A/N: I do not own Persona or Ever After High. Atlus and Mattel are the ones who own them, respectively.
WARNING: Contains spoliers from Persona 4 Golden, P4 Arena and P4 Arena Ultimax. If you haven't played or watched walkthoughs, then do not read. And if you ignore this, then read at your own risk!
?'s POV
I've been asleep for who knows how long has it been. The sensation of lying down on my bed was somehow gone and instead, I felt like I was asleep while sitting on a chair and for some reason I could hear the sound of a horse galloping and the sound of wheels running over dirt and stone. I opened my eyes and the first thing I noticed was…blue.
Yes, I was sitting inside a luxurious chariot where everything was decorated in blue velvet. There was a bookshelf filled with books, a glass case full of bottles and cups of liquor and champagne, a jukebox with a relaxing piano music playing, a coffee table and…
"Welcome to the Velvet Room."
I looked up and I saw two people sitting on the other side across the coffee table. The first person was a bizarre-looking old man with white hair around his head, except on top, huge blood-shot eyes, a big nose, and a wide, creepy, yet welcoming smile on his face. He was wearing a black suit and white gloves. The second person next to the old man was a beautiful woman with silver blonde hair, golden yellow eyes and red lipstick. She was wearing a blue headband over her head, a blue velvet dress-like uniform, black tights and blue high-heel shoes. She also had a thick cover book on her lap.
"Ah, it would seem we have a guest with an intriguing destiny." The old man chuckled as he looked at me, "My name is Igor. I am delighted to make your acquaintance. This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter. It is a place that only those who have entered any form of contract may enter. It would seem such a fate awaits you in the near future."
Dream and reality? Mind and matter? So does this mean I'm dreaming right now? That must be it. But for some reason I get the feeling that there is more to this "dream" than meets the eye. Before I could say anything, the old man known as Igor spoke up, while looking like he just read my thoughts.
"Ah, I can tell you have a lot of questions you wish to ask, but first, why don't you introduce yourself?" Igor asked.
Introduce myself? Um, sure, I guess I can do that. And so I spoke up, "I'm Raven Queen, daughter of the Evil Queen. And in no way I am anything like her, just so you know."
Igor simply chuckled, "I see. Now then, shall we take a look into your future?"
With those words, Igor lifted his hands as a ball of light materialized in front of him, as it took on the shape of what appeared to be a deck of cards. The deck floated down gently on the table and the cards spread out around it. All of them had what looked like a mask on its back. Wait, he said take a look into my future, so are these…Tarot Cards?
"Do you believe in fortune telling?" Igor asked, "Each reading is done with the same cards, and yet the result is always different…" he chuckled, "…life itself follows the same principles, doesn't it?"
Fortune telling, huh? I'm not sure what is going on, but I happen to have a friend who claims to be able to see the future, but I'm a bit skeptical about it. Nevertheless, I decide to humor him and let him tell my future. Igor raised his hand and snapped his fingers, as one of the cards flipped over, revealing its other side. It showed a tower with a lightning bolt striking the top and people falling down from it. On the bottom of the card was the roman number XVI.
"The Tower, in the upright position. This card represents the immediate future." Igor explained, "It would seem that a terrible catastrophe is about to fall upon you at your destination."
Okay, that is NOT the kind of future I was waiting to hear. What kind of catastrophe? Am I going to be chased by an angry mob of people who want the "future Evil Queen" dead? Is someone going to die? I rather not ask, as Igor doesn't seem to be done yet.
"Now, the card that shows the future beyond that is…" Igor said as he snapped his fingers again, as another card flips over. This one showed the picture of two dogs howling at the Moon around a pool with a lobster in it, with two towers in the background. At the bottom was the roman number XVIII.
"The Moon, in the upright position." Igor said, "This card represents "hesitation" and "mystery". Very interesting, indeed."
First a disaster, and then a mystery? If they are connected with my future, then that means I am to solve that mystery related to whatever disaster he could be referring to. But what disaster could it be? Everyone already thinks I'm "evil" because my mother was, I don't think anything could be more disastrous than that.
"And finally, the last part of your upcoming future is…" Igor said as he snapped his fingers again, flipping the final card. It showed a wheel with different animals wearing wealthy and beggarly clothes up and down the wheel. On the bottom was the roman number X.
"The Wheel of Fortune, in the upright position." Igor said, "This card represents Fate and varying luck, fortunes and opportunities. What goes up will go down, what goes down will go up. In other words, you are seemingly bound by a fate you are not satisfied with and will decide to change it for a better future. Very, very interesting indeed."
Ok, this one I DEFINITELY did not see coming. Most people would not question or try to change their destinies, but I see now…I already knew that my destiny was something I never asked for and never will, but now I have a chance to change it.
"It seems you will encounter a terrible catastrophe at your destination and a mystery will be bestowed upon you." Igor said with a pleased smile. "This means your destiny is intertwined with the destiny of another guest of ours. But at the same time, you will try to overcome your undesired fate and create a path of your own. Very interesting indeed."
"Another…guest of yours?" I asked puzzled.
"Indeed." Igor said, "In the coming days, you will enter some form of "contract", of which you will return here. The upcoming year will serve as a turning point in your destiny. If the mystery goes unsolved by the end of the year, your pre-determined destiny will remain unchanged and the future you seek may be forever lost. But fear not, for our duty is to provide assistance to our guests to ensure that does not happen."
"I see." I said, "What about this "other guest" you mentioned?"
"He will also play an important part in your journey too, but we will discuss the details about it later." Igor said, as he suddenly had a face of realization, "Ah, I have neglected to introduce my assistant to you." He said gesturing toward the beautiful lady next to him, "This here is Margaret; she is a resident of this room, like myself."
The lady looked at me with a warm smile and said, "A pleasure to meet you. My name is Margaret. I am here to accompany you on your journey."
"Uh…thanks…?" I said skeptically.
"We shall attend to the details another time." Igor said, "Until then…farewell."
The moment he said that, my consciousness began to slip away as everything went black. I still had more questions I wanted to ask them, but I suppose I won't be getting those answers now. Is this all really a dream? Or a warning of things to come? Still…a catastrophe that brings up a mystery and fighting against my destiny? I wonder what he really meant by all of that? And who is this other guest?
Monday, 2 of September, 2013 - Sunny, Slightly Cloudy
Raven's Room, Morning
Raven's POV
RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!
I turn off my alarm clock as I get up from bed and yawn as I stretch my arms out and rub my eyes open, "Man that was a weird dream…" I murmured to myself.
I got out of bed and I did my daily routine. I went to the bathroom, took my pajamas off, took my bath, dried myself off and put on my clothes, including my dark, gothic dress consisting of a black sleeveless shirt, a purple and violet skirt with black design patterns around the top and a silver belt around the waist. I also put on black high-heel shoes, a silver ring with an amethyst on it and a silver spiky tiara over my head. I look at myself in the mirror and brush my black, purple, and maroon hair and put on some make-up.
"Right, now for breakfast." I said to myself as I finished putting on my make-up. I walked out of my bedroom and went down to the dining room.
I walk down the hallways of the castle as I greeted some of the few royal guards that worked here. After my mother was locked away in her mirror prison, many of the guard who worked here have deserted this place and went off to start their new lives elsewhere, and only a few remained behind, like Ooglot and Yop. Those said guards were loyal to the Good King, who is my father.
I enter the dining room and I find my father, the Cook and his twin sons, Butternut and Pie, "Good morning." I greeted them.
"Oh, good morning my little princess." Father greeted me with a smile.
"Good morning Raven." Cook greeted me as well.
"Morning." The twins simply said as they ate their breakfast.
