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zevfern · 8 months

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My thoughts on the core members of the Phantom Thieves from Persona 5! Spoilers ahead.

Kenta (Joker): he's just like me for real!

But seriously though, I really like Joker, and it's cool to RP as him, especially since the modern setting allows me to do so more naturally. I especially like fitting in pro wrestling related headcanons to his behavior (my headcanon is that Kenta is a huge pro wrestling fan, and before the events of the game was training to join a dojo after graduating HS).

Ryuji: THE BROOOOO

My favorite of the Phantom Thieves, his hotheaded and impulsive personality reminds me of a friend I have irl. For some reason his voice reminds me of Axel from KH despite the two having different VAs, and the two characters are quite different as well. He was the first confidant I completed, and maybe in a different timeline he would have been romanceable.

Ann: A rose by another name

Ann's very sweet and kind, and yet posseses tons of internal strength. Her whole story arc with Shiho and her recovery is so heartwarming it was hard not to shed tears during their farewell. Her VA also did an incredible job throughout the game, it's between her and Ryuji for best VA performance in my opinion.

Yusuke: Lorenz Hellman Gloucester, but poor

Really knocked me for a loop when I first saw this guy, but despite the looks he is quite different from his Fodlan doppelganger. His confidant cutscenes are some of the goofiest in the game despite (or maybe because of?) his serious demeanor. Yusuke also gets bonus points for introducing Hifumi Togo into the story, the girl I chose to romance in my first playthrough.

Makoto: Breaking the rules, for once

This is a very unpopular opinion, but I don't particularly like Makoto. Her whole "follows the rules but her true self wants to break them" isn't appealing to me, reminding me of a few other characters from other games and media I've never connected with. That said, I do think she has a great friendship with Haru, and their Showtime is incredible (it's a series of pro wrestling moves ending with a tag team finisher! They are in love a tag team your honor.)

Futaba: On the spectrum, off the wall

It's always interesting to see characters in video games who are autism coded, and while Futaba isn't perfect (of course she's a hacker and visits 4chan 🙄), it's the little details like her elementary school memories (surprisingly similar to mine) and the way she approaches her self improvement after having her heart stolen that really impressed me.

Haru: We fly balloons on this fuel called love

I'd been extremely exited to meet Haru from the first time I sighted her in game, as she's voiced by the same VA who voiced Marianne and I wanted to compare the two characters. In contrast to Marianne's gloomy demeanor that eventually turns hopeful, Haru is a beam of light right from the beginning. Her introduction as a Beauty Thief is the funniest gag in the game, and she keeps her optimism despite incredible hardship involving her father. Shame she's introduced so late, by the time I got her confidants I was already with Hifumi.

Akechi: I have forgiven Maxwell

The moment Joker met Akechi, this started playing in the background:

Hair jokes aside, Akechi's a fascinating antagonist: much like Kenta/Joker and his friends he's an outcast in Japanese society, an orphan living in poverty, and has only been accepted due to his newfound fame as the Detective Prince. While visibly he resembles Light Yagami, his personality reminds me of MJF, who also manipulated the people around him for his own gain. I haven't finished the game yet so I don't know if Akechi will repent, but MJF did turn face with Adam Cole's friendship, so maybe Joker can do the same to Akechi.

#persona 5 #p5 #p5 joker #ryuji sakamoto #p5 ryuji #ann takamaki #p5 ann #yusuke kitagawa #p5 yusuke #makoto niijima #p5 makoto #futaba sakura #p5 futaba #haru okumura #p5 haru #goro akechi #p5 akechi

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lovelypersona · 4 years

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Sunday (Akira Kurusu x You)

A/N: holy shit im writing for persona again who saw that coming!!!

Word Count: 3,400+

Summary: You used to be friends with all of the Phantom Thieves. But now? You aren’t sure where you stand in their life as you sit in the diner, stood up once again.

Commission Me

Where have you been?

Been searching all along

Came facing twilight, on and on,

Without a clue

Without a sign…

The rain comes down in thick sheets outside, the water smacking down on the roof and windows of the diner you sat in, undisturbed and dry. You had luckily made it in on time before the downpour started… but the seat across from you remained empty.

Truthfully, as sure as the weather, you had expected just as much that he wouldn’t show. Akira, though only a high schooler, same as you, seemed unusually busy. Plans always seemed to fall through… but it seemed he always had time for the other friends he met along the way. Friends that you met, too, and you felt like you belonged with. Friends that were all dear to you- but maybe you weren’t as dear to them.

You sigh as you run the tips of your fingers against the rim of the coffee mug in front of you. It’s been empty for quite a while, and the coffee tastes nowhere near as good as Boss’s. You were upset that your friend had decided to be a no show again, but you can't bring yourself to be disappointed. As stated before, you weren’t expecting anything different.

Maybe it was silly to keep this charade going, you think. Maybe it was time to finally face the facts.

Without grasping yet,

The real question to be asked…

Where have I been?

You were beginning to feel like a porcelain doll. Fake smile, pretty hair… fragile and right about to break if shoved to the side.

Which, unfortunately for you, this was exactly the case since you met Akira. You could feel you weren’t ever a priority for him. Always shoved to the side… to be dealt with later at a more convenient time. It begs the question- what on earth was Akira’s priority anyway?

You had accepted since that rainy Sunday spent alone in a booth that you would never get an answer and your friendship with the entire group of misplaced misfits would never get better. If they wanted to brush you off… you figured you would do the same. Smile, say the right things, do what’s expected of you at the moment… but not a lick more than that. It was only fair. Why give and give when you are never given back?

You felt hollow like a porcelain doll, too.

I’m a shapeshifter at Poe’s masquerade,

Hiding both face and mind,

All free for you to draw.

I’m a shapeshifter,

What else should I be?

Please don’t take off my mask,

Revealing dark…

“Has anyone noticed something off about ___ lately?” Makoto is the one to bring it up during their meeting in Le’Blanc. Everyone exchanges glances and nods and the student council president sighs.

“They’ve seemed… I don’t know? Less spunky?” Ryuji scrunches up his face in confusion.

“I’d say less energetic,” Ann butts in, “less… like ___. Like they’re trying to be someone else.”

“Withdrawn,” Akira says simply, the one word like the final puzzle piece everyone needed. Ryuji lights up.

“Yeah, that’s it!” And then he dims down again. “But why?”

“You don’t think something happened, do you?” Futaba fidgets in her spot, frowning and Makoto softly rubs her back.

“It’s possible,” she sighs. “But I don’t know what it could be.”

Yusuke hums, a contemplative look on his face as he cups his cheek. “They don’t have family troubles, do they?”

“I don’t know a lot about their home life…” Akira says, and everyone else seems to feel the same.

“Well, what do you guys know?” Morgana looks skeptically across the room, stretching his back lazily on the table. By now, he’s expected an answer, but as he looks at the group, he sees the lost expression everyone wears. Morgana’s ears droop back. “...I think that’s the issue.”

Indeed.

Moments of calm

Nothing left to be found

A mirror right in front of me;

That’s where I find an empty glass

Reflecting the sad truth,

It’s telling words not to be told...

Your grades were never the best, but they haven’t been getting better. They’ve taken a long steep dive into No Coming Back- This is Bad territory, but you can’t bring yourself to care. You never really cared about school what with their corrupt system and unfair teachers anyway- you only came for your friends.

But you don’t really have friends anymore, so…

You don’t know why you keep going to school if it’s only to look out the window and fail tests and wish you were anywhere else but there- seeing the people you love, being in their reach, and yet never being spared a glance.

Home isn’t much better either. Your father basically hates you, always has, and he hates your grades- he thinks you’re a failure and he makes sure you know it every time you come home.

You know you’re a failure.

For a second, you thought you weren’t. You thought, hey, I can do this. I can be someone- something-- if I can be with them.

But they’re gone, and they took a sacred part of you with them, so now you’re stumbling and trying to piece yourself back together.

But you have no idea how.

I need the mask.

You don’t really care for Sundays. School isn’t in, which means you can stay home with your unhappy father or you can go outside and be all by your lonesome. Of course, the answer is always to go outside- you can’t stand the stiff and horrid energy your father gives, making anxiety swirl in your stomach all day.

You’re wondering where you could possibly spend your day when an unexpected ting comes from your phone.

Even more unexpectedly, it’s from Akira.

Akira: Are you busy today?

You purse your lips and wonder what he could possibly want.

You: Why?

---

Akira and Morgana sigh at your response. “That’s not really a good sign, is it?” The cat looks worriedly at the phone and Akira frowns. No, it’s not, but at least you replied, right?

“Just keep trying,” he huffs and types on the keyboard, trying again.

Akira: I wanted to hang out, all of us. Morgana misses you.

Said cat smacks at his hand, claws out and all and Akira yelps. “What?!”

“You can’t even give them the simple knowledge that you miss them, too?!”

“Well-”

The phone buzzes, taking his attention away from his angry partner.

You: Oh. I don’t know, don’t you guys hang out a lot? I don’t want to intrude.

You: If you wanted to hang out with someone, you should ask the people you really want to see.

Needless to say, his heart sinks.

---

Akira: I asked you because I want to see you. I’m sorry I haven’t lately.

You: Do you even remember last Sunday?

Akira: Why?

You: Then you don’t. You wanted to ‘hang out’ then too, but not with me. You had time for everyone else, but couldn’t even give me a message to stop waiting for you in the diner.

You: Stop acting like you care when you don’t.

Sent at 9:33am.

---

There’s a hot, sizzling, awful feeling inside your stomach that reminds you of anger as you shove your phone in your pocket and continue to walk aimlessly around Shibuya- but with a lot more power in your steps than before. There’s another feeling besides that, just beneath the anger- a watery, upset and guilty feeling. You know you shouldn’t have snapped.

How unlike you, right?

You have to remember to play the part, don’t you? Act like you don’t care, act as a friend, act like you’re okay, act, act, act act act act-

Your phone is buzzing but you can’t bring yourself to look at it as you- unknowingly- make your path to the diner and inside. You aren’t even aware that you’ve ordered a coffee until the kind waitress with sympathetic eyes places it down in front of you.

A watery, broken sigh escapes you as you hide your face in your hands, trying to quell down your crying, but you can’t. Silently you weep alone in the corner of the diner, shoulders shaking and composure breaking.

I’m a shapeshifter,

Chained down to my core.

