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Akira grunts, opening his eyes, seeing blue surround him. "...Ah." Nodding to himself he rises, looking over to see two familiar twins and a long-nosed man waiting at a desk. "Yaldabaoth."
"Hello, Trickster- hm?" The man peers at him, lightly furrowing his brow.
Akira breathes out, glancing at his clothing and the door of the cell. Interesting going back to this locked door after it was open for all of Maruki's Palace. "Alright." He closes his eyes and concentrates briefly; when he opens his eyes he is back in his familiar thief attire, the light weight of his mask present. "I'm gonna have to ask you to move so I can fuse Caroline and Justine together." Guess Igor's still at the bottom of Mementos though... am I gonna have to go through all the Palaces to unlock all of Mementos again? He frowns internally. Huh. Might be a while, I guess.
"Wha- the insolence!" speaks Caroline, slapping her baton against a hand. "How dare you speak to our Master like that, Inmate!"
"Feisty," smirks Joker, reaching out. Once he does the door dissolves and he steps out, tension lightly rising through the twins' bodies as he does so. "Hah..." He mentally checks the Personas in his mind and raises a brow. Yoshitsune has Will of the Sword, not Undying Fury...? Oops. Too lazy to go back and fuse the trait for him now though. And dang, maybe I shouldn't have fused Raoul during a Fusion Alarm and had Ali Dance altered. "Oh well... is what it is now."
"My, my... seems this will be even more interesting than I thought," muses Yaldabaoth, a chuckle coming out as he leans back in his seat, peering at Joker. "Though, how... uncouth."
"Like I care, after going through this already," speaks Joker, face deadpan. "Or do you want me to shoot you through the face again?"
"'Again,' hm? What fascinating wording," speaks Yaldobaoth, smirking. "I see... time and space have endeavoured to revert your mind and soul to a state where rehabilitation is once again n-"
"Yeah yeah, stop talking." Mentally he switches over to Yoshitsune, seeing Justine shift her stance slightly. "You mind going back to Mementos and freeing Igor, and staying there 'til Christmas, or am I gonna have to force you?"
Slowly, the false Igor chuckles, levitating in the air. "It seems humanity is endlessly more entertaining than I thought," he speaks. "Though if you wish to force me as you demand, you will-"
"PERSONA!" bellows Joker, tearing at the mask. A growl bursts out, turning into a hiss as blood spurts from it. ...Huh, probably 'cause I didn't awaken yet, I guess? "RRGH... ARGH!" Finally ripping it off, he feels himself grin as the presence of Yoshitsune comes into existence behind him, hearing a light gasp from the nearby twins. "Yoshitsune... Hassou Tobi."
Yaldobaoth's smile only grows as Yoshitsune lashes out, the multitude of slashes briefly flashing across the ground before striking at him. A sudden movement and he vanishes, the slashes all missing him. Joker glances behind him to see the false Igor come back into view. "And add impatience on top of being uncouth."
"Huh, missed." Whoops, didn't have the Auto-Mataru Auto-Maraku Auto-Masuku Bugs equipped. "Fine, then. Raoul! Heat Riser!" grunts Joker, feeling the familiar surge of energy flood his body. "I won't miss this time."
"Hey, Inmate!" He glances over to see Caroline looking directly at him, slapping her baton against a hand. Despite her words, however, he can sense that she is, even if just slightly... apprehensive. "What do you think you're doing?! Stand down, or we'll-"
Not gonna lie, didn't really miss this, thinks Akira, mentally tuning out whatever Caroline says. Especially since Lavenza's so soft-spoken... feel like she was kinda cryptic during Maruki's Palace, though, at least from what I remember.
Actually, speaking of Maruki... should I help him with research again? The mental exercises he taught me were super useful... hm. Actually, I kinda mostly remember them, so... maybe it's fine? Wait, is the third semester of stuff even gonna happen if I don't? Huh... if I don't, Sumire's just gonna keep thinking she's Kasumi, too. Maybe I should just so I can beat sense into him again, otherwise he'll keep pining for his lover and tellin' us all how avoiding pain is for the best... and right, wait, no, shoot, I think Sumire and Kasumi's accident and shit happens before I arrive, so that's toast. Sorry, Sumire; wish I could've helped you out.
Well, before that though, gotta deal with Kamoshida. How to get him to stay away from Shiho... Madarame's a problem too, though Yusuke isn't in any immediate danger, at least. Just... living in not so great conditions. One thing at a time though.