I sat down next to father and enjoyed my breakfast with them, as we enjoyed our final moment together as a family, until the end of the year. I honestly didn't really want to leave home and go live at Ever After High, especially with Legacy Day being just around the corner and all, but alas, I have no choice but to suck it up to that pig-headed headmaster's ideals of "children should follow their parents' footsteps" crap. I wish I could just follow my own path and create my own story, where I am NOT an Evil Queen who poisons others with poison apples.
"Raven, are you alright?" Father asked me as I looked up and saw his face with concern written all over it.
"Yeah…I'm…fine…Dad…" I replied sheepishly. Of course I wasn't fine, my father can tell as much.
"Raven, you are a strong girl, my brave little princess." Father said as he patted his hand over my head, "Don't worry about others calling you "Evil" or pressuring you into becoming the next "Evil Queen" like your mother. Because no matter how people treat you, there will always be those who don't think of you as such and accept you for whom you truly are."
"Thanks Dad." I said feeling a little better as I smiled. "I'll do my best."
"That's a good girl." Father said, "Now then, let's finish eating and help you carry your luggage to the Travel Mirror, shall we?"
"Yes Father." I said.
Later…
The guards helped carry my trunk, which contained everything I needed, including some spare clothes, books and other personal belongings, over to the Travel Mirror, which was set to send me to Ever After High. I took one last look at my father, the cook, his children and the guards and said my good byes to all of them, while I gave father a big hug before I let go. Then, I used my magic to levitate my trunk and entered the mirror with it.
As I enter the mirror, I feel like flying through the air as I travel through time and space toward my destination. It almost felt like an eternity, but in reality, it only lasted a few seconds in the real world, as I reach a light at the end of this space-time tunnel and make it out through the other side.
As I look around, I find myself in a small village known as the Village of Book End. It is a settlement located next to Ever After High and the Enchanted Forest. The students of Ever After High hang out here often, especially when they just want to hang out with friends or go shopping. Some of the students even work at the various stores across the village.
I notice the three little pigs nearby. Well, actually the children of the three little pigs. Each of the three pigs dress in their own style: the larger one goes for a classy look, the medium one for a street look, and the smallest one for a casual and/or artsy look. They seem to be fighting over who gets to go inside the school first. I walk up to them, in the hopes they at least let me help them, but as soon as the smaller one notices me, he screams "It's Raven Queen! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" and then he and the other pigs run off in horror, away from the "future Evil Queen".
I sighed in frustration as I continue to carry my trunk using my magic as I walk down the street and cross the bridge. On the other side was this huge castle-like building with students all heading inside or just standing/sitting around having conversations with each other. Yup, this is the school where I'll be staying for the rest of the year: Ever After High.
PERSONA EVER AFTER HIGH
Episode 1:
The Rebel and the World: Part 1
Ever After High Entrance, Morning
Raven's POV
Oh yeah, I almost forgot to introduce myself. My name is Raven Queen and I am the daughter of the Evil Queen. Ya know? From Snow White and the Seven Dwarves? Yeah, I know, pretty crazy, huh? Well then, I guess I should also welcome you to the world of Ever After, where all kinds of legendary fairy tale heroes and villains live. For many years, this world has always followed the rule that every child of a Fairy Tale character should follow the same footsteps as their mother or father, so that that their stories may always live on. Some of these kids are very eager to follow the same footsteps as their parents did, so long as they have a Happy Ending waiting for them. But then there are others who aren't happy at all and would rather follow their own path, but have no choice but to suck it up and do it anyway.
And I am certainly among the latter. Because I am the daughter of the Evil Queen, they say I should be evil just like she was. But let me tell you something: I don't WANT to follow the same destiny as my mother and become the most hated most feared person in this world! Ever After! But life was never easy for me, because even though I keep trying to convince everyone that I'm not evil, they continue to treat me as such. Fortunately, not everyone thinks of me that way…
"Raven! Hey Raven!"
Speaking of the devil, I turn around at the sound of that voice and I couldn't help but smile with joy when I saw none other than my Best Friend Forever After, or BFFA: Madeline Hatter, the daughter of the Mad Hatter of Wonderland.
She has curly hair that comes in three colors: dark turquoise, light turquoise, and purple. She has bright blue eyes and light skin, and is a little shorter than most of her classmates. Her outfit is a tea-themed dress consisting of a beige shirt with short crimson sleeves, a crimson skirt with yellow design patterns and the colors yellow, blue and black at the bottom, with a blue sash tied into a big ribbon at the front, aqua green gloves with white polka dots and white around the wrist, white stockings with blue polka dots and white and yellow high-heel shoes. She also wore a purple tea-cup shaped hat, yellow tea spoon ear-rings and an aqua green necklace with a yellow ribbon on it around her neck.
"Hey Maddie!" I greeted with a smile as we hugged each other, having not seen each other for a while.
"So how was your Summer Break Raven?" Maddie asked me, "Mine was simply hat-astic! My dear old dad and I went to travel to a lot of new places and gathered all sorts of new ingredients for a new tea recipe. When we returned to the shop, we started brewing them and, it was just tea-rrific! Everyone loved it!"
"Oh that's great Maddie." I said as I looked down, "As for me…it was, more or less average." I let out a deep sigh.
"Raven, what's the matter?" Maddie asked me in concern.
"Well, I just wished that people would stop thinking that I'm "evil", just because my mother was." I said in anger and frustration, "Seriously, just because my mother was evil, doesn't necessarily mean that I am too! IT'S NOT FAIR!"
I yelled at that last part as I used my magic to teleport my trunk inside the school, as I crossed my arms in frustration. I really mean it; I'm not evil like my mother was, okay? I'm just an ordinary teenage girl trying to figure out what she wants in life, instead of following some predetermined destiny like most students here at this school.
I hear Maddie giggle as she placed her hand over my shoulder and said, "Oh Raven, nobody thinks you're evil. Now you're just being CRAZY!"
"The daughter of the Mad Hatter, calling ME crazy?" I couldn't help but chuckle, as we entered the school.
"Oh will you stop with the worry flurry?" Maddie said, "Everyone at school loves you!"
"It's Raven Queen! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!"
"She is EVIL!"
"Run everyone!"
"Oh my Grimm! The Evil Queen's daughter!"
"HEAD FOR THE HILLS!"
The moment we stepped inside the school building, all the students began to panic at the sight of the Daughter of the Evil Queen and they all started running for their lives. And of course, this "Daughter of the Evil Queen", is NOT impressed at all.
"See? They love you!" Maddie said, remaining all positive and cheerful as usual.
"If you say so…" I sighed.
I could have just yelled out at her that they were AFRAID of me and not LOVING me in pure anger and frustration. But then again, what would that accomplish? Maddie is a friendly and cheerful girl, who loves making friends with everyone she meets, including the villainous types. That reason alone is why I consider her my BFFA and I sure do hope it will always remain that way, forever after.
As we were heading down the hall, Maddie's wristwatch suddenly started ringing and popped open, revealing its mechanisms, as she gasped, "Yay! Its tea time!" she cheered, as she took off her tea cup-shaped hat and pulled out a tea table, complete with chairs and a tea set. Among the set was Maddie's pet dormouse Earl Grey. I giggled as I watched Maddie sit down at the table and enjoy some tea time with Earl Grey.
'I should leave them be…' I thought to myself as I continued down toward the reception desk.
"Um, excuse me." I called, "This is Raven Queen, and I'm here to pick up the keys to my dormitory room."
I waited for the receptionist, until he showed up. I noticed that he looked a little different, despite just wearing a normal casual black suit, with dark grey eyes and long grey hair.
"Raven Queen, huh?" the receptionist asked, "Oh, hold on a second, I'll get your keys right away."
He left and then came back shortly after with the key, "Here you go, your room is number 56, third floor, and your roommate is the student Madeline Hatter. I believe she's the one sitting there having tea time?"
"Uh, yeah…" I said as I looked back and saw Maddie still having tea time with Earl Grey before I turned back and took the keys.