Please don’t take off my mask,

My place to hide…

“Why’d you call a meeting so early?” Ryuji yawns from his place on Akira’s couch. Futaba doesn’t look much better, more or less falling asleep as she leans against the blonde. Makoto rolls her eyes.

“It’s 10.”

“Way too early,” Futaba groans, her eyes drooping before Akira smacks the table. The sound is enough to wake everyone up, standing alert and ready as they look to their leader. He drops his phone on the table, free for everyone to see as he frowns deeply.

“We have a problem,” is all he says.

It doesn’t take long for everyone to read it and for the facts to sink in. “Last Sunday…” Haru speaks. “It was raining, wasn’t it?”

“Which means we probably went to Mementos…” Makoto raises a hand to her forehead, a guilty look on her face.

“What do we do?” Ann questions, nervously tugging on her pigtails. “I… don’t think this is going to be easy.”

“The fact we barely know anything real about them and we still managed to let them down isn’t very encouraging,” Yusuke says.

“I hate to be the one who says it,” Ryuji stiffens up, “but what can we do? Mementos, palaces… it’s bigger than them. We have to do this. We can’t help that they aren’t a part of it.”

Everyone glares at him, but only because they know that he’s right. Except for one.

“You’re all hypocrites,” Akira hisses through his teeth, his expression furious as he gestures to his messages on the phone. “You all make time for someone! Makoto, you still talk to Eiko, and Ann still makes time to visit Shiho!” The leader angrily pockets his phone. “We all have somebody outside of this- this thing we’re trying to do. I thought you all cared for ___. Are they really so easy to push aside?”

And yet, something curls unsteady in his stomach. Whispers in his ear, are you free of blame? Didn’t you do the same? Wasn’t it so easy to forget they were ever around?

Akira feels sick. With himself and with his friends. He knows it’s probably just the stress of school and the deadline- but their implications toward their friendship with ____ just--- he couldn’t believe it.

“I’m going to go see them. I’m going to fix this. They deserve more than what we’ve been giving them.”

What he has been giving them.

——

Alone in the diner, you begin to dwell on the past. It’s something you do a lot because it’s easy- the present is so sad and hard, so you’d rather think about another time when things were better. You still remember how you met Akira- and by meeting him, you eventually met everyone else.

He had been studying in the library. Makoto was there too, she always was, but she had a fine way of tuning everyone out as she absorbed herself in her studies. She didn’t hear the relentless whispering from all around the room- all targeted at the new boy. But you did.

How can anyone focus with all this noise? You watch him carefully- it’s a little hard since he’s hidden behind a cubby, and you feel a little creepy for trying so hard- but you want to know if he’s bothered. Does he notice how people talk to him? How can he stand it?

Do you think he’s studying, or do you think he’s planning his next crime?

The voice reaches out a little more than the rest- when you glare at the person it came from, they don’t seem to notice or care. And then you look back at Akira- you notice how his pen has stopped moving and his shoulders are stiff.

So he noticed it, then.

You knew what it was like to be rumored about and bullied. It’s not hard to become the butt of the joke in school- kids are judgemental and mean, it’s just what they do. But this seems too unfair… can’t you do something?

Without realizing it, you’ve walked up to Akira’s cubby and tapped on his shoulder. He merely looks up at you, a concerned look in his eye that you don’t blame him for.

“Hey, if you want to study without any noise…” You slowly start, “I know that the club room on this floor is empty right now.”

There’s a nervous beat in your chest as you offer this to him. You hope he doesn’t take it the wrong way- you don’t want to get rid of him, you just want to help. You readjust your school bag on your shoulder as he refuses to respond. “Anyway, that’s where I’m going. You’re free to use it, too, if you need to.”

Surprisingly, he stands up immediately, gathering the loose books in the cubby and putting them in his own bag. You wonder for a second if he’s about to dash off before he turns to you, a sincere look on his face.

“Thank you. I’d like to go somewhere quiet.”

And that’s how it all started- simple as that. An act of kindness for your schoolmate turned into frequent study sessions in the empty club room, which gradually filled up with more people as the months went by. That’s how your friendship with them all started. It wasn’t the most exciting story, but you look back on that day and the ones it followed with a sad smile.

The club room is no longer filled with the rowdy group after school. Eventually, it was just you- and then you couldn’t bear to be there alone anymore, and the club room became abandoned and cold.

Thinking about it makes you want to cry again- but you think you’ve worried the poor waitress serving you enough today. It’s already a little past noon, hours flying by without you noticing it, and you should probably head home for the day. Nothing is waiting for you here.

As you call the waitress and fumble for your wallet, the door of the diner slams open- hard- catching everyone’s attention as a dark-haired boy rushes through. Your eyes are wide as you realize who it is.

It’s Akira, and rather abruptly, he heads right for you and sits in the booth seat across from you. His cheeks are flushed and hair is unusually wild as if he’d been running, but he grins at the waitress even as he’s out of breath. “I’ll have a coffee, please,” he says.

“O-okay,” she’s about as confused as everyone else, including you, but she hurriedly walks away with Akira’s order and the people in the diner collectively begin to mind their own business.

Now it’s you and him- in the diner sat in a booth, on a Sunday- exactly what you were supposed to be doing before. But this time, it’s not raining.

“You look like you ran a marathon,” for some reason this is the first thing you can think to say. Akira laughs, subtly fixing his glasses and smoothing out his hair as he does. You didn’t mean it in a bad way- he looks handsome either way.

“You weren’t answering your phone, so I just ran everywhere I thought you might be until I found you.”

Right. You had put your phone on silent. Wiggling it out of your pocket, as soon as the screen turns on you see dozens of messages, all from Akira. You instantly feel bad, but before you can say anything, Akira’s hand reaches across the table and covers your phone, forcing you to put it down.

“I didn’t say that to make you feel bad. I get it. I, uh,” he stutters, “I wouldn’t want to answer me either if I were you.”

“What are you doing here, Kurusu?” You ask him before you don’t have the guts anymore. Being here with him… It makes you anxious. You forgot what it was like to talk to him.

Your choice in name visibly upsets him, but he doesn’t say anything about it. You feel it’s appropriate- you hadn’t talked in such a long time, you no longer felt that you should use his given name. It doesn’t feel right.

“I wanted to see you,” Akira says. The waitress suddenly appears with his order, not saying anything as she quickly leaves after his quiet ‘thank you’, and then he continues. “I wanted to apologize for not being around lately… We’ve all noticed that you’ve been acting differently- but- we didn’t do anything. And I’m sorry.”

“Well, that doesn’t make me feel any better,” you frown, your eyes stinging as you look at the table.

“I know it doesn’t… but I needed to say it. And I wanted… to spend today with you, if you’d let me. I want to fix it.”

You know he’s sincere- Akira doesn’t lie, not often anyway. He doesn’t lie to you- to his friends. Immediately, you want to say yes- please be my friend again, please make it feel better.

But you can’t.

“I can’t,” you say. “I… it doesn’t work like that. I can’t be your friend again while knowing I might not be your friend tomorrow, the next day, or next week… You just disappear, Kurusu, you all do. You all disappear and I don’t know why, but I can’t stand it.” Your hands wring together on top of the table nervously, your heart beating a bit too fast. You hate admitting it to him, but you can’t deny it anymore- whatever they’re doing, you’re not a part of it. It’s so painfully obvious that they don’t trust you, and it makes you feel like shit.

Akira seems to be at a loss for words. The two of you sit in an upsetting silence- you want to apologize and make him feel better, but you can’t do that anymore, so you stay quiet.

“Every… every Sunday,” Akira starts. You look up at him slowly. “Every Sunday, I’ll be here. And I can’t promise I can always bring everyone with me, but I’ll… I’ll be here. All day.”

“Don’t say that if you don’t mean it,” you sigh and he quickly shakes his head.

“I do mean it. I told you- I want to fix it.”

His hand reaches out again, softly grasping one of your own clammy hands. “I can’t tell you exactly what we’re doing… But I can tell you that the group and I… we’re doing something, and it’s dangerous. It’s exhausting. And I don’t want you to be a part of it because I don’t want you to get hurt.”

What… on earth does that mean? Your chest feels heavy as you hold his hand back, worry in your eyes. What are they doing that would make him say that- make him look so upset and tense?

“But I still want to be friends with you- you’re dear to me. I don’t want to lose you because I made the mistake of getting caught up in other things.”

You’re dear to me.

Those words seem to break you apart. You promised yourself you wouldn’t cry again today, but the tears fall before you can even catch them. You sniffle pathetically, holding Akira’s hand tighter as you cry. “I’m sorry,” you whisper. Before you realize what’s happening, Akira is standing up, moving around the table so he can sit beside you, still holding your hand.

“Don’t be.” He whispers, his other arm wrapping around you and holding you against him.

And it’s been so, so long since you felt this wanted- it breaks you all over again and you continue to cry, basked in the warmth that is Akira as he refuses to let you go. “Every Sunday?” You ask him, quiet and meek. A part of you is embarrassed to have him see you cry like this, but most of you is too overwhelmed to care.

“Every Sunday,” he promises. And even though maybe you shouldn’t… you believe him.

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oneshotprincess · 5 years

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Are you taking oneshot requests? If so, an akirann wedding or a akirann and ryuji x makoto double date?

I’m so sorry! I’m so late omg and it’s a bit rushed. I just got really caught up with all my other project. Thank you for the prompt though and you can read it on ao3 here too: https://archiveofourown.org/works/18067160

Ann was not panicking. She was not. It was her big day, months of planning had gone into it, nothing could ruin it.

Despite that short little pep talk she gives herself, Ann finds herself bursting out anyway, “Everything’s fine out there right? It’s all good?”

Behind her, Shiho sighs before going back to fussing over Ann’s veil. “Relax,” she tells Ann gently, because she is quite possibly the best human being ever with an endless wealth of patience. “Everything’s fine. In fact we’re probably ahead of schedule thanks to Makoto.”

Ann grimaces, fidgets, runs a hand down her the bodice of her white gown. She bites her lip, before remembering that she’s wearing lipstick. Then—

“But—”

“No, buts!”

Ann goes back to fidgeting quietly.

Ann’s parents had never been the most involved of people when it came to her life but they adored Akira from the start, from the few times they’d met. Afterwards, when Akira proposed, her mother had been the one to really jump on to wedding planning with gusto. A western style wedding at a chapel, she’d insisted and Ann went with it. It sounded like the best option and well, Ann would be lying if she said that she hadn’t dreamt of wearing a big, white ball gown as a child. Akira hadn’t had any objections either, as long as the ceremony was private. So the chapel wedding had been the obvious choice.Everything really is perfect so Ann doesn’t even know why she’s nervous. She’s been with Akira since high school, for crying out loud. This is just making official in the records what she’s known from the start: that they’re meant to be together, no matter what.

