Persona 2 EP - Dormant Memories


Author's Note: Welcome to the sequel of Persona 2 IS - Another World. This is a continuation of that fan fiction and starts off where that story roughly left off. This fanfic takes place in Persona 2 Eternal Punishment's storyline and focuses on my OC character Runa.

And in this chapter 'Runa Suou,' as she knows herself is escorting two women investigating the rumours regarding the Joker case Maya Amano and Ulala Serizawa around Seven Sisters High School when events transpired that lead to her awakening to a power she didn't know she had.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, all rights go to their respective owners.


Chapter 1 - Murder


At the sound of the last bell, Runa Suou stretched her arms and went to the door. She was walking down the hallway when Chika Ueda rushed towards her. The exhausted girl held up one hand while other her other hand rested on her leg as she panted. "R-Runa-chan… W-Wait… up…"

Runa stopped walking and greeted her fellow school newspaper club member. "Hi, Chikalin…"

"Runa-chan, you need to head to the faculty office straight away!" Chikalin interrupted as she straighten her stance.

"Um… Why?"

"Well, there's this reporter from Coolest coming in today, and you know how you suggested that we should send someone from our club to escort them around school and stuff."

"Uh-huh… I remember that…"

"Well, the person who was going to do the job bailed… So, you're up! ~Good~Luck~!" Chikalin patted Runa's shoulder, and quickly sprinted off down the hallway.

"Hey! Wait! You can't…" Runa spun around and reached out toward blue haired girl. Runa stood there for a few moments before she lowered her hand.

Ugh. Looks like I'm not getting home anytime soon today… Runa sighed, and she started to head the faculty office.


As she neared the office Runa ducked around a corner when she saw Katsuya Suou. Her eyes narrowed as the auburn haired member of the police force went into a nearby classroom.

"What's my brother doing here?" She asked in a whisper to herself.

Could it be something to do with the way Tatsuya's acting so weird as of late? She pondered before she dismissed the thought, and hurried to the office.

She entered the room, saw Tatsuya Suou's teacher, Saeko-sensei talking to two women. Saeko-sensei noticed Runa gestured for her to come over.

"Sorry, if I'm late. I'm… sort of a… last minute replacement," Runa apologised.

"It's quite alright, you just missed your brother," Saeko-sensei assured her.

"I saw him on the way here. Why was he here?" Runa asked.

"It was for work," Saeko-sensei replied.

Of course it's about the murders… I hope they don't bother Anna-senpai's again. She already has enough to deal with, and all this stuff is really getting to Noriko-chan, Runa nodded and thought.

Saeko-sensei turned toward the two women and said. "Sorry, I completely forgot to introduce everyone. This is Runa Suou, she's a member of the school's newspaper club, and she is one of our top students here at Seven Sisters High School."

"Ciao! Nice to meet you. My name is Maya Amano! I'm a member of Coolest Magazine's editorial staff. My friend, and I are here to interview a few of your fellow students," a woman with pink love hearts on her clothes and purple tie introduced herself as Maya Amano.

The other woman in the dark green outfit with spider web design with hair that had been dyed red-orange and had white tip. "And I'm Ulala Serizawa, I'm here to make sure my workaholic friend gets to have some fun tonight."

Runa stared at the woman with the shoulder length dark hair. Do I know her from somewhere? Wait… She's the one who bumped into Tatsuya at the train station. Odd coincidence that she's here now…

Runa noticed she was staring so she cleared her throat, and said. "N-Nice to met you both."

The women both acknowledge her words with a smile. Afterwards Ulala asked Saeko-sensei. "As I was saying, it won't take long, but… I wanted to ask… Are you sure it's alright?"

"I think it's fine, but… Please be careful… Some of the students are still a little shaken after the murders," Saeko-sensei replied.

"You mean… something happen?" Ulala blinked suddenly and questioned.

"The man who ran over a student died, and it's thought it might be somehow related to the bizarre murders… I hope they're wrong," Saeko-sensei explained.

"… Have you heard anything about the rumours about the Joker? I asked to look into that specifically," Maya paused for a moment before she inquired.

Saeko-sensei sighed heavily and answered. "I have… The Joker is the only thing that the students talk about anymore. Supposedly, the Joker is the one who kills a person you don't like by calling your own cell phone. I don't know who started it, but it's creepy. It was a lot cuter when they were just playing 'fortune teller.'"

"I see…" Maya frowned.

"I'll introduce you to some of the others teacher, if you like," Runa offered.

"That would be helpful, thank you," Maya acknowledged.

"Then please, follow me," Runa told the women.

She walked across the room to Kashihara-sensei and introduced the women to him. "Hello Kashihara-sensei, I have some people I like to introduce to you."

"Very well, Suou-chan," Kashihara-sensei promoted her to continue.

"This is Akinari Kashihara, he is the world history teacher for our school's senior students," Runa explained to the pair. Runa then gestured to towards the women. "This is Maya Amano and Ulala Serizawa. They are here to perform some interviews on behalf of one of Kismet's magazines."

"Hello. I'm a fan of Kismet's occult magazine. You know, the monthly, 'Moo,?'" Kashihara greeted the two women.

"Uh…" Maya hesitated.

"I used to write books like 'UFO discovered Underneath City!' but now, I like to enjoy them as entertainment," Kashihara-sensei continued before Maya could.

"So, Suou-chan, who else can you introduce us to?" Ulala interjected.

"Oh, um… Please excuse us, Kashihara-sensei," Runa told him before she asked the two women to follow her. They walked over to a man in a blue suit, Asou-sensei. She introduced the women to him and him to them.

"I see. Interviewing our students. Last Period is over already, so there aren't that many students left. However, I'm certain that Suou-chan will guide you to whom she can," Asou-sensei determined afterward the introductions were completed.

"Excuse me, Suou-chan!" Souka-sensei called out to her thus ending the previously conversation.

"Yes, sir!" Runa turned to face him as she silently told her shoulders to go down.

"The police were here! You would know why, right!?" Souka-sensei assumed.

"Well…"

"No wait… I think might be able to guess. I got it! There's been another murder. And the one killed is the guy who hit Anna! I got it! That's why the police are here!" He exclaimed.

"You just eavesdropped on the conversation, Saeko-sensei just had didn't you?" Runa realised.

"Er… Maybe," Souka-sensei admitted before he announced. "You best be off then, Suou-chan. I got work to do."

