, settling so Namine could lean against her. Morgana nodded emphatically to this.
''I can't believe we pulled through that. No complaints though.'' The feline added.
''I don't like to ruin the mood but what do we do now? We can't possibly take Namine back to Leblanc like this.'' Yusuke thought it would raise too many questions as the girl had yet to awaken.
''It's okay.'' Ann smiled. ''I've got an idea. Makoto, hand me Namine's phone, would you?''
Sojiro raised an eye ''A sleepover?''
''Yup,'' Ann replied on the other end. ''You know, we just want the chance to ease up and all. It seemed like a good time so I kind of sprung this on them out of the blue. Which is why I told everyone I'd tell you.''
''It sounds fine to me, have fun.'' The barista returned.
''Thanks!'' She hung up and sighed, walking out of her house's hall to a room nearby. She had suggested bringing everybody to her place, since it had enough room for them all to stay over. She thought it would do them all good to just relax and hang out together after what they'd been through.
The guest room had two beds and a couple of bed side tables along with a small table and a chair. Namine was resting on one with Morgana next to her while Ryuji and Makoto were on the other one, both seeming amused as they overheard the talk. ''I wish we could have fun...''
''I don't see why not. We could try having one for real some other time.'' Makoto suggested.
''Sounds good!'' She took a seat.
Yusuke walked in moments later ''Your home is certainly beautiful, Ann. I'm glad you invited us.''
''Yeah, it just seemed right. My parents used to invite a whole bunch of people when they used to work here and they figured the house could use a lot of space.'' The blonde didn't want to admit it but a part of her wasn't so comfortable bringing Yusuke here due to the whole painting thing.
Seriously, how could he expect them to agree to nude paintings?!
She wouldn't leave him out but luckily, it seemed he had no intention of bringing that up. ''I can't tell you guys how relieved I am that we all pulled through. I really thought that monster would have killed us.''
''Things really were bad. If it hadn't been for Namine...'' Morgana marveled at the burgundy haired girl's courage and perseverance that helped her keep going.
Makoto nodded as she began to smile ''I'm only glad she was there...I don't want to think where we would have been if it hadn't been for her.''
''Same here.'' Ryuji agreed while Yusuke nodded. ''Man, that was crazy though...is it gonna be a usual thing for us to get stuck like that?''
''I don't think so.'' Morgana offered. ''Something felt really, really off about the place we were in before. I still don't know what but it's like I told you guys before, nothing like this happened.''
''That's a relief.'' Yusuke stated. ''Does this mean it has to do with the distortions you mentioned in Mementos?''
''That's the only reasoning I can think of.''
''By the way, Morgana...'' Ann looked at the cat. ''...I've been meaning to ask, you were acting a little weird when we talked about the fortune teller. Did something happen?''
''W-well...'' The cat hesitated but decided to explain everything else regarding their visit to Chihaya and finished with ''...Namine didn't want to make a big deal out of and that's why she didn't tell you guys before.''
''I see...'' Yusuke crossed his arms. ''...I understand how she feels. I don't think I would've taken it too differently if it had been me.''
''She brushed it off just like that? That's Namine for ya...'' Ryuji half-smiled.
''I wouldn't believe it myself.'' Makoto stated. ''That fortune teller may be good but I fail to see how anyone can be right all the time.''
''Yeah, she said something like that too...'' Morgana recalled.
''Well, look at it this way, we made sure the prediction didn't happen.'' The student body president pointed out.
'Not to mention we also pulled through after such an ordeal.' Johanna added.
'Namine helped made sure it would happen, she did it for everyone's sake.' Carmen remarked. 'If she believes she can fight against such fate then the least we can do is have some faith in her.'
''I couldn't have said it better myself.'' Makoto agreed.
''...We've gotta do better, you guys.'' Ryuji decided after a few moments of silence. ''I dunno about you but now that I look back, I feel like I've gotten cocky. Things just seemed to go so well and I thought we had it made. I didn't take things seriously.''
''I don't think you're the only one.'' Ann offered.
''Yes, we can't expect Namine to take on all the hardship alone.'' Yusuke stated and Makoto nodded.
''Yeah.'' Ann agreed, thinking on how their friend really was the best choice for a leader. ''She's gone above and beyond for us. We've gotta get stronger and work just as hard as she does.''
''I couldn't have said it better myself, Lady Ann.'' Morgana smiled, glad that they decided to use this as a learning experience. He knew that they had not only come out all right but they were bound to grow and improve. Their team would surely become stronger and be ready to face the trials in their path.
''Master, the Inmate is awake.''
Namine blinked tiredly at the familiar voice, narrowing her eyes a little to see Justine near the gate of the Velvet Room.
''? What just...'' She tried to sit up but cringed.
''I'd advise you to rest, Trickster. Being in your current state is completely understandable after what you've been through.'' Igor stated.
''I never thought you'd actually fight that mad Shadow like this...will wonders never cease?'' Caroline shook her head.
This made the girl remember ''Wait, what happened with...''
''If this is about your team, they're all right, thanks in a big part to you.'' Justine offered. ''You made the right choice, forcing that monster off the battlefield. It's not an enemy you could face at your current strength.''
''That's good...'' Namine exhaled. ''...wait, Caroline called it a mad Shadow...what does that mean?''
''Well, we're not sure where that thing came from.'' The girl in question responded ''But it's completely different from any Shadow we've known. Even the other Shadows are absolutely terrified of it.''
''And for good reason, that Reaper is certainly a tremendous force.'' Igor remarked. ''In that regard, you've done very well to ensure your friends' safety.''
''That was pretty much the only thing I could think off...'' Namine admitted. ''...I think...something happened in the end of the fight...but I'm not sure...''
