April 12
Tuesday
Early Morning
Rain
After flipping over Café LeBlanc's sign from open to closed, Akira opened his umbrella while heading towards the station.
Despite his lack of rest, he had performed a quick plyometric workout before taking a warm bath. Consequently, he felt quite hungry; an issue he remedied thanks to the various food stalls in the Shibuya Station. While his body autopiloted the route to Shujin, his mind continued to ponder his mysterious circumstances.
Neither Igor nor Caroline and Justine make any mention that he should be able to use his Persona abilities in the real world. Considering the immeasurable potential that Pneuma possessed, even a fool would see the importance of learning how to control and develop the ability further. This gave further credence to Akira's suspicions that the owner and wardens of the Velvet Room were not his allies and might equally be part of this twisted game of fate.
His reflections were cut short while on the train that would take various students to Aoyama-Itchome. A Shujin student, denoted by her uniform, had offered her seat to an elderly woman. The elderly woman looked hesitant, but the girl kindly insisted. As she moved so that the aged woman could sit a gentleman attempted to take the freshly vacated spot but was promptly stopped by an outstretched arm from Akira.
"Hey kid what are you doing?"
"The question is, what are you doing?"
"Get your hands off me!"
Akira lowered his arm but glared at the man. The man clicked his tongue and turned away, but the slight flush of red and pursed lips revealed his true sentiments. The grey-eyed teen's expression softened and with a warm smile gestured for the elderly woman to take a seat.
"You don't have to do that dear. Why not let the man sit? The legs of mine can still hold up."
"It wouldn't be just if I had not done what I did."
Thanking Akira and the redhead, the elderly woman sat down with a visible look of relief.
Akira's focus turned inwards as the train sped along towards Shujin.
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"Pardon me…"
Akira turned and saw the student with the ribbon in her hair from the train.
"Thank you so much for earlier."
"Think nothing of it. I did it because I wanted to."
"Wow...You're a second-year at Shujin Academy, correct? I'm a first-year there myself. Your quick and decisive actions left me in awe, so thanking you totally slipped my mind on the train. I didn't want to be rude to my senpai. So, thank you! Please excuse me."
After a bow, the redhead walked past and towards Shujin.
"What a polite junior. Reminds me of old times…"
Now with a smile instead of his previous frown, Akira trudged towards school.
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Morning
Rain
"I'm Mr. Ushimaru, the social studies teacher. I'll be teaching you the rules of society this year."
Akira had his textbook and notes open but was lazily staring at the falling rain on the glass. In truth he was having a conversation with Kippōshi, so he was caught unaware when the stern social studies teacher called him out.
"Hey, new kid. Tell me what the Devil's Dictionary defined as the chief factor in the progress of the human race."
The spectacled teen almost asked who read the Devil's Dictionary? It was such an obscure topic to mention in a Japanese social studies class. Thankfully, the school he had attended was more prestigious than Shujin and prided itself in overloading students with knowledge they would likely never use.
"The answer is villains or malefactors."
"Ha…that's correct…"
Akira was about to zone out the rest teacher's explanation when he heard something that seemed to be targeted at him.
"…We don't have any room for criminals here. Not in school, and not in society. Am I clear?"
Every part of Akira wanted to question the man on his so-called definition of a criminal, and the former him would have stayed quiet and mindlessly written down the explanation in his notebook. But he was different, his inner desire to rebel had already manifested. He raised his hand and was only slightly surprised when Mr. Ushimaru called on him.
"You have anything to say?"
"Since we are on the topic, then will you define what a criminal is sir?"
The teacher was well aware of Akira's record, and unlike a few who noticed the gleaming resume before the record, he focused solely on the event that brought Akira to Shujin Academy. His opinion of the teen was negative and seeing him remain unfocused during class had further lowered it. While it was remarkable that Akira answered his frankly tangential question correctly, it did little to change his mind on the teen.
"A criminal as every knows, is a person who has committed a crime. An individual that has decided that the rules of society no longer apply to themselves."
