Well... I've been playing with some ideas and like the readers' thoughts on it.
In old persona 1 and 2 it's possible for them to get new personas but then they had the help of the velvet room. The way things are working now is that as long as their compatible like the Nemean Lion and Akihiko are they can gain more but there is a limit. But like a protag they can increase the amount, to be honest at this point I'm tempted to let Igor visit Akihiko in his dreams and offer him a contract for his accomplishment.
I like to think that all humans can change and evolve especially mentally in their lifetime. The protagonists due to being a wild card have more potential yes but that does not mean that all humans are without them. Even if it's little they can change and grow meaning they too can change forming new personas or contracting more.
What do you think about this plotline? I mean Akihiko is basically a shonen protag with a tragic backstory, drive to get stronger and estranged childhood friend. He's also got admirers and other things.
Amused red eyes studied Roy [It's a bit confusing but to sum things up, I am the version of the hero before I took on the name Cu Chulainn. I am Setanta the prophesied hero.] Twirling his spear he studied the weapon. [The state of my current existence is strange for I was a child when I was Setanta, my body was not this old and yet I am now much closer to the age of when I died. This weapon here is one of my father's spears, one of the few I had not broken yet.]
"You likely took my memories and became some sort of amalgamation of what we know of him. Because without much thought I had always believed you'd be this age, even though your future version died at 19 and your entire hero life was over a decade, starting at around nine I believe," Roy deduced.
[Possibly, well I thank you for restoring me] Stamping his spear into the ground the persona turned away and started to walk off [Now see you, I'm off to go hunt more of these monsters.]
"Uh," He raised an eyebrow, "So where are you going, not going to join our merry band of monster slayers?" Pointing a thumb at Akihiko.
Turning slightly, crimson eyes stood out in the dark as they regarded Roy for a moment before falling to Akihiko [Compared to you your friend would make a better hunting companion. I would let you drive my chariot if I had one but now I prefer to hunt alone now.]
"It'd be more fun together, plus, if you come with us I guarantee we'll face crazier foes." Roy persuaded, trying to appeal to his battle-junkie tendencies. It was almost a certainty they were going to face something ridiculous, especially with Tartarus still unexplored.
[As you two are right now you're more likely to die if you fight with me.]
Into both of their earpieces, Mitsuru whispered a slight alarm in her voice. "Both of you be advised the persona is three times stronger than you both. He's nonhostile but be careful. I can't seem to scan his weaknesses."
Roy raised an eyebrow, "So you want to fight?"
[Of course, the blood in my veins cries for battle.] He scoffed.
"Well, you can join this merry band and we can fight stronger foes together, I guarantee our adventures will be wilder than any you come across alone."
[Hmm, as you are right now I don't think you can handle my power at all so I can't join you like the persona's in your mind. But the idea of going on an adventure sounds like a good idea.]
Roy hummed, "Considering we've been investigating a series of disappearances, it's likely the work of a powerful shadow."
The persona grinned [Sounds like the start of a grand adventure.]
Roy smiled, "Glad you think so. Changed your mind about joining us?"
[There's bound to be beautiful girls, monsters to fight and good food along. So why not.]
Roy teasing those listening in, "I mean I've already come across five beauties," His headpiece made a sound he ignored, Pixie harrumphed with a 'that's right', and Lea seemed pleased with the unintended compliment, "Great comrades and I bet you haven't tried uh," He briefly blanked, "...Pizza?"
[Well you have me convinced.] The Persona offered a hand towards Roy. [Put 'er there]
As the two clasped their hands in manly handshake. Time froze for Roy and a card appeared in his mind.
The card depicted an armored man riding a chariot pulled by two sphinxes. The roman numeral for seven, VII was imprinted on the bottom.
I am thou and Thou Art I.
Thou hast established a social link of the Chariot .
Thou shall have our blessing when thou choosest to create Persona of the Emperor Chariot.
Time soon resumed and the blue tint faded away.
Keeping the surprise from his face Roy simply smiled and let go. Internally, 'This again? Wait, is he not my persona!?' Surprised but shrugged it off.
[Now let's go hunt some shadows.]
The rest of the dark hour was spent with the party finding stray shadows near the area. Mitsuru was adamant that they were to stay clear of the tower and Setanta obliged her request. Roy was a little frustrated feeling they were more than strong enough but kept quiet. That did not stop Setanta from hunting down and eliminating any shadow they had encountered.
Near the end of the dark hour, the group encountered a large shadow bursting out of a warehouse, crates and steel containers sent flying into the air as its massive form appeared in its place. The battle was dragged out into the sea to prevent property damage but even then some cars alongside street lamps were smashed in.
By the time the dark hour ended it was a miracle no one died during the chaos.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
[Man the food in this era is great.] Biting into a slice of pizza, the hero enjoyed the melted cheese and laughed internally. Arriving back at the dorm the party members made a meal for themselves to celebrate their accomplishments. Meanwhile Mitsuru was writing out a report for the mission and contacted her father about property damage. Yukari however, had an early day looking after the transfer student so she had turned in early.