Kaneshiro doesn't really prove time-pressing until he gets the pictures and kidnaps Makoto and stuff, other than blackmailing students for cash... actually, since I maxed out my wallet in Mementos, would he be content if I just paid him? Hm, wouldn't solve the root problem though, and he'd keep exploiting students. Plus, he'd probably just demand more, if I coughed up that much yen... and, the strength of Shadows between Madarame and Futaba's Palace would be too severe for everyone to deal with, if I just ignored him. Maybe Mementos would help, but then, if we don't get our name out there, would we even be able to access that section of it? That goes back to the end, too, and beating Yaldabaoth's ass on Christmas.
Dang, speaking of Mementos, I really don't want to do all that sticker-collecting again. If only there were less stickers, maybe I'd be more inclined, but we spent so much time just going up and down floors to see if they'd appear on that certain incarnation that I don't wanna do it again. Sorry Jose.
Anyway, Palaces. Okumura, since Akechi takes him out, should I wait around a bit even after beating him? Maybe catch Akechi in the act? Huh, but Akechi might not go for it if we stick around, and if that's the case... hm...
Shit, right, Futaba's still blaming herself for Wakaba's death, too, probably. Damn, that's rough. Also, having her support was invaluable. What if I switched around the order I faced Palaces, would that be okay? But the Palaces were kinda arranged to escalate in difficulty in an upwards trajectory, so maybe-
"Hey, Inmate! You listening?!" shouts Caroline, pointing the baton at him.
"Ah, no, I wasn't. Thinking of how to spend the year," he speaks, glancing at Yaldabaoth. Looks like I have as much Guts and Charm and stuff as ever, so don't have to waste time on those, either... nice. "Oh, you're still here." Raoul manifests behind him again. "Charge," he speaks, feeling another familiar burn of strength course through his veins as he shifts back to Yoshitsune, the samurai's swords glinting in the light. "Ready?"
"Hm..." Yaldabaoth smiles. "No, stand down. This is truly amusing. For now, I will restore-"
"Hassou- oh." Joker jerks, managing to stop himself from tearing his mask off. Yoshitsune jolts, half a second away from lashing out with his weapons. "Dang... I really wanted to see how much damage a Charge'd Will of the Sword 99 Str Hassou Tobi with Heat Riser would do... maybe I should've done Debilitate too?" Other than that... is there a way to stack more damage? If only there was a skill that drastically lowered an enemy's defense for a single attack... damn, maybe I should ask Igor if there's a way to get something like that. Though I assume it might be just a single-target attack, if something like that does exist...
"The nerve," speaks Justine. "To speak of our Master like that."
"You two mind waiting for a sec? I'll fuse you back into Lavenza soon enough," speaks Akira, side-eyeing the two attendants, before glancing back at Yaldabaoth. "Sorry, what were you saying?"
"I will restore Igor. However, in return, I do ask that you show me your will and intent when the time comes," speaks Yaldabaoth.
"How obliging of you," responds Joker. "If you don't mind waiting down below for like, eight months, then fine. I ain't rushing to see your face again, that's for sure." He scratches his hair. "And will and intent, huh...? Well, if you want." I can feel it inside of me...
That power that came out at Christmas the last time around.
Akira tilts his head. Now that I think about it, probably for the best that I never busted it out against Maruki. I could, and maybe should have... but never did. With the Palace kinda fragile and close to falling apart at that point... bringing out Satanael might not have ended well.
Oh well. if Adam Kadmon proves a pain in the ass again, especially when it goes berserk or whatever, I can just pull it out then.
Breathing out, he tears at the mask. "Manifest... Satanael!" A wild grin splits his face open as the Velvet Room rumbles and shakes, a heavy atmosphere immediately descending upon the space. A faint shadow comes into view, yet his Persona never physically shows up in front of them.
Mentally he checks Satanael's skills and raises an eyebrow. What's this... Piercing Bullet? Let's see... forcibly downs an enemy and grants a 1 More no matter what, and pierces, dealing Colossal Gun damage. Huh, didn't think I had this before. I'll take it, sounds good.
"Hey, Inmate!" shouts Caroline, voice spiking slightly out of cadence. "What'd you do to get a Persona like that?!"
"Killed this jackass," he answers, pulling out his gun and aiming it forward. "Now-" He pauses, no longer seeing an Igor in front of him. "...Huh?" Then, after a moment, another Igor appears in front of him, exhausted-looking.