Suoka-sensei wandered off to his desk and pretended to busy himself with paperwork. Runa immediately guided Maya and Ulala out of the room. There were two students standing by the door. One was a boy, a third year who seemed… eager. The other student was a girl who shifted uncomfortably and was trying hard not to bite her nails.

A third year approached Amano and barraged her with questions. "A-Are you from Coolest? You're Investigating the Joker case, right? D-Did you find out anything?"

"Not yet," Maya replied and asked him. "What do you know about the case?"

"They say the Joker is the serial killer from 10 years back…" The third year boy claimed.

That can't be… Runa thought and rubbed her scarred right hand.

"And he brought demons with him…They couldn't catch him, so there were rumours of him being dead or escaping overseas… No… More people are gonna die…" The third year boy continued.

"Enough people have died! Don't build that creep up to more than what he is!" Runa snapped.

"Suou-chan…! Oh… Sorry, I forgot… I… I'm sorry," the third year boy focused on his feet.

"…" Runa frowned. Maya gave her a puzzled look. When she saw the woman's expression, Runa explained that. "I had a friend when I was younger. The serial killer from 10 years ago… was… He was responsible my friend's death."

"You know, w-when I was a kid, I heard he got locked away in a sanitarium, but… That's not helping is it? Either way it's still scary…" The girl next to the boy failed to reassured Runa.

"At least you tried," Runa half-smiled at girl.

The girl adjusted her sleeves and brought hands close to her chest. "I-I g-guess…"

"You seemed a little on edge, is everything okay?" Maya asked the girl.

"I am, b-but… My friend not so much. She did the curse curse for fun, and she freaked out when someone answered… Now she believes that there's a Joker…" She admitted.

"I'm sure, it's was just a practical joke or something. A rumour like that can't be real," Ulala told the girl. The girl's arms returned to her side, but she still had a surprised deer-like look in her eyes.


Runa suggested that they continued on to interview more students, and along the way Runa caught Maya staring at her. Runa glanced at the reporter. "What is it?"

"Have we met? I get feeling I've seen you before… I just can't remember where," Maya admitted.

Huh? Why…? I remembered her from the station… I guess I don't make as big an impression as my brother. I'm pretty forgettable, Runa pouted in thought before she told herself. Actually it might not have been her. Maybe the woman from the station was someone else?

"Oh, wait… I know why she seems so familiar, Ma-ya!" Ulala exclaimed.

"Hm?"

"She's that girl! You know from that idol group, the 'Muses'. She's an up and coming celebrity! You should ask her if she can get you an interview with her and the rest of the group. They're in pretty high demand at the moment," Ulala reminded her friend.

"I remember now, the Muses are on radio quite often these days," Maya nodded and turned to Runa. "You have a beautiful voice, by the way."

"Th-Thank you," Runa shifted her footing and glanced over at the wall. I hate it when people recognised my idol status… It makes me feel self-conscious.

"So what's the deal about this serial killer?" Ulala wondered.

"Er… I'm not really uncomfortable about that," Runa grimaced as she clasped her hands together a crossed herself. My father's reputation went down the drain trying to catch that murder, and it created a rift between my brothers. It's not my favourite conversation topic.

"Oh, Whoops… I didn't mean to upset you. Sorry, Suou-chan," Ulala slapped her own forehead.

"Don't worry about it. I get asked questions about it all the time by people lately. I should probably learn to handle with it better. I'm kinda idol, now," Runa offered Ulala a forced smile.

"These rumours must be hard for you," Maya concluded.

"There's no way, that this Joker guy can be him. And so it doesn't matter. Let's head outside. Um… The courtyard normally has some people in it."

"Very well, you're our guide," Maya nodded.

It seems Maya would be content to leave the issue aside for moment, Runa noted as she let out a breath she hadn't realised she had been holding.

"Speaking of meeting more people, you said that Deja Vu Boy goes here, didn't you? …Maybe you could meet up with him?" Ulala suggested to her friend.

Deja Vu boy? Runa paused and looked to Maya for an explanation.

"It's nothing, honestly," Maya insisted in such a way that Runa realised the opposite was true.


They travelled down the stairs to the first floor and went through one of the double doors to courtyard. As they stepped onto the blue tiles, Runa noticed Principal Hanya yelling at some students. Not a strange sight. She reflected, but Runa noticed that Anna Yoshizaka and Noriko were those students. Anna's head was turned away from the principal and Noriko in her white track suit stood between the two. The blood drained from Runa's face. "Damn it…"

"Anna Yoshizaka! What's with that attitude!?" Principal Hanya demanded.

"Who's he?" Ulala asked in a hushed tone.

Runa cringed and replied in an equally hushed tone. "He's the new Principal Hanya, he came from St Hermelin High, He… wasn't well liked there and the same goes for here. He's also known as Hannya. It's not a nickname he appreciates however."

"He's not popular then," Maya accurately concluded.

Since Anna didn't respond to him, so Principal Hanya yelled at Anna. "It's because of you the police are here! We know you did it! You wanted revenge for being hit, huh!?"

Anna turned around and faced him shocked at the accusation.

"I didn't do anything…!" Anna shouted at Hannya.

"How cruel… My big sis is not a murderer!" Noriko with her black hair in buns shook her head and cried out. Her fists clenched tightly and were shaking.

"How do we know that?" Hannya challenged her before directing his attention at Anna. "I let you slip because you were an all-star, but you're useless if you can't run!"

What…? …How? Er… HOW COULD HE SAY THAT? HE'S A COMPLETE AND UTTER JERK!

"I never liked my principal, but now… Now I down right hate him, and from the look on Noriko's face… I'm not the only one," Runa determined after she regained her ability to speak.

"You know those girls?" Ulala marvelled.

"Yeah, I do. Before the accident, we were on the Track Team together," Runa confirmed.

"Huh…" Ulala muttered.

"Hmph… I'm waiting for you to quit school. You can quit along with your friend Suou!" Hannya added with a chuckle.

"…" Runa swallowed, she curled her fingers on her left hand in a fist. Tatsuya hadn't quit… He's just… Ugh! I don't even know where he is

Hannya folded his arms behind his back and strolled past. He stopped seeing Runa and said. "Ah, it's such a shame you attract such trash. Otherwise you'll be my favourite student."