"…Is it truly that simple? Can we so easily categorize someone as a criminal, especially when we lack the full extent of the situation?"
"…We have to trust that our rules, one of which being the legal system, will present to correct answer when determining if someone is innocent or guilty."
There was so much more to say, but Akira nodded to thank the professor. The latter continued with the lesson, but his thoughts were returned to what he had researched concerning the assault case against Akira. It was such a quick decision with a single eye-witness testimony. Maybe something was amiss…
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After witnessing a rather intriguing conversation between Kamoshida and Ann, Akira made his way toward the section of the school where the offices of coaches were. Knocking on one of the doors, he waited for a response before opening the door.
"Ah, Kurusu-san. Please come in."
"Mr. Nanba. Sorry for coming so late."
"Not at all. You're right on time! So, how has Shujin treated you so far?"
"No complaints from me."
"That's encouraging, haha…Listen, Kurusu-kun, when I learned that a transfer would be coming to Shujin, I was uninterested, but I fell out of my seat upon learning it was the first-year ace of Yokohama Kouhoku Institute!"
Akira smiled politely at the middle-aged man. Seeing the teen's lack of enthusiasm, Koretomo Nanba knew that he needed to approach the subject from a different angle.
"Look, I did my own research concerning your…situation. So much of it seems…questionable, and while I wish I could directly help, I have neither the means nor the ability to do so. What I can offer you is an opportunity to prove that you are the upstanding student you claim to be."
"…And joining the baseball team would be the answer?"
"I won't lie and say that I won't benefit from having such a talent on the team but think about it. If you join the team, everyone will see that not only can you work well with others but be assured of your work ethic. If you show results, then I have no problem writing a strong letter of recommendation for whichever school you may transfer to and even for a university."
Akira pondered over the proposal for a brief moment before giving his answer.
"Let me think about it."
"Great!"
"That's not a yes…"
"But it's not a no! Spring Regional tournaments start in a week."
Akira gave the coach an unreadable stare before politely nodding and exiting the office.
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{I'm surprised you're considering it.}
{There was no reason to say no.}
{You must genuinely enjoy playing baseball?}
{In a way...}
"Yo."
Akira turned to see Ryuji approaching. The latter spoke with hesitation and poorly hidden anticipation when discussing the possibility of Kamoshida's Palace. Akira too wanted to return to that alternative world, but his growing suspicions about his situation prompted him to be more cautious.
"First, let's avoid talking about anything supposedly supernatural out in the open."
"Huh? Why? Not like anyone else will know what we're talkin' about."
"Can you be sure of that? If Morgana was there before us, then who knows how many have been to that other world or know of its existence."
"Woah. When you put it like that…"
"Let's move somewhere more secluded."
The two made their way through the back allies near Shujin Academy.
"Before we go, there's something we have to do."
"What?"
"The last time we went into that world, we essentially disappeared and reappeared in reality."
"Seriously?!"
"Seriously. So, if anyone is paying attention, they would see teenagers moving in and out of reality. Let's make sure to enter that world from a well-hidden location."
"Dude…When you put it like that, it makes perfect sense. Sounds like a good idea. Wait? Do you already know how to go back?"
Akira pulled out his original phone, entered two sets of passwords, and pressed the red and black eye icon. Ryuji moved closer to see what was happening on the screen.
"That's it! Let's go!"
[Kamoshida…Shujin Academy…Pervert…Castle…Beginning navigation.]
The phones ominously flickered and eventually turned completely red, yet neither of the two second years was paying attention.
The world seemed to shift and warp as the grey and uninspiring Shujin Academy transformed into a gigantesque castle bathed in provocative red light.
Ryuji was nearing the drawbridge before Akira could notice. The black-haired teen took his time and saw the changes in the surroundings. While Shujin Academy had changed, the surrounding buildings had remained the same. Also, the splashing of purple and red every time he took a step was strange. Yet perhaps the most intriguing observation was himself.
He was already in excellent shape in the real world, but now donned his suit, overcoat, and mask, Akira felt unbeatable.
"We made it back…So what happened yesterday was real too…Your clothes!"
