P5r Spoilers - Tumblr Posts
Sadly, she has lost sight of herself... She is in pain.
"Some people want to run from their pain and cling to some other version of reality... Like I used to. But the knowledge I gained through that pain, and my desire to move on... Those are even more precious to me! And I won't let anyone take them from me again!"
Minus well finally post it a day early!
Happy Birthday Sumire and Kasumi Yoshizawa!!! (3/25)
This is Sumi finally reaching the nationals like she promised with Kasumi no doubt by her side in spirit feeling just as proud!
"Kasumi... I did it!! I finally did it! Thank you... For everything!"
Bonus:
Separate sprites as well for a better look at her!
fight inside your head
So based on what I'm gathering of translations of the artbook, Akechi's wish in Maruki's reality is to basically have friends. Like actual friends even just to play chess with... Damn dude! Also hold up, doesn't it mean that this Akechi is the genuine article then? If so then Atlus you just accidentally threw the ambiguity out the window with that omg!
One of the things I wish Royal talked a bit more about: I can't help but still wonder about Sumi's family life and how it might have influenced Kasumi's own behavior too. Just from what was described about how she took care of Sumire it seems like she was trying to parent her if that makes sense? Basically to the point where Sumire later perceived it as her being condescending which I don't blame her for really (This was me with my mom at one point). But yeah I do wonder sometimes and wished that the game talked a bit more about it. Like maybe the parents are loving but aren't around all the time due to jobs so Kasumi decided to take up the caretaker role b/c she's the oldest twin and loves her sister so she doesn't want Sumire to feel neglected? I also remember reading a theory that their mother favored Kasumi more than Sumire due to a bit in the flashback that showed their father with a woman next to him in the background during one of the twins' meets and she was prominently wearing pink (Kasumi's signature color).
Idk, I know their father loves them for certain but I can't help but wonder more about their personal lives and how it ended up impacting/influencing both of their behaviors. Kasumi potentially wanting to make sure her sister didn't get neglected and felt loved/taken care of only to backfire badly would be interesting. It could add more context to some dialogue in the Tactica DLC story that implies that the two got into fights/arguments as they got older too.
Ok so I've seen Akechi owning a Mimikyu which is cute and I agree but consider this: Sumi owning a Mimikyu! It just makes too much sense to me, especially since it's a Fairy/Ghost type! Also, her putting a ribbon on it sounds so cute!!! And my husband proposed her seeing what it looks like underneath and not being scared (same with Akechi) which makes the little one so happy!
Violet Transformation
I really needed to do a transformation gif of her! All the still images of her transformation is up on my patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MegsILS
DO NOT REPOST
Violet
ah man i love her design way too much <3 DO NOT REPOST
I honestly love how she has an almost Akechi like smile in these shots of the P5R X Another Eden crossover/collab trailer (She's addressed as "Violet" in this collab too!!)!
Also these shots are soooo pretty! Omg!! Look at her guys!
sumiiiii ♡
Sumi’s morning coffee
i drew a second outfit design for sumi wayyyy back so now i've decided to redraw it and make it better! and also, i chopped her hair off! now THATS what i call character development
I swear to god the more I think about how Sumi's toxic/negative thoughts and behavior along with the filter's red flags were not only fully ignored but even outright ENABLED and sometimes mocked by the people around her the more horrified I feel guys. Again, fuck Shujin Academy. Not only that but her whole experience at Shujin just felt so... Isolating. It doesn't excuse it and she needed to grow out of it but it's definitely little to no wonder she primarily clung onto and became dependent on Maruki and Joker for a while.
Like her peers, Shujin faculty, hell even well intentioned ones like Maruki and even her father just kept enabling and putting on temporary bandaids thinking that what's currently happening to her and their ideas to help her were gonna benefit her in the long run when they just... Unwittingly make it worse. It's primarily when Joker steps in to tell her to STOP with the delusions and unhealthy behavior that she finally starts to show actual improvement and snap out of it. Same with her coach who had been trying to tell her to stop from the beginning.
Like don't get me wrong, Maruki and her father aren't horrible and DO care about her compared to Shujin but they kinda still unwittingly contributed to her problems by allowing her to live a lie as Kasumi. But on the other end of the spectrum, there's the added nuance that she did feel like the filter did help her (she was suicidal for Pete's sake) but also felt that she didn't need it anymore because it's ultimately not healthy and just a bandaid solution.