I wish your stupid statue falls on you, Runa kept silent and glared at him. "…"

"What? Are you angry? Please… You might be one of our best students, but with your current career path… I doubt that'll remain the case," Hannya scoffed before he entered the school's main building with a contented grin.

YOU…. Calm down… Count to Ten, Runa… Violence is not the answer, Runa told herself as her hand twitched. She closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them she looked to her sides to tell Maya and Ulala something, but… Ulala and Maya were gone.

Runa whirled around until she saw that the pair had gone over to Anna and Noriko.

"Hey, you! Aren't you gonna say anything!?" Ulala challenged Anna.

What is she doing? Runa grimaced as she made her way over.

"Who… are you…?" Anna questioned.

"I'm from a Magazine called Coolest, we're here doing a story on the Joker case. Suou-chan, is showing us around," Maya explained.

"So, you're from a magazine…? I see… You guys probably think I killed him… Write whatever you want…" Anna apathetically said before she started walking away.

"Anna-senpai… I…" Runa turned to her.

However Runa froze when heard Anna mutter as walked past. "I'm… gonna kill him…"

Kill…? Who? Did I miss something? Runa stared in the direction Anna went.

"That was just too cruel. I'm gonna find that old man and complain, Ma-ya!" Ulala decided.

"His behaviour was vindictive especially toward one of his students," Maya agreed.

"Do you think that Anna was pissed and used the Joker curse?" A first year girl asked the reporter as she bounced on her feet slightly.

"I don't like to make assumptions like that without solid evidence," Maya diplomatically answered.

"Oh, yeah. Of course, but you think she's guilty, right!?" The girl pestered.

Maya took a breath and admitted. "I'm not sure as to what to think at this stage."

"Aww… Boring…" The girl complained and left the courtyard.

"I can't believe people like her!" Noriko exclaimed as she glared after the student.

"Still. Right now, people are saying Yoshizaka's a 'Joka…'" A first year boy commented. He was from Runa's class and his name was Toshiya Inoue.

"Hm? What's that?" Maya questioned Toshiya.

"Eh? You don't know the Joka of Wang Long?" Toshiya stepped back, his eyes bulging.

"Toshiya-kun, would you be so care to explain it for her?" Runa requested knowing the boy sometimes took awhile to recover from shock.

He straightened his glasses. "Runa-chan! I didn't notice you until now. How have you been? If… I- If you want we catch up after school. I know how you like your food, so I could… You know…"

"Um, thanks, but maybe another day. Could you explain Joka to Maya-san, please?"

"Oh… Alright," Toshiya's shoulder slumped slightly before he turned to Maya. "Well to start off. Guardian Dragons are unlucky in this part of the cycle. As in other fortunes, there are streaks of bad luck, like being in a slump. If you have any questions, you can depend on Runa-chan or me."

"Thank you, I don't have any many questions, but you were a great help," Maya told the boy before she said. "Suou-chan, Ulala. I'm going to ask the other students and teachers in the courtyard some questions about the matter. I'll be back shortly."

Ulala and Runa nodded as Maya walked off to some nearby students. Toshiya Inoue tapped Runa on the shoulder, so she spun around to face him. "Ah, Toshiya-kun. Thank you for that, you are always so helpful and considerate."

"Y-You r-really think s-so!?" Toshiya stammered.

"Of course," Runa assured him. She glanced over at Noriko and frowned. "I'm going to go check on Noriko-chan, I'll talk to you later. Bye, Toshiya-kun!"

"Oh, er… Bye, Runa-chan!" Toshiya said readjusting his glasses.

Runa went closer to Noriko and had the girl mutter to herself. "He was so cruel…"

"Are you alright, Noriko-chan?" Runa inquired.

"I'm fine, it's Anna-senpai I'm worried about. That stupid Hannya. All he did was have his dreams of success come true, and, what's with this…" Noriko wiped her eyes and calmed herself. "My big sister's just unlucky in her time of Joka."

Runa attempted to reassure her. "I'm sure, Hannya will get what's coming to him. What goes around, comes around. Right?"

"…Uh-huh… I supposed you're right," Noriko nodded as she spoke in a slow and almost mechanical manner.

That's strange…. Runa noted.

Maya approached a nearby teacher and asked. "What do you know about Anna Yoshizaka?"

The teacher shook his head and commented. "Yoshizaka was such a good student… Now she's with that troublemaker Suou, going to clubs and… My, oh my…"

"He's not a troublemaker," Runa argued having overheard.

"This is not your conversation, I'd suggest you hold your tongue," the teacher advised.

Runa gasped, and Maya said. "Suou-chan, can you tell me about the stone over here?"

"Yes, I can," Runa nodded. They swiftly left the teacher and went to other side of the stone.

"What is it called?" Maya inquired.

"It's the Narurato Stone," Runa replied.

"So this is the Narurato Stone, huh? I've read about this. It was a rock dug up during the construction of this school. It's made of thermanite, but it gives off a magnetic energy."

"Have you heard the legend then?"

"Yes. Apparently evil demons known as 'Narurato Hotefu,' were sealed in this stone by the 'Hiremon Shounin,' another kind of being."

"It's got a certain aura to it, doesn't it? Almost as if it could show you the path you to another world other than this one," Runa reflected and then she smiled. "Of course, it's that aura that makes people create so many stories about it."

"You get that feeling, too?" Maya looked at her and then at the Narurato stone again.

"This rock looks suspicious, huh? But nothing comes up if you search it," a voice from behind remarked. The unexpected sound caused both Maya and Runa to jump and whirl around to seek the source of the voice.

Upon seeing the voice's owner, Runa commented. "Oh, it's you."

It was Okamura-sensei, the woman had her brunette hair held in a bun by a red clip and wore black sunglasses. For some reason, the teacher and Runa had never seen eye to eye.

Runa realised Maya probably had no idea who this person. Thus she told her. "Um, Maya-san. This is Maya Okamura. She is the world history teacher for the second years."

"R-Right," Maya nodded and muttered something under her breath. "…"

Okamura-sensei cocked her head and stared at Maya. "Um… Have we met somewhere? … It's just that I felt we have."

"Odd, I get the same feeling, but… I can't recall the event at all," Maya frowned.

"That is peculiar, but we should get going Ma-ya. We need to speak to that principal!" Ulala joined the conversation. Ulala directed her attention to Runa. "So, Suou-chan. Where's the guy's office?"

