*Mementos*
Upon entering Mementos, you immediately notice that your clothes didn't change, alerting you of your vulnerable state here. However, you push on, looking for answers to your questions about what is going on in the shadows.
So you do your best sneaking around in each level of Mementos that you explore, bypassing each shadow you come across. Itching to face them to train, you are unable to summon any of your power to fight so you continue to slip by. You each further down each level and begin to feel the presence you felt in your dreams. The closer you approach, the more you feel it calling to you.
You: It knows I am here.. I have to prepare myself when I do face it-
That is when a chilling sound of chains starts to ring in the distance. Your body shivers and you slowly turn your head towards the sounds of the chains. Wondering what is going on you decide to pick up the pace and begin to make distance.
You: What the actual hell is that.. I don't remember hearing that before here..
The rattling chains grow louder and louder, despite your efforts to get away from it, you begin to worry. Heading down a couple of paths and turns on each track, reaching the stairs to the next level you head down. After awhile you don't hear the chains in the distance anymore and take a quick breather.
You: Whew. I am so glad that I didn't find out what the hell it was. Now to keep moving..-
You turn and stare face first at a large figure, its breathing hard and crackling. You look up at some monstrous shadow and the moment it moves, the sounds of the chains begin to spring forth from it. It turns it's head down towards you and you freeze.
It floats and slowly approaches you. This is something that you can't face let alone with everyone else.
You: Fuck this Shit!
You turn and burst into a mad dash away from the creature. It gives chase, after you, the sounds of its chains sending further chills down your spine. Turning each corner you hope to gain distance but it keeps on the pressure and you find yourself looking back at the Reaper staring at you, wanting your soul. You yell and scream at the top of your lungs and pick up the pace even harder, hurting your lungs and heart you push on and keep on going.
You: NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE!! NOT DEALING WITH THAT SHIT!
You reach the exit and dive down the stairs and tumble to some platform. Breathing heavily, it seems you are in a safe space for now as the Reaper's chains disperse from the distance and you let out a sigh of relief.
You: I am... Not happy. Right now. I wish Morgana was here.. Cause... WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL IS THAT THING! It's like some sort of Reaper! The Chains! The Overwhelming Presence! GAH!....need to calm down.. I am okay... for now at least... *Sighs heavily* This place is hell.
You get up feeling like crap and move forward, reaching some sort of door. It is locked off for some odd reason and you begin to examine it.
You: Weird.. It seems like this door doesn't have any physical way of opening.. If I had a key I wouldn't know how to use it..
You spend a good amount of time trying to figure it out but come up with nothing.
You: I give up. This is pointless..!
Out of frustration, you slam your fist into the door. Sighing, you place your forehead and close your eyes. Suddenly you feel a warm sensation on your hand and you open your eyes to look at a dark red glowing bit that extends from the door to your hand. It begins to suddenly move and shift, slightly opening for you.
You: W..Wait..? Am I the key? How is that possible..? Does it just react to my presence and touch?
You press further and it moves slightly more and you focus what little power you have within you to burn out your hand, you see sliver blue spirals wrap around your wrist then slide towards your palm and shoot forward into the red glow. The door then starts to move on its own and revealing the next level to you.
You: W..Wow! That was something else! I channeled what power I could into it and that seemed to be just enough to unlock it for me. I can sense the presence is on this next level. I am about to face my problems first hand I guess... Not that I know what I am talking about, it seems like this is some sort of game! Huh!
You begin to shout around you, hopelessly yearning for an answer.
You: Is this some sort of test! Some sort of world where anything can be possible! Tell me!
You shout out and gain nothing in return.
You: I must be going crazy. That's it. I am crazy. Just.. Crazy! Hahahahaha! Uhghh... Fuck me... Let's do this I guess...
Feeling down you proceed to head down to the next level. Reaching the next platform, you feel the presence of Mementos shift and change, it is much different than before. You feel a slight surge of energy fill you randomly. You shake your head and hold it for a moment before regaining your balance.
You: U..Ugh what was that..
Then with a flash of purple shadows, your mask appears on your face suddenly. You are shocked and surprised as it does happen. You get excited and start to jump into the air.
You: Yes! Now you appear! It took you long enough..! Let's see if I can use the same tricks!
You focus really hard to summon your sword, the purple shadows surround your hand and you reach into it. Trying to summon it, you find it not there, disappointed, you let go and sigh.
You: Well.. Not everything is back.. but I guess we are in the right step.
You can see your purple flames are dimmed and somewhat chaotic. Almost like they have a mind of their own and your influence does have a minor effect, however you feel like some of your strength in the Meta Verse has come back. Allowing you to at least move faster and being able to take a hit eases your burdens just a bit.
