(Azazel's POV)

Continuing from where we left off, Tobias stood frozen in a mixture of disbelief and awe as he beheld the astonishing sight of Joker accompanied by a Persona. 

Azazel: Whoa...

Arsène: I am the Pillager of Twilight--Arsène! I am the rebel's soul that resides within you. If you so desire, I shall consider granting you the power to break through the crisis.

Joker: Give me your power.

Arsène: Hmph, very well...

Arsène unfurled his formidable wings with a flourish. In an instant, a wave of dark energy surged forth, sweeping through the chamber and effortlessly dispatching the knights that had threatened them. As the knights fell, the keys Tobias had suddenly dropped, their clattering sound reverberating in the charged silence.

At that moment, Arsène materialized himself into a blue fire and formed around Joker's face, reforming the mask he used to summon his Persona.

Seeing this, Greymane punched Tobias in the face and knocked him to the ground. 

Greymane: You like that, you son of a bitch!?

Azazel: Come on, let's go!

I snatched the keys from the floor. The sound of our footsteps echoed as we rushed towards the exit, adrenaline coursing through our veins. Just before we burst through the door, I glanced back to ensure the heavy cell door was closed and locked securely, sealing Tobias inside as he clung to the metal bars.

Tobias...?: You bastards! After them! Don't let them escape!

As we sprinted through the narrow corridors, a strange sensation engulfed us. In an instant, the very fabric of reality began to twist and warp around us, creating a dizzying kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Then, with a jolt, we found ourselves projected back into the real world. The familiar sights of our surroundings slowly materialized, and I looked down to see Joker's costume transforming back to his standard school uniform, the vibrant colors fading like a dream evaporating at dawn.

Greymane: Did we make it...?

I could see the sweat glistening on his brow, his chest heaving as he processed what just happened.

Azazel: Hey, what happened to your outfit?

Phone: {You have returned to the real world. Welcome back.}

A voice emanated from Joker's phone, drawing our attention. It seemed to reverberate in the air, adding an uncanny atmosphere to the moment.

Greymane: Huh? Returned? Does that mean we got away?

Azazel: I think so.

I glanced toward the towering structure before us. Hope's Peak High loomed larger than I had ever imagined from the promotional pictures included with my invitation the day before--its grand facade gleaming in the sunlight.

Azazel: This place is HUGE! So...everyone here is an Ultimate, huh? That is seriously frikkin' cool!

As we stepped through the main entrance, an electric buzz surrounded us. Students were scattered across the expansive foyer, animatedly discussing various topics, their unique talents evident in their lively exchanges. I felt a thrilling sense of belonging that I had only dreamt of experiencing. We made our way across the polished marble floor, my hearts racing in time with the steady rhythm of my footsteps as I clutched the sheet of paper detailing my class schedule tightly in my hand.

Azazel: So here's my locker.

I pulled open the door with a satisfying clink. The interior was empty, save for a few basic supplies I had hastily stowed earlier. I took a moment to organize my belongings, trying to suppress my growing anxiety about fitting in. Just then, I spotted a familiar figure approaching us through the crowd. It was Tobias, looking much more relaxed in his coaching, a stark contrast to the ridiculous attire we had seen him wear back at the castle in that other dimension.

Greymane: Kamoshida!?

Tobias: You seem so carefree, Greymane. You've been absent too many days. Quite a difference when you did morning practice for the track team.

The words cut deep into Greymane, who shot him a glare before storming off in a huff, frustration evident in his every stride.

Azazel: Are we late?

Tobias: Far from it. Most of the students here are still getting used to their new lives at Hope's Peak. Have we met somewhere? Right, you were at the station this morning.

Tobias turned to look at Joker.

Tobias: You're the new transfer student, correct? Kuro Amamiya... Don't forget you're on probation. Cause any trouble and you'll be expelled. Understand?

Tobias' tone became serious, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Kuro nodded solemnly, the weight of the warning hanging heavily in the air between us. 

Tobias: Good luck trying to enjoy your new school life.

Tobias turned to leave. Kuro, looking contemplative, wandered over to a nearby water fountain to quench his thirst, leaving me alone beside my locker, my thoughts racing with everything that had just happened.