"It seems to come with the powers."
"Right! That persona thingy."
"Rather than my clothes, I'm much more curious as to where that strange cat is?"
"Hey!"
"Speak of the devil."
From around a corner the familiar shape of an anthropomorphic and bipedal cat.
"Stop making a commotion. The Shadows started acting up, so I came here wondering what it could be. Huh…To think you guys would come back to the entrance when you barely managed to escape."
"What is this place?"
Ryuji easily avoided addressing the topic of why they had jumped headfirst into danger and started asking questions concerning the castle, which Morgana answered.
"Kamoshida…Distorted?"
"I think this will make it more digestible, Ryuji. Do you know the expression, 'King of the Castle'."
"Uh…yeah. That's what you would call the owner of a house or apartment or whatever."
"Precisely. Kamoshida believes that he owns Shujin Academy and that he rules over it with an iron fist."
"That makes WAY more sense!"
"I'm impressed; It seems that you have a grasp on the situation," chimed Morgana.
Their brief reunion was cut short by the sounds of wailing.
"What was that?!"
"It must be the slaves captured here," answered Morgana.
"For real?!"
Akira watched on as Ryuji's expression went from shock to frustration. The blonde even attempted to barge through the door and yelled profanities. Something about his struggle moved Akira, which is why he silently tagged along as they re-entered the castle, only giving Ryuji a smile and a pat on the shoulder when he thanked him for going along with his scheme.
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Their infiltration was going well until they descended the stairs to the underground prison. From what they were able to deduce, from now on they would encounter Shadows. Morgana explained to the party that ambushing Shadows made fights easier, and Akira immediately put the theory into practice. His figure blurred forward in a perfect display of stealth and speed. He performed a front flip and smoothly landed on the guard's shoulders. While perched atop the Shadow, he ripped off its mask and pushed it flat on its face when he used it as a springboard to leap off. Using the remaining momentum upon landing, Akira finished the move with a single arm back handspring.
Ryuji was in awe at his new friend's extraordinary agility. Considering that the guy was easily over 180cm, but could move like that, Akira had to be an athlete. Staring at him closely, a familiar image popped up in Ryuji's head but soon fizzled away as Akira's Persona performed a vicious slash to knock the Shadow in Morgana's line of fire. Using a rather large saber, the cat creature finished off the Shadow.
"Nice work, Akira."
"You too. Let's go."
And go they went. After Morgana introduced them to the concept of Safe Rooms, the trio spent a few minutes waiting for the guards to pass and for Ryuji to catch his breath before continuing deeper. Their progress halted when a Shadow blocked the only path further. After a brief deliberation, Morgana asked Akira to take the model gun that Ryuji had brought.
As the Shadows bled through their medieval guard form, Morgana asked Akira to use the gun. Feeling the weapon in his hand, Akira felt it unnatural and used a faint amount of Pneuma. The model firearm was transfigured from a grey semi-automatic handgun into a dark futuristic handgun.
"How di"
Morgana was cut short when black energy bullets shot the Shadow that resembled a Jack-o-Lantern. With a few shots, the Shadow had dissipated, and a few more left the plant-like Shadow severely damaged.
"We can talk about it after. Let me show you, my weapon!"
From somewhere, Morgana pulled out a freakishly larger slingshot and shot a stone to finish off the Shadow.
"For real?! How did the gun shoot bullets, and why does it look like that?!"
"Quiet down. But I have the same question about why the gun changed."
Akira fiddled with the weapon, which now felt much more comfortable in his hands.
"I think it has to do with cognition."
"Cognition?"
"You said before that my clothes are a manifestation of my spirit of rebellion. The gun felt uncomfortable, so in some way I made it change."
"That's…incredible. It means your will is even greater than I thought. Seeing that it hasn't changed back, then it's safe to say that it has become a part of your arsenal."
With a twirl, Akira slotted the gun into the holster on his belt.
"What about the fact that it shot real bullets??"
"That also has to do with the cognitive world. Since the opponent sees the gun as real, then it makes sense that it would fire bullets, though from what Akira said, perhaps part of it relies on our own perception."
