[Let's Play Persona 2: Innocent Sin] Update 15: Back in the Saddle VOTE

Blackjack

The incense cards? I generally never use them, for the reasons I mentioned in the update (Persona stats aren't that important and you'll be switching Personas enough that slightly lower stats don't matter). I'll probably throw either a Technique or Agility Card on a Persona I'll be making Eikichi probably after this next dungeon.

The character incenses I tend to wait until a higher level to use. Tatsuya probably won't get any, since he can actually get up to 99 in everything without them, if you're careful with his levelups. But really they're the kind of thing I always hold off on using just because I don't want to accidentally "waste" them.

cj, nah those are just the basic minimaps, so there's no tedious stepping on each square for them.

Lunatic Clam

Excellent work per usual!

Blackjack

This is a shorter update, so I'm including some of the stuff I was going to put into a bonus update to compensate.

Part 13: Men & Women

Last time, Lisa was taken to an outdoor concert park in the Aoba district and needs help. This time, Tatsuya and friends completely ignore Lisa and her plight to run around the city and talk to each other.

Let's get started!

Since we were already in Yumezaki, let's start there.

Tony's Shop:

If it's Ginko we're talking about, then she's probably going to want to wear something really flashy...I think, anyway.
It was faint, but I felt it...I felt the resonance of a Persona...There's no doubt in my mind. That artist producer can use a Persona.
We shouldn't have let her go in there alone...Is Lisa going to be okay in there?
You don't have to worry. Lisa knows how to handle her Persona. If something comes up, she can take care of it.

Anima Mundi:

I know Lisa doesn't like what's going on, but I don't think that it was the Masquerade's fault. Of course, I don't think that it was her friends' fault either. I have a feeling that there's some other reason behind all of this...I wish I knew what it was.

Satomi Tadashi:

The two of them...They became superstars by asking the Joker to make their dream come true...That means that they're a part of the Masquerade, now...
Ginko's friends totally seem like the idol type...It's like they were made for it, you know?
Eikichi's right, you know. New idol groups usually seem like amateurs, but I don't get that feeling at all when I look at those two. If the Masquerade has something to do with all of this, then there's a high probability that the two of them asked the Joker to turn them into superstars.

Bikini Line:

Those girls may have dragged Lisa into this...Then again, there is also the possibility that they were dragged into this because of Lisa. There's no easy way to think of it.
She can say whatever she wants, but what do you think? Do you think they know that Ginko's a Persona user and that she knows kung-fu? With a draw like that, we're in danger too, aren't we? I mean, is this debut what they're really trying to accomplish? There's no way they could make a slip-up this big...
The goal of the Masquerade seems to be to absorb the Ideal Energy and to fulfill the oracle...This talk about a debut concert has to have something to do with that...

Peace Diner:

If we can't get in through the front, we're gonna have to break in one way or another! I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get to Lisa!
Don't think Maya's joking around...A while ago, she actually broke into a building while trying to get some information for an article that she was writing.

Velvet Room:

It's going to be hard to find Ginko in that huge stadium...
Why don't we just wait until the concert starts? That way, we'll be able to see her on the stage, you know? It'd be easy to find her that way!
What is Eikichi talking about? I think I should put a stop to this...
It's becoming a pattern now...The Masquerade is recruiting people, and that can't be good...We'd better hurry...

Helping the hero overcome a great and powerful evil force...I don't really understand it, myself...Not that I can really say anything about humans in general...
Oh...Your heart is in pain, isn't it? The human heart is easier to wound than any other part of the body.
Have you heard the sound of a weeping heart? :whistle: Such sadness would cause your eyes to drown... :whistle: Your heart, at times, will also cry... :whistle: I can hear that voice... :whistle: That sas, voiceless voice... :whistle:
People can use their eyes to see, and their ears to hear, but they still fail to realize what is really important...I know of three thousand five hundred people who feel this way. I don't really care to increase this number, though. I pray that you are not such a person...

BONUS INFORMATION 1: PERSONA COMPATIBILITIES

As Igor suggested in an earlier update, not all Persona users are created the same. Every person has different compatibilities with each Arcana. Compatability influences summoning cost and mutation frequency, with higher compatibilities equalling lower costs and more frequent mutations. Let's take a look at the Arcanas and each character's compatibility with it:

00. FOOL

Level Up Bonus: Luck +1

Excellent = Everyone
Good = NONE
Fair = NONE
Bad = NONE

01. MAGICIAN

Level Up Bonus: Technique +1

Excellent = Maya
Good = NONE
Fair = Tatsuya, Lisa
Bad = Eikichi, Yukino

02. PRIESTESS

Level Up Bonus: Vitality +1

Excellent = NONE
Good = Lisa, Maya
Fair = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Bad = Yukino

03. EMPRESS

Level Up Bonus: Vitality +1

Excellent = Yukino
Good = Lisa, Maya
Fair = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Bad = NONE

04. EMPEROR

Level Up Bonus: Technique +1

Excellent = NONE
Good = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Fair = Lisa, Maya, Yukino
Bad = NONE

05. HIEROPHANT

Level Up Bonus: Strength +1

Excellent = NONE
Good = Eikichi
Fair = Lisa, Maya, Yukino
Bad = Tatsuya

06. LOVERS

Level Up Bonus: Agility +1

Excellent = Lisa
Good = Yukino
Fair = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Bad = Maya

07. CHARIOT

Level Up Bonus: Strength +1

Excellent = NONE
Good = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Fair = Lisa, Maya, Yukino
Bad = NONE

08. STRENGTH

Level Up Bonus: Strength +1

Excellent = Eikichi, Yukino
Good = NONE
Fair = Tatsuya, Lisa
Bad = Maya

09. HERMIT

Level Up Bonus: Vitality +1

Excellent = Lisa, Maya, Yukino
Good = NONE
Fair = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Bad = NONE

10. FORTUNE

Level Up Bonus: Luck +1

Excellent = NONE
Good = Lisa, Maya, Yukino
Fair = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Bad = NONE

11. JUSTICE

Level Up Bonus: Strength +1

Excellent = NONE
Good = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Fair = Lisa, Maya, Yukino
Bad = NONE

12. HANGED MAN

Level Up Bonus: Luck +1

Excellent = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Good = NONE
Fair = Lisa, Maya, Yukino
Bad = NONE

13. DEATH

Level Up Bonus: Strength +1

Excellent = Eikichi
Good = NONE
Fair = Lisa, Maya, Yukino
Bad = Tatsuya

14. TEMPERANCE

Level Up Bonus: Luck +1

Excellent = Lisa, Maya, Yukino
Good = NONE
Fair = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Bad = NONE

15. DEVIL

Level Up Bonus: Strength +1

Excellent = NONE
Good = NONE
Fair = Everyone
Bad = NONE

16. TOWER

Level Up Bonus: Vitality +1

Excellent = NONE
Good = NONE
Fair = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Bad = Lisa, Maya, Yukino

17. STAR

Level Up Bonus: Agility +1

Excellent = Lisa, Maya, Yukino
Good = NONE
Fair = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Bad = NONE

18. MOON

Level Up Bonus: Agility +1

Excellent = Maya
Good = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Fair = Yukino
Bad = Lisa

19. SUN

Level Up Bonus: Agility +1

Excellent = Tatsuya
Good = Lisa, Maya, Eikichi
Fair = Eikichi
Bad = NONE

20. JUDGEMENT

Level Up Bonus: Technique +1

Excellent = NONE
Good = Lisa, Maya, Yukino
Fair = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Bad = NONE

21. WORLD

Level Up Bonus: Technique +1

Excellent = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Good = NONE
Fair = Lisa, Maya, Yukino
Bad = NONE

MINOR ARCANA

Though I haven't touched on this yet, through Mutation, certain Personas can gain the ability to be transformed into other Personas of the Minor Arcana (Rods, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles). There are no tarot cards for these suits, so no pictures.

