The following story is a [FAN-FICTION]! Persona series are all owned by ATLUS, Katsura Hoshino, Shigenori Soejima, and Shoji Meguro. Please support it's official release.
This story will bring back the Metaverse as "The Another Universe" since it will take the main inspirations on Persona 5 but in a twist. Also, a familiar villain character who is an Ex-Outer God from ATLUSxP5's Imagination project will be in this story.. Like I said, this story is set ONE YEARS AFTER Persona 5 after… Wait… I can't spoil the good ending. You need to buy the game and beat it. But hey, characters from Persona 3, 4, and 5 will appear in this story. It's something I want to do… which will be my take on "Rebellion" and "Freedom" against the restrains of the "Another Universe" and it's mysteries of the humanity's remains. Thus, I decided to take a bit inspiration from the Train Traveling aspect from Kamen Rider Den-O. The Velvet Train will be a key transportation since I've been thinking about it for a long time before I wanted to work on this story. Now then, let's get started!
Persona: Estranged Journey
Verse I: To you, We'll see them.
?/?/? ?, ? ? - ?
First Person POV
*Persona 3 OST - Aria of the Soul
In a unknown location of a strange atmosphere… I felt the sound of a train making clicks and clacks on the rails… Just as I can vision that after I slowly my eyes… It felt so different from this everyday dream. But… this is no dream I can vision of… When I started to look around. I encountered… an old looking but strange man with a long nose, sitting on the table, leaving his grin while his eyes were closed. I was sitting on my chair after all. And next is that young girl in blue with long white hair holding that black book with a "V" on it… Yet, who are these two. Yet, where am I? What is this place? Is this a dream?
"What's… going on?" I said calmly as I looked at the young girl who has taken noticed of me.
"Ahh, you must be awake. My Master has been waiting to see you." The young girl politely said to me with her calm expression… Master? Who is this Master? This old man? Suddenly, the old man started to chuckle a bit as he opens his eyes.
"Eh?" I responded confusingly as I looked at him.
"Welcome… to the Velvet Room." The old man with a long nose said as he continues.
"T-The Velvet Room? It's… new to me but I still don't get it. Like… at all!" I said with my worried expression. Plus, it's nice to visit this nice… luxury train here, though.
"Please do not be alarmed. My name is Igor… I am delighted to make your acquaintance." Igor continued as I calmed down. I guess I should be patient. "This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter… It is a room that only guests who are bound by a [contract] may enter… It may be such a fate awaits you in the near future."
"An… contract?" I asked as he continues.
"Now then… Why don't you introduce yourself…?" Igor asked my name. Right. My name…
"My name is [Ichiro Okabe]. To be honest, I was taking a train ride home back to Masaki City. I kinda fell asleep until… this happens like right now. Heheh." I said as I scratched the back of my head. To be honest, I'm a bit clumsy.
"Hm… I see… You do indeed have that feeling our last guest had when we first met after this… dire situation involving a certain man named, the [Trickster]. Aside from that…" Igor continued as he smirked. "Now, let's take a look into your future, shall we? Do you believe in fortune telling? Each reading is done with these same cards, yet the result is always different…" He chuckled. "Life itself follows the same principles, doesn't it?"
"Oh, well… Yeah. I don't mind fortune telling. So, fire away." I asked Igor about he as he starts to make the cards appear like magic as he spreads the cards out on the table. Then, he flipped the card… the card with a number [XVI]... it shows a tower destroyed by lightning.
"Hm… The Tower in the upright position represents the immediate future. It seems a terrible catastrophe is imminent." Igor explained about it…
"What comes up and what comes down…" I said to myself as he continued to flip a another card…
"The card indicating the future beyond that is…" Igor said as he reveals an card with a number [XVIII] on it… That's the Moon i'm seeing. "The Moon, in the upright position, This card represents 'hesitation' and 'mystery'... Very interesting indeed."
"Could be." I said.
"It seems you will encounter a misfortune at your destination, and a great mystery will be imposed on you." Igor continues. "In the coming days, you will enter into a contract of some sort, after which you will return here. The coming year is a turning point in your destiny… If the mystery goes unsolved, your future may be forever lost. My duty is to provide assistance to our guests to ensure that does not happen."
Then, he makes his cards disappear as he noticed.
"Ah! I have neglected to introduce my assistant to you." Igor looks at the young girl in blue with golden eyes. "This is Lavenza. She is the resident of this place, like myself."
"My name is Lavenza. I am here to accompany you on your journey." Lavenza said as she bows at me with a slight smile as Igor looked at me.
"We shall attend to the details another time. Until then… farewell." Igor said to me as my vision starts to blur out into blackness.
"Wait… what do you mean… ugh…" I started to fall asleep once again. It's like I'm floating in outer space where I can't feel anything and lost all of my oxygen… That is until…
4/11/2019 Masaki City, Japan Afternoon - Cloudy
"Huh!?" I gasp right at the moment to look around my surroundings… I guess I'm the only person in this car here during this train ride. I looked at the window reflection that I can barely see myself, I have a normal hairstyle with a black hair color and brown eyes, not some emo. White t-shirt, black jeans, and a black hoodie. I'm just about 6 feet and weigh about 135lb. And a bit muscular. Like I said, I am Ichiro Okabe. I'm moving back to Masaki City in order to visit the memorial cemetery of my father's death. I didn't attend to the funeral because I was at Tokyo. Well… you know why.
[Flashback]
4/10/2019 Shujin Academy, Tokyo, Japan Morning - Rainy
"As you all know." My former teacher, Sadayo Kawakami continued. "Ichiro will be transferring school starting tomorrow due to the recents events with his father's death."
Brown-haired student: "What? He's transferring after his father died? Yikes… that sucks."
Black-haired student: "Man, He's just an ordinary student here but… it's sad to see him go."
"Now, class. Settle down. There's no need to cry but it is best to say goodbye to him and move on with his life." Kawakami announced to everyone as everyone continued to mumble and chatter…
[Reality]
*Clazziquai - Prayers
And so, here I am, making a journey to my hometown of Masaki City, a city near the seaside like Yokosuka, but more vibrant like Nagasaki. It's been awhile since I came back here when I was little. But, I kinda do remember about some building I know when I was little. I kinda visit with my father everyday to the place called the Kirijo Group Masaki Division. Just to let you know, my father works there to be honest. He said that he was working on some secret project that he never told me. Yet, it all remains a mystery.
