#Chie and teddie tag teamed

[riewiggles]

WHY

Do I have the urge of wanting to listen to Yosuke Hanamura sing Without Me from Eminem

Probably thanks to Straight out of Cyrodiil

[ghostgirl-ward]

these also

[teddiecircus]

missed these guys

[kumakuma-circus]

can't believe i've never shared any screenshots from my magnum opus (p3 and p4 and theoretically p5 tumblr/discord fic). here have some dumbasses.

[official-persona-simp]

persona 4 meme dump because i have no sense of self control

[ask-the-investigation-team]

The Investigation Team (& others ^^) is now open for questions!

Yu, Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise, Teddie, Naoto, Dojima, and Nanako are open for asks!

[hazelplaysgames]

Yukiko is probably the hardest hitter in the whole team, magically speaking, so having her on with Teddie and Kanji works pretty well: no repeat elements between the three, both Teddie and Kanji are bulky enough to take hits, Teddie has SP based healing options, and Kanji has Masukunda and physical skills that just help cover the trio well. it's actually pretty funny, earlier i said it felt pretty rare the three took center stage together, and they work very well for how i play.

as much as i adore Chie, i do have to admit she's outclassed by Kanji as a Physical attacker(those skills DO take HP after all, and he has much more), and Teddie as an ice user... because he actually gets the better ice skills as he levels up. Chie is just... sadly, very outclassed.

[nenilein]

Hello! Apologies for sending an ask out of the blue but considering your familiarity with localisation differences in persona 4/golden, I was wondering if anything comes to your mind regarding this aspect and how the game depicts queerness and queer themes? Thank you!

Heya! Don't worry, I was thinking people would probably ask stuff like this. After all, I already replied to somebody's tags asking this same thing previously, but I know not many people saw that, so let me use the chance to go into more detail:

Unfortunately, Persona 4's treatment of queer themes is not a result of the translation. The only things that were down to translation choices were small things, such as which pronouns are used in which situation (because Japanese does not at all have the same concept of third person pronouns as English, and the way first person classifiers that mean "I" work is very complex and a lot more vibes-based than actually tied to gender.)

But for the most part, everything is pretty much the same. Kanji's reaction to Chie mumbling about something being "off" about how he interacted with Naoto that first time, the tent scene, Yosuke's extreme insecurity in his own sexuality in addition to everyone else's... I think maybe the only thing that's a biiit better in Japanese is that Teddie is kiiinda genderfluid in Japanese, with the artbook outright stating that he doesn't necessarily consider himself "male" when he's in his bear form, unless it's necessary for a joke.

A lot of this can be traced to the really odd relationship the game's director, Katsura Hashino, has to queer themes. In interviews about Catherine Fullbody (a game which infamously has a rather weirdly handled gay romance route which, however, is notably also the only romance route in the game that cannot possibly result in a bad ending), he talks about how he's always admired queer people for being "strong" and wanted to write queer stories, but couldn't really do it until Fullbody because Atlus higher ups were afraid of backlash from the fans.

Traces of this are actually seen in Persona 4 Vanilla's data, where remnants of a surprisingly well done romance route for YOSUKE, of all people, are still present. That route made it far enough into development to have voiced lines in both, English and Japanese. However, it was dummied out in the final game and its script content was removed. Yosuke STILL has the "girlfriend flag" in the code that all the female romance options also have, but in the finished game it only checks whether you can hug him during his social link or not. Everything else was dummied out. You can still find the voice files on the cutting room floor if you want:

And yes, the "I like you" line is unambiguously romantic in Japanese. His wording is very hard to misinterpret.

However, in the finished game and the rest of the franchise Yosuke's bisexuality was reduced to an in-joke of the developers. It's most poignant in Persona Q (the first one), where if you get the "marriage" scene with Yosuke in the second dungeon, his reactions differ WILDLY depending on which Protagonist you are playing as, far more than other male characters. With Makoto Yuki he acts nonchallant and deadpan about it. With Yu Narukami he acts like a blushy Tsundere and panics constantly. So, yeah.

Okay, so, if the director had interest in writing queer stories since before Persona 4, why is Persona 4 the way it is then?

Well, because - and there's no way around it - he sucks at it.

Katsura Hashino has to be one of the clumsiest "gay activists" I've ever seen in my whole darn life. He finds queer people "cool", but seemingly never had any queer writers or sensitivity readers on his teams and it's caused enormous blunders in how these themes have been handled. For example, when after Persona 3 it was pointed out to him that the writing of the female characters in interaction with the male characters was bad, he immediately hired more female writers and gave them free reign for how to handle the female characters from then on out. But apparently the same thing never happened with his mishandling of queer themes. He wants Catherine's Erica and Rin to be empowering figures for trans women and gay men, but makes a lot of blunders in how he has other characters interact with them to the point it buries his good intentions. Erica's boyfriend having gay panic upon realizing she's trans is treated as "funny and cute", even by Erica herself. Rin technically being a monogender alien really undermines his story of becoming more secure in his sexuality. It goes on and on like that.