"Told you," Roy said vindicated digging into his own pizza slice. He wasn't a master chef but pizzas were one of the few things he could do really well, at least to his own taste buds and judging by how fast they finished to everyone else's.
"I know I've already seen it but it's amazing to know that Persona's can actually eat." Sitting on the dining table, Akihiko looked away from his protein shake and stared at the giant lion chewing on some ribs by his side. Despite being a beast the lion was eating with dignity, floating on the air and taking elegant bites of the ribs. Not a single drop of grease or sauce spilled from the plate.
"Did you not-" Roy realized Akihiko's first persona was a giant, and unlikely to ever fit inside the dining room. He changed track, "That fight was something else, hope Mitsuru isn't too troubled by the collateral." Wincing at the crazy amount of damage the giant shadow caused.
"Don't worry too much about it, she just has to report it, the Kirijo group will handle the cleanup." Akihiko then froze, a shiver going up against his spine. "The incident is out of our hands so she won't blame us but… it's best to stay clear of her for a day or two"
[From the sound of things I take it you've suffered a cruel fate at her hands.] Draining a can of alcohol, Sentana gave Akihiko a look of sympathy. [Unlike my future self I have not been entangled and suffered under the hands of powerful women but I do get slight visions of them.] The warrior drained another beer to ward phantom pains he had not even received yet.
"Oh yeah," Black-haired Persona User snapped his fingers, "Scathach right? Oh no, wait there was also that Medb chick."
[Those two are one of the most well known.] Swirling a can of beer, the hero shut his eyes. [I've not even met those two yet I shudder at their name.]
"I mean truth be told your future self had it coming and worse if what I read about them was true. To be clear, if you try and do that shit here, I'll end you." Roy's expression became very serious, Cu understood why and simply nodded before they relaxed and reverted back to the original topic,"But ye other than that you got shit luck son."
[I doubt the current me wants that kind of trouble.]
Roy snickered, "Unless Mitsuru summons her."
[...With the way that girl is it's highly likely.] Sentana shot a slightly paling Akihiko a stare [Best not to think about it, if you think she's terrifying now. If she summons my master your pelvis will break Akihiko.]
Roy blinked, "While I don't drink, I've got you covered. I'll pour orange juice on your grave Akihiko, don't worry," Sending him a thumbs up.
"Please no, I don't want to think about it," He was starting to lose color, as Cu laughed morosely.
"Oh wait! Fate Stay Night is out already!" Remembering it was 2009, he pointed to Cu, " I want to see your reaction to all of it." and thought to himself, 'Maybe put it on youtube as the first few reaction videos.' Smiling at the thought of screwing over the internet with meta madness, they'd likely consider him a really dedicated roleplayer making it even more hilarious.
"What's Fate?"
"I take it that you're referring to the visual novel Fate Stay Night instead of the actual word, Setanta." Walking down the stairway a composed Mitsuru walked into the dining area.
"Wait, how are you aware of Fate Stay Night?" Roy asked bewildered. Mitsuru did not seem like the type to know about them much less play them. His eye twitched with how she just broke the image of a proper student in one fell swoop.
"One of our staff members in damage control is a fan of the series and instantly recognized him." Walking over to the pantry she pulled out some tea leaves. "He filed a very long and detailed request for us to summon or contract the protagonist of the series, saying he is the perfect individual to aid us."
Roy tried not to laugh, "Tell him it'll be a package deal. I might even bring over Gilgamesh." Roy was joking, he wasn't that suicidal or masochistic.
"Was the Sumerian king also involved in that series?"
"...In the loosest sense of the word yes." At her prompt, he continued, "Imagine the epitome of tyranny, given Deus Ex Machinas as his abilities. Thinking the universe was his kingdom and Earth was his garden when he really means sandbox where he makes and breaks whatever sandcastles, read civilizations, he felt like breaking. "
Cu smirked, "He would be a great asset and sparring partner."
"He'd fast track you to the Land of Shadows."
"On second thought…"
"How did you encounter the hero Gilgamesh, was it before you were turned into a shadow?" Mitsuru asked, waiting on her tea.
"I'm Irish nowhere near where his territory is in Uruk, present-day Iraq. I got it from the lad's memories about that anime. A version of myself fought that golden king. I've heard of him before but I'm pretty sure the version of him I heard of didn't launch weapons from golden portals like artillery."
"His only counter I can think of specifically either Enkidu, who shoots bullet hell lances from the earth, or Shirou Emiya when he's just learned his Unlimited Blade Works, which also bullet hell… but with magical swords." Roy explained.
"That's an unusual fighting style launching weapons from a portal." Deep in thought, Akihiko wondered what it would be like to fight an opponent like that. "I'll ask my friends about that series."
"I'll hand over the report to you three then, you seem well versed in the series. I only had enough time to skim through it"
"'Well versed', to a degree, the lore is way too complicated, annoying, and inconsistent as all hell no matter what the fanatical nerds say, but it's close enough. I'll see what I can do." Roy's phone beeped as it received a long email.
Closing her phone Mitsuru gave them a pleased smile "Despite how chaotic tonight was we made a lot of progress. I congratulate you on tonight's work."