I. ROD

Level Up Bonus: Technique +1

Excellent = Lisa, Maya
Good = Tatsuya, Eikichi, Yukino
Fair = NONE
Bad = NONE

II. CUP

Level Up Bonus: Vitality +1

Excellent = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Good = Lisa, Maya, Yukino
Fair = NONE
Bad = NONE

III. SWORD

Level Up Bonus: Strength +1

Excellent = Tatsuya, Eikichi, Yukino
Good = Lisa, Maya
Fair = NONE
Bad = NONE

IV. PENTACLE

Level Up Bonus: Luck +1

Excellent = Lisa, Maya, Yukino
Good = Tatsuya, Eikichi
Fair = NONE
Bad = NONE

Typically, having everyone stick with the Arcanas they are good/best with is a good idea, especially late in the game when Persona costs start getting very high.

With that done, let's head to Rengedai.

Silverman Manor:

If we talk about Lisa right now, we'll just make him worried. She's at the stadium, but let's keep that quiet...Okay?
Hey, Suō! It seems like her dad doesn't know anything about the big debut. Should we tell him?
Wouldn't he think that it's Lisa, if he saw the girl on that poster? It sure would be a problem if he noticed...
Where's Lisa? Wasn't she supposed to be with you? Hm? What's all this about a group of three teen idols? Sorry, the only type of music that I ever seem to listen to would be enka.

I also won another set of Demolition Hands from the sweepstakes. A duplicate of a weapon for a character I don't even have in my party at the moment. Very useful, game.

Honmaru Park:

I'm sorry Lisa had to go through this, but there's no other way to get this information. Is she going to be okay?
Are you worried about Ginko? She'll be fine! What do you expect from a Persona-user who knows kung-fu? There aren't many who can do anything about this.
I never expected that Lisa would get carried away like that. Maybe it was a rash decision. I hope she's okay.

And...that's it for here. All the store dialog is the same as last time. Onward to Kōnan!

London:

Hey, what's up with her? She's been all fidgety...It's kinda hard to be near her, if you know what I mean...
...what? Who do you mean?
Mayuzumi! Just look at her, man!
Maybe I should get a present made here...Oh, wait. I don't know his size...And if I ask him what size he is, he'll know what I'm planning...What should I do...?
...
Huh huh...That's Yukki, for you...She just can't keep a secret...Maybe I shouldn't be talking about others like that...

Middle-aged Painter: That Demon Artist is a true genius. Nobody has even come close to matching what he's done. He went missing all of a sudden one day, and all that he left behind was one single painting. What he left behind was his final work...The canvas was almost completely white...But in the center of that black canvas, he'd painted a blue door.

Sumaru Gypsy:



...what.

...Let's go to Hirasaka.

Ramen Shirasai:


Freaky Old Man: Hey, did you hear the rumor about the flowers misleading people and causing them to get lost? I can still remember those days...I was her biggest fan. Sure, I was only a boy, but she got my heart racing. I'll never forget staring at her bellybutton as she sang "Belly no Belong". Wow...I'd love to get my hands on something she used to own...You don't have anything like that, do you...?I bet you don't...It'd be extremely rare, after all...

What a freaky old man...I mean, I wouldn't expect someone his age to go on about a bellybutton. What the hell is he even talking about, anyway?
Well, I never heard anything about anybody starving to death!
Hey, maybe the singer that guy's talking about is Linda? I heard that she went missing a long time ago, though...

Tominaga Chiropractic:

A concert...? If the Masquerade is behind it, then Lisa's friends might even be members...Hmm...I should stop thinking like a pessimist.
Think positive, right?
That's right! Now you've got it, Tatsuya!

Gatten Sushi:

Doesn't Eikichi seem to be becoming more of an adult, lately? I wonder if he's actually concerned about Lisa, though?
Huh? Am I worried about Ginko? You're jokin' around with me, right? If I know Ginko, then those guys are in for a world of hurt if they try anything.
Hmm...I agree with Eikichi. What brought about this whole debut deal, anyway? If we only knew that much...

Kuzunoha Detective Agency:

Huh? That producer's a Persona-wielder? W-well then...Is Lisa going to be okay being left alone with him?
Seeing how that producer's a Persona-wielder, I'm sure that he'll be aware of Lisa's abilities...I hope she'll be okay...
The way I see it, even if that producer can use a Persona, he doesn't know kung-fu, right? Believe me, we don't have anything to worry about.

Let's check out the new district, Aoba.


Middle-aged Man: Of course I've seen guys talk to flowers ad they're taking care of them, but now these flowers are talking back! The rumor is that the flowers in Aoba Park have this ability! You're the author of your own dreams and your own reality. If you're feeling down, you should try talking with the flowers about whatever's troubling you.



Fire Fighter: When a lot of people gather in one place, accidents are bound to happen, but it's even worse when it's a concert hall full of crazed fans! We really have to be prepared for the worst here. Okay, listen up everyone! This is our new fire safety slogan! "If you spot a pyromaniac, dial 1-1-0!!" C'mon, say it with me!
"If you spot a pyromaniac..."
...! C'mon Yukki, join in!
Wait a second, Maya! Stop! You're embarassing me!



I guess I should introduce you...This is Brown. He graduated from Hermelin High, just like me. He's one of my friends from school. We fought together a long time ago. He may act the way he does, but he's got it where it counts. It seems he even realizes what's going on in this city. Feel free to ask him about whatever you want.
Hey...Aren't you Suō? What do you think about her? Yukino's a pretty scary girl, huh? And I'm not any different, you know!
Hey...Who asked you!?
Well, excuuuuuuuse me...Can't a guy just try to make a living, here? By the way, I'm Uesugi...You can call me Brown.



...Is that so? You guys met Philemon too, huh? Are you trying to figure out all the weird stuff that's going on in this city? Do your best, but don't get yourself killed. I'll do the same.
Huh? That resonation I felt back then was from him...? I guess there are a lot more people who can use a Persona than I once thought...
Huh huh...That man's resonation closely resembles Eikichi...For so many reasons, itseems they could be friends...