The intention with Naoto's story was to point out the extreme sexism in Japanese society and how it forces female nerds to find alternate modes of self-expression, but the clumsy choice of including surgery themes in Naoto's dungeon completely buried that for especially western queer audiences. Most people don't even remember Naoto's dungeon was outright modeled after a Kamen Rider villain hideout. They completely shot themselves in the foot with this one. Additionally, the way Naoto is handled AFTER the dungeon makes her (I'm using that pronoun because she calls herself a "woman" in Japanese in the game) seem more like someone who's on the verge of discovering they are X-gender (the japanese word for "nonbinary") than a repressed girl. Like, right down to how she has Rise help her experiment with clothes in the canonical drama CDs only to realize she really is uncomfortable with skirts and go for an androgynous but less restrictive look going forward. The way she dresses in the Golden epilogue and P4D is pretty X-gender core if you ask me. If they had leaned into that they could have genuinely have had something AMAZING, while also presenting the themes of sexism they wanted to explore, but the lack of queer sensitivity readers kind of ruined it.

Same for Kanji. The way they write him makes it seem like he's bisexual or pansexual, rather than straight, but they kinda shove that part of him aside after his dungeon is done, leaving his actual orientation up in the air and wasting a really good chance for representation. NOW, given what happened to Yosuke's social link, it's quite possible the original intent WAS to explore this more and it got cut, but as it stands, we'll never know. The huge problem of the internalized toxic stereotypes his Shadow presented never being reflected on and put into their right context in the rest of the game, when his social link could've given a great opportunity for that is also a huge shame.

All of this happened because of Atlus being unwilling to let their writers go all out with queer themes in fears of alienating a cishet audience AND because Hashino never sat his writing team down with any actual queer writers to sort this shit out and learn how to get across what the team was ACTUALLY trying to say. Now, given, Persona 4 was far from the only Japanese media property with that exact issue at the time, but it hurts especially much in its case because of the game's themes of exploring the truth to its logical conclusion, as well as psychology. These are issues that a remake REALLY would do well to address and correct. I feel like they actually will HAVE to do that, because sensitivity readers have become the NORM in handling these themes now in Japanese media, rather than the exception. You can thank trail blazing mainstream works like Zombie Land Saga for that.

All in all, Persona 4's handling of queer themes is an exercise in frustration that I hope is corrected soon.

[extinct-fish]

Splatoon x Persona Weapon assignments for the various teams:

Note: These are approximations based on weapon choice. I tried to pick weapons that were similar to their actual weapons. I've also colorcoded it for convenience. weapons all range from every splatoon game, though a good chunk from Splat3

SEES:

Makoto/Minato - Octobrush

Kotone - Splatana Stamper

Junpei - Splat Roller

Mitsuru - Kensha Splatana (Alt. Order Splatana, since the Kensha weapon isn't here... sadge)

Akihiko - Dark Tetra Dualies

Yukari - Wellstring V

Shinjiro - GOLD DYNAMO Roller (heavy-af weapon)

Ken - Snipewrite 5B (long range, can hold 5 shots)

Fuuka - Splatterscope

Aigis is technically a walking Nautilus 47

Koromaru can't participate directly, but if he could, he'd have a small fry buddy

OTHERS:

STREGA - Order dualies (Jin), Order Slosher (Chidori), Jet Squelcher (Takaya)

Nyx/Nyx Avatar - DYNAMO ROLLER too, mainly because massive fuck

Ryoji - E-Liter

Ikutsuki - Undercover Brella

Investigation Team:

Yu - Charcoal Decavitator (very OP)

Yosuke - Order Dualies, Nouveau Dapple Dualies

Chie - Glooga dualies (slow shots, but powerful hits)

Yukiko - Reef LUX 450

Kanji - Dynamo Roller

Rise - Eliter Scope

Teddie - Splatana Wiper

Naoto - .52 Gal.

OTHERS:

Nanako - too young, but she would wield a Trislosher

Dojima - N-Zap '85

Adachi - .96 Gal

Phantom Thieves of Hearts: (Parentheses = based on gun)

Akiren/Joker - Kensha Dualies (Can also use Dread Wringer for shits n' giggles)

Morgana/Mona - Order Octobrush (Alt. Order Blaster)

Ryuji/Skull - Painbrush (Alt. Range Blaster)

Ann/Panther - Bloblobber (Alt. Aerospray)

Yusuke/Fox - Mint Decavitator (Alt. Recycled Brella 24Mk I)

Makoto/Queen - Dreadwringer (Alt. L-3 Nozzlenose)

Futaba/Oracle - Z+F Splatterscope

Haru/Noir - Dynamo Roller (Alternatively, Nautilus 47)

Goro Akechi/Crow - Charcoal Decavitator (Alt. Jet Squelcher)

Sumire/Violet - Squiffer

Sophia/Sophie - Dualies (alt. S-Blast '92)

Zenkichi/Wolf - Hero Roller Replica (alt. Squelcher Dualies)

Others:

Sojiro - Undercover Brella

Iwai - Hydra Splatling. Though, he's the weapons dealer, so he can do whatever he wants. He would deffo use a Hydra Splatling tho

If you think these weapons aren't right, gimme suggestions! I'm open to them!