You: If my senses are correct, the presence should be here.
Cautiously, you step forward and notice that the shadows aren't present at this level. Almost like they are afraid to be here. You feel the tug get stronger as you see a massive door that reacts to your presence and opens out for you. Peering inside you see it is an empty and massive space that is filled with void all around with a square of light. You step forward and slowly a shadowy figure approaches you. It's the same creature you fought in your dream, however this time, it's figure isn't as distorted and creepy. However it smiles at you just the same, almost like it is mocking you. It mimics your movements and taunts you with its smile.
You: What are you..! What does your presence in my dreams and here have to do with anything regarding me! Are you the one with the answers I seek! Tell me..!
The figure just silently laughs and puts a finger to its smiling lips before side stepping.
???: The answers to your questions are quite simple..
You:...?!
You watch as behind the shadowy figure is the black figure you fought and nearly was killed in Madarame's Palace walks forward. You instinctively try to reach for your guns but remember that your powers haven't fully come back yet.
Black Knight: Look at you, so pitiful.
You: Shut it! What did you do to me! Why leave me with this mark on my chest! Why didn't you kill me in the Palace!
Black Knight: Demanding things isn't going to give you what you want you know.
You: Gah..! Damn you..! Have you come here to just finish the job!? Just to put me out of my misery!? Is that it?
Black Knight: Oh no, no no no. We need you alive, you are useful to us alive you know.
You: W..We..?
The Black Knight gestures towards the smiling shadowy figure which creepily nods. You are dumbfounded and filled with extreme anxiety. Sweating, you clench your fist tightly.
You: Is this some sort of game to you! Answer me damn it! What do I have to do with anything?!
Black Knight: Oh you are an important piece to everything. Don't worry, you'll learn your part soon enough. The curse I put on you should soon prove otherwise.
You:...!....What! Curse!? Is that what you did to me? You better think twice if I am going to let some sort of curse beat me down to your submission!
Black Knight: That is not how this works you blind fool. Your fate was sealed before you even knew it. You are just a puppet who thinks it is its own master. Your control is nothing but a hopeless attempt. Soon you will become who you truly are! And when you do.. I will be waiting for your return.
You: R..Return..?... What are you talking about! I know what I am! And that is someone who is going to kick your ass!
Black Knight: I must say, your futile efforts do amuse me to an extent. However, you are barely able to keep the mask on your face, I can rip it off of you if you like. Then you'll see how wrong you are.
You: Try it!
Black Knight: If you insist.
You are ready for his approach but when you blink just once, you are lifted into the air by your neck. Struggling to breathe, you grasp and hit his arm. You watch as this Black Knight figure stares at you without any sign of remorse..
Black Knight: Look at you, nothing but a squirming worm. Don't worry, I will let you off your hook.
You: N..no..!! Don't you dare..!
The Black Knight reaches up and grabs your mask, you feel the pain of it tearing off your face and you scream out in pain. You try to fight back but you feel your mask ripped off and shatter within his hand. Hopelessness fills you as he drops you to the floor, struggling to breathe once again.
Black Knight: Does that answer your pointless questions? You can't do anything to stop it. Just be a good little puppet and just give up.
You: D..Damn you..-!
You feel a massive punch hit your chest, you gasp and fall to the ground and cough heavily. Blood slowly drips out your lips you feel a daze wash over your body. You watch as the Black Knight slowly turns and walks away from you. You grit your teeth and clench both your fists tightly, slowly pushing your body up and getting to your feet. Anger begins to fill your heart, you feel it burn deep within you.
That is when the mark upon your chest reacts and you feel it burn hotter which causes you to grunt in pain and hold your chest, but you continue to stare at the Black Knight and soon the black mark starts to spread further across your body. It rises from your neck and extends like a veiny web that spreads to the left side of your face. The mark travels down your left arm and reaches your hand. You reach forward, summoning the purple shadows forth. You reach in and grip hard, pulling backward you drag out your sword that is swirling with the purple shadows...
You: Where are you going... I haven't had a chance to make you bleed have I..?
Black Knight: You are not a match for me. I will just show you why it is futile.
You slick your hair back and a giant grin appears on your face. You leap forward with intense speed, you clash swords with the Black Knight and seemingly push him back.
Black Knight: So you do have a fight left in you. Show me what strength you can drag out..!
You leap over him and twirl your blade around and slash towards his neck. He deflects and slashes your right shoulder, you barely feel it and push through it, the grin never leaving your face as the excitement of fighting fueling your actions. You brush past the blade and swing your sword hitting him in the side and launching him to the ground. He recovers quickly and swings downwards on you. You raise your blade up to direct it away from you, sparks flying off your blades. You trade blows with your swords and seemingly reach a stalemate as the sounds of your swords clash with each cling.
