Persona 5-2 Chapter 3

"I am sure you have a lot of questions," Lavenza stated.

Akira looked around the room to see that it had changed drastically, instead of it being a jail, it resembled that of a CEO's office. Large, red walls surrounded the three people standing there. A large desk separated Akira from Igor. On his side of the desk was a chair which Igor gestured for Akira to sit in.

He looked to Lavenza for confirmation, to be given a nod. He sat down, mind reeling with questions. Suddenly the wall shook as though someone was trying to break in through the wall.

"Don't worry too much about the noise," Igor assured in his high voice, putting Akira at ease if just a little. "It's good to finally talk to you, our last encounter was a little rushed."

"What's going on?" Akira asked Igor.

"Straight to the point I see, typical of a trickster." Igor shook his head. "In case you are wondering, this has to do with the disappearance of your friends."

Akira instantly straightens up into his seat.

Igor explained, "As you were told, your friends fell asleep. And on their way to be helped, they disappeared. While I do not know exactly what happened to their physical bodies, I can explain why they fell in the first place."

Igor paused for a moment waiting for a response, "As you know, once you defeated the false god, the Metaverse faded away, along with your powers. However, it seems that there seems to be something left."

Igor sensed the flash of surprise on my face and elaborated, "The Metaverse was a collection of the human subconscious, it would not be destroyed that simply. However, it was scattered without any true form and its existence was sparse. However, it seems that someone had stitched together the remnants to form a new whole."

"How is that possible?"

"That is the question." Lavenza chimed in, "Although we do not know the exact perpetrator, we do know for certain that it seems to originate to the human world."

"Many threats have emerged from worlds created by human minds, but this threat is unique in that it's from the world of humans." Igor explained, "But enough wonder, let's discuss what we know for certain."

Another loud bang echoed around the halls but was left ignored by the residents as Lavenza explained. "This new metaverse seems to be acting as a combination of four palaces taking the form of towers." Suddenly one of the walls shifted to what looked like 4 large monitors of 4 towers. The one on the top left looked like the roman colosseum except having multiple stories that towered over Tokyo's skyscrapers. The second tower to the right was pitch-black but covered in a multitude of bright lights looking like stars. Akira quickly recognized the location around it as the Red-Light District. The third tower was straight up glittering in gold. Every visible part of it was either marble, gold or some other valuable material. The final tower looked the most familiar to Akira, however not in a good way. IT looked to be made of long red tubes that twisted and turned to form a tower-like structure. The tubes in the base looked like it merges with the ground like tree roots. If Akira didn't know better, it looked exactly like the deepest parts of Momentos. It was even located right where the thieves defeated Yasbodalth.

"As you can see, these towers seem to be the sources of this distortion. Luckily we managed to make a fifth tower where Momentos used to be. The lower floors of the building you are currently in will serve as your training ground." Lavenza went on to explain.

"Training ground?" Akira looked over to Lavenza.

"Well, since you're out of practice you might need to get some practice in. You are a far cry from bringing out any high-level persona, not even mentioning Sataniel." Igor explained

Akira knew deep down he was right, he could still feel the other personas within, but he felt too weak to control them.

"There is also the issue of your numbers." Igor continued.

"The fact of the matter is that the Phantom Thieves' greatest asset was their teamwork and numbers, unfortunately, this enemy is much too great to face alone." Igor went on to explain.

"Great, more confidants strengthening." Akira joked.

"Why should I recruit more people to your cause when you have a large group already," Lavenza suggested.

Akira jolted to look at Lavenza, but his unasked question was answered by Igor, "You managed to spark the will of rebellion in all of your confidants in order in some way. Rebellion against their greedy bosses, their overbearing parents or the system that caused them pain. All those you entrusted with your secret carry the Wings of Rebellion deep within their hearts, giving them all the potential to summon Personas."

The glasses-wearing teen asked, "I don't want them to be hurt."

"Give them all the offer," Lavenza offered, "Let only the willing and able go with you"

"I don't know…" Akira tried to question before being interrupted

"Oh, come on, man up and get reqruiting," Lavenza yelled channeling her inner Justine

Another loud bang echoed through the hall. Suddenly behind the Phantom Thief leader, the wall erupted, and a shadow entered. It shifted and took the form of a pixie. Akira shot up and felt a dark warmth envelop his body and a white-hot burning sensation cover his face. When the sensation faded, he was wearing his phantom thief outfit. He grabbed the white mask on his face. Time moved in slow motion as a voice radiated from inside his head.

"We are reunited once more," The voice whispered in a thunderous roar.

As Joker ripped off his mask, he shouted from the depths of his heart and mind, "Come to me once more, Arsene."

The cloaked persona appeared in a fiery veil behind him. From his hands he produced a black flame from his hand and threw it at the pixie, making it erupt in flames and screams.

As Joker, the leader of the Phantom Thieves stood over his latest victory, Igor cackled in delight, "Well, we are back in business."

Author's Note: I live! After over 6 months out of activity on this story. I don't have the time or the motivation to talk about it but what's important I'm back. I got a new laptop that allows me to work more often. Wish you all well my fellow thieves.