Theater of Fate (Persona 5 Royal)

IV - Doubts

Akira woke up, and walked downstairs. "Hm....? Hey, you look sad... what's wrong?"

"Sad? No, no, I'm fine. I'm just focused this morning." Sojiro smiled a little.

"O...kay...?" He walked out. 'Why is everyone acting so fishy...? First my friends, then him? Maybe they don't want me around anymore.... No, that's not right. I know they care, so what's going on? ...Maybe I should go to Mementos later today...' He looked at the ground.

"What's wrong?" Morgana asked as he sat on the subway seat.

".....It's nothing. I guess I'm just sad today."

"Aww, I hate those days.... wanna read to clear your mind today? I think your teacher's just having a lecture this morning!"

"Yeah... that's a good idea." He smiled, and walked off the train, going to school.

~~~~~ 

Akira sighed, stretching once he saw the familiar red hue of Mementos surround him. "Okay... Morgana's at home, I'm all alone, let's defeat some Sh- huh?" He blinked in confusion when he saw... himself. It reminded him of when he saw his flaming reflection the first time he used the Meta-Nav, but this time felt.... very different. Instead of the extreme confusion he felt before, he seemed calm, even though this clearly wasn't normal. "Who're you?" He asked, trying to be casual.

"Who am I? Why, I'm you, of course...."

"I see that. But why are you here?"

"You'll understand soon enough...."

"I've had enough of people dodging my questions... Answer it."

".....That was my answer. But I'll tell you this. Your friends may not be as innocent as they seem. They're hiding something. And if you let them do as they please, your fate may change for the worst."

"My fate? What was it originally...? And don't dodge this one!"

"....you were happy."

"They wouldn't-"

"They would. And unless you want to let them steal your paradise, I'd suggest you get them to drop the act before you get hurt. It's up to you, though. That's all the time I've got. See ya..." The figure vanished.

"What the hell was that...?" Joker blinked, sighed, then went into Mementos. He knew he would be walking for a while, but that didn't faze him. He had to start thinking.

He would quickly have to retreat, though, since he realized that Arsene wouldn't be summoned. 'What the hell is going on...?' He exited the distorted subway, sighing.

~~~~~

Makoto looked at the other Thieves, worry in her eyes. "Are you guys ready?"

"Yeah! Time to get our friend back!" Ryuji grinned.

"Agreed. This cannot continue." Yusuke nodded.

"Everyone else?" She got unanimous nods. "Good. So we're all agreed, then. Let's go."

When the Theater appeared in front of them, the Thieves steeled their nerves the best they could, then walked towards the entrance.