================================

The scene transitions to the dimly lit interrogation room, where the atmosphere is heavy with tension. I take a deep breath, gathering the fragments of my thoughts scattered in my mind like fallen leaves. Looking directly at Sadayo, I begin to recount the bizarre series of events that led me to this moment. 

Sadayo: The school turned into an old castle...? Are you hallucinating from the overdose? I won't put up with you if you're simply joking.

Sadayo crossed her arms in an attempt to portray authority. 

Azazel: I wish I was joking.

With a sigh, she leaned in, clearly expecting a narrative that would connect the dots for her. 

Sadayo: I'm going to have you continue the story. The one who received a "calling card" from the Phantom Lions was a gold medalist... An alumnus from Hope's Peak High--the PE teacher Tobias Kamoshida, the Ultimate Athlete.

Azazel: Kamoshida...

I muttered under my breath, the name hitting me like a wave, both familiar and unsettling. Memories flooded my mind, reminding me of the scandalous whispers that surrounded him. 

Sadayo: It's true that what he did were deplorable crimes from...indulging his desire. He confessed to it all. But there should've been a connection between the two of you since you had just been invited. Why did you target him? What happened to Hope's Peak High?

Sadayo leaned forward, her expression serious, awaiting my response, prompting me to delve deeper into the chaos that had ensued.

Azazel: It all began after I was placed in Class 2-B...

================================

With a deep breath, I headed toward Class 2-B, located on the second floor, and pushed open the door to my classroom.

Azazel: Hey everyone, sorry I'm...

I paused in disbelief. The classroom was eerily quiet, with only one student seated near the front, engrossed in a book.

Azazel: ...late.

I approached the lone student seated at the desk in Class 2-B, my curiosity piqued by the absence of others. 

Azazel: Hey there. I guess we'll be classmates this year.

The boy looked up from his desk, his expression slightly puzzled.

Nerdy Boy: Yes. I suppose so. *His voice was a mix of shyness and intrigue*

I took a deep breath, feeling a little awkward about being the only two in the room.

Azazel: Mind if I sit here?

I gestured toward the empty desk to his right. When he didn't respond, I interpreted his silence as a yes and settled into my seat, the chair squeaking slightly under my weight.

Nerdy Boy: Do I know you?

Azazel: I don't think so. I just got here from Little Highlyon.

Hugo: I see. The name's Hugo. Hugo Seymour. I'm attending this school as the Ultimate Alchemist.

Azazel: Alchemy? You practice that?

Hugo: Yes, I do. I can make all types of potions, elixirs, and stuff. I can make them do anything you can imagine.

Azazel: Now that is just cool.

Hugo: I also dabble in transmutation magic.

Azazel: I know of that kind of magic—the art of altering and manipulating matter based on the laws of Equivalent Exchange.

Hugo looked at me, clearly taken aback as his brow furrowed in thought.

Hugo: How do you know that?

Azazel: Let's say I've done my research. Oh yeah, I'm Azazel.

Hugo: And?

Azazel: And...what?

Hugo: Your talent. What is your talent?

Azazel: Oh, uh... The thing is, I don't really know what my talent is. They were pretty vague about it when I got the invitation to join Hope's Peak High.

There was a tinge of frustration in my tone.

Hugo: I'm sure you'll figure it out soon enough. I mean, you're in Hope's Peak High School after all.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the optimism he had.

Azazel: You're right. Speaking of, where the hell is everyone? *I was glancing around the empty classroom*

Hugo: Beats me. Looks like we're the first ones in class. Such losers, huh?

Hugo laughed, a playful glint in his eye. I joined in, a sense of camaraderie blossoming between us. 

Azazel: We're the nerds of this class.

I got up from my seat.

Hugo: Where are you going?

Azazel: I'm gonna walk down to the student shop to get something to snack on.

I made my way out of the classroom.

Upon entering the bustling student shop, my gaze landed on a tempting treat--Inkopolis-style fried dough, encased in glossy plastic wrap. 

Employee: Inkopolis-style fried dough. Early bird gets the worm.

Azazel: I'll take it!

I reached for the delectable snack. Just as I was about to grab it, I noticed another hand reaching for the same item. I turned to see who it was and found myself face-to-face with Greymane.