Brown-haired man: "Hey, have you heard the news about Masaki City going on?"
Suddenly, I started to overhear the two people talking. One is a man and the other is a woman.
Black-haired-woman: "Oh? You mean recent strings of murders going on regarding about disturbing things… like mental shutdown or whatever."
Brown-haired man: "That's already been gone two years ago ever the whole 'Phantom Thieves' debut. Besides, the real strange occurrence about the recent strings of murders is true. I hear people rarely dying in public or at home. I hear it targets young adults."
Black-haired woman: "Oh dear… that doesn't sound good…"
Brown-haired man: "Scary, huh? Think about SAO's Gun Gale Online for a second. A guy named Death Gun kills players which also kills the person in real life."
Black-haired woman: "Never heard of it."
Brown-haired man: "F-Forget what I said!"
Hmm? Young adults dying mysteriously? Hmm… That's pretty strange to me indeed. Guess I better watch out for some dangers then. After all, everything changed.
Train Announcer: "Next stop, Masaki. I repeat. Next stop, Masaki."
Oh good. There's my stop.
-[Masaki Train Station]-
*Persona 5 OST - Beneath the Mask
Just as I got off the train. I guess no one isn't getting off as the train heads to the next stop… I guess I'm the only one here…
"Hey, I've been waiting for you. Glad to see you back in Masaki, huh?" The voice of a man spoke to me as I noticed as he arrives. Heh… he's the same as ever. My mother's younger brother as he claims himself as he is… Tenga Nogami.
"Tenga-san. Long time no see! How have you been, though. It's been six years after I moved to Tokyo with my mother." I said to him with my usual expression. I'm really carefree, you know?
"You're still the same as ever, Ichiro-kun." Tenga smiled at me as I noticed a little brown haired girl wearing an normal clothing. "Ahh, I want to introduce you to my daughter. This is Ryona. Go on, say something."
"H-Hello…" Ryona shyly greeted me a she stood behind him.
"Don't worry, she's pretty much shy after all. Not to mention that she likes listening to Risette-" Tenga was slapped behind by Ryona much to her embarrassment. "O-Ow! Heheh. Anyways, my car is here. I'll take you home where your parents used to live in. I've been taking care of it ever since. C'mon, let's go."
I started to follow the two into the SUV as Tenga started driving down the road in order for me to head home. But… I think he has to do something first…
-[NOEL Gas Station]-
Tenga has to take the SUV to the gas station in order to get it refilled. We then get off the car as Ryona felt uneasy…
"D-Daddy? C-Can you take me to the restroom?" Ryona started to squirm a bit as Tenga looked at her.
"Alright. Hey, Ichiro-kun. Look over the car for me while I take her to a restroom." Tenga told me as I nodded as he headed off.
I saw an gas station attendant guy with white hair who was seen refueling the car. But, he took noticed of me as I looked at him.
"Hey, are you new to this city?" The attendant asked me.
"Oh no, I was born and raised here. You can say that I'm returning back to Masaki." I told him as he smiles.
"Really? That's good news. I'm surprised that you're even calm as well. Haha! Anyways. You got a name?" He asked me about it.
"Ahh, it's Ichiro Okabe." I replied to him as he thinks but starts to smile at me.
"Ichiro Okabe, huh? That's a not bad name. I thought your name was going to be a strawberry. Ain't that embarrassing?" The Attendant asked me as I sighed normally.
"Honestly, people can insult their name in a incorrect way." I said as he chuckles a bit.
"You're a curious one, Ichiro-san. Anyways, I wanted to give you a gift. Please, no need to refuse. It's someone that is special for you. Take it. I'm really a generous person, you know?" The attendant gave me a card as I took it. I didn't even say a thing. "Anyways, I need to get busy now. Till we meet again."
I stared at the card that he gave it to me. I flipped the card around just to check until…
[BA-THUMP…]
"GUH!?" The pain in my head… my heart beated. Yet, I feel strange… I'm becoming dizzy, it felt like the presence is strong, giving me whispers in my head… I don't even know what's it saying to me but whispering gibberish… Just a few seconds… my visions remains normal as my head no longer feels pain… I looked around to see what's going on to see… oh… crap…
"Umm… Are you okay? You don't look too good…" Ryona actually saw me but… I have to respond.
"A-Ahh… It's all fine. I'm not sick all. Say, Tenga-san. Can we start heading home now? The person um… just finished refueling your car." I asked him as he nods.
"Ahh, alright then. After we arrive, I need to get started to settle in your home once again. So that way you can start jogging up your memories." Tenga said as we got in the car as I chuckles.
"Oh come on, I already remember about my home, though. Trust me. I can tell my room is left clean." I replied to him with a straightforward answer as I chuckled. Then again, It feels great to be back here.
4/11/2019 Okabe Residence, Masaki City, Japan Afternoon - Cloudy
"And welcome home, Ichiro-kun." Tenga said to me as I looked around. Though, it's still a two-story home. Nothing changed.
"Thanks, Now I can finally relax at home ever since my days at Shujin." I said as I took a stretch to relieve myself to feel better.
"Also, you also know that you're transferring to a new high school starting tomorrow, right?" Tenga told me about it… Speaking about that… The high school that I'm going to attend at Masaki… that will be Kyuden High School. I never attended there when my mother took me to Tokyo to live a normal life. Still. I need to prepare.
"Before you go into your room. Do you mind helping me prepare the food for the evening?" Tenga asked me. Hmm… Well, I can cook so why not.
"Sure thing, I'll help you." I asked him as he smiled.
"Thanks, you're a good person that I can rely on." Tenga smiled as I proceeded to help him…
-[Evening - Rainy]-
As we three were seen eating our food. Well… we did some toast for… myself after my arrival.
"Now then, Ichiro. Let us eat and-" His voice was cut until…
[PI PI PI! PI PI PI!]
"Ugh… Calling me at this hour?" Tenga stood up and turned around and walked a bit little far to talk privately… "Yeah? Okay… I see. I'll be on my way." He turned off his phone as I looked at him.
"Something wrong?" I asked him.
