Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 34

Having friends over was rare for Luka these days and they knew that their mother had been surprised. Even more so when she had seen who it was when having greeted the two at the door. Mother’s gaze had become a little cold and one could sense the murderous intent coming from her eyes. Luka could just barely prevent the worst and dragged their mother away for a short moment.

“What is she doing here?” She had asked while pointing at the female at the entrance, Maki.

Luka sighed. “It’s… A long story. Not even I know what’s going on.”

“Then why—”

“Listen Mom, she changed. She really did.”

Needless to say it took a bit of convincing yet eventually their mother came around and welcomed Maki in. Though she had to hold herself back. Not a surprise to be honest, mother could be a feisty one after all. And before knowing it she could launch an attack or three yet call them an accident. She once did so when there was an old neighbor in the house she didn’t like. Said something like “Whoops, my hand slipped~” with a smile yet that smile reeked with murderous intent… True story.

Anyhow, it would not take long until Luka escorted Maki upstairs. Apparently she wanted to discuss ‘dating strategies’. They had given up on reasoning and let her talk for the time being. 

“ There’s this festival in town on the 18th! I think you should totally go. And make sure to invite Akechi–Sama~ ” She had said, only making them roll their eyes. Seriously… “ And to make it a success I bought several magazines! We will pick out a yukata and create the perfect plan for that day! Leave it to me! ” Though something told them that Maki was just having fun with all of this… She was even giggling already. Was she really that eager? Hah, Luka didn’t get it.

Though there was one question before the two had lost any word about that once arriving inside their room.

“Hey… Where is your father?” Of course that question would come up, making them freeze on the spot and staring at the door for a moment, not having turned around to the young female. Right, father… No one knew, did they? They only knew one thing and it wasn’t pretty… But… They had to lie still, didn’t they?

“He… Uhm… Mom divorced him some time ago.” They said, trying to keep it together, not have their voice tremble too much.

“Oh, sorry to hear that.” They heard Maki say, then a pause of silence before she spoke up again. “But I know how it feels. My parents are divorced too.”

Hearing that they turned around in one swoop, not having expected to hear that of all things. “They are?”

“Yeah. It’s been years ago. They argued a lot and didn’t get along at all.” She said. “Honestly, I saw you with both of your parents back at the festival during middle school. You three looked very close.”

The festival? Ah, right. When they dragged both of their parents around, just to show them as much as possible. When the three were still carefree and nothing else mattered. In fact, their father had to hold them back as they were too fast for both of their parents. They just wanted to show both of them as much as they could in this little time, make memories and— Ah, were they dwelling on the past yet again? Damn it… 

“D… Did we now?” They asked. 

“Yeah. I was a little envious. So this is a surprise. But it looks like we have something in common, don’t we?”

All Luka could do was nod. He didn’t want to ask any personal questions. Maybe that was also a hard topic for Maki and they made her relive some memories earlier. Besides, her family matters are none of his business. “Seems so.” He agreed in the end.

But the mention made them remember… Father. They still needed to do something about that too. But they had hit a roadblock – They had exhausted all information there, didn’t they? There was only so much on the internet and the files only reported on the alleged facts. Yet even those were cluttered, pages were missing. Did Akechi remove them? No, probably not. At least they don’t think he would go that far. But getting information in their position—

Wait a second… Getting information… Akechi… Ah, right! Wasn’t he investigating the Mental Breakdown Incidents!? He might try to hunt down the Phantom Thieves! If so… Why didn’t they think of this sooner!? If they could prove somehow useful… Maybe they could strike a deal! An actual deal, no tricks or anything like that! They didn’t intend on going this far again but if both get something out of it then it should be worthwhile, right!? And… Well… Maybe they could get a little closer that wa— 

Wait, what were they thinking!? That part shouldn’t even be on their mind. What was important was the investigation and figuring out who convicted their father. And figure out what the Phantom Thieves’ deal is. Yeah! Spending even more time with him should be secondary! … And yet, that part also didn’t leave their mind. Hah, since when did they turn into an idiot like this?

“Anyways, let’s get this plans started!”

“I didn’t even ask if he has time on that day…”

“It’ll be fine. Plus we may as well prepare in case he says yes!”

“Aren’t you jumping the— No, nevermind. Alright, I’ll take a listen.”

Well, that’s a plan then! Or plans rather…