Ann’s fingers catch on a bead on her bodice. “Oh, for crying out loud!” Shiho throws up her hands, but Ann can see the amused quirk of her lips. Ann’s not feeling very amused right now. Queasy, more like it. She really shouldn’t have splurged on the strawberry shortcake for breakfast this morning.

“Don’t look now, Ann,” Shiho tells her wryly, “but your Prince Charming is here.”

Ann spins around so fast, she almost trips over the hem of her skirt. It’s only Shiho’s iron grip that keeps her upright.

At the door, flanked by a frazzled looking Makoto, stands Akira. And oh, he looks amazing. He’s always looked good in formal blacks and his hair’s been styled back away from his forehead. Ann won’t lie, she’s partial to his messy bedhead look but this…he looks fresh, crisp, stunning.

He grins at her, familiar and cheeky, and Ann’s heart does a somersault or two.

“Akira…” she reaches out a hand in spite of herself and he crosses the rest of the way in quick strides to grab hold of it. His other hand goes to her waist.

“Five minutes,” Makoto calls out from behind. Beside her, Shiho gives her a knowing look as she walks past them and out the door, shutting the door to the dressing room gently behind her.

“You jerk,” Ann tells him petulantly, pressing her hands flat on his chest. “Isn’t it supposed to be bad luck to see the bride before a wedding?”

“We make our own luck,” Akira grins at her flippantly but there’s a flush on his cheeks regardless. Under her hands, she can feel his heart beating. “Makoto told me you were nervous?”

“No,” she says immediately, then amends, “Yes. Maybe. I don’t know, I just—I guess I can’t believe we made it? It’s stupid but this all just seems…surreal all of a sudden.”

Akira’s eyes soften in understanding. “I get it,” he tells her. “I get it, but hey…Would some extra bit of luck cheer you up?”

Ann tilts her head up at him curiously as he lets go of her to fish around in his pockets. He holds up something small and golden, tied to a brown leather cord. Ann takes it from him, turns it over in her hands.

“Tyche charm,” Akira tells her before she can ask. “I had it saved up. Figured we might need it someday. Good thing too right?”

It’s startling, kind of. A physical reminder of their time as Phantom Thieves. Logically, she knows it happened…but sometimes it really does feel like a dream.

“Hey, it can be your something new!” Akira tells her with a fond smile on his face. “Aren’t brides supposed to have something to do with that? For luck? Something old, something new, something borrowed—”

“Don’t!” Ann groans. “Why would you tell me that? I can’t go looking for things like that now—”

“Relax,” Akira holds her wrist delicately, starts tying the charm to it. “This can be your something old and your something borrowed at the same time. And your dress is something new.”

“And blue?” Ann asks, still petulant. “Blue so doesn’t go with our color scheme, Akira.” They’ve always been a red sort of couple after all.

“Hmmm you’re right.” Akira looks thoughtful, not worried at all. His typical level-headed always makes her so jealous. “Oh!” He snaps his fingers suddenly and walks over to the small dressing table to pick up her phone. Her phone which, sure enough, has a blue back cover.

“Akira,” Ann is aghast. “I’m not walking down the aisle with a phone in my hand!”

“No need,” he says simply. Ann can only watch as he proceeds to pick up her bouquet too, and tuck the phone in between the flowers, the complete lunatic.

“What are you doing? Oh my god, you can’t put that in there! That could fall out anytime and then we’d—”

“Then we’d have a fun story to laugh about with our friends,” he tells her patiently, handing her the bouquet. “Besides. Plus ten luck remember? It won’t fall out. On the off chance, it does, it’s just us here, Ann. What are you afraid of?”

“I—” Ann pauses, heart caught in her throat at the earnest look on her fiance—soon-to-be-husband’s—face. “I’m not…afraid. I don’t know, actually. But…I’m not afraid. I shouldn’t be. I mean I have you here with me after all, right?”

Akira makes a soft understanding noise. He tugs her closer again and Ann presses her face to his shoulder. She hopes her foundation’s the waterproof kind. Last thing she needs is Akira’s crisp, black tux getting stained.

“We’ve been through worse,” Akira tells her gently, stroking down her back. “We’ve got our friends and family out there, all the luck in the world just between us. And of course, you have me, you always will.”

“I love you,” Ann mumbles into his jacket.

“I love you too,” he responds immediately. “So have a little faith in the man you love, yes? Nothing’s going to go wrong. Everything is perfect.”

Ann looks up at his bright gray eyes, his amused and affectionate smile, and leans up to kiss him, smudged lipstick be damned. When Akira says it like that, well how can she not believe him?

#my fics #akirann #akira kurusu #ann takamaki #persona 5 #persona #persona fic #akira x ann #renann #ren x ann

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phantom-thieves-imagines · 6 years

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Chapter 1- Let the Game begin (Akira Kurusu x reader)

Could you write a scenario with Akira and female! Reader, where she is a shy and quiet girl from the Real world.. and one day, she suddenly meets her video game crush, Akira, for real after completing his game with the true ending? From the Reader's POV? Please?

I might make this into a long running fic, oh boy here we go

female reader ofc, tried to make her as general as possible

and by ‘readers pov’ i assume you mean first person, sorry if that’s not the case, but enjoy

Please let me know what you guys think of this ! Feedback is my kink oof :0!

-mod goro

Spoilers for p5

Wake up, get up, get out there

Ryuji nudged Akira who smiled. “Yeah.”

Raise your voice against liars Feed your anger like fire

Akira opened up the hatch at the top of the bus, the wind whipping at his hair vigorously.

Why does nobody want change?

He stared out onto the sea, the road, the clear blue sky and the world. He smiled, hands on top of the bus, feeling the wind blow through his hair, the sun on his face, enjoying the world for what it was.

Just imagine you're out there Swatting lies in the making

Akira looked towards the blinding sun, a happy look on his face as he spoke a wordless goodbye to everyone.

Can't move fast without breaking

The bus zoomed off into the distance, and that was it.

If you hold on life won't change

---

I put my controller down, tears flooding through me like a fountain. Happy yet sad.

It was over. My journey, helping Akira had come to it’s conclusion- he was finally free. The game that had taken over 100 hours of my life. The game I cried, laughed, felt fear and anger with was now completed.

Wow.

It was late at night, though I doubt I’d get to bed any time soon. I went online, ranting about the game to people, warmth spreading as I scrolled through pictures or comics of the characters who were practically my friends.

It was a bit melodramatic, how slow things grinned to a halt even after the console was turned off. My mind was storming. With the game, the events, the characters...it all was overtaking my system.

What happened to Akechi, Akira, Yusuke, Haru, Ann, Futaba, Makoto- it was all flowing into me, like my whole body was living to process and revolve around them.

The bad parts too. The ones that weren’t perfect, the ones that could have used some tweaking or correcting. How I would have changed details in the game. If I was in that situation.

Overall- It was an amazing experience, winning my heart- or maybe taking my heart would be a better choice of words.

By the time I finally did (reluctantly) close my eyes it was well past midnight. I’d be dead on my feet at school tomorrow and I wasn’t looking forward to it.

Troubling enough as I went to lay down I couldn’t help but feel...uneasy.

Not as in a monster hiding under the bed type of unease, but unease as in my body didn’t accept sleep or the conditions of my sleep. It was like floating in the water- parts of me above and the others submerged. The two sides were fighting over which one was superior. Above. Below. Above. Below. Constant, calm fighting. It unnerved me.

And then suddenly it just.

All.

Dissipated.

.....

...

This story is a work of fiction

Or is what is intended to be.

For many it is considered a fiction, but for many more it is their form of reality.

In turn, how can any of us prove which things are a reality and which are not?

My bad, I am getting off topic.

The only thing required is an acceptance of your form of reality and....

Your mind

Are these terms acceptable?

...

....

I jolt from my reprieve with a gasp. The pounding of the blood in my head is so loud that for a few moments it stuns me. I guess the pulsation prevented my eyes from noticing anything. My touch comes back first. Smooth, wet bumps from the pavement run along my finger tips. Speckles of sand are dusted between the cracks in the rock, they stick to my palm when I pull it away. The next thing that comes back is my sight, blurring into focus like a camera. It’s dark out, the outlines of the nearby building illuminated with a blue neon hue, further back in the distance a golden streetlight shines in a cone-like shape in an intersection. There’s a boy standing nearby, hoodie pulled up over his forehead so I can’t see much of him. I only realize there’s another person standing right in front of me when he snaps his fingers in front of my nose. Then, sound.

“Hey! Kid? Can you even hear me?” His voice is gruff, a clear umbrella hooked over his shoulder, the rain rolls off of it in memorizing streams.

It takes me two blinks, out of confusion and because of the watter dribbling in my eyes before I find my voice again.“Ahh...?”

The man makes a clicking noise. “Damn...” he bites his lip, before reaching out his hand. “Here, let’s get you out of this rain. Hey, Kid, help me out.”

The one with the hoodie helps the other man drag me up. I nearly fall down instantly. The man curses, letting go of the umbrella to use both of his hands.

They half drag half help me down the street underneath the overhang to a wooden door. The man fumbles with his keys, there’s barely any light over here other than that coming from inside, just enough to let me see the glasses that hang on his nose and the scruff of his beard.

The door opens and we all scuffle in, soaked.

Hoodie-boy sets me down in one of the booths, water dripping onto the leather seats below.

“Man, what were you doing out there?” the bearded man asks, I turn, as he rumbles through the cabinet, pulling out towels. He tosses one to the other boy, who catches it mid-air.

“Uh...I...” What....was I doing out there. I try my best to remember. Everything feels so, otherworldly. Like I’m not really in my body, just floating above it. I try to think. Try to remember why or how I ended up nearly drowning in the rain in the middle of the street. What I was doing before that. I run through every possibility I can think of before I give up. I simply don’t remember.

“Let’s start off with something easier then.” He bearded man hands me a towel as he wipes his neck, pulling up a chair to the booth. “What’s your name?”

The boy removes his hoodie from his head and like lightning, I remember.

“Akira?” The words come out of my mouth before I even think about saying them.