"Nope. I have things to do with my work. Good thing I made a right choice to skip a booze. Anyways, Ryona please take care of him. I'll be off. Later." Tenga said as he grabs his umbrella as he headed off…
"Hmm… He must have been busy today. You can say it sounds pretty rough to me." I asked to Ryona who is still kinda shy.
"Well… Daddy's busy because he's a detective. He sometimes come home or not. But… I'm going to be alright." Ryona replied as she looked at the TV news.
TV News: "In the latest news. Recent rumors about the mental breakdown has returned. Located in Masaki City, Masaki's underground subway was damaged and claimed over 80 people. The police are current inves-"
Then, Ryona turns it off as if she wasn't interested.
"This is boring…" Ryona bluntly said. "Oh… you should head to your room. I'll be okay."
"Right…" I responded as I headed upstairs to call it a day. I hope things are pretty nice in my life. Plus, I need to get ready for school… Even though… it's good to be back.
?/?/? The Dream ? - Foggy
In the foggy area which is new to me… I stood up to look around as if I'm standing on a invisible ground. Where am i? What is this place? Is this supposed to be a dream? Just for me? I don't get it. I don't even get it at all. It's either that I have to walk or stay… For that, I'll decide to walk forward.
"Hmm… An strange presence…" The mysterious voice said to me out of nowhere… "I see… You're NOT from here but managed to enter here in your dreams."
"Umm… Yeah? You got a problem?" I glared to looked around to see who's talking to me.
"If you're that curious. Walk forward I'd like to see you try if you reach the walls…" The voice instructed me as I didn't care. Making off with a run with my feet as I kept going far.
"C'mon… C'mon… why does it has to be so far- OOF! O-Oww..." I fell onto the ground… my face hurts… Wait a second… I noticed to see the wall… a white wall that I'm looking at.
"Oh? It seems you reached it. Now then… touch it. If you wish to reveal it yourself…" The voice told me as I looked at the wall. Seems I have no choice. It's like a curious child peeking into presents! Oh well, at least touching one wall wouldn't hurt! As soon as I touched it…
[KRRRRRRRR!]
"H-Huh?" I noticed as the fog starts to disappear as the walls starts to crumble down as it was revealing to me something… Just as the walls reveals to me… it was an old town in night time… wait… it feels different. It looks like Masaki but it isn't… wait a second…
"Do you understand now?" The voice continued. "This is a different world compared to the current world. This year is 1945… Humanity of Japan or should I say… Fusou are near nearly wiped out by these 'shadowy creatures'. You may expect survivors here, estranged one. But know this, you may not survive… But I ask of you... please save this Another World..."
Just as the voice spoke… everything went white as my dream ends…
4/12/2019 Kyuden Academy, Masaki City, Japan Early Morning - Cloudy
*Persona 5 OST- Everyday Days
The next day… after the whole weird, strange dream. Today's my first day at my new high school. Yet, I'm still a second-year here though. However, my new homeroom teacher named Sadako Kagari who was seen introducing to me.
"Okay, class. We have this transfer student who recently came back to his hometown. This here is Ichiro Okabe. Just to let you know that he used to attend Shujin Academy until now." Sadako said as I looked at every students who were seen whispering and chattering.
Black-haired student: "Huh? He's from Shujin? I heard about that Academy."
Blonde-haired student: "To be honest, they're strict and they'll won't think twice about suspending you."
Brown-haired student: "I heard my friend attends here and she was part of the track team. To be honest, she got harassed."
"Now then, everyone. Let's stop talking. So, Ichiro-san. Got anything to say?" Sadako asked me.
"Oh, it's nothing at all." I responded to her.
"I see. Well then, you should take your seat then." Sadako told me as I did so, taking the last two row at the right. "Now then. We will start with English. Grab out your textbook and flip to page 135…" And so… Sadako continued on… Will I fit in this class? Besides, I am back at Masaki City. Oh well, I guess I can take my time to get settled around here.
-[Lunchtime]-
"Yo!" The voice spoke to me as I turned around… a black haired dude with brown eyes, wearing a school uniform like me. Do I know him? "You're that transfer student, right?"
"Y-Yeah, I am." I replied to him as he slaps my shoulder hard… dude, that hurts.
"The names Saburo Komura! Second-year just like you! Hey, maybe we can start becoming friends today, huh?" Saburo seems… like an nice guy. I don't see his violent intent despite that… he's a delinquent.
"Oh, sure, I guess?" I confusingly responded as he becomes much more happy.
"Sweet! Hey! Since you're new… I can give you a tour around the school. Don't worry, I know every area now and then. C'mon, I'll show you!" Saburo went as I followed him. Well… this guy isn't bad after all. I wonder if I were to get along with him…
-[Kendo Club]-
"And here we are! At least… our school is basically known for amazing Kendo tournaments! Thanks to that hot chick! To be honest, if you look at her breasts… she's super hot…" Okay… I think Saburo is kinda pervert…
[BAP!]
"Too slow! Your attacks won't even lay a scratch on me. You should train harder before you fight against me…. Who's next!?" The young woman yelled to every male students as they all stand back, cornering themselves like sheeps.
But… she's… badass. And her appearance… She has pink hair that has become fuller, a scar over her left eye but replaced with an eyepatch made of glass to cover it over her missing eye. She wore a red, black, and white kimono with the sleeves tucked in the sides of a black vest, gold, and black greeves, sandals, and peach eyes. But, her fulled hair has two tufts pointing upward like cat ears. Her footwear resembles boots with the back of the heel and toe missing, though she has a male school uniform that she wears like a cape. Also, I can tell that she wears a sarashi under her shorts. To be honest, she's not wearing her school uniform at all.
"Hmm? Hey… Saburo-san… Who is this person…" The woman said with a glare… talk about unfriendly, lady!
"Ahh, Baiken-chan! This here is a transfer student from Shujin. He's Ichiro Okabe. He's said that he was born and raised in Masaki. Surprised, huh?" Saburo introduced her to me. But… her boobs… they're big… Suddenly, she starts to approach me.
"Hmm… you do seem new…" The woman said to me… maybe her personality has mellowed slightly. I guess she does express herself more amiably towards people like me. "Ichiro Okabe, right? The names Baiken Karibuchi… Captain of the Kendo Club. Starting today, you will become part of my club."
