The Puppet on the Strings

Familiar Face With a New Look

"Good. Now's our chance then," Ryuji replies, gripping his side of the treasure.

Ann grabs underneath the rim as well, but the treasure is still difficult to carry. "It's heavy..." Ann pants, visibly struggling to keep her grip.

"To think it'd go so well... I've even found three Persona users in the process. My judgement was correct! I made the right choice in making a deal with you!" Morgana states. 

I look down to Morgana. "I mean, I guess in some way you did." I grin. "But I don't regret doing this!"

"Enough chit-chat. We gotta get out of here first," Ryuji stated. 

It took some time to make it down the stairs, but we eventually made it past his throne. A familiar voice made us stop, looking back from where we were.

"Let's go! Let's go! Ka-mo-shida!"

I glance to Ann, but her expression matches mine. 

Suddenly, the crown is knocked out of our hands, Kamoshida's shadow leaping over us. He held his hand out, the crown, now smaller, grasped in his hand. "I won't let anyone take this!"

The cognitive version of Ann ran up to the shadow, arms wrapped around him. I frown, eyebrows furrowed together. "This proves that I am the king of this castle--it is the core of this world!"

"That rat bastard..." I hear Ann mutter. "That's how he sees me, isn't it?!"

"Yo pervert! Were you waitin' to ambush us?!"

"I just made it easier to find you," he states smugly, still gripping the treasure. "I'll dispose of you myself. Right here, right now."

"That's our line, you sexually-harassin' d-bag!"

"What a selfish misunderstanding..." He shakes his head, but his smile has never left. 

"How was it a misunderstanding?! You were doing things that you kept in secret from others!"

"The people around me are the ones who kept it secret. Adults who want to share in my accomplishments, students who have the drive to become winners. They willingly protect me so that we all may profit from it."

Ryuji's eyes widen in surprise. I hold my glare, hands curled into fists. "Then what about people like Shiho? Or y/n? What do they profit?!" I exclaim.

Kamoshida's shadow looks to me, scoffing. "There are too many imbeciles who don't understand!"

My body becomes more tense. This man is disgusting. How can he brush everything off like it's nothing?

A figure steps out from behind Kamoshida. They're shorter than the cognitive Ann. Based off the shape, it has to be a girl. I freeze, a gasp escaping my lips. "Y/n?"

Her hair was pulled back into a braid rather than her usual ponytail. She's wearing the Shujin uniform, but it's longer on her. She usually wears leggings under her skirt, but these are way too long on her. She has a black sweatshirt on that are multiple sizes too big for her. She looks more like a little kid than a high school student.

I glance at Morgana. "What is this? I thought he would just have a cognitive Ann!"

Ann is frozen as well, her teeth clenched in anger. "It was always more than me and Shiho then. You sick bastard!"

The cognitive version of y/n had flinched at Ann's voice, cowering as she hid behind Kamoshida's shadow. "What the hell?" Ryuji mutters. 

My hands feel cold. What's been going on since I've started this?

~~~

I tap my pencil against the book. I can't focus here. The library isn't loud, but just being in the building after school is making me uncomfortable. Maybe I should've gone to study at a cafe or something. 

"Y/n?"

I look up, Mishima standing next to me. "Hey. How's practice?" 

His cheek had a new bruise and he was holding his side. "Same as usual," Mishima answers, stretching his arms. He lets out a sigh. "We just finished up for today. Kamoshida asked me to get you." He was quiet, avoiding my eyes. Not like I could blame him. 

"Thanks." I grab my bag, pushing my binders and books in the main pocket. I reach into my pocket for my phone, checking to be sure my parents didn't text. Nothing. I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. The one time I want them to bug me...

I step out into the hallway, heading downstairs and to the exit. Maybe I could head out now before Kamoshida saw me leaving. My headphones, once around my neck, are over my ears, music drowning out the world around me. I hummed along to the song, making my footsteps go to the beat of the song. 

Before my hand reaches the door, an arm cuts me off, opening the door for me. I remove the headphone piece over one ear. "Thanks." I smile softly, looking up at whoever opened the door. I pale slightly, but I try to control my expression. "Hey. Need a ride home?"

I step outside, turning to Kamoshida. "I'm fine. I need to stop for something anyway."

Kamoshida still has a wide smile. "No problem! I can take you!"

My heart skips a beat. I really can't avoid this any longer. Maybe I'll have to risk angering him to stay away from him at least one last time. "I'd rather not, sir." I run down the steps, heading for the trains. He's gonna be pissed tomorrow, but it isn't like I have a choice by now.

I hate to rely on someone so heavily, but I need Akira back tomorrow.

~~~

The chair creeks, Caroline and Justine standing century at his cell. "We may get a new resident soon, girls." I look at the desk, smiling to myself. A new player has joined the game. I wonder how he'll respond...