fogbornphantom | [CLOSED] An Awkward Encounter

It began with an awkward text message.

Goro Akechi (Crow): Katsuya Suou, correct? Apologies for the sudden message. You can call me Crow. Perhaps you've already heard of me. Regardless, I'd like to meet with you, if it's not too much trouble. As I understand it, your reception was less than ideal, and I believe I can help you better acclimate to this place without the same judgments and hostilities as some of the other residents.

A message came before long, thankfully.

Katsuya Suou: I did read the board, though that can only reveal so much when it's through the lens of people I don't know. I'd be lying if I said I was thrilled with the initial reactions, but I understand that I acted presumptuously. If you're willing to talk, I'd be a fool to decline. Where would you like to meet?

They arranged to meet up at the creperie in Kichijoji, though Crow arrived first. He kept his phone out on the table, idly browsing the network, until a familiar voice drew his attention away.

"Crow, I presume?"

Looking up, he nodded. "Greetings, Suou-san. Please, feel free to sit down."

Nodding back, Katsuya pulled out the opposite chair, then sat down. A cognition delivered menus, and the two placed their orders before continuing the conversation.

"Allow me to cut to the chase," Crow said. "As I'm sure you can surmise, the vast majority of people here have an unfortunate history with law enforcement. There are a great many vulnerable children and teenagers who do not take kindly to adult authorities as a general rule, too wounded by past abuse and hardships. This, of course, isn't your fault, and I know from my experiences in my own world that you are a compassionate man who embodies the ideals of justice that the vast majority of police sorely lack."

Katsuya winced, but didn't protest. Instead, he blew a soft sigh. "It was presumptuous of me to introduce myself as a member of the police. I also misstepped in my assumptions regarding the children here. Call it a habit, I suppose. I've been responsible for my younger brother's well-being ever since our father lost his position in the police force."

"I know. And, to be frank, when you live in a more privileged position, it can be difficult to see the invisible injustices that don't directly affect you. Plus, Miyashiro-san is more familiar with matters pertaining to vulnerable children." Crow had... reservations with some of Shiori's views, particularly with regards to mental health, but her own traumas shaped her perspectives. "However, what you must understand is that we've had over a year to develop our own sense of community and customs. 'Lord of the Flies,' this is not."

The literary reference earned a weak chuckle from Katsuya. "I can see that, and I'm glad. It's still worrisome that there are so few adults here, but if it's as you say, then that may be a blessing. I know that many adults view children as beneath them. Those in power aren't always kind."

"But that's precisely why you need to treat us like equals, rather than as children. Regardless of intentions, it feels patronizing when a stranger shows up and starts fussing over us. You don't know us. You don't know our histories. There are people here who have blood on their hands due to the injustices in their pasts. Good people, despite their crimes, who have gained at least some semblance of emancipation through this world and the opportunity to heal. As such, your bold proclamations of police status serve as cruel reminders of the cruel systems that oppressed them or otherwise neglected their needs."

Crow folded his hands on the table. "Many of us grew up in broken homes. To some, the police were a threat. To others, they turned a blind eye. In the worst case scenario, they're pawns for Masayoshi Shido, a man on par with Tatsuzou Sudou in both evil and ambition and, regrettably, the very man who several of the people here serve as his hired assassin because society failed them, and they had no one to rely on."

Katsuya's face paled, and though the waiter brought their cakes over, it took several moments for him to thank the cognition. Reflexively, he reached for his shades, steeling himself. "...But not by choice?"

"That's not for me to say. Some of our... prouder residents would deny their lack of agency. Personally, I don't believe they're fully to blame when a malevolent god set them up to fail after tragedy followed them throughout their lives. I won't deny their crimes, but had I not found a home and a family, I may have followed the same path."

"...Then it's like Nyarlathotep, isn't it?"

"Very much so. To put it another way, this false god is to Igor what Nyarlathotep is to Philemon, just as Shido is very much like Sudou."

"Then history is set to repeat itself..."

"It wouldn't be the first time. Time and time again, some manner of god or eldritch being seems to arrive, and with it, near cataclysmic circumstances. I have seen several since I awakened my Persona, and I'm sure there will be more to come."

Katsuya's frown only deepened, and he still paid no mind to his cake. "And you were Raven-kun's age when you awakened..."

"To put it another way, I was Raven. Or a version of Raven, at any rate. So, to answer your question, I did awaken at a young age, though it was entirely my choice, and I have no regrets."

"I suppose it's not too outlandish. My brother and I played the Persona Game when we were quite young..."

"Though I didn't dream of a butterfly. Instead, I obtained my power through... other means." Pausing, Crow waved his hand. "But we're getting off track. The fact of the matter is, we are facing unprecedented times here. I'm sure you've seen the posts regarding one of the versions of Ken Amada of a more malicious nature."

"...Yes, and I would like to help, but only if the others approve."

"And therein lies the most pressing matter. Are you willing to cast aside your preconceptions as a member of the police and let us lead? Can you cooperate without putting your foot in your mouth as you had on the network?"

Though Katsuya flinched, he made no protest. "...I'll abide by whatever terms they put forward, and only if they're comfortable doing so."

Heh. A smirk crept across Crow's lips. "Well then. I believe that's a perfectly acceptable start." He glanced to the cake. "Now then, it'd be a shame to waste such a fine looking dessert."

Blinking, Katsuya finally looked to his cake. "Ah. I'd gotten so caught up in the discussion, I'd nearly forgotten."

With the tension gone, he finally took a bite.