That and she acknowledged and admitted her own faults in the situation saying that she wasn't any better. Actually the more I think about it, the more I realize that one of the mental hangups she's dealing with is being so caught up in her own problems that she doesn't see the bigger picture of things (Kasumi not being this perfect person, Maruki's suffering despite his kindness and smiles, etc.). She even mentions it in a safe room dialogue and can even be shown in the flashback of Kasumi's death. It just kinda adds more to her selfishness even when her feelings are understandable and Kasumi's behavior and methods of helping can definitely come off as condescending to anyone. It just reached MASSIVELY unhealthy levels along with people around her enabling the toxic behaviors (Maruki included).
I guess a tl;dr is that she IS an interesting critique on Japan's fucked up mental health system and stigmas along with Maruki and I feel like people should talk about this more because it's so interesting to dissect.
More stuff for this AU!
Ichinose's (canonically almost non-existent) Character Arc/Redemption
Erm, ok so… I have an idea for Ichinose for my rewrite AU… Namely with how her dynamic with Sophia would play out (which I felt was badly executed and unintentionally gave a poor message in the process) along with adding screentime so that the twist can have more of a punch? A play-by-play: +I'm considering having her be more involved with the Thieves. Namely the Osaka arc where she can bond and connect with them more, maybe even feeling internal hesitation towards her goal. Also her and Maruki and becoming besties is a bonus thing (and since HaseMaru is a main pairing, Zenkichi will probably be a little jelly which gives the group fodder to tease him a bit). +Adding to the bonding, her backstory will probably be discussed earlier (inspired by one of the criticisms I've seen with her) but still kinda vague. Hell I'll throw in a bonus HC/theory that she can't have children which drove her further in the deep end since she wanted to start a family and gets further ostracized (b/c Japanese societal standards for women). +Her and Sophia's dynamic is a little tricky to explain I'll admit but I'll try: Basically I'm gonna have Sophia not be SUPER forgiving for what Ichinose did to her. Like show empathy but still set boundaries and hesitation in reconnecting sort of deal? Basically have it be gradual as opposed to immediate and abrupt/rushed. +Her deciding to join Ichinose on her journey would be the first step to forgiving her and giving that end credits image more impact/meaningfulness. It would be an attempt tho since I still wanna stick to Strikers' themes but at the same time the message for Sophia and Ichinose's conflict felt a little… Iffy. Like give the idea of a child being unsure whether they want to reconnect with a parent who hurt them really badly. Give more nuance. +Also I'm gonna have Ichinose being reluctant to reprogram Sophia to kill the Thieves because that was another reason I had trouble feeling sympathetic to her. It all just felt too rushed a bit. +But yeah other than smaller tweaks such as her reputation taking a small hit after trying to turn herself in (Maruki would try to lighten the mood by mentioning that he tried to do the same thing but got the same response but hey at least like him she can start with a newer slate), that's really it.
New Persona/Outfit for Akechi
+So I couldn't help but wonder: Should I give Akechi a new Persona in my AU? I'm already considering giving him a new outfit (probably controversially since I maaaay steer away from Crow motifs to represent his new lease on life but idk yet) but idk on a new Persona at first. The candidates so far were Hades or Dr. Jekyll (Bless and Curse specialty like Robin Hood. Curse representing the Mr. Hyde personality and Bless representing Jekyll) +I finally decided on Jekyll since this all sounded very much like Akechi:
+(tw for suicide mention) And of course at the end of the novel, while as Hyde, he ends his own life as a way to stop Hyde from completely taking over. Akechi attempted to sacrifice himself in the Engine Room. +So him gaining Jekyll would be more symbolic of him fully embracing both his good and dark sides (even the depraved aspects of the latter) like Hereward (which would be visualized by Hereward transforming into Jekyll to showcase the start of a clean slate).
+I kinda want to follow up on the glove thing too, the promise of a rematch. Perhaps that would be a boiling point, especially when Futaba, Haru, and Maruki (each one having confronted Akechi for how his actions (indirect or otherwise) negatively effected their lives even if it's just his ties to Shido) enter the picture to protect Joker. +Oh and he's getting a scythe as a new melee weapon! No further comment!
