A/N: Sup guys! Long time, no see! Sorry for the hiatus. I got SUPER busy.
So. The deal with this. I played Persona 5, and FELL IN LOVE and saw a GREAT opportunity to put Aurora in it. Plus, I had a few reviewers asking for this cross over.
So I planned it all out and stuff…. And then realized how ambitious a project this was, and how busy I've been, and decided against it.
BUT THEN THE ANIME CAME OUT, MAKING IT SO MUCH EASIER TO DO THIS.
So. Here you go, lol. Any dialogue in bold is English, by the way.
So, enjoy!
Chapter One: A New Mission
Aurora yawned, folding her arms behind her head and resting back in her seat. Sora sat at the controls of the Gummi Ship, a yawn forcing itself out of his mouth seconds after Aurora's.
"Stop that. Yawning is conta~gious…" Donald complained, a yawn interrupting him as well. Aurora couldn't help but giggle as Goofy yawned as well.
The four had been flying through the Lanes Between for hours now, even after going through the portal that had opened once Sora had allowed his heart to guide him.
"Gawrsh, that portal really didn't drop us off close, did it?" Goofy asked. Donald, meanwhile, narrowed his eyes at the back of the brunet's head, crossing his arms.
"I bet we're lost," he suddenly said.
"We are not!" Sora denied, a little too quickly.
"We're definitely lost," Aurora sighed, dropping her arms to her sides and slumping.
"Look, do one of you guys want to drive?" Sora demanded, looking over his shoulder at the three of them.
"Actually—" Donald began.
"Forget it," Sora immediately cut him off. Aurora giggled.
"Is it always like this?" she asked, glancing over at Goofy, who was shaking his head at the two of them.
"Yeah," the dog sighed. Aurora snickered, shaking her head, when suddenly, her side bag grew warm where it was resting on her lap.
"Hm?" Aurora hummed, opening it, only to find the book Master Yen Sid have given her glowing faintly. "Already?" she murmured, pulling the book out and flipping through it. On the first page was a message from the master sorcerer.
Aurora,
I have devised a way in which to train you with your Healer abilities. Below is a spell that will allow you to teleport back to the Tower. Please come quickly.
Yen Sid
Aurora glanced down to see the spell, studying it a few times, before looking up at the others.
"So, uh… Master Yen Sid wants me back at the Tower," Aurora said.
"What!? But we just left!" Donald yelped. Aurora shrugged, standing.
"It can't be helped," she said, walking over to Sora. "He gave me a spell to teleport there, so I guess you three should just continue forward, onto Olympus Coliseum," she said.
"Aww. So much for you having an adventure with us," Sora pouted. Aurora giggled.
"Don't worry, Sky Boy. He said he figured out how to train my Healer abilities, so I doubt it'll take up too much time. Here—" She pulled the Crescent Moon amulet over her head, pressing it into Sora's hand. "Take this with you. It'll let Master Yen Sid track you much easier, so… well, so we don't have a repeat of last time," she said. Sora's eyes hardened slightly, and his grip on the amulet was just a little too tight, but he grinned.
"Great. Good luck, Aurora. And you'd better hurry back!" he said brightly, though Aurora could tell it was a little forced. Aurora shook her head slightly, but smiled warmly at the boy ruffling his spikes.
"I will. Save some Heartless for me, will you?"
"No promises," Sora said with a grin. Aurora nodded, and used the spell Yen Sid had sent her. In a puff of white smoke, Aurora disappeared from the Gummi Ship.
…
"I'm here, Master," Aurora said, bowing to the sorcerer, who sat at his desk, in his study. Yen Sid smiled warmly with a nod.
"I see. It seems you have a knack for picking up spells quickly," he praised, before noticing the lack of the moon pendant. Aurora noticed the question in his eyes, and answered before he asked.
"I left it with Sora. I figured you'd want to track those three over myself, considering how Sora's Mark of Mastery ended…" she admitted, not mentioning the fact that she'd like the sorcerer to keep an eye on him as well. Yen Sid nodded once more.
"Very wise, Aurora. Now, down to business. I have discovered a way in which to train you with your Healer abilities, though I will personally not be able to do it," he explained.
"Oh… okay?" Aurora said. Yen Sid leaned back in his chair.
"There is a world, very much like your Legal Age, but different in one important aspect. The make-up of the Hearts," Yen Sid explained.
"That's… possible?" Aurora gasped in shock. Despite being to many different worlds, the general form of the heart, as Aurora sensed it, has always been the same. So this…
"Yes. And it'll be in this world that you will train your Healer abilities. Fortunately, Heartless are unable to appear in that world, due to the hearts, so it'll be safe," Yen Sid said, standing and walking over to one of the windows. "As I said, this world if very similar to your own. There is an America, as well as many other countries. The specific place I will be sending you within this world will be Tokyo, Japan," Yen Sid explained.