"How lucky, huh?" the receptionist said, "I heard about you two and how you are BFFAs and you get to share a room with each other, huh?"
"Yeah, it's true!" I exclaimed with joy, "It's like, the best thing ever after! I was afraid I'd get stuck with some other student who would be too afraid to hang out with "evil" me."
"Yeah, don't sweat it." The receptionist said, "I'm sure your year will be a little better by hanging out with your best friends or taking on some activities with them. Speaking of which, ever thought about taking part-time jobs at the village? I'm actually working part-time at the moment here as the receptionist myself, but I'm sure we'll meet again either here or at the village. We don't mind if you're still a student, we accept anyone as long as they are 16 and above. What do you say?" he asked as he reached out his hand for a hand shake.
"Um, sure, I'll think about it." I said as I took his hand and shook.
"Great, I'll be seeing you around then." The receptionist said as he left after the hand shake.
I looked at the keys and smiled as I couldn't believe that Maddie and I were now roommates! I'm so looking forward to spend the year living with my BFFA that I don't even care if people will start calling me "evil" anymore. I turn to Maddie and…
PA-DUOOM!
"UUUGH!" I grunted as I felt a sudden headache hit me like a brick, as I held my head in pain. It only lasted for a second or so, but man, that was so sudden. Was that trip at the Travel Mirror THAT exhausting or something?
"Raven? Hey, Raven!"
I look up and saw Maddie staring at me with a concerned look on her face, having already finished her tea time with Earl Grey.
"Hey, are you okay Raven?" Maddie asked me.
"Um, yeah Maddie, I'm just…exhausted from the trip, that's all…" I said.
"Okay! So, who are you rooming with?" Maddie asked.
I smiled as I lifted up the keys, "Maddie, this year, you and I are roommates!" I said almost dramatically.
"Yay! I am so looking forward to becoming roommates with you Raven! It's like, the best thing ever after!" Maddie shouted energetically.
"I know right?" I said in agreement, "Come on! Let's go!"
"Already ahead of you Raven!" Maddie said as she ran ahead of me. I grinned as I ran after her as we raced up the stairs toward our dormitory room.
Meanwhile…
Wednsday, 1 of August, 2012 - Sunny
?'s POV
It's been nearly half a year since the murder case has been solved and the P-1 Grand Prix incident that took place during Golden Week was finally resolved and thus, everything was back to normal in the peaceful town of Yasoinaba. Sometimes I wish I could spend time with my friends peaceful, without having to worry about supernatural beings threatening our peaceful lives, but its fine. At least all my friends, my uncle and my cousin were safe and sound, along with all of the other residents of Inaba. I was able to enjoy the rest of Golden Week and return back to my home city without regrets.
Time has passed and now Summer time was here. I already packed my things and was ready to return to Inaba to spend my summer vacation there. I'm going to reunite with all my friends and family from there and have a fun time together with them all once again. Hopefully nothing will go wrong.
I said my goodbyes to my parents and headed for the train station. Once there I took the first train I need to board in order to reach my destination. The trip was very long and exhausting, along with having to switch trains and stuff, but it will all pay off.
Finally, my last train reached its last stop: Yasoinaba. I took my bag and carried over my shoulder as I got off the train and found myself back in the town that my friends and I have saved. It hasn't changed much since the last time I was here. I walk down the road when I hear a familiar voice.
"I have seen the light! I've learned the most important lesson from the events last year!"
I turned and I saw a man with short black hair, brown eyes, and a mole on his forehead. He wears a white collar long sleeved shirt and black pants. He was standing on top of a box while making a speech to a group of people that surrounded him. I recognized that man as Taro Namatame, who was involved in the murder case from last year. I watched and heard him continue his speech.
"Unfortunately, this world is filled with things meant to deceive people." Namatame continued on, "The things you do in pursuit of justice may actually be a terrible mistake…one man alone is not enough to judge these things! It was a group of boys and girls who taught me that. In their spirit, I want to join with all of you and rethink this town's future! I want Inaba to be a town free of from deceit and distractions that keep you from focusing on the things most important to you!"
I smiled as I continued to hear Namatame's speech. It was indeed a passionate one. He certainly learned a lot of new things from last year's incident and is now changing for the better.
"Hey, do you know who that person is?" a housewife next to me asked.
I turned and replied, "Yeah, I do."
"He was arrested during those terrible murders last year, right?" the housewife said, "And now he's running for mayor! That's a surprise!"
Namatame is running for mayor? Yeah, that is quite a surprise, I'll admit it.
"He's so passionate though." The housewife said, "At first no one wanted to go near him, but look at him now. I've been to a few of his speeches. I think he's actually a pretty nice guy."
I agree. Namatame was never a bad guy from the beginning though. He was just misguided and tricked into getting involved with those murders by the true culprit, who is now behind bars. I look back at him as he continued with his passionate address.
"If we can all work together on this, and not get sidetracked by passing trends, this town will regain its former glory! So please, lend me your strength! Please…!"
I couldn't help but smile as I mentally wished Namatame best of luck in running for mayor. I turn back and look around the station and I notice that there was no one I knew to welcome me. How odd…if they knew I was coming, they would be here to welcome me with open arms. Unless…hmm. Maybe I should first check the Dojima residence first and get to greet my uncle Dojima-san and my cousin Nanako.
Later…
Dojima Residence, Morning
I arrive at the Dojima-residence. It hasn't changed much since last time I came here, just like everything else in this town. I rang the bell, but nobody answered the door. I tried opening it, but it was locked. I guess, they must have gone out somewhere? Let's see…maybe I should try calling my uncle. I pull out my cell phone, select my uncle's number and call him. After waiting for a while, he answered me.
"Hello?" my uncle, Ryotaro Dojima answered.
"Hello Dojima-san!" I greeted him.
"Oh! It's you!" Dojima-san reacted, "You did say you'd be coming over during the summer, right? Was that today?"
"Uh, yeah?" I said, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, sorry, I got tied up." Dojima-san said, "Tell you what: why don't you call one of your friends and hang out with them for a bit? I'll see you later."
"Ok, see you." I said as we hung up the phone.
It seems Dojima-san is busy at this moment. He told me to hang out with my friends for a bit. In that case, I'll call Yosuke. I pick his number and give him a call. I wait for a while but…he doesn't seem to be answering. Did something happen? Maybe I should try exploring the town for a bit…maybe I'll run into him or someone else along the way.
Later…
Shopping District, Morning
I walk around the town for a bit and I end up running into the Inaba Central Shopping District. I look around the place, but I don't see any of my friends. I do see the workers around the place discussing something.
"Hey! What do you think of beefsteak onigiri? We can freeze it and sell it nationwide through Amazing Commodities…"
"I dunno. Those are handmade, aren't they? I don't think we can mass produce them…but on the other hand, maybe "limited quantities" and "handmade" are good selling points that could revitalize this town."
"I thought about moving away once…but I don't think I could bear to be away from here."
"I understand completely. This is where we were born and raised. We'll have to work together if we don't want it to fall apart."
Suddenly a sweaty young man ran up to them, "Great news! Junes said we'll have their full cooperation!"
"YES! Good thing we went to talk with them! If only we had done it sooner…"
"But…what are we supposed to sell in a "locally produced goods" section? I guess the steak kabobs are good, but what other stuff is there? We're not famous for anything else…"
"It can be ANYTHING, you half-wit! Vegetables, fish, even ramen! As long as it is something we put our backs into, we'll sell like hotcakes! You gotta work hard so you don't embarrass Junes! We can't be weak now!"
It seems the shopping district is finally putting some thought into reviving their business. And they got Junes' full cooperation, no less. It seems things are brightening up around here. Speaking of Junes, I should probably head there; maybe I'll find my friends there.
Later…
Junes, Morning
I arrive at Junes, a huge shopping mall where most of the kids come hang out after school. I explore around the whole place until I arrive at the Food Court on the rooftop. I look around, but I still don't see any of my friends…that is, until I heard some familiar voices whispering behind some bushes.