Wall of tags incoming.

[princekirijo]

I'm curious and I personally don't know the investigation team that well so:

Feel free to reblog and put your reasons in the tags :3

[symphonic-scream]

Okay. Random thoughts and notes from Lovers Naoto au! I'll just lay out the team roles here again for clarity as this post goes on.

Wildcard - Kanji

Magician - Rise

Star - Teddie. Still

Chariot - Yu

Priestess - Yosuke

Emperor - Yukiko

Lovers - Naoto

Fortune - Chie

Alright. Time to just. Lay a bunch of them out! Putting a cut here cause it'll probably end up long, don't wanna clog any tags with Long Post :)

So the idol group Naoto's in, Royale, they're all pretty close. Naoto, Prince, and the member called Knight were the first two chosen for the group at age 12, with the last being the member Dame at 13. They're all the same age, Naoto being the oldest by like. A week, and Princess pouts about it all the time

They have assigned colours! Naoto, Prince, is Blue. Knight is Yellow. Princess is Pink. Queen is Purple. And Dame is Red. They're like, the rising group at this time and, it's causing stress for poor Naoto

The girls call him Naonao, but not Knight. She only calls him Naoto, they're the closest of the group. She's always been his number 1 supporter, and. They're in the same boat, kinda. She's, very gay. Having to pretend to be into Prince, is hard

Queen's changing room is the one that they find the camera in. That's what sparks Naoto into having his breakdown that forces their rest period. Idiot was pushing himself

--

When Naoto renegotiates his contract, the agency reluctantly agree to stop forcing him to keep his T doses cut in half, to keep his face pretty and shit. And, surgery dates. And, when he returns after his recovery from top in Inaba at age 17, the agency. Realize they can actually use this

He's got very minimal scars, and it's rather easy for them to cover them for music videos and shows. So, they have a party themed album. Night life theming or something. All that matters is they're covered in glow paint handprints, and Naoto is in a mesh shirt

Rise. Buys that poster immediately. Hangs it in her room and longingly stares at Naoto. Maybe she has a cardboard standee of him that she talks to like a therapist. Very "oh Ariana, we're in it now" energy. Except that's her boyfriend

--

AND FHE RECOVERY. I HAVE MANY CUTE IDEAS

Naoto gets it done in Okina, so the gang is there to have a boobless and high Naoto handed over to them by the idol girls. He's. Very giggly. Slurring his words as he talks at length about Neo Featherman on the drive back in a van borrowed from Junes

Rise and Kanji stay to help him heal. Kanji is there for just a few days to carry the drowsy Naoto around, and. Rise stays the whole time and longer. She missed him. Also, someone needs to make sure he doesn't overwork himself again

He's real sweet the whole time, cuddling and smiling all gooey at her. He missed her! And he feels a lot better now. Back feels better, he can breathe better, he feels, more himself. He's glad he got a whole month to recover with Rise

--

Naoto with. Face scruff. None under his nose, but. His chin gets real scruffy before he notices. And man, Rise loves it. His fans don't get to see him in the morning when he's unshaven, that tickly blue scruff on his chin as he shuffles around the kitchen making breakfast. That's for her eyes only

--

For the final Royale shoot, right as theyre going to all retire at age 20-21, their agency ends up doing a whole special photo book and magazine. A special farewell to the group, as it were

There's a few pages for a beach spread of course. The girls in, revealing suits. And Naoto, both surgeries over with and healed, is handed some flattering shorts

He feels good. They make him shave all over so he's. Smooth. But, he mentally notes to get the IT together for another beach trip again

...Rise also buys these

--

Now. Back to their first meeting

Rise: H-HELLO IM RISE AND I LIKE YOU A NORMAL AMOUNT

Naoto: ...uhm. hi? Could you step aside? I have to run an errand for my grandfather and. You're standing in my way

Rise: ...*oh my god I got in his way I'm going to die.* hahaha sorry!

--

Naoto: ...now you know what I'm truly like... I'm sorry you had to see that,

Rise: we all have our things we hide,, it may change some things about the way I see you, but, overall, I think I'm still your number one fan. Both as Prince, and, as Naoto

Naoto: ...*fierce blushing*

--

Rise likes to pinch at his cheeks. He's still got a little of the Roundness that first year, and, she loves how flustered he gets when she just. Does something so simple

--

She starts taking photos of their friends making fake angry faces and adds the caption "are you binding safely"

He finds them. Somewhat amusing. But also the one of Kanji is. A little scary

--

Naoto's bedroom starts off real plain. The one in Inaba. To the point where when the team goes there to get clues, there's. Nothing. But slowly, as his break progresses, he gets more little decorations

So when he goes to stay during his recovery, it feels a little like coming home

--

Princess: I think your little girlfriend hates me

Prince: hi this is Rise!! And yes I do <3

Prince: SORRY SHE TOOK MY PHONE

Princess: lmao I like her!! Don't mess this up

--

Dame: if you don't marry that girl I will

Prince: WHERE IS THIS COMING FROM

Dame: she's cute, and remember, we have the same type, mister. Treat her right or I'll make her *my* lady

Prince: I WOULD NEVER DREAM OF HURTING HER

Knight: buddy she's teasing you

Prince: ...