…
You will be a Foreign Exchange Student from America, staying with a gentleman by the name of Sojiro Sakura, Yen Sid had told Aurora as she prepared to leave. Now, she sat on a train that was on its way to one of the biggest areas in Japan. With a sigh, she glanced down at the outfit she now wore.
Because her cloak would have made her stand out, Yen Sid and provided her with other outfits.
It was winter here, so she wore a long sleeved black shirt, the sleeves almost covering her hands completely, with white lines going down the sides. Over that was a short sleeved, green hoodie with white lining, unzipped in the front, with four game pins attached to the left breast, just under her Attorney's badge. She also wore a pair of faded denim jeans, and black ankle boots under that. Her ever present locket was around her neck, and the pink ribbon was around her right wrist under her sleeve. She left her hair down, too. The rest of her outfits, which included both a winter and summer school uniform, was packed in a trunk that took up the seat next to her.
You will be a third year, attending Shujin Academy. I know you have already graduated from Themis, but this cannot be helped.
(Thanks, Master Yen Sid.) Aurora thought with a sigh. (Why do I always seem to go to worlds where I have to attend schools?) she wondered idly, glancing out the window. (And I still don't understand the whole time thing…)
It will feel like a year on the world I send you too, due to the way time moves on that world, but in reality, it shouldn't be too much longer then Sora's training in Olympus Coliseum.
(I wonder if that means I'll age, but the others won't? Hopefully not…) She glanced around as the train gently rocked on the tracks, glancing down at her phone. (Today is Saturday. Guess that means I won't have to worry about school for my first two days,) she thought with a smile.
"Thank you for riding with us today. We will be arriving in Shibuya shortly. This is the last stop for this line. Please transfer here for all subway lines," a smooth, female voice said over the speaker. Aurora glanced up, before shaking her head. (That was in Japanese, and I understood it perfectly. I love magic,) she thought with a grin, standing and gripping her trunk. "The doors to your left are open."
Aurora joined the rush disembarking the train, looking around in an attempt to figure out where she should go next. She was completely disoriented, between the sheer amount of people, the size of the city, and how… different the hearts around her felt. Yen Sid was right, the hearts here were different. She didn't feel them as temperatures, but – and there was no other way to explain it—how distorted… or twisted each heart felt.
It was confusing.
"What? Are you for real? A mental shutdown?" a few girls behind Aurora chattered. Aurora glanced curiously behind at the girls, but it was a boy behind them that caught her attention.
He had dark hair that fell into his face, and wore a pair of glasses. What caught Aurora's attention, though was the fact that he wore the male's version of the uniform from Shujin Academy.
"It's the truth!" the second girl said, while Aurora debated on asking the boy for directions. He met her eye though, and Aurora quickly turned away.
(He… doesn't seem like he wants to be bothered…) she decided, trying to remember the way to the Sakura residence, trying to ignore the girls behind her as they talked about the occult stuff.
Scramble Crossing, a large square in the middle of Shibuya, was even more disorienting than the train station. Aurora muttered apologies as she weaved her way through the people, trying to figure out where she needed to go, when suddenly, everything seemed to slow to a stop, almost like someone had cast a Stop spell on the crowd. She quickly looked around – (Master Yen Sid said it would be safe, but what's going on?) – only to feel one heart in the crowd surge with power, causing Aurora to stagger.
Almost as soon as it happened, it was over. People were moving around her again, and that powerful surge… was gone.
"Wha…? What was that?" she muttered to herself, before shaking her head and pulling out her phone. (Now's not the time. Maybe I can use the nav app on here…) she thought to herself, pulling a slip of paper from her pocket, one that had Sakura's address on it. She punched it into the app, only to roll her eyes when it told her to get on another train.
"Fun…" she muttered.
…
Soon, Aurora found herself standing in a small, alleyway like area. It was too narrow for cars, but there were still stores and shops lining the walls on either side of her. Aurora glanced around with a small frown, before looking down at her phone, the nav app still open.
(This way, I guess…) she thought to herself, following it through the backstreets, to a small house.
"Finally," she muttered to herself, stepping up to the gate and ringing the doorbell. There was no answer.
"Huh?" a voice suddenly muttered from behind her. She turned to find the boy from earlier, the one wearing the school uniform with glasses, standing at the corner. He walked a little closer.
"Is this Sojiro Sakura's house?" he asked, and again, Aurora was happy to understand Japanese.