"Ow! You're going to give us away, you idiot!"
"Only because you were slow! Slow like a jar of maulasses!"
"Shut up! He's going to hear!"
I looked at the bushes and I could see two people were hiding behind them, "Yosuke? Teddie?" I called as I walked up to the bushes.
"Aw crap! We blew it!" I heard Yosuke's voice cursing, "Oh well, here goes, one…two…"
I watched as Yosuke and Teddie jumped out of the bushes, "WAH!" Yosuke shouted, "BAAAAH! It's a bear!" Teddie shouted.
"…" I say nothing as I stared at both Yosuke and Teddie in disbelief due to the fact that they were trying to surprise me, even after they already blew it.
A sweat drop rolled down the side of my head
I notice the rest of my friends, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise and Naoto joining in.
"What are you guys doing!?" Chie shouted in annoyance at Yosuke and Teddie, "This isn't anything like we planned! And Teddie, what's with the "Bah! It's a bear!"!? You made it sound like we're the ones getting ambushed!"
Naoto sighed, "I knew we'd run into snags…"
"We're sorry…" Yosuke and Teddie apologized.
I look around and I smile warmly, being able to see all my friends again. I've also noticed that they have changed a bit. Yosuke's got a different hair style and was now wearing a hot pink t-shirt with thin white stripes and aqua jean pants, while Teddie appears to have grown taller and has a new outfit: a blue and white striped T-shirt with an anchor design, navy shorts, and yellow shoes.
Chie was wearing a yellow dress with black pants underneath, brown boots and a light blue jacket, Yukiko has her hair is up in a neat bun, and she wears a snow white dress with a sky blue cardigan, and white sandals. Naoto was wearing a white sleeveless shirt, blue pants and black shoes.
Kanji…he apparently changed a lot compared to the rest of the group, he stopped bleaching his hair, revealing to be naturally black and was now wearing glasses. He was wearing a white shirt and black pants and shoes.
"Aaaaaaaah! Yu-senpai! You're here, you're here! Did you miss me?" I saw Rise greeting me with her usual energetic spirit. She was wearing a white see-through halter top, with a pink, light blue and orange shirt underneath it and tan pants.
I smiled at my friends as I said, "It's great to see you all again."
"Uhh, yeah, we heard you were coming back so…we wanted to surprise you." Yosuke said, "I mean…things went kind of nuts when you lasted visited in May. We thought that instead of you coming over to each of our houses, we'd spice things up this time."
"Yeah, and we thought that you'd start missing us a little if you couldn't find any of us." Chie added.
"It didn't go exactly like we planned but, what the hell…it's been a while, Senpai!" Kanji said with a smile.
"So, were you surprised?" Yukiko asked me.
"Yeah, I was surprised…that it was such a failure, that is." I replied.
"Oh, so you were surprised…in a way…" Yukiko said unsure, "So, um…success!?"
"NO! Not a success!" Chie shouted in annoyance.
Rise then walked up to me with her usual cute, flirty attitude, "So Senpai? How do I look?" she asked me.
"You look cuter than ever." I said with a smile.
"Did you think I was someone else? Is your heart melting?" Rise asked me in her flirty manner.
"Aw come on! We all know who changed the most out of all of us!" Yosuke chuckled as we all looked at Kanji.
"Gah! Will you asshats lay off already? You're getting a little rude there!" Kanji complained, looking rather offended when we notice how different he looked since the last time. Yukiko started having one of her laughing fits.
"Well, we all have changed a little." Naoto said, "None of us can remain in stasis forever."
"Ahahahahahahaha! Pfffffft…ahahaha…hahahaha…!" Yukiko continued on with her laughing fit while gasping for air in between.
Chie groaned in annoyance at Yukiko, "Stop laughing already…" she said.
"Anyway, none of us wants to be the guy who is always talking about how great things were back in the day." Yosuke said, "As long as we're all here, keeping an eye out for each other, we can change."
"Yeah, I agree." I said as we all nodded in agreement.
"Yosuke is still a show-off though." Teddie butted in, almost stealing Yosuke's thunder, "But not me though! I'm different now! Why, I've powered up so much that I'm probably a grizzly bear!"
Yosuke grinned slyly at Teddie, "Oh yeah? Sounds powerful. In that case, I'll stick you with all the manual labor, then."
"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!?" Teddie reacted in shock.
We all laughed at Teddie's reaction.
I stop laughing when I hear my cellphone ringing. I pick it up and it was Dojima-san calling. I answer it, "Hello? Dojima-san?"
"Oh hi, it's me." Dojima-san said, "Did the surprise go well?"
"It's still ongoing." I replied.
"Whoa…sorry about that." Dojima-san said, "They asked for my help, so I acted like I wasn't home when you came by just now."
"You're not very good at putting up an act, are you Dojima-san?" I asked with a sly smirk.
"Well, yeah, I guess not…as a detective, I'm pretty good at seeing through a lie, but when I try and put up an act, I don't last 5 seconds…" Dojima-san said.
I chuckled.
"Anyway, bring all of your friends over! I've got a great meal waiting." Dojima-san said.
"Okay, see you soon." I said as we both hung up, then looked at my friends, "Dojima-san has a meal waiting for us back home."
"Oh really? Let's eat!" Kanji said enthusiastically.
"Hey! Kanji! This is to celebrate Yu-senpai's coming back!" Rise shouted in annoyance.
"Shut up! I know!" Kanji shouted back in annoyance.
"Guys, calm down." I said.
"Sorry…" Rise and Kanji apologized.
"Aw, it's alright." I said, "Now come on. Dojima-san is waiting."
"Alright, let's go partner!" Yosuke said.
And so we headed straight back to the Dojima residence and meet up with Dojima-san.
Oh yeah, while we're doing that, allow me to introduce myself: I'm Yu Narukami, a third year high school student and I have come to spend the summer with my family and friends from Inaba, a small town in the countryside. Last year, I came to this town because my parents went to work overseas and I've been living with my uncle Dojima-san and my cousin Nanako. While there, I attended Yasogami High during my second year of high school and met all of my friends there. However, my life changed when those murder cases took place and learned about the Midnight Channel. If you stare at a TV screen, alone, during a rainy night, supposable an image of your soulmate would appear on the screen by midnight. However, what we saw wasn't your soulmate; it was the next victim who was going to be murdered. Anyway, my friends and I entered the TV world, thanks to my powers as a Persona-user. We went through many hardships, my friends faced against their own shadows and gained Personas of their own, until finally, we caught the culprit and solved the whole case. Two months later, we were forced into a fighting tournament for Persona-users, met other Persona users besides my friends and myself, but we all managed to make it out alive and made new friends and allies along the way. Needless to say, it was no picnic, but at the same time, it was fun, because I had my friends at my side during all of those ordeals. And now, I can finally relax with my friends without any more worries at all.
…
And is it just me, or did I just jinx it when I said that last part?
Meanwhile…
Charmintorium, Morning
Raven's POV
Maddie and I were in our new dorm room for the year. We had just finished unpacking our stuff before heading down to the school's Charmitorium for the opening speech. The whole place was jam-packed with everyone just telling tales about their summers. But there was also another story being told. There was hexcitement in the air, because this year everyone was going to pledge their destinies to the Storybook of Legends during Legacy Day.
I sat next to Madeline Hatter, my best friend forever after. Maddie, like so many, couldn't wait for her first chapter to begin. Not me though. I was dreading this year. I didn't want to be the Evil Queen. But what choice did I have? Suddenly, a voice boomed:
"WELCOME BACK, STUDENTS OF EVER AFTER HIGH!"
It was our headmaster, Milton Grimm. Not to be an evil drama queen, but what-ever-after! All he cared about was the "Royal" crowd. You know, all those princesses whose stories end with "and they lived happily ever after".