"Third floor, I'll take you both there," Runa said in return.


They arrived at the Principal's office, although sliding open the door revealed grisly sight.

"What the…!" Maya gasped upon seeing the disfigured body.

Runa had joined Maya. She had briefly wondered what had made the journalist so pale until she saw the cause and she understood. Runa kept her hand on her chest near her neck, and she forced herself to swallow the acidic substance that tickled the back of her throat.

Throwing up would compromise the crime scene, she told herself and suddenly regretted some of her earlier comments about her principal.

Ulala rushed over in front of Maya to see what all the fuss was about. Her legs buckled from underneath her and she sat on the ground. "W… What's with… this…? What the… hell!?"

"I think used to be my principal," Runa remarked aloud as she lowered her hand to her side.

Footsteps came from outside and a familiar face entered. It was Katsuya.

"Excuse me, sir. I want to ask you…" Katsuya started then he saw the corpse. He rushed over and he said. "Th-This…!?"

He approached Hannya's corpse and knelt down beside it. After his examination of the corpse he concluded. "The note he's holding… That pattern of killing… It's him!"

Katsuya turned his head towards Maya and Ulala. "Are you the first one on-scene? did you see anyone suspicious!? Anything suspicious when you got here? When did you get here?"

"I… I don't know! Stop asking me things at once!" Ulala shouted.

"Brother, let them calm down first. We only just got here," Runa told him

"Huh…? Runa, what are you doing here!?" Katsuya exclaimed upon noticing her.

"I was escorting these two around the school, and…" Runa began to explain.

However before she could continue Anna walks into the office. Anna's eyes searched the room, but she paled upon seeing Principal Hanya's corpse.

"Y-You're…" Ulala stared at Anna. Then she met Maya's eye. "You don't think…!"

"I-It's not me… I didn't do anything…!" Anna cried out before she ran off.

"You… Wait!" Katsuya called out to Anna before he chased after her.

"Huh? Katsuya!? She's not guilty!" Runa rushed after them.

Maya soon followed her. "Suou-chan, be careful!"

They ran to the end of the hall and then they were forced to come to a stop. A demonic hellhound come from around the corner and blocked their path. The beast's coat was blood red and it wore golden adornments. Runa and Maya backed away as the hound let out a howl. Katsuya drew his gun and prepared to fire if necessary.

Ulala rejoined them and she saw the hellhound. "Wha-What's that…?"

"I think it's a hellhound," Runa answered.

"Er, a hellhound…!? Wha-What is that! What the hell's goin' on!?" Ulala screamed.

"Can't you tell? It's as the girl said, it's a hellhound. In other words, a demon, a demon," a voice mocked from behind them.

A wave of energy hit Runa and she thought. This… power… I've felt it before… But where? She spun around to face the source of the energy wave. Maya, Ulala and Katsuya did same.

A man in a black trench coat strolled towards them, and he had a sword in hand. He wore a blood splattered paper bag on his head with a painted smile upon it and one eye hole. Katsuya held his gun tightly as he stepped between them and the man. He demanded."A-A demon…? Who the hell are you!? And, what's this feeling…?"

"You got the letter, right? It's me… Joker," the man ignored him and concentrated on Maya. She covered her mouth with her hand

"What do you want with us!?" Maya questioned as she edged away from man and lowered her hand from her face.

"I took a request. So I'm here to kill you. That's what the rumours say," Joker rested the hilt of his sword on his shoulder and said.

Ulala glanced over her shoulder at Maya, and gasped. "Wha…!?"

Joker casually lowered his sword while his other arm rose up and pointed at her. "Maya Amano… I know you so ver~ry well… What you even did on the 'Other Side.'"

"The Other… what?" Runa questioned as she turned Maya.

Before Maya could answer, a giant figure appeared out of nowhere. It's hulking frame hovered by aid of golden wings. The wings minuscule size in comparison to it's gargantuan physique would seem almost comedic; that is if it weren't for the menace of the one who summoned the demon.

Runa looked behind her and at the demon in front of her. She glanced toward the trees outside the window on her left side and wondered. Hmm… Do glass cuts hurt that much or…?

"Try and call your precious, 'Persona!' If ya don't, these guys'll eat ya!" Joker warned before he slid across two pink handguns towards Maya's feet.

"I don't understand…" Maya stared at the objects at her feet and then at Joker.

He saw her confusion, thus Joker instructed and laughed. "Use these guns. You CAN use one, can't you? BANG-BANG! With both hands."

"Criminal suspect #501! You're under arrest for illegal firearm possession and threatening a peace officer!" Katsuya announced aiming his revolver at Joker.

The scythe wielding demon in front of them moved closer.

"'Persona, Persona!' Call out your Persona!" Joker taunted. The demon swung it's scythe at police officer nicking his shoulder.

"Katsuya!" Runa called out as her brother stumbled backwards and crouched down in pain.

Just when she was about to move to his side, Katsuya muttered. "What is… this feeling!?

A column of light surround him and a cat-like figure materialised above him. The strange spirit introduced itself. "I am Helios… Bearing the ancient sun, I am the one who violates the night! I shall become your loyal chariot!"

Helios swung it's claws toward the demon and the demon bursted into flames.

A word entered her mind… Agi. That spell is Agi… Huh? How do I know that?

Momentarily the hulking creature lost it's balance, but the demon regained it. Demon lashed out at Ulala. Ulala dropped to the ground and hissed in pain.

"Kya…! I can't take it anymore!" She yelled as a ring of light encircled her. A figure appeared above Ulala saw well. It was female spirit dressed in red and white. Upon it's head a heel of a red stiletto was stuck and the spirit held a whip in it's bound hands.

"I am Callisto… The one known as the most beautiful of he nymphs… One who is wary of romance, I will show you true love," the spirit dressed in red proclaimed before sending transparent boulders at the demon to crush it.

An earth spell… Magna… Why do I know that!? Runa thought as rocks slammed in the demon.

Ulala's spirit's attack failed however and the demon still stood unfazed. Maya suddenly dropped to her knees and she cringed. "Ugh… This sensation… Could this be!?"

A figure with hot pink braids arose alongside and circle of light. This spirit wore a pink long sleeved coat that was tipped with black and had a long coat tail. The spirit raised it's arm and said. "I am thou… Thou art I… I cometh from the sea of thy heart… I am the brilliant mother, Maia…"

Down upon the demon fell a collection of hexagons made up of written spells which themselves were made of light. The hexagons constricted and the demon roared.