Dame: HAHA

Queen: leave him alone he's gone through enough this year

Princess: lmaooo I bet he's bright red! Cherry flavoured Naonao!

--

Dudes who like Royale: man that Prince is lucky, being surrounded by those four pretty girls all the time

Naoto: I miss my wife, Tails. I miss her a lot

--

The big thing that doesn't change is that Rise still stares at the fire alarm every damn day

--

Kanji and Rise doing each other's nails, Naoto hugging Rise from behind and rambling about Phoenix Ranger or something

Kanji: they really don't take advantage of your collarbones dude! Tell your stylist they need to highlight them more, you've got manly ass collarbones

Naoto: ...thanks, I think

--

Kanji: yo, do you two wanna have a first years sleepover?

Rise: ooh! That sounds like so much fun!

Naoto: I mean, I don't see why not,

Kanji snoring on his bed with Naoto and Rise passed out on the futon, some romcom still blasting on the TV

--

Rise: Naokun and I will help you find a boyfriend!

Naoto: we will?

Kanji: you will?

Rise: yup!! A manly man, someone perfect for you!!

They do not succeed.

Naoto: what about Yu?

Rise and Kanji: he's gay for Yosuke

Naoto: ...is. Yosuke not straight?

Rise and Kanji: he isn't. Hadn't figured it out yet

Naoto: ah

Naoto: sorry, Kanji

Rise: yeah,, we're sorry,,

Kanji: dudes, I knew this would be the result. Thanks for trying. You're my best friends

--

Naoto: HELLO. I NEED YOUR HELP

Kanji: wassup little dude

Naoto: I PLAN TO PROPOSE TO RISE WHEN MY CONTRACT EXPIRES NEXT MONTH. COULD YOU BRING HER TO KYOTO FOR A BESTIES TRIP?

Kanji: wait why are you in Kyoto

Naoto: AGENCY MOVED

Kanji: hell yeah man true love

Kanji sobs the whole time. And at the wedding. He just loves their love okay?

Kanji: congrats on the dick surgery man.

--

Like. Maybe a week into bottom recovery for Naoto and-

Naoto: thanks,

Kanji: I brought over my Play Station so we can game in your room. I bought Phoenix Featherman Arena too, it was supposed to be your birthday gift but I suppose it works as Penis Gift

Naoto: if I wasn't straight for Rise I'd kiss you

Kanji: ...I'm good without a kiss man

Rise sits behind Naoto and massages his scalp as the boys play. She. Tried for a bit, but she isn't too good

She prefers to dote on her boy

Rise: med time!

Naoto: noo, they make me sleepy,

Kanji: it's cool man we can play tomorrow!

Rise: we'll both be with you, all night

Naoto's soft snores, Kanji sounding like a fucking. Chainsaw level of snoring. And Rise occasionally humming softly

--

Naoto: ...babe why is there a poster of me from the party album on the ceiling in your room

Rise: you looked really good

Naoto: ...please take it down while I'm here

Rise: fine,

--

Remember, this is Navi Naoto

Naoto: Rise, you're low on health! Make sure to get some healing!

Yosuke: HEY IM LOW ON HEALTH TOO

Naoto: ...when did I ask?

Yu: if I had a healing move I'd heal you Yosuke

Yosuke: thanks bro

Rise: apologize to Naokun and I'll heal you too, Yosuke

Yosuke: WHAT

--

Yosuke is surrounded by queer people.

Cause. Kanji is very gay, Rise is bi, Naoto is bi and trans, Yu is gay, Yukiko and Chie are both gay-

Yosuke: I'm the only straight one...

Yu: ...we just made out. You're not that straight

Yosuke: we're wearing socks, it's not gay

--

Yosuke getting saved by the fucking. Rainbow parade that is the starting trio in this au

--

Rise rejoining Naoto at the like entrance TV set every time with a big leaping hug

"you did good,"

"Thank you!! It's cause our Navi always has my back~"

Yosuke: I hate them

Yu: ...you did wonderful

Yosuke: I wish Rise jumped at me like that-

Yu:

Ten seconds later they all hear Yosuke shout in pain cause. Yu jumped on him

Naoto: ...ignoring them-

He's cut off by a kiss

Rise: sorry!! You're just, too cute with those glasses,

--

Rise always wears flats. Especially since it makes her just short enought that with Naoto's platforms she can be under his arm

--

They're awful during the ski trip. Naoto and Rise. Always trying to sneak kisses but they're not sneaky at all

Yosuke: guys. Where are Rise and Naoto

Chie: probably making out

Yukiko: probably

Yu: they bought hot chocolate, I saw Naoto in line there

Kanji: they're probably making out yeah

Yosuke: damn, I'm so jealous of Naoto!

Yu: ...

Yu: we were making out the other day. Your hand was in my pants

Yosuke: yeah, the back. That's not gay man!

