Part 36: June 25 Part 2: A Vice Raid

In case Sanzo can't defeat this Shadow in time, I'll have to make sure he can upstage it.









This guy can be the judge.







Naturally, every extended loop of this dungeon's music on YouTube is accompanied by fan art of Rise shaking her ass on the striptease stage.

-Striptease-

Today, everyone's just got to be special.


Whoa, Sensei changed.
Whoa! That's chocolate in your mouth! Hehehe, you can't trick THIS bear's nose!
Hi-yah! Look! Isn't it great? I feel like an ancient Chinese warrior! You know me really well. If I'm wearing this I think I can unleash an inscrutable divine strike!
Oh yeah, you changed too, Sanzo-kun. Wow, you made a costume of Dojima-san! Looks good!
You even got a cigarette! Oh, it's just chocolate. So wait...you're going to explore the TV world with that chocolate melting in your mouth the whole time? Good luck.
I'm wearing that outfit you gave me, but I don't think a kimono is very useful in here...I'm used to wearing it, but it's still difficult to walk in. Plus I'm used to walking with very tiny steps because of kimono etiquette, so I might not be able to keep up with you.
Oh, how do you like your new outfit, Sanzo-kun?
Oh, a Dojima-san costume! It's really well done!
Hehe, you really are his nephew.
Hey, what's the deal!? A bancho outfit!? I told you, I'm not in a biker gang!
Aaah! The "First Leader" embroidery is unthreading! Someone hand me a sewing set, now!
Like, just a needle and thread? Hold on, I think I have them somewhere...
Oh, nice. Thanks.
Oh, you got changed too, Senpai.
Whoa...! Those are Dojima-san's clothes! And you have a cigarette!
Oh, it's not? Oh, it's just chocolate shaped like a cigarette. I didn't notice!
Wait...you've been dangling chocolate out of your mouth this whole time? Why hasn't it melted?


It's making my heart pound!
Sanzo-kun, we're gonna power through as fast as we can, got it!? If you think of anything dirty...
I'm gonna kick your butt!!










This match is over!


I think I'm getting a little drunk from all the pink...






A flower's fate is to bloom and scatter...


I can smell it! I smell something! My nose is sniffing out some kind of clue!



-Show Time-


But something's not right...
It must be her other self...


Today, you're gonna see every last inch of me! What's that? You don't believe me? Ahahah! Okay, okay! Then why don't we--Oh, but you won't be able to see with all this smoke, huh? Okie-dokie! Just follow me a little further in and I'll prove that I'm every bit as good as my word!




That's...going kinda far...
Sheesh, the roar of the crowd is insane this time...It's making me feel sick.
If people really are watching this...we gotta do something, and fast.


When we come back, you'll get a good, long look at the real me! Maru-Q!


See? Yosuke can be good when it really counts.
The Shadows are really getting aggravated! What we just saw is what that Rise girl is suppressing! She'll be in trouble at this rate!
So, guess I'm on the rescue team now. Alright, let's hurry up and go!

-Striptease-

The Marukyu Striptease has Shadows that require specific attack elements to even scratch, not just defeat more quickly. These Persistent Fuzz enemies repel everything except Physical...





...and these Rain Wheels drain everything except Electricity.




Tch, barely a warmup!


Rise's voice: Goooood evening, everyone! I'm Risette! Thanks for being such faithful viewers! I'm tired of diets! Enough with going to the gym! Good thing there's something even I can handle!
I've had enough of this place too! Urgh, I'm getting all dizzy...
Something's been bothering me about what the Shadow was saying...Her "true self," huh...?






Why don't we call it a day today? I'm getting really dizzy...
Rise's voice: Oh!? You've come so far...Does that mean you're a fan of mine? Seriously!? That makes Risette sooo happy! Since you tried so hard, I wonder if I should do something special for you...But not here! First, you gotta prove your love just a liiiittle bit more! I'll be waiting!
...! S-Sensei! I'm gonna try even harder!



