Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 56

A target... There was a target Pipistrello had spoken of as well as a 'Palace'. Yet they were not even a single step further when thinking about it in their off time. They even had taken a few trips back to the place called 'Mementos', just to see if they could find any clues about it. But nothing. It was odd, to say the least, and at least for a few seconds they had debated if the figure had not been lying to them. After all, how it spoke was just bizarre, throwing one term after the other at them, as if it was second nature. They didn't understand a single thing. It left them in the dark, going through hints they knew best. And that was only one place. However, that also meant that a certain cat would be around them plenty of times, all because he refused to let them explore alone or they would end up mauled. It was Ole...

Actually, Ole's security had increased recently, ever since he had found them within the cognitive world. He was more often around them, observing from afar, a spot so no one could find him. His green eyes were always watching, especially the ones close to them in any capacity. He used his tiny cat body wisely to sneak around and they had spotted him eventually. There was no need to exchange words in any way, those two only needed a gaze to communicate. And he wasn't budging in any way. Talk about an overprotective cat. But that was fine, probably...

In any case, that also meant that he was the one doing the heavy lifting within Mementos. Any encounter with any of those demonic beasts would be handled by him, with them having to watch. "You're defenseless so I will do this part. Please, just worry about keeping yourself safe for the time being." Easier said than done. They felt pretty useless here... Though outside of battle it left the two talking and they could finally tell Ole what had been happening. Though they had to brief him fairly quickly as well, about Pipistrello and this strange world they found themself in.

"So what you're telling me is that you've been conversing with some being who briefed you on a few things?" He asked at which they nodded. "It sounds surreal but I shouldn't be the one talking, should I?"

"Yeah. It's still hard to believe that you're the fluffy, old man of a cat."

Saying that made the small man stare blankly at them, a little annoyed yet he sighed. "I'll look past that for now." He said, though calming down rather quickly. "In any case, isn't that a little too convenient? Shortly after you have been here this figure just drags you somewhere and offers to help you."

"I... Am aware of that." They agreed. Yeah, this all was a little too well aligned. It was suspicious. One lucky coincidence after the other. It was comparable to some convenient writing, a story where just one thing after the other happens and things fall into the character's grasp. It was basically that situation. Real life shouldn't work like that. It was a little too convenient. Being wary was the way to go and yet... "But I don't think I have much of a choice but accept its offers."

"You could always back out."

"And then what? I don't know what Pipistrello would do to me if I did!" This was their only reason why they didn't speak up. Yes, Ole was right, they could just leave it all behind and never speak of it again. However, wouldn't that be too easy? The being they conversed with was already weird. And if it knew more than it led on then who knows what will happen if they back out. They were... Scared, in a sense. No way it would just let them go like that... Or so they had assumed in their mind.

Ole sighed after looking at them for a short moment, then crossing his arms. "I can't say so I will have to take your word for it." He agreed. "Doesn't mean I like that you are roaming around and doing this thing's errands now. Its timing is a little too convenient."

"Yeah. We already agreed on that. But... We should see it as a chance too. Maybe it can lead us to the Phantom Thieves."

"You're really into this search too recently..."

"Of course! I made a deal! I have to take every chance I can get!"

"All this deal talk... I have no choice but to help you out then. I can't have you end up dead after all."

"Appreciated. Thanks Ole."

"It's my duty. Don't thank me in any way." Ole would always insist on that. He said it so coldly as well yet did he really mean it like that? Who could say... He was a grumpy, old man after all. "So... About this target..."

"R... Right. We have to get closer to her..." They responded yet they froze in place when they thought back on who it was. The name was not something they had expected yet at the same time it was also not that surprising. What trouble... No, really. "Or sniff around and find out things about her." Just thinking about her left them speechless, a little cold even... They just wanted to run yet that was not an option all the same. Run and experience something horrific by Pipistrello or go for it. But if they go for it then they have another inconvenience... Nothing was ever easy, was it? But they can't quit now. Just keep in mind that it could be a step closer to the Phantom Thieves... It'll be worth it.

"Do you know anything about that one?" Ole inquired, though more because he had to.

"Ah— Well... There's one thing I know for sure. I know who it is with this Palace thing but..."

"Give me the name. I can do some research too."

"Huh? Do you even know how—"

"A cat has its ways."

Or rather he has his ways, hasn't he? Ole is sure a mystery of his own sometimes. It is a new side to him as well. Usually they are used to him sleeping and eating at home, not much else. So seeing him so eager... One may imagine what else he is capable of. Then again Dad said even back then that Ole was surprisingly cunning for a cat if not clever. He always knew what strings to pull to get his way. Maybe he's more than he would let on as a cat.

"Ishikawa Miyuki." They responded, though hesitating a little. But they had to reveal it. And needless to say the cat seemed a little—

"I think I heard that name before... Alright, I'll see what I can do." He responded however, not all too surprised. It had them a little surprised however.

"Wait, you heard it before!? But—"

"You hear it in passing around town. She seems to be a big deal. I'm sure I can figure out something useful."

"Ah— Th... Thanks. No, seriously..."

"I haven't even done anything yet... Though do you know her?"

"A... A little. She's been clinging onto me and it seems that Akechi–Kun knows her too."

Ole raised one of his eyebrows at that statement, his gaze saying it all. 'Suspicious' yet he wouldn't dare say it out loud. "Then you will have your sources too. Just... Be careful, alright?"

"Huh!? Y... Yeah! Will do!"

That they would ever be warned by their own cat though... That was something they could have never predicted. It still felt surreal but... At this point they are just happy about any help they can get. And Ole would probably be a big help... Maybe.

At least they know that they can trust him all the way through and that is a rare thing to say for them in this situation.