--

Chie: okay, let's bet. How far until Yosuke admits its gay? I'll say. Pants off, both sides

Yukiko: hm, hand in underwear

Kanji: both butt naked

Yu: ...full on. Actual gay sex.

Chie: ...dude,

Yu: ...why do I love him

--

They're not usually the couple to make out constantly. Typically it's, sweet kisses. Spending hours together, Rise napping while Naoto watches Featherman. But. They do occasionally get carried away. It happens more as Naoto gets his T increased. But that first year? They're not too much

--

Rise: *giggling* your hair is so soft, I could play with it for hours,,

Naoto: sjfjfufhfj,

Rise: awe!! You're all blushy,, gosh, now I *have* to kiss you

--

He just. One hand in her back pocket, the other, palm flat on her back, fingers just under the hem of the comfy T-shirt she stole from him

Rise trails her kisses up towards his ear, sucking a quick mark right under it, where she knows Naoto's weak. He's a puddle on the couch, and she can kiss down to those Very Nice collarbones before he'll recover enough to pull her back in for some proper kisses

Naoto: I wanna, flip

Rise: go for it, big guy~

Naoto: its a thin couch, babe. I. Both of us need to work this out

Rise: ...oh, right

They awkwardly shuffle, until it's Rise lying back on the couch

Naoto: ...did you leave a hickey on me again?

Rise: *giggling* maybe~

Naoto: grandfather is going to so kill me...

Rise: well, as pay back, you can give me some?

Naoto: what do you mean some? Is there more than one? Rise-

She quickly pulls him down for another long kiss

--

After his bottom surgery, the rest of Royale just drive him right to his place in Inaba where he has three months off to heal and be with his friends. It went a little rough this time, he reacted weird to the anesthesia and his legs are. Wonky for a bit

Naoto post surgery just talks the other idols' ears off about how he can't wait to see Rise again

Knight: Im driving so someone else please LIGHTLY poke at his side for me

Dame: DIBS

Knight: anyone but Dame.

Naoto: I mish her so much,,,, wanna. Kiss her, and snuggle, and, maybe take her shirt off-

Princess: oh my god I'm going to do it. I'll tape his fucking mouth shut-

Queen: I'll be giving your recovery care package to that Kanji boy, right?

Naoto: mmmmmyewh,,, him. Him and, and my Rise are gonna watch over me,,,, *little giggle* I'm gonna get to see Rise again!!

Knight: yeah. Give it to the big guy. I think Ms Rise is gonna be a bit occupied with this one

The van isn't even parked and Rise is running up to open the back door

"NAOKUN!!"

"RISSSSSSSSE,"

She gives him a tender smooch, ruffles his hair

"hey, Handsome. You're looking so good!"

"Youre soooo pretty,,,,"

Knight: where's Kanji? We were told he would help get Naoto inside

Rise: KANJI! THEYRE HERE

Kanji comes out in a little pink apron with kitties on it, ready to carefully carry Naoto up to his room: sorry, I was making him his favourite ramen

Naoto: KANJIIIIIIIIII!

Kanji: hey little man, feeling okay?

Naoto: I got. Dick. I'm, great,

Kanji carries him up all slow and gentle, Rise with his blue duffle over her shoulder, getting hugs from the rest of Royale. They've come to adore her through Naoto. The photos, the way his face would always light up at her texts,,

--

The others come by to visit Naoto who. Has been coming down from the pain meds and is less than happy his friends are around while he's stuck lounging in bed in just his boxers

Naoto: I wish I could put pants on

Rise: I don't

Yosuke: BLECH, WAIT FOR US TO LEAVE, DAMNIT!

Yu: ignore him. We're happy you're feeling more like yourself, Naoto

Naoto: I'll feel better once I'm healed. Looking down and seeing. Unhealed surgery results. Can be horrifying

Rise: the first time he got up to piss in the night on his own he screamed and fell over

Kanji: Yeah I thought he was being attacked so I grabbed the chair

Naoto: it was very embarrassing

--

Kanji: okay, you're healed enough for a bath. You've got three options: you bathe alone, you have one with me, or one with Rise. Either way, I have to help you into the bath

Naoto: ...no offense, but. Kanji. Why would I choose to bathe with you over my girlfriend?

Kanji: we're bros

Naoto: I'll share with Rise, thanks. But. I'll have a towel around my waist until I'm in the water. I'm sure Rise can help me to get that resorted afterwards

Kanji: whatever you say man. I'm game to keep my eyes closed

Naoto: do not handle me with your eyes closed. Please.

Rise: I'll be there to help guide him though!

Rise slips into the tub behind Naoto, helps him remove the little waist towel, and then they're just. Relaxing in a warm bath

Rise: I have to sponge you down, but. I think we'd both prefer some skin time first

Naoto: mm. I've missed you so much,

Rise: I know. But, this is your last year. After that, we can do whatever! I can move to Tokyo with you if you want to continue being an idol, or you can move here with me, and we'll take over the tofu shop, or do our own thing

Naoto: I love you more than I. Ever imagined I'd ever love someone. You're truly special, Rise

She presses little kisses along his shoulders, hands tangled with his under the water

Rise: I understand, cause I feel the same about you!!