The bearded- no, you know- Sojiro, quirks an eyebrow. “Akira? That’s your name-”

“Ah, no. Uh, it’s-” Wait should I even use my real name? I mean...I don’t think there’d be a problem with it but still I-

This is persona 5. My chance to be a different person. A chance to start from a fresh beginning.

Next to the Sayuri painting- or where the painting should be, there are a bouquet of Roses. Crimson red in color. They remind me of Akira. Similar to the flowers that you saw Haru grow, crouched low and her breath fanning the petals. Roses were beautiful and elegant. The flower itself was silk to the touch and the thorns were rough and would pierce skin. You had to cradle it gently, holding it in your hands in a right way otherwise you’d harm yourself. Rose.

“Call me Rose.”

---

And hour and a half of explaining (or at least trying to) why I was alone in the rain, Sojiro thinking about what to do with (another) soaking wet child in his cafe, and a stern talk of ‘no funny business’ later I found myself laying on Akira Kurusu’s bed, doing the best to dry my hair.

“My name’s Kurusu Akira.” He had said, when Sojiro had left out in the pouring rain to run to his house. “Nice to meet you, we could have maybe met somewhere drier.” A smile lined his words. Complying with Sojiro’s words he was also suffering, or soaking with me in the bottom floor of LeBlanc. Water dripped down from his black locks onto his glasses, he frowned and then removed them, wiping it dry with his towel before resting it on the wooden counter.

“Nice to meet you too.” I murmured. The amount of force it took me not to run out in the rain again and scream was overwhelming. The boy (who I may or man not have forced to go to the bathhouse more times than necessary because I wanted to see him with just a towel wrapped around his waist) that I had spent months playing as, and knew his motions like the back of my hand, was sitting in front of me, shaking the water from his ears.

Oh crap. This is real isn’t it.

Akira mother fucking Kurusu is real, and he’s sitting in front of me. I need to say something. Jesus I need to say something I’ll never forgive myself if I don’t.

Yet my mind was short-circuiting. Every breath I took seemed to take more effort than necessary, my hands twisted with themselves, confused as to what to do and I needed to move otherwise I’d start twitching.

Anxiety curls itself around my neck, like a snake, it refuses to let go.

“Since you don’t remember a thing I guess you’re gonna be rooming with us for the night.” he finally said, breaking the silence. “Hope you don’t mind that.” Despite his light words he was still studying me, sizing me up with a serious look on his face.

“I’d rather be here than outside and catching pneumonia.” He laughed lightly at that, Oh good god. He was even hotter in person. His hair curled back around his glasses, half wet.

The cafe is just like I remember it. It’s interesting seeing it from another angle but the layout seems more or less the same, the ceiling fans spinning slowly, round and round and round.

Round and round, as the hands of the clock tick and endlessly count down time.

Tick tock, tick.

“What....day is it...?” I ask slowly.

Akira looks at me with something mixed between concern and skepticism. “April 13th.”

13th. The volleyball rally at Sujin happened today. Which means tomorrow will be gathering information from Shiho before she...

“Okay, thank you.” I said quickly.

That all happened within a span of an hour. Now I’m laying on Akira’s bed, as he takes the hard spot on the not-so comfortable couch. His glasses are off, laying on the desk by his feet as he has his arm tucked under his head as a pillow. He’s wincing at his phone and tapping. I assume to Ryuji, who else would it be.

I sniff the clothes Sojiro gave me- long pants and a tank top, probably Futaba’s. The though of the girl holed up in her room, living in her own filth and blocking out every sign of natural light. The girl who drowns in her mind and grief daily. Every waking moment thinking about joining her mother.

I grit my teeth. I make a mental note to save her as soon as I can.

“Hey.” Akira says, shifting. “I’m heading to sleep, wake me if you need anything.”

“Okay.” I say, because I can’t think of anything else. What are you supposed to say to a person who just a few hours ago- was nothing more than a bundle of code on a cd?

He rests easy, eyes shutting as he whole body relaxes. His chest expands and contracts slowly, in the dark of the attic it’s hard to see but it’s there none the less.

This is everything I could have wanted- Akira existing, being real in the flesh and blood and finally being able to tell him just how much he means. When people beat him down with rumors and to yell and plead with him to get back up. After everything this rotten world has done to him to finally be able to gently sooth his aches. To finally see his monotone mask fall and to see the emotionless protagonist slip away and show his agony.

I bite my cheek hard, resist the urge to slap myself. That’s just wishful thinking. I have a whole other huge ass problem as is why the fuck am I here and how am I ever gonna get back home.

I wish I was more worried about it, but I’m not.

I guess? It’s because I know my world, the one where I was trapped in my shell constantly. Where there are no such things as personas or changing hearts- that there is really no hope for us. That I’d rather be in a world where at least I know there’s a chance of this world being good.

I hope, I know.

Akira’s breathing settles, and I fall into a dreamless slumber.

Late into the night, unbeknownst to the world, a phone, my phone, lights up.

The hypnotizing red eye appears, then is gone.

.....

....

I point at him. Steady my hand. It’s an easy thing to do, really.

Take aim. Kill the murderous, filthy, insane traitor.

“It’s okay.” he croaks. His eyes are glazed, he’s in pain but he’s doing a good job of hiding it. “We both knew this would happen, at some point.

I don’t think I don’t want to think. Don’t want to think about the events that lead to this. My own actions that caused his destruction.

How ironic, Yaldabaoth would know to cause my demise from my greatest joy.

Destruction what a funny word.

“I’m sorry, Akira.”

I am a ghost. I shoot.

#kurusu akira #akira kurusu #persona 5 #persona 5 imagine #persona 5 imagines #persona 5 fanfiction #persona 5 x reader #akira kurusu x reader #akira kurusu imagine #ren amamiya #amamiya ren #p5 #long post wooooh boy #i spent a week on this and even put off the goro jealousy fic #also speaking of goro im definately gonna put him in here at some point ahaha #sucks to be a goro hater #mod goro

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pulaasul · 3 years

Text

Rebelling Skull - 3

A Sequel to Femoral Meeting.

After meeting an organization dedicated to exterminating Shadows, Ryuji finds his path crossing with said organization more times than he’d like. Is it mere coincidence or simply something from a past he’s unaware of, haunting him?

1 I 2

FFN I AO3

---------

Songs featured in the song are W’s After the Rain from the last chapter and the Pillow’s Funny Bunny

Funny Bunny

youtube

After the Rain

vimeo

--------

As everyone on stage sung the song, the audience sang with the idols as they jumped and cheered with glee, clearly taken in by the performance.

Ryuji was just standing there however. He knew people had been in his position before, he knew that much. The main difference was that he had already given up. He resigned himself to not achieving much in life.

That was why he was so committed on being a Phantom Thief.

Being Skull gave him a purpose, something he knew he was able to do. He believed that he and the rest of the Phantom Thieves were changing the world for the better through the changing of hearts.

He knew he wouldn't benefit from his activities in the long run, at the very least, no one would else from Shujin would experience what he had gone through.

Then these people come in and tell him that it wasn't too late.

Tell everyone that he still had a chance at improving his life, a chance to give back to his mother who had sacrificed heaven and earth for him.

"Ryuji?" Anne called for his attention. "Are you alright?" She asked in concern.

"H-huh?" Ryuji turned towards his fellow Phantom Thief. "Y-yeah." He gulped. "I-I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" Anne frowned. "You know you can tell us anything right?"

"Don't worry." Ryuji grinned.

"I'm serious." Anne glared at her companion. "I know people have given you flack over the past years." She admitted. "I-I just don't want you to end up like what Shiho did." She confessed.

"I'm fine." Ryuji insisted. "What about you?" He returned the question. "Are you fine Anne?"

Anne was caught off guard at the question, but she nonetheless answered.

"Y-yeah." Anne stuttered. "I-it's just that, Yamamoto-senshu's words reminded me of what happened to Shiho." She admitted.

Ryuji did not buy Anne's answer. He instead got the both of them to a relatively quiet place and conversed there.

"His words really got to you, huh?"

"Yamamoto-senshu's words just reminded me of my powerlessness and inability to help Shiho under Kamoshida." Anne admitted. "I-I ju-"

"H-hey." Ryuji cut off whatever Anne was about to say. "Suzui already forgave you." He assured his friend. "Even when there was nothing to forgive." He continued. "Both of you suffered under him." He explained.

"Still."

"Still nothing." Ryuji grinned. "Suzui has already moved on from this incident and you should too." He advised. "Besides, bastard's rotting in jail, and won't be released anytime soon." He finished.

"I hope you're right Ryuji." Anne confided her worries. "I really hope you're right."

"Hey hope for the best." Ryuji showed his friend his toothy grin." Am I right?"

"Speaking of moving on." Anne looked at her friend's face. "Got anything else you're good at besides Track, Ryuji?"

Ryuji was taken aback by the question. He did not expect the conversation to go there. Sure the athletes' words were what opened the topic in the first place, but putting him on the spot was not something he expected.

"I-I don't know." Ryuji admitted. "Ever since Nishi-nee started coaching us and tied with sixth graders in a race, all I could think about was joining the sport." He reminisced.

"Nishi-nee?" Anne questioned.

"Nishi-nee lived across us when Ma and I were still living with my deadbeat of a father in Tatsumi Port Island" He shared. "She and her boyfriend were the ones who coached us, a bunch of fourth graders." He sighed. "If only Shujin had her as a coach."

"That's sweet." Anne cooed.

"Other than that, I guess the only thing I'm good at is beating people up." Ryuji continued as he looked at his open palm. "And get myself and everyone I care about into trouble." He added bitterly as he clenched both his hands.

"Ryuji you weren't at fault," It was Anne's turn to comfort her friend. "Kamoshida and your father were the ones at fault, not you." She assured. "Your father took his job loss on you and your mother and Kamoshida was one jealous pervert."

"Got that right." Ryuji gave off a bitter laugh.

"If I may suggest." Someone inserted themselves into the conversation.

"Who're you?!" Ryuji and Anne were on alert at the sudden interruption.

"Sorry, sorry." The man in a black blazer and orange undershirt raised his hands to appease both teens. "I did not mean to eavesdrop." He apologized. "I just happened to hear the full conversation as you conversed in my earshot." He explained.

"S-sorry." Anne and Ryuji apologized as they bowed to the stranger.

"No harm, no foul" The man shrugged. "In any case, I'd like to suggest you play the drums." He offered. "Appearance-wise you aren't unfortunate." He began assessing Ryuji. "You already have a knack of beating things." He added. "We just got to put some rhythm into it."