Joker's Family Life
Still a W.I.P. but I may add a small arc with Joker regarding his family life and breaking out of it. Cliche I know but I can't ignore that call! +Ft. Papa Wolf Zenkichi and Protective Maruki! And PegoRyu! +So far I'm leaning towards him being half-french with a perfectionist single mother. My HCs for his family life has definitely changed over the years for sure! +Of course this would come in the form of a small detour after getting a call from her to come to her this instant. He initially refuses but then complies in an almost OOC fashion to the team (even Akechi doesn't have any snark to throw at him). +It would definitely on a happy note for sure but definite angst all around! +It's more like just breaking from the usual formula starting with Zenkichi (having an abusive mom in me and Creepy's Prison of Grief fic) and now suddenly Joker because it'd be interesting to explore. I guess in the case of this AU it'd be a bonding moment for them and Joker would then be like, "Two new dads?!"
That ONE SCENE!!
You all know the one... The Kyoto bath house... One I think is personally worse than the Ryuji one but yeah. That's being redone! Summary: It's kinda inspired by a post here on Tumblr but it starts like normal except with Akechi and Maruki being a part of the guys' group. When the girls show up, Joker makes themselves known and they get confronted (poor Maruki just trying to stay out of it and covering his eyes). Thankfully Akechi intervenes before Makoto could even try anything and she forces herself calm and allows them to try and leave (Akechi also slightly calls out/snarks at Futaba's massive hypocrisy on calling them pervs when she tries to say the line). Something then happens which leads to Akechi getting splashed by Makoto when he pushes one of her buttons while leaving. His competitiveness kicks in and he splashes her back. One thing leads to another and everyone gets into a massive splash fight until they all get kicked out (Maruki gets the riot act as well since he's technically their chaperone). They bicker but then it turns into light hearted ribbing as they go back to their room. This would be one of the instances where Akechi starts to genuinely care about the other Thieves too since he actually enjoyed himself. Akechi actually feeling like a happy kid again for a moment? Insane! But also yeah, poor Mooki just trying to help explain while keeping his hands over his eyes is just a funny and adorable image too!
That's all I have the energy for! Enjoy while I go back to typing Prison of Grief with Creepy!
I'm still piecing together my own Strikers AU rewrite so here are the notes for Maruki, Sumi, and Akechi's roles:
Maruki
He quietly moved to Okinawa to work with Ubukata but then quit and became a recluse.
This was all due to his research getting found among Shido's stolen shit or something which led to him getting recruited as one of the scientists only to then bail when he saw what it all entailed and seeing it all firsthand. Basically the moment he entered the lab he immediately noped out, especially once he saw an experiment in action along with Ubukata's madness almost reflecting his own. He was also one of the scientists that tried to talk him out of it but was refused or even threatened. He ends up blocking out all memories of that lab due to trauma and hidden guilt for not freeing the desires there himself. Icarus, his new persona, would be calling out his cowardice and continuing the habit of running away from his problems along with his hubris. Also some (attempt at) slow burn HaseMaru. Joins after having a new awakening in the Okinawa Jail as both a fighter and an extra Navi.
Sumi
Sumi is visiting Tokyo for the summer at her Coach's suggestion albeit recovering but still dealing with things.
Still maintains her kind and empathetic attitude despite it and would be the first of the group to actively try to bond with Zenkichi, starting with helping him set up the calling cards in Sendai and then Sapporo. That bond later extends to Akane due to having traumas in common (this can also help her feel more closure for Kasumi's death since it would be a further indication that she's not alone). The initial concept was her struggling with Cendrillon before gaining Odile after a breaking point but I ultimately scrapped it. Potential AkeSumi too.
Akechi
Decided to let the others assume he's dead so that he can go take care of himself but then decides to investigate on his own initially.
I guess the best idea I could come up with regarding Akechi is that he's been slowly investigating the change of heart cases after seeing news reports and articles from rehab/shelter. He sets out after being deemed well enough to explore outside the facility as he tries to check out the locations. Not sure when he'd cross paths with the Thieves tho but I am thinking as early as Sendai or Sapporo. He would first appear watching Alice's calling card with a smirk before leaving, indicating slight nostalgia. He's also familiar with Zenkichi and his past due to previously working with Shido and would butt heads with him for his supposed cowardice ("Didn't think the big bad wolf would be tamed so easily"). I would probably attempt closure with him, Haru, and Futaba but how I'm not sure yet.
some dream keeps me going through the night
A Crossover/AU Concept (Hazbin Hotel x Persona 5 Royal)!