Naoto: this is gonna be the best three months ever ...

Rise: mm~ you just worry about healing, mister. Then we won't have to rely on Kanji to carry you around like a little doll

Naoto: yeah that's. Embarrassing.

Kanji: LET ME KNOW WHEN I NEED TO LIFT THE BOY

Naoto: I'm 19,,, I'm a man, right Rise?

Rise: ...hm? Yeah, yes of course, you're my man too.

Naoto: ... are you thinking about the scruff?

Rise: I MISS YOUR SCRUFF PLEASE DONT SHAVE WHILE YOURE ON BREAK

--

Rise tracing on the light hairs on his chest, smiling as she trails down to the patch growing just under his belly button

Naoto: uhm. Babe?

Rise: sorry, got distracted. Do you need something?

Naoto: ...please move your hand. *Please*.

Rise: ...OH IM SORRY

Kanji: hey I made cookies!

Kanji: ...why are you both blushing like that

--

THERES MORE SO MUCH MORE BUT. I WORRY ABOJT THIS BEING TOO LONG SO. YEAB

AK ME ABOUT THIS AU I LOVE IT SO MUCH

[swordsfaires]

Nothing Golden Can Stay

Chapter 2: Tangled Threads of Fate

rating: M

pairings: Yu Narukami/Yosuke Hanamura, Yukiko Amagi/Chie Satonaka, Kanji Tatsumi/Naoto Shirogane (all minor/background)

characters: Yu Narukami, Yosuke Hanamura, Yukiko Amagi, Chie Satonaka, Kanji Tatsumi, Naoto Shirogane, Rise Kujikawa, Teddie, Tohru Adachi, Takuto Maruki, Persona 5 Protagonist (Akira Kurusu | Ren Amamiya), Morgana, Ryuji Sakamoto, Ann Takamaki, Yusuke Kitagawa, Makoto Niijima, Futaba Sakura, Haru Okumura, Goro Akechi, Sumire Yoshizawa, Lavenza, Igor, Adam Kadmon, Azathoth, other minor canonical characters

tags: Persona 5 Royal Bad Ending, Persona 5 Royal Sleep Ending, Post-Persona 4: Golden. Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Action/Adventure, Persona 4 Spoilers, Canon-Typical Violence, Minor Canonical Character(s). The Phantom Thieves are defeated by Maruki and the Investigation Team steps up to the plate, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Strap in this is gonna be a long one, POV Multiple, I can’t think of more tags at the moment but just read it and trust me, They/Them Pronouns for Shirogane Naoto

After reuniting in Tokyo, the Investigation Team sets out to track down the potential cause of the changes and look into another unusual phenomenon: the rise of the Phantom Thieves.

—

Yosuke leaned back where he was seated on the sofa, crossing his arms behind his head. “Man, can you believe it though? Adachi being let out of prison? And now he’s coming here?”

Rise perched herself on the armrest next to him. “I guess if whatever caused this made it so his victims never died, then it makes sense he was let go.” She frowned. “I’m not sure I buy that he wants to help, though. It feels weird.”

“He seemed to be helpful over the phone.” Yu scrolled to read back on Chie’s texts. “Chie said she went with him to the police station too and he didn’t do anything.”

Kanji folded his arms. “I don’t trust him. He’s already burned us before, what’s to stop him from doing it again?”

“I agree it would be unwise to trust him, but I believe it would be equally as unwise to refuse his help,” Naoto pointed out. “Other than us, he’s the only one we know who isn’t affected by this and has any knowledge of the Midnight Channel.”

“I hate to admit it, but that’s true,” Yosuke said. “Don’t get me wrong, I still can’t stand the guy, but we gotta take all the help we can get.”

[ghostgirl-ward]

biffles

[beezonia]

also my brain has been thinking of the fairy tail au as well so take a little bit more information on the p4 cast specifically

it’s wordy, be warned!

——

Yu and the rest of the team are like mid/late twenties (P5 gang are early twenties P3 are early/mid thirties)

Most of them share small houses together because it makes rent slightly easier (Yukiko has the inn)

Yosuke and Yu are rooming together

Kanji and Naoto share

Rise and Chie are together

Teddie lives in a small cottage near the guild

——

Magic! (I’ve already explained Yu’s check the fairy tail au tag if you want more on that!)

Yosuke - Healing Wind - can summon winds which both heal those who get swept up in them or can damage them if they get harsh enough to toss people in the air

Chie - Devil Kick - Her kicks are extremely powerful (her muscles tend to harden when she uses her magic so the enemies get like 10x damage because of how strong she is usually and then adding that on with it)

Yukiko - Blossom Boom - Her magic allows her to create small or large bloom type bombs that will burst into flames after hitting the ground (like a five second chance to get away before they explode and sometimes the loose petals will set on fire)

Kanji - Poison Finger - yeah his fingers can let out a small or large amount of poison depending on his energy levels. (High energy means your more likely to be okay, low energy means you’re probably going to die)

Naoto - Revealed - Naoto’s magic allows him to see through magic disguises or just any disguise and force the magic user to come to light (also his magic just gives him a keen eye)

Rise - Siren’s Guide - Rise’s voice can guide those she doesn’t want to hurt to safety and those she must hurt into a tiring trap!

