Vangran: Whoa, thanks a bunch! Always great to hear from you. I totally agree on what you said about Kawakami-then I thought of the changes I made with Shiho so it just hit me, but I'm glad you liked her SL. You'll see how Futaba feels about it soon and you're right in that Sojiro is grateful for Namine's attempts to help. Namine has been burned by fame in a manner of speaking so it's very unlikely that she'd enjoy it like some of the others might. Glad I got you looking forward to this, hope you'll keep reading.
After another session at the Protein Lovers' Gym, Ryuji took Namine over to the monjayaki shop...
''Man, that was good!" Ryuji looked back at Namine."They pulled it off. The track team brought back the old coach, the one before Kamoshida. They're finally walkin' down their own path. Yamauchi got taken down pretty quick. Takeishi's mom is the PTA prez. He told her everything. After that, she came stormin' in with the other parents and forbid the whole scoutin' plan.''
''That's good-no wonder you seem satisfied.'' Namine was glad to hear that Yamauchi got what he deserved.
''I guess I am...oh...they asked to come back to the team.''
Namine wasn't sure how to feel about that. Mostly because of the track team's behavior towards him, after all some had understood that he was just set up in Kamoshida's schemes but others resented him for a long time. Ryuji did love running so it had to feel really good...
''Well, that's...'' Wait, knowing Ryuji, this was the kind of thing he would've shared with everyone...unless...''...wait, what did you say?''
''Still can't get anything past you. I had to turn 'em down. It felt kinda bad, but that's not where I belong now.'' Ryuji paused. ''When you first came to Shujin, people were talkin' so much shit about you...But you took it in stride. You just did whatever you thought was cool and didn't care what other people said about you. You're always true to yourself. I think that's why people kinda get pulled towards you. Wherever you decide to be, that's where you belong, Namine.''
''You're right...'' Flattered, she wasn't sure what to say. The girl had never viewed her actions as anything special-they just came naturally to her.
Ryuji went on ''To tell the truth, I was scared of facin' those guys straight up. I couldn't stand how much they hated me. It only just made me think of how stupid I was. Most of all, it made me remember how I lost my place with them.''
''But that's...''
He shook his head. ''Hey, this ain't like but...'' She blinked and he went on. ''...I managed to change 'cause you were here helpin' me. I got you all wrapped up in this shit but you stayed with me 'till the bitter end...You didn't abandon me.''
''Well, don't make such a big deal out of it. I make it a point to stand with my friends.''
''The only way to go.'' Her response was no surprise. ''Seriously though. Thanks, Namine.''
The girl thought most of the credit should go to him, really. After all who knows what would've happened if he hadn't decided to start them off on this? ''I might have helped but it's all you. You're the one who made it happen in the end.''
He laughed ''It's funny, huh? It all started out as trainin'...How'd it end up like this?'' His expression turned serious. ''Anyway, it's my turn now. If anything come up, you tell me. I'll help you with whatever you need.''
''Back at you.'' The two shared a look and nodded.
''All right, now that I have that off my chest, let's do this!'' Ryuji exclaimed. ''First up: our team! I'll be counting on you, leader. And you can count on me too!''
She smiled warmly.''Got it.''
I am thou, thou art I...
Thou has turned a vow into a blood oath.
Thy bond shall become the wings of rebellion and break the yoke of thy heart.
Thou hast awakened the ultimate secret of the Chariot, granting thee infinite power...
Unbeknownst to them, both-especially Ryuji, felt something change at the time. What it was would become evident in time...
On her way back, Namine ran into Morgana and they walked together. As they began to debate plans for the Phantom Thieves, the former paused at the sight of the Sakura residence.
''What's wrong?'' Morgana asked.
''...There's something I'd like to check.'' The girl lifted a vase mostly obscured by the wall, revealing a key beneath it which she picked up.
The ease of familiarity had Morgana wondering. ''...How many times have you done this before?''
''After hearing the situation, I wanted to do something...so I asked Boss to let me talk to Futaba. She won't let anyone in but she told me plenty through those...'' She displayed the messages from their first talk on her phone before turning it around to let Morgana see.
''Wha-'' Morgana spoke after a few moments. ''...they actually told her all this stuff?! What's wrong with those people?''
''Hard not to see why she would push us away, right?''
''Yeah, it all really makes sense now...'' Morgana happened to look back at the Palace before they left, a barrier had appeared around it.