The demon vanished from sight as if it had never existence. Runa's mouth hung agape at the sight and she thought. It must be Hama… Huh? What's going on? What's making me think these strange thoughts!? Her hands trembled.

"Hy-aha…! That's it, keep it up! But I'm not gonna kill you now… I'll have the demons kill you slowly," Joker let out a bark of laughter. Joker pointed at Maya and he summoned a spirit accompanied by a torrent of light blue light. "Remember! You can't run from fate!"

The spirit donned in black and red raised it's arm. Runa turned to the others and arched her head upwards. A purple sphere appeared above Maya, Katsuya, Ulala and Runa.

Runa whispered unable to stop herself. "That's Megido… I need a Makakarakarn spell."

She brought her hands together and light engulfed her. A spirit appeared above her, it's name was Angelos. The spirit casted a spell that shielded against the Megido Joker's spirit had sent.

Angelos was suitably angelic in appearance. She had gold mask with a certain avian quality to it upon her face. White and gold adorned one side of her and on the other-side she was decorated black and silver. The spirit spoke. "I am Angelos, but I am know as katachthonia, she of the underworld, but I am also of part of the upper-world. Thou is unbeknown in that she dances at the edge of chaos and dream. For what is lost will enviably return at journey's end. Thy who is akin to I, shall have my aid in this time of disillusion."

The spirit's form then dissipated into thin air and Runa heard the words. "Nice try, Herald."

Runa spun around and saw Joker standing there.

"You…!" Runa gulped and her eyes widen as the sword's pommel collided with her head. Spots and shapes swam across her vision as the tiled floors grew nearer.


Scents that were a mixture of something akin to charcoal, rotten eggs and perhaps copper filled her senses. She screwed up her nose and gagged. It was so intense she could practically taste it. Runa forced her eyes open, the air was thick and heavy. Smoke lingered obscuring her vision, but she make out two forms in front of her. She gritted her teeth as her crawled forward, her hair underneath the boy's shoe resisted the action and some of her hair stayed behind.

Runa scrambled closer to the two forms. The forms had been two people, their hands melted together. Powdery black clumps covered most of their skin. The parts of their skin underneath were raw, and stretched. A small delicate hand reached towards the glowing orange bracelet clad wrist of one of the individuals. The hand clasped the wrist and called out. "H-Help me… I'm scarred! P-Please… Ah! It hurts!"

Runa's palm stung and the small hand twitched. A voice ordered her. "Let go of her, you stupid girl! Stop it! STOP IT…"

The voice kept repeating the same order. Yet for some reason the young girl's hand, her hand still clasped the charred wrist, and if anything the hand tighten it's grip. The girl bit her lip and shook her head. Tears poured down her cheeks.

"How dare you! I told you not to touch! Stupid girl! Stupid girl!" The voice complained throwing a fit as objects smashed against the wall.

The young girl felt herself be yanked backwards. The girl clutch tighter and her legs kicked the air. Eventually the movement caused the burnt person's arm to break off at the wrist.

"No..." The girl's mouth opened and she let go. The bracelet fell landed lightly upon the ash covered floor.

The girl screamed and sobbed. "I want them back! I I didn't mean to make you angry… I promise I won't tell on you anymore, bring them back. P-Please…"

"They. Will. Never. Come. Back. You brought this upon yourself," the boy whispered in her ear before he dropped her.


Runa eyes snapped open and she was met with strange sight that made her forget all about her horrible nightmare. She scrambled to her feet and gazed around. What is this place?

The room was circular with enormous gold pillars holding up a golden framework dome, and between each of the pillars were arches upon which the green walls above rested upon. In the room's centre was a green circle with a black butterfly design, whereas the remainder of the floor was a black and white chequered one. Fittingly a golden butterfly fluttered above the design.

Also on the floor was Katsuya, Maya and Ulala.

Katsuya was the first to stir, he slowly rose to his feet and his eyes warily searched the room. Maya awoke next and stood speechless.

Ulala murmured and sat up. She glanced around and asked. "So, we're dead…? What the hell was my life all about…?"

In a burst of light, the golden butterfly transformed into a transparent man with a butterfly mask. The man spoke. "That is not true… I… invited… you… My name… is Philemon… I… exist between consciousness and death… The one… who granted you… the Personas."

"#501 said the same thing… I ask this as I am in a dream. 'What is a 'Persona'?'" Katsuya asked.

"Your powers… …are hidden deep within your heart… Like a god or demon, it is 'another self…' Like a god… filled with love… Like a demon… merciless… Humans… go through life with many faces… Your current appearance is just another face. …And so is your Persona… One of many…"

Then those spirits were Personas… That makes sense, Joker wanted to see our Personas. Wait, if we didn't know about having these Personas then… how did he? Runa wondered.

Katsuya meanwhile questioned Philemon further. "Another you, with physical conflict… Like our original forms…? What is your purpose in giving us these?"

Before Philemon could answer, Ulala stood abruptly and marvelled. "Th-They've actually formed a conversation…"

"I… have something to ask of you… I… the risk taken… choices made… despite the intentions behind them… it proved that… Their… string of misfortune was too… deep. They… made… tears of blood… 'This Side…' Only you… can save…" Philemon told him, his voice cutting in and out like an old television set.

"What's wrong? I can't understand you," Katsuya asked as Philemon held a hand to his head.

Philemon transformed into his butterfly form and told them. "Warning… rumours will become reality… … light… within hearts… of people…"

"Philemon, can you please tell us what this all means? What's going on? Because, I'm at a lost right now," Runa requested as she attempted to make sense of everything that has happened.

"Herald… You shall be forced to seek… who…" Philemon started but the world around Runa flickered and faded.

"Huh? H-Herald…?" Runa stepped back. Her eyes widening with alarm. Wait… Isn't that what Joker called me.

Runa attempted to ask Philemon for more information, but the realm had almost vanished entirely from sight. "Philemon!?"

Her limbs were heavy and she gravitated to the floor. Lights filled her eyes, she tried fighting whatever forced pulling her from the realm, but she soon succumbed to it.


She had drifted back into unconsciousness. She awoke in the school's hallway, briefly she wondered if the entirely of today had been some kind of elaborate dream. Those hopes were crushed when she caught sight of a golden butterfly out the corner of her eye. She groaned and pulled herself upright. She hissed and brought a hand to her head. She laid back down again and decided. Yep… Not a dream.