In the next scene, I, Greymane, and Kuro sat on the sun-kissed fifth floor by the garden, the warm breeze gently ruffling our hair as we shared the fried dough. 

Greymane: I heard you got a criminal record. Everyone's talkin' about it. No wonder you were so gutsy. *He said to Kuro*

Azazel: I've heard rumors that he was charged with assault.

Greymane: Anyway, what was all that that happened? You know, how we almost got killed at a castle... It wasn't a dream...right? You two remember it too, yeah?

Kuro: Yeah.

Azazel: Me too.

A knot formed in my stomach as memories of the unsettling experience flooded back.

Greymane: Well, just 'cause the three of us remember it doesn't mean much though... But man, that Kamoshida we saw there... You two probably don't know about it, but there are some rumors about him.

Greymane rubbed the back of his head in frustration as he tried to piece things together.

Kuro: Rumors?

Greymane: Well, yeah... No one says anything against him 'cause he's some medalist who took the volleyball team to nationals. The way Kamoshida was king of that castle felt crazy real 'cause of it...

Azazel: Maybe we can try and go back to the castle.

Frustration etched itself into his features, with Greymane shaking his head as if trying to dispel the thoughts.

Greymane: Ugh, forget it. Must've been a dream! It has to be!

After calming down, he looked at the two of us. 

Jonathan: Sorry to drag you two out here like this. That's all I had to say. You know, we might be pretty similar. I feel like we're gonna get along just fine as "troublemakers." I'm Jonathan Greymane.

Azazel: Name's Azazel Lionheart.

Kuro: Kuro Amamiya.

As twilight approached, I made my way to the nurse's office, fatigue heavy in my limbs. I slipped into one of the vacant beds, hoping to catch some much-needed rest. Hugo had informed me earlier that the dorm signups were set for the next day; with so many students needing accommodations on such short notice, I understood the urgency. Though I felt a twinge of anxiety, I also learned that Hope's Peak High boasted outstanding facilities, including a luxurious spa and a well-equipped gym--all complimentary for students. Tomorrow promised to be an exciting day filled with new possibilities.

================================

April 12th, 2013 ME

I strolled through the bustling first floor of Hope's Peak High. My curiosity led me to the hallway designated for the dormitories. 

Azazel: So these are the dorms, huh? Nice. So...where do I sign up to get my own?

I scanned the area for any signage indicating where I could sign up for my room. A few feet away, I spotted a photographer meticulously setting up equipment for students eager to secure their dorms.

Azazel: Of course.

I made my way towards the photographer.

Azazel: Excuse me. I'd like to sign up for one of the dorm rooms. I heard today was the deadline, so I hope that I'm not too late.

The photographer looked up with a professional smile.

Photographer: You came to the right place. What's your name?

Azazel: Azazel.

The photographer's brow furrowed as he checked the list.

Photographer: Huh... It says here you already reserved a room. All we need now is a picture for your school portrait, so go ahead and stand by that green screen.

I complied, positioning myself in front of the green screen, and summoning a confident expression before the flash of the camera went off. 

Photographer: All done. We'll have it processed and your room will be ready in a few hours. So explore around for a while. This is your home now, so it's best to familiarize yourself with everything.

I nodded, appreciating the guidance, and turned to wander through the halls.

As I walked, my gaze fell on a familiar figure--the girl I had seen the day before who had been picked up by Tobias. 

Azazel: It's that girl from yesterday. *I muttered to myself*

Just then, Tobias approached her with a friendly smile. 

Tobias: Hey there, Heartfilia. You looking for a ride to the mall? Things have been pretty dangerous lately with all those accidents.

Heartfilia sighed, disappointment flickering across her face.

Heartfilia: Sorry, I have a photoshoot today. It's for the special summer issue, so I can't afford to miss it...

Tobias chuckled lightly, yet his voice held a note of seriousness. 

Tobias: Hey, now... Being a model's fine and dandy, but don't work your pretty little self to death. You mentioned you weren't feeling well, right? Something about appendicitis? *His expression softened with genuine concern*

Heartfilia: Yes. I keep planning to go to the hospital, but I've been too busy... Sorry to worry you.

