Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 181

When Goro had arrived at the Palace he didn’t even hesitate. Only moments after arriving had he noticed that his clothes had changed, the attire being his darker one, his black one. That was the one he preferred at the very least. By some sheer luck his mask had also been back in place, as if nothing had happened to this outfit to begin with. There was no need to keep up the proper facade anymore. Those games are long over.

More importantly he barged in without any hesitation, not even bothering to knock. The quicker the better, that was going on in his mind at least. He had no time to think, or rather had not given himself the time to think or prepare. If he had to face those two Shadows heads on, then so be it. He handled worse things. What are those two going to do to him!? If they even dare that is. He was not going to back down now though! Not when he was so close at least!

So he just did it, kicking the door open without hesitation, to the point it collapsed in itself. Just some metal junk after all. And it’s not as if this thing had been properly sealed anyways. A step inside, him scanning the area in particular to look for those two in this massive library. Not much had changed, it was still as much of a mess as it had been when he had come here for the first time. Though there was no sign of them in any shape or form. Were they hiding now of all times? Talk about co—

“Have ya heard of knockin’?” A familiar voice was speaking up behind him all of a sudden. It was enough to startle him and turn around, only then to spot that the two Shadows had been… Right there this whole time? Or they had snuck up on him and he hadn’t noticed in the moment of rage. Regardless, there they were – Luka and Anja, both staring at him with a certain annoyance. And Luka had been the one speaking up first. “This ain’t your home.”

“Who gives a crap about that right now!?” Goro responded, catching himself nearly yelling. He wasn’t sure if he was trying to be intimidating or if he was just panicking right now. It was a little bizarre. But right now he had to admit that he wasn’t really thinking either. 

“We do.” Anja responded, in comparison to her male counterpart sounding a lot calmer yet almost… Cold. “We do not appreciate someone barging in as if it was their business after all.”

“Then you have to learn how to deal with just that.” 

The Shadows both sighed, shaking their heads. The male one then asked: “Ugh, you’re more annoying than those people asking about us. What do you want? Make it quick.”

These two were certainly not beating around the bush at least. That solves one issue. And if they were this direct he could be just as direct as well. There was absolutely no need to keep it a secret after all. Not like he had any intentions to beat around the bush to begin with. “Where’s the treasure?”

The two Shadows first looked at one another, then back at Goro before facing another yet again. They didn’t say a word and their expressions were hard to read. It could be anything going through their minds. Then again, they were Shadows so a lot could be possible. And yet they didn’t say a single word, not for a long while. And when he was about to repeat himself… Well, at least they made it easier for him, somewhat.

Their faces turned to face him again, but this time the expressions have been replaced with wide smirks, the dark undertones noticeable. One could hear their chuckles in the air, unified though sounding as if it was only one person laughing right now. And they kept this up while speaking in turns too.

“Oh, pretty boy wants the treasure~?” Anja began, nearly gurgling as she spoke. Her smile was the more uncomfortable to look at. Gone was any hint of fake politeness, only a bit of a sadistic undertone. One may worry that her smile would not even fit onto her face anymore. And it was at that moment where a shiver suddenly went down Goro’s own spine. 

“Ya sure are demandin’.” Luka added, his smile being not much more pleasant. In fact, one may argue that it was way worse. “But fine, we’ll show ya.”

“If you can make it through our story that is.”

Story? What were these two indicating? He wanted to ask, knowing that whatever would be thrown at him now could have devastating consequences. But alas, both of them were a step ahead of him and began before another word could even escape his mouth… 

“ Once upon a time… ”