Seeing those messages made things fall into place, small wonder Futaba hadn't wanted to deal with them. ''...so you've been coming to talk to her for a while now? That's really good.''
''I just thought-if I could help even a little...I know what kind of difference even a single helping hand could make in the worst of times.'' Namine mused. ''I'm not really sure it's done much good though. I wasn't expecting to make much headway but still-things just got worse...''
''For what it's worth, I think you have the right idea. It sounds like Futaba just can't help being really paranoid with just about everybody.'' Morgana offered as the two went to sit near the girl's room's door.
''Hey, Futaba, I'm back.'' Namine placed a bag nearby. ''I got you a little something but I'll just leave it here.'' She leaned against the door. ''...It looks like Nijima-san's hasn't given up. Does this have to do with why you asked us for help?''
Futaba respond after a minute.
Futaba: Yeah...I didn't know what else to do. You guys are the last resort. Sojiro's still trying to protect me but I don't want him to get in trouble...
''I stand by what I said before, we'll all help you. It's just easier now that we know the story.'' Namine stated. ''Hey, there's one thing I can't figure out. She flat out told me that Boss has info that could help with the mental shutdowns. Do you know why?''
Futaba: It's because of Mom. She knew Sojiro back when they both worked in the goverment. She was...conducting research in Cognitive Psience.
''Cognitive...? So research that relates to the brain?''
Futaba: Sort of...
''Maybe even with the Metaverse...'' Morgana thought to himself.
''Ah, sorry, let's leave that aside for now...'' Namine knew the girl found it hard to bring up her mother. ''...it's like I said, we just need to get a few things straightened out before we can go on. But we're not giving up, okay? It's good that you know something's wrong, it's the first step to take care of that issue.''
The response came after a while again.
Futaba: Can I...trust you?
''Yeah, I understand if you find it hard though. I'm not expecting anything from this, Futaba, that's not why I've been coming.''
Futaba:...You really think there's a way to help me?
''Absolutely.'' Namine replied at once. ''I told you before, right? There's no way that awful stuff those people said was true. You deserve to live as much as any of us do and they had no buisness saying otherwise.'' She looked at Morgana, who nodded, seeming just as determined. ''Just hold on, okay? Try to have faith. We'll do our best to set you free.''
Futaba: If you say so...I will...
''I think your visits might have a bonus, Namine.'' Morgana stated as they left. ''Let's get everyone together. I say it's time to go to the Metaverse tomorrow. I'll explain then.''
The girl nodded and began texting the others...
The following day, the group got together and went into the Metaverse from a street near the Sakura residence...
''You sure this is gonna help, Mona?'' Skull asked.
''Just wait...'' The cat trailed off as they arrived at the tomb. ''...I thought so. The barrier's gone.''
''You knew? But how?''
''We can thank Joker for that one.'' Mona informed, looking at their leader along with everyone else. ''She's been going to visit Futaba for a few days and offering her encouragement and support.''
Skull was surprised ''You did?''
''Well yeah...I just felt like I had to try something. I never imagined this would happen though...''
Fox began to smile ''I've said this before but you are a truly kind person.''
''And it's that kindness that must have resounded with Futaba.'' Mona added.
''I'll say, that was really good of you, Joker.'' Queen praised while Panther and Skull smiled at the girl.
She smiled back ''Thanks, guys...I'm glad I could help.''
Queen's eyes narrowed a bit as they made their way through the Palace ''Joker may have took the first step to help open Futaba's heart but we still have to keep going until succeed.''
Skull nodded ''We'll pull it off, for sure! So...'' He stopped, staring at Shadow Futaba standing on the stairs before them.
''So you truly were able to find your way back.'' She remarked. ''I can help with your progress but I need you to do something first.''
''And that would be?'' Fox prompted.
''A piece of papyrus was stolen from here-it's very important to me. I know that the bandit is in the town up north. If you retrieve it, I will help you.''
''That sounds fine to me. Any problems, guys?'' Joker inquired.
''Nope, we're good to go.'' Panther returned while the rest nodded.
Mona took everyone to said town, which was appeared empty and desolate. As they got busy, they were ambushed by a horde of mummies...
A surprised Panther recoiled at the sight ''Where'd those come from?!''
''That doesn't matter, get ready!'' Mona warned just as one of the enemies lunged.
The mummies began surrounding the group of thieves, who readily fended them off to the best of their ability.
Seeing many of them gathering gave Skull an idea ''Let's give this a test run. Persona!''