"That fast!?" I became sudden after that. What's the big deal!?
"Haha… Well… I guess I should go outside to check on my awesome bike-" Okabe's sentence was cut then he was trying to leave…
"HOLD IT!" Baiken exclaimed. "Don't think twice about ditching me ever since you refused to join my club many times. This time, you'll be joining for sure. If you dare escape from me… I'll have to cut you…"
"E-EEEK! A-Alright! Okay!? I'll join! But… Just go easy on us, Baiken-chan!" Okabe kneeled and bowed frantically as I sweatdropped. Okay… what's with him… Maybe I need to know more about Baiken. To be honest… she fights like a real samurai. I even seen her fight with one hand with ease! How crazy is she…
-[School Gates | After School - Cloudy]-
*Persona 5 OST - Sunset Bridge
And so… it was after school… Okabe left on his bike as I was seen standing on the school gates, looking at the sky… Masaki City is indeed a quiet, peaceful city after all…
"Hmm? You're still here, Okabe?" The voice of Baiken asked me as I noticed her.
"Baiken-san. I didn't know you're here and…" I looked at her katana with her red sheath. "Where did you get that? Is that even allowed to bring that to school?"
"I usually put them in the hiding spot that no one cannot find." Baiken continued. "Also, do you have time to talk with me?"
"Oh, sure. I don't mind to talk with you." I asked her as she nods.
"Good. Then, meet me at Tachiyama Park, if you know where it is." Baiken said as she starts to head off as I followed her.
"Hey, I know where it is. So, I'm following you." I talked in as I rushed to follow her. Hmm… I think trusting Baiken isn't that bad after all… Plus, she seems carefree when after school. I'll have to find out myself if I can get along with her.
4/12/2019 Tachiyama Park, Masaki City, Japan After School - Clear Sky
"Here you go." I gave her a drink as she takes it. But, she seems disappointed.
"But… this isn't sake…" Baiken said as she looks at it.
"It's just a regular drink from the vending machines. You can only get sake at some liquor stores or something." I continued as I sat next to her. "So… Umm… you wanted me to meet at this park to talk about something?"
"Yes… That is… I need your help to win kendo tournament in two weeks… Which is why I want to train you. The academy from Kyoto is going to challenge us and I fear that they have one who has the same strength as me-"
*Persona 5 OST - Suspicion
"Hey, Long time no see, Baiken-chan…~" The voice of a male said as we noticed… the male with blonde hair approches as he held a metal pipe to his shoulders along with three other boys with him. "I hope you're ready to be crushed for next week's kendo tournament! I have our team at Kyoto kick your ass and your team…"
"Tch… Goto Kusanagi… What do you want. Why are you here in Masaki City…?" Baiken stood up as she glares at him.
"Oh? What do I want?" Goto starts to glare her back until he smashes his metal pipe down to the ground hard as he releases his anger. "You're in my goddamn turf! Our practice area! My boys spied on you everyday. Morning, Rain, Snow, and Night! And yet, you always get to relax and do whatever the hell you want!"
"Hmm? You got a problem with that, Kusanagi?" Baiken become aggressive towards him until Goto points his pipe towards her face.
"Yeah! Get the hell out of our turf, you damn sl-" Goto's sentence was cut until…
[SLASH! CLICK!]
Baiken used her katana in a lightning fast draw with as she didn't care with her eyes closed. She looks annoyed because of him.
"S-Shit! My pipe! Bastard! This isn't funny! I know!" Goto then brings out his phone. "I'll just call the cops and no one will ever suspect the-"
"Just stop this nonsense." I talked in as everyone looked at me.
"Huh? Kid, you don't know what the hell are you even thinking, huh? You're either stupid to stop us. Maybe I should call the cops to arrest you! Then, you'll be on probation and get expelled because you're from Kyuden!" Goto threatened me as I have to keep standing up.
"Look, I don't want involved with more trouble. It'll over get worse. Look! Even little kids and their parents are coming into play!" I yelled at Goto and his boys looked at childrens playing.
"Oh? Well then… instead of the cops…" Goto then uses his phone to…
[CLICK!]
"I'll take a picture of you and Baiken-chan instead!" Goto started to become sadistic as he laughs along with his boys…
"Y-You bastard! Delete that picture this instant!" Baiken exclaimed as she tries to take his phone as he dodges.
"Nah Ah Ah!~" Goto continued. "You use your sword, my friends will call the cops on you if you cut my phone and MY hand! After all… We've been using the Takamaki Shrine as a our training area since two days ago…"
"Hey, boss… Maybe we should give up this place and head back to the shine and-" One of the boys asked him until...
[SLAP!]
"Shut the hell up, asshole! Don't. Tell. Me. What. To. Suggest! Got it? If you keep talking like that… I'll break your goddamn legs so you won't run anymore! Okay!?" Goto violently yelled at him as he cower in fear.
"S-Sorry! I am very sorry!" The boy pleaded as Goto sighs and carries him up.
"Anyways… Baiken-chan and your boyfriend… I'll give you… [Two weeks] to give up your turf of yours. If you won't… I'll send this picture right up to the internet. Remember… it'll stay there forever and all people will be in shock. Oh, the joy! Ahahaha! I'll be waiting! Don't try to think to kill me, alright?~ Okay, guys! Let's head back to Takamaki Shrine and train more..." Goto starts to leave with his boys, leaving Baiken to grit her teeth in anger…
"Damn manipulator…" Baiken spat at him just as he left until…
"Candidates found." The voice of a woman spoke from my phone as I noticed.
"Hmm? What was that?" Baiken asked me as I quickly grabbed out my phone… What the!?
"Velvet App…?" I said to myself as I touched the screen as it opens up… showing the first keyword that says 'Manipulator'.
"A velvet app… I have no idea of what's going on…" Baiken said to me.
"Well… Who was that guy?" I asked her.
"Goto Kusanagi. He's considered to be skilled in Kendo since he's from Kyoto. Yet, I don't get along with him and tried to get not involved of his blunt threats until now. This will be a problem." Baiken explained to me as I think of it…
"Goto Kusanagi…" I said about his name…
"Candidates found." The voice spoke again, adding a another keyword as Baiken noticed.