With those words said Roy looked around the room, at first he was suspicious as hell of this organization but after getting to know Akihiko, Yukari and Mitsuru. He was starting to think that they were truly people he could rely on.
Time froze once more and a familiar blue card appeared, on the other side was a man carrying a hobo bag with a dog. At the bottom was the number zero.
I am thou and Thou Art I.
Thou hast established a social link of the Fool.
Thou shall have our blessing when thou choosest to create Persona of the Fool Chariot.
Roy briefly wondered if the Card was a dig at something but dismissed it. While he didn't like the 'make friends equal more power' it was still nice to have a visual representation of their friendship. Not that he needed it. But still.
Cu stole Akihiko's pizza as Pixie chomped down on two somehow. Lea was trying the coke and Sherlock had joined Mitsuru drinking some tea.
The peaceful meal continued with Setanta regaling tales of him hunting beasts in his legend and contests he was a part of. Times before he went to tutor under his master. Sherlock with certain Murder Mysteries. Soon everyone went back to get some well-deserved sleep.
He went downstairs to the first floor to make breakfast. The light shone in through the front entrance, the place looks like some strange hybrid of a hotel, he still expected customers to walk through the front door to ask for lodging. Amusing considering that's exactly what he was.
He had trained a little once he had gotten up, his powers were still a thing of beauty, something he wasn't going to be tired of any time soon. Who doesn't want to be a fire bender?
Pixie yawned her arms stretching behind her head, "What are you making?" She materialized floating behind him to his right.
"Nothing crazy, toast, jam, fruit and cereal."
"That sounds delicious, could I…?" her finger tugging at her mouth as it drooled.
Roy chuckled, "Sure, I'll make extra."
"Oh, your the other resident Yukari was talking about." A cheerful feminine voice came from near the staircase. "Smells good, what are you cooking." Coming into view it was a girl her auburn-haired done in a high ponytail, along with silver barrettes forming the roman numeral 22. Dressed in a dark school uniform with two red headphones dangling down her shoulder, her lively reddish aburn eyes gazed at Roy before landing on Pixie.
She stopped, eyes widened, blinked a few times, and stood there staring.
"Is that girl broken, she's been staring at us for a while."
Roy blinked, as his eyes shifted, "I forgot that you're supposed to be hidden."
"Wait you can see her." The girl spoke up.
Roy wondered if he should mess with her, "Who?" Roy discretely told Pixie to play along.
"No you can't pull that card with me you were talking to the fairy!"
"What fairy?" It was a struggle, but he managed to keep a straight face, "Who are you?" as Pixie did a loop da loop twirling around like a ballet dancer.
"You're lying, come here fairy I'll give you some sweets." Walking forward the girl's eyes never left Pixie, she pulled out some chocolate. From her bag "First the ghost boy and now faires, what is wrong with this dorm?"
[I'll up that offer by twenty] he said to Pixie, [Pretend you're a ghost and stay out her reach]
Leanan Sidhe floated through the floor [Oh, by the way, Roy- oh hello there Miss?]
'Dammit, Lea.' Roy groaned, missed opportunities for shenanigans.
[Oh great, breakfast's getting started I got a good haul today at the docks] Coming down the ceiling carrying a large tuna [The fish in this era don't put up much of a fight but when you go deep enough you can still get some good prey]
"Hamuko chan sorry I'm late. I almost slept in." A panicked Yukari rushed down. "Ok time to get to scho-" Her eyes widened at the scene before her.
Roy looked back at the girl thinking of salvaging this somehow…
Then it clicked, "Surprise! You're being recorded on this live television show called Ghosts SFX Artists React!"
So we have my homes greatest hero come to regale the cast with tales of "why celtic women are scary and will kick your ass".
Also given his attraction to Emer I'm waiting for someone in the cast to start talking nerd and Setanta just slowly slides up behind them and asks them to keep talking dirty.
But seriously the dinner scene made me smile, along with introducing Mitsuru to the Power of Anime.
So we have my homes greatest hero come to regale the cast with tales of "why celtic women are scary and will kick your ass".
Also given his attraction to Emer I'm waiting for someone in the cast to start talking nerd and Setanta just slowly slides up behind them and asks them to keep talking dirty.
But seriously the dinner scene made me smile, along with introducing Mitsuru to the Power of Anime.
Mitsuru and the Kirijo group are now seeing the connection between People's interpretation of things and the forms Persona's take. This could mean good or bad things since a certain four eyes is taking the lead in this research. Well mostly bad since he now knows he can get his own Persona and it's not something only certain people can have. But the same can be said for the other direction, the people trying to do good are trying to get their own.
I got sidetracked but yeah things are going to get way more anime and you can blame it all on Japan being Japan with all its otaku and superstitions. Also yes Sentanta will flirt like crzay with any woman he sees, he's just not going for Mitsuru due to her resemblance to Scathath from Roy's memories and Akihiko seems to like her so he's being a bro.
The best I can do is an omake, it's mostly because of the timeline. This is not really a Fate and Persona crossover it's just that the fate franchise exists in the Persona universe. So Nobunaga is a man also the Avenger Nobunaga has not even been created yet if I'm right she was made in 2019 right. Right now it's 2009.