Rain Leg Mushas can laugh off everything except Physical, and also look really badass.




Rise's voice: I'm rooting for you!
Whaa...? We're desperately trying to save her, but she's cheering us on instead...? I don't know how to feel about this...
I was like that too, huh?
Well, I ain't gonna let it happen again! I got a debt to settle with you guys!





Rise's voice: But still, I'm a little embarrassed...So I'm gonna turn out the lights!


*gulp* S-Sensei! Am I about to climb the stairway to adulthood!?





Rise's voice: You can't go in yet, mmm? Over here, over here! Hurry!


Rise's voice: You came! Okay. I'm ready for anything...
*gulp* ...Are you ready, Sensei?


I'm turning on the lights, okay?



They never look as nice when the lights are up. Sad, but true.



Meet the Amorous Snake.



His main deal is ailments, and Fire weakness.







I wonder if those costumes make Twin Dragons more effective.



Bastard still costs me a hundred grand before I can roast him.




I didn't even get a chance to choose! Have I been fooled? Let's just go home now, Sensei...


Rise's voice: Why don't I tell you fans a little about myself?
What's this? What's she up to?
Rise's voice: Hmmm...What should I talk about first...? Ummm...Never mind. Maybe some other time.
L...LAAAAME!






Rise's voice: My work right now...Yeah, I think it's really fulfilling. I longed to be an idol ever since I was a kid. Every day's so much fun!
It's really fulfilling for me too, since I'm with you guys, Sensei! Thank you, Sensei!








Rise's voice: Hmmm...I guess someone that's kind and clean? Oh, looks don't matter that much. I actually don't really like handsome-looking guys. I mean, it's what's on the inside that really counts, right?
I see...So one's insides are important...But I'm all empty...







Never bring a sword to a shovel fight.


But I'm not certain.

-Border of Insanity-




Look, the real one's here too!


They're all watching! All eyes are on me now!
Stop it!
Awwww! What's the matter! You wanna show your stuff, don'tcha? How's this!?


A major stroke of luck--Rise's Shadow doesn't know the first thing about pole dancing. Maybe it could be convinced that a striptease involves putting clothes on, and then quietly reading or something for a while.
*chuckle* Oooh, she wants me to stop. That's so funny!
As if that's even close to what you're really thinking, you little skank! You're me! And obviously, I'm you!
No...That's not true...


This is me! This is who I really am! Not Risette, the fake celebrity! Look at the girl right in front of you! I'm sick of being some airhead cliche who chokes down everything she's fed and takes it all with a smile! "Risette?" Who the hell is she? There's no such person in this world! I'm no one but myself! C'mon, look at me!
That's not--I...!
Well then, I guess it's time to prove it. I'm gonna show it all off! Let my naked truth be burned into your brains!


You're...




*chuckle* Heehee, ahaha! Aaahahahahaha! Here it comes! Now, I'm finally myself!

-Persona 3 FES: Heartful Cry-

















Shadow Rise uses a grab bag of Element Break & elemental attacks.





She can be critted, but has no real weaknesses.











You only need to wear Shadow Rise down to half health. After that, she does this:



















Then just do whatever for a few rounds.



-Border of Insanity-


Damn, it's like it's anticipating our every move...
I-I'm completely useless...


What the--!?
That power...I think it's scanning us! Ohh, this is not good!
When you say "not good," what exactly does that mean!?
Woohoo...! Analysis complete! Okay, here comes my counterattack! See if you can dodge, hmm?
S-Stop it!




How're we supposed to win...!?
A-Are we...going to die...?
No! You guys can't die!
What can I do...? Sensei...
Help us...
B-But how can I help? Am I going to be all alone again...? No...That's not what I want!


Shit! It's winding up again...!
I...I...
Okie dokie, here we go again!
Good bye...forever!
Aw shit...It's coming!


Wh-Whoaaaa! I-I feel like I'm going bear-serk!
Grrrrr! I-I'll do it! Take a good look...at Teddie's last stand!