Captain Kidd flew up behind him ''Time to get rid of some pests. All right, Captain, Voltaic Strike!''
The pirate-like Persona charged at the mummies, ramming quite a few of them with quite the speed. The attack left electric charges around the enemies which forced them back. It soon became clear that Captain Kidd had cornered them purposefully as he fired a powerful electric blast from his arm cannon that destroyed them all.
Panther's eyes widened ''Was that just your...?''
''Yup, I figured it out.'' Skull grinned, thrilled to see his and Captain Kidd's Overdrive. ''Joker, you rock. You're the whole reason we go this awesome skill!''
The girl laughed ''Well, you're the one who made it work so you get plenty of that credit yourself.''
The sound of applause made the three thieves turn to find a man approaching them from behind one of the houses.
''Man, that was great!'' He smiled. ''You all sure are tough. Never thought I'd come across anyone-let alone people strong as you are. Say, you wanna team up? I can get you guys to one hell of a treasure! I even got the map to it ready.''
''Well, this is lucky. That's just what we were looking for.'' Mona remarked.
The bandit perked up ''Oh? So you'll...''
''Don't misunderstand.'' Queen cut in. ''Mona's talking about the map. We're here to get it back.''
The bandit grimaced ''So that's how you knew to come here? Well then, my choice is made too!''
He began to flee then, with Mona hurrying after him first. Fox thought fast, figuring a method to help.
''Goemon!''
The Persona stepped up, brandishing his pipe before ice began materializing over all the possible exits in the bandit's direction.
''Nice, you got him!'' Panther exclaimed.
''Good thinking, Fox!'' Queen smiled.
He recoiled and glared at them ''You little...fine!''
He transformed into the avian-like Garuda shadow before letting out a sharp battle cry. It conjured powerful wind magic that hit the whole group, seeing that it had the worst effect on Skull and trying to attack the boy.
Queen stepped up ''I won't let you-Johanna, Mafrei!''
The nuclear spell burst right on the Whadow's chest, sending him flying back and vulnerable as the brunette chose to ram him with Johanna then. Panther focused her efforts on helping Skull while Mona slashed the shadow's wing, making him screech and he tackled the feline thief back.
Mona was sent careening backwards as a result, blinking when someone caught him and set him down safely seconds later. His eyes widened at the familiar red and black form of Arsene before he grinned at Joker, who smiled back. The gentleman thief attacked together with Goemon, forcing their enemy away. The Shadow then fly up high before speeding down, trying to dive bomb then. Joker was able to dodge the attack coming her way and Queen put up her guard. Seeing the Garuda fly up again, Joker aimed her gun carefully and fired. Though he was barely able to avoid the first two bullets, the Shadow was sent crashing down as the rest of Joker's attacks nailed the mark.
Seeing the enemy dazed, the Phantom Thieves hit hard and true with an All Out Attack, causing a lot of damage. The Garuda tried to rise up but he was obviously plenty weaker, its next Magarudyne attack was slower and most of the party were able to avoid it.
''Eat this!'' Skull cried as he and Panther hit the Shadow from left and right.
Screeching again, the Shadow tried to fly away from the battlefield, endeavoring to avoid Goemon's ice. Panther's eyes narrowed ''I don't think so, Carmen!''
The crimson dancer summoned a wall of flames that obscured the Garuda's path. The sudden and forced pause gave Mona and Skull ample time to try and shoot him down, with Fox taking advantage of the chance to attack then.
''Persona!'' Queen and Joker summoned Johanna and Phoenix, who combined their magic on command for a powerful Freidyne spell which exploded fiercely for plenty of damage. Panther whipped the enemy a few times before Skull and Fox attacked again, defeating him.
The former picked up something that fell as the shadow faded ''Hey, we got it!''
As it so happened, Shadow Futaba seemed to be waiting for them as they found her in the same place before they left.
''We're back.'' Panther held up the piece of papyrus. ''This is what he stole from you, right?''
She inclined her head ''Well done, it is yours now.''
''Wait, what...?'' The rest looking just as surprised as Panther. ''Didn't you want us to get it back because it's important?''
''It is a map of the tomb, stolen by the bandit to aid his ransacking of this place.''
''Why are you letting anyone do whatever they want? This is your Palace.'' Queen pointed out.
''All that matters is that the map is now yours. Just come further in and...oh.'' She disappeared and the ground beneath them caved in...
The next thing they knew, the party in a pit full of quicksand. They did the best thing they could do and hurried to get out of it.