Tobias: You must feel lonely too. I feel bad for keeping your best friend at practice so often. That's why I asked you out in the first place. Oh, and...be careful around that transfer student, Kuro Amamiya. He's got a criminal record, after all. If something were to happen to you...

Heartfilia: ...Thank you. Please excuse me.

Heartfilia gave a polite smile before walking away, leaving a mix of thoughts lingering in the air.

Tobias: Tch...

================================

I stepped out into the vibrant front campus of Hope's Peak High, where the air was alive with the chatter of students scattered across benches and lush patches of grass. The scene was idyllic, framed by a multitude of cherry blossom trees in full bloom, their delicate pink petals fluttering gently in the spring breeze. The nearby gate buzzed with activity as students flowed in and out, adding to the lively atmosphere. 

As I searched for a quiet corner to collect my thoughts, I finally settled on an empty bench beneath the shade of one of the cherry trees. Just as I got comfortable, I noticed Kuro and Jonathan making their way toward me, their expressions a mix of determination and intrigue.

Jonathan: Yo.

Azazel: What's up?

Jonathan: I wanna talk about that castle from yesterday.

We quickly moved to a secluded corner of the wall that bordered the school grounds, ensuring that no one could overhear our conversation.

Jonathan: I tried tellin' myself it was all just a dream...but I couldn't do it. I can't act like nothing happened. It's all connected to that bastard Kamoshida, after all. I wanna find out what's up with that place, no matter what. And y'know, you two are the only people I can rely on for this stuff. So, you in?

Kuro: Eh, it was just a dream.

Jonathan: You really think so...? There's no way the three of us were dreamin' the same fucked up castle. You've gotta be wonderin' what the deal was too.

I couldn't ignore the gnawing sense of strangeness that had taken root in me.

Azazel: I'm with Jonathan on this one. There's something off about that castle, something I can't quite put my finger on.

Jonathan: I think we should just try and retrace our steps from yesterday.

Kuro: Check your phones.

Both Jonathan and I exchanged puzzled glances before pulling out our phones. To our astonishment, we discovered a mysterious app featuring an unsettling eyeball icon staring back at us.

Azazel: Huh? I don't remember downloading this. What is this?

Kuro: Metaverse Navigator.

Metaverse Navigator: {Kamoshida... Hope's Peak High... Pervert... Castle...}

In an instant, a blinding light enveloped us, and before we could react, we found ourselves transported to the Metaverse where we had glimpsed the castle. As we recovered from the disorienting sensation, I took a moment to process our surroundings. The imposing castle reared up before us, bathed in an eerie light that cast long shadows across the ground. 

Jonathan: Look! It's the castle from yesterday!

I glanced over at Kuro and noticed that he had transformed into his Joker outfit, the same striking attire he had worn when he had summoned Arsène for the first time. The vibrant colors and intricate details of his costume stood out dramatically against the dull backdrop of the castle.

Azazel: And those clothes, too. Why are you dressed like a magician?

Kuro: I don't know.

Jonathan: I don't get it either...

And so the three of us walked into the castle. As we delved deeper, we spotted students hanging upside down by ropes from their legs, being hit by volleyballs.

Jonathan: W-What the hell!?

The planes of reality shifted slightly, revealing that we were in the gym within Hope's Peak High on the first floor.

Azazel: Was that the gym?

Jonathan: Hey, that's a member of the volleyball team! Are the rumors true? Rumors that Kamoshida uses physical punishment. And that he abuses the members as a diversion. What the hell kind of castle is this!? Anyway, we've gotta save him! Help me!

He grasped the bars of a nearby cell, but they remained unyielding, solid, and cold.

Mysterious Voice: This is no place for amateurs, so listen up! They're not real people. They're puppets that only exist in this Palace. Basically, they're fake people. Got it? Useful info, huh? Right? Right!?

Azazel: Who said that?

Turning towards one of the solitary cells lining the walls, we caught sight of a small, enigmatic figure. It was an imp, with gnarled limbs and long, slender arms that contrasted sharply with her exaggeratedly large red eyes and snub nose, topped off with wild strands of hair reminiscent of an Octoling. 

Imp: Hey, get me outta here!

Jonathan: W-What the hell!? Is that an imp!?

Midna: Don't call me an imp! I am Midna! Now, you see that key?

