Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 108

During the entire day they had a hard time focusing on... Anything, really. They were spacing out, to the point they had to be shaken awake. Even Maki had done so a few times during the day when she was presenting her latest plan on how they could 'get with Akechi' as Anja. And even when fully awake they forgot most of it if not all. Today was not their day and it clearly showed. It was all nagging on them... That conversation, how much of a trap it sounded like... How they had to do something about this instead of just sitting there and waiting. Otherwise who knew what would happen. They were not certain honestly.

And yet, as they had thought about it the entire day, they didn't have the slightest clue. And they were hoping that they had some time left at the very least. However, as everything just had to be against them, they just had to see the news in the early hours of the evening, during one of the broadcasts. All they did was sit on the couch while hugging the round plush crow, Ole right next to them, Ole himself being curled up into a small, fluffy ball and resting, judging from the soft purrs. They weren't even sure if he had heard of it or not at that point, given that this cat can sleep through even the loudest of arguments. At least they had heard of the next bit...

"We now resume our coverage of the Phantom Thieves, the suspects for Mr. Okumura's death and others. The police have designated the Phantom Thieves as the country's most wanted fugitives..." They gasped when hearing that. But then again, of course that would be the case. Nijima–San has pressed for answers and now she was growing desperate, wasn't she? However, they didn't imagine that she would grow that desperate. "And have decided to reward anyone with the information leading to the capture of the Phantom Thieves. Reward money will be supplied by the police and the families, further—"

They nearly dropped their plush as a result yet prevented it from the tight clutch they had. They made sure that it wouldn't drop, they would not let that happen.

Regardless, their heart raced upon hearing that. Something about it just sounded... Enough for them to feel on edge. Even if they weren't directly involved, things just turned overly serious. So much to that their head was now racing with thoughts, over and over, their hands sweaty. Not to mention the sudden whisper right after...

"I have to act right away." Something they did under stress, thinking out loud. Their mother told them not to, in case they would start talking like this in public and be looked at weirdly. Yet it was a habit they couldn't help themself with. "I need to get into direct contact with the Phantom Thieves but... How do I do that?"

"Oh, you wish to assist them?" A voice in their head would suddenly ask, the smirk audible right in their head. It was not even faint and echoed right in their head. Yet they didn't comment on it nor complain. Instead they just kept on talking, knowing exactly who this was anyways... Pipistrell. It would always show up unannounced after all. Or rather make itself known in some way.

"I just... I don't know what Akechi has planned for them." They responded, mumbling it right into the plush. "And now the reward money... I can't just leave them like this. Not when I... Well, know."

"Oh my. It is unlike you wanting to get involved. Wasn't this just about your Dad and your deal?"

"W... Well... Yes but..." They were trying to form a coherent response. Because it was right in the end. This all was originally because of their father, a selfish reason – Prove his innocence. They did, even if he was long gone now. But this was all over now. Yet... "I know something but can't say anything."

"Oh, you can. Just report the boy to—"

"You know what I mean. No one's going to listen to a word I have to say!" They interrupted. "And... Well... Nijima–San doesn't even listen to me when I suggest something to her. In fact, she's been a bit of a pain to deal with lately."

There was a moment of unbearable silence at that point. They didn't know what was worse, them not knowing what was going to happen or that silence. That unbearable silence. Was it pondering? Or was it just bidding some time? Who could say. Yet it was still just so unbearable. And yet, what it said was even more shocking to them. Or maybe it was just the suddenness which had them so caught off guard as they had gotten used to the silence. "Hoho, this is getting interesting." It commented. "Alright, let's wait."

"Wait!?" What!? How can it say wait!? With something like this, the lives on the line and Akechi being at close proximity, that just— "But–"

"Now now, don't be like that. Patience is key." It reminded them. "You'll get your chance, I promise."

They wanted to protest again yet they knew that they would get shushed if they did. So... All they could do was nod, wasn't it? Yeah, nod and suck it up. As much as it had pained them to admit. A nod... One nod which made them hear that laughter in their ears. "Fine..." Even if it didn't sit right with them.

"Good good. That's what I wanted to hear~" And there was that chuckle again, not taking this seriously in the slightest. Then again, why would this entity take something like this seriously? They should wonder about that more actually. "In the meantime... There is a Palace I want you to investigate. Mind going tomorrow?"