"It did it again… What does it want." Baiken thinks about it.
"I don't know… maybe it wants keywords?" I asked her as she thinks…
"Your right… this seems awfully strange about this phone… When did you have this app?" Baiken said to me.
"I don't know… I rarely use my phone and all. But… I think it's looking for hints. You got any?" I said to her about it as she starts to think it up right in her mind…
"Hmm… as far as I know… Goto said that he and his followers trains at Takamaki Shrine." Baiken said the location until…
"Results found." The voice spoke from the app as it switches to a location to a map… a map of Masaki City itself!
"Hmm… So this is the location?" Baiken talked in as I nodded.
"You're right about that. Something is strange about this app…" I replied to her as I tapped on the map location of the shrine to get more info but instead…
"Beginning navigation… please stay behind the white line until it's arrival." The voice from the phone spoke as we felt a presence around the air… Everyone around us is starting to slow down as me and Baiken looked around.
"W-What… What's happening!?" Baiken grabbed her sword's handle to prepare for the worst as I stood behind Baiken to looked around.
"I have a bad feeling about this…" I asked her as she nods. Just as were… staying behind the white line… the blue elevator-like door appears behind the white line… "Or… not?"
"Well then… Should we go in?" Baiken asked me… well, doesn't hurt to try.
"Yeah, I think we should. We'll never know what's next." I said to her as I stood behind her… but, why bring a sword in a place like this…
4/12/2019 Velvet Station After School - Cloudy
*Persona 3 OST - Aria of the Soul
As soon as we entered in that blue door. We came out of it as it closed on us… Great, are we trapped?
"Damn… we're locked in. There must be a way out…" Baiken gritted her teeth as she kept standing ready. "Unless…"
"Are you here to travel to Takamaki Shrine?" The voice of a little girl spoke as Baiken looked to her right… The golden-eyed girl with long white hair holding a book… wait… I think I've seen her before… Wait! It was in my dreams!
"You! Are you the one who sent us here!?" Baiken drew out her sword and pointed at her.
"W-Wait! She's just a little girl! I… I think I know her…" I explained to Baiken as she becomes rather confused.
"Just… what are you on to…" Baiken continued to ask me.
"Don't worry. I can explain… Umm… It's kinda complicated so…" I said as the girl I know named Lavenza spoke.
"It seems you bought an acquaintance with you, Ichiro." Lavenza said to me as I scratched the back of my head.
"Haha. Yeah. I kinda got carried away. Oh! This here is Baiken Karibuchi. A… friend that I first met." I introduced to her as she was a bit confused.
"I see. Now then, please climb aboard. We'll be leaving to Takamaki Shrine in a few moments." Lavenza said as she headed into the train… I do remember that train when I first came here.
"This better not be a trap…" Baiken said to me as we entered inside the train car as I sighed.
"Just calm down for once. I don't know where is it going to take us except the shrine. But, I'm sure we'll continue to find more answers once we arrive." Yet, I knew things like this we're going to happen…
-[Two minutes later…]-
I was seen looking at the bottle of sake as Baiken takes it and starts drinking it. I'm quite surprised to see her enjoying the time like this. After all, the train started moving.
"Ahh… Much better…" Baiken sighed in relief as I looked at her.
"So… Lavenza… Care you tell me about this Takamaki Shrine? Are we literally traveling here in the real world?" I asked at her as she shook her head.
"Not quite. You'll be taken to an alternate universe in Japan. The location of Masaki will be different but the location will remain the same. The world you're about to enter is known as the Another Universe. It's currently infested with the creatures known as Shadows that lurk around here. The origin of their arrival is unknown." Lavenza explained as I start to understand… I see… A different world we're visiting?
"Oh? So, you're basically saying is that… you're just going to take us there and deal with these monsters?" Baiken asked her as she nods. "Then, I'm in."
"Well, I guess we need time to prepare, though. So… umm… Say, Baiken-chan… I'm curious to know about your… you know. Life." I asked her a single question about it as she finishes drinking her sake.
"Since there is nothing to do… I guess I can tell. My family came from a Karibuchi bloodline of samurai for generations. From the Sengoku Era all the way to the Heisei Era. I'm the current one next in line. My grandfather who used to be alive at that time taught me the ways of a samurai. Yet, I've improved the more I progress. That's all you need to know." I guess Baiken's story about a samurai is pretty interesting. "Now, what about yours?"
"Ahh, well… I'm just a normal person. I pretty live a normal life up until now. But… Oh yeah, Lavenza. Is Igor here at this moment?" I asked her.
"Master is currently away at this moment so it's my job is to look over you once you head to your destination." Lavenza replied to be as I sighed.
"I see. Anyways, Baiken-san. We still need to deal with a problem in reality. That Goto guy took pictures of us and threatens to leak it on the internet until we give up our- I mean… your turf! I know it sounds crazy but… we only have two weeks! Which is the day of your Kendo tournament!" I exclaimed about her situation.
"You maybe right, but… I don't mind having such things gets leaked online." Baiken said as she doesn't care. Yet, I'm worried.
"What!? It'll embarrass you!" I exclaimed. "I mean… what if your family name is tarnished or something!"
"I have no fear." Baiken sigh. "If he wishes to do it. Then, I will accept it. It's part of accepting reality."
"Sorry to cut you two talking. It seems that we have arrived." Lavenza said as we both looked at her. Then, we both looked outside… So this is… a shrine. Wait I mean… the Takamaki Shrine. It looks so strange having a shrine to act as some feudal castle itself.
4/12/1945 Takamaki Shrine, Masaki City, Fuso Afternoon- Clear Sky
"Geez… Should have visited Kirijo Labs for a tour… Anyways, Baiken-san. We're getting off." I told he as she does so as we exit the Velvet Train as I looked at Lavenza. "Are you going to leave us?"
"There is no need to worry, I will be waiting for you as long the creatures do not see the train. Thus, I will wait for your return." Lavenza bowed as I looked at Baiken.
"Crazy, huh?" I asked her as she nods.
"You can say that. Right now, let's check out this Takamaki Shrine ourselves." Baiken said as I nodded as we both started to head into the shrine castle to see it for ourselves.
-[Takamaki Shrine…?]-
Just as we headed inside this place… we suddenly find ourselves in this main area which reminds me of a foyer room in some medieval castle.