"Um, Yes. But I don't think anyone's home," she answered, inwardly cringing. She could tell her Japanese was nowhere near perfect – she spoke it with a strong American accent. (Dang it, Master Yen Sid! Why'd that spell have to make Japanese my SECOND language…) The boy tipped his head slightly to the side, hearing it as well. Thankfully, he didn't comment on it.
"Figures," he muttered, adjusting the strap of a bag on his shoulder and glancing around, wondering what to do now. Just then, both noticed a delivery guy nearby, who was muttering to himself.
"Looks like no one's home… Oh yeah! Sakura-san's usually at his café around this time. Well, Leblanc's in the back alley, so I should make my other deliveries first… Mmm, next I need to take this package to…" he trailed off, his mumbling growing quieter and incoherent.
"I guess we should head to Leblanc, if we're both looking for Mr. Sakura," Aurora said, turning to the boy, who nodded. "I'm Aurora Wright, by the way. You?"
"Ren Amamiya," the boy said. "It's nice to meet you, Wright-san."
Aurora cringed at the honorific. "Likewise, um, Amamiya-san. But… please, just call me Aurora," she requested as the two of them made their way to the café. The boy smiled.
"Then just call me Ren," he suggested. "Unsure of the honorifics?" he asked. Aurora laughed at herself.
"That obvious?"
"A little."
Aurora smiled at him, shaking her head at herself as the two of them entered the small café.
Inside was very cozy, and Aurora was thrilled to smell freshly brewed coffee. There were three booths to the left of the small space, with an old couple sitting in the middle one, while a man in an apron, reading a newspaper, leaned against the bar.
In the corner of the café was a tv, which had the news showing.
"A public transit bus was driven down an opposing lane with its customers still in it!" the anchor was saying. Aurora's eyes widened at that. "The citizens can't live in peace if this keeps up."
(Sounds like this wasn't the first incident…) Aurora thought with slight horror.
The couple at the table talked about it, mentioning an incident happening a few days earlier, and confirming Aurora's thoughts.
Meanwhile, the man at the bar was muttering to himself about what sounded like a crossword puzzle. Aurora stamped down the urge to provide him the answer. Ren shifted his weight, and the man looked up, seeming to notice the two of them for the first time.
"…Oh, right. Seems like the two of you already met," he muttered, before tossing his paper back, onto the bar, and standing. "They did say that was today."
"We'll be going now. The payment's on the table," the old man said as the couple stood. The man turned to them.
"Thanks for coming," he said.
"This place is in the back alley, so there's no worries of a car crashing in here," the old man said with a smile.
"A what now?" the man asked in confusion, obviously having not paid attention to the news.
"There's been a string of those rampage accidents, you know. I just hope that none happen around here," the old man said, shaking his head at the thought.
"It's none of my concern," the man in the apron said, his eyes darting over to where Ren and Aurora stood. Aurora got the feeling the two of them were his concern…
The old man laughed. "Well, we'll see you next time." And with that, the two of them shambled out of the shop. Aurora and Ren stood aside to let them pass.
Suddenly, the man in the apron let out an exasperated sigh. "…Four hours for just a single cup of joe," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. He then turned his attention on the two teens. "So, you're Ren and Aurora?" he asked, looking between the two. They both nodded.
"Yes," Aurora said with a smile.
"Is Sakura-san here?" Ren asked politely.
"…Yeah," the man sighed. "I'm Sojiro Sakura. You two will be in my custody over the next year. "I was wondering what kind of unruly kid and American girl would show up, but you two are the ones, huh?" he asked.
(Oh, don't tell me… please don't tell me they have stereotypes of American's here…) Aurora thought with a small frown, but she nodded all the same. Seeming satisfied, Sakura turned to look at Ren with a stern frown.
"Have you been told? A customer of mine and your parents know each other, and—" he cut himself off, shaking his head. "Well, not that that matters. Follow me, you two," he said, turning towards the stairs that were in the back of the café. Aurora glanced up a Ren curiously, but he seemed to be avoiding her gaze.
Sakura led them into an attic that was full of junk and dusty. Aurora sneezed, and Sakura glanced over at her. "Bless you."
"Thanks," she muttered, rubbing her nose. In one corner of the room was a bed with a pillow and comforter. Against the wall, situated between a desk and a table, was a second bed, partially hidden behind a divider.
"This is your twos' room," Sakura said. He glanced at Aurora. "Don't really have a second attic to separate you two, but that divider should work, so long as someone keeps to himself," he added with a stern look at Ren, who held his hands up in defense.
