Chapter Text

Disclaimer/Prior Information: This fanfiction takes place right before the battle with Joker before he turns back into Jun. It starts in the middle of the game and continues past the ending of Innocent Sin into Eternal Punishment and possibly further… This fanfiction also follows Jun’s romance route. The Prologue takes place in Caracol (to provide context for where the characters are).

The Prologue

TATSUYA

There was something that burned in Tatsuya’s chest as he saw Joker. Now that he remembered, now that he knew , he couldn’t shake it. His best friend, his other half, was stuck in this preconceived notion that he had hurt Maya. In Tatsuya’s mind, it didn’t matter that rumors were coming true, that Hitler had been brought back from the dead for something worse than just a world war, that the group that they formed as children were now under a malevolent leader, that their city was some weird space ship now; what mattered to Tatsuya at this moment was the fact Jun Kurosu, the boy he held the most treasured moments of his childhood with, was now trying to kill him because of warped memories.

Tatsuya heard the muffled sounds of conversation as he stared at the scene before him. He knew he should be listening. The others were. All he could truly hear was Joker’s voice. He searched for something in the tone, the way he spoke, that would give him hope that Jun still clung to this existence, to his true self. Then Joker collapsed to his knees. It took a considerate effort on Tatsuya’s part to stay still. After all, the shadows of himself and his friends were still up there, not to mention the Order of the Holy Lance. He couldn’t move. At least, not yet. Out of the corner of his eye, Tatsuya saw Maya grab one of Lisa’s arms as she almost ran through them all. Joker grabbed his head, visibly shaking. Tatsuya could see it even from a distance he was at.

“No…” Joker whimpered, and Tatsuya could finally hear it. The true Jun, his other half. He clenched his teeth. Not yet, he thought. Not now. Mentally, he cursed himself for his weakness.

“What… I wanted… wasn’t… This horrible thing…!” There was a considerate fight happening in Jun’s mind, something Tatsuya felt powerless against. What kind of friend was he if he couldn’t help his best friend fight to stay with them? He felt weak, lost in thought of pain and guilt for allowing this to go on so long. Still, he continued to stay in place.

“Jun…!” Maya called out, pain lacing her voice. Tatsuya felt that pain. The pain of feeling like they couldn’t do anything. But Tatsuya held his stance, biting his tongue till it bled. Being brash and rushing in like Lisa almost did wouldn’t yield results anyone would be happy with, and could lead to their deaths.

“NOW!” The revived version of Hitler commanded, “Seize the skull!” The robots that had been the main muscle for the Order of the Holy Lance reacted, getting ready to shoot their guns at Joker’s back.

“Jun!! Look out!!” The woman who was standing next to Joker ended up pushing him out of the way just in time to get the bullet for herself. In Joker’s state of distress, he didn’t notice. He certainly didn’t notice the robot that came and took the heaven skull from its place. Tatsuya realized how terrible this would be in the long run, and almost ran forward. If it wasn't for Joker summoning a persona-like creature of his own and attempting to fight the robot a bit too late. The Fuhrer had made his escape with the skull, and his robots. The temple they were in was shaking, obviously on the verge of collapse. Tatsuya had only taken a few more strides in, front of the group as always. Eikichi was right behind him, standing a little over to the side to act as a defense for the girls. Joker was back to his feet, his smile unending, but his tone annoyed.

“Tch…” he scoffed, turning to the shadows of his friends. “Get the other skulls and go after him!”

In unison, the shadows responded: “As you wish... Glory to the Mask.” Then they disappeared. Tatsuya watched with wide eyes as Joker hobbled weakly to the edge of the platform he was on. He collapsed back down to his knees, holding his head yet again.

He grunted in pain before he spoke, “It was Tatsuya… who killed Big Sis…” he choked out, “Who killed our Mamma… right Papa…?” Tatsuya watched Joker carefully. The fact he ended his moment of stubborn clarity with a question scared Tatsuya. Now, he couldn’t ignore his gut reaction to run toward him. He barely sheathed his sword before he started running. He ran up to the edge, looking closely at Joker. He knew Jun was in there. He just needed to knock him out of this delusion. The rest of his friends followed after him, staying a little bit further away.

“Jun!” Eikichi yelled, concerned, “It’s about time you came to your senses!!”

Joker perked up a tiny bit at the name now, due to the proximity, “Jun…?” He said hesitantly, looking up a little bit. Tatsuya could almost swear he saw Jun’s eyes somewhere in Joker’s. Joker looked at Tatsuya, softly saying: “Who.. am I…?” Tatsuya took a step closer, hoping he could bring Jun back to them. Back to the real world. The pull in his gut to save Jun went beyond his want to help the people of Sumaru City. This was almost a selfish desire. Joker continued talking the closer Tatsuya got.

“I’m… I’m…” Joker stammered, almost there. Tatsuya could tell he was almost there.

A light surrounded Joker, forcing Tatsuya to narrow his eyes to even be able to see him. “Don’t forget, you are Joker.”A voice that wasn’t Joker’s emerged from the brilliant light, reminding Joker of the lie, “Kill… kill… kill…” The voice faded out, as the light faded as well. Tatsuya hated how it looked like Joker was believing this voice. He was so close. Tatsuya couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit annoyed.

Joker stood up, hanging his head low as he wobbled unsteadily to his feet. “That’s right… I’m… Joker…!” the jester raised his head, staring directly through Tatsuya. He knew that Joker wasn’t, but the chill that ran down his spine made him believe Joker was. “It’s been a long ten years…” Joker laughed at his own expense, “experience for yourself the pain and sorrow I endured!”

“Jun!!” Lisa cried, stumbling back a little bit in her fright.

“What the hell man? Come on!!” Eikichi groaned, pulling out his weapon of choice. Tatsuya looked at Joker, then at the lighter Jun had given him all those years ago. There was that feeling again, the selfishness he felt that compelled him to save Jun. He read the English that was on it like he had done so many times before. The most precious things can’t be seen. He put the lighter back in the safe place that was in his pocket. Jun was precious to him. Tatsuya would save him no matter what.