"…I don't get it."
Before Morgana could further explain a different guard had rushed out from around the corner.
"I'll explain later. Akira, let's go!"
Using his blaster pistol, Akira fired at the new foe. This time he paid careful attention. Upon contact, his energy bullets violently exploded into sparks of black energy. After four shots, the Shadow dissipated.
"So, the gun reloads every new encounter because our opponents are expecting a fully loaded firearm. Even if it was through sheer dumb luck, it's great to have an extra weapon on our side."
"Hey!"
"Relax Blondie, I'm still praising you. Onto more important matters…"
Ryuji wanted to argue but a glance from Akira quelled his frustration.
"We should determine our roles from now on. Since we'll be moving as a group, it would be ideal to know what each one of us is supposed to do…You've got a good head on your shoulders, so I have no problems following your lead."
"That's reassuring. For now, I'll give you direct commands during battle. Let's continue to advance with caution. Ryuji and I are still new to this thievery business, and I rather not have us all recaptured by Kamoshida."
"Agreed."
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"Now rush in for an All-Out-Attack!"
Akira and Morgana blitzed forward and became untraceable streaks as they dealt continuous damage to the Shadow. From the deadly dance, Akira gracefully landed on his feet. The coat that seemed to be perpetually glued to his shoulders gently swayed as his eyes glowed a radiant reddish-purple. A vivid background of an igo board appeared behind Akira while swaying quinces and hovering swallowtail butterflies took the bottom left and top right corners. Akira stood on the right, leisurely adjusting his gloves as he aloofly stared at whoever might be observing. Last, the words 'Roll The Credits' emerged on the lefthand border. The scene froze for half a second before fading to reveal Akira walking back towards his companions.
"What the eff was that!? A SUPER MOVE?"
"Like I said, it's called an All-Out-Attack, once you knock down all your enemies, you'll be able to deliver a flurry of attacks to quickly defeat them. As I said before I'll leave it to you, frizzy hair, to determine our battle strategy…Okay, this door should take us where we need to go."
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Akira watched with interest as Ryuji grew more and more incensed. It was safe to say that Ryuji loathed Kamoshida, and taking a glance at the way the cognitive students were being treated, it was not difficult to see why. Nonetheless, Ryuji's fury felt personal, as if the mop-headed volleyball coach had personally attacked the blonde.
He had not remained idle, as he had attempted to use Pneuma. He discovered that Pneuma could not be seen or felt by others unless it directly interacted with them. Second, his reserves of Pneuma replenished much faster in the cognitive world. This sparked the idea of taking solo ventures into the cognitive world to train Pneuma and increase his overall abilities.
Akira followed along as Ryuji tried to memorize the faces of the cognitive volleyball members when the blonde realized that the camera function of his cellphone was not functioning.
"Gimme a sec…Done! Let's get out of here."
"Finally! We'll have to move quickly to avoid the guards."
Leaving the viewing area, the trio swiftly made their way back up the stairs. They were only a few minutes from safely leaving the castle.
"Come on!"
Morgana urged the two teens, but they all came to a halt when from hallway emerged Kamoshida and a large group of guards.
"Tch…you knaves again?"
Shadow Kamoshida sneered at the trio, but only Ryuji had a visible reaction.
"To think you'd make the same mistakes again. You're hopeless!"
"The school ain't your castle, asshole! I've memorized their faces really good. You're goin' down!"
"Pathetic. How far the star runner of the track team has fallen."
"Screw you, you bastard!"
"What are you mad at me for? I'm recounting the facts of the 'track traitor' who acted in violence, ending the dreams of his teammates. Oh, the pain of those who were dragged down by your selfish act. Tch…and you call me an asshole."
Akira watched as Ryuji turned his head to avoid his gaze. Guilt. It was a feeling he was all too familiar with but now was neither the time nor place.
"And look. You brought those who don't know about your tarnished past into MY castle. What a carefree life you must live."
"That's not true!"
