Pandemonium || PERSONA 5 FF (hiatus)

18│ Silent Cries

Part 1

"Look at all those people!"

As the teens walked inside they saw large sets of crowds, many staring at the different paintings. It was truly shocking and something they didn't expect. Clearly, this "Madarame" is indeed a famous guy.

The teens couldn't help but gaze around in awe, as it was their first time. Well, with the exception of the blonde troublemaker who seemed to be unamused.

"So you ended up coming too, Ryuji?" The black cat asked in a teasing way.

"You guys told me to come, remember?!" Ryuji shouted in annoyance, as he buried his hands in the pockets of his jacket.

Gazing around, the blonde seemed to notice something. "Huh? Where's Mochizuki?"

Hearing this, a lady walked behind him, leaning her plump lips to his ear.

"Behind you, Sakamoto~"

Her words gave the blonde chills to the spine, along with her cold breath that touched his nape. It caused him to turn around, the white-haired leaning away to avoid getting bumped into him.

The lady had a short white hair that was neatly combed and cerulean orbs, along with her dark outstandingly long eyelashes. Her brows were neatly done, even though there was only a minor change since her brows were naturally beautiful.

A white dress was worn by her, with blue frills at the end of the skirt. It had a touch of vintage feel. The girl was almost unrecognizable because of her appearance.

It was truly a mesmerizing sight. Her overflowing elegance was one of the things that are foreign to them. They know very well that this occurrence is only once in a blue moon. And the fact that Kyoko probably wouldn't wear one if not to, well, insult someone.

"The hell? Who're you?" Still in disbelief, Ryuji asked with his eyes fully wide.

"Fufu," Kyoko giggled elegantly with a hint of mischievousness. "Just a little makeover and you forgot me already."

"You look great, Kyoko." Out of blue, Ren remarked.

The girl was rather shocked, as a faint blush crept across her face. She then beamed a small smile in return, exchanging smiles with each other.

"Say, isn't that Madarame?"

Interruption came when a voice among the crowd was heard, causing the group of teenagers to look at a certain direction.

"Wow, the real thing!"

"I'm glad I came on the first day!"

More people from the crowd began to chatter in excitement upon seeing the master artist who was lately seen in the TV. It appears as though he was having an interview with a few reporters.

"Your imagination continually astonishes us." A female interviewer spoke.

"It's hard to believe such expansive styles stem from just one person... Where does all your inspiration come from?" The TV reporter asked the old man.

A friendly smile didn't leave the man's face. The elderly man had long grey hair tied in a ponytail and he had short facial hair, and wore traditional Japanese clothes. His actions seemed reserved and graceful, causing the people to admire him even more.

"It's rather difficult to put into words, but... they naturally well up from within my heart like bubbles rising to surface in the spring. What's important is to distance oneself from worldly desires like fame and fortune. My atelier is a modest shack, but it is more than enough to pursue true beauty." The old man answered passionately.