Teddie - Dress up - the opposite of Naoto’s teddie’s magic allows them to cast disguises and change someone’s feature depending on a situation (nonbinary teddie anyone?!)

———

So they end up being one of the main teams from the guild to investigate the murder alongside Ryotaro

Some have their suspicions it’s the newest mage of the guild Adachi

Tohru’s magic is called - Jester - Allows him to create copies of himself and use them to distract others with all sorts of tricks (harmful tricks)

and so they start to follow after him and his history and it all sort of comes to that

——

Yu, Yosuke, Chie and Yukiko have known each other a lot longer in this, since Yu traveled to Iniari quite frequently to visit his uncle

So they’re like a group of their own until the investigation team gets formed

Rise and Naoto are good friends already since they know each other from magnolia (rise technically was part of the blue pegasus guild before)

Kanji managed to get out of a dark guild before it was to late thanks to Ryotaro and he’s been with the silver screen guild ever since

——-

Yu and his aunt Chisato have a very strong bond and it’s filled with bad jokes and stoicism (same for yu and ryotaro) she also teaches him how to play the flute, Nanako is learning how to play piano like her mum

————

Nanako doesn’t have her magic yet, but it’s more likely to come in a moment of extreme panic or stress for her (like how it did for her parents)

She’s good friends with the phantom warrior’s guild Akane!

——

(this kinda counts as actual headcannons for p4 but it’s still valid in the au!)

Ryotaro and Chisato actually had trouble conceiving Nanako (they were about to give up on having a child all together)

Ryotaro’s sister, Yu’s mother , Himiko was actually going to try persuade them to try once more (she saw how sad they were) until she found out about Nanako

So yeah Nanako was sort of a miracle baby!

——-

that’s it for now!

[quartzskies]

big fan of your eeveelution investigation team art! what other pokemon do you think they would have?

thank you sm!! <3 i'm so happy people like my silly little drawings

on that note, i am so sorry anon you've awoken a beast

this awoke soooooo many brainworms in me btw i will be thinking about this for so long. i don't have entire teams planned out for everyone (...yet) but i'm gonna try to go off of a mix of elements + Vibes

ok so like souji/yu for SURE has a team full of super powerful, intimidating ass pokemon. debating putting arceus there bc of izanagi... i'm thinking like serperior, garchomp, that type of stuff. of course he also would have a luxray or smth bc cat 😸🥰

yosuke was honestly so easy for me to come up w an entire team for him 🫣 imo his team would include stuff like greninja (obligatory) and staraptor/noivern and, hear me out, meowscarada. magician arcana

chie would have a team full of heavy-hitting physical attackers 💪🏼💪🏼 she would def have a gyarados and either a mienfoo or a kubfu. small bestie perfect for training

yukiko i have had SO much fun thinking up ideas for, i wanna try to make some drawings w full teams of 6 for everyone but if no one else i wanna do one for YUKIKO. volcarona bc fiery dance shit, but i think she'd totally embrace the Weird. what i'm saying is she would so totally have like a gengar and hydreigon. i am debating giving her giratina for shits and giggles 😋

kanji!! my boy, my dude!! i saw some tags on my kanji art that mentioned how he would have a team full of pokemon that evolved w high friendship/affection and they are all SO right. he'd def have a milotic in there, probably a crobat or krookodile?? also hear me out: leavanny. they could make clothes together 🥹

rise i think would have kind of a gimmicky team!! shit like whimsicott, maushold, ofc paired w support like an altaria. i just think she would get the cute ones that can also piss people off just for funsies 😈😇

teddie needs to have all baby pokemon. cute ass shit. i'm talking togepi. definitely some wack shit like shaymin (ground forme) and jirachi. and, once again, hear me out: darkrai. think of spooky ass shadow teddie. he would totally have the cutest sweetest most innocent team and then A Horror From The Shadows 👻

naoto was also super easy for me to imagine a full team for!! lucario DUHHHH. and other cool shit like a samurott and flygon. i can't explain it but they all fit naoto's Vibe do you get what i'm saying. they’re all like🕵️ yknow

okayyyyyyyy that was so long i'm so sorry _(:3 」∠)_ BUT this gave me so many ideas and i think my next project may be to draw them being all swag w their teams... or if nothing else definitely get yukiko's team drawn. that girl would be full of horrors i know it <3

[arcplaysgames]

(I don't actually know if Strikers does anything with tarot but anyway) Which game, as a whole, do you think uses the tarot theming the best? Whether it be individual arcana assignments or links to the plot or just vibes - I know you've spoken of inidividual S-Link meanings but I don't think a big-picture comparison was ever done.

hmmm okay lets do a basic round up

I am going to... give points

+ 2 (GREAT job) + 1 (They tried!) + 0 (phoned it in/makes no sense) - 1 (ACTIVELY BAD CHOICE)

Fool: SEES (P3) vs Investigation Team (P4) vs Notigor (P5) Gonna give P3 and P4 0 points bc these do nothing, but P5 gets -1 bc what the fuck

Magician: Junpei Iori (P3) vs Yosuke Hanamura (P4) vs Morgana (P5) Both P3 and P5 get +2 for AMAZING Magicians. P4 gets a 0.