We might get normal Archer Nobu if Roy touches..... wait. It's possible if Roy tells them about the future Fate servant. The staff member I mentioned and Junpei are fans of the series and will ask Roy for more info on future servants. Mitsuru would review the staff members' notes eventually and that..... It's a possibility.
Roy
[Italics] telepathic
" " Talking out loud
' ' thinking to himself without telepathically talking to persona
Father Time got up and decided to cash in those vacation days, leaving it to stand still for everyone in the room, "That's a fake name for a show, how are you able to say that with a straight face." Pointing a finger at Roy Hamuko eyed the various personas. "See! There are more ghosts!"
With no one else was playing along, and Yukari was a terrible actor who was also panicking, Setanta just straight didn't give a fuck, Roy sighed.
"Alright let's go talk about this in the living room, Yukari I'll take care of this since it's my fault, go to school."
"I'm in charge of her so it's best if I stayed." The personas just starred among them and proceeded to carry on their activities. With Setanta placing his live fish on the kitchen table and starting flirting with Leanan who just gave the hero an amused smile before fading away into Roy's mind. Pixie meanwhile remained and started a staring contest with Hamuko.
"Okay sure, didn't want you missing archery practice but I guess it's fine." 'It's not like her archery will come in handy later.' He thought, 'She wasn't Shirou Emiya 4km perfect bullseye bullshit Archer.'
"We have some time and-"
"Setanta san please don't behead the fish like that you'll get blood all over the carpet." The hero stopped himself from decapitating the large.
Roy pinched his nose, "Cu, please, don't make a mess, I really don't want to piss Mitsuru off more than normal," and just to possibly mess with him, "She might end up summoning Scathach as revenge." Then walked towards the living room.
With everyone seated, minus the flying Persona, Roy asked, "I'm assuming you have a few questions."
"Is this dorm a haunted mansion and do you know about the contract the boy made me a sign?" Continuing her staring contest with Pixie, the two determined to not back down.
"Explain the contract and the boy to me and I might be able to." He'd signed more contracts than he'd ever wanted to in the past week alone.
"A ghost child appeared when I got to the form the first night, it was weird everyone was in coffins outside. He did not act weird about it at all so I thought it was a festival or something, then he made me sign a contract about how time delivers us all to the same end and that I chose this fate of my own free will."
[That sounds like a roundabout way of saying she picked her death.] Roy thought to his Persona.
[Agreed] Sherlock said, "Was there anything else he said?"
"What did the ghost kid look like by the way?" Roy asked
"Wait, Hamuko-chan are you talking about that ghost boy." Yukari was starting to get alarmed. "We assumed it was a figment of your imagination formed due to stress. If it's real we might have to contact senpai."
"So wait you didn't believe me about that boy and you knew about the other ghosts. So are you saying you didn't know about him?" Hamuko blinked in thought and Pixie pumped her hand in victory but she kept staring deep into her eyes. "He was around 10 or 12 years old I think, with short dark hair, pale skin and blue eyes. Weirdly enough he wore a prison uniform, the ones with black and white strips. I thought they were pajamas."
"You entered the Dark Hour, I haven't had as much experience as other members here, but from what I know it's basically the 25th hour in the day where people disappear and shadows appear." Roy explained and went into the basics of what the Dark Hour was Persona, and other things of note.
"There's still a lot we don't know, so don't be surprised if you come across things we haven't mentioned, such as Igor and his assistant in the Velvet Room." Roy realized he hadn't told the other SEES members yet, which could be a problem but shrugged it off. It wasn't a big deal at the moment he could talk to them later about it.
"You've met Igor too, oh are you the other guest he and Theodore talked about?"
"It's likely I am the other guest. Who's Theodore? I could be forgetting who he is." Roy thought, 'Terrible memory is a terrible memory.'
"Oh he's the elevator attendant, he said his sister Elizabeth is taking care of you." Roy nodded.
Roy turned to her, his face apologetic, "Forgot to mention it to everyone during our meetings, since there was something strange about it, so I held off on it. Also because no one mentioned it I thought I would wait till I had more info." He waved a hand in Hamuko's direction, "Now that I have someone else corroborating the Velvet Room I'll tell the others what I know."
He explained what he knew, about the Fusion system, the Velvet Room, and the strange train he was on. Its style of decor very different, yet similar, to the elevator Hamuko described.
"So all of these are Personas and they are the potential that Igor was talking about." Deep in thought, Hamuko fed Pixie some chocolate, the fairy had moved closer to her as Roy talked.
"An entire room that knows about personas and knows how to make them stronger. This is another great revelation." Yukari sighed, putting down a notepad filled with information on the table. "Ah, the chairman is going to have a field day."
"So can you wake mine up too, I want magical powers!"
"Sure," He motioned to Pixie to do her thing.
[Yeah… No, if anyone goes in her mind. They are going to die a vicious death.] Despite her chilling words the fairy did not stop eating her chocolate, her yellow eyes studying Hamuko. [You have the potential to call a Persona, but there's also something else in you.]