"I get the feeling that this feels unsafe for us." Baiken continued as I looked at her. "Let's do some small scouting and then leave. We don't want to trespass here any further."
"Right. I suppose I can agree on you with that. We'll-" My voice was cut as we heard steps and metal clanking. Baiken prepared her sword as we come across to see an samurai with a mask and armor which he dons.
Samurai: "Hey! What are you two doing here!?"
"U-Umm…" I tried to say something but…
"Please, we apologize for invading this place without any means. We shall take our leave now-" Baiken's voice was cut.
Second Samurai: "Hold it, intruders! We do not allow any trespassers come to this shrine without the Emperor's permission!?"
"Emperor? What are you on about?" Baiken is rather confused but held her sword if they plan to attack as the third samurai appears.
Third Samurai: "You cur! You dare insult the Emperor!? Unacceptable! We shall slay these putrid intruders!"
Second Samurai: "I agree! Let us kill them and report this to the Emperor!"
First Samurai: "You've got nowhere to go! Any last words-"
[SLASH!]
However… it was cut short as Baiken quickly cuts the samurai in half as it dissolves into black goop after it melted… eww…
"I guess we have no choice but to fight… Ichiro-san stay behind me!" Baiken told me as I did so. Plus, she's pretty good so I have to rely on her.
Third Samurai: "H-How dare you! Quick! Send the reinforcements right away!"
"Damn… I guess I have to fight them off…" Baiken hissed as she blocked the blades and slashes right back at them as the battle continues on with metal blades clanging. However, many samurai soldiers arrives to the scene as if they were to stop us.
Fourth Samurai: "Surrender now or else we will kill you by force!"
"All of you are a pain in the ass! Get out of our way!" Baiken yelled as she continues to slash down the samurais one by one. She's too good. Way too good!
? ? ?: "Hold it! All of you!"
The voice of a echo yelled through the room as everyone stopped. Even Baiken as well. The footsteps was made as the person was seen stepping down from the stairs. What I see from this man who was seen wearing a golden samurai armor with no helmet and mask but retained a same face of what Baiken knew… Goto? Plus, he has golden eyes and spoke in a distorted voice.
"W-What the… Goto? Why are you here?" Baiken asked as she sheathed her sword when he arrives just to approach us.
Goto?: "No, I'm asking why are YOU here, snooping around my beautiful shrine here. Can't you see this is heavily guarded when my samurais are in training?!"
"Hmm? To be honest, what's with that gaudy armor?" Baiken asked him about it as he is rather angry.
Goto?: "Y-You dare call my armor 'gaudy'? Please! This armor is fitting for a Emperor, you filthy-ass peasants!"
"Ehh? Emperor? You can't be one unless you're old enough!" I exclaimed to him over his stupid title. Yet, he becomes much more angry.
Goto?: "Tch… you're more annoying than I thought. I don't even know you except this bratty samurai Baiken. As for you… I found a more suiting way to shut you up..."
"Eh?" I was confused of what's he's going to start-
[STAB!]
Goto?: "By killing you, it's the most but yet solution that I came up with.~"
I was stabbed… stabbed right into the chest… Yet, I'm currently bleeding out. Just as one of the samurai pulled out a sword from my chest. My vision starts to blur out as well as me slowly getting muted…
"Hey… Hey! Ichiro-san! Ichiro-san! Can you hear me!?" I could hear Baiken's voice but my eyes starts to shut as the noise around me becomes fully muted… Right… I'm dead now… I guess this is the end of me…
?/?/? Afterlife ? - ?
When I slowly wake up… I suddenly find myself in this strange, otherworldly place. Then, a shimmering formless figure stand before me.
Soul: "Ahh, another lost soul… there's nothing for you here…"
"W-Wha? What are you talking- Hey! Wait!" I tried to talk to the soul who vanishes in thin air. He's gone… So, I took a deep breath as I look around of this place. "Oh well… I guess I'll have to continue walking down this path, I guess."
As soon I continued walking down the path in this afterlife. I come across an another soul who was seen talking to herself as if she is crying.
Female Soul: "Oh… Nobuyasu-kun… It's all my fault… The military Empire of Fuso… why… why would you do this to us…"
The soul started sobbing as I felt… heartbroken because of her. Empire of Fuso… Is that what it's called? I get the feeling that it'll remind me of Imperial Japan. Again… visiting alternate worlds is a discovery for me… and Baiken.
But, I have to continue… I can rarely see souls appearing. Yet, they must be sad after all. I assume what past things they've done or suffered must be dramatic for them.
Male Soul: "All I did was to serve the Empire honorably… These… demons lay wasted us… I shall continue to walk down this path of what I've done as a pilot…"
An WWII japanese pilot, huh? That's a nice soul to him. What about the other one behind me. I turned around to hear what they say…
Second Male Soul: "The humanity of Fuso… gone. Everything is gone… because of these damn demons of the shadows… When will this war end…?"
"Humanity in this alternate reality… gone?" I said to myself until I shook my head to get it all off. No, I can't listen. I have to continue… to that beaming white light…
As I continued walking down this path more and more. I can still hear the crying of the people's soul. Yet, they must be grieving over their deaths. The Fuso Empire is no more but just a desolate land with no people but distortions. Just as I soon arrive to the place where I was needed to be. I stared at the light for a few seconds until…
"You there…" The female voice continued. "Can you hear me...?"
"Yeah. I can." I said as I looked around. She's isn't here until the bright light when I stare back starts to blind my eyes as I covered it…
Just as the light dies down. I come across to meet a tall, beautiful and lusty-looking woman. A tall woman with long fluffy red hair that fell down to her waist and golden eyes. She is wearing some sort of a black strange armor with spike shoulder pads on it. Plus, it's exposing her busty boobs as I looked at it. But, she was smiling at me as she took interest in me.
"About time someone with some sense showed up. Allow me to introduce myself… I, am Nyarlathotep." The woman known as Nyarlathotep introduced herself as she continued. "And welcome to Yomotsu Hirasaka, a nice, scenic road to the underworld. If you're asking of why I'm here? Well, I came here with my own volition.~ Though, I understand that you're pretty much dead. And your friend of yours is next in line."