Is it coming from that weird thing...!?
Teddie! The hell are you doing!?


Teddie!

*BOOM*

-Smile-




You idiot...You coulda died...


You didn't just help, you saved our lives!
Neat...! I'm so glad...I didn't want to be alone anymore...
Teddie...
Ngh...Urgh...


Nooo...My fine, silky fur...I was so proud of it! Waaaahh...
Looks like he's gonna be just fine...I guess.


Mm...? Where...am I?
I'm sorry. It's all my fault...
No harm done.
Really? Thank God...Here, stand up.


You're part of me, but I kept refusing to admit you existed...I was trying to figure out who the real me was.
But I realize now that I was on the wrong track. There is no "real" me. It just doesn't exist.
There's no...real me...?
You...me...even Risette...They were all born from me. All of them are...me.

> The strength of heart required to face oneself has been made manifest...Rise has faced her other self. She has obtained the facade used to overcome life's hardships, the Persona Himiko!



Himiko, the shaman queen. Another possibly historical figure, like Tomoe. Probably did not have an antenna for a face.


I'm all right...Hey, you're the one who came to the store, right...?
Oh, yeah. And these guys came with me.

> You briefly introduced yourselves.

I thought I recognized you guys. Thanks, everyone...
We'll explain everything later, but for right now--
What's wrong, Chie?

-Border of Insanity-


H-Hey, Teddie...
No, get back! Something's coming out of him...!
Real? Me? *chuckle* Such foolishness...


D-Don't tell me...Is that the other Teddie? Teddie's hidden thoughts!?
I believe so, but it seems like there's more. I felt some powerful presence intervene...
Wh-What's going on!? Wh-Whoaa!


It will always be shrouded in fog. Though you reach through the murk and the gloom to grasp something, you have no means to know it is the truth...In which case, why...? What sense is there in yearning for truth? Close your eyes. Lie to yourself. Live in blissful ignorance...It is a much smarter way to exist.
Wh-What're you talking about!? I don't understand a word you're saying! You're just making it sound difficult because I'm not that smart! How rude! Maybe you can't tell, but I'm thinking as hard as I can!
It is those efforts that I am calling useless...You are hollow. Empty. At your core, you know this...You just cannot accept it. So you seek an alternate form...a denial of your nature. You have no lost memories. If you have forgotten anything, it is this truth.
Th-That's...a lie...
Shall I spell it out for you? You are but a mere--
I said shaddup!


Teddie!


This world is filled with thick, heavy fog...How can you find something when you know not what you search for?
There's a way to find it.
And thus, you invite more suffering upon yourselves...It is beyond my comprehension. Obtaining the truth is simple. All you have to do is believe that it is the truth...Then I will grant you one truth...You will all die here. You sought the truth, only to find death...
Dammit...How are we supposed to fight something like this without Teddie...?

-PML 2012: Key Plus Words-

It's all right...Get ready, everyone.
Hey, don't tell me you're fighting with us! You can't take it!
I'm okay...I should be able to take that bear's place!
It's my turn to save you all!

















The game is kind enough to restore your HP and SP for this fight. Shadow Teddie starts off with Mabufu, Heat Wave, and Rakunda. He also drains ice. Laksmi can correct that.





Take off about 25% of his health, and Shadow Teddie responds with a move called Ultra Charge:







You have two rounds before he finishes charging and uses Nihil Hand, which deals severe damage and Dizzies.



That's your cue to Guard, which will negate the attack completely.



Or you can just wail on him with everything you've got and hope for the best.



If you can manage about 1,000 damage before Shadow Teddie attacks, you can cancel the Ultra Charge.



It's much safer to just Guard everybody when Rise warns you, though.







At half health, Shadow Teddie will use Nullity Guidance to automatically Dizzy one of the kids, and then start another Ultra Charge with his 1 More.









After enough hits, Shadow Teddie will start using Nullity Guidance multiple times before charging.