Grunting a little, you push forward and brush his sword away and graze his helmet. He responds with a back hand that hits you square in the face, however the blood pouring from your mouth doesn't stop you from retaliating and slashing his chest, exposing a little bit of blood. Your grin widens and you press on the attack. Going on the offensive, he tries to defend but soon gets pushed back by your aggression.
Black Knight: I admit your power is something to measure, but it only contributes to the curse I put on you. Your anger is fueling your strength and soon will rid your mind of any sense!
You: I don't care..! Just want to kill you here and now!
Without any hesitation you grip the sword with intense posture and swing with brutal strength, you clash once again. Both of your swords lock together and a power struggle ensues. Both of you try your hardest to push against one another, but it barely budges for each side of the clash, the curse slowly spreading further on your body. You don't care and soon you feel a surge of strength fill you, enough to push him back and attempt to slice through him. He lifts his hand just in time to redirect your blade to the side and kicks you in the chest, launching you backwards.
You attempt to get up but you feel as your body starts to slowly become unresponsive to your actions. You lock up and fall to your knees and struggle to keep on moving.
Black Knight: The curse I put on you is consuming you, soon you will cease to function at this rate. Fighting me with hatred in your heart is going to eat you up. This fight is done here, I will be back for you when you are ready.
You: N..No..! I won't let you get away..!!
Black Knight: You tried and you failed. My job here is done anyways. I will let the rest here to take care of you.
The Black Knight snaps his fingers and begins to walk away. You attempt to move but pain shoots throughout your body as the curse begins to grow rapidly through your body and spreads across. You scream in pain as you hold your head and chest and spasm on the ground, your body burning badly from the inside you scream in pain.
That is when the sounds of chains start to approach as 3 Reapers slowly shift through the shadows and very slowly encroach upon your helpless state. You begin to feel dread and anger well up further as you try to move your body once more to fight back.
You: N..NO!! I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY...!! GRAHHHH!!
You convulse horrifically as you feel your entire body burn even hotter. The 3 Reapers approach even closer. The smiling shadow from before looks at you one last time and seemingly laughs before fading away, leaving only the Black Knight in the distance slowly moving away. Blood lust quickly fills your eyes as you struggle to sit up onto your knees, holding your head. You begin to feel a sudden pulse within you start to reach out.
Finding the moment to grasp it, black shadows begin to burn through your skin as the black veins of the mark start to bleed through your skin and start to consume you even further.
You:...I..I won't let it end here..! R..Raahhh!!! I will if I must..!! To stop you..!!
Gritting your teeth, you focus all the pain deep inside, slowly pulling the purple shadows back inside your chest, deep within the core of the curse you begin to gather it all inside you. Your eyes slowly glow red as you begin to redistribute the effects of the curse throughout your body to your power. It slowly starts to fuel the small ember that was burning before and soon it explodes deep inside your heart.
A massive wave of energy explodes from you and you are lifted in the air and purple shadows warp around your figure. They start to burn through you and start to form a shape around you. The shadows extend further, like a giant purple shadowy pillar, you are encased within, only your bright red eyes shine through it.
You land on the ground on your feet as the shadows disperse from you. Black trails of shadows split off your body as you slowly raise your head and chest to stand tall. You are covered head to toe in a dark purple tint armor, the razor sharp jagged edges of the armor climbs all over you as it looks close to a demonic in design with scales and the gauntlets nearly form sharp claws. Your helmet extends forward a bit to a tip that looks like the mouth of some creature, the top part resembling very similarly to your mask has been completely as well as the horns that protrude backwards in a slight curve but still straight line. You look at yourself wearing this armor, then slowly purple and black spirals start to seep out of the armor...
You: This power... This feeling... It is exhilarating..!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! IT'S WONDERFUL!!! I LOVE IT..!!! I FEEL SO ALIVE HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
You laugh hysterically as the overwhelming power pulses out of your body and through your armor. The Black Knight stops in his place to look back towards you for a brief moment to examine you. A grin writes across his face before walking through the shadows as he enjoys the disturbing laughter in the background as you begin to delve further into your own madness...
The disturbing sounds of a tainted heart exposed to the virtue of shadows. Leading to an Unbound, Unleashed, Uncontained, force of nature that has finally awoken......
.............................................Persona 5 Royal: Makoto X Male Reader OC............................................
....................................Persona 5 Royal: Makoto X Corrupted Male Reader OC...................................
The next major change of story and title has begun. The dark truth revealed and now open, the corrupted soul has now been exposed to the path that is now in front. How will this affect the future..? How will the heart of the desired is to be shaped now...?
Find out...next time.......