''Oh, so you did figure that out? And here I thought you never realized.'' Caroline raised en eye.
''In all fairness, Caroline, being disoriented after that ordeal is understandable.'' Justine countered
''I concur.'' Igor added. ''Back to your question, Trickster, that was a gift from me. In return for the fortitude and strength of heart you displayed. I call it an Overdrive skill, it's an especially powerful technique that is usable every once in a while.''
Namine's eyes widened ''Thank you...I bet that'll be a big help.''
''You're certainly welcome. As I said, you've more than earned it.'' He returned. ''Use it with care. Due to their bonds with you, your friends will be able to use that ability as well. Be warned though Trickster, with you, that skill only works with your very own Persona.''
''Got it.''
The girl woke up soon after that, finding herself in a somewhat familiar room. She still felt tired and it was hard to think straight so she couldn't place it. Where was this?
Deciding to find out, Namine made to head out of the room, though she stopped and shook her head, feeling a little dizzy. It was moments later that she was found by Ann, who smiled happily then.
''Hey, you're up!'' She hugged the girl.
''What's going on?'' Apparently, she had been out for a day and a half and they brought her to recuperate at Ann's home, which was made easier since Ann gave her guardian time off, leaving them to handle things.
''Oh...thank you.'' No wonder the room looked familiar, she had been to Ann's home before but they hardly spent any time in the guest rooms.
''Are you kidding? We're the ones who want to thank you, you were great back there!'' Ann beamed, taking her hand and leading her along the hall. ''Come on, everyone's back here.''
The others were no less glad to see that Namine was awake, welcoming her happily as well.
''You handled things brilliantly, Namine, thank you. You saved us.'' Makoto stated.
''You were totally great!'' Morgana added.
''Oh, you're welcome. It's just a relief that things worked out.'' The girl smiled.
''Hey, speaking of...'' The feline stood next to Namine. ''...do you know what happened? We were all wondering what happened at the end of the battle.''
''Well...'' Namine relayed Igor's explanation to them.
''So basically since you pulled through us that disaster we all get this awesome new skill?'' Ann clarified.
''Pretty much.'' Namine replied.
''That's freakin' amazing!'' Ryuji grinned.
''Don't you mean Namine is the amazing one?'' Yusuke wondered.
''Yup, definitely!''
The girl laughed a bit ''Thanks..."
''As expected of our leader, I knew we were right to choose you!'' Morgana beamed.
''That's excellent news.'' Makoto smiled.
Yusuke had a thought ''Wait, I see that it applies well with our Personas but how about you, Namine?''
''It's about the same. My connection to the other Personas is different. The Overdrive only applies to Arsene.''
''Doesn't make it any less great! I bet it'd be a huge boost for the team.'' Ann stated.
''Totally!'' Ryuji agreed. ''Now that Namine's back up and running, let's have some fun!''
''Uh, does this work?''
''Hmm...''
Namine found Morgana with Yusuke, apparently in the middle of some pose while the latter watched him closely. Curious, she looked at Ryuji who was observing with clear amusement ''What's going on?''
''He was talkin' about the slump and how he wants to figure out how to deal with it so I said he could try drawing Mona.'' The teen returned, leaning back on the couch. ''Doesn't look like it's goin' anywhere though...''
She nodded slightly ''He's probably still looking for inspiration...''
Deciding to leave them to it, she went to the kitchen where she could see Makoto talking to Ann as she prepared some dish...
''I've never seen something like this before...and those ingredients you added-do they all actually taste good together?'' She heard Ann ask.
''Oh, you'd be surprised.'' Makoto returned. ''I had the same reaction when my father showed us this recipe but it's actually delicious. He said it was Mom's favorite so he learned to cook it just for her.''
''Aww, that's sweet...'' Namine couldn't help but remark, briefly startling both girls. The two smiled at her as she joined them, pausing as she saw the two other dishes already prepared. Just one look showed that a fair bit of skill went into making them. ''...whoa, Makoto you're good at this!''
''Ah, you think? I've been learning for years.'' The brunette returned modestly. She had just wanted to do something nice for her new friends. ''You are what you eat, after all. That's why I think it's only right to be respect your body and be careful of what you take.''
''Can you teach me a thing or two?'' Namine inquired, surprising her. ''I'm barely learning already and all I made so far works because I've just been following the recipes-so would you mind?''
Makoto smiled ''Not at all.''
''I liked what you said about being careful-do you have any tips for me? I'm careful about keeping in shape but I want to think about how to change my diet for the better.'' Ann told the girl.
She paused to think, feeling very glad that the two trusted her like this ''Let's see...''
Well, let's stop here.
So what do you think? I hope this was good, I've been looking forward to working on this part for a while. I have a bunch of ideas I would like to implement in the story, it's just that they come a bit late down the line. Like what I did here. There's also another one involving Crow, but I want to keep some surprises and it's hard to explain without giving spoilers so that's all I'm going to say.
That trap was a one time thing and it only happened because of the Reaper. I know the Reaper's an optional boss in the game but I'm changing things up. It's more connected to Yaldabaoth and another part of my plot which comes in later. It's that connection that started the trap and let him change things that way. It was only temporary, which was how the party got away after Arsene blasted the Reaper into the wall. They're not going to be facing it soon. I've had the idea of making the Reaper into a Persona later but I'm not sure yet. Anyway, if it happens, that's still way later.
Oh now that I think about it, the 25th chapter is kind of a milestone, huh? Glad I got to work this plan out here then.
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 7)
Morgana (Magician Rank 4)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 5)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 4)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 3)
Igor (Aeon Rank 4)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 4)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 4)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 4)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 5)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 2)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 3)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 4)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 1)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 2)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 1)