There's one more person to meet here.

Oh, what is it? Do you want my signature, or something? Hmph...I'm the world-famous Junko Kurosu. They say I've even surpassed the late, great Norma Jean...



Get out of here...What's that fancy paper you have there? You want my autograph, don't you? I'm busy...You understand, right? I could give you a ton of money as we're standing here talking and think nothing of it, you know? You should be honored...



This is Kismet Publishing, the place where I work! Yep, Coolest is made right here, among other things...It's pretty cool, huh? That guy over there is Fujii...He's a freelance photographer. Yukki was his assistant, and he was a mentor for her as well.
Hey, uh...What's up with her? Her ears are blushing red, see?
Fujii's more than just Yukki's employer. He's also a teacher to her...That's why...Yukki always acts that way around him. Pretty weird, huh?
Uh, ummm...Suō...I should introduce you two, should I...? This is...This is my boss, Fujii...He's a...A freelance photographer...Huh? Why am I blushing? I'm not blushing at all! Not at all! Ha...Ha ha ha...
So, you're Suō? I've heard about you from Yukki and Makki. I haven't introduced myself yet though, have I? I'm Shunsuke Fujii. Take care of those two for me, okay?



I see...You're just as handsome as they said you were. You've got "the look". I'd like to take some photos of you...If that's alright by you, of course.
Uh...what's up with Mayuzumi?
Huh? What do I think of Yukki? Well...I think that she's a wonderful woman! Yeah...she's on her way to making it big. Kids these days think that a relationship between a man and a woman has to involve a degree of romance...But I'll tell you what, kid...There's more to it than romance. There are just as many people out there as there are stars...That's why it's all a bit overwhelming. A guy like me doesn't know how to handle romance.



Le Clair de Lune

This is actually my favorite restaurant. Not only are the meals absolutely delicious, but there's something calming about the atmosphere, too. That garcon is quite a nice guy. You should really give this place a try. I decided not to write an article about it, because I don't want to spoil the mood with a lot of people.

Lady with too much makeup: Oh my...Gave it away, did I? Did you want my signature? What do you mean, you don't? Oh, I see...I'm not exactly an average person, though...I was once a television idol...They said that I was the sexiest dancer around. Every man in Japan wanted a piece of me...But I started to resent all of it...The whole entertainment industry, I mean. I decided to run away from it all and relax in Aoba Park. They started putting it all over the news..."Famous idol goes missing! Presumed dead!" Oh, but it did bring back memories...



Rosa Candida Aoba Store

I wonder if he'd like it if I started wearing clothes like this...Heh heh...
My friend used to wear this outfit that I'm wearing now. Is this even fashionable anymore? I may be a reporter, but I don't really keep up with this sort of thing...



Satomi Tadashi Aoba Store

What do you think? Why would they call the song "Joker" anyway? It's more than just a bold choice, I think.
"Joker" huh...? What is the Masquerade trying to do by getting Lisa to sing a song like that...?
There's one thing that's clear to me...The Masquerade is behind all of this. We've got them caught by the tail on this one!



Etheria

My friend always stops by here on the way home. She told me that it was a really strange place...I can't really figure it out myself, either...
What's æther aesthetics...? Does "æther" really even exist? I think that people just made it all up...



W Slash

Maya's always been the curious type. She's drawn to anything that's new...As for me...Well, I'm not good with computers.
Oh, one time I came across a rumor website while I was doing some research online! The website was called "Zipper"...It had the most up-to-date information about the rumors floating around the world...Uhuh huh! That's actually how I found out about the "Emblem Curse"! We could probably access that website from here. Do you want to give it a try?
I'm surprised that Maya uses the internet a lot, since she's a working woman, and all.

Let's get online and see what we can find out.

It looks like this is your first time here. I'm Baofu, the guy who runs this homepage.



The fact that you're here tells me you came to here some rumors, right? Or did you have something else to discuss? Well, feel free to do as you wish...If you know of any good rumors, would you care to exchange them with me? You're interested in the latest rumors, right? I am, too. If it's okay with you, send any information that you have. I'm hoping to find some good stuff. Your brain controls and regulates a massive amount of information by linking together all of its tiny nerve cells. People can work togetehr just like those cells, through the internet. If everyone on the planet shared what they knew, would there really be any rumors? Are rumors just the creations of idle and destructive minds? Is that their true nature? Even if it's true, they are a part of the collective unconscious, and we should put a little faith in them...We're all a part of it.

And that brings an end to our wandering.

Next time:



BONUS INFORMATION 2: RED, BLUE, AND YELLOW:

Think back to Kōnan, for a minute:

Now, if you think back to when we first met the Sumaru Gypsy we were presented with this:



Notice anything? The text is yellow.

More recently, we saw yellow text when being introduced to Baofu, an anonymous computer user. On the other hand, when meeting someone 100% known to be male, his text is Blue. See Brown and Fujii earlier in the update. Similarly, when being introduced to someone that is 100% female, such as Junko, her text is red.

It seems that yellow is the text color used when the persons sex/gender isn't assured. Why am I pointing this out, you wonder? Well, where else have we seen yellow text in an introduction box?



The Joker! All this time, I and the characters (and you, admit it!) have been assuming the Joker is a man. Could it be that he's a she!?

cj iwakura

O_o

That + the stuff about colors = Mind blown.

Blackjack

cj iwakura wrote: »

That + the stuff about colors = Mind blown.

Glad to be of service.

Teriferin

I did not catch that colour stuff at all. Thanks for pointing it out.

MarsDragon

Sadly they stop doing that in EP, instead replacing everything with green. (yeah, first thing I did was check that) It's a great little touch, though.

Blackjack

Okay, so obviously this hasn't been updated in a while. But don't worry, I am still trucking along! School has just been hectic, and I'm way too exhausted after class to work on updates, and on days off I am...doing school work, usually. I am hoping to get an update out next weekend.

Lunatic Clam

woohoo!

Blackjack

Haha...ha...so...yeaaaah. I probably lost the few of you that were still reading this, but whatever I'm still going!

Update 14 - Please Remember Me

So! We were heading into Aoba Park to make sure Lisa was okay after she was roped into being part of an idol group. We spread a demon rumor as well as a rumor that the flowers in the park could talk. Let's see what that does.

Aoba Park

We'll start out right away with the rumor demon.

Look out! It's Linda!

...well. I had to make up for my last rumor demon fight, right?


...Sure thing.
Freaky Old Man: Ohhhh yeeeeeaaaaah! This is my lucky day! Thanks, pal! Here, I'll give you this Fray Card in return! You can add it to your own collection.

Well, it's no set of incense cards or a bunch of Somas, but I guess it's good enough. Now, what about those flowers?