'If there was ever any doubt she was the protagonist, that cinched it, or she's possessed by plot progression past.' Roy responded, "Can you tell what it is, even a hint?" he motioned to his other Persona to see if they could possibly do something about it.
[It reeks of death I can't even tell if it's a shadow or persona. It was shoved in this girl.] Seeing that Hamuko was getting uncomfortable Pixie patted her head. [Now, now don't worry there, it's not harming you or anything. You're safe.]
Pixie continued, [She checks out the protagonist of getting the whole getting a dangerous entity shoved in you as a child probably. Whatever is in her has been in the girl for a long time.]
"If it comes down to it we'll shounen our way out of the problem." Roy joked, "We have ten Persona between all of us, don't worry we have your back." Yukari was glad she was included in the count but a little confused about the number.
Roy's perception sped up as Sherlock initiated the conversation, [Hmm, I didn't notice at all. I'm amazed you noticed at all Pixie, I could talk to her and never noticed that lurking deep within her subconscious.]
[Quite right my lady, and Roy. As Pixie said there is an extremely powerful entity sealed in Miss Arisato, it's leaning towards being a shadow but it's not showing the girl any form of malice, the same cannot be said about us. However, I'm more concerned about the signals it's sending. It's faint but I think it's sending out a call, the entity appears to be incomplete… oh dear.]
'What is it?' It was hard not to spring into a fighting stance, he kept his body language and face relaxed not wanting to worry them and himself, 'Is there a problem?'
[Nothing to worry about now but it's aware of us. I think it's best to leave it alone.] Warning signs appeared in Roy's shared vision with Sherlock and the stare of a helmed figure staring right back. Feelings of dread and fear assaulted Roy in that brief moment than it faded. [If it breaks out in a fight I predict 99% chances of us dying.]
He thanked his increased perception because this was very worrying, 'Okay so… let's just not poke it right now. It sounds like the Endgame Final Boss.'
"So is everything fine with Hamuko-chan?" Yukari asked, bringing Roy out of his inner conversation, Hamuko was watching Pixie juggle fireballs. Lighting sparked into life around the tiny fairy as she started dancing. The joy in Hamuko's eyes were infections as it brought a small smile to Yukari's face.
"She's fine basically, the thing inside her isn't doing anything. Though to be on the safe side best not to mess with whatever it is until we have more information." Roy reassured.
"Oh then it's fine, I still want powers, but if it's going to cause you to harm I'm fine with just watching Pixie play," she said with a cheerful smile on her face, she fed Pixie another chocolate drop. "You did say my Persona will come out eventually right?"
"Eventually. Don't worry we'll be able to deal with it once we go to the Dark Hour to safely deal with whatever it is we'll need to train a bit more however or we find a Persona with magical or psychic abilities to deal with it."
[Hmmm… I think… hmmm.] Pixie was deep in thought as if trying to remember something. [I mean we can't do anything, but maybe if you shoot yourself with Yukari's weird gun you can make a call, might be a bit painful but you might be able to summon one.]
Roy blinked having forgotten about that thing having deemed it useless, "We can try it once you guys get back. But right now you guys need to go to school."
They checked the time before their eyes got wide and they said in synch, "We're going to be late." Got up, having forgotten rushed towards the table, quickly grabbed what Roy had made on the dining table, the jam spread on toast sticking the egg on top, taking the entire thing, and running for the door.
He shook his head with a smile and went to ask Cu where he caught the sofa sized fish.
Roy had gotten busy on the computer, after taking out the device that let Kirijo track him and creating feedback loops that kept the group from spying on him, funny for a group that's on the straight and narrow they pulled a lot of shady shit, making a slew of 8-bit games, writing stories online (cough, persona expy stories), and a whole load of other things. With his fingers flying faster than his own thought process and not having to figure out all the problems that came with working with many people speeding up his process he did the work of ten people over the course of a week in the next few hours. In a way, it was good training.
It was such a peaceful day, only for everything to go to hell when he received a dreaded phone call from Mitsuru.
Roy did not know if it was the power of persona or the pure annoyance coming through the phone. The device was as cold as a block of ice. Coldness crept out of the receiver Roy quickly heated his head causing steam to come out. His eyes widened as he realized he hadn't been hallucinating and she was somehow sending her ice abilities through the phone. Before she could begin her reprimand for his actions, a small explosion shook the building. Quickly ending the call, so he wouldn't have to hear her admonishing Roy rushed down towards the source, he found a circular hole near the staircase.
Pixie hovered above it, holding a piece of paper, a blueprint with a title written in small words. 'Awesome Base of Fun and Chaos'.
[So we might want to add in a food bar next to the hot spring.] Said Pixie
[We can worry about that later after we're done with getting the water right.] From below the youthful voice of Setanta came out, taking a closer look Roy saw magical circles filled with runes lining the floor.
[Don't forget my private one, I'll drown with all you giants splashing about.] Steam came out of the hole, from what he could see. The hole was really deep, how had the Irish hero done this when he was away. From the blueprints in Pixie's hands, he could see an extensive tunnel system filled with various rooms.
[Can' you just ride on the water using a bucket or something?]