Joker took a few moments to catch her breath ''Is everyone okay?''
''Yeah...'' Skull grimaced. ''...what the heck was that? Did she lead us to a trap?''
''Looks like.'' Queen returned, looking around. ''We've landed in a lower level of the Palace.''
''She blocked us off at first and now this? Did we piss her off somehow?'' Panther wondered.
''I don't think it has anything to do with us angering her...I suspect the problem is that she can't control her instinct to push people away from her.'' Mona frowned.
Joker wouldn't be surprised at all if that were the case ''...Can you really blame her though?''
''Not in the slightest.'' Queen replied. ''It really makes far too much sense with what she's been through.''
Panther's fists clenched ''We've gotta save her, guys! Let's help Futaba-chan open the door to her heart!''
''Yes, a few setbacks certainly won't stop us.'' Fox stated.
''You said it, Fox. Let's keep going!'' Skull exclaimed.
''I have no objections but we should about ourselves first and foresmost.'' Mona pointed out. ''Otherwise this place might become our tomb too.''
The group soon came across three treasure chests, one held a couple of medical items, the second a whip and a third had a number of small gems.
''Oh, fitting for a place like this.'' Mona remarked at the sight of the gems while Panther took the new weapon.
Queen hummed in agreement ''And it'll definitely help us out in the long run.''
After a little while, they were soon found by shadows; a Sandman, two Lamia and a Thoth. The Sandman immediately started the offensive by attacking Joker while one of the Lamia cast Agilao on Queen, causing a burn.
Mona fended the creature off ''You better heal that now, it'll just get worse.''
Nodding, the brunette proceeded to summon Johanna to make it happen. She was forced to back off as Thoth cast Megido before she could pull it off. Fox proceeded to try hitting the enemies with a Mabufu, with the Lamias recoiling sharply and one even hitting the ground hard. Realizing that he found their weakness, the teen slashed the more weakened shadow immediately, taking it out.
Panther saw how Thoth appeared to be ready cast again and attacked it. Her whip wound up knocking the book it held away, leaving the shadow flummoxed. Skull tried to bash the remaining Lamia, only for it to back off and begin moving strangely.
''Eh, what's...?'' His eyes widened when another Lamia shadow appeared moments later. ''They can call up others?!''
''Then it's best to take those out right now.'' He nodded to Queen before the two attacked. Both Shadows tried to dodge but the blond and brunette managed to force the weaker Lamia back before Queen kicked its head and Skull took it down.
Joker willed her Personas to switch ''Principality!'' The new arrival flew up before the girl. ''Makouga!''
The oncoming rays of light hit all the Shadows, sans Thoth which managed to block it. She and Skull attacked the Lamia before Mona cuts it down while Panther summoned Carmen to blast the Thoth with an Agilao. Queen hit the dazed Shadow with a Flash Bomb that destroyed it. Fox slashed the Sandman, which tried tackling him back. It was soon knocked down by his and Joker's follow up attack, leaving the latter able to have it become one of her masks.
''Man, having those Personas sound neat but it looks like a pain to manage, huh Joker?'' Skull asked.
''Well, I wouldn't say that but it does take some getting used to...''
Mona spared the teen a look ''You do realize how useful it's been so far, right? Guess we should be thanking our lucky stars that someone as responsible as Joker has it.''
''I hear you, Mona.'' Panther agreed. ''Imagine what other possiblities there could have been.''
''H-hey, what're you both looking at me like that for?!'' Skull demanded at their deadpan stares. ''I never said I wanted it and even then, so what? Bet I would've done it better than both of you!''
''You wish.''
''Well, who's to say what would happen? Besides, there's really no point wondering about this.'' Fox offered.
''That's true...'' The conversation had Queen thinking in a different direction. ''...I wonder if there are any other Wild Cards out there though.''
''Hmm...'' Joker trailed off. ''...I think so. It'd be interesting to meet another one.''
''Can't argue with that, but what're the chances?'' Mona knew how lucky he'd been to run into the girl when he did.
They went around a corner and soon realized they were directly above the quicksand pit. There was only a line of tiles leading to the next area in between.
Skull noted how Fox seemed to be observing the path carefully ''What's up?''
''I'd like to try something.'' He picked up a rock and tossed it to one of the tiles. At first, nothing happened. But then the tile shook and began crumbling, soon falling apart. ''It's just as I thought. They're far from stable.''
''How do we get across though?'' Queen wondered.