Anyway, Headmaster Grimm gave this big speech about how we are all destined for greatness. In other words, we were stuck with our future fairytales, whether we liked it or not.
The Headmaster finally finished and left in a blow-the-house-down display of phoenix fireworks and dragon smoke.
My Grimm…this guy is just full of himself, even though he won't show it.
After that, we all got our respective school schedules from the Fairy Godmother herself, who quickly fled in fear at my sigh before dropping my schedule and I caught it. Upon inspection, I sigh in depression…I got an evil magic-heavy class schedule this year: General Villainy, Home Evilnomics, Magicology, History of Evil Spells and Witchness Management. Just great…
Later…
Castleteria, Lunchtime
It was lunch time and I was sitting at my table in the Castleteria, enjoying my lunch…or rather, just poking around with it while sighing in sadness. I just can't help it; I mean…if only I could change my destiny and become what I want to be in the future?
"Hey Raven!"
I look up in surprise at the one who called me and I saw none other than Dexter Charming, one of the children of King Charming. He has brown hair, baby blue eyes and wears a small crown. He also wears glasses. He also wears a black shirt with a blue jacket over it, a white and baby blue scarf around his neck, grey pants with a golden chain hanging from his waist's right side and dark blue snickers.
"You look gorge…uh, I mean, great, uh…well, that is…I…don't even know what "gorge" is, and…" Dexter stammered what whatever he was trying to say while greeting me and I giggle at him.
"I'd offer you a seat but…I'm "evil"." I said, "To seat here next to me, you'd have to be more…" a bright flash of light suddenly blinded me for a minute, "…daring."
When my vision came back, I saw to familiar faces coming into the Castleteria and everyone cheering for them, but Dexter gets in the way.
"What?" Dexter said looking at me, "No Raven, I'm Dexter, Dexter Charming. Daring is my bro…" he is interrupted by the sound of flashing, "…ther." He finished before looking back and moving a little to my left and I could finally see the two familiar faces.
One of them was none other than Apple White, the daughter of Snow White herself. She has bright blue eyes and her mother's characteristic pale white skin and red lips, but lacks the ebony hair and instead sports blonde curls. She was wearing a red ribbon on her head and a small golden crown, a dress consisting of a red shirt with white sleeves, a red and pink skirt. She also wore grey stockings and red high heel shoes. She also wore some golden accessories while a necklace, a bracelet and rings.
The handsome young man next to her was Daring Charming, oldest son of King Charming and the older brother of Dexter Charming. He has blond hair, white skin, and grey-blue eyes. He was also wearing an argyle sweater, an EAH Letterman jacket, blue jeans and white shoes with gold on the sides along with a golden crown on his head.
The two of them were walking together, while everyone cheered for them like they were some kind of celebrity couple. Apple was waving and greeting everyone, while Daring was showing off his whites and flashing them at everyone. I got up from the table as Dexter and I went to greet them.
"Raven! How's every enchanted thing?" Apple greeted me with her usual cheerful self.
"Apple White, great to see you." I greeted her back and looked at Daring, "Hey Daring!"
"Hello Raven." Daring greeted back, "I have to warn you NOT to stare at the teeth. I just whitened them."
Upon saying this, he turns his head to the side and flashes his whites again. I look at where Daring turned his head to and I saw the three little pigs at the table. The two elder brothers put on their sunglasses but not the youngest one. When the flash hit them, the two elder pigs got tanned, while the small one got burned to a crisp as he fell back off his chair. I hope he's okay.
RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!
"Oh, there's the bell! Time for Kingdom Management!" Apple said, "Raven, what's your next class?"
I look at my schedule and sheepishly reply, "Uhhh…History of Evil Spells…"
"Ooooh! That is SO perfect for you!" Apple said.
Yeah, perfect...that I have to put up with this kind of crap every year. It's almost embarrassing when Apple and I happen to be the daughters of two characters who happen to be enemies in their story, as in Apple's mother being the heroine, Snow White and the villain is the Evil Queen, my mother. Apple is destined to be the heroine of her story and I am supposed to be the villain of that same story, where I'm supposed to put her to sleep with a poisoned apple and she gets awakened by her Prince Charming's kiss and they get married and live happily ever after, while I am destined to be the most detestable person in the world. Despite this, Apple and I at least try and stay on friendly terms.
"Hey Cerise!"
I looked over and saw Daring flashing his whites at Cerise Hood, causing her to cover her eyes and dropping her food on the floor.
Cerise Hood is the daughter of Little Red Riding Hood. She has long, dark brown hair with several white streaks, predominantly on the left side, peach skin, and grey eyes. She was wearing a red shirt with black sleeves, a black skirt, dark grey stockings, brown high heel boots, some silver chains and other accessories and of course, she was wearing her mother's famous red hood.
After recovering, Cerise glared at Daring and let out a growl that sounded too much like a real wolf's growl. She suddenly stops herself and starts coughing, "Oh, umm, Sorry, I…got a bad cold." She said nervously before running off while gripping onto her red hood.
"Oh boy! Free food!" the smallest little pig, who SOMEHOW recovered faster than I had anticipated shouted as he rushed up to the food that Cerise dropped and started pigging out on it. No pun intended of course.
I sigh as everyone leaves the castleteria and heads for their respective classes and so do I as I head for my class of History of Evil Spells. Oh joy, this is gonna be fun…NOT.
Meanwhile…
Dojima Residence, Lunchtime
Yu's POV
Well, here I am, at the Dojima residence, with all my friends from the Investigation Team, gathered together at the table, enjoying a huge meal with Dojima-san. It sure does feel great to be back as this was the very same house where I used to live last year, with my uncle and cousin. So many memories, I remember it all like it was yesterday. As I eat, I watch everyone enjoying themselves. Chie was pigging out like there's no tomorrow, Teddie was gobbling down the rice bowl, and Rise was cuddling onto my arm while enjoying her tofu.
"Mmmmm, hmmmm, mmmmmm! Soooooo, gooooooood!" Chie spoke with her mouth full as she enjoyed her food.
"Chie-senpai! That's your SECOND one! We get ONE EACH, remember!?" Kanji shouted in annoyance, from across the table.
Dojima-san chuckled, "You kids sure do eat a lot…I was worried that I might have ordered too much, but look at you, plowing through it already!"
"Sorry about that, and thanks." Yosuke said, "By the way, where's Nanako-chan? I'd hate to eat her share too!" he chuckled at his own little joke.
"She's at piano lessons and don't worry, I already set hers aside." Dojima-san said.
"Huh?" I looked at Dojima-san, "Nanako's taking piano lessons?"
"Oh, didn't I tell you?" Dojima-san asked, "Yeah, Nanako started learning piano. She should be back anytime now. I bet she'll be rushing home. Ever since she heard that you were coming back, that's all she's ever talked about." He started laughing.
"Well, I'm glad to know she's doing great." I said with a smile.
"Yeah me too." Dojima-san said, "She's growing and learning every day. It's an amazing thing to see. Just watching her gives me strength. It's slow, but I'm moving on, bit by bit."
Dojima-san then looked serious as he looked down, "Actually…I came across some old information about an old hit-and-run incident. The victim was Chisato Dojima…my wife. I've been chasing dead ends and false leads for so long…but I think I'm finally getting closer to the truth." He shook his head as he chuckled a little, "Just when I thought I'd keep my personal feelings separate from my job…haha…it's strange." He then looks at me, "Though, it's thanks to you that I was able to draw that line in the first place. Thank you."
"You're welcome Dojima-san." I replied, "Is there anything new going on?"
"Anything else, huh?" Dojima-san thought about it for a moment, until it hit him, "Oh yes, about the incidents from last year, Namatame got released due to lack of evidence."
We all reacted in surprise at this as we looked at Dojima-san, curiously.