[That….. Sounds awesome but I don't want to be on a boat on the water. Too much rocking about. Plus you owe me.]
Roy considered how his life had come to this point, "You know what this is kind of cool." 'That and this will get Mitsuru off my back. This is definitely something she would be extra pissed about. Your sacrifice will not be in vain.' As he saluted Cu's future grave. "So how did this… happen?"
[Oh hi Roy, you are done with your boring work?] Lowering the paper, the fairy turned to him. [We got bored so we're building a Bat Cave.]
"A what?"
[Well, you are a group of heroes right?] Roy slowly nodded, [So you need a base. We were watching some of your memories of Batman and he had an awesome base and we were bored so we got to work.]
"Wait, how did Cu watch my memories?"
[Magic.]
[Oh your here. Great!] Floating out of the hole, a dirtied hero emerged. [You better be grateful for all the hard work I put in, the big guy built the schematics. I was bored anyway so it was fun building things instead of wrecking things.]
"Thanks, I meanwhile I didn't ask for it, it's nice." Roy was starting to get the feeling Cu was actually a child on the inside even if he looked old enough, taking a step back he was rather shorter than he thought he should be. He pointed at Cu, "But you're going to be explaining all of this to Mitsuru."
Roy
[Italics] telepathic
" " Talking out loud
' ' thinking to himself without telepathically talking to persona
Yukari Takeba - Nervous school girl
Akihiko Sanada - Boxer Champ
Mitsuru Kirijo - Yakuza Boss Granddaughter
Shuji Ikutsuki - Scientist
Roy Jackson - Some dude
Hamuko Arisato - Protagonist? Or future Plot Device
Within half an hour of Mitsuru calling again, Roy mentioned Cu's 'Bat Cave' when the phone call went silent and ordered him to stop the hero if possible and closed the call.
"Cu stop." Roy said half-heartedly from the second floor.
[What?] Carving more runes with Pixie's help the hero looked up at Roy confused.
"Well, I tried."
Within half an hour an entire team of scientists led by an eager Ikutsuki arrived.
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A few hours later, evening came and the entire team plus Hamuko sat in the meeting room.
"So to sum our findings and from the persona Setanta's statements, he used a mixture of magic and his divine powers to make a miniature dimension under the building. Looking around the perimeter we could not physically find it from the sewer system but when we did not want to risk tunneling in case of any danger. Plus we lack the equipment, I'm going to ask your father for permission to set up a lab in that place."
"Is that all to report" Despite everything that has happened Mitsuru had a dignified appearance but Roy could see the subtle signs of stress and her suppressed frustration with the situation in her half-closed eyes.
"Yes, as Pixie and Setanta said they used a combination of magic and Sentanta's divinity to create the area." The smiling director impatiently tapped his foot slowly, he wanted nothing more than to go back down and investigate the newly dubbed hero cave by Setanta.
"So is the dimensional shenanigans something unique to Cu, because of his powers, or can all Shadows do that by default?" Roy asked.
Itsuki flourished with a smile, "Shadows have shown us numerous times in our studies that they have the ability to distort time and space, the dark hour was born from them. Persona theoretically should be able to do the same. We had no evidence until now. I theorize that strong Personas and Shadows should be able to make spaces like the one we have in this building." The way the man's eyes glinted as he gazed a bit hungrily at Roy was ominous.
Roy felt this was getting into some really odd 'The Dark Hour/Astral Plane-is-basically-another-reality-which-houses-the-Mind, blah-blah-metaphysics-affects-space-time' or something, "Cool."
"This sure is amazing, hidden organizations, stands, monsters, and other dimensions." Hamuko spoke up. "It's just like a manga." On her lap, she fed Pixie some cookies.
"You are handling this much easier than I expected Arisato-san."
"Yukari filled me in on most things."
Yukari had a pleading look on her face, "After this morning, I had to tell her."
"You did well Takeba, it was not your fault, to begin with." At that Yukari relaxed her shoulders and slumped slightly in her seat.
"So what do we do with the Hero cave?" Akihiko spoke up.
"I suppose we leave it. I doubt anyone could really stop Cu, even then it seems like it's something that can turn out to be useful in the future." Roy pointed out.
Mitsuru sighed, "Yes, it's best to leave the legendary hero to his business. He means no harm to us so it's safe to let him do as he pleases under supervision."
Ikutsuki said, "If this is over I'm going to… ahem, talk to Cu." He speed-walked really fast holding a bag with a first aid symbol on it Roy spotted a number of odd-shaped vials, and needles poking out of it, likely not of regulation.
"The meeting is adjourned." Mitsuru just put her hands to her temple, "I have much work to take care off."
Roy called out to her, "If you need help I know something of paperwork." He tried not to imagine the cramps his hand would mercy.
She smiled, waving it off, "Maybe next time." tilting her head to Hamuko. Roy understood she wanted him to make it easier on her and nodded.
The group talked more about the Persona, with Akihiko and Roy casually discussing tactics to use once they got to the Tartarus
A soft gale blew through the room, ruffling clothes and shaking objects in the hallway. The source of the wind, a small swirling green vortex in Yukari's hands. There were flickering stars of light swirling around the wind, a combination of fire and lighting the other two Persona users produced, as they practiced their control taking Hamuko's suggestions. Pixie was surfing the wind like a surfer.
