Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 131

“We’re talking. Can you leave?” 

“Aww, don’t treat me like that. Not when I have the solution to this little problem~

“Yeah right.”

“Oh, but I do. Want to find out? Meet me you–know–where.”

You–know–where was referring to one place alone, the place where the two of them had encountered one another and uncovered their respective secret – The Metaverse. Specifically, where Mementos lied. Was it necessary to hold the conversation at such a place? Goro didn’t know but he told himself to no longer question this in any way. Then again, maybe it had a certain advantage to talk there and not out in the open where anyone could hear. Even at a rather isolated space you never know who might be watching or listening. So this was the safer option. If that was even the mindset to begin with yet honestly, why was he doubting it? He didn’t understand that entity, probably no one did. And perhaps that was for the better Not like it was any of his business to begin with. He was not the one constantly putting up with it… Or something.

In any case, the duo had met with this Pipistrello thing just as asked, at the entrance at Mementos. It was the usual sight except that Lukanja also wore their outfit they had at the Palace. This was a little odd yet he was not going to question it all the same. It didn’t matter in the long run so whatever. 

Shortly after arriving the being emerged from one of the walls, moving like a snake yet in the air. It was something, to say the least, yet not something Goro wanted to think too deep into. Maybe it just had its fun with it or something. It even laughed while doing so, moving over to them like a literal floating snake before turning to them and getting itself into a seated position, turning its head at the two, one by one. “Ah, you made it. Great. Then let’s get this meeting started.” It had even announced and it was not losing any more time than necessary. “I mean I said that I have a solution to your problem, correct?”

Lukanja was the first one to nod, very quickly. “Yeah, you did! Please!” They even responded just as quickly, this being met with a short moment of laughter.

“Someone’s eager to get to it. That’s what I like to see. Set an example in the future, will you?”

Goro grumbled a little, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Get to the point.”

“So rude. Just let me finish.” It chuckled, then adding with one of the most unserious tones one could ever hear: “You see… There’s another Palace which showed up not too long ago.”

Another Palace? What was the implication of that? That the officer the two had been talking about at the club was a— No, wrong. It wasn’t that. It didn’t have to be criminal activity or a rotten soul to build a Palace. It could also be a bundle of negative emotions. And given recent events in regards to the one in question…

Though the one surprised was Lukanja, them gasping in shock, literal disbelief overcoming them. “Sato–San has a Palace!?” Yeah, they were still green for this sort of thing. That much was obvious.

Pipistrello only nodded, however, as if pleased with this reaction.“Why yes he does.” It said. 

“So there is something we can do about this!?” 

He had his eyes wide for a moment when hearing that. One word in particular had set the male off. “We!? Hold on a moment, I—”

“You could help him, yes.” Though that was quickly interrupted. Did the two talk over him or something!? “All while training more. After all, you might want to get some workout done Lukannie dear.” 

“Ah— Y… Yeah, fair point…”

“How does that sound? Did I catch your interest?”

“Well… It might be an opportunity… In more way than one.” They agreed. They had calmed down by then, their responses sounding a little more grounded at least compared to the excitement earlier. Yet the last sentence came out a little softer than usual. “And I wouldn't want to see him quit either.”

“That’s a yes. Good choice my dear.” The entity responded, cackling first before turning to Goro finally, facing him directly. Despite the mask in the way it felt as if he was looking right through his own body, as if his soul was being observed. It was a little terrifying, to have such a face pointed right at him. Though it kept its unbothered look, asking him the following: “What about you, boy?”

He remained silent for a short moment. A very short one actually. He didn’t know what to say, debating it in his head. He could always say no, refuse. But there was one part the entity had brought up which sounded more than fair. Honestly he would be rather kept out of this nonsense but there was a bit of a chance there. It was not because he could help them out or anything. At least he wasn’t going to say it out loud. Instead his reasoning was the following… “Fine, may as well learn how to control Robin Hood too.” He had even added it with a more annoyed tone, trying to make it seem as if he was just dragged along here. Though it wasn’t exactly like that either. But he wasn’t going to admit to anything just yet.

Though he saw Lukanja turn to them for a moment, as if some mild concern was on their face after hearing that. “You’re not going to kill Sato–San, are you?” They even asked, making Goro flinch on the spot. Ugh… Then again, why was he surprised to begin with? As much as he didn’t like hearing that question… He wasn’t going to fault them for it either.

“I’m not going to kill a man who’s done nothing to deserve it.” He nearly hissed, though just barely keeping his tongue in check. “Besides, no one would target him. Killing his Shadow wouldn't be worth it.” 

“Huh? No one would target him?”

Ah– He spoke too much there, didn’t he? Great… He wasn’t going to explain himself though, not really at least. “Just know that I won’t kill him or his Shadow, alright? That’s all you have to know.”

The entity had been watching them probably. Otherwise it wouldn’t have laughed out loud like this, taking its time to calm down. Yet once it did it continued with its own speech. “See? Looks like even he has some morals~” 

“Whatever you say… Thing…”

“And you got your way home too in case you can't move again~” It then added however, making one of Goro’s eyelids twitch.

“I’m not a horse!” He countered quickly, him feeling more and more peeved. He just wanted to get out of here by now. “Anyways, if that’s all we’ll leave it at that for now.”

Lukanja… Well, hearing that didn’t exactly sit right with them at first. They only stared at him for a short moment before trying to protest this decision. “But—”

“It’s already late and we have a long day ahead.” He reminded them, silencing them in an instant. “Besides, we can’t act right away. We need access to the place first. Or did you already forget'”

“Ah— That’s… True… We need to sort out a few things first.”

“Right. How about we move that to the evening since we’re both free by then.”

“Sounds fine by me.” 

“Good good.” Pipistrello added. “I’ll leave it to you two then. Find out how to get to the Palace. I’ll be awaiting you~”