A/N: WARNING! This preview contains mild spoilers from Persona 3 AFS. Read at your own volition!


Stepping off the train, the male brunette lifted his head up, taking in his surroundings. It was a huge contrast compared to the city he just came back from. Nature overruled society, the air had a clearly different scent, and even though evening had already fallen over the town the familiar faces walking down and up the road was a welcoming sight.

"I should really tell her 'no' next time she calls. I need to finish High school first." Straightening his glasses, the young man let out a slight laugh as a few memories passed his mind. "Geez, Kaz. You're such a pushover."


Kaz's phone started ringing, but it's not like it surprised him. He's been getting a lot of calls as of late since he came back, some of them meaningful, while others just trying to use him as a connection given his relation with-

"What the?" This wasn't a call he was expecting.

He stared at the ID on his phone for a second, not believing it was her who was calling. It was a rare occurrence, normally only happening during certain holidays or his birthday. Of course, he always liked to hear her voice, but this was sudden.

Answering, he gave his usual comment. "Hey, Rise. Been a while."

"Hi, Kaz..."

Wait... something was off. Really off. "Rise? You okay?"

"Kind of. Listen, I don't have a lot of time so I'll say this quickly." Kaz prepared himself for the worst. "I'm quitting showbiz. I'm already at the airport getting on a flight, then I'll be moving in with you and Grandma."

Actually... it wasn't the worst news he heard. "You're coming here?"


"Rise! RISE!"

Kaz had been searching for hours by this point. How could she just get kidnapped like that? Sure, he knew she used to be rather timid, but all those years in show business changed her. He was sure Rise wouldn't go down without a fight! Crap, why didn't he open the door instead?

"Kaz!" The third year skidded to a halt as he heard the voice from behind him. It was familiar, and as he turned around, the face was familiar too.

"Yu? What is it? In case you haven't noticed, my cousin is missing and I can't afford to-"

"We know where Rise is." That shut Kaz up mighty quick with his eyes wide in surprise. "And we're going to save her."


He finally pulled the trigger... but nothing happened. He became confused at first, then tried it again, but still nothing. His confusion soon turned to annoyance, then to desperation with every attempt. However, each time yielded the same result. What was going on? Why could he summon it?

"You can't do it, can you? No surprise, though."

Kaz looked dead at his doppelganger, and despite his face seeming angry... he was honestly scared to death. Just... what was this thing? Why did it sound and look just like him? On top of all that... why did it scare him so much?

"Face it. Deep down you still have that guilt. You might have thought you were over it, but now you're about to lose Rise... and it's all. Your. Fault!"


Stay tuned for Persona 4 AFS

"I guess... I really haven't changed since two years ago..."