"Can't give you much, but I at least will give you two bedsheets," Sakura said. Aurora, meanwhile, was looking around. Besides the two beds and divider, there were two bookshelves, and both were a completely overflowing. A desk, covered in dust and books, was in the corner, at the head of Aurora's bed, and an empty table was at the foot of it. Next to one of the bookshelves, on the wall across from Aurora's bed, was a pile of clutter.
A cardboard box stood in the middle of the room. Ren glanced at it, frowning slightly, before focusing on Sakura again.
"You two can clean up everything else." He glanced at those two, with pity for Aurora, and disapproval for Ren. "I heard about what happened, with both of you." His eyes rested on Ren as he pulled a book from one of the bookshelves. "Inflicting bodily injury, huh? I guess you can't judge a book by its cover."
Aurora quickly looked at Ren, who had gasped softly.
"You have the wrong idea. I just~"
"I don't wanna hear it," Sakura said. "I won't ask you about it either. Just don't get me involved." He quickly looked back. "Or Aurora. She's gone through a lot herself, and has her own reasons for coming here."
(I do? Master Yen Sid…. What exactly did you tell him?) Aurora thought, putting a hand in her bag, on the book that was her connection to the sorcerer. (Guess I'll ask when I settle down for the night…)
Sakura had continued to talk to Ren while Aurora zoned out. She tuned back in to hear "Don't talk about any of this up front, though. I am running a business here. Behave yourself for the next year. If nothing happens, you'll be off probation."
Ren's eyes widened a little, and he looked up at Sakura.
"Wait, probation?" Aurora asked, and both turned to look at her. Ren looked almost weary, like he was expecting her to be scared. Instead, she was just curious.
"Just the time he has to live here, under my supervision. It's only until next spring," he explained, before looking at Aurora. "As for you… just keep your head down, and always stay with someone, even a trouble maker like this one. Nothing bad will happen to you here. And I promised I'd take you in for as long as the investigation takes," he said, softening as he looked at her. She gave him a weak smile, and nodded.
"Right. Thank you," she said. (Investigation?)
"We're going to Shujin tomorrow. Shujin Academy. We'll introduce you two to your teachers. They don't get many newcomers. And two at the same time is even more odd," he said, heading towards the stairs downstairs.
"Okay," Ren said, still seeming bothered. Aurora nodded, watching Sakura pass. The old man hesitated, glancing between the two of them, before starting down the steps.
"I head home after I close the café. You two will be alone at night, but don't do anything stupid."
"Um, Mr. Sakura?" Aurora asked, causing the man to pause, and glance back at her.
"Hm?"
"Are we… allowed to make ourselves coffee when the shop is closed?" she asked. Sakura smiled at her.
"Not until I teach you how. Besides, you shouldn't be drinking it this late, anyway," he said, before heading down the steps again. A few minutes later, they heard the door close and lock. Then they looked at each other.
"We should probably clean up," Aurora said. Ren nodded. The two got to work, at least clearing out the dust, before Aurora went downstairs, to the bathroom. She changed into her oversized Themis sweatshirt and a pair of shorts, and brushed her teeth. Ren was already changed into a black long-sleeved shirt and tan pj pants, laying back on his bed.
"'Oyster,' is it?" he muttered to himself, looking up into a magazine. Aurora smiled, noticing the crossword puzzle on the pages, as she laid down on her own bed, pulling out her book. She flipped open to an open page, and pulled out a pen.
Master Yen Sid,
I have made it here safe, and found Soijiro Sakura. He seems nice, but a little rough around the edges. There is another kid staying here, too, but I think he's a year younger then me.
I did have a question, though. Mr. Sakura acted as though I transferred here for my safety, until an investigation is over? What could he mean?
She didn't have to wait long for a response to appear on the pages.
Aurora,
I am glad you made it there safe, and it sounds like you can make friends easily. I told him the story you had used when you first returned home after your first disappearance; you were kidnapped by a cult that had kidnapped and killed your brother. You had managed to escape and go to the police, who decided to have you transfer to Japan. The cult is still after you. I hope this is alright?
Aurora blinked, before shaking her head with a smile. (Not far from the truth, honestly. Xehanort IS basically creating a cult around creating the X-Blade and starting the next war. Thankfully, he DIDN'T kill my brother…) she thought with a small smile.
Master Yen Sid,
That is fine. I just wanted to make sure, so I knew how to react. It is late, and I'm tired. I'll update you tomorrow.
She closed the book and slipped both that and the pen back in her bag, before setting the bag on the floor next to her. She then glanced over at Ren.
The boy was passed out, his phone on his chest, the book next to him. His blanket was still bunched up against the wall. She giggled softly and got up, plugging his phone in for him and moving the book. She then shut off the light and climbed back into her own bed, setting the alarm on her phone so that she would get up early. She had a feeling tomorrow would be a long day.