"I can't tell you much but all I can say is that no one could reproduce his supposed methods…not even Namatame himself." Dojima-san explained, "He was very insistent on the details of his crimes, but a diary isn't enough evidence to build a case on. He came to me to apologize, but I told him that he should come up with his own way to make up for it. He said he was going to run for mayor…I wonder just how serious he was about that."
"Actually, I just saw him outside the train station." I said, "Judging from the speech he was giving, I think was dead serious about it."
"Oh!" Yukiko suddenly said, "So that WAS Namatame-san giving those speeches."
Dojima-san was in though again, until he said, "Oh yeah! And then there's Adachi…"
We all reacted to this. Tohru Adachi, the culprit behind the murders from last year and was now behind bars. He was Dojima-san's partner in the Inaba Police Department, whom we all thought he was the typical clumsy rookie detective, but was in actuality a childish murderer who despised the world and society as a whole. After we defeated him and made him realize the error of his ways, he agreed to follow this world's rules…in his own way at least.
"What happened to him?" Yosuke asked.
"Were you the one to interrogate him?" Chie asked.
"No, I wasn't part of that. I couldn't be…we were too close." Dojima-san said.
I can't blame him though…he and Adachi were partners after all. Even after finding out he was responsible for the murders last year, he still cared about him.
"But he was indicted. It was probably just circumstantial evidence, be he said a lot of things that only the real killer could know." Dojima-san said, "After they set up a trial date for him, I was able to go see him."
"I see." Naoto said.
"They say he's a model prisoner." Dojima-san said, "The bastard said he gets better treatment behind bars than he did when he was working with me." He chuckled happily, "The next time, I go see him, I'll bring him a cheap cabbage."
At that moment I heard the front door open, "I'm home!" an all too familiar little girl's voice shouted.
We all turned to see a now 7-year-old little girl with long brown hair with a pink hair clip on the side of her hair, brown eyes, and a light pink summer dress. She ran up to us, "Dad, is big bro…?"
"Hey Nanako!" I greeted her with a smile.
Nanako turned to me and gasped happily, "BIG BRO!" she cried with joy as she hugged me.
Dojima-san chuckled, "Surprised, Nanako?"
"Welcome home, Nana-chan!" Teddie greeted her.
Nanako looked at the rest of us, "Teddie too? And Rise-Chan! Everyone's here!"
"How have you been Nanako?" I asked her.
"I'm learning piano now!" Nanako said with a bright smile, "And I've been a good girl!"
"I see, well done Nanako, I'm proud of you." I said as I patted her on the head.
Nanako giggled, "I'll play for you sometime!"
Dojima-san sighed, "I never thought she'd start asking to play piano lessons. Like mother, like daughter, I guess. Chisato was a piano teacher…but Nanako's pretty good herself. At first, I didn't want to hear the world "piano", but now that she started taking lessons, I better get over it."
"I remember what Mom used to play! I'm going to play it for you Dad!" Nanako said.
We watched as Nanako walked up to the piano that was right next to the TV and performed a mini-recital, singing over the fingers that hit every key she played. This went on for five minutes until she was done. She turned to us with a bright smile.
"So? What did you think?" she asked.
"That was beautiful Nanako!" I smiled, "By the way, what was that piece you just played?"
"Ummmm…it's called…uh…"Moonlight Sonata"!" she replied after she remembered.
"Ooooh!" Yukiko exclaimed, "That's one of my favorites to play!"
"Mine as well." Naoto agreed.
"It's the song I need to listen to when I need to relax." Rise added in.
"Yay!" Nanako cheered as she sat at the table next to her father. Dojima-san placed her share at the table so she can enjoy it with us.
While eating, Nanako turned the TV on, with the weather report on it, "Dad! The weather report is on!" she exclaimed.
We all looked at the TV and watched the weather report, "And now, the weather! It was nice and sunny today, but what will it be like tomorrow? Take it away, Mariko!" the newscaster said, as the screen now showed yet another familiar face, with short black hair, wearing glasses, a short black blazer and puffy white top underneath.
'Is that…!?' I asked in my thoughts.
"Hello! Mariko Kusumi here!" the girl on TV greeted cheerfully, "We've been having a lot of rain recently, so starting today, I'm going to make it sunny! I mean, after all that rain, I don't think we have to worry about any water shortages this summer. And besides, someone's visiting! I can't have it rain while he's here! So, I'm going to keep it sunny for a while."
"Marie!?" I asked within my thoughts.
That girl reporting the weather was none other than Marie, another one of my friends who was also involved in the murder case last year. She may look human, but she is actually in fact a minor goddess who watches over this town. Actually, it wouldn't be an exaggeration if I said she is one with Inaba.
"Mariko? Mariko!? Please, calm down!" the newscaster shouted in the background.
"Oh, but If it gets too hot, some rain should be fine! He should tell me whenever he wants it different and I'll change it. Just like that!" Mariko, who is actually Marie, said.
"Guys?" I looked at my friends.
"Oh yeah, we forgot to mention…" Chie said nervously.
A sweatdrop rolled down the side of her head
"She's been coming here a lot." Kanji said, "She's famous now…"
I noticed Rise glaring at the TV, looking unimpressed, "How in the world did she become popular so quickly!? Seriously, what was the station thinking!? Her stage name is so boring too…"
We all just looked at Rise after that comment.
Sweatdrops rolled down the sides of our heads, one on each
"This girl will decide tomorrow's weather, right?" Nanako asked, "If she says she's going to make it rain, it starts raining, if she says she'll make it sunny, it gets all sunny! Just like that!"
"Uhh…in her case…maybe…?" Yosuke replied unsure.
A sweatdrop rolled down the side of our heads, one on each (again)
"Thanks Mariko! Please tell our viewers goodbye!" the newscaster said.
"Yeah, yeah, but first, I have a personal message I want to give out: I'm doing just fine! LOVE YOU NARUKAMI!" Marie shouted her message on TV and giving a wink, obviously intended for Rise.
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?" Rise screamed in rage as she was about to tackle the TV, but I managed to grab her from behind and hold her back, "THAT LITTLE-I'll, I'LL-!"
A red vein sticks out of her forehead
"Calm down Rise, don't let her rile you up." I said, trying to calm her down, "That's exactly what she was trying to do."
"Uh, did she just…!?" Chie stared in disbelief at the TV.
"Did she just confess her love…on a PUBLIC NEWS SHOW!?" Yosuke blurted out in shock and disbelief.
Sweat drops rolled down the sides of their heads, one on each
Dojima-san chuckled, "I can already imagine all the complaints flying into the station after that. Kids these days…" he said, "Oh wait. That was your name she just now! If only you were so lucky, huh? Hahahahaha!" he started laughing.
"Well, that's all folks! I hope you all have a gooooood day tomorrow! And remember, the more you put in, the more you get out!" Marie said before she signed off.
" 'The more you put in, the more you get out.' " Nanako repeated that last phrase with a smile, just like she did when she sang the Junes' slogan.
"I see that weather girl a lot." Dojima-san said, "The kids back at the station say they feel more motivated whenever she does that."
"Not surprising." I said with a smile, "After all, we're all friends with her."
"I see." Dojima-san said, "I feel it a little in myself, to be honest. Well, I'm just glad that the weird fog is gone, so now we don't have to obsess over the weather report anymore."
"It is really great though." Yukiko said, "Everyone in town says they feel more motivated."
"Yeah, everyone has so much more energy now!" Chie said in agreement.
"You're right, it doesn't wear you down when walking through the streets anymore. Not like last year." Dojima-san said.
"Everyone has a more positive outlook in life than when I first came here." Naoto said.
"It just goes to show that people can change." Dojima-san said, "For better or worse I guess…it all depends on your perspective. After the fog lifted, I'm sure people just realized that it's a lot brighter when your eyes are open." He then looked serious, "There's a lot of things we don't want to see…a lot of grime in the human heart…but if you close your eyes to everything, you can't even see the people close to you…how can you be happy like that? The only thing to do, really, is to keep marching on, straight ahead."