"Sister, don't over-exert yourself. We should get you to hospital," Katsuya scolded her as he sat next time to her.

"Ugh… Ow…" Runa flinched as she forced herself up to a seat position again. It was easier this time with Katsuya's help. Runa eyes directed their gaze at him once she was comfortable, and she asked. "Thanks, Katsuya. But why do I need to go to hospital?"

"Clearly, you could have a concussion. The force of the blow you received was significant enough to knock you out, after all," Katsuya pointed out.

"Oh… That…" Runa numbly realised. She gingerly touched her head and she winced, but found the pain had vanished. She closed her eyes and focused on wound. Sensations and mental images filled her mind, it was odd but somehow the sensations conveyed information which she could interpret instinctively. I get the impression that I can now simply know the condition of my health, and exactly how to fix it if there was anything amiss. Also I think it might work with other people, too. That wasn't the strangest part, though. The weird part was how nature it all felt.

"Runa?" Katsuya placed a hand on her shoulder rousing her from her thought.

"Actually, I think I'm fine… Philemon must have healed us. A sort of 'phantom pain.' will still linger for awhile, but physically I'm fine."

"Now is not correct time for guess work."

"It's not 'guess work,' I know it's true. I can't explain how, but my Persona is telling me to trust my instincts," Runa argued with him.

"If you say so, I still think we should get you checked out as soon as the culprit is apprehended. I don't like how familiar he was towards you and then there's Amano-san. He was clearly targeting her," Katsuya expressed with a nod.

Then Ulala and Maya murmured. "Mmm…Huh?" "Mm… f#(%…"

"Stay put," Katsuya ordered as he left Runa's side and went over Maya and Ulala to check on them. "Are you… alright…?"

The women stirred and looked around at their surroundings. Maya commented and stood. "We're all back. Thank goodness."

"Well, it seems we're all 'alive…'" Ulala added as rose to her feet.

"You need a hand?" Maya extended her hand toward Runa.

"Why not? Thanks," Runa shrugged and accepted the hand up. Once on her feet she put a hand on the wall to keep herself steady.

"You okay?" Ulala wondered.

Runa smiled and assured her. "I am… I'm just a little… overwhelmed, I guess?"

"Maybe you should sit back down," Katsuya suggested.

"I told you I'm healed, there's to need to worry," Runa countered.

Katsuya hesitated, but he gave her a brief nod before he said. "I must make a phone call, then. Please excuse me."

He turned away from them and got out his phone. He soon began talking to someone on the other end. "It's Suou. Get me Captain Shimazu… #501 was at Seven Sisters, the suspect has killed the principal and is at large."

While Katsuya was on the phone Ulala turned to Maya. "Uh… Ma-ya, you okay?"

"Kinda… But are YOU okay, Ulala…?" Maya responded.

Ulala glanced down. "Y-Yeah… I'm fine…."

Katsuya ended the call and crossed his arms as he reported. "Backup is on its way. I'll go after that girl, you three stay…" He paused before he finished. "…with me… You're also in danger."

"Why her? The suspect is that 'bag head?'" Ulala questioned.

"Yeah, Anna-senpai is innocent of the crime," Runa added.

"If it's just like he said, it's a contract killing. I can't exclude her possible involvement," Katsuya explained adjusting his sunglasses.

"Well, she did say that she would kill him…" Ulala reflected.

"I did hear Yoshizaka mutter she was, 'gonna kill him.' Although that doesn't mean she meant it in a literal sense or that she was even talking about the principal," Maya reasoned.

"Then Anna-senpai's innocent. Just like I thought," Runa assumed.

"While that theory could be ture. We still can't rule out the possibility, I'm afraid," Katsuya commented.

"Oh…" Runa muttered.

"Anyway, do you think this is related to the dream? 'Rumours become reality,' is what he said… So that would mean the Joker rumour IS true, then…?" Ulala frowned and expressed her concern.

"'It can't be' is what I'd like to say, but I can't… Not after seeing all this. I accept the fact hat he borrowed our consciousness to give us clues. We have to pursue whatever he gives us," Katsuya determined.

"So that's why you were so calm…" Ulala realised.

"Come with me. I can't leave you alone," Katsuya requested of Maya.

"Okay," Maya nodded in agreement.

Ulala cleared her throat and declared "I-I'm going, too… I'm her friend… I couldn't stand it if you left me here."

Katsuya considered the idea and eventually inclined his head. "Fine…"

"So do I come, too? Or do I…" Runa wondered.

"Yes. I rather know exactly where you are given the situation," Katsuya confirmed before he told Maya and Ulala. "Since this is an extreme circumstance. I'll let you have the guns he left behind. Use it only to protect yourself."

Katsuya took the pink handguns out of his jacket and held the weapons out to them. Ulala's shoulders involuntarily rose and she informed him. "I-I don't need… this. I DO know how to box, you know. Wouldn't it be better to give one to your sister?"

"No, she has horrible aim. It would be safer not to," Katsuya paled and swiftly dismissed the idea.

"She can't be that bad," Ulala argued.

"I am… I went to the shooting range once, it was when my father was still in the force. It… didn't end well. I banned from ever entering again. So, I'll just use my Persona for now," Runa recalled.

"Okay, if you say so! I'll take both of guns, then!" Maya cheerily decided. She ran up and took the pink handguns from Katsuya. She checked the safety and placed them in her belt.

Saeko-sensei emerged from around the corner and she asked. "What's wrong!? I heard a loud commotion…"

"The principal has been murdered. Backup will be here soon, so don't worry. Tell the students to stay in their classrooms," Katsuya informed.

Saeko-sensei's eyes widen at the news of the murder but she calmed herself swiftly and nodded in confirmation. "I'll send word out as necessary and try to contained the situation. Good luck."

The teacher spun on her heels and hurried in the opposite direction down the hallway.


"Where do we go now?" Runa inquired once Saeko-sensei left.

"We should find where the suspect went, and pursue him," Katsuya answered her.

"Let's try the clock tower," Maya suggested.

"Why there?" Ulala wondered.

"Not sure… But as it's a good as place as any to start," Maya admitted.

They all agreed they should at start their search at the clock tower. They started walking down the hall when a demon made up of slime slithered into sight. Runa felt herself being pulled and found the world around had changed entirely. Katsuya, Ulala and Maya had also been dragged into the strange realm. They noticed the demon and drew their weapons.