High Priestess: Fuuka (P3) vs Yukiko (P4) vs Makoto (P5) P3 gets the +2 here. P4 gets a -1, Yukiko is a terrible choice. No opinion on Makoto but she doesn't seem like the right pick imo.

Empress: Mitsuru (P3) vs Margaret (P4) vs Haru (P5) I'll give P4 one point and P5 two points. Mits shoulda been Emperor.

Emperor: StuCo Guy (P3) vs Kanji (P4) vs Yusuke (P5) P4 gets +2 for a shockingly good Emperor. P5 gets a -1 for a shockingly bad Emperor.

Hierophant: Old Couple (P3) vs Dojima (P4) vs Sojiro (P5) P3 gets -1 and should feel lucky its only minus one. P4 and P5 get zero points.

Lovers: Yukari (P3) vs Rise (P4) vs Ann (P5) P3 gets the +2, P4 gets +1, P5 gets zero.

Chariot: Rio (P3) vs Chie (P4) vs Ryuji (P5) Everyone gets +1.

Strength: Koromaru (P3) vs Athletes (P4) vs Twin Wardens (P5) P3 gets +1, P4 gets fucking nothing, and P5 gets +2.

Hermit: Saori (P3) vs The Fox (P4) vs Futaba (P5) P3 gets +1, P4 gets -1 bc no that's not what Hermit is, and P5 gets +2 for nailing it.

Fortune: Ryoji (P3) vs Naoto (P4) vs Chihaya (P5) No points, everyone see me after class. Actually, no. P4 and P5 get -1.

Justice: Ken (P3) vs Nanako (P4) vs Akechi (P5) I AM GOING TO GIVE P5 +3 FOR AKECHI, FOR THE FIRST TIME PERSONA FUCKING DID ANYTHING WITH THE JUSTICE ARCANA. AND BOY THEY DID STUFF.

Hanged Man: Maiko (P3) vs Naoki??? (P4) vs Iwai (P5) P3 you get a -1, see me after class. Zero for the others.

Death: Pharos (P3) vs I HAVE NO IDEA (P4) vs Tae (P5) I refuse to give Pharos points, so fucking basic. P5 can have a point.

Temperance: UGH NO (P3) vs uh whoops (P4) vs Kawakami (P5) P3 what the fuck -1, +1 to P4 bc its boring but it fits, and Kawakami gets +2 for fucking nailing it.

Devil: Pres Tanaka (P3) vs that nurse??? (P4) vs Ohya (P5) I'm gonna skip this one bc I don't think I know enough about P4 and P5's to rate. And Tanaka fits but is just Fine. +0 to all.

Tower: Cool Monk (P3) vs uuuuh idk (P4) vs whoops x 2 (P5) Honestly, same as Devil. No points.

Star: Akihiko (P3) vs Teddie (P4) vs Hifumi (P5) FUCKING PLUS 3 TO TEDDIE FOR BEING A TREMENDOUS STAR. +1 to P3 for Akihiko. 0 to P5 bc I don't get the angle.

Moon: Shinjiro (P3) vs that one girl (P4) vs Mishima (P5) Fuck Mishimia. He's an amazing Moon. +2 to P5, zero to the others.

Sun: Akinari (P3) vs Yumi (P4) vs Yoshida (P5) -1 to P4 bc the Sun link sucks. +2 to P3 and P5 for AMAZING Sun links. Yoshida may be the most nuanced take on any NPC's Arcana.

Judgement: Nyx Squad (P3) vs Truth Dudes (P4) vs Sae (P5) P5 gets +1 bc at least they fucking tried, P3 and P4 were just tagged on and superfluous.

World/Universe: Reverie III vs Reverie IV vs Reverie V Reverie The Fourth loses HARD here bc the point of the World is coming to the end of a journey and being changed for it and he doesn't have enough personality to be changed. -1 to P4 Reverie the Third is a decent one who went through a lot and has enough personal stakes that I buy it. +1 to P3 I hate to say it but Reverie the Fifth gets +2. He feels the most complete of them all, so for the Arcana of Completion, or the Whole, it has to be him.

Okay I have no idea what that tallies up to, lemme see.

Persona 3: 10 points Persona 4: 4 points (OUCH) Persona 5: 19 FUCKING POINTS WOW THAT ISN'T EVEN CLOSE

My math might be wrong bc I suck at math (yay, dyscalculia) but that is a huge margin for error.

Honestly, makes sense. Like I said in the post-mortem, P5 succeeds in a lot of ways just for having actual adults available for the arcanas. P4 and P3 are so strongly limited to your classmates, there is only so many ways to make a high school student wacky and weird in a way congruent to their Arcana.

P5 has the worst Emperor in the series by far but it has the best Justice easily and possibly the best Sun and honestly a lot of the NPC SLinks are Just Really Good.

So yeah, P5 wins at something at last.