Joker, who decided to take a page from their artistic friend's book, also took to keeping a sharp eye on the path. ''I don't think the tiles are all the same. We have to be careful about choosing which one to use. Let's just try to move fast.''
That soon turned out to be for the best and they were able to get to the other side safely, to general relief. But it was just then that they were found by some Shhadows; an Anzu, two Sandmen and a Naga.
The Naga proceeded to cast Zionga on Skull, who was able to brush the worst of it off without preamble and kicked it back. He summoned Captain Kidd, who blasted the shadow back and Queen moved in to finish it off. The Anzu tackled Fox, who was quickly able to counterstrike and make it hit the ground hard. Joker called on Principality to attack their enemies with bless magic then while Panther aided her by having Carmen blast them with her flames.
Mona slashed one of the Sandmen back, seeing the second one casting wind magic that he was able to avoid. Skull hit the second one, but then something strange happened when he had his Persona attack again.
Captain Kidd was enveloped in a blue and white light that obscured it from view. It faded in moments, revealing a completely new figure. The face sort of resembled a monkey with a powerful figure, it was clad in armor with red pants and a yellow cape. It floated over a cloud, towering over everyone present as they watched in awe.
''What just...''
''W-whoa...''
''Mona, do you know anything about this?'' Queen asked.
''No...'' The cat appeared just as taken aback as she felt. ''...I've never heard of anything like it...''
Strange as it was, looking at the new figure gave Skull a really good feeling. He felt a whole lot stronger now, it just felt right to have this apparently new Persona here.
Since she was getting more and more used to the spirits, Joker found that she could sometimes get a good feel on them. It was as if she was learning to discern their true nature. ''It feels kind of like Captain Kidd but it's also different in a way...''
''Yeah, totally...'' Skull started. It was so strange-what was going on?
'My name is Seiten Taisei.' The new Persona addressed them. 'With the bond you've unlocked, I am able to unleash my true power. I will fight by your side from here on out.'
The ex-athlete began to grin ''All right, let's get right to work then!''
'As you wish.' Seiten Taisei brandished his staff and lunged at the remaining shadows. An aura of power gathered around him and a with a few fast strikes, he left both dazed where they stood and waved his staff. The two Shadows were knocked down by lightning bolts then, leaving them to fade away.
''Whoa...'' Skull blinked. ''...it really is like having the captain but at the same time not...maybe it's a secret behind our Personas or somethin'?''
Queen nodded ''He did mention something about releasing power...could it be that Captain Kidd evolved?''
''I think you're on to something, Queen.'' Mona agreed. ''Personas are connected to our hearts so it's natural for them to grow stronger as long as we do too. I just never imagined something like this would happen.''
Skull found himself thinking back to his talk with Joker back at the shop. He had felt a lot better after all was said and done-was that related? It really did seem like he came a long way since they formed the team...
''At any rate, it means we have a tough new ally. Isn't that good enough for now?'' Joker told the others.
''Absolutely. Well, I suppose congratulations are in order, Skull.'' Fox remarked.
''Yeah, this is some great news.'' Their leader added.
''Heh, thanks. It just kinda happened...anyway, come on, let's keep moving.''
Defeating some more Shadows along the way, they passed the area into the next one and soon came across a hall that seemed completely empty. With Joker's Third Eye, they were able to find a hidden switch that unlocked the door that had been obstructing their path, allowing them to go outside again.
''I think we've had enough for today, let's not overdo it.'' Queen cautioned.
''No complaints here, we took a big step forward today.'' Panther remarked. ''Joker helped so Futaba-chan could let us back in and thanks to Skull, we know that there might be a way to really power up our Personas. You two are totally the MVPs of the day!''
The two in question exchanged looks and smiled before the first spoke ''Well, it's good to see that we're working things out this well. Let's keep doing our best all the way.''
''You got it.''
And let's stop here.
Well, how was it? I've been debating how to work the second Personas in the story for a while now. The game just seems to sort of drop them in when the SL is complete but I don't know if I should do that. So far, the ones I have solid ideas about when to use are Hecate, Mercurius and Anat. I wasn't sure about using Seiten Taisei now but the idea just sort of came to me when I was working on this chapter and it felt good. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
Thanks for reading and I hope you could tell me what you think. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 4)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 8)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 4)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 4)
Igor (Aeon Rank 4)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 4)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 5)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 6)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 5)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 3)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 3)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 5)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 2)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 3)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 2)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 2)