Shady Red Flower: Seemingly endless arrays of people have encountered me, but despite their vast numbers, not one has stopped to exchange a few pleasantries with me. Can you tell me the reason for this?
They speak with their hearts.
Shady Red Flower: Indeed...For with our shape...Our color and smell...We speak with humans in a way that needs no words. And yet here you stand before me, using your voice to talk. Some might call it unnatural, wouldn't they? Yet for some reason, you and that other person are able to speak to me. Why is that? Perhaps...This is the fragrance of humanity? Yes, and so I too have learned to love you. Here, my leaves can provide this Ointment...Take it.


Lively Orange Flower: Good morning!
Good morning.
Lively Orange Flower: I'm so happy! That's how it goes, a fine exchange of words! It's a great way to start each day! Words are beautiful things! But for some reason, they seem even more beautiful when you're the one telling them to me! That's why I want you to have this. This Antidote can heal you of the poison in my leaves. Here, it's a preasent!


Dreamy Yellow Flower: Please tell me, what is his name?
It's the Sun.
Dreamy Yellow Flower: The Sun...Yes, the Sun! The magnificent one who wraps us in his warmth...Yes, the Sun...Why must he cause my roots to wither above the soil...? These thoughts...I can finally put them into words...And I can finally tell them to you, who listened. Please, let me whisper to you in gratitude. This lay below the soil for years, blocking my roots...Take this Jewel...


Placid Pea Green Flower: Of course, I too am aware of the names humans have given us. Well...What do you think about it? I will become the flower that you name...
Become thorny and poisonous.
Placid Pea Green Flower: Hohohoho! A wise choice, for a human...For I will not bend to the desires of your kind! I make my own decisions...I have a soul...If a human like you asks me to grow thorns and poison, I will do the exact opposite. You, who wished for my poison! I will give you my Jewel instead! Don't you feel terrible, being denied your desires?


Calme Water-colored Flower: It is, after all, unnatural for flowers to speak. Still, I find that I love the silence more. As such, I choose to keep my mouth closed from now on.

And indeed he does. No items from this one.


Hungry Blue Flower: Could I have a little bite?
Only some of my SP...
Hungry Blue Flower: Mwahaa! I'm ever so grateful! Well then, time to dig in! Mambo...Sluuuuuuurp... Where...That was delicious, mambo. So delicious, in fact, that I almost drank all your SP! What a feast, mambo! Ohh? You seem pale, mambo! Well, there's not much I can do now, mambo. In return, I'll give you this Rebirth Orb, mambo.


All the flowers are essentially the same.
Graceful Purple Flower: Oh my...That is a fine answer to give. I can sense that you're being honest, although we've only just met. On that note, are you not also comparable to a flower? ...We could be friends, you and I. If the feeling is indeed mutual, something quite special would come out of it. We could find the most beautiful thing of all. To commemorate this occasion, I will give you this Exorcism Incense. Please, never forget about me...

By the time you get to this final flower, you'll be toward the end of the park, near the stadium. That means it's time for MAPS:

Concert Hall

We arrive at the rear entrance to the auditorium only to find it guarded.

Looks like this is the back entrance...Well, how are we supposed to get in? Even if I lied and said that I'm reporting on this event, I don't have an appointment with them, so they'd find out quickly...
Hey everybody! Check out those part-time staff members! Doesn't it seem like they're slacking off?
Yeah, it does seem that way...Hey, part time workers would have to have badges at least, right? Maybe we could get them to give us theirs? We'll tell them we couldn't get tickets, or something. Even if they try to take advantage of us and force us to pay some ridiculousl amount of money, I think it's better than causing a big scene.
I agree. Well, let's do as Yukki planned! Tatsuya, you can handle this, right?

Well, let's go talk to them.

Concert Staff Member: Ohhh no you don't. You're not allowed in here! I may not like doing it, but this is my job! Huh...? You want to take over our shifts? Since you couldn't get a ticket, you don't care what it takes to see it? And you're not the only one? Well, this is pretty sudden...Hmm, we'd be in trouble if they found out about it...But this job is a pain in the ass, after all...Well, 10,000 yen would cover it. For that, we'd give you our badges! You do know that's cheap, considering the risk we're taking?
Fine, I'll pay it.
Concert Staff Member: Hm, okay. Nice doing business with you. Here they are, our Part-time Badges, okay? Be sure to do the job for us too, while you're at it!
Man, they were a bunch of punks! They're not ready to handle a part time job! I thought they'd be reasonable, but...

Allright, let's go bust Lisa out of there! ... right after we go through all the dressing rooms and talk to everyone, of course.


Concert Staff Member: I'm talking about that pedophile, Sasaki!! He's ridiculously sweet to all of the girls, but he treats all guys as if they were worms! The guy used to be a one-hit wonder, but now this!? I for one know that just a while ago, he used to hang around cabaret clubs bragging about his past glory!
What!? Ginji Sasaki's a pedophile!? That means Ginko might be...
She might be beating Sasaki to a pulp right now, don't you think? We'd better hold her back before she murders him!
Eikichi may say stuff like that, but the truth is that he's worried about Lisa.
That's a better way to put it...I like kids like that...Of course I like you too!
I met with him at a studio once before. That Sasaki guy is a real sleazeball. He gave Shun...I mean Fujii a hard time too.

Huh huh...Just as I expected, that Ginji Sasaki...I hated that guy from the very start! Being all narcissistic and thinkin' you're the best really warps the mind, you know.
...
Eikichi...you're not really one to talk, are you?


If they're rehearsing, then doesn't that mean Lisa's on the stage, too? Should we go check out the other side?



We go to the other side of the stage, and Eikichi, Maya, and Yukino crowd the door, hoping to hear what's going on.

Hey, everybody! That's Ginko's voice!



Ginko's Theme (Sad)

Don't make me say it again! I lied about being able to speak English! The truth is, I can barely speak a word of it!! You think I can speak English just because my hair's blonde!? You think having blue eyes means I don't really know Japanese!? Do you really think I'm that different from you!?
You're not different...! Lisa, we respect you! You're cool!
I got picked on all the time growing up, and now it makes me cool? Now I'm supposed to be sexy? I've had enough of trying to show off for everyone!!
My dad has never said one word to me in English...But hey, a "foreigner" like me has to know English...I mean, just looking at me, it's obvious...What am I supposed to do...? I...just wnated to be like everyone else...All I ever wanted was to be a normal girl...
We're sorry, Lisa...We didn't realize we were hurting you...But you know...there is a way to change all of this! Will you join us?
Yeah, just do what Asacchi said! Lisa, Master Joker could make you a fluent English speaker just like that!
It's just as I thought!! You're a part of the Masquerade, too!
Lisa...What is your dream? And why won't you tell it to Master Joker?
Um...That is...That's not easy to answer so suddenly...
Not quite...Actually, you don't even have a dream to tell...It must be hard, having to be with Suō and the others. A journalist, a photographer...Even the gang leader! All of them were following their dreams...But you? You had nothing...not even a dream. You regret it, I'm sure. Isn't that why you argue with the gang leader? And that's why you cling to Suō too, isn't it?
I...I had my own dreams! But...I just lost sight of them...!
You're in pain...I can sense that much. I pity those whose dreams have been destroyed...But it's possible to create a new dream to make up for what you lost. Go on. Call Master Joker. Your ideals will be reborn in a new form. You will act as a beacon of hope to anyone who has lost their dreams. Your song will inspire so many others to keep dreaming and to call Master Joker! ...And that is all he desires, to give people what they want.
Lies...All of it! How do you explain the Shadow Selves!? Why are you going around stealing souls?
You of all people know the pain of living without a dream...The ones you mentioned were maerely released from such pain. With that in mind, don't you see that was what they wanted? However, it is also possible to give dreams to the dreamless...And that is the beauty of the plan...With your assistance, it will be a reality! Join the Masquerade. Your friends have already joined. They're worried about you, and the Masquerade is where you truly belong.