"I don't know." Ryuji looked at Anne.

"Why?" Anne looked at her friend.

"I've never been good with academics." Ryuji admitted. "I'm pretty sure I'll fail as a drummer." He sighed.

"We won't know unless we try." The man shrugged. "If you change your mind, call me." He smiled at the boy before giving him his business card.

Ryuji and Anne looked at the card.

"Tsunayoshi Sawada." Ryuji read the card.

"What do you think Ryuji?" Anne questioned as her attention went back to her friend. "He does make a good point, you're already good at hitting things." She teased. "Let's just put some rhythm into those."

"I'll think about it." Ryuji sighed. "I really want to help out Ma." He confessed. "With my Track and Field dreams gone, I really don't know what else to do."

"I mean, it's not too late right?" Anne asked. "I mean W retired early because of their injuries." She pointed out. "But whatever you decide, we'll be here to support you."

"Thanks." Ryuji smiled at his friend as they returned to their places and turned their attention to the people performing on stage.

WE GO! Every time.

KICK OFF! We can start this now.

WE CAN! Run forwards to the goal we are aiming for.

The idols onstage sang as they spun in place then gestured towards the audience as the song ended.

"Encore! Encore! Encore! Encore!" The audience yelled.

"Encore you say?" Risette asked. "How about it every one?" She asked her fellow idols. "Do we have room for one more song?"

The people on stage looked at each other before they nodded.

"I guess we have one more room." Kyosuke answered.

"How about we sing Funny Bunny?" Yusuke suggested.

The audience's response was simply to cheer louder than before.

--------

Defying the voice of your king,

You slipped out in the night, laughing

As the song started playing, the audience started to sing along as Ryuji and Anne reflected on their journey as members of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts.

How Ryuji and Anne overcame Kamoshida's abuse.

How Yusuke overcame his mentor's neglect and theft.

How Makoto overcame the late principal's manipulations.

How Haru stood above her father's desires and death.

How Futaba rose above the emotional manipulations of her relatives.

How Ren overcame the case filed against him.

Your dreams aren't fulfilled by someone else

It just comes on a strong wind one day.

The things they achieved as Phantom Thieves wouldn't have been possible if they weren't members of the group in the first place.

In a way, they themselves achieved their own dreams.

#ryuji sakamoto #anne takamaki #ann takamaki #persona 5 #yusuke aoi #kyosuke aoi #rise kujikawa #persona 4 #rebsku #story

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yucchannosekai · 6 years

Text

All they needed (Non-binary Makoto x Ann fic)

Merry Christmas (Eve) Riley @nbmakoto! I was your Secret Santa for the @personasecretsanta2k17~ I wrote you a sweet fic about a night date between Makoto (non-binary as you asked, I hope I didn’t miss any wrong pronoun when proof-reading ;;) and Ann! Hope you like it!

Title: All they needed

Word count: 3k+ words

Pairing: Makoto Niijima/Ann Takamaki (hint to Akira Kurusu/Futaba Sakura)

Summary: Makoto and Ann decide to go to their first date after two months of being together. However, Makoto gets a bit greedy…

Makoto had never been so anxious in their life. Their job as the student council president trained them well enough not to be nervous in any situation… or at least, so they thought up to now. They were there, standing in front of a mirror, trying their best to select an outfit befitting of their first girlfriend. Truth be told, they thought she was the most beautiful being in the universe. The way her bright sapphire eyes sparkled every time they were together, the swaying of her golden pigtails, so childish yet so sexy, the way her slim body moved, especially when they were in the Metaverse and she had that skinny red outfit that did nothing to hide her beautiful forms. They thought they never did anything to deserve her. Yet one day, an ordinary school day in which they were absorbed in their school duties, she blessed them. She called Makoto to the rooftop, them alone, to tell them how she had felt all that time. Not only could they not believe she loved them, but for so long. From their first talk alone in the council room, if what she said was to be trusted.

But what struck them the most, was that when that HORRIBLE day they decided to be sincere and tell them that they were nonbinary, fearing greatly for their newfound love, fearing that everything they hope they found was on the brink of shattering… she simply accepted it, laughing with that adorable laugh of hers and telling them it was fine, because sex didn’t matter. After all, they were still Makoto. Probably that became, thanks to a love spell, because they couldn’t find a logical explanation no matter what they searched for it, the most beautiful day of their life.

Back to the present day, though, they were literally freaking out over what to wear. Would a cute dress be better then an elegant suit? Or maybe one of the normal outfit they wore when hanging out with everyone else? No, no, this was an important date! No way this is fine, Makoto told themself. It was a long struggle, but after what felt like infinity they managed to choose a good outfit. Not too elegant, but not too childish. Just like they were, they thought. Now they only had to get to Shibuya’s Station Square and wait for her girlfriend to arrive. Luckily she wasn’t like Ryuji, or who wonders how much they would have to wait for her arrival…

Funnily enough, though, waiting for her is exactly what happened. From the top of their perfectionism, and from what Akira tought them during their ‘training’ as a top rule for a date, they arrived precisely at the arranged hour. Not one second late, and not one second early. The problem was exactly their date. She was unnaturally late. Could it be that she forgot? No, that can’t be, Makoto reassured themself. She has always been so careful when it came to their relationship… It must be anxiety playing some tricks on her mind like it did on them. Minutes passed, and she still was nowhere to be seen. Worries started to pile up, and Makoto was gatting ready to take their cellphone out from their pocket… Only for the girl they were waiting for to suddenly appear, goofily running on her heels.

-Hey, Makoto! I’m soooo sorry I’m late! I was trying every dress in the wardrobe searching for the best one, and when I finally thought I chose the perfect one I realized I should already had taken the train!-

The girl tried to catch her breath, bowing in apology. Needless to say, Makoto was taken aback by their girlfriend’s formality.

-Oh, come on, there’s no need to apologize so vehemently. I’m just happy you’re here, Ann. I was actually getting worried, since you’re never late.-

The two shared an intense look, full of love and relief that none of them was angry with the other, followed closely by a sweet exchange of smiles. It was only then that Makoto finally noticed the girl’s outfit. She, too, didn’t opt for something too elegant. However, on her body everything managed to look better. They couldn’t tell if it was for her physique, for her curves, or simply because in their eyes their girlfriend was the most beautiful human being. The moment of adoration was broken, even if not so harshly, by the blonde’s sweet voice.

-Sooo… Shall we go now? I heard there’s a crèpe sale this night! I want to share one with you, since this is our first date! Oh, and I want to go to karaoke together! And to close, what about a visit to the Sky Tower?-

-You thought about all of this? I suddenly feel bad for not coming up with anything…-

Makoto frowned, not sure about what to think. Sure, they were relieved Ann came up with a nice plan for their night date… But at the same time, they felt like they should have thought of something. They should have asked Akira, since it was rumored he got a girlfriend too… He could have given them a nice insight into date spots. He was always so reliable, when it came to such things… On the other side, though, they concluded this was a task they had to do alone. Maybe some internet search, next time, could give them an idea or two. They would have definitely done that to satisfy Ann. It was the least to reciprocate.

-No need to! It’s just basic things for a first date! … I think. After all, I’ve never been to a ‘first’ date.-

Ann giggled, making Makoto blush more than necessary. She was really adorable when she giggled so carelessly… Moreover, even if she never had a date, she definitely was more knowledgeable than they were. One more reason to give their all to learn something on the topic.

Her idea, however, was gladly accepted, preceded by a quick stop to the diner in Central Street. It was dinner time, after all, and they were both hungry. Ann admitted, to Makoto’s surprise, that she didn’t have lunch because of the anxiety. It’s incredible what tricks a first date can pull… They both ordered a steak, and started talking about something trivial like the nice flavor it had, spending quite a lot of time on the topic. Ann wasn’t completely of Japanese blood, and she spent some time with her grandmother in Europe, when she was younger. It seems the steak really has a ‘grandmotherish’ feeling as they say, judging by what the girl happily told Makoto. The steak was followed by a cafè, strongly reminding them of their study sessions. The diner was a common meeting point for their group, and so it became a 'friendship point’ for all of them… However, being there just with Ann, instead than with the Thieves, even when doing something completely normal like drinking coffee, managed to transform such a common thing into a completely different happening. Such magic love has, both couldn’t help but think.

Once their dinner was over, gentlemanly payed by Makoto who wanted to treat her girlfriend, the two headed back in the street. It was finally time for Ann’s beloved crèpes, obviously full of cream and strawberries. She once told Makoto that’s the one kind she always brought to Shiho when she was hospitalized, so they reminded her of her friend. Truth be told, at first Makoto was kind of jealous of their friendship. They feared it could have become… Well, a relationship. But now, reassured of Ann’s true feelings, they had nothing to fear. Instead, they always felt undeniably happy, seeing the way her eyes lighted up in excitement, in expectance of seeing her friend again. It was truly a sight to behold.

However, sharing the crèpe didn’t last as long as Makoto would have wanted. Ann was nearly voracious, when it came to sweets. They were getting really greedy. The more time it passed, the more they wanted… something new, so to say. They couldn’t hide it to themself: they wanted a new step in their relationship. It was a couple of months, now, since their relationship started… However, they still didn’t kiss. That was kind of bothering Makoto. They were always, constantly wondering if they were being too slow… Well, they would have had time, now. After all, they were headed to karaoke, and they would have been totally alone in a room for about an hour…

… Except, kissing was not what was coming. Instead, well, there was singing. And, to Makoto’s disbelief, Ann was a TERRIBLE singer. She opted for some cute magical girl anime song, just to completely ruin it. Her girlfriend thought for a second there couldn’t have been a worse catastrophe then when Futaba’s pyramid nearly left them dead. She was dead wrong, Ann’s singing was much worse. One more reason to do something other than singing… But Ann was really insistent on hearing Makoto sing.

-C'mon, Makoto, now it’s your turn! I’m sure you have a nice voice!-

-Really, Ann, I’m not in the mood… M-Moreover, I’m not as good at singing…-

-I’m sure you have a pretty voice even when singing! It’s always like this! You have a pretty talking voice, and you have a pretty singing voice!-

-Well, I have my doubts on that, judging by your singing…-

Makoto was ready to backpedal after that sentence, just to notice the way their girlfriend was pouting. It was simply adorable, and suddenly they felt less guilty for their admission. After all, this netted them the possibility to see such a cute sight.