She gestured dramatically to a rusty old key hanging from a hook on the wall.

Midna: Use it to free me. If you do, I'll tell you all about this Palace.

Azazel: We'll get you out.

I stepped toward the key with resolve. With a firm twist, I unlocked Midna's cell, the creaking of the lock echoing in the stillness. As soon as the door swung open, Midna floated into the air, her small frame stretching and twirling with glee.

Midna: Freedom tastes so good!

Kuro: Tell us about this Palace, Midna.

Azazel: We'd like to know.

Midna bobbed in mid-air, her large eyes sparkling with mischief as she directed her attention towards Kuro and me. 

Midna: Eee hee hee! You two show promise!

The atmosphere was charged with curiosity and uncertainty. Jonathan, still trying to wrap his mind around the disorienting surroundings, furrowed his brow.

Jonathan: What is this place? ...Is it the school?

Midna: That's right.

The unexpected revelation caught Jonathan completely off guard, and his eyes widened in disbelief.

Jonathan: But it's a castle!

Midna: This castle IS the school. But only to the castle's ruler.

Jonathan was more bewildered than before. Her words danced around the gravity of the situation, but Jonathan simply shook his head in frustration.

Jonathan: The castle's ruler...?

Azazel: I think she means Kamoshida.

I glanced at Kuro, who nodded in agreement, a serious expression on his face. Midna then floated closer to me, her ethereal form casting a faint glow in the dim light. She rested her arm on my shoulder, her presence both comforting and strange.

Midna: You're pretty perceptive, y'know that? But yes, it's how Kamoshida's distorted hearts view the school.

It was evident that Jonathan was struggling to process the implications of her words, which only added to his growing frustration. 

Jonathan: Explain it in a way that makes sense!

It was clear he was reaching a breaking point, and Midna, quick to respond, shot back with a smirk.

Midna: I shouldn't have expected a moron to get it...

Jonathan: What'd you say!? 💢

I snickered. But before he could retort further, an echoing series of screams pierced through the air, making our skin crawl.

Azazel: That is not a happy noise.

Jonathan: What was that!?

Midna: It must be the slaves captive here.

Jonathan: For real!?

His eyes were darting around as more screams echoed ominously throughout the castle halls. 

Jonathan: Oh shit... It's for real! We saw other guys here captive yesterday... I'm pretty sure they're from our school.

Midna: Most likely on Kamoshida's orders. It's nothing out of the ordinary; it's like that every day here. What's more, you three escaped yesterday. He must have lost his temper quite a bit.

Jonathan's face hardened with rage as he clenched his fist tightly, his resolve strengthening in the face of the cruelty we had just uncovered.

Jonathan: That son of a bitch...!

Midna: You must really hate this Kamoshida guy.

Jonathan: Hate doesn't even cover how I feel. Everything is that asshole's fault!

Midna: I don't know what happened between you two, but don't let your emotions get the better of you. His lackeys are everywhere inside.

I turned to Midna.

Azazel: Do you know where the voices came from?

Midna: I can guide you guys to where they are.

Kuro: Let's go.

As we stealthily maneuvered through the dimly lit corridors of the castle, the heavy stone walls loomed around us like ancient sentinels, whispering secrets long forgotten. Our hearts pounded in our chests as we caught fleeting glimpses of the students imprisoned in the cold, damp dungeons. Each face was a haunting reminder of their plight, their expressions etched in our memory like portraits in a gallery of despair to be used against Tobias.

Eventually, we found ourselves in the expansive main hall, its grandeur momentarily overshadowed by a sense of foreboding. The eerie silence was shattered as we suddenly realized we were no longer alone; knights clad in glimmering armor surrounded us, their cold eyes fixed on our every move. At the top of the grand staircase stood Tobias.

Shadow Tobias: You knaves again? To think you'd make the same mistake again. You're hopeless!

Shadow Tobias's voice dripped with disdain, echoing ominously against the castle's stone walls. Jonathan stepped forward, clenched fists trembling with indignation.

Jonathan: Kamoshida! Wearing that stupid outfit again!

Midna: He's not the guy you know. The dark, hidden desires of the real Kamoshida have taken physical form in this world. In other words, that's Kamoshida's Shadow.

Azazel: His Shadow?