The slime demon bounced up and down. "Squishy, squish squish! It's a human!? I want to talk to you! Squish!"

Everyone stared blankly at the demon, dumbstruck. "…"

"What's wrong? Say something… squish…" The slime demon with beady red eyes requested. When no one said anything, the demon cocked it's head or it's equivalent of that. "Is this your first, squish, time talking to a demon?"

"I believe it's my first time," Maya answered after she lowered her guns.

"Squishy, squish, ooze! Are you, squish, nervous? There's no need to be…" The slime demon assured her before it exclaimed. "Squish! I know! I'll teach you how to contact demons!"

"Teach me," Maya smiled and said.

The slime demon proceed to explain that demons are similar to humans as in they feel emotions, too. Though demon feelings are more limited when compared to humans. Anger, happiness, interest and fear are the main emotions they feel the most. According to the demon if you made demons feel one emotion strongly enough, they'll react in different way. Runa made a note to herself to avoid making demons angry and to focus on making happy or interested. The demon mentioned something about a Velvet Room and tarot cards. The slime demon also told the four of them about how demon personality could come in many different varieties. Once the demon had finished explaining how demon contacting worked, it said. "Sorry to, squish, take up your time! But since you stuck around 'till the end, I'll give you 3 Tower Tarot cards! Good squishy-squish luck!"

The demon slithered off and threw 3 cards at Maya. Maya caught them and placed the cards in her pocket. The realm surrounding them flickered and disappeared. They found themselves back in the hallway. Maya put away her guns and concluded. "That went well."

"It took awhile though," Runa commented with a frown.

"Let's just get to the clock tower, already. I rather not stand around here too long in case a less friendly demon comes along," Ulala crossed her arms and said with her eyes darting left and right.

They went upstairs to the fourth floor. They turned the door handle of the door that led to the clock tower, but it wouldn't open. Maya sighed. "It's locked…"

"We should go to the janitor's office, he usually has a key," Runa suggested.

"Sounds good. First floor, right?" Maya agreed.

"Yep, good guess. It's on first floor. Let's go," Runa complimented.


On the way to the Janitor's room they encountered some demons, but they managed to talk their way out of most battles. When that failed Runa focused on healing while the others managed to slay the demons using their weapons and Persona. When they arrived at the Janitor's room, they spoke to the janitor. He unfortunately didn't have a key, someone else may have taken it. But the janitor did suggest they go to the faculty office as there is a spare key there. Inside the faculty office, Runa approached Saeko-sensei. "How are the other students?"

"I told them to stay in their classrooms. You should stick with your brother, though. I know you're not the type to stay put for long," Saeko-sensei replied, she sighed with a heavy heart and said. "I hope some backup arrives soon…"

Runa rejoined the others and saw Ulala speaking to Maya. Runa listened as Ulala shook her head and she told Maya that. "I thought that the Joker was just a rumour… That's… why… I… I never thought a rumour would become real."

"None of us," Maya reassured her.

Ulala nodded and looked to Runa. "What are thinking about with all this?"

"I have to admit that I find our Personas interesting, to say the least. Especially your Persona Katsuya," Runa replied.

"Helios… That's another 'me,' so they say," Katsuya said slowly before he added. "Another me, oblivious to myself… How ironic that it has to be a cat."

"How so? Do you not like cats?" Maya inquired.

"Quite the opposite, actually. However they tend not to agree with me," Katsuya answered.

"Ah, you're that reporter, aren't you?" A voice from behind said. They all faced the direction of the voice and found it belonged to Souka-sensei.

"Oh… Hello, Souka-sensei," Maya greeted the man and asked. "Did heard about what happened?"

"Yes, I got it! A murder in the principal's office! I got it! This is serious! You want to interview me about, right!? That's why you came back to this room!" Souka-sensei confirmed and later assumed.

"That's not why I'm here…" Maya informed him.

"So what's wrong, then?" Souka-sensei frowned and wondered.

"The clock tower key is missing," Maya told the teacher.

"Huh? It's missing? I wonder who took it out?" Souka-sensei was bewildered and insisted pressing a key into Maya's hands. "Here's a spare Clock Tower Key! Please use it!"

"Thank you, sir," Maya accepted the key and looked at Katsuya, Ulala and Runa. "Let's head to that clock tower! We'll catch that killer!"

"You sound way too excited about this Maya-san," Runa grimaced and followed the journalist.


When they reached the top of third floor's staircase, Runa could feel a slight wave of power brushing lightly against her Persona's own waves of power. It was a similar feeling to the one she felt when a demon was about to strike.

My Persona is trying to tell me something, she realised so she stopped walking. She mentally reached out with her Persona and she could sense a familiar presence. Upon recognising it, she exclaimed "This is…!? Is it Joker!?"

Katsuya closed his eyes and reached his own Persona. It took him longer, but he opened his eyes and remarked. "I understand now, this feeling… It's fainter and harder to sense than before. But regardless, it's possible that the Personas calling each other. And as you guessed, it's same resonance as before… It must be #501!"

"So he's at the clock tower then?" Ulala hazarded a guess.

"I don't know, I just sense he's nearby and he's not injured. I don't know his location," Runa shrugged and she glanced at her brother. "How about you?"

"I don't know for certain I couldn't sense him at this distance until you alerted me of his presence. But given the evidence, it's more than likely we'll find #501 in that clock tower," Katsuya reasoned.

"A demon's approaching! Get ready!" Maya warned them. Maya drew her guns and aimed them at a decaying shuffling corpse that was growing closer. "It's whoop ass time!"

Once the zombie schoolgirl had been slain, they hurried to the fourth floor and went through the door to the clock tower. Inside the spinning cogs turned the ticking clock bearing the school's emblem. Light filtered in from the stained glass of the clock illuminating the dust particles suspended in the air.

"Ah, there, over there!" Ulala pointed to a catwalk above the clock tower's cogs. Runa followed Ulala's gaze saw Anna and Joker facing each other.

"Hey, creep! Stay away from her!" Runa called out as Joker took a step closer to Anna.

"Runa-chan, what are you!? Get out of here, now!" Anna locked eyes with Runa and shouted.

Joker ignored her outburst and told Anna. "Lady, forget her. You are my partner. I'm here for you."

