A/N: I was hoping to take a much longer break from writing, but here we are. After extensively playing Persona 5, I couldn't help but grow attached to these characters. Watching them struggle, form relationships, go through adversity together. I really enjoyed the game. So much so, that I had to force myself to take a break, because I felt that I was playing it too much. As great as the game is, I thought some areas were a little lacklustre, but there was also a lot left to interpretation. (Cue the inspiration.) So, I decided to do one of my own.
For those new to my work, I recommend checking out the two other stories I worked on if you want an idea for my writing style. For those returning, I appreciate the continued support.
For this fic, I wanted to focus on the relationship between Ann and Akira/Ren/Joker, etc. They're my favourite ship in the game, and I see a lot of potential with these two. I guess you could say I couldn't resist the urge to add my twist to how the two grow together, face adversity, and eventually for that bond that I fell in love with.
There is going to be some canon divergence, because a simple retelling of the game isn't my style, but I'm not going to get too crazy with it (I think) and will still follow the general story line from the game.
Two more things to note.
I will be doing this in both Joker's and Ann's point of view. Joker's thoughts will be italicized, Ann's will be bolded respectively.
Make sure to like, share, and leave a comment. As I'm sure every writer has said, they do mean a lot. On the days that I may find that lack of motivation to write. Someone commenting about something they liked, or even criticizing (In a non-toxic way) to help me be a better writer, is much appreciated.
One more thing...
Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to the Persona universe or its characters.
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This story is a work of fiction.
Similarities between characters or events to persons living or dead in your world are purely coincidental.
Only those who have agreed to the above have the privilege of partaking in this game.
I agree
...The contract has been sealed.
The world is not as it should be. It's filled with distortion, and "ruin" can no longer be avoided.
Those who oppose fate and desire change... From time to time, they were referred to as Tricksters.
You are the Trickster... Now is the time rise against the abyss of distortion.
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Sometime in the near future...
"It's gaining on us!" cried out a boyish voice.
"Can't you go any damn faster?!" shouted one of boys.
"We're not going to make it..." whimpered one of the girls.
Sensing that panic was starting to settle among the group, the leader of the bunch spoke up, "I got an idea..."
When all eyes turned to him, he was sporting his usual cocksure grin.
One of the girls was quick to protest, "Knowing you... it's probably a reckless, completely insane, stupid idea. I won't let you do this!"
"You do have a knack for theatrics though," one of the boys mused.
The whimpering girl was quick to snap, "Not helping, Fox!"
"She's right," added the girl from behind the wheel of the van. "Things are getting more unstable down here. The only choice we have is to run."
"It's not our only choice," replied the leader nonchalantly before opening the back doors of the van.
Their assailant was fast approaching, relentless in its pursuit of the band of thieves. All around it, the subway was caving in, and it would only be a matter of time before it caught up to them as well.
Unless...
"The Reaper is the one causing the subway to become unstable. Meaning-"
"Meaning, if we can somehow force it to stop chasing us, the tunnels should re-stabilize," deduced the girl with goggles.
He nodded.
The boyish voice was quick to interject, "But, Joker, we don't have the strength to fight that thing."
"I'm aware."
"Then, how do you propose we stop that thing?! And how are you sure it won't just collapse the tunnel on us if we stay and fight?! What-" the girl's eyes widened when realized what her leader's plan was. "That's suicide! There's no way you'd survive that!"
The rest of the group was quick to catch on as well.
"Are you for real?! There's no way we'd leave you behind like that! That's bullshit!" exclaimed the vulgar boy.
"Skull's right! There's no way we'd allow you to do something as reckless as that," The woman behind the wheel voiced.
And it didn't take any time for everyone to begin voicing their concerns. However, all of that came to a stop when Joker uttered three words.
"I wasn't asking."
He flashed them all a smirk, and it was a smirk they all knew too well. Before any of them could open their mouths to try and talk some sense into their leader, he had flipped off the van into the chaos behind them.
Any chance the group had to turn around to go back after him was gone when they seen their leader disappear under the rubble of the collapsed tunnel.
"JOKER!"
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The train ride to Shibuya was about as boring as it got for Akira. Not that he minded. Especially when considering recent events these past few months.