Jonathan stepped forward, clenched fists trembling with indignation.

Jonathan: I've memorized their faces real good. You're goin' down!

Shadow Tobias: It seems it's true when they say "barking dogfish seldom bite." How far the star runner of the track team has fallen.

There was a distinct edge of mockery in his voice, angering Jonathan who stood nearby, fists clenched tightly at his sides.

Jonathan: The hell are you gettin' at!?

Shadow Tobias leaned casually against the railing, a smirk playing across his lips.

Shadow Tobias: I speak of the "Track Traitor" who acted in violence, ending his teammates' dreams.

Jonathan's expression darkened, and his anger simmered beneath the surface, ready to boil over. Shadow Tobias continued to talk, relishing the effect he had on Jonathan as he slowly descended the stairs toward us. With every step, he exuded an air of superiority, clearly enjoying the emotional turmoil he was inflicting on Jonathan.

Shadow Tobias: Oh, I can only imagine the pain of the others who were dragged under by your...selfish act.

Kuro: Violence?

Shadow Tobias: What a surprise. So you two are accompanying him without knowing anything at all? He betrayed his teammates and crushed their hopes, yet he still carries on as carefree as ever.

Jonathan: That's not true!

Shadow Tobias: You've come along with this fool and are now going to end up dead. ...How unlucky of you.

The knight that had surrounded us beat us down to the ground and held us there, with Midna being grabbed onto by the hair by Shadow Tobias.

Midna: Rgh... You piece of shit!

Shadow Tobias: I bet you simply came here on a whim and ended up like this. Isn't that right?

Jonathan: No...

Shadow Tobias: What a worthless piece of trash, getting emotional so quickly... How dare you raise your hand at me. Though it was only temporary, have you forgotten my kindness in supervising track practice?

Jonathan: Wasn't no practice--it was physical abuse! You didn't just like our team!

Shadow Tobias: It was nothing but an eyesore! The only one who needs to achieve results is me! That coach who got fired was hopeless too... Had he not opposed me with a sound argument, I would've settled it with only paralyzing his star's leg.

Shadow Tobias alluded to what the real Tobias had done to Jonathan in the real world, and this devastated Jonathan.

Jonathan: ...What? 

Shadow Tobias: Do you need me to deal with the other leg too? The school will call it self-defense anyway!

Jonathan's spirit felt like it had plummeted into an abyss as he raged against the floor, his fists pounding the unforgiving surface with frustration. Tears streamed down his face, hot and unabated.

Jonathan: Dammit... Am I gonna lose again...? Not only can I not run anymore...the track team is gone too 'cause of this asshole...!

His voice cracked, each word dripping with a sense of hopelessness that weighed heavily in the air around him. 

Midna watched him, her brow furrowed in concern as the pieces of Jonathan's anguish began to fit together in her mind--finally coming to understand the depth of Jonathan's resentment toward Tobias, a simmering animosity that seemed to pulse like a living thing.

Midna: So that's why...

Azazel: That sick bastard...!

Mockingly, Shadow Tobias loomed ever closer, a sinister grin stretching across his face as he taunted Jonathan with a chilling sneer. 

Shadow Tobias: Once these three are dealt with, you're next.

He cackled, his laugh echoing ominously in the stillness, a sound that danced on the edges of Jonathan's sanity.

Kuro: You're gonna let him talk to you like that? You can't forgive him, right?

Azazel: He's right! Don't let Kamoshida win!

Our voices reached Jonathan in an attempt to pierce through his despair, igniting a spark of rebellion within him.

Jonathan: ...You're right. Everything that was important to me was taken by him... I'll never get 'em back...!

Tobias stepped on my back and I yelled out in pain, with Kuro being stepped on by a knight.

Shadow Tobias: Stay there and watch. Look on as these hopeless scum die for nothing because they sided with trash like you.

The rebellious spirit within Jonathan surged with intensity as he stood his ground, locking eyes with Shadow Tobias. The air crackled with tension as he spoke, his voice steady but laced with indignation. 

Jonathan: No... That's what you are... All you think about is using people... You're the real scumbag, Kamoshida!