-Smile-


Even Teddie had a hidden side...


......
I've thought a number of times...that maybe there is no answer...But I'm here...I live here...
You're not alone.
Then...I don't have to do this all on my own...?
Dude, we'll help you figure it out.
I'm sure we'll find out about you, as we continue investigating this world.
Y-You guys...! I'm...I'm one lucky bear! Waaaah...


Is that...?
A Persona...?

> The courage of heart to support one's friends has been made manifest...Teddie has faced his other self. He has obtained the facade used to overcome life's hardships, the Persona Kintoki-Douji!



Sakata Kintoki, a.k.a. Kintaro, the golden boy. In life, Kintoki was one of the first samurai to become famous for his badassery. In modern-day Japan the 5th of May is Tango no Sekku, a festival in his honor, and there are folk tales which feature him as an immensely strong red-skinned youth, friend to all animals, who wields a tomahawk as his signature weapon.

Check out that missile in Kintoki-Douji's hands. That's right--Teddie's puns are now weapons-grade. Look the fuck out, world.


I can sense strong power from it...It's awesome, Teddie...


Oh yeah, your Persona just awakened too! I'm so sorry...You must be worn out.
Yeah, let's hurry outside!


I'm all right...I'm more worried about Teddie...
You okay there? We gotta go back for now...
I wanna be alone for a while.
H-Hey...
My beautiful fur is all rough and coarse...And my nose hasn't been working too well either...


Nobody can stop moi! Here goes! Huh!
Wh-What's gotten into you...?
Don't, talk, to me, please! One more set! Huh! Huh! Another one! Huh! Huh!
Leave the dude be...Comes a time when a man's gotta stand on his own two feet.
Uh, I'm not sure this is really one of those times...
Well then, Chie and I will take Rise-chan home.
Yeah, she'll need a lot of rest. We can talk after she regains her strength.
Well, um...Good luck, Teddie!
Just kick back and wait for my wonderful comeback! Peace out!
I'll see you later.




There must be something that only I can do...That's how I feel when I'm with Sensei. That's why I'm gonna get stronger! To find my special thing! Raaaawr!

> Teddie is looking at you with fire in his eyes...


Here goes! Huh! Huh!

> You should leave him be...In any event, you were able to rescue Rise safely. Now you must wait for her to recover. The mystery deepens...Will she be able to provide new insight into the case?


Whoa, there! Careful now, Dojima-san.


Dammit...! Who built a shtep here!?
That'd be the carpenters, Sir. C'mon, don't take your anger out on the house. That won't solve anything.


W-Welcome back...
Oh, hi, Nanako-chan. Sorry, but could you go get his futon ready?


How else...*hic* am I supposed to deal with this crap!? Friggin' fancy-talkin' kid...I've...I've been in this line'a work...since you were all learnin' yer times tables!
The prefectural police sent in special investigational support.
'Cause you know, we haven't really made any progress on the serial murders since they started in April...Haha. So this "special support" is supposedly a hot-shot detective from a well-known private agency...
But you shoulda seen the look on my face when I met him! He's only a kid your age! I hear he's a pretty sharp cookie, though.
Awww, he's a brat like any other. Ain't nothin' he can do to help. *hic* He goes on and on about deductions and...deductions...Heh. Ace or no ace, the prefeckshure oughtta be more careful about giving us brats to babysit...Condes...Condescendin' bashtards...*hic*
The kid said, as long as he can be of assistance in solving a difficult case, he won't require a reward. Well, you can imagine the shine the higher-ups took to him after that. So we can't exactly turn him down...
Adachi!
Gah, sorry! Me and my big mouth...
You run your jaw like this is all shome kinda joke...It's your fault to begin with, for jumping the gun and hauling in that Peeping Tom!
Oh...Haha, um...
And you! You'cn take your share of the blame, too...Always wandering around crime scenes whenever somethin' happens...

> You were scolded by Dojima...




Nnh...Mmmm...



Another successful mission.