"I wish I could do this…" she muttered.
"You likely can soon enough," Roy assured her, "It's not like I had this for much longer than Akihiko. The abilities come intuitively; it helps that your Persona guides a lot of it."
"I know but still you guys are making me really envious."
Then Yukari's phone rang loudly startling her. Unlike a normal cell phone ring tone, the alarm sounded like a fire alarm. The wind died and she pulled her phone out.
"Mitsuru Senpai what's wrong."
Due to his enhanced senses, Roy could overhear their conversation.
"Bring everyone to the command room immediately, a large shadow appeared and attacked Akihiko."
Grabbing the girls carefully he booked it upstairs bounding the entire flights of stairs getting to the Command room
"Woohoo!!" Unlike Yukari who was startled. Hamuko laughed as she was dragged along.
Roy dropped them off on the couch gently, and turned to Mitsuru, "Where is he?"
"Akihiko was patrolling around the neighborhood, suddenly a shadow appeared and he engaged it. Currently-"
Mitsuru was interrupted as Akihiko's voice was heard through the speakers on the large console. He was breathing heavily, catching his breath between each word but he didn't sound heavily injured.
"Guys, get ready to battle. A really strong one is coming your way."
"Where is it exactly?" Roy utilized [Scan] the world slowed down enough for him to run different scenarios through his head.
"It's jumping through the buildings' roofs, the thing ignored me entirely after I fought it. The shadow scaled up a building and might show up on the backside of the roof."
"Takeba, protect Hamuko." Yukari nodded, there was hesitant and nervousness in her eyes but the brunette steeled herself to fight. "Roy comes with me, you and I are going to confront this Shadow."
Pulling out a rapier, Mitsuru started walking towards the door.
"Got it, need a lift, or you good?" He wasn't sure if her scout Persona offered her any physical buffs.
"No need, I am fine." She pressed a button and Setanta's voice came through the coms.
[I sense it coming Missy, I've prepared the roof as you requested. I'm not as good as my teacher but she's drilled enough lessons into my future self that I can make a simple barrier.]
[The runes Setanta was using, I am confident we can use one of them for yourself.] Sherlock spoke up, after Pixie's work with Setanta room. The detective was given a brief understanding of the runes.
[Did you memorize the runes for us to use?] Roy himself knew of a few but not down to the precise millimeter needed.
[Right now I think we can use a rune to buff you up, though I rather set things on fire.] Pixie chimed in. [Switch with me if you want to use them, the detective's good and all but magic is my thing.]
[Sure] His foot came down as the entire conversation had happened in nearly the blink of an eye. The group made their way to the roof nearly flying up the flight of stairs. Roy had a hard time keeping up with Mitsuru as she was a lot more superhuman than she appeared.
Reaching the top, Mitsuru slammed the door open, before them was Setanta who stood ready at the center of the roof. Around the roof were several stones glowing blue, nordic runes engraved upon their surface.
A blue barrier surrounded the building.
Pixie appeared by Roy's side and quickly wrote a line of runes on his clothing, [There!]
[It's here.] The spearman got into a stance, in the distance, a large black figure could be seen rushing towards them. Leaping over rooftops was a strange shadow, it was a mass of hands carrying swords, one hand alone carried a blue mask.
"I don't know if that's kind of cool or just creepy. But I'm stealing one of those swords for myself."
[You can take a trophy after we kill it.]
"The shadow's of the magician arcana, it's hard on my persona to learn anything more about it," A throbbing vein appeared on Mitsuru's head, she twitched in pain slightly before calming herself.
In Roy's attempt to obtain information from it, the moment his eyes locked onto the approaching shadow. He heard a static noise in his head and his vision got blurry seeing static images over the shadow.
[Roy the shadow is somehow blocking our attempts to scan it.]
In one giant leap, the shadow closed the distance greatly landing on a neighboring building, its sword brandished to strike the barrier.
"This is some Grade A BS. Pixie, Lightning Bolt." Pixie charged the bolt firing it near instantaneously towards the Shadow in question, the area lit up with electric light. Mitsuru and Roy covered their eyes from the glare, the shockwaves blowing back their clothing.
[Don't look away from the enemy!] When they opened their eyes, they saw the Irish spearmen engaging the shadow. Pixie's lighting had decimated the roof, the shadow was standing on turning it scorched black. Despite the damage done to the smoking roof the shadow was unharmed, it's swords however were littered with cracks.
Striking for its mask with ferocity, the shadow lashing back with its swords. Despite the many swords, it had or how well they were all synchronized, a cacophony of metal rings, the shadow was having a hard time against the spear user.
Then from one of its unoccupied swords, it slammed a sword down on the ground creating a large pool of darkness. From it countless smaller blue masks formed, the number One etched upon their faces. They erupted out the pool forming large hands to grab at the Irishmen. Setanta spear shone with a bright light and with a swing cut off their limbs.