"...Well, guess that solves that." Bastard ran away though. Akira puts his gun away and lets Satanael fade away. The pressure over the entire Velvet Room dissipates, and he cracks his neck. "Hey, Igor."
The long-nosed man slowly rises to his feet and offers a tired smile. "...Hello, Trickster. You seem to be doing well."
"That's one way to put it," speaks Joker, before glancing towards the two Velvet Room assistants, who seem dumbfounded. "Now, you mind getting in the gallows so I can put the two of you together?"
"..." Akira purses his lips, sitting on his bed in the attic, having cleaned it up for the most part. Still dunno how to stop Kamoshida from assault and abusing the students... I wonder, actually. Tilting his head he pulls out his phone, seeing the familiar icon for the Metaverse Navigator.
"Suguru Kamoshida, Shujin Academy, pervert, uh... Castle." He closes his eyes, feeling the air around him shift. When he opens his eyes he smiles, cracking his neck as he sees the castle. "Alright." Dang, what if I went on a tear now? Since I have Yoshitsune, Hassou Tobi should be enough. Or could just go using Megidolaon on everything I see... energy's not a problem since I went overboard making coffee last time 'round. And just eat curry if I need... wonder how that stuff's kept. Be sad if I wasted it just 'cause I asked Kawakami to make it so often...
Actually, I swear hunger works different in the Metaverse too. Like, sometimes we'll spend a whole afternoon getting from the start to the end of a Palace, and I won't have even eaten or drank anything during that time. He pauses. Maybe it's my cognition? Probably not. Whatever, not like it's important, anyway.
Akira tilts his head. "..." Should probably go see if I can make contact with Morgana. If it's like last time he should be here and stuff... should I wait for Ryuji too? "...Hm." What to do...
Shrugging, he mentally changes over to Yoshitsune, walking in. He glances at his clothes and frowns. Not in my phantom thief attire... hasn't seen me I guess. Why he hasn't perceived me as an enemy yet.
Walking in he waits near the entrance, leaning against a random pillar. Exhaling, he closes his eyes, sensing some guards around. A couple heading towards him, even. Perfect.
He pops out and brandishes his fake gun. "Wha- who are you?!" shout one of the shadows. "An intruder?!" Joker smirks as he feels the familiar light weight of the trench coat materialize over his body.
"Charge," he speaks aloud, feeling a familiar surge of power within him. "Hm... Black Frost." The familiar snowman smirks as it pops into existence behind him, grabbing at his mask and tearing it off. "Concentrate."
As some guards rush at him, he readies his handgun and fires into the air. A "What's that?!" rings out before the guards rush forward. "You dare defile the sanctity of the castle of King Kamo- GWAH!"
The Shadow fades, a large bullet hole riddling its body. "Nice," speaks Akira, smiling. "Well, guess I'll go crazy, then. Come, Metatron!" he calls, the metallic angel rising up behind him.
"Megidolaon."
Joker whistles, mentally switching to Bugs as he continues to fire his gun at Shadows, the bullets of which easily rip them apart. "...Guess converting Personas to weapons during a fusion alarm really worked out well after all," he muses, tilting his head. "Alright." Think I'm close to the cells now... ah, here we are.
"Hey, Joker!" He pauses, hearing a very familiar voice call out to him. He turns, and a cat pokes his head out. "You mind getting me out of here?!"
"Mona." He nods, walking over. "Stand back."
Morgana tilts his head, though does as Akira asks. "What, do you not have the key? I woulda thought you'd have it easily with your strength."
"I'm too lazy. Besides, a Charge'd Hassou Tobi should do it, easy," responds Joker, swapping over. "...Actually, I don't wanna hit you. I hit the gym a bunch, and the guards are probably scared of me by now, so their cognition might make it so I can just rip this open." He pauses. "...Wait, you said my codename. Do you remember Maruki, Mona?"
"Huh? Yeah. And turning into human for a bit." The cat nods. "...In a way, that was really trippy, huh. Maruki got super strong back then too. You still gonna help him out with his research and stuff? That was how he got in-depth with his powers of actualization and stuff, right?"
"I haven't decided yet," Joker replies honestly, reaching out and tearing out the cell door. "Nice. C'mon." He gestures to the cat, who pulls out his scimitar and follows after him. "You kept your weapons too? That's good."