-Hey, that was harsh! I mean, it’s kinda true, Shiho told me too… But! At least I tried! Not like someone else in this room.-

When she wanted to, she really knew to hit where it hurts. And Makoto felt all of the hit, so much that a faint blush reached their cheeks. They tried their best to stay calm and steady, not wanting to let go, but sooner than later their expression cracked, unable to withstand their girlfriend’s pout, and after a sigh they decided to finally let go. Not without a condition, though.

-… Fine, if that makes you happy I’ll sing. But, I want a prize.-

-What…? Not fair! I didn’t ask for a prize when I sang! Fine, though…-

-If you wanted it, you could ask… However, better if I choose the song now. The sooner this torture ends, the better for me…-

After a while, Makoto finally managed to choose a nice jpop song. Nothing too pretentious, one of the classic songs you would sing under the shower… Not that Makoto was the kind of person to do that. But at least, they could tell they sang this song a couple of times… And, luckily for them, the singing was not a total disaster. Not a difficult task, after Ann’s glorious performance, but still a little victory for them.

-Well, I demand my reward now. After all, you promised, and I think it’s the least after such an embarassing thing…-

-You know, I’m kind of curious of what you would ask. Spill it out!-

Makoto opened their mouth to talk, really embarassed, but at the same time interested in the possible reaction their girlfriend would have… Just to be interrupted by a loud noise from their adjacent room, probably a microphone fallen to the ground, followed by the beginning of NeoFeatherman’s theme song. Even if Makoto wasn’t a fan, she could tell apart the song by how many times she heard it passing on the TV.

-Whoa, someone there is a big fan of NeoFeatherman. It kinda reminds me of Futaba-chan…-

-But, you know, no way Futaba would come to karaoke. At least, not alone, and you know she doesn’t have friends beside us… H-However, why are we talking about her? We are at a date! And I think I had to tell you my prize!-

-Ohhh, you’re right! I’m all ears!-

-Well, as I wanted to say… I demand… a ki– -

Makoto tried their hardest to end the sentence, in the silence of their room, just to be violently covered by the people in the other room. A couple, to judge by their voices, a little too familiar to two of their friends.

-Sorry, Makoto, could you repeat? Geez, they’re really giving their all, in that room…-

-Maybe it’s proof I shouldn’t tell you, at least not here… What about I tell you in a quieter place? Like, at the Sky Tower.-

-Good idea! Now, let us duet too! We will show them who’s the loudest singing couple!-

The two sang until the end of the hour they booked the room for, happy to share such normal couple things together. To Makoto, it was like torture, giving how embarassing they thought such things were, but sharing them with their girlfriend made it all worth it. Once outside of the room, they were finally able to see their disturbers, and they were ready to scold them too, if only the couple wasn’t too intent in kissing.

-… We should let them be. We can scold them at the next Phantom Thieves meeting and teach them some karaoke bonton.-

Makoto laughed, giving a last look at the happy couple, heading out with their lovebird. They really thought it was nice, having such a good relationship with someone. That’s what they wanted to achieve too. Well, they would have had their chance once at their last date spot. It was finally time to go there and fulfill her little dream!

… Not before hearing a loud 'Akira, I hunger!’ from a certain redhead behind them, anyway.

The ride on the train was certainly not the most comfortable. It was getting late, but for some reason even if it was one of the coldest day in a while, it seemed to many couples like the best day for a date. Well, it was like this for them too, after all. Probably when you’re with your loved one, you fell hotter all over your body, and the cold might be only a way to be closer to your date, Makoto thought. After all, them too was trying this trick with Ann, holding her hand in the excuse that they forgot their gloves.

The sky was getting gradually cleaner, however, a real luck since they had to climb the tower to gaze at the city. They were getting ready to enter the building, when they noticed the last group of the Phantom Thieves, namely Yusuke, Ryuji, Haru and the poor leftalone Morgana, heading out of the tower, seemingly back from a sort of trip up there. Knowing them, it was probably Yusuke’s merit.

-Such a magnificent view. My next composition will be simply splendid.-

-I’m really glad my idea to come here has proven fruitful, Yusuke!-

-But maaaan, couldn’t we come, like, another day? It’s effin’ late! And you know how packed we’ll be on the train back home?-

-How dumb you are, Ryuji. Today the sky is crystal clean, it’s the best day to gaze at the city lights from up above. Moreover, did you want to leave the magnificent me alone, with Akira gone who knows where? Should I remember you how you’re all lost without me?-

-Shut your mouth, you damn cat! Always playing big, dammit…-

Everything seemed so normal… They were having fun, even with the insults and the bickering. Just like them. Well, at least without the insults and bickering part. It was incredible, to Makoto’s eyes, how the same fun and excitement could come from such different things. A group of friends, or even your loved one… The two shared a smile, heading inside the building and then up with the elevator. It was a long ride, especially because Makoto’s heart was constantly pounding at the thought that they would soon receive their prize, but once they got on the top, they couldn’t hide that the view really paid it off. It was wonderful, one of the most beautiful things they ever saw. Well, except their girlfriend, that is.

-Hey, Makoto! Look, look!-

Ann nearly ran away, glueing herself to one of the infinite window glasses. Makoto followed a little after, looking mesmerized at the sight in front of them. You could see all of Tokyo, by walking around, and the countless lights made the view all the more beautiful. There was Kanda’s church, Akihabara’s glowing anime posters, Central Street, they could even swore they saw Shujin Academy. Or at least, pretend they did, giving how small every building was. It was practically impossible seeing people, not even as small as ants… The city suddenly felt so small, like a miniature. And they were looking at it from up above, like if they had it in their hands. Like if it could be crushed in a second. But most importantly, for a moment they felt like they were the only ones in the world.

-It’s really wonderful as Yusuke was saying. I’m surprised…-

-I’ve already been here a couple of times, but at night it’s so different! You can see all those flickering lights!-

Ann’s eyes were wide in surprise and excitement, her lips slightly apart, her skin enlightened by the strong neon lights. The moment Makoto’s eyes fell on her, no matter how much they tried to look away, they simply couldn’t.

-H-Hey, Ann. Can I now… get my prize? I’m quite eager, to… to tell the truth.-

They tried to sound as confident as they could, but couldn’t help but stutter a little. It was so difficult, talking when they had so much going on in their mind, between anxiety and expectations…

-Huh? Yeah, of course. What is that?-

Makoto didn’t answer. Not because they weren’t able to, but because they didn’t want to. Well, maybe only partially because they didn’t want to, they were still really nervous. But, after all, Ann accepted the 'pact’, she just had to do what they wanted. They shortened the distance, looking straight into her eyes, even if woth her heels tonight they fell a little beneayh her. She looked puzzled, locking her eyes on theirs, like if she couldn’t understand what was was happening. Or maybe, she only feared that building up expectations wpuld have led to disappontance. Well, time to answer, Makoto told themself.

-I want a kiss.-

Without leaving a gap to answer, Makoto finally reached Ann’s lips. It was fulfilling. Like if… a weight had been lifted from their shoulders. Especially when their girlfriend started kissing them back. They hugged, each one entangling their hands into the other’s hair, locked into a kiss neither of them wanted to break. Their kiss was a mix of love, passion, affection, desire… It was a swirl of emotion, all the emotion they always kept for themselves, like in fear it would have been too early for the other. However, right now there was nothing stopping them again. They were just happy with what they were doing, with their little step, with their gentle touches, with their sweet lips.

If possible, they would have gone on forever.

'Cause that was all they needed.

#personasecretsanta2k17 #makoto niijima #ann takamaki #futaba sakura #akira kurusu #ryuji sakamoto #yusuke kitagawa #haru okumura #morgana #persona 5 #non-binary #f/f pairing

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luucarii · 7 years

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Persona 5 Ramblings

this shit is long. like really long.

and I sound like a crazed fangirl so....

MAJOR SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT. IM TALKING ABOUT LIKE ALMOST EVERYTHING BUD!!!

also, i curse way too much in this... apologies in advance

also, happy father’s day even though this has nothing to do with it :)

THIS IS ALL BACKGROUND ON ME BEFORE I GOT THE GAME SKIP TO THE NEXT BOLD PART IF YOU WANT TO HEAR MY OPINION ON THE GAME ITSELF.

Okay, so I’ve mentioned vaguely how Persona 5 is my first encounter with the Persona series. I’d heard bits and pieces about the series but I never really understood the concept of Persona until maybe mid April of this year. I was on spring break from school and I don’t remember how exactly how I stumbled across it but i found this playthrough of Persona 5 on youtube and I was mildly interested. So I clicked on it, and into the emotional rollercoaster that is this game i went.

At the time, there was only about 11 episodes of the play through (each around an hour long) so I binged watched each episode ending up with me staying up past 2 am. I was just so invested. The opening drew me in the minute the camera showed off that smug little bastard Joker’s smirk over the casino (I’ll get into why I love this kid and the rest of the cast later). I was confused since I was going into Persona 5 with no knowledge of the whole concept of Personas at all. I was kinda just like “wow this looks badass. What is he doing? Oh my god, this game is so pretty.”

I ended up skipping around once I got tired of waiting for a new episode and watched this long ass livestream. I got to about Okumura’s Palace before there was nothing left for me to watch but the boss battles uploaded, which did spoil me a little bit and got me a bit confused but I was so interested that I honestly didn’t care. I was so surprised at Niijima’s Palace and her boss battle as a whole and was like “SHIT THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE GAME!!!! OH MY GOD EVERYTHINGS BACK”

From there, I skipped straight to the traitor - aka Akechi’s battle - and can I just say, I was not surprised that he had a Persona but I was surprised that he betrayed the group considering all the story shit I skipped. Shido’s fight was fairly interesting to me but again, I skipped a bunch of story shit so I was really just rooting for the Phantom Thieves because this was THE ASSHOLE WHO GAVE MY POOR LITTLE AKIRA A CRIMINAL RECORD.

Skipped a bunch of shit again and onto the fight with Yaldobaoth. At this point I was drawing a lot of similarities to Xenoblade Chronicles, fighting a God for freedom and then THEY PULLED THE WHOLE BELIEF THINGY (which they did at the end of Okami as well) AT THE END WITH MISHIMA AND THE REST OF TOKYO BELIEVING IN THE THIEVES AND I WAS SOBBING LIKE A LITTLE BITCH AT 2 AM.