Back on the other side of the door, the rest of the party is reflecting on what they just heard.

Ginko...She was really troubled about this, huh...?
I think I know how she feels...Left out, ignored...Different from everybody else...
We have to believe in Lisa...Dreams aren't things to be given to us. I'm sure she realizes that.



Suddenly, this guy barges in and starts shouting at us.

Part-time Staff Manager: You there! You weren't assigned to work in this area! You guys are supposed to be working security! And you girls should be collecting tickets! Get back there and get to work!

The scene cuts again to the stage area, where Tatsuya and Eikichi are chatting.

Maya may have said what she said, but I think we should have gone to help Ginko!! N, not like I was worried about her or anything...But without her fighting skills, we'd be weaker, you know? Once the rest of the people come in, it'll be too late! Come on, let's go save her!!
Lisa can take care of herself. Let's just wait and see what she does.
What!? You're a real jerk, you know...And you're making a big mistake! Think about the position Ginko's in, and her feelings for once!!

Announcer: It's time! We're ready to open up! Please form two lines and come on in!

Tch! Now there's nothing we can do about it!! If anything happens to Ginko, I'm holdin' you personally responsible!

Showtime



The oracle, huh? The one that little twerp "King Leo" was talking about!?
I'm sorry if I shocked you...The truth is, I...I can't speak English at all. You must think it's strange, looking the way I do, huh? That's why I tried to fool the others, along with myself. But doing that's not very cool, so I'm not going to pretend anymore!
Despite what I've done, thanks for listening to my song...

Eikichi tears us away from the warm moment, though.

Man...What's up with this? Something's rolling back and forth...



...um.

L...Lisa! The concert's over!! Get everyone out of here quickly, but without causing a scene!
Huh!? It's...It's a bomb!?

...yes. Very good. Everyone runs out of the theater, screaming and crying. Suddenly, everyone's Persona starts to resonate.

Well well, Lisa...That was quite a moving show! Oh but I love it when my prey resists me...Mmm, you're getting me all hot...
Ginji Sasaki!? That outfit...So, it's you!!
Yes...Or should I say, "Prince Taurus." I must express my gratitude to you! Thanks to you, "the Song of a Foreign Land" was fulfilled.



Dun dun dun!

Is this the result of your boast that you would sway all the audience into joining the organization and gather their energy at once? It seems that your only true skill is talking big...
Hmph...May I remind you that the Crystal Skull of the Earth already has all that it needs. Contrary to my expectations, the energy of humans who long to become stars is immense! We'll be in time for "the demise of Nahui Olin."
That Crystal Skull is gathering the souls of dreamers! But what is the purpose of all of this? And what does he mean by "the demise of Nahui Olin"!?
If you want to know that much, you'll have to beat me at my own game...My goal in this game is to light the "Fires of Atonement" and guide the stars to our land...To set ablaze four columns of fire...! Hyahaha! And the first will be right here...If you want to know where the next one is, try searching this area...The blessed oracle should be somewhere around here!! Huhuhuh...Hyahahahaha!! Hurry up! You'd better hurry up! You've only got ten minutes until this place is a sea of fire!!
Tch...That was so unnecessary...But this does bring up a good point, Lisa...We only have time for one last dance!

I could've danced all night.


Mami! Miho! Put on your masks! Unless you actually want to return to the way things were before?
D, don't do it! Asacchi! Meepo!!



Hahahahah! These girls have such pitiful dreams! And I will pave their way to the "Gates of Heaven"! Farewell, Lisa!
That psycho...He's planted bombs all over the city!! If we don't find the next target, and fast, this could turn into a huge disaster!! There's no time! They may have gotten away with it, but if we hurry, we can find the next target!!
How could they...I'm gonna beat the living daylights out of 'em!
I...I didn't believe in my friends...But...Asacchi and Meepo went through all of that...for me...I...!
Stand up, Lisa! You've got to do whatever it takes! ...And apologize to the two of them. You tried to protect these girls, right? They'll be okay...The two of them will come back! And we'll be able to laugh about this later!
My promise...with Lisa...My dreams...are no longer...
Lisa is...crying...There's nothing I can do...about that...

Man, these Masquerade douches are going to pay for this. Right now, though we have to find the hint to the next location the King told us about. It's probably in one of the dressing rooms, there are a lot of good hiding places in those.



Sure enough, here it is.

The King's Memo: If you can figure out the meaning of my oracle, come to the next target. There are countless detonators, but remember...There's only one transmitter for you to find.

With memo in hand, we have to book it from the auditorium before it explodes.





Nooooo!! No, not fire!! Dad, help meeeeeeee!! My hand...My hand is burning!!
Wh, what happened to you!? Maya! Calm down!!
...!! This mark on your hand...What is this?
Wh, what happened all of a sudden? Tatsuya, do something!
Hey...snap out of it. You're safe.
Sorry...I'll be okay...The fire he set just...scared me so much, I couldn't help it...I'm pretty pathetic, aren't I?
Heh...I'll protect you.
Thanks, Tatsuya. You're...a sweet boy, you know...I'll be fine now. Everyone, I'm sorry...But we've got to find the Masquerade's next target!! Hmm..."Twelve beasts partake in the ascension...When the wind rages with revolution and destruction...Humans, all of them, are smiling...as they slip into Hades"...?
Uh, what? How are we supposed to make sense outta that!?


"The Song of a Foreign Land"..."The Fires of Atonement"...There's no doubt! It's the Maiyan Oracle...!! Who are you, really!?

What? Why is she here?

Umm...Are you Ms. Okamura, the professor at Sevens? I'm Amano, from the editorial department of "Coolest"...You just spoke of the Maiyan Oracle, but...Are you familiar with the oracle? If it's okay with you, would you...
Wh...Why do you know about the oracle!? Professor Kashihara and I...We were the only ones who knew about it, besides Sudō...!! Huh!? Could it be...? You're with the Last Battalion!? You, Lisa Silverman...? So...So that's what you were up to!? You tried to mix in with the students to act as a spy...You deceived everyone, even me...You're despicable! A heretic!! You little slut! You're nothing more than a pawn of Hitler!