"Yeah. You know why we went back to the beginning of the year though?"
Akira shrugs. "Who knows. If this were a video game, Fu... Oracle'd probably call it a NG+ run, though. Well..." He tilts his head. "Maybe I'll go pray at the temple a fair bit. Didn't really do that. Hm..." He shrugs again. "...Wait. Should I have waited for Kamoshida's car to pull up so I could have A... Panther and Skull with me for this? Huh."
"Y'know... there's a fair chance they remember what happened, then, since you and I remember this last year," speaks Morgana, following after him.
"I wonder how a conversation with Akechi's gonna go, then." Joker shrugs. "Whatever. I know his weaknesses, whether it's Robin Hood or Loki, if it comes down to a fight. Or even Hereward. Hell, who knows if he even wants to fight; maybe he'll want to chill a bit so he can get back at Shido personally. Then fuck me up after." He chuckles. "Ah well... good thing I have that busted Rangda still. Can't shoot me, bitch."
"...You're really relaxed about this, huh."
"Well, I already have Igor back, so it's not like I have too much to worry about. Other than preventing Shiho from getting raped." Immediately the distant smile vanishes off his face. "...We should go change Kamoshida's heart as soon as we can. His abuse can't keep going on like this."
"Yeah, I'm right there with you," nods Morgana. "And Master Igor's back, you said?! When'd that happen?!"
"...Guess I'd better fill you in on some of the details, huh."
"Hey, Akira!" Akira grunts, hearing a familair voice, and feeling an arm sling over his shoulder. "What gives?! You totally went to-" The person -a blonde- quickly looks around and lowers his voice. "...Kamoshida's Palace today, didn't you. Ann and I didn't see you."
"Huh... guess you remember after all," nods Akira, smiling at his old friend. "Was wondering about that."
"Uh, yeah! Like I could just forget about being a Phantom Thief!" grins the Chariot. "Actually, how'd you get back to school so fast, anyway? You awakened already, right?"
"Didn't get captured. Used Yoshitsune and Metatron mostly to clear the guards. Got Morgana out and we dipped." Akira nods. "Why we're only a little late as compared to losing the whole damn day." What an inefficient use of time, anyway, the first go around. We should be clearing Palaces out in one day so I can work on my Confidants again.
With my stats where they are, too, don't really need to study too much, either. Paying attention in class should be more than enough. Should probably try going to the jazz club, the temple, and the gym more... yeah, that should work.
"Hey, Ryuji!" Morgana peeks his head out of Akira's bag. "There you are. I was wondering where you were, up 'til I heard you."
"Yeah, well, nice to see you too, furball." Despite his words there's a grin on Ryuji's face. "So, uh... looks like we're back here, though. Before Kamoshida and stuff... uh, y'know."
"Yeah." Akira nods. "So, I dunno... guess we'll do the same shit, mostly." He looks around briefly before getting slightly more serious. "I want to stop him from... getting near Shiho. If possible, let's go after school today and beat his ass."
"What, ain't you tired out from getting in the Palace earlier today?" speaks Ryuji.
"That's nothing a litre of coffee can't fix." Some curry too. "And besides, do you still have William?"
"Uh... I think so. I haven't really been able to check, since I haven't technically awakened to my Persona yet," the Chariot speaks. "So... probably? I should have Seiten Taisei at least, though."
"Hey, you two! What're you talking about?" Ann comes over, waving to them. "And hi to you too, Morgana!"
"Lady Ann, it's good to see you again!" The cat dips his head, a smile coming across his feline face.
"We're talking about going into Shido... wait, no. He can wait." Akira shakes his head. Stay focused, me. C'mon. "Going into Kamoshida's Palace and finishing up as quick as we can, before he can keep going and... y'know. With Shiho."
Ann nods, the smile wiped off her face. "Got it. Oh, so, I guess you remember last time too, right?"
"Yeah, he said he was using Yoshitsune and Metatron this morning to go on a tear!" speaks Ryuji. "How insane are you, using high-tier Personas like that for just Kamoshida's Palace!"
"I'm not wasting time getting a Pixie or anything when I can just nuke anything in one go," replies Akira. "Plus, I have so much coffee from wasting time near the end with Maruki last time that getting my energy back up isn't a concern. Victory Cry from one of my Personas too, if I'm especially lazy. Too many nights before where I downed too much coffee during a Palace or Mementos and couldn't sleep for the life of me." Thanks, Kawakami. I'll make sure to get into Mementos soon for you. "Anyway, you busy, Ann?" She shakes her head, a fire starting to burn within her eyes.