A blue fire burned out from his body, and Jonathan's outfit transformed in an instant to mask his true identity. The air around him crackled with energy as he let out a fierce yell, his voice echoing in the tense atmosphere. Clenching his fists tightly, he felt a surge of power coursing through him, and from between the knuckles of his fingers, formidable metal claws sprang forth, glinting ominously in the light.

Unlike Kuro who was a Persona user, Jonathan was a mutant. With a swift motion, Jonathan lifted the grim hockey mask that concealed his face--its surface scratched and worn--but it only seemed to amplify the intensity of his presence. Underneath the mask, his eyes burned with rage, glowing like embers as they locked onto Shadow Tobias. His twisted smile, a mixture of defiance and madness, spread across his face, revealing the depth of his resolve and the chaos he was ready to unleash. 

Shadow Tobias: This one as well!?

Jonathan: Right on... This fuckin' rocks! Now that I got this power, it's time for payback... Bring it!

Kuro, Midna, and I stood by Jonathan ready to fight Shadow Tobias.

Shadow Tobias: Kill them!

The knights around him began to morph grotesquely, their polished armor melting away to reveal sinister, scaled forms. Dark wings sprouted from their backs, and their once noble visages twisted into horrifying masks of fury.

Jonathan sprang into action. With a fierce determination in his eyes, he lunged forward, his claws glinting in the dim light as he aimed for the nearest demon. The brutal strike connected with a sickening thud, sending the creature crashing to the ground, its hissing cry mingling with the chaos surrounding them.

Kuro: Persona!

He swiftly removed his mask and in an instant, Arsène materialized beside him. Just then, a demon lunged toward them, its menacing form crackling with energy. With a fierce roar, it unleashed a bolt of blinding lightning, sending arcane energy crackling through the air.

But Kuro was ready. Arsène deftly stepped forward, his eyes glinting with fierce resolve. In one fluid motion, Arsène used his wings to block the attack With a flourish, Arsène countered, channeling his power into Eigaon--a swirling blast of dark energy that coalesced into a jagged orb of shadow.

The force of Eigaon erupted forth, engulfing the demon in a torrent of darkness that reverberated across the battlefield. The demon's shriek of surprise echoed as it was sent hurtling backward, crashing to the ground in a chaotic tumble, the energy dissipating into the air like a fading storm. 

A demon was approaching me. I instinctively sank into a jujutsu stance, my muscles coiling like springs, ready to spring into action. Just as I was about to launch an attack, Midna transformed her flowing hair into a massive hand, its long fingers curling menacingly around the demon. In one powerful movement, she hurled it down to the ground with a forceful slam, the impact reverberating through the air. 

Azazel: You're joining in, too?

Midna: Time for some bloodshed!

Kuro, Jonathan, Midna, and I surged forward, our hearts racing as we launched ourselves into the fray. The world around us blurred into a whirlwind of colors and motion, our feet barely touching the ground as adrenaline coursed through our veins. We were a unified force, every leap and strike perfectly synchronized.

Kuro landed squarely in front of the oncoming tide of demons. A smirk played on his lips as he adjusted his glove, the glint of determination in his eyes unmistakable.

Kuro: The show's over.

Almost as if his words themselves were imbued with power, the demons gushed out high-pressure blood and began to falter and crumble, evaporating into tendrils of darkness that faded into the ether.

Jonathan's breath came in rapid, desperate gasps, each inhale was a battle against the fatigue gripping his limbs and the adrenaline surging through his veins. He stood at the precipice of the chamber, his hearts pounding as his newly awakened mutant powers flickered to life, crackling within him like electricity. The air around him felt electric--charged with the weight of tension that had thickened between him and Shadow Tobias.

Jonathan: Even if you apologize now... I ain't forgivin' you!

Shadow Tobias: I told you that this is my castle. It seems you still don't understand...

Then, as if summoned by the very tension in the air, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows. Heartfilia stepped forward, yet everything about her was unexpectedly transformed. She stood confidently, being completely naked.

Jonathan: Wh-- Heartfilia!?

His surprise was palpable as was ours, mixed with a flicker of hope that fought against the confusion trying to engulf him. How had she appeared here?

The Heartfilia faker hugged Shadow Tobias, a move that made Jonathan's insides twist with unease.

Jonathan: What's going on...!?

Azazel: Something's not right...