"And how did you know?" I asked her.
"I know everything, silly.~" Nyarlathotep continued. "Even the souls remember see you arriving here. Again, you've accomplished nothing in your admittedly short span of life."
"Well, it's my fault for getting involved with this." I sighed in disappointment after what I done… coming to this another world… met Goto in golden armor… and then get killed by a sword right behind my back.
"How about this… together, we could change that. Work for me, and I'll return you to life. " Nyarlathotep offered me with that choice.
"And what if I refuse?" I asked her.
"It's your choice to walk away." Nyarlathotep replied as I pretty much know there is two choices to me.
"I see." I nodded as she continues.
"It's your call. All I need is your name." Nyarlathotep asked for my name… Should I do it? I mean… it's great to come back to life but… I'll be forced to work under her. If I walk away, then there's nowhere to go. My uncle will worry. Thus, I have to do it…
"Ichiro Okabe…" I said my name to her as she smiles.
"Ichiro… Okabe… Excellent. A little something for you…" Nyarlathotep said as she reached out her hand as I felt the white streams flowed into my body… I start to sense the strength surge into my body. Just as that, it stops as I looked at my hands. "...And a little something for me. You're now my own Godslayer. From this moment forward, you're nothing but a puppet… But MY puppet, apprentice. Just know, obedience isn't optional. Keep that in mind."
So then… everyone thing became so white as I was being bought back to life…
4/12/1945 Takamaki Shrine, Masaki City, Fuso Afternoon- Clear Sky
*Persona 5 OST- Regret
Third Person POV
The dead body of Ichiro starts to glow in a red aura as his bloodstains from his arms, hands, and his face starts to heal up. But… his body starts to have a tattoo of a black/red lines all over his legs and arms inspired by an style of a shaman. The lines makes it stop as it didn't reach for the head but it's neck to the chin. But, his bloodstain on his left bottom cheek resembling an pointer of a arrow becomes permanent of a tattoo. With all of his wounds are gone… he suddenly wakes up with a red eye color instead of brown. Not to mention the bloodspill on the floor is gone, too.
Ichiro POV
As soon as I stood up after I woke up… My wounds are healed. It seems Nyarlathotep isn't a dream after all… As I looked around. Baiken was still fending off the samurai one by one.
"Shit… I'm at risk here. If this continues… I'll be weak… Damn!" Baiken cursed as she continued to fight.
"Seriously? She's still fighting and more reinforcements keeps on coming. Hmph. How dumb." The voice of Nyarlathotep spoke… but she's nowhere to be seen "Down here, in your device."
"Huh?" I noticed when I grabbed out my phone. Nyarlathotep is in my phone! What!?
"Seems you notice me, At least you're not that kind of a stupid person you are. Oh and… you're about to experience things that will happen to you."
[CLANG!]
"Huh? Ichiro-san!? You're alive! And what happened to your body…" Baiken noticed me as she continued fighting them off with her sword as she dodges.
"Dukes up, apprentice. Didn't bring you back to keep dying at the hands of some scrub." Nyarlathotep said as she disappears into my phone as I put it away in my pocket… Suddenly…
*Persona 5 OST - Awakening
"So… you've heard my call, huh?"
"Wha?" I started to hear the voice in my head.
"About time you responded. You don't want her to die, right? You don't want this happen. Death slowly awaits her if you do nothing. Was your previous decision is rather an simple mistake to begin with?"
"N-No…" I continued. "It wasn't like this…"
"GYAH!" Baiken slipped her sword as she tripped after she lost her energy to fight… "Bastards… I won't die by those goddamn freaks like you!"
"Guh!" My body starts to feel pain as I couldn't resist it… It hurts… why… why does it hurt… make it stop… the pain is too strong…
"Very well… I have heeded your resolve, young one. Let us bound a contract…"
"GAAAAAAAHHHHH!" My body starts to feel pain more and more as I screamed in agony...
"I-Ichiro-san…?" Baiken started to worry for me.
Goto?: "What… the hell…?"
"I am thou, thou art I… I once descended to the underworld over my regrets. Thus, they perform outrageous acts for thine own justice! Go on, call my name… Get mad… Unleash your rage!"
"AAAAAAAAAUGH!" I started to feel more pain as it starts to fade away… I can't feel it anymore but instead… I felt this surging power in my body… I stood up and looked at the golden armored Goto with a menacing stare…
"Per…" I reach my right hand into the sky as something materializes. Everyone started to look at me as I was doing…
"So…" The card of the number 0 appears as It was spinning around slowly as it starts to slowly burn blue fire.
"Na…" Then, I crushed the card as the flame grows brighter as the burst of wind starts to rage as the flame starts to materialize into a figure… an human-looking figure of a samurai looking person wielding a long, wider blade. But his appearance shows his body of a six pack, but half of his chest is covered by a blue cloth. He wore some sort of a ripped/damaged japanese clothing. His face was covered by an mask used in wars back in the past as he wore a traditional hat and a long blue scarf being blown by the burst of wind…
*Persona 5 OST- Will Power
"W-What on earth…?" Baiken started to look at me… I was happy or… that crazy of a person I am…
"I am the God of the Summer Storm… Susano!" The figure behind me known as Susano spoke as he prepared his sword as all the samurais were blown away by the wind again. Tenga was scared but pissed after his soldiers are dead.
Goto?: "Tch… I don't care who you are if you have a power like that! I'll have my soldiers to kill you! What are you waiting for!? Stop being such a lazyass and move it!"
The soldiers about four of them starts to charge towards me… I smiled, commanding my Persona to lay waste these samurais…
[SLASH!]
The swift cut on the first samurai didn't stand a chance as it melted into black goop. The second and third started to jump up from behind as my Persona quickly reacted as he slashes more of the two but took it's sword and threw it towards the fourth next to Goto as it went for the head it fell down, melting into goop as Goto starts to shiver in fear. Then suddenly, my Persona disappears as I sighed. I come to get Baiken's sword as I gave it to her as she took it. She then got up on her own as I looked at him.