We all looked at Dojima-san as we nodded in agreement. It's true that accepting the harsh reality is not as easy as it sounds, but so long as you have friends to back you up, you can do anything. After all, no one can really live on their own. I notice Dojima-san blushing as he looked back at us.
"I'm…rambling, aren't I? Guess I had a lot more to drink than I thought…hehehehe…" he chuckled nervously.
We all laughed as we continued to enjoy our meal.
"Oh yeah, Nanako, didn't you say there was something you wanted to tell Yu when he came home?" I heard Dojima-san ask Nanako.
Nanako nodded as she whispered something to the others. I just look, wondering what this is all about, as the entire group fell silent and looked back at me. Nanako cleared her throat, "Well then, one, two and…"
Everyone shouted, "WELCOME BACK YU/BIG BRO! (Kanji: It's good to see you Senpai!)"
"What the!?" Rise glared at Kanji, "Hey Kanji! It's 'Welcome back'! How can you mess that up!?"
"I; uh…sh-shut up! I got…stage fright, okay!?" Kanji stammered while blushing furiously.
Yosuke sighed, "I knew someone was gonna blow it."
I couldn't help but smile warmly at my friends and my family. I feel like I never left Inaba to begin with, seeing all of them all happy and cheerful and welcoming me back. It all makes me feel so warm inside, I just know that spending summer with everyone was the right call.
"It's good to be back." I said with a smile.
…
I know I said this before, but…why do I get the feeling that the case from last year may just repeat itself, but in a different world? Or…nah, I'm probably just being paranoid. There's just no way.
Meanwhile…
Hallway to the Dorm, After School
Raven's POV
Maaaaaaan, I'm sooooo hexausted…the rest of this afternoon I took my first classes of History of Evil Spells and General Villiany. First I had to put up a display of evil spells, using some poor woodland critters as test subjects and turning them into hideous demon beasts and then I had to put up with those two annoying runts called Mocky and Rugsy, a golbin and an ogre, respectively. They pissed me off so much that I yelled at them, what's worse is that I was praised for it. My Grimm, will you please give me a rest already!? That's what I thought that the moment. I felt like throwing up on top of that.
After that, classes were over for the day, but I don't feel like doing anything else today, so I head back to my dorm. Maddie is probably back already.
On my way to the dorm, I notice a few students talking about something. I stop and listen, but remain hidden behind some lockers, so they won't spot me and run away.
"So, are we going to do this?"
"Dude, seriously, it's just a stupid urban legend."
"But I heard people actually tried it out and it worked! So it has to be real!"
"They were probably having a bad nightmare or something."
"What are you guys talking about?"
"Nothing big…just trying to talk some sense into him for believing in stupid rumors and urban legends."
"And I'm telling you that it's REAL! The Midnight Reflection is by no means an urban legend!"
"The Midnight Reflection? What's that?"
"On a rainy night, if you stare at your mirror, alone in the room, by the time the clock strikes midnight, your reflection will change and reveal your soulmate."
"Which I keep saying, it's just a stupid rumor and nothing else!"
"Oh yeah! Want to make a bet? The weather report said that it's going to rain tonight, so it gives us a good opportunity to try it out! If it's real, then you have to do all my homework for me!"
"Oh yeah? And what if it's NOT real?"
"Then I'll do YOUR homework for you. Sounds fair?"
"Fine, let's do it."
"Alright!"
"I guess I'll try it out too."
"Same here."
The students nodded in agreement as they left. Looks like none of them spotted me, thank goodness. The Midnight Reflection, huh? Normally, I'd ignore such things, but…for some odd reason, I feel I should try it out myself. I mean, there's no way I want to follow my destiny, so maybe I should at least try and see if I do have a soulmate after all. But…maybe I should try it out some other time…I need a long and relaxing beauty sleep tonight.
Raven and Maddie's Dorm Room, After School
I head up to the dorm and head straight to mine and Maddie's room. I raise my hand and knock on the door, "Maddie!" I called, but there was no answer, "Hello?" I called again as I opened the door, expecting to find Maddie, but instead, I found…
"Welcome home, roomie!" I found Apple White, who greeted me cheerfully.
I chuckled at her, "Good one Apple, I'm rooming with Maddie this year." I said as I entered the room.
"Not anymore." Apple said, "Since you're such an important part of my story, where you poison me and I fall asleep…"
"…then Prince Charming wakes you with a kiss, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda, I know! So?" I asked.
"So, I asked Headmaster Grimm if you and I could room together and he said 'yes'!" Apple said, "Isn't that enchanting?"
Wait, WHAT!? Seriously? She's done all of that without me knowing!? And I was so looking forward to rooming with Maddie this year, "B-But, But…" I tried to object.
"Oh, you're going to LOVE rooming with me!" Apple said, "I'm thoughtful, I'm beautiful and I sing the most wonderful songs about woodland creatures!"
Apple picked up a flower from the vase on the table and started singing with it, as if she was singing on a microphone. Her singing also attracted a few pigeons which landed at the window. I sighed in annoyance as I went to shoo the pigeons away, "Move along, move along. There is nothing to see here." I said as I shooed them away and leaned my arms over the window. One pigeon stayed as it cuddled its head on my arm, and I couldn't help but smile as I stroke its head with my finger.
"And, I already decorated your half of the room!" Apple added.
Curiously, I looked over my shoulder and saw that my half of the room was now decorated with all kinds of dark, gothic, evil-looking furniture, among the stuff I brought with me. While I do appreciate the effort, might not be the exact style I'd have gone with.
"Isn't it just the evilest!?" Apple asked me, "I knew you would love it!"
I sighed deeply as I look down out the window, "This is going to be a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG year…" I said, as I looked back at the pigeon and stroke his head with my finger.
Later that night…
Raven and Apple's Dorm Room, Evening - Raining
It was getting late and time for everyone to turn in for the night. I certainly need some sleep tonight. I guess I'll be stuck with Apple for the rest of the school year. Darn…I was really hoping Maddie and I would stay together as roomies, but then Apple had to change that. Oh well, it's not the end of the world or anything, I can still hang out with her during recess and stuff.
Apple and I took our turns in using the restroom and get ready to go to bed. I took the first turn and finished up as quickly as I could. Apple on the other hand, she took a really long time and she kept singing the whole time. Oh my Grimm! Would you just let me sleep in peace Apple! That's what I wanted to say, but I didn't. When she was finished, she came out of the restroom and went to her bed and continued on singing until she fell asleep.
"Good night, roomie…" she muttered as she went to sleep, tucked away under her cozy bed sheets.
'Finally…' I said within my thoughts. "Good night, Apple…" I said.
I looked at the window and notice that it was raining. If I recall, those students said that on a rainy night, if you stare at your mirror, alone in the room, by the time the clock strikes midnight, your soulmate will appear on the mirror. It sounds like a silly urban legend that some kid came up with just to scare you to death, but for some odd reason, I can't stop thinking about it. Oh well, no use thinking about it now. As the silence falls into the room, except for the sound of rain and Apple's soft, quiet snoring, I lie down on my bed, tuck myself under my bed sheets and close my eyes, falling into a much needed sleep.
Raven's dream
I wake up, only to find myself in a wide open area, surrounded by thick, white fog, "Huh?" I look around in confusion, "What is this?"
As I look around the place, I notice a barely visible silhouette in the middle of the fog, 'Who is that?'
"Do you seek the truth?" a rather inhuman voice came from the silhouette.
"Huh?" I asked in confusion.
"Do you seek freedom?" the silhouette asked.
"Truth? Freedom?" I asked in wonder, "I guess so, maybe but…why do you ask?"
"If it is the truth and your freedom you seek, then try and find it." The silhouette said before it disappeared into the fog.