Jonathan: Yeah, now that you mention it... But why is she even here!?

Shadow Tobias, with a sinister smile creeping across his face, lifted the Heartfilia faker's chin as if to showcase her to Jonathan, the act dripping with possessiveness.

Jonathan: Hey! Let go of her, you perv!

Shadow Tobias: How many times must I tell you until you understand? This is MY castle--a place in which I can do whatever I want. Everyone wishes to be loved by me. ...That is, everyone besides slow-witted thieves like you.

Jonathan: Heartfilia! Say somethin'!

Midna: Calm down! It seems this girl isn't the real one. She's the same as those slaves--a being made from Kamoshida's cognition of her!

Shadow Tobias: Are you jealous? Well, I'm not surprised. Women aren't drawn to problematic punks like you.

Jonathan: Dammit...! *He said through gritted teeth*

Heartfilia...?: You're the best, Mr. K! You should get rid of that trash!

Shadow Tobias: Clean them up this instant!

As more knights emerged from the shadows, their glinting armor reflecting the dim light, a wave of panic washed over us. 

Azazel: Shit! This is not good!

Midna: We're outnumbered... Let's scram before they surround us!

Jonathan: We're not gonna do anything and just run!?

Kuro: We can't die here.

Azazel: I'm with Kuro.

Midna: Thank God you two got a level head.

Jonathan sighed in resignation, the weight of the situation settling on him, realizing that fleeing was the only option we had if we wanted to survive.

Jonathan: Ngh... Fine.

But just as we prepared to flee, Jonathan's eyes locked onto Shadow Tobias, who stood ominously among the knights. 

Jonathan: We'll expose what you really are, no matter what! You better be ready for us...!

Shadow Tobias laughed, eager to be ready for when we'll inevitably return. 

Shadow Tobias: I was beginning to get bored of torturing the ones here! Come at me whenever you want, if you don't care about your life!

He lets out an evil laughter.

Midna: Ignore him. Let's go!

As we sprinted through the dimly lit corridors, I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, battling against the rising panic. Kuro, Jonathan, Midna, and I finally skidded to a halt in a small, shadowy room, hearts hammering in our chests. Jonathan leaned against the cool, stone wall, breathless and panting heavily. His eyes darted around the room, anxiety etched across his face. 

Jonathan: Wait, we're in deep shit!

Midna: Quiet!

Her eyes were wide as she peeked through a gap in the door, alert for any signs of the knights pursuing us. The air was thick with tension, and I could sense the oppressive weight of our situation closing in. 

Jonathan: We might've gotten away here, but we're still screwed with Kamoshida at the real school...

Midna: That's quite sharp of you! ...For being an idiot. Relax. The Kamoshida in reality can't possibly know about what happens here. A Shadow is the true self that is suppressed--a side of one's personality they don't want to see.

Jonathan: ...So, we're okay?

Midna paused, her expression shifting to one of contemplation. 

Midna: Did the Kamoshida in reality remember about the execution?

Jonathan fell silent, and I could see the gears turning in his mind as he realized the truth. Tobias, the reality we knew, had no recollection of the execution that had transpired in the depths of the Metaverse.

Midna: There you have it.

Azazel: Hey. Thanks for filling us in, Midna. We better get going.

Midna: Heh, you've got manners. Eee hee hee! See you later! *She waved us off*

In an instant, a strange sensation enveloped us, like being drawn through a tunnel of swirling colors. Reality began to warp around Kuro, Jonathan, and me, the world shifting and bending in a dizzying spectacle. One moment we were in that shadowy room, and the next, we found ourselves standing in front of Hope's Peak High, the familiar façade looming before us, stark against the sky. Kuro and Jonathan had shed their Metaverse attire, now clad in their everyday clothes once more.

Metaverse Navigator: {You have returned to the real world. Welcome back.}

Jonathan: Thank God. We're back.

Outro:

https://youtu.be/F4DXogJ7qpM

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Hey guys, hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I had fun making this. If you did, leave a vote and a comment. Also, don't forget to share Ascend from Darkness, it really helps out.

Chapter 3 is in the works, so stay tuned. And as always, I'm RaveDoggTV, and I'll see you in the next chapter. Peace out!

Uploaded on: February 3rd, 2025