"Well then… We can't continue further in this place. Baiken-san. Let's get out of here." I said to her as she has no choice but to nod. I had to carry her out of here as we left the entrance of the shrine…
Goto?: "Hmph. Don't ever try to come back. I'll have to step my game next time…"
4/12/1945 Velvet Room After School - Cloudy
*Persona 5 OST- Have a Short Rest
We had to leave as our retreat… Persona, huh? I guess this is my power… But, just as we headed out of this place. Or this alternate world of the 40s. I noticed the train car that was open… I guess it was waiting for us. So then, we quickly head inside as it closes. The train starts running as we soon realize that we're now safe. Baiken was seen catching her breath as she sat in a cross position on the floor.
"Damn… I can't believe this… Goto is a damn king of this… Takamaki Shrine? What's up with his problem…" Baiken asked me as she continued. "And what is this 'Person' you've mentioned. I've never seen such ability before. How can you do that?"
"U-Uhh… I don't know. It just felt my body told me to do it. I kinda don't remember oh what's going on but… Huh?" I noticed to look at myself… Tattoos? All over my body? "S-since when did I gained this?"
"That, I do not know…" Baiken replied to me as if she has a hard time to explain until my body's tattoo starts to disappear.
"It's gone…" I said to myself as I looked at my hands. Then, I suddenly looked at Lavenza, standing next to that door upfront. Is this where it lead me? I can't remember…
"Welcome back, Ichiro." Lavenza continued. "I assume your journey ended up short?"
"Of course… I was killed, came back to life, having tattoos all over my body and fades in the process. It feels so weird…" I told her about as she felt that it's skeptical. But, she kept her composure.
"I see. Indeed tis' was strange. Oh, don't forget. My Master has invited to call you here." Lavensa told me as I noticed.
"Huh? Him? What for?" I asked her as she continued.
"That is for you to know. Now then, follow me-" Lavenza's voice was cut as Baiken stood up.
"I wish to come with. I do not know what's going on. I have so many questions to amend…" Baiken said to her as she shook her head.
"I'm sorry, I'm not allowed to bring you along. It is for Ichiro who can enter." Lavenza said to her. But, I have to talk to her.
"Baiken-san. Don't worry, I'll be fine. It won't be that long so… wish me luck." I told her as she nodded and sat on the seat to wait for me.
"Now then, shall we continue?" Lavenza said to me as I nodded. "Very well, then I shall provide you my assistance."
The door opens as we both headed inside as the door closes on us. I guess this is where I'll meet that long-nosed man again.
*Persona 3 OST - Aria of the Soul
"Ahh… Welcome back. I've been waiting for you." Igor said to me as I took a seat, looking at him with his grin.
"Umm… Thanks." I said to him as I scratched the back of my head.
"And so we meet again." Igor continued.
"Remember, Ichiro. This is the space that only those who have, in one way or another, entered into a contract may enter…" Lavenza told me about it as she continues. "In your daily life via in reality, you may be subconsciously heard the call to awaken if you're asleep in the real world. Though, you chose to follow the destiny of your inner voice… thereby enacting your glorious awakening to your power."
"Now, hold on to this." Igor then materialized a key as it was floating towards me. Which I took it…
[Obtained -Velvet Key-]
"From this day and night forth, you are our guest in this Velvet Room." Igor continued. "Your destiny will require you to hone your power, and for that, you will inevitably require our help. There is but one price for this assistance… You must abide by your contract and assume responsibility for all decisions you may make."
"Hmm… You know, I pretty much don't understand of that." I said with a sigh much to my own confusion…
"...That is fine, for now." Igor continued. "The Persona you've acquired… It is a side of you that shows itself when you face the world around you. Perhaps you can think of it as… a facade of determination you wear to face various difficulties in life. Your Persona ability, however, is that of the wild card… Compared to that of others, it is very special. It is like the number zero… empty, yet holding infinite potential within itself."
"So… What do you mean by 'Special'?" I asked him as he continued.
"The Persona ability is the power to control one's heart… and the heart is strengthened through bonds. As you form bonds by becoming involved with others, your own Social Links will gradually develop. The power of these Social Links is what will determine your Persona's abilities." Igor explained about this Social Links I never heard of but…
"Umm… Lavenza? Can you explain this to me?" I asked her as she explains while holding her book as usual.
"Social Links are necessary for more than strengthening your Persona. At times, they will help light the way to the truth you are searching for." Lavenza explained to me. Okay, I get it now.
"Where will your awakened power of the wild card take you…? I look forward to traveling the road of your destiny together…" Igor chuckles.
Suddenly, I felt the train stopping as if we must have…
"It seems we've arrived back to the real world. Allow me to escort you." Lavenza said as I stood up.
"'Til we meet again…" Igor said his last words as we both headed out of the room… I hope Baiken kept her patience…
4/12/2019 Tachiyama Park, Masaki City, Japan After School - Clear Sky
*Persona 5 OST- Sunset Bridge
Just as Lavenza escorted us out of the door. We're back in the real world but it's still stopped in time around us.
"Now then, as my Master said, Ichiro. You will be coming with your free will from now on. You may expect to find the door which is the key you have." Lavenza said to us as I looked at her.
"Right, I'll take note of that. So… you're not going to stay in the real world?" I said to her as she shook her head.
"Sadly, I cannot. I have matters to attend with my Master in the Velvet Room. But then again, you're free to use this app which you were given by my Master." Lavenza continued. "Anyways, I must head back now. Until we can talk again in another time."
She smiled and bows as she heads back into the blue door as it disappears. Then, the time around us started flowing normally in time as the background regains the colors. We could hear the kids playing…
"So… I guess it's all real, huh?" Baiken asked me. "I never knew Goto would be so… crazy trying to kill us. Yet, I'm surprised that you survived… an attack. Again, you have that strange power. So, I'll tell you what. I will be following you from now on. There is so many mysteries we need to discover. But for now, Let's do this together. I'm sure we'll get through this."
"Yeah." I nodded with a smile.
Even with so much mystery swirling around the air, I still trying my hardest to move on. But with Baiken… I think she's eager to help me to solve this problem going on… Though, I'm starting to sense a faint stirring of friendship with her…
[CRACK!]
Thou art I… And I am thou…
Thou hast established a new bond…
It brings thee closer to the truth…
Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the [Empress] Arcana…
So… this is called Social Link like Igor and Lavenza said…
You have established the [Baiken Karibuchi] Social Link of the [Empress Arcana]! Though, Baiken's determination