Ok so the concept in a nutshell (Hazbin S1 ending spoilers ahoy!):
Massive canon divergence obviously since S2 will probably contradict all of it (especially Lilith) buuut after recovering from his injuries, Alastor decides to as he puts it, "take a vacation" as part of a further recovery period so with Lucifer's (annoyed) help he was able to get a portal to Earth and a human disguise... In Tokyo which is already overwhelming to him (doesn't help that he stands out quite a bit) but it'll do since he can still do something "fun" there and boy does he!
Since radio is still a thing (just not as common these days), he decides to stir up some amusement and settles into an old abandoned station he ends up finding. He starts small but then gets more attention due to his rather unconventional way of broadcasting and darkly "quirky" sense of humor. He gets even more attention when he finds police at Shujin after Kamoshida's arrest and after some sneaking around (he still has his demon abilities just a tad bit limited), decides to have his next broadcast be about the scandal because why not? The current group of PTs are astonished when they listen in by chance, especially when he was able to quote their calling card word for word which is impossible since they all got confiscated (he stole one, also he gives somewhat of a compliment on the writing ("Somewhat vulgar but there is some elegance to it I guess...") so Ryuji feels a little vindicated).
The principal hears it and attempts an interview for damage control but ohhh boy Alastor just humiliates him which catches the group's attention more. Joker decides to take a risk and questions him which... Doesn't get anywhere by much other than Al finding the whole Phantom Thieves phenomenon "hilarious" with the public's reaction to it. One thing later leads to another and Joker makes a deal (thankfully not Al's kind of deal), leading him to unlock the Hunger Arcana of this setting (Lucifer would probably at best be Aeon like in P4G).
Alastor would also get put through the wringer in third semester! He disappears after Yaldy with no one having any luck finding him. I'm having Lilith be his contract holder there (People are either gonna love or hate how I'll depict her there (I'm personally more in the camp that Al's deal holder is Roo buuut Lilith fitted better for 3rd Semester's themes plus Mooki was dumb and delulu but not THAT dumb and delulu to collaborate with the Root of All Evil)... 🤭) and she notices his growing attachment to everyone and summons him. She also approached Maruki to offer her and Lute's services. Needless to say, most of Al's beginning in this arc was horrific as he gets subjected to torment as punishment from Lilith herself before being made into a follower for her to summon at her beck and call. He's the one who attacked Joker and Akechi as opposed to a random Shadow. They were later able to free him after a separate boss fight with him but he does not take the whole thing well at all.
Smaller details:
-I decided to apply my own HCs for Al's past since it will play a small role in his character development. Namely his relationship with his mother and father when he was alive. He'll even get a small design change post being freed. Nothing too drastic, just growing out his hair with a white streak and having a more auburn red color to his hair along with it being more wavy. Mostly to reflect his growth.
-The others will show up after growing concerned and then getting swept into the chaos.
-Vox will be a major antagonist for the Hazbin part of the crossover up to Yaldy Arc while Lilith and Lute take over in 3rd Semester.
Final note: This is labelled as an AU for a reason since it will no doubt not be super accurate to what happens in S2! Perhaps changes may be applied over time but just thought I'd make it clear ok? Cool!
So I kinda was sorta curious what Kasumi would look like with Sumire's eye and hair color (fully identical twins) so I did a quick experiment. Results? A little uncanny admittedly...
Sumire for comparison:
I guess my PT Maruki is going through a small rebranding so to speak? Mostly reconsidering his codename. The most I got so far is:
-Abel (Abel in some versions of the Cain and Abel story had him be the first martyr and Mooki kinda has a martyr complex)
-Advisor (since he's getting a Navi mode now)
-Lovecraft (...Self-explanatory)
Eh, poll time I guess? I'm doing one on Twitter too .
"Abel" won out gang! Kinda surprised really but hey! Funnily enough I had a slow realization that I accidentally made a double reference to "Able" which can also fit his desire to help people because the words sound similar. XD
Oh god... Maruki totally would make a pun when coming up with it with everyone cringing omg! 🤣
I guess my PT Maruki is going through a small rebranding so to speak? Mostly reconsidering his codename. The most I got so far is:
-Abel (Abel in some versions of the Cain and Abel story had him be the first martyr and Mooki kinda has a martyr complex)
-Advisor (since he's getting a Navi mode now)
-Lovecraft (...Self-explanatory)
Eh, poll time I guess? I'm doing one on Twitter too .