And after that, I made it a point that one day I’d play this game for myself. And it was maybe a few days after that I finally got the game.

Now at the time (and still now) I didn’t own a PS4 and was forced to use my brother’s when he was at work. Adding to the fact that school was beginning to start up again, I had at most maybe 6 hours to play a day if homework didn’t take up all my time. So what might’ve taken me a few weeks to beat took me almost 2 months to beat because of timing.

BUT OH WELL, I HAD THE GAME, I PLAYED THE GAME, I LOVED THE GAME AND NOW IM GOING TO SQUEAL LIKE A FANGIRL OVER EVERY ASPECT OF THIS GAME THAT I ADORED.

GAMEPLAY

Okay, so I’ve played my fair share of JRPGs and Persona 5 was a nice familiarity. All the dungeon crawling, the fighting, turn-base combat, ya’ll get it.

BUT UM THESE DUNGEONS (Palaces if you would) ARE FREAKING GORGEOUS, HELL THE GAME ITSELF IS GORGEOUS.

Each Palace and their respective Shadow ruler has their own design, personality and each are based on the seven deadly sins which (after finishing FullMetal Alchemist a few months earlier) I thought was clever and interesting.

Kamoshida’s castle was a nice balance of a first dungeon and “hey we’re not gonna hold your hand, this is fairly simply kill some Shadows, find the infiltration route and don’t get kicked out.” ALSO RYUJI AND ANN’S AWAKENINGS. JUST THAT. INCREDIBLE.

Madarame’s museum had a little bit more difficulty but was still fairly easy. The security bars kinda gave me a little anxiety considering I was still getting used to all the controls (I had just finished an Xbox One game before playing this so my buttons were mixed up) and the little painting guessing game was a bit dumb considering each Sayuri looked EXACTLY THE SAME TO ME (except the color swapped ones) ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING YUSUKE WAS THERE AND COULD HAVE EASILY TOLD US BUT NO HE WANTED TO TEST AKIRA’S ART SKILL. ARE YOU APART OF THE PHANTOM THIEVES OR NOT YUSUKE??????????

but i digress…

Kaneshiro’s bank was fun but GOD SEND THOSE FREAKING SECURITY CAMERAS AND THOSE SHADOW DOGS TO HELL OH MY GOD I HATED THOSE. See my thing is, I’m not exactly a stealthy person. Which is why I love hiding because you can sneak up on Shadows and ambush them easily. I hate raising security level and those damn dogs were so annoying and just ugh. Those dogs are honestly one of the few grips I have with the game. Also, MAKOTO IS THE ACTUAL QUEEN.

Futaba’s temple was by far the longest one for me in terms of gameplay hours (in game time took me about 2-3 days) but it was still fun nonetheless and I’m glad Futaba (who is one of my favorite female characters) got some closure on her story with her mother and was able to rise above that. I’m a sucker for tragic backstories when their well executed. (i still to this day do not know how to pronounce her Persona…)

Okumura’s spaceship was my favorite aesthetically because I’ve always been interested in space and the stars and the little puzzle at the end with the space pockets was a nice bit of challenging and flying through Metaverse space. ALSO HARU HAS FLUFFY FLUFF HAIR AND HAS MY SECOND FAVORITE PHANTOM THIEF OUTFIT

hmm, i wonder who has my favorite Phantom Thief outfit... Joker... It’s Joker... god damn those red gloves

Niijima’s casino, which OH MY GOD WERE BACK TO THE BEGINNING AND AKECHI’S WITH US AHH, and WHIMS OF FATE IS BEST PALACE THEME.

It was my favorite palace, no questions asked.

Shido’s ship was another long one but finally getting revenge on this dick was incredible. Also, AKECHI AND RYUJI PLAYING WITH MY FEELINGS.

Mementos was a good idea as a whole but the way it was executed everything just sort of blended together for me and there were only a few requests that stood out to me. The music was bland (one of the blandest on the soundtrack, especially compared to the other Palace themes casually mentions Whims of Fates again) and during the late floors of Mementos, everything got so dark and it was really hard to see.

CHARACTERS

expect this to be me screaming a lot.

Akira Kurusu (Protagonist)

okay, um, i love this boy. like a lot. LIKE I WOULD DIE FOR HIM.

For a silent protagonist this guy sure has a lot of character. The rare times he speaks in cutscenes, specifically the ones where he’s Joker, he has this sort of cocky arrogance yet when he’s little Akira in his Shujin uniform he’s a quiet little curious boy. He’s incredible under pressure, like there’s only a few things that make him crack and his dialogue options are priceless.

I especially love Joker because I’m an honest to god mess when it comes to smug bastards and I have an unhealthy love for those crimson gloves of his.

But honestly he doesn’t deserve half the shit he gets in game. Besides the whole “game” set up by Yaldobaoth, he was sent away from his family and presumedly the friends he had back in his hometown all because of his probation, literally no one treats him with any sort of respect when he gets to Shibuya. Sojiro reminds him countless times the first what 3-4 months that he’ll be kicked out if he breaks his probation which (besides doing all that illegal shit as Phantom Thieves) he honestly just goes to school (a place where he gets even more shit from teachers and students), hangs out a little after and comes straight home. I know Akira’s been established to have a bad reputation because of his record but don’t these people have eyes??? Can’t they see that he’s obviously not a bad guy based on what he’s doing in school and not getting involved with the police??? Sojiro's exempt from this because he at least grows to like having Akira around and trusts him enough to go out at night, work in the store alone and lock up from him when he leaves.

AKIRA IS A GOOD BOY WHO DIDN’T DESERVE ALL THE SHIT GIVEN TO HIM

Also, Xander Mobus did a good ass job with his voice

Ryuji Sakamoto

see this post that basically sums up my feelings on this boy.

Also, Max Mittelman.

Ann Takamaki

CAN I JUST SAY ANN IS ONE OF THE BESTEST FRIENDS IVE EVER SEEN???????

Like she went through all that shit with Kamoshida, the harassment, possibly rape, all for freaking Shiho’s sake. Just… wow. That’s some freaking loyalty there. Shiho's the closest friend she has at Shujin (at least before the events of the game) and God knows how long she went along with Kamoshida’s bullshit all for Shiho. I mean I may sound a bit repetitive but holy shit that just amazes me. SHE. ENDURED. SEXUAL. HARASSMENT. ALL. FOR. HER. BEST. FRIEND. And the minute she watched Shiho’s suicide attempt that was it. Any last bit of restraint she had left broke and she went full on at Kamoshida all for revenge for her best friend. My god.

Onto her confidant ranks, Ann is just a charismatic bundle of joy who just wants to make people happy. Yeah she butted heads with that girl (forgot her name…) and did fall down a little in terms of confidence but Akira and Shiho helped her through it and brought her back on her path of what she wants to do… Just ugh, I love Ann so much.

Yusuke Kitagawa

Yusuke’s a fan favorite and for good reason.

His backstory about how Madarame took him in after his mom died and overlooked his painting which led to the later plagiarism is an interesting one and I love how the Sayuri, the only thing left to connect him to his mother, is an important factor that leads to his realization of “oh shit this guy’s a dick who watched my mom die without helping her and he used me for money and fame.”

As a character though, Yusuke’s freaking weird. But i love him because of it. He has his formal tongue but that formal tongue casually overlooks any weird shit that comes out of his mouth. He doesn’t give any flying fucks about what people think of him and he speaks his mind like there’s no tomorrow. I still crack up at the nude painting scene with him and Ann because his mix of awkwardness and passion to paint a nice ass picture is just incredible. Also, another thing. He’s. So. Damn. Passionate. Like he ties art into everything, even fighting Shadows and he’s always looking for new ideas for paintings.

Also, Matt Mercer

Makoto Niijima

MAKOTO IS QUEEN.

She’s not my favorite female, that role goes to Futaba but she’s definitely number 2.

I genuinely have a love for the Niijima sisters because they complement each other so well. Sae’s the head of the house who also works tirelessly just to support her younger sister and it’s clear to see why Makoto would feel useless. She’s a high school student and as a student you really can’t do much that’ll pay the bills and keep food on the table unless you have a job which Makoto’s student council president and (i’m assuming) is in everything so it’d probably be hard as is to get a job and be of some sort of use to her sister. Then Kaneshiro comes around threatening her and Thieves and her sister and she just doesn’t want to feel useless anymore. She wants to do something after being forced to sit back and watch other people be counted on. And just, ugh, her awakening is by far my favorite out of all of them just because of everything behind it and just MAKOTO IS AMAZING, CASE CLOSED.

Also, Cherami Leigh.

Futaba Sakura

By far my favorite female as I feel our personalities are pretty damn similar. Besides her being a hacker and me not knowing anything about possibly illegal things like that, I relate to Futaba as she’s an introvert. She and I value our alone time and (although for different reasons) like being shut in. Now I’m not going to say Futaba and I share the same backstory because my God I’m honestly baffled how this girl went through years in solitude after her mother’s death thinking it was her fault. For one, she WATCHED HER MOTHER DIE IN FRONT OF HER. HOLY SHIT HOW DID THIS GIRL MANAGE TO FUNCTION WITH THAT MENTAL IMAGE IMPRINTED IN HER BRAIN???? AND THEN FOR YEARS ON END SHE LOCKED HERSELF UP AWAY FROM THE WORLD AND BEGAN HAVING ACTUAL PHYSICAL AND VERBAL HALLUCINATIONS AND IF IT WASNT FOR THE PHANTOM THIEVES SHE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE ENDED UP KILLING HERSELF AND I DONT WANT TO THINK OF A WORLD WITHOUT THIS ADORABLE LITTLE OTAKU.

also, i really ship her and Yusuke Inari

Haru Okumura

For one, Haru is freaking adorable, I mean look at her. She has the short little fluffy fluff hair and her voice is so light and feathery and polite and WHY DOES SHE COME SO LATE IN THE DAMN GAME????

I was lucky enough to manage to finish her confidant before the end of the game but when her confidant first opened up to me (getting rank 5 Proficiency was a bitch) at that point I was planning on not doing her confidant at all, I was just planning on getting Baton Pass and ditching her because I didn’t think I’d finish it. I did (at the cost of not finishing Makoto’s, still extremely disappointed on that) and I have to say Haru’s confidant was by far my favorite one out of the ones I maxed out.