Whoa, whoa! What's this all about? I mean, it's clear she knows something about this, but...
We can't worry about that teacher right now! Our only concern should be getting to the next target!! This "oracle" or whatever is probably connected to the occult. I've got a friend who knows a lot about that stuff...We should go and ask her about it.

Yukki pulls out her cellphone and makes a call.

I got a hold of her. She'll be at the "Double Slash" in the Aoba district. Come on, let's go!

And with that, our next goal is clear.

Next time, in less than a month, I promise, more walking around town and another vote!

The Anonymous

> Implying that nobody wants to follow this LP

Emglyph

...Yes. Pawn of...Hitler. Persona, don't ever change. Ilu.

And I'm still here Blackjack! I always smile when I see a post here.

Blackjack

The Anonymous wrote: »

> Implying that nobody wants to follow this LP

I just thought maybe everyone would have forgotten about it! I'm just glad you haven't.

cj iwakura

FYI, the recorded fight against Prince Taurus was a bit glitched.

Blackjack

Aw crap. Sorry about that everyone. My MediaCoder'd version is like that, too, and I don't have the original anymore. If you want I can refight him for you all, but it's pretty straightforward, really.

Also, it's worth pointing out that Prince Taurus has an evil/dark/recolored version of Lisa's initial Persona.

cj iwakura

Nah, I got the general impression; he got rocked. :P

Blackjack

A Jack Frost punched him in the face until he fell down.

Dartboy

Slut-pawn of Hitler should be used as an insult wherever possible.

MarsDragon

This is really about where the game starts picking up, even if I hate the next dungeon because I had to do it like three times. (that and it's hell to map in EP) Stupid dungeon.

Blackjack

I hate (hatehatehatehatehate) this next dungeon, but the one after that is aces, and the one following that is...okay. Then it's all uphill, even if the dungeons start getting way more complex and annoying, the plot picks up heavily and makes up for it.

Beezel

So I just got Persona 4.
Am I in for good times?

The Anonymous

You'll have to endure a lengthy prologue first.

But after that, you will be in for one hell of a ride.

Beezel

I laughed at how

Incredibly awkward the first night at the house was. How your uncle up and goes "Oops I gotta go do cop shit. Nanako, I'm leaving you alone in the house with this literal stranger. Eat your peas." and then peaces out on her. I really did imagine her choking back tears when she started singing the Junes jingle.

cj iwakura

Someone's been watching the hiimdaisy dubs, I assume. :P


All the Personas are good, just some more than others. As utterly effed up goes, Persona 2's plotlines are tops.

Lunatic Clam

Blackjack wrote: »

The Anonymous wrote: »

> Implying that nobody wants to follow this LP

I just thought maybe everyone would have forgotten about it! I'm just glad you haven't.

Still too lazy to play this game, still reading this thing!

Xenogears of Bore

Of course I'm reading this now that you're finally LPing a non hate crime Persona game.

Rawkking Goodguy

I'm watching this LP, haven't played the game but I still don't think I should engage in RAMPANT SPECULATION about the plot, which is about all I feel like doing when considering posting :P. I'll just sit here and be impressed when I'm wrong, or maybe more impressed when I'm right.

Blackjack

Keep us updated on how right or wrong you are, though! :P

Next update should be this weekend. If only my teachers would stop making me take tests and write papers. What, like school is important or something!?

cj iwakura

Well, it doesn't seem too important to Tatsuya and co. :P

MarsDragon

Rawkking Goodguy wrote: »

I'm watching this LP, haven't played the game but I still don't think I should engage in RAMPANT SPECULATION about the plot, which is about all I feel like doing when considering posting :P. I'll just sit here and be impressed when I'm wrong, or maybe more impressed when I'm right.

Please, speculate! I was totally spoilered on this thanks to EP before IS was ever translated, so I love seeing what people come up with. It's getting to experience the game new and unspoiled secondhand

Blackjack

MarsDragon wrote: »

Rawkking Goodguy wrote: »

I'm watching this LP, haven't played the game but I still don't think I should engage in RAMPANT SPECULATION about the plot, which is about all I feel like doing when considering posting :P. I'll just sit here and be impressed when I'm wrong, or maybe more impressed when I'm right.

Please, speculate! I was totally spoilered on this thanks to EP before IS was ever translated, so I love seeing what people come up with. It's getting to experience the game new and unspoiled secondhand

I am all for unspoilered readers speculating as long as those that know the plot refrain from spoilers.

Blackjack

Okay, so, obviously, I am unable to keep a regular update schedule and also keep up with classes. So, I am going to declare this officially on hiatus until the end of the semester, which is the end of April.

MarsDragon

So...that IS remake. I was cruising Nico for videos but there don't seem to be many yet. There's an LP guy, but he's not too far in. (about the bomb shelter) It looks good!

cj iwakura

This is somewhat off-topic, but the impressions have not been very good from what I've heard. There's been (mild) censorship and silly alterations, and it was not well updated for the PSP.

Also, there's no longer a graphic indicator for when you change demons' moods, or an icon for them being contracted.

The new stuff could be good, though, and I'll definitely support it if it comes out here.

MarsDragon

Last I checked most of the changed stuff was the kind of thing only shut-in neckbeards on GameFAQs complain about, unless they suddenly changed the ending or something. There'd probably be bigger news if they had. (not that I wouldn't be entertained if they did. They're never going to add the scenes I want to see anyway...)

...we should probably let the LP continue before talking about that sort of thing, though.

Blackjack

Almost there, guys! Expect an update tomorrow (well, I guess "later today" since it's already past midnight) or the day after.

Assuming anyone still cares at this point.

Blackjack

Update 15 - Back in the Saddle

Last time, about three months ago, Yukki told us to head to Double Slash to meet [strike]a new Persona 1 cameo[/strike] an old friend from High School that can point us in the right direction. So, obviously, the thing to do is go there last!

We'll start our excursion around town in Rengedai.

Silverman Manor

I'm not worried anymore...I've got the targets to handle now...I have something that I need to do!
Lisa...Right...We've got to save those kids...Eikichi's friends, and the rest of the people in town, too.
It'll be okay. We can save them! I know we can do it! Why am I so sure? Well...It's just a feeling that I have!
I like the look that Lisa's got in her eyes...She's not lost at all anymore. I can see it in her eyes. Those are the eyes of a girl who knows where she's going!
Can I talk to you for a second? Hey...Don't you think Ginko's become a lot stronger, lately? She's a lot more intense than she used to be...Not as intense as me, of course!
Why does Lisa insist about going out there when all of these terrorist bombings are taking place...? I must admit that her eyes shine without a trace of fear...Lisa must have something really precious in mind...I feel that it's my duty as a father to wish my daughter well in her endeavors and pray that she comes back home safely.