The response from Ryuji lacked any bravado and thus motivated Kamoshida to continue.
"What a tragedy...You blindly trust this fool, and he's led you right to your death. Guards! Hurry up and dispose of them, I can't stand their stench."
By now the trio were surrounded by ten guards, not including the one in golden armor standing next to Shadow Kamoshida.
At the golden knight's signal, the guards became massive dark horses with green ram-like horns protruding from their heads.
"Let's go."
Briefly addressing Morgana, Akira entered a full melee with the horned horses. Due to being outnumbered, he relied on quick attacks focused on the hindquarters. Morgana used Zoro's wind moves to keep the horses from attacking Ryuji and would occasionally assist Akira.
Surpassingly, Akira had managed to eliminate two before he was blitzed by a spear aimed at his midsection. Only a hasty block with his sword prevented his guts from being punctured through, but he was still shot backward into the wall with a heavy thud.
"…Okay…That hurt."
Akira stood up with some difficulty. While impressed by his own durability, he had no time to relish as in the brief time he had been pulled out of the fight, the guards had managed to separate Morgana from Ryuji, with Shadow Kamoshida crushing the cat under his foot.
Before he could move three guards surrounded Akira while the rest of the reformed shadows along with the golden knight bore down on Ryuji.
The dark-clad teen using Kippōshi along with Pneuma was able to break through the encirclement and heard Kamoshida mock and insult Ryuji. Each word seemed to pierce through the defenses of the otherwise stubborn blonde.
"Don't bow your head!"
Everyone's eyes turned towards Akira who had managed to arrive a few paces away from Ryuji and Morgana. Yet, Akira's intense gaze was focused on Ryuji. Wavering brown eyes met with unshakable grey ones.
"Where is the resolve from earlier?"
Ryuji's expression shifted from guilt to confusion and finally settled on resolve.
"Heh…You're right. I can't bow my head to a bastard like this."
Ryuji glared intensely at Kamoshida and visible rage oozed from the blonde.
"You ruined everything! EVERYTHING! I'm not going to stop until I return everything you did to me in full!!!"
And then…Ryuji's pupils turned golden. He seemed to struggle with an internal voice and was forced to squirm on the ground until the upper half of a skull mask appeared on his face.
Akira watched with anticipation as Ryuji returned to his feet and ripped off his mask. A turbulent pillar of blue flames surrounded Ryuji and forced the guards along with Kamoshida to step back. Morgana took the opportunity to move towards Akira, while the latter's eyes flashed dark magenta as he observed Ryuji's awakening.
Ryuji was now clad in an all-black attire with elbow and knee pads. A metal vertebra protected his back, and he wore imposing combat boots. A red ascot was tied around his neck and a fitting pair of yellow gloves covered his hands.
The rumored 'track traitor' grinned menacingly as he felt the intoxicating power of awakening his Persona.
"Right on…Wassup Persona! This effin' rocks!"
Akira and Morgana flashed to stand next to Ryuji.
"Payback time?
"Hell yeah, man! Let's go!"
The golden knight transformed into a massive red knight riding an equally massive black horse. Noticing the spear, Akira realized who had attacked him before.
"You stand before King Kamoshida! Surrender and accept death!!"
The other guards transformed into Shadows, and a fierce battle ensued.
"Blast him away! Captain Kidd!!"
From the cannon arm of Ryuji's Persona, a bolt of lightning accurately struck the red knight, but only did minor damage. However, due to having just awakened, Ryuji's attacks lack control, and a stray bolt hits one of the two-horned horses.
When the two-horned beast stumbled on the ground, Akira concluded it was weak to electric damage. He made a hasty yet effective battle plan.
"Ryuji! Focus on the horses, leave the guard captain to me. Morgana, help him!"
Without waiting for a response, Akira sprinted towards the Shadow cavalier.
"Accept your end!!"
Sidestepping a sudden spear thrust, Akira moved towards the side of the knight while calling for Kippōshi.