Before Roy and Mitsuru could help, Twenty masks jumped out of the pool. Forming arms from their slime-like bodies they lunged at the two persona users.
As one Pixie and Roy fired Lightning on the group once more the two bolts crashed into each other and splaying outwards so fast they saw a brief tree of light and then it was gone. Roy felt the strain almost immediately, a yawning chasm that called for his consciousness to drop. He felt he had about another five large lightning bolts from earlier, unlike the smaller compressed version he just used for his AoE attack.
Then a massive amount of heat wrapped around the fighters, while Setanta was occupied with the shadow. The pool of darkness continued to grow, the small shadows had banded together fusing into a large mask. Its mouth formed from the darkness and within a large orb of fire.
Scarlet shot out of its maw and it was met with an equally large chunk of ice. Mitsuru The two clashing elements met and exploded out. The temperature on their side dropped severely as Mitsuru formed a large shard of ice and fired it back at the combined mass of shadows.
As Roy prepared to aid Mitsuru multiple roars were heard from their sides of the roof. Small hands erupted from each side of the building, they then started to combine together.
"Mitsuru! Weakness?" Roy shouted the sound of smashing crystal revealed the detective twirling his cane.
"Fire, Use fire on the ones around you." Lifting her hand up, a glacier-formed on top of the mass of shadows. Bringing her hand down she smashed the ice onto the shadows. Despite the ice covering the roof, steam kept rising. The shadows were retaliating, it was confusing for the shadows were weak and should have been killed under her power but the pool of darkness was empowering them. Forcing Mitsuru to concentrate her power to keep them sealed in a coffin of ice. Her persona appeared by her side amplifying her powers.
She couldn't move without letting the mass of shadows escape and burning them down.
"You heard the Lady, light em up." Back to back cloak flapping the two let loose, snapping fiery explosion, their attacks not affected by the barrier crashed into their foes.
The shadows screeched loudly, in pain as the hands were vaporized from the heat. It was an inhuman noise that grated on the humans hearing it. Then more roars could be heard all around the neighborhood.
[Roy, the shadows are calling in reinforcements. They...they are after something.] Sherlock chimed in, the shadows were far too aggressive. It was just not mere hunger that was motivating them, they were calling out for something.
"This is a lot more serious than I expected…" He considered it would be time to break out the big guns… only if they had any.
The full moon above shone ominously down upon them, illuminating the battlefield. In the distance, large masses of darkness appeared from the ground. They roared in unison and raised towards the building. They were numerous in number, however despite their number they ignored all the human coffins in the way. All they seemed to care about was the dorm and smashing apart the barrier.
"What is happening, this...this has never happened before." The confusion was clear in Mitsuru's eyes, unable to move she stood in place keeping her struggling opponent sealed. No matter what she did, the mass of shadows refused to die.
"Sherlock, lampost!" Sherlock quickly flew down to the street pulling out a street lamp with his ridiculous strength. Cutting it into pieces with his cane Roy used Sherlock's [Scan] Ability to figure out the maximum effect for the next few attacks. Sherlock marked them for Pixie to utilize.
Shadows were converging on all sides of the building, in minutes they would be completely surrounded. The barrier was still holding strong but the amount of shadows gathering, it was an unsettling sight.
[My turn!]
'Pixie avoid collateral Damage,' Roy mentioned, having seen what she did when he forgot the disclaimer.
A wave of shadows formed near the entrance, no individual shadows could be seen. Just a large wave of darkness with countless red eyes glaring at them. Mouths forming they kept roaring as if they were trying to awaken something.
"Holy- Did someone piss off Alucard? Or do we have Pride from FMA trying to start a large city transmutation circle." Roy didn't think it was either but it looked eerily similar. His nerd knowledge was turning out to be utterly useless.
[I don't think it's the ruler of Wallachia Roy.] Leanan Sidhe cool voice chimed in. [The shadow that appeared earlier, take it out and it should at the very least stop more from appearing.]
Pixie laughed maniacally holding all the small pieces in the air with the electricity aiming it uniformly avoiding the others.
"Time for FIRIN MY LAZAR!" The old meme naturally coming to the forefront of his mind.
The shockwaves once again exploded from all sides, the sound itself an attack, if Roy was any weaker his ears would've been bleeding and his balance non-existent.
There were holes opening up in the army, and one explicitly hitting the one Cu was fighting.
The rail gun struck the shadow's limbs giving Setanta an opening to strike its weak point. The shadow's blue mask. As he lunged to skewer the monster and end the madness, it let out an unholy screech. The air vibrated and deafening waves of sound spread out destroying the roof pushing the hero back.
Then the roof instantly blackened and a wave of arms carrying swords erupted out stabbing into the heroes back. Skewering him through the chest and legs like a pin cushion. Despite being stabbed and his body deteriorating from the damage, the hero growled and twisted his body cleaving through the hands. He flew up in the air, tracing runes fire erupted from them incinerating the hands.
[You have much more bite than the small fry.] Spitting out some blood, veins bulged on the hero's face and his eyes glowed. [But a small scratch like this is not enough to bring down an Irish Hero.]
Waving one rune to heal him the hero dove back down to fight the screeching monster.
