Author's Note: Juggling rereading the Harry Potter series and four stories while I enjoy the rest of my summer vacation. Please forgive any late updates. :)

Glass Houses
a Persona 3/Portable (© ATLUS) fanfiction

Prologue

Opening Song: "Sons & Daughters" - The Decemberists

The man admires his reflection in the hall of mirrors, twisting and turning. "I think, perhaps, I might be in need of a new suit. I've grown a couple of inches in the past couple of years." He pulls in the lapels of his suit jacket, stands up straight, and raises his long nose. He smiles, pleased. "On the other hand, I'm very fond of this suit. It's accompanied me well."

"So then that's a no," comments the platinum blonde beside him, "to the purple suit you wanted?"

He strokes his chin before eventually shaking his head. "No, I've no use for it."

She sighs, and the notebook in her hands promptly disappears. "Master, we have company."

"My greatest apologies for keeping you waiting," he apologizes, tightening his tie before turning around to face his guest. "Ah, how very unusual," he notes, though he doesn't sound the least bit surprised. "This is the first time we've ever had a group reading. Go on, go on, take a seat. It's no wonder the room's taken on such an interesting form…"

A high stool appears behind the long-nosed man, who easily slides onto the midnight blue cushion. "My master warned me to expect the unexpected," he continues, now holding a deck of cards. "My name is Igor. It is a pleasure to meet all of you. You all look very confused - you are in a place that transcends both dream and reality. This is a room that only those who have signed a 'contract' may enter. Perhaps it is fate that has brought so many of you here today." He chuckles.

"Now then, why don't we get better acquainted with a fortune reading? It's a little hobby of mine." Seven cards hover in the air, right in front of Igor. He moves a long-fingered hand over one, and it flips over to reveal an image. "Ah, upright Justice. Regardless of what people may think, Justice does not represent good or bad, right or wrong; it stands for adjustment. Sometimes, we must deal with things that aren't very pleasant, but how we deal with them depends on us." He smiles enigmatically.

His hand passes over another card, this time in the corner. "Reversed Fortune. Interesting…" He looks up, eyes wild and bloodshot. "Fortune signifies evolution and movement. Things are always changing. However… Reversed Fortune may bring bad luck in the days to follow." He makes a movement with his arm over the Tarot cards, and all of them disappear into thin air. "Destiny has its way of connecting with us all."

The neglected female standing beside him clears her throat. "Oh yes, how silly of me. I have neglected to introduce my assistant. This is Lisa. She, too, is a resident of this room."

"Hey there," she greets, tipping the navy fedora towards her guests. "I'm here to help, whenever you need any assistance."

"The details shall be explained later," Igor adds, shifting the attention to him. "But until then, I'm sure you all need your rest. Farewell."

Closing Song: "Goodnight and Go" - Imogen Heap