Throughout his 16 year old life, Akira has experienced luxury at its pinnacle. Seeing as how his family's net worth was around 15 billion; making him one of the richest in Japan, getting whatever he wanted was as easy as breathing. Though, he was never one to flaunt his status.
Unlike the one particular individual who changed everything that night.
It happened so quick that Akira still had trouble piecing it all together, or rather... one could say that he was hoping to forget...
He was coming home late due to an extended stay at the library. Despite all the rave about the amount of athletes, company CEO's, and other big shots residing in the area. Denenchofu was nothing more than a quiet neighbourhood where everyone kept to themselves. So, one could hardly blame Akira for giving into his curiosity when he heard shouting from down the road.
A mistake that would live with him forever.
When approaching the commotion, it became painfully obvious what was happening.
A drunk man forcing himself on a woman. And by the sounds of it, things were beginning to escalate.
Such acts of the wealthy displaying power were not uncommon with his upbringing. Akira had many times witnessed first hand what happens when the elite decide they want something. However, he was only ever the spectator. Someone that never needed to be accountable when the two opposing forces clashed. It wasn't his business after all, so why get involved? Moreover, it was made to clear to him at a very young age to not be a nuisance. Getting in the way of "business" would spell trouble, and Akira never dared test his luck when it came to his father's business.
Yet...
Despite having all the money to buy whatever he wanted, endless resources to pursue whatever he wanted, and all the power a 16 year old boy could ask for. Akira Kurusu hated his mundane life. Notwithstanding the allure wealth possesses, Akira has never once felt that he's held the reigns when it came to where he wanted to take his life. Schooling, who he associates with, diet, extra curricular activities, everything... was decided without him having a say in it. All so he could inherit the company, and follow in his father's footsteps.
Maybe that was what propelled him to take action.
"This ain't a show kid. Get lost," bellowed the drunk man sporting a goatee and wearing yellow tinted glasses.
"Help!" the harassed woman pleaded from over his shoulder.
Akira put a hand on the drunkard's shoulder, "Hey, she said-"
The man aggressively shoved him off, "Fuck-"
What happened after that? Well... the young teenage boy learned very quick what happens when he tries to think for himself.
The woman gasped when the man stumbled to the ground and smacked his forehead on the pavement.
Holding his face, he then glared at Akira, "Damn brat! I'll sue!"
Akira could only offer a blank stare after hearing those words. Which caused the corners of the drunk's mouth to curl upwards.
"You're going to learn what happens when you cross me! Incompetent fools like yourself have no place on the ship that I'll use to steer this country!"
Sirens could be heard fast approaching.
The man looked over to the woman, "When the cops come, give them this statement, 'This boy suddenly attacked me.' You'll know what happens if you don't."
She looked between Akira and drunk man a few times before becoming reduced to tears.
Two officers approached, "We received a call- Oh, it's you, sir. Your head... what happened here?" asked the assertive officer.
Sir?
The man dusted himself off, and turned towards the two officers, "This young man suddenly attacked me, I have the lady here as a witness. Go on, tell the good officer."
Between sobs the woman spoke, "T-This young man, s-suddenly attacked this man, and... t-that happened," she pointed to laceration on his forehead.
Akira looked over at her in disbelief.
Did she just sell me out?!
"Make sure you keep any mention of my name out of this. Are we clear?"
The assertive officer nodded, "Of course, sir!" He gestured to his subordinate. "Cuff him."
Before they tossed him into the police cruiser, the drunkard walked over to Akira.
"Your life is mine to take, and I'll make sure you regret ever crossing me, kid."
He then ushered the woman into his car, taking one last look back at Akira. Giving him the same sinister grin that he probably gave all the other people, before stepping on them to ascend to the top of the proverbial food chain.
Fast forward a few weeks to when his parents found out about the impending trial.
The absolute lashing he received was something he'd never forget. Beaten to a pulp by his father before being berated, and then ultimately disowned. It was made crystal clear, that Akira was no longer welcome in the family. Although, they weren't completely heartless to their only son.