"H-Hold on! What is this about the truth? And my freedom?" I tried calling out, but there was no answer. The mysterious silhouette was already gone and I was left all alone in the middle of this fog. Before I knew it, my consciousness slipped and my vision went black…
Meanwhile…
Yu's Room, Evening
Yu's POV
It was nighttime already and my welcome back party was already over. All my friends said their good byes (Rise and Teddie gave me a never-ending hug each), and headed back to their homes. It was just me, Nanako and Dojima-san. After cleaning up after that big party, my uncle and my cousin helped my carry my stuff up to my room and unpack. It's been a long day and it was time for all of us to hit the sack as we got ready for bed and said good night to each other.
"Good night Big Bro!" Nanako said cheerfully.
"You too Nanako." I said with a smile.
"Sleep well everyone." Dojima-san yawned loudly as he went to his room.
"You too Dad!" Nanako said as she left for her room too.
I entered my room and got my futon ready. Before I went to sleep however, I notice that it suddenly started raining, as I hear the rain drops hitting my window. I look out and see that it was indeed raining. Maybe "Mariko" figured that no one would be out in the streets at this hour, so she's letting it rain for a while. Then I look up at the clock and I notice that it was almost midnight. And then…I looked at the TV's screen and see nothing but my own reflection.
"On a rainy night, if you stare at a turned off television, alone in the room, by the time the clock strikes midnight, your soulmate would appear onscreen." That was the rumor known as the Midnight Channel. But what you saw wasn't your soulmate at all, but the next victim who was going to be killed next. This was all connected to the murders that took place last year and my friends and I solved that case thanks to it.
It returned during Golden Week, showing a fighting tournament for Persona-users, known as the P-1 Grand Prix and at the heart of it all was a robot girl named Labrys, the 5th Generation Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon. The culprit behind the tournament was her Shadow, who was trying to make us all feel what she had to go through by forcing us to fight each other. After we defeated her, with the help of another group of Persona-users known as the Shadow Operatives, we helped Labrys accept her Shadow as her true feelings and it became her Persona, thus solving this case…
…or so we thought, because Labrys' kidnapper was still out there, along with another mysterious being we referred to as the "Malevolent Entity".
A few days later, the Midnight Channel came on again, revealing the second tournament…the P-1 Climax. That tournament didn't take place in the TV World like the last one did instead it took place in the real world, which became enshrouded in a weird red fog. This time the culprit forced us into fighting against fake version of ourselves made out of chucks of Shadows. Defeating them would result in our Personas being carved off of fragments, which would gather on top of a tower that appeared, built on top of Yasogami High. The "culprit", who turned out to be a red-headed boy named Sho Minazuki was planning to use the Persona fragments on top of the tower, to summon an evil God. However, the TRUE culprit behind it both the P-1 Grand Prix and the P-1 Climax was the same God he was trying to summon, disguised as "General Teddie" the whole time during the latter, as well as the same "Malevolent Entity" from the P-1 Grand Prix. His name was Hi-no-Kagusutchi, an evil God born from humanity's solitude and selfishness, from when the town was enshrouded in fog last year. He convinced Sho to help him with his plan to create a world of solitude and he went along with it, because he didn't really care about this world, thinking that friendship and bonds were useless. But that wasn't it, Sho used it as a desperate means of getting the friends he never had.
After we defeated Kagusutchi, with the unexpected help from Adachi-san, Sho and I had one final bout as a way of bonding with each other, since he claimed that was the only way he knew how to get close to people. I won, but at least it helped Sho see us in a new light and left on his, own journey.
And that was when that last case was finally solved for good that time. We then spent the rest of the Golden Week together, before we went our separate ways and I took the train back to Tokyo.
But even after all that, I couldn't help but stare at the TV, feeling as if the Midnight Channel may come back on again. After that incident in May, I now know that it may come on whenever you least expect it. Another side of me is telling me that I'm just being paranoid and I should just go to sleep already, but the other side keeps telling me to see if it will come back or not.
I chuckled to myself at this thought, "Make up your mind, Yu."
I sat on my couch, staring at the black, turned-off TV screen, silently. The sound of the rain continued on outside. Then the clock struck midnight and…
…
…
…
…nothing happened.
I sighed in relief, "Thank God…that means we don't have to worry about…"
My sentence was interrupted by the sound of static coming from the TV and I reacted in shock at this, "What in the world!?" I gawked as I got up from the couch while staring at the TV.
On the screen, I could see something beyond the static. I could see what appeared to be a large, castle-like school built on top of a hill, with a small village built in front of it, on the other side of a bridge, and there was a forest surrounding both locations, and there was a lot of students going in and out. Some of them looked human, other didn't, but looked like anthropomorphic beings instead.
I try putting my hand inside the screen, and indeed, it went through, like I was placing my hand inside a body of water. I expected to sense what I usually feel like the TV World on the other side of it, but instead…it felt different. I pulled out my hand and stared at the screen, which was now back to being just a black, turned-off screen.
"So the Midnight Channel is back…" I said, "But…what was that sensation I felt when I placed my hand in the TV? It sure didn't feel like the TV World…"
I try putting my hand back on the screen. I felt the sensation I get from the TV World again, before I pulled my hand back out.
"What does this mean thought?" I wondered to myself, "I should probably let Yosuke and the others know, first thing tomorrow."
With that in mind, I tucked away in my futon and went to sleep for the night.
Velvet Room
I woke up and found myself in an all too familiar limousine decorated in blue, a coffee table, some glass cases filled with bottles of liquor and a jukebox playing that relaxing music. On the other side I saw two familiar faces.
"Welcome to the Velvet Room." The long-nosed old man, known as Igor greeted me with a welcoming smile. "Do not be alarmed. The real you, is fast asleep in the real world. I have summoned you here through your dreams. And so we meet again."
The beautiful woman in blue, next to him, known as Margaret spoke next, "As you already witnessed, the phenomenon known as the Midnight Channel has returned. However, it would seem the same events that occurred in Inaba last year, are about to repeat themselves in another world."
"What!?" I gawked. "Don't tell me that…"
"Though you may have lifted the fog in your world, it was not ridden off completely." Margaret continued on, "As you know, the fog of lies that enshrouded this town last year was due to humanity averting their eyes from the truth and for believing in only what they wanted to. You may have helped people in this town realize their mistake and accept reality; the same cannot be said for other worlds. And now, the one responsible for the fog has emerged once again, in the new world you just saw in the Midnight Channel."
"So that school I saw on the Midnight Channel was actually a different world other than the one inside the TV?" I said as I connected the dots, "So that is why it felt different when I placed my hand in the screen."
Igor pulled out his Tarot Cards and read my fortune with them, "I see great disaster in your future. You will need help not just from the friends you have already made genuine bonds with, but you will also need to form new ones as you arrive in the new world beyond the barrier that separates it from your world."
"Understood." I said.
"Not only that." Igor looked at me with his usual smile, "You will also meet someone in that other world…someone who is soon to become a guest as well."
"Another guest? As in, another one with the power of the Wild Card?" I asked.
"Indeed." Igor said, "Since you already have grown quiet experienced with your own powers of the Wild Card, we expect you to not only form a bond with our future guest, but also, help her learn how to control her new powers."
"I see, understood." I said.
"Once again, another ordeal has been bestowed upon you." Margaret said with a giggle, "Will you be able to overcome it as you did with the previous ones? I look forward to witnessing its outcome."
"Until we meet again." Igor said.
Upon these words, my consciousness slipped way and everything went black. The Midnight Channel is back, but it's different…the fog of lies is going to enshroud a new world that I am unfamiliar with. I need my friends help for this, as well as make new ones in that new world if I am going to put a stop to it. But for now, I need to sleep and tomorrow; I'll call Yosuke and the others and tell them about this.
And bring back the Investigation Team!
To be continued…