Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 192

A loud roar escaped, the equivalent of a monster’s. Deep yet also nearly screeching, making it feel as if the ears would explode upon hearing it. The pupils were small, the black liquid from them dropping down, the breathing seeming to come out uncontrollably at this point. A person or a beast? It was almost uncanny, hard to tell.

“ I won't let you get to what's precious to me! Besides, you dare to actually do this stupid shit!? Have you forgotten what you have done!? ” Their Shadow screamed, the tone beastial. “ Changing those for your own gain… Aren't we just as selfish!? So why just stop at her!? ”

The answer would not be awaited however. Instead the black liquid formed a puddle on the ground, forming the figure of a young female, slightly smaller than Swan would be and a more petite build. It was quickly filled with color and behold – A perfect imitation of Maki was standing there. She smiled yet it wasn't the smile they had gotten used to, no. It was one which could haunt nightmares, so broken and sad yet also full of spite. 

They froze upon the sight, as if knowing where this was going. Right, Maki… Things had improved between the two since they had sent that message on the PhanSite. Ann and the others had dealt with her Shadow and Maki was like a changed person since. 

“ Listen, I… Don’t know what came over me! It wasn’t right! And I didn’t know how much it affected you! It… Makes it worse, I know! I made sure to tell everyone to forget about it! That it was all just a misunderstanding! Your secret will be restored, I promise! A… After all, I owe you more than anyone else! ” – An apology coming out of nowhere. But… How much of it was true?

“ I was terrible to you and many others… There are sins I have to atone for. I must become a better person no matter what! ” – That was something she had said, something she would have never dared to speak in the past. And it was ever so eagerly too. 

Their relationship was uncanny too, her being supportive. Almost like… They got along ever since. But in the end, how much was on Maki? They didn't know. They couldn't see inside her head. It was fine, Maki made it obvious herself. But something was always lurking deep inside…

“Thanks to you I changed myself.” The imitation spoke, stepping closer towards Swan. However, as soon as they were within her reach she suddenly threw a fist, face changing. It was a reflex for them to grab it, block it with one of their hands. And she said what they thought, what had always been in the back of their mind. “ But was I asked!? No, you selfish prick! I’ll end you! ” The tone had shifted, from being at the brink of breaking to pure rage, anger. And honestly, she had every right to be angry. If it wasn't for that post, nothing would have happened. She wasn't asked. And why? Because of their own needs… Right?

Each punch thrown by this Maki was only filled with resentment. She didn't stop, only continuing to face Swan head on. They had to block each time, either by using a hand or blocking it with the handle of their lance. Though she only became quicker, soon even throwing kicks into the mix. It was very hard to handle, almost overwhelming, them unable to fight back. And they didn't know if they had the willpower to do so. Especially when she had asked the important question.” But was I asked!? ” She had a right doing so. Being angry like that. After all, if they had been in the same posi– 

“Ey! Snap out of it!” A voice yelled before suddenly getting between the two of them. The arm of Maki had been grabbed before she was suddenly thrown right against the wall nearby, like a ragdoll. And the one doing that? None other than O. And he quickly turned his gaze to Swan, very sharp. “Did you forget that she’s not the real deal!?”