Time Castle


Masquerade Member: Ahh...This isn't right...I feel like I've got my head in the clouds...Ugh! Damn it! I'm going to bust this store apart!
That can't be...She forgot about her own son! She forgot about Takeshi!
It's all because the Joker went and made her rich! That bastard! Ugh!
Eikichi...He's in a lot of pain. He obviously can't stop thinking about what happened to Takeshi. This can't be what that person truly desired...
Time is always beside you, yet it can never be touched. There is one thing that is unique for all people...That is the transience of the human heart. Within each person is a violent storm that nobody can stop or even see...It rules their every action. It changes all, just like that woman.
So, that lady's a member of the Masquerade...She must be feeling the influence of the rumors...

To recap: after the bombing of the stadium and fire station, rumors are circulating that the Masquerade is a violent terrorist organization...which doesn't bode well for the previously (fairly) sane members of the organization.

Rosa Candida



Lisa's been thinking about her two friends that would always come here...Ever since we came in, she's looked sad all of a sudden...
Hey, uh...I think you should be with Ginko right now...If you're there for her, I think she might cheer up. Give it a shot.
...all right. Hey, Lisa?
W-what is it, ching yan?
...never mind.
Huh!? That's all you got!?
Rengedai hasn't been bombed, has it? It's a little oasis amongst all of this disaster. I'm not going to let this happen any longer! I'm going to put an end to this!

Satomi Tadashi

I wish they had some sort of medicine which would bring back the Shadow Selves...That way, Asacchi and Meepo would be okay...We'd be together again.
What's Ginko talkin' about? I can't believe it! There's no need to worry, because I'll save the both of them! Not only that, I'm going to save them in style!
Hmmm..."Drink this to be refreshed a hundred times over"...Satomitan Z? No! This is Super Satomitan Z!?
Hmmm...Does the world today need to constantly medicate themselves like this? It's sorta sad, isn't it?

Kaori

The smell of grass reminds me of my hometown...You can always feel the season change by the smells carried by the wind, huh? Your sense of smell can be quite a mysterious thing...The smell of certain flowers might calm you down, or they might give you energe. Maybe it's because they trigger deep-seated memories within us...
Maya says weird stuff every now and then...Most people think she's dead serious...It's pretty funny!
...who would think she's serious?
I understand how sensitive Maya can be...It's sorta like when I smell fish...I feel like I'm gonna faint, you know? Yeah, we both have a sensitive side.
Is Eikichi still going on another of his rants? Who cares if he can't handle fish!?
...of course.

The Velvet Room

Asacchi and Meepo must be mad at me...Maybe I should stop hanging out with them...
I know how Ginko must feel, but...That's not her place to decide. She can't just jump to her own conclusions like that.
We've got to get those two back to normal soon! We've got a lot to do, now!
They must have known how Lisa really felt...They could definitely become friends again.

You somehow bring the air of reality when you enter...It reminds me of another day, long ago...
Why have people forgotten? The truth does not lie simply in what you can see with your eyes! Why have they forgotten this simple fact...? That which is truly beautiful shines from deep within yourself...In two thousand seven hundred and sixteen nights, this too, will be forgotten...
What might enrich the human heart? :whistle: I still do not know the answer... :whistle: Yet the sound bounds across my ears... :whistle: Tell me what you desire! :whistle: You humans who possess such wonderous music in your hearts... :whistle: You must know this... :whistle:

[strike]Foreshadowing[/strike] Araya Shrine

There was that fire...Ten years ago...Tatsuya, I'm so scared! I don't want to be here!
I remember...making a wish here, a long time ago. Somebody came and told me they could easily make it come true...Yes, I met somebody here...Somebody who was very precious to me...
Ha ha...This is definitely freakin' me out...I even feel like I've seen that old lady before...Is somethin' wrong with me?
Elderly Woman: That was a real shock...Why did that blue person know my name...?
It seems like everyone gets all depressed when they're here. I can see it on your faces...What happened here?

On to Hirasaka!

TOA Armory

King was saying that it was his duty to light the fires that beckon atonement, right? Are those fires related to the oracle we've heard so much about?
Don't you think it's all so crazy? I'm not even really sure what an oracle is, but they're willing to bomb stuff for it!?
This is not good...Not good at all...Those flames will only bring despair to everyone...We've got to stop him!

Ramen Shirasai

Would you look at that? Maya's looking pretty scary, there. I know it's hard sometimes, but we're not going into this alone. I'm sure she's gonna be okay!
Heh heh...Thanks, Yukki. You're right. We should all stick together. I just need to get a hold of myself.

Satomi Tadashi

Everybody's got something troubling them that they just can't talk about with others. Other people might even think of it as no big deal, but it still hurts all the same...
English is easy for me... I try so hard just to be bilinguable, here!
I don't think that's right...
Keh he! Like I'd ever want to be like you!

Tominaga Chiropractic

Is that teacher just confusing us with someone else? They were saying something about the "Last-something or other"...I don't have a clue what that's all about, though!
That teacher was talking about the "foreign song" while she was watching the assembly...Wasn't that Prince saying the same thing?

Kuzunoha Detective Agency

Fortunately, nobody at the stadium was injured...However...A group of five suspicious people were witnessed at the scene...Wait, could those suspects be...?
It looks like everyone in town is convinced that the Masquerade is behind the arson. It looks like our investigation accidentally started some rumors going about it. They're all saying that the Masquerade is an evil organization that should be feared...This rumor's spread so far that it's at a level beyond one that we can manipulate any longer.
Hey, Suō...Why do you think rumors are becoming reality? At first, I thought that all of this was the Joker's doing...But it still doesn't make much sense, does it? You know, if the Joker is the one turning rumors into reality, then he'd obviously ignore any rumors that would warp his own Masquerade, right?
You know, we're responsible for what happened to the members of the Masquerade...I never knew it would all turn out this way, though.

Well. That's kind of heavy. Uh...To Yumezaki!

Satomi Tadashi

Suō, I have this strange feeling...Do you think that we're responsible for getting people talking about the Masquerade? I mean, we went around talking about the Masquerade to all the Rumormongers, right? Maybe that's what did it...Or maybe I'm just thinking too hard about it.

Bikini Line

The owner of the shop really seems to be sure that everything will be fine. I guess some people just aren't the type to be shaken up by anything.
Oh? Terrorism? The Masquerade's behind it all, right? I've got nothing to fear from them. This place will be safe. The Joker's a friend of mine, after all. He'd never attack his own Buddy...Come on, now...Why would they possibly want to attack a tanning salon?
Hey! Did you hear that? Buddy here actually knows the Joker...If that's the case, then there's no need to worry about this place goin' up in flames.
He knows the Joker, huh? That's such a lie...But the owner here seems to be surprisingly calm about the whole thing, doesn't he? It's almost as if he's not even afraid of the terrorism at all...
I can understand what everyone's been saying, but there's no sense allowing ourselves to panic, right? All we've got to do is focus on stopping the bombs.

Everywhere else is largely the same--the Masquerade members are becoming violent, and our team is eager to meet Yukino's friend. Let's head to Kōnan.