Her whole thing is now that her father’s dead, she’s basically the one inheriting everything from Okumura Foods and she never really understood anything to begin with and she thinks everyone who’s trying to help her is just doing it for their own self-gain. Okumura Foods, at this point, is attempting to rise back up after all the shit her father put the company through and all the current bad reputation it has. Haru’s never had a chance in her life to make things for herself. She’s always been told what to do and has been very obedient (even agreeing to marry a literal dickhead all for her father’s company) and suddenly she’s given all control and doesn’t know what to do with it. All these happy smiling faces offering their help just seem like people attempting to take advantage of her incompetence. Akira helps her through it like the amazing boy that he is and Haru ends up finally being able to speak her mind about the company and what SHE wants to do. She gives the company up to someone who she believes is trustworthy and decides that she’ll one day open a small little cafe like Leblanc in the future after college. And honestly, just her overcoming her distrust and her previous shell of being obedient to rising up and making her own decisions it makes me so happy and proud to see her grow and change and just UGGH I LOVE EVERYONE IN THIS DAMN CAST.

Morgana

This cat, literally this cat. HE BELONGS WITH AKIRA AND THE REST OF THE THIEVES NO ONE CAN CONVINCE ME OTHERWISE.

Loud-mouthed, a little bit arrogant, Morgana is just an amazing character in general for me. I know Ryuji’s technically supposed to be the comic relief (and he does fulfill this role, don’t get me wrong) but I feel Morgana takes this spot too, especially the two bickering like an old married couple. I know some people hate on Morgana because of how he treats Ryuji and the amount of “go to bed” memes on Tumblr but all around Morgana is just a cat who was just looking for a place to call home. He was just looking for people to accept him.

And a part of me honestly hopes if there’s an add on for this game in the future, Morgana gets a human form because I’d love to see that.

Also, please tell me I’m not the only one who still mixes up Morgana’s gender. I still sometimes call him a her just out of habit because I can’t hear Cassandra Lee Morris as anything but a girl.

Also, Cassandra Lee Morris.

Goro Akechi

OKAY SO CONTROVERSY??? MAYBE??

I LIKE AKECHI

NO FUCK THAT

I LOVE AKECHI

LIKE HONEST TO GOD THIS BOY DESERVED BETTER.

Don’t misunderstand, I know he killed people. I know he caused all those shutdowns and was planning on killing the Thieves and eventually Shido himself (which now begs the question, say he did kill Shido, what next?)

I’m not denying anything he did. And yes, his backstory (although extremely saddening) does not justify his actions. He knew what he was doing and he still did it.

Akechi took the wrong path in his life. If anything you can sort of compare his story to Futaba’s in the sense that they both lost family members and were left with nothing. In Futaba’s case however, she still had people trying to help her. She had Sojiro who took her in after her uncle was abusing her or something and she had the Thieves who literally changed her heart and made her see the truth.

Akechi had absolutely nobody.

His mom died (suicide if I remember correctly), he was thrown into foster care, his own father (seriously, fuck Shido. Not just because of how he was with Akechi but everything in this damn game) didn’t even knew he existed. He had no acknowledgement, no affection, nothing. He was forced to make do with what little scraps he could find and make a life for himself.

Again, don’t misunderstand me. I know he killed people and his backstory does not justify his actions because he knew what he was doing was wrong. I’m just saying maybe if he had someone, anyone who was there to help him out, to pull him out of his misery he most likely would have been a different person. He wouldn’t have had his revenge for Shido be his only reason for living and he wouldn’t have gone out the way he did. It’s hard not to feel bad for him. He’s been alone all his damn life and all this guy really wanted was a friend, some teammates, people who wanted him around. I just wish Akechi had gotten a way to repent. I hate the fact that he died. One because we lost a good character and two because I genuinely believe that he wanted to change at the end. Akira changed him. The Thieves changed him. I wish he had gotten an ending where he could own up to his mistakes and be able to make up for lost time.

Just… ugh.

I’m apart of the “Akechi deserved better” group.

And I also ship Akeshu really really really hard.

Also, Robbie Daymond was freaking fantastic.

VERDICT

THIS IS LONG ENOUGH SO LET ME SUM IT UP IN A SENTENCE.

PERSONA 5 IS AMAZING, I LOVED IT.

#ari speaks?#long post #persona 5 #tw #p5 spoilers #I honestly could write about this game all day #sorry for the long post #i needed to get this out #just i absolutely loved this game

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monasatlantis · 7 years

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Persona 5 my first review (SPOILER!)

I started playing P5 last evening and I almost played all day today. So letzt get the review for the first hours of gameplay done!

First, I have to say that the first hours of gameplay (and the first ingame Week) weren’t that good for me. The Introduction to the game was irritating as hell. Plotwise it as good, because of course you have a lot of Questions after what happened in that Casino. But gamewise it was bad. Most thing you do or have to do to get through the Prolog is only explained (much) later in the game. So if you haven’t played the game before, you basically randomly press the buttons you are told to push with no idea what you are doing and if you are doing it right. I get why they decided not to explain the game-mechanics at that point, but maybe it would have been better for first-time-player to just watch the prologue as a video-sequence, because being in that place full of people, voices talking to me, telling me to make it out quick and so on kind of stressed me out enough at that point, I did‘t need a fight I could not fight at this point, because I had no idea what I was doing. Later one, most of the steps (sadly, not all of them) get explained and there is a way to look thinks up if you missed something or did not understand it. Which is good. Nothing is as bad as those games who think they are self-explaining and don’t need to introduce the players to anything OR if they do introduce you, but if you accidentally skip something there is no way to reread it somewhere, besides the god old internet. What I do not really like, is how we start with that linear gameplay and storyline and then all of the sudden get thrown into the more open part, were you can go werever you want after school and stuff and you have no idea what you actually NEED to do and where. I still did not figure out were I would get a part time job - any other then testing drugs for that doc, who in exchange sells me the good healing medicine for what she calls a “cheaper” price. Also the thing with the first palace was really not amusing to me. I was so unsure if it was better to finish that Palace quick or if I should wait until the last few days and IF I would have waited until then, I most likely would not have made it, because no one told me before, that we have to send a card first, to steal the treasure and then wait another damn day. I wonder how many player had a game over and had to start anew because of that. Amway, since I finished the palace to early, I had to chance to spend time with Ann, since she was visiting her friend in the hospital from that day on. Would have been nice to have a fair warning of the consequences of trying to finish this stuff to early or to late. I mean, not having the chance to deepen the bond with Ann is one thing, but losing the game is another, especially if you don’t have multiple save-files or only ones that go back to the past few days. I also have not gotten the hang of the “after school activities” yet. What do I need? Is it more important to spend time with friends or more important to get more guts and knowledge? And were do I get kindness from? Anyway, lets talk about the story now... It started a bit... weird for me. So in Japan a teenager can be punished for defending a woman that got sexually harassed? I mean, it was indicated that the guy who sued our main guy Joker (why does he not have a default name, by the way?) had a few corrupt police-guys behind him, but what about the woman Joker saved? Did she not help him? He most likely saved her from being raped. And on top of that, the guy that takes care of us now, Mr.Sakura, told us, that it was our own fault that we got punished for what we did, because that is what you get for messing in the affairs of adults. I mean, what the fuck?! Which normal person would think like that? Also, the way Sojiro treated Joker at the beginning was mean like hell. He treated him like he was some really bad person. But he is a teenager and he committed one damn crime and he actually just wanted to help someone and Sojiro treats that boy as if he is one of those kids who take drugs, steal and carry knifes around all day. I mean it is true, that sometimes people judge you for one stupid mistake, but I think that was a bit too much. I mean I get the school students avoiding him, since they thought he would pull out a knife every second, not knowing the circumstances of the incident that gave Joker the criminal record, but Sojiro knew that Joker just wanted to protect someone. I really found his behavior pretty bad and a bit unreasonably. Especially since he is constantly switching between the “nice guy who just wants to help” and the “I don’t care about you stupid son-of-a-bitch”-attitude, especially in the beginning. It might should confuse the player, but it does not make much sense to me. Neither does, leaving a kid that you treat like a damn criminal alone at night, all night in the a attic of a damn café. I mean, shouldn't Mr.Sakura watch over him and actually HELP him find his way back to being a nice young man? Instead he gives him a dirty room with barely a blanket and leaves him all to himself at night, despite his house being nearby and surely having a room to spare. I mean, yes, maybe the plot will reveal his reasons later on, but for the moment they don’t make much sense to me. Going away from a man that is wearing a pink shirt, but pretends to only be interested in woman and woman only... it is time to go to Joker himself. He is under prohibition, the students are talking about him, teachers are letting him know that they want him gone, Mr.Sakura too made it look like he wanted to get rid of him and the best thing to do would be to lay low and be a good student. So on his first day, after wasting time on searching for the way to school, he stops somewhere to take cover from the rain and when Kamoshida asked if he needed a lift to the school, he rejected the offer. When he later was very late to his first school day (tho it wasn’t his fault) he followed a guy that had a bad reputation on the school-roof despite the fact that going there is forbidden. How stupid can one guy actually be? It was like he was asking to get expelled and hated by everyone. Yes, I do see why Joker stick with Ryuji, since it was basically his only chance of making a friend, but it still could have destroyed his whole life if you look at it and it is not like no one reminded him of this. And yes, we do know that Ryiju is not exactly a bad guy BUT he still could have been one, Joker could not tell for sure. But Mishima told him that going to the school-roof was forbidden. Why not at least avoid going up there? Joker doesn’t always make sense to me either. The plot with the teacher abusing and harassing the students was to much too. I mean, I can imagine a teacher doing this, but Teacher and Parents like just go with it, because that way the school and their kids become famous? WTF?! I just can’t imagine, that there are really no Teacher and Parents that were not willing to allow this. I mean, I keep telling me that Japanese people have a different mentality then we do and all... but the way it looks in this game, they are all assholes, that will sacrifice their childrens happiness and sanity as long as they are successful. I mean, I wonder what Shihos mother was thinking, after she jumped off that school-roof? (It is very unlikely that she should have been able to survive it, so... don’t know why they pulled something so horrible off if they can’t go through with it?) Wasn’t she feeling bad? Wasn’t she thinking she should stop what happens at that school before another ones child kills itself? One more thing I think don’t really makes sense. Also... the kid was drugged, after he got caught by the polic and no one was saying something? Honestly, all this shit only makes sense to me if in the end of the game, they tell you that it should just show you a world in wish everyone is corrupted. In any case... despite that. I am interested in finishing this game. Although I hope I get better at the basic after-school-stuff.

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