Unfortunately, the transformed guard captain resisted the curse attack. This time Akira had to duck underneath a sweeping attack, before jumping back to create space. Circling the horseback knight, Akira let loose a quick flurry of bullets that partially pieced and scorched both the rider and the mount.
"Insolent brat!!"
Not enraged, the knight pressed Akira who was using a combination of his enhanced reflexes, and a trace amount of Pneuma to dodge or redirect each attack.
The two engaged in a deadly dance as the thief used medium and long-range options to chip away at the knight who failed to land any meaningful hits.
Akira again opened the space and carefully aimed his last bullet at the back leg of the horse the knight was mounted on. Losing one of its legs, the horse fell over along with its rider. Akira capitalized and blurred forward to deliver the coup de grace on the knight.
"How…I loyally serve Lord Kamoshida…Yet I lost…Impossible…"
"…Just disappear. You've been spouting nonsense this entire time."
Seeing the Shadow finally dissipate, the dark-haired teen turned towards Ryuji and Morgana who had just finished their battle against the two-horned beasts.
Akira returned to the duo and the trio was ready to attack Kamoshida himself.
"Ha…Get ready Kamoshida, 'cause you're next!"
"What an idiot. I told you that this is my castle. I make the rules."
From seemingly out of nowhere, a familiar girl dressed in a pink leopard print bikini and cat ear moved to Kamoshida's side.
"Wh– Takamaki!?"
"Wha…What a meow-velous and beautiful girl…"
Akira wanted to comment on the 'meow' part but watching as Ann snuggled up to Kamoshida sent chills down his spine. Considering her expression and body language from when Kamoshida was trying to flirt with her after school, he presumed that contrary to the rumors, she was most likely not dating the volleyball coach. Given what Morgana explained, then within the castle, people appear as Kamoshida perceives them. The idea that a grown man saw an underage student in such a way…
"This is sick on so many levels."
"Huh? What do you mean."
"That is how Kamoshida perceives Ann. To him, she's a dumb blonde who should be begging for his attention."
"…What the eff…"
The trio watched as the cognitive Ann cooed and awed over Kamoshida, as the latter thoroughly enjoyed the affection.
"You idiots are still here? I've got better things to do than hang around filthy low-live thieves."
"You're sick!!"
"Are you jealous? From your expression, it seems like you have feelings for MY Ann. I'd love to show you how a real King shows his subjects his love, but you'll be dead before that! GUARDS!"
From nowhere another group of guards blocked the trio from Kamoshida.
"Judging from that sound, more are coming…Let's scram before we get surrounded!"
"We're not going to do anything and just run?"
Akira completely agreed with Morgana. Mainly because Ryuji had just awakened and who knew how long his powers would last.
"Unless you plan on dying?"
"At least you have a level head," responded Morgana.
"…Fine…We'll expose what you really are, no matter what! You better be ready for us, Kamoshida!"
"Hahahaha! I was beginning to get bored of torturing the ones here! Come at me whenever you want, if you don't care about your life. Haaahahaha!"
Seeing Ryuji in greater agitation, Akira firmly grabbed his arm.
"Let's go. Lead the way, Morgana."
The three turned heel and quickly escaped from the castle.
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"…I'm outta breath…Anyways. I don't remember changing into this?"
"It's quite fitting."
"Should I be happy about that? Then again, it ain't as bad as yours."
"…Your fashion advice is worth negative points."
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"
"Just ask any girl…that's not your mom and they'll tell you."
"Sheesh…so much for the strong silent type."
"Ahem. If you two are done."
The bantering duo focused on their cat-like companion.
"It seems like you also have to potential of Persona, Ryuji."
"Persona? I'm seriously so lost…"
"It's your inner rebellious will. It becomes both a protection against distortions and a power to fight those distortions."
"My…will…Then why do I have a skull mask?"
"It's a reflection of your inner self. Even if you don't get it, just accept it."
"Fine…Oh crap! After everything that we did here, we're going to have problems when we go back to school!"
"That's quite sharp of you! For being an idiot! Relax. The Kamoshida in reality can't possibly know about what happens here. A Shadow is the true self that is suppressed. A side of one's personality they don't want to see."
"So, we're, okay?"
"Ha…Did the Kamoshida in reality remember the execution?"
"Uh…I guess he didn't."
"There you have it."
"Alright, now that we know that all we gotta do is–"
"Wait. I guided you as promised. It's your turn to cooperate with me."
Both Akira and Ryuji had confused expressions.
"That's why I was super nice about teaching you idiots everything. I originally came here for an investigation. I need to erase the distortion in my body and regain my real form. That's why we must delve deep into Mementos and–"
"Whoa, hold up. What're you goin' on and on about? We never said anything about helpin' you out."
The previously serious atmosphere shattered much like Morgana's expression.
"Huh? Don't tell me…Are you not going to repay the hospitality I showed you? Especially you, Akira. You're going to up and leave, even though you're already part of my master plan?"
"I never recall an agreement, but I don't mind returning a favor."
"Don't recall…How is that possible!? Is it because I'm not human? Because I'm like a cat? Is that why you're making a fool of me!?"
"For such a clever individual, your memory is quite spotty. We never made a deal, but feel free to cash in that favor. Just not today. Ryuji, let's go."
"Yeah. Hey, thanks for everything, cat. You've got guts, bein' a cat and all! See ya around!"
After saying their goodbyes, the two teens promptly left, leaving behind a furious cat.
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In a secluded and unseen part of the alleyway near Shujin, Akira and Ryuji reappeared.
[You have returned to the real world. Welcome back.]
"Feels better than the first time through."
"You've still got energy? You must have some crazy conditioning…But damn, if what we saw was for real, this is gonna get good! I totally remember the faces of the guys Kamoshida was treatin' like slaves. Once we make 'em fess up to any physical abuse Kamoshida will be done. So…wanna help me look for those guys or any witnesses?"
"Sure, but I doubt it'll be easy."
"Alright, that's what I'm talkin' about! So…if you're thinkin' of layin' low 'cause you got a record, I don't think this will help. Everyone already knows. They totally got you pegged as a criminal."
"Let me take a guess. Kamoshida."
"Yeah. That effin bastard spread the rumors through the volleyball team. He wrecks everything he doesn't agree with. Just like he did with me! No one will take anything I say seriously."
In those last words, Akira could feel the frustration and loneliness in Ryuji. Like fleeting bubbles, those feelings popped due to the roiling heat of anger Akira could feel from Ryuji as the conversation returned to Kamoshida.
"Those rumors of him getting' physical are probably real. And after seeing Kamoshida's distorted heart thing in person, there's no way I can just sit back!"
"You're quite courageous, Ryuji. I don't mind accompanying you, but I'll take point."
"Why not! You're a natural leader from I could see in the castle. I'll be countin' on you!"
In an unorthodox manner, Akira reached his hand out and it took Ryuji only a moment to understand the gesture. As the two shook hands, Akira felt a bond of trust form between himself and Ryuji.
"Right. I haven't eaten anything since lunch. Why don't we grab a bite to eat somewhere?"
The faint band gathered into the form of a faintly luminescent blue card. Looking at the depiction of a chariot, Akira considered how much this reminded him of Ryuji.
"Le chariot…"
"Waddya say, man?"
"Sorry. Yeah, do you have any good spots?"
Akira willed the card to vanish, and it transformed into a ball of light that entered his body. What this means would need to be investigated later.
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"That hit the spot!"
Ryuji lightly slammed the empty bowl on the counter.
"Dude…you can really chow down. You're in pretty good shape too. Do you work out?"
"A run in the morning and push-ups, sit-ups, etc. in the afternoon. Thinking of finding a gym around here. Any recommendations?"
"Woah! You must be crazy disciplined to do that every day. A gym? I few names come to mind, but I'll let you know once I check 'em out. I'd hate to send you to a crappy place."
"Thanks."
"I've been meaning to ask…Why does your name sound so familiar? I swore I'd heard the family name Kurusu before."
"I guess it might have been fairly popular last Summer."
"Summer? Waddya mean by– Summer! You're that first-year pitcher at Koshien!"
"Quite down man."
"Sorry…Man, I remember watching one of your games. I was seriously impressed, everyone was. What did they call you again? It was the–"
"Demon King."
"…Yeah…Sorry for bringing it up."
"Don't worry about it…Those days are far, far behind me."
Both teens fell into contemplation, with the lull being broken by Ryuji.
"I think you and I are more alike than I initially thought...At the very least, both of us can stay in good shape if we ever get the chance to get back to the sport we love."
Akira failed to suppress a smile in reply.
"Oh, tell me your number. Chat ID too."
Akira made sure to give Ryuji the number for his Pneuma-modified phone.
"Starting tomorrow, I got your back just like you go mine. We have that stupid volleyball rally tomorrow, so we'll have the afternoon to walk around and talk to the guys that Kamoshida was treatin' like slaves."
"That sounds good. Let's head outside."
.
.
.
"Why'd you wanna come out here to talk?"
"Remember what I said before about how we need to be careful concerning the app and Kamoshida's palace?"
"Yeah."
"This is a modern society. Anyone could catch us talking and we would be exposed. Starting from now, if we're going to talk about any of that stuff, we need to find a secure location."
"Dude…I didn't even think of that. But no one even knows what we'll be talking about."
"Are you sure? At the very least, Morgana was in that world before either of us. What if there are others with the app or an alternative point of entry?"
"Damn, you're probably right…So, what do we do?"
"Like I said, secure locations only. Definitely, don't mention it through text or calls. We'll set up codewords and ciphers to use in real life. You can leave that part to me."
"I remember that report saying that you're an honor student, but you're sharp as hell, man. I already promised to follow your lead, and it's definitely better if we don't get ourselves in trouble."
"That's about everything and one last thing…You gotta control your anger."
"Uh…yeah…"
"You can get frustrated, but don't start yelling and randomly forget the importance of secrecy and expose us…I never mentioned it, but when you told me about the escape when we were first captured…I knew that you were a good-hearted guy. I'd rather not see you get into any trouble."
"…There you go again, complimentin' people outta the blue. Jeez…And thanks man, I feel the same about you."
"Thanks. Let's head over to the station."
On their way, Akira noticed a woman with ashen-brown hair and familiar mauve red eyes. Accompanying her was the teenager with shaggy neck-length brown hair and reddish-brown eyes. It felt as though he was meeting more people with unique appearances the longer, he stayed in Tokyo.
.
.
.
"…You're home. You're actually going to school?"
"Of course. Where else would I go?"
"…As long as you're not getting into trouble, it's fine by me. Don't get me wrong, I don't really care what you get up to but trust me you'll be gone if you start causing problems. In case you forgot, your life is not a free one right now…Just stay away from bad influences okay."
Giving his guardian a nod, Akira went towards the stairs.
"I'm heading home for the night. Make sure to lock up the store."
"I will."
"…Just don't ruin your life with unnecessary problems kid…Alright, bye."
Akira watched as Sojiro, now wearing his standard fedora and coat left the store.
"…What if the problem is necessary?"
Heading up the stairs, Akira changed into workout clothes and went through a vigorous routine before using the nearby bathhouse to wash himself. Locking the door, the black-haired teen continued the internal conversation he was having with Kippōshi.
{So, Morgana couldn't see you in the Metaverse?}
{So, who was attacking the Shadows?}
{It was a different version of me…It felt more like a cold weapon than a sentient being.}
{That matches more with my impression of Zorro and Captain Kidd. So, you being fully sentient is strange.}
{Correction, I am partially sentient. You have absolute authority over me, as I am an extension of your soul, and have no free will of my own.}
{Interesting…Then the Kippōshi in the Metaverse is linked to my image of rebellion. So, what if I changed the image, would I not awaken a different Persona?}
{…I wish I knew, but your idea seems feasible.}
{Setting that aside. You being can physically interact with either world, even for a limited time, inspires more ideas and sparks a greater desire to train my Pneuma.}
{Let's start then. Why don't we start with…}