Lunar Palace

I know it all too well...There's no stopping him from trying to kill others with fire...The fires that he sets are a threat to us all... We've got to do something about this! We can't let those bombs burn down anything else! This time, we'll take care of it...
They took out the fire station, too!? Damn it...If only we had some sort of clue...I've never known anyone who was such a coward!
I caught a glimpse of the police department on the way here...It seemed strange, though. I wonder what happened.
I see smoke coming from the police department...Could it have been...?

The police department? I hope our brother is okay!



We can't get anything done, now that our headquarters, the base from which we defend this town, has been burned down! This is partly my fault, as well. Anyway, what are you doing here? Don't tell me you wanted to view the crime scene out of some sort of childish curiosity! You're only going to get in the way of our investigations...Go with all of your friends from school and find a good place to hide.

...what a dick.

London Shop

Masquerade Member: What is wrong with this city!? The disorder! The unending hustle and bustle! This is no place for an English gentleman to live! That's it...We must all plead to Master Joker...We must plead for the Joker to wipe out this whole city so that we can reshape it! We must create a new land, ruled by the Masquerade!
If even that old man's a member of the Masquerade...Then how many members are there in the whole oganization? Are all of the members going to turn out like that?

Middle-aged Painter: Those who saw the paintings of the gods that the Demon Artist painted openly wept. The gaze of his demons would pierce their very souls. To see the reaction alone was ghastly...

Rumors can create a new reality in the blink of an eye...On the other hand, they might be the key to bringing everyone back to normal.
Hey, we've got to think about what's in store for us now...We can't let this situation get us down!

Sumaru Gypsy

Taxi Driver: Ahh...Well, since I drive a taxi, I thought I might come here to get a good luck charm to help my business. Hmm...Maybe I should be driving my taxi around at this time instead, though. Nah, there are more customers at night when the trains stop. I parked my car over by the old factory. I used to be a sailor, you know. That was a long time ago...Anyway, give me a call the next time you need a taxi.

I wonder if that oracle is actually some sort of coded message. Like, if each sentence has its own particular meaning...
The friend that I talked with over the phone knows a lot about divinations...She's practically an astrology expert! I'm sure she'll be able to understand the oracle.

Time to head to Aoba.

Kismet Publishing

That mountain shows me a different side every day...Why put it off today, when it might just be the most beautiful side it's ever shown me?
A mountain? The one you always go to, then? Oh, um...You really should have waited, seeing what a mess this city's in right now...
Yeah, right...I don't care who's really behind this. They're not going to blow up that whole mountain! I'm sure it's even safer than being in the city.

Clair De Lune

That King is totally nuts if he really believes in those Maiyans and their stupid oracle...I wouldn't be surprised if that freak's been hearing voices.
Why is Eikichi talking about hearing voices? I mean, it's not like somebody's actually speaking to him, right? Do you have any clue what he's talking about, Tatsuya?
When people hear the boices that echo in their subconscious, it is almost like gods and demons have filled their heads with orders that they must obey. They say it drives them crazy.
I don't care if the voices say they're from the heavens above! You're still responsible for your own actions, and the actions that he's taken are the worst of the worst!

Satomi Tadashi

Hey, don't worry! I'll get those to back to normal along with Shogo and the others!
He talks a lot of smack, but I think that Eikichi understands what Lisa's going through most of all...It's funny, watching the two of them together.
Hmph...There's still so much to do! I've got to do whatever it takes to save them! I'm not going to lose to him!
Lisa seems to feel a little better, now. She'll be okay. We're going to save the two of them in the end, after all. We just need to give it everything we've got!

But now it's time to head into Double Slash and meet Yukki's friend.



Hi, Yukino! It's been too long! You seem to be doing...very well!



In case you don't recognize her due to the huge overhaul she got in the Americanized Persona 1, this is our creepy stalker Ellen.

I'm really sorry about this, Eriko...For calling you here, even though you were busy...These are the ones I spoke to you about on the phone...Maya, Lisa, Eikichi, and Suō.
Nice to meet you. It's a pleasure to meet all of you. I'm Eriko Kirishima.
Eriko, I'm sorry this is so sudden, but I told you the problem we're having...
Okay. I was mulling things over before you came...Everyone! Would you take a look at this computer here?



This is...A satellite image of Sumaru City?
Of course. In my opinion, this "Leo" character's oracle is rooted in astrology...I'm sure of it!
"Twleve beasts partake in the ascension...When the wind rages with revolution and destruction...Humans, all of them, are smiling...as they slip into Hades"...
The "twelve beasts that partake in the ascension" must refer to the zodiac with Pleiades right in the middle. It's basically the twelve signs of the zodiac eclipsing at the center.
Pleiades...Wait a sec! Does that refer to Sevens...?



What about the part that says, "When the wind rages with revolution and destruction..."!?
Perhaps this second part points in a certain direction...Among the twelve signs of the zodiac, the signs that point to revolution and destruction are governed by the wind element...



Thatta girl, Eriko! But isn't the Hirasaka district pretty big? We don't really know the exact location...
"Humans, all of them, are smiling...as they slip into Hades"...Oh, that's got to be it! I heard a Japanese myth about slipping into Hades. The story was called "Yomotsu Hirasaka"...It's all just a play on the word Hirasaka!
Chalk one up for the journalist! The third line was included to directly specify the Hirasaka district and remove all doubts about being vague. That's about all I can do for you...I'm not very familiar with the city of Sumaru. Anything other than this would be...
Don't start with that! You've already taught us so much!! We'll be able to handle it from here! Thanks, Eriko!
You're welcome. I'll be here for a little while longer...I'm looking for information about the Masquerade and the Oracle.
Do what you can, Eriko. If you're here to support us, you'll be able to point out all the stuff we didn't notice! Well, we can't just sit around here doing nothing! Come on, Suō! You too, Maya!!

So, we know the next target is in the Hirasaka district, but where? We've got two options here.

That's up to you guys! Only one choice is correct, but which one is it? It's time to VOTE!

cj iwakura

Persona 4 foreshadowing, too. :P But heck, I think every SMT game uses the Izanagi/Izanami myth to some extent.

Blackjack

Yeah, it's definitely one of the most referenced myths. Referenced in a way beyond just using them as demons/personas, I mean.

Rawkking Goodguy

Huh, I can't seem to find any mention of sakagami or what it could possibly mean in those sources.

However...

Blackjack wrote: »

"Twleve beasts partake in the ascension...When the wind rages with revolution and destruction...Humans, all of them, are smiling...as they slip into Hades"...

and here:

Blackjack wrote: »

"Humans, all of them, are smiling...as they slip into Hades"...Oh, that's got to be it! I heard a Japanese myth about slipping into Hades. The story was called "Yomotsu Hirasaka"...It's all just a play on the word Hirasaka!

The same quote is mentioned twice. Unless someone can find something on what the sakagami building could be I'm going to vote for Smile Hirasaka