Once he was proven guilty in the one-sided trial and put on probation for a year. His parents pulled some strings and moved him to a new school; since he was expelled from his old one, while sending him to live with a guardian (in accordance of the court hearing) in Yongen-Jaya. All of his expenses would be covered for the year. And as a "parting gift," they transferred him 500 million yen along with the car he got after getting his licence on his 16th birthday; a Challenger SRT Demon. He may not be part of the family anymore, but his father was adamant that he not tarnish the Kurusu name any more than he already had. These "gifts" were a means to that.
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Fast forward a few more weeks when he was eventually expelled, kicked out of the house, and disowned...
Here he was, riding the train to his new "home."
One may ask, why ride the train when you have the highest horsepower(840HP) V8 ever built?
To remain inconspicuous.
His new care taker, Sojiro Sakura, had been made aware of his situation, as well as the school staff. However, the student body was left in the dark, something he'd like to keep that way. Akira never had any friends in his old school, but everyone knew who he was because of his wealth. Something that many people tried, and failed to take advantage of. He never liked the attention to begin with, but what really pissed him off was how sinister their true desires were beneath the mask they wore. They only seen him as an object to leech off of, over an actual person. No one wanted to know what lied beneath his mask.
Since this was technically a fresh start, he wanted to remain as unostentatious as possible. Luckily, he wouldn't have to worry about his record being leaked since it's supposed to remain confidential amongst the staff. But, there was still the thing about people finding out that he had money. Rolling into school in a top of the line muscle car would definitely set off red flags, so the car would have to be limited to after school and off day use; much to his chagrin. As for any other signs he could give off... well... the plan was to not talk to anyone, and keep his head down. No one can know if he's rich if he doesn't say anything, right? And while he never tried to stand out by wearing expensive clothing or accessories. He figured it to be better safe than sorry, and ended up buying clothes that were more plain than usual.
Akira wasn't here to make friends or lasting memories. He was here, because he was paying the price for getting involved in someone else's business. All he had to do was scrape through the year, and after that would be its own set of issues. And when the time comes to face those said issues head on, he'd rather do it without carrying any baggage. Last thing he needs is getting expelled or arrested while on probation, and getting sent straight to juvenile hall.
His future was on the verge of being snuffed out, and Akira was going to do everything in his power to protect that flicker of light.
Even if that meant shutting himself out from the world.
The intercom snapped him out of reverie.
"Shibuya. This is Shibuya."
He pulled up his navigation app.
Looks like I need to transfer to the Yongen-Jaja line.
As he made his way out onto the station square, Akira couldn't help but notice how the lively Shibuya was.
Guess the rumours were true.
Checking the app once again, something peculiar caught his interest.
What's this red icon on the screen? Is it some kind of ad, or maybe an app?
When he tried swiping the mysterious icon into the trash, all it did was enlarge and freeze his phone.
Could it be some kind of glitch with the navigation app?
If his phone was messing up, then maybe a sign could let him know if he was heading in the right direction. However, what he found left him dumbfounded. Everyone, or rather everything was...
Frozen in time...
Was he losing his mind? Sure everything thats happened recently was still eating away at him, but-
A sudden eruption of blue flames from across the street grabbed his attention. Their sinister appearance made him feel uneasy. A feeling that only increased tenfold when he noticed something being consumed inside them, that something being... him?
Before Akira had a moment to process what had transpired, it was over. When he studied his surroundings, it seemed that he was the only one cognizant of the bizarre phenomenon.
Maybe I really am losing my mind... All the more reason to hurry to Sakura's house.
Whatever glitch that was happening with his phone ceased as well. He quickly moved the mysterious looking app into the trash before resuming his walk to the Yongen-Jaya line.
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After what felt like hours of travelling, Akira had arrived at his destination.
Cafe Leblanc.
The doorbell hanging from above chimed when entered, earning him a peek from the man behind the counter. Seeing how he was the only one here, it was safe to assume that this was the Sojiro Sakura he was looking for.
"Right..." the manager says upon further inspection of the boy. "They did say that was today."
Coming from behind the counter he did another once over of Akira, "I was wondering what sort of unruly kid would show up, but you're the guy, Akira?"
Akira nodded.
The old man adorned a sly grin as he introduced himself, "I'm Sojiro Sakura. You'll be in my custody over the next year."