"I don't even know you… I never did the Joker curse…" Anna shook her head she starting backing away from Joker. She continued until her back met the wall and she couldn't go any further.

"No need to worry. You'll understand me and the 'Other Side.' If you do, yo'll realise that 'This Side' is the evil side. I won't hurt you, let's go," Joker extended his hand for her as he beckoned her.

Anna shook her head refusing and her hands went flat against the wall.

Katsuya aimed his semi-automatic pistol at Joker and ordered. "#501, get away from that girl!"

Joker whirled around to face Katsuya and swung his sword in the air. "Don't get in my way! You can just play with them!"

"Who?" Runa wondered before three demons appeared flying above the spinning cogs beyond the safety rail. Two of them were white and blue snakes with leathery wings. And the third central one was a white and blue female with demonic wings and a draconian skull upon it's face. The demons dragged Katsuya, Runa, Ulala and Maya into what Runa had decided to call a battle realm.

They stood on spinning cogs while the demons hovered above. It was clear in this realm the demons held the advantage. The winged female demons lifted her arms and shouted. "Bufu!"

Shards of ice rose from beneath Katsuya and struck him. He lost his balance and almost slipped off the cog. However he regained his balance and avoided that fate thanks to a timely effort from Maya. She had grabbed his arm and helped him. She told him. "Be careful."

"I will. Thank you, Amano-san," Katsuya replied fixing his glasses. His eyes narrowed suddenly and he instructed her. "Duck! Quickly!"

Maya, and Katsuya himself crouched down as one of winged snakes swooped at them. The beast missed by a hair's breath and hissed at them as it returned to hover next to it's twin.

"Alright, go! Let's combine our attacks!" Ulala determined as she summoned her Persona, Callisto.

Maya and Katsuya nodded and called forth their Persona. The trio's Personas surrounded the enemy, water, fire and earth collided with the enemies.

The female demon with wings cried out and slain by the Fusion Spell, Stone Rise. "G-ya-a-a-a-a!"

A winged serpent launched itself at Runa, it's mouth opened wide. Runa fell back. She panicked and kicked at it's scaly head. It fell onto the centre of the cog with a smack. The other serpent meanwhile struck Katsuya with it's tail and he landed on his knees. When the serpent moved to strike again, Katsuya shoot at demon and forced it to back off.

"Angelos! Diarahan!" Runa restored Katsuya's health.

Katsuya whispered his thanks before summoned Helios. He casted Agi on at the serpent he had shot at previously and he proclaimed. "It's over!"

The serpent yelped and fell from the air. It vanished before it even touch the cogs. Speaking of which, the serpent Runa left on the centre of a cog leaped at her.

"Back off!" Maya shot at the demon's wings and grounded it before the serpent could reach Runa.

Ulala then conjured Callisto and shouted. "Persona! Zan!"

Curtesy of Ulala's spell, the final demon left went flying into the air and faded from sight. They left the battle realm and found themselves back in the clock tower.

On the catwalk above, the fiend, Joker told them. "Not bad…"

When Runa saw Anna unconsciousness by Joker's feet, she glared at him. "You… What the hell do want with her!?"

"Really, you and the questions again? Oh, fine, just sleep for a bit, will you?" Joker nonchalantly requested. He summoned his Persona and casted a spell.

Neon green rings made up of Zs surrounded Katsuya, Maya, Ulala and Runa.

Runa had a fair idea what the spell might cause and she gasped involuntarily it's name as entered her head. "Dormina…"

"Ang…elos-s…s" Runa called for her Persona, but she yawned and it disappeared. She grew unsteady on her feet and fell victim to sleep.

The last thing she heard was Katsuya mutter a curse. "Ugh…!? Shi…"


POV Change

Maya's Point of View


"Mm…" Maya Amano murmured as she heard a voice.

It was Joker's and the killer suddenly blurted out. "You're…!?"

Maya's closed eyes winced as clanging sounds of two swords exchanging blows rang out. Maya couldn't stay consciousness and slipped back asleep. When she awoke again, she opened her eyes and pushed herself up. Her lethargic limbs protested against the movement, but she refused to let them have their way. She sat and glanced to her right.

Maya let out a sharp breath when she saw what was beside her. Anna had been laid down next to her, and the boy from the train station was crouched down by the former athlete. The boy whom Ulala dubbed Deja Vu Boy was wearing a red jumpsuit with a black X on his jacket. Maya shook her head. Is this real…? Could that be him?

The Deja Vu Boy stood and glanced up at the catwalk. "He got away…"

Yes, this is real. That is definitely the boy I ran into at the station… And for some strange reason, I feel that I've know him from long ago. Even before that day… Who is he? Maya pondered as she dragged herself to her feet.

Deja Vu Boy threw something at her, she caught it and examined the object. It was an emblem taken off a Seven Sisters High School uniform. Why would he give me this?

"Go to a detective's office called 'Kuzunoha.' It's in Aoba… Spread a rumour that you'll be safe with that emblem, even from 'him…'" Deja Vu Boy instructed before he turned his back on her.

"Where are…?" Maya started to ask.

He glanced over his shoulder and said interrupting her. "And lastly, do not involve yourself in this. Forget… everything…"

"Forget…?" Maya echoed as Deja Vu Boy made his exit.

Moments after the door closed, Runa stirred and pulled herself into a seated position. Maya stuffed the emblem into her pocket and lowered herself down beside the girl. "You're awake."

"I am," Runa said before she noticed Anna on the ground nearby. "Did something happen while I was sleeping?"

"You can say that… A boy that I've met before shown up… He saved her," Maya informed her.

"And Joker?"

"He got away," Maya's eyes cast themselves downwards.

"Oh… That's not good," Runa gloomily muttered.

"Don't fret. We'll catch him next time!" Maya assured her when she noticed the girl's mood.

The girl gradually brighten. "Huh… I guess. Thanks, Maya-san.

Maya nodded and she turned her head at the sound of a familiar groan of her housemate.

This is the weirdest day of my life, Maya thought as Ulala awoke from the sleeping spell.


So that was the first chapter of the sequel fanfic to Persona 2 IS - Another World and thanks for reading it. The hardest part of writing this fanfic will be keeping Maya in character. So if anyone notices in this chapter or the ones to come that Maya is a bit out of character, tell me and fix it to the best of my ability.

Overall I hope people can enjoy this new fan fiction!