"Then it's settled. Let's secure our route to the Treasure and send the calling card today!" speaks Morgana.
"...You should get back in my bag before Kamoshida or someone else sees you," speaks Akira. Morgana grumbles briefly before obediently hiding back within said bag. He nods to the other two, who nod back. "Alright, let's go."
"And there it is," speaks Joker, looking at the transient Treasure. "Nice. Too easy, too."
"Well, yeah." Ryuji scratches his hair. "When we're all like, maxed out like this... with William and stuff? Like Kamoshida'd even stand a chance."
"Yeah! And we don't need to use the Treasure for our celebration, since you maxed out like all our wallets with Mementos last time!" speaks Ann.
"Well, it'd be a waste to just keep it on me. I can only hold so much, so it'd be useful for you all to have some cash too," replies Akira, cracking his neck. "Hm... wait." He pauses, narrowing his eyes, focusing his thief senses for a moment. Focus... ah. It's him. "...Get ready, you three. An old friend wants to join the party."
"As perceptive as ever, I see." A black figure drops down in front of them, standing up straight... though his voice is higher pitch now, for some reason? "Never could get the jump on you..."
"It's you- Akechi!" Morgana immediately shifts into a ready position. "What are you doing here?"
"Well, it seems like time has rewound in some fashion," speaks the Detective Prince. "Which has led to some... interesting changes."
"Why the eff are you a girl?!" shouts Ryuji. "How the fuck- wha- what's..." He sighs, dropping his shoulders. "...I don't even know anymore, man. This is all kinds of crazy, even for us... wakin' up today and getting these memories, and Joker crashing Kamoshida's Palace earlier today, and... fuck, whatever, I guess."
Smash, thinks Joker, feeling himself smirk, especially as Akechi points a gun at him. "Wow. Guess some things never change, huh?" He points his own gun back at... her. "Well, unfortunately for you, I have Enduring Soul on Yoshitsune." The Persona pops up behind him, grinding his blades together as the familiar heft of 'Charge' floods Joker's body. "So no matter what, there's no way you're coming out of this on top." He hums. "Or, y'know. Just pull out Rangda, make you shoot yourself. Heh. Taste of your own medicine."
"...So it would seem." Akechi sighs, lowering her gun and rubbing her wrist. "Especially since the rest of you have your fully awakened Personas, as well... how fascinating."
"So, what's your deal? Why are you here in Kamoshida's Palace?" speaks Ann, her hand moving away from the whip on her waist.
"I want to propose an alliance. A more genuine one, this time," speaks Akechi. "I still want to take down Shido... and with your help, it should go swimmingly."
"Yeah, sure, why not," replies Akira. He pauses for a moment, tilting his head. "...Actually, I wonder if the others are gonna call me soon with stuff, like asking us to meet up. By tomorrow, we might actually have the whole gang ready to tear through these Palaces. We could legit get them done in like two..." He tilts his head further in thought. "...Eh, play it safe, three weeks. Could beat Yaldabaoth before summer vacation."
"I'm amazed by how calm you can play it in situations like this," deadpans Morgana. "Especially with someone who tried to kill you here."
"Well, Crow helped us out with Maruki, too," shrugs Joker. "And I didn't die. No harm, no foul. Especially since Crow's a cute girl this time around." He chuckles at the sudden glare his teammate sends his way. "I'm not sorry, but I am messing with you. Violet's the only one for me."
"Oh, speaking of... she probably still thinks she's like Kasumi and stuff, right?" speaks Ryuji. "What're you gonna do with that?"
Joker closes his eyes. "Well, there was this instance in which Sumire awakened her Persona in like... early November, I think? Somewhere around there. Mona and I and her accidentally went into what we would later find out was Maruki's Palace. So... could beat Yaldabaoth's ass and go chill for a while, help Maruki finish up his research, and then crash his Palace?" Akira tilts his head. "Hm... or actually, I... yeah, I think I remember the code stuff for his Palace. Could go like right after summer vacation or something, I guess."
He shrugs. "Fuck if I know. I'm kinda YOLO this time around... outside of Akechi shooting me outside of the Metaverse, I'm probably super difficult to kill." He pauses. "...I wonder if Enduring Soul can activate outside of the Metaverse... probably not, right? Ooh, or if Rangda's resistances transfer over? Heh, it'd be funny to see a security camera have you point a gun at me and you just slump over from it getting reflected back at you."
"Want to test that theory?" Akechi looks sour.
"Eh, maybe another time." Joker cracks his neck. "Let's not get distracted though. For now, we should head back to reality and send the calling card, and beat up Kamoshida."
"Right. Though..." Ryuji tilts his head as they start walking back. "Surprised Mako... Queen didn't contact us. Y'think maybe she doesn't remember?"
"I'm assuming she's playing it safe, trying to gauge if we remember first, before revealing herself," replies Joker. "Always a smart one, that Queen... other than, y'know. Confronting Kaneshiro herself like a dumbass." He smirks as the others give him deadpan looks. "Hey, I call bullshit when I see it. Just didn't want to eat her Fist of Justice last time, so I didn't say it out loud." I could totally beat her ass this time around though. Ain't no way I'll let you intimidate me this time, Queen.
"...And I see you're more of a smartass than ever," mutters Crow, following him. "Well, don't be too insufferable at least, least I'm tempted to put a bullet between your eyes again."
"Suppose it would count as 'again' even if you hit my cognition last time," hums Akira. "Sure, whatever. But know that I can shoot back too." He swiftly aims his own gun back at Akechi, grinning as she scowls. "C'mon now, stop bein' so sour, love. Keep that up, and good ol' daddy dearest is gonna sniff out that something's up before we get to him."
Akechi gnashes her teeth, though ultimately doesn't rise to the bait, muttering under her breath.
Joker grins. "There you go. Now, let's go, y'all!" He pulls out a big thermos of coffee, humming as it relieves his light headache as they go.
Mentally draining to spam Megidolaon on everything he sees, after all.
As soon as he gets to school the next morning there're two familiar faces waiting there. "...Good morning, senpais," speaks Akira, dipping his head. "How are you?"
Makoto looks at him for a moment. "...Aki... Kurusu, I saw you vanish yesterday," she speaks, sounding like she's carefully choosing each word. "You, Ryu... Sakamoto, and Takamaki just-"
"Dipped and secured the route to Kamoshida's Treasure," speaks Akira, scratching his hair. "You down to come with?" He nods to the girl standing beside her, too. "Offer's open for you too, Haru."
Haru giggles. "Told you he remembered, Mako-chan," she speaks.
"Well, yes, but I just wanted to be cautious in case it was a coincidence, or he didn't remember certain things...!" Makoto seems flustered, and he can't help but chuckle, Morgana popping his head out.
"Yeah, sounds like everyone remembers so far," speaks Akira, cracking his neck, looking over at the school. He can distantly hear Kamoshida shouting from inside. "...Heh, nice. Looks like he's seen it," he hums.
"Hey, Makoto, Haru!" Morgana briefly waves a paw at the two of them. "Glad to see you two remember, too."
"Hello, Mona-chan," smiles Haru, scratching his ears, making the cat purr.
Makoto rubs her temple. "...This is a lot to handle," she mutters. "First I remember all of this, then I saw you yesterday... and wait, Akechi came with you too. He... is he a girl now?!"
"Really similar to the first Detective Prince now, isn't she," replies Akira. Would still smash.
"Hm... has Yusuke contacted you?" speaks Haru. "He doesn't go to Shujin, so you probably hasn't physically seen him yet, right?"
Akira checks his phone. "...Nope, nothing." He shrugs his shoulders. "It's probably something like he doesn't have electricity right now or something... or wait, he should still be with Madarame, right? I wonder what's up."
"Well... oh dear. This is all moving very fast." Makoto sighs. "Well... if you're planning to face Kamoshida after school... then count me in. I'm probably not necessary, since you defeated him the first time around without me, but-"
"More the merrier. Glad to have you back, Queen." Akira smiles as he raises a fist. It takes a moment, but Makoto bumps her own fist against it. "Besides, now you get to watch me nuke everything to the ground with Megidolaon."
"...Try conserving your energy a little more, please."
"Hey, that's what all the curry and coffee's for! Curry lasts well, and still tastes great, somehow, by the way. Sojiro's got some great ingredients, I guess. Or maybe Kawakami has the magic touch?" He shrugs. "Who knows."
"...Wait, Kawakami? As in... our teacher, Kawakami?" Makoto looks taken aback. "Akira, what do you-"
"HEY!" Kamoshida darts out, seeming like a bull. "Are you the ones who put this up?!"
Seems pretty aggro for someone I actually haven't interacted with, thinks Akira, biting his tongue to take a smirk from coming over his face. Don't really want to deal with an angry Kamoshida... just easier to go whoop his ass later.
"Anyway, I'll... smooth things out with Kamoshida," whispers Makoto. "Just... don't say anything, okay?"
Akira nods, zoning out as they converse before him. Shiho...
I promise this fucking jackass isn't going to lay a finger on you.
"Hm... alright, gang's all here," hums Joker, watching as Crow drops down in front of him. "Let's see... just missing Su... Violet, Oracle... yeah, just them." He nods. "Wonder why Violet hasn't come talk to me yet... I wonder if Maruki's cognition and actualization or whatever is messing with her still. Since that stuff happens prior to me coming to Shujin... so this time rewind and stuff doesn't apply yet?" He tilts his head. "Hm..."
"I'd wager there's a fair chance that applies," speaks Queen, cracking her knuckles. "Though, with that in mind... would she remember everything once she is forced to confront that she is not..." She pauses, seeming to consider her words carefully. "...her sister?"
"I think that'd apply," nods Mona. "You all saw for yourselves back then. Maruki's powers of cognition and actualization are insane. Even got us going in a loop for a while. Since all that happened to Violet before we ever met her, there's no influence from us, at least not yet. So, Maruki's the only thing affecting her so far."
"...Whatever. Doesn't change the fact of what we need to do," sighs Joker. "We'll get there in time. For now... let's focus on making sure this perverted rapist doesn't officially become one again."
"Couldn't have said it better myself," speaks Panther, gritting her teeth. "We gotta show him what's what!"
"Hell yeah!" grins Skull. "C'mon, guys, let's kick some ass!"
"Hm... yo, what if we all just charged up right here, walked in, and as soon as the fight starts, we just destroy him with Charge'd and Concentrate'd attacks?" speaks Joker, tilting his head. "Those buffs don't expire until we use Physical or Magic attacks, after all. Hey, Skull, Panther. With William and Célestine, you can give Charge and Concentrate to all of us. Let's just do that, down some coffee and curry, and destroy him as soon as things start. Probably don't even need to destroy the trophy." He shrugs, Yoshitsune coming up behind them. "Though Hassou Tobi hits everything, so... even if we need to, it should be fine."
"You know what... that sounds lovely!" Noir giggles. "My, I wonder what Kamoshida riddled with so many bullet holes would look like~"
"Man, Noir, you sound crazy scary when you say shit like that," speaks Ryuji, slumping for a moment, seeming taken aback.
"Anyway." Joker cracks his neck, mentally switching through Personas. "I have Bugs, which'll buff all our stats when shit starts... so, let's get this party started." He grins, adjusting his gloves. "Kamoshida won't know what hit him."
"You goddamn, no-good, shitty brats!" spits Kamoshida. "Haven't you been taught n-"
"Fuck you," spits Ann, vitriol in her voice. "Come, Célestine! Blazing Hell!"
"Damn, already?! Not even a monologue?!" Joker laughs, feeling it bubble out of control a bit, ripping away his mask to let Yoshitsune materialize. "Attagirl, Panther! Now- Yoshitsune, Hassou Tobi!"
"Wha- uh, Diego!" Mona looks rushed as his own Persona comes out. "Miracle Rush!"
"Hereward," speaks Crow, looking elegant as she tears off her own mask. "Rebellion Blade."
"Rip 'em, William!" bellows Ryuji, a massive grin splitting his face. "God's Hand!"
"Lucy, One-Shot Kill!" calls Noir, a smile curving her lips.
"Agnes, Atomic Flare!"
Should I... wonders Joker, seeing the massive explosion of the different attacks engulf Kamoshida, screaming in pain, to the point where he can't even see the Shadow anymore. ...Eh, fuck it. Why not. "Metatron... Megidolaon!"
"Oh shit, another round?! Okay!" Skull's grin widens, if such a thing were possible. "Ziodyne!"
"Garudyne!"
"Psiodyne!"
"Alright, let's pause," speaks Joker, raising a hand to stop Crow from tearing her mask off. "Don't wanna kill the man, after all." He grins at Crow, who glowers at him before looking away with a grunt. "Hm..."
Slowly... the smoke clears, leaving Kamoshida. Not the large version with the trophy or whatever, but the tiny man. The wannabe king. Cape practically burnt to ashes... yet he lies there, still alive.
"What a tough bastard," growls Ryuji. "We threw all that at him, and he ain't dead yet!"
"Which is what we want... but I agree," speaks Queen, cracking her neck. "I must admit, I'm surprised too."
"...Probably his cognition," muses Morgana. "He still thinks of himself as the king of this place... and even when faced with thieves like us, a king shouldn't be all that easy to kill, right? We had a hell of a time the first time around, too." The cat shrugs. "Though, sheer, overwhelming force still took him out... guess his cognition can only carry him so far."
"Same as what happened the first time around, except we didn't take like half an hour," replies Joker, walking up slowly, Panther beside him. He pauses, glancing at her. "...You want to do the honours?"
"Yeah, I do," she replies, as Kamoshida slowly seems to come to his senses, He looks up and immediately shrinks away, seeing all of them.
Joker hums, looking away, zoning out the threatening words that Ann says, looking at some random corner. "Alright..."
That's one off the list... just wait, Yusuke.
I won't keep you waiting too long.
"Man, I'm pooped... we should go get some grub!" grins Ryuji, as they return to the real world. "You guys wanna go hit up the boss?!"
"Hm... actually, I don't think he remembers us," speaks Joker, making the rest of them pause. "Didn't seem to recognize me at all, despite me remembering all this in the last couple days..." He tilts his head. "My assumption is that the only ones who remember time rewinding and stuff are Persona users. Not like it's guaranteed or anything... but Kawakami, Mishima, none of them remembered me."
"Aw, man... so he's probably gonna mind if we all barge in to Leblanc," speaks Ann, looking dejected. "I was looking forward to curry, too."
Akira shrugs. "I still have too much curry to count," he speaks, reaching into... he isn't actually all that sure. Some kind of temporal space-time where he keeps items. He thinks Igor explained it once, but the quantum mechanics and explanation was too long so he didn't pay that much attention. Anyway, he pulls out portions of curry. "Not as good as freshly made in front of you... but still pretty close. Could..." He tilts his head. "...Hm. Should probably go to someone's place, huh... suffice it to say, but the attic's out for now."
"In that case..." Akira feels himself smile as he hears a familiar voice, turning around to see a certain, blue-haired painter. "...Might I suggest my place?"
Ryuji grins at Yusuke. "There you are, man! Dang, I didn't know when I was gonna see ya again!" he exclaims. "Though... your place is still Madarame's, right? Don't think that's a great idea."
"Hey!" Akira starts, blinking as a loud voice comes through his phone. He pulls it out and hums. "Can you guys not hear me? Hello? C'mon, hacking your phone wasn't this hard before...!"
"...This is nauseating," sighs Akechi, shaking her head. "I'll be taking my leave."
"Huh? Wait, why's Akechi with you?!" exclaims Futaba. "What the heck's happening here?! Akira, hellooo~? Can you hear me?!"
"Heh... loud and clear, Alibaba," chuckles Akira, looking over at Akechi. "And what... you sayin' you don't wanna get in on this?" He holds up a serving of curry. "Or what... got another mental shutdown you gotta get done, love?"
Akechi grinds her teeth, looking at him from the corner of her eye. "I swear... you are trying to get a rise out of me."
"And I see it's working," chuckles Akira. "Now, c'mon. You were lonely as shit the first time around. If you ever wanna beat me, you gotta form bonds with others, you know." He winks. "After all, Wild Card... that's how we're strong."
Akechi sighs, heavy, after a moment. "...I suppose," she mutters. "After losing the first time... perhaps it'd be good to try things another way this time."
"Attagirl," smirks Akira, looking at his phone, where he can see Futaba's face. "Anyway... wait, if you're here, does that mean you're not gonna have a Palace this time?" He pauses. "...Might have a jump in difficulty, going from Kaneshiro to... Okumura. Huh."
"You really just go on with things on the drop of a dime, huh," deadpans Ryuji.
"Well..." Joker pauses, glancing around. They're all back...
Except one of them.
"...What can I say?" He smiles. "I just like going with the flow of things."
He briefly tunes out the conversation of his friends as they continue, talking about where they're gonna eat, and glances up at the sky. Night now. Pretty late. And though he's sore from the Palace... he feels satisfied.
Mostly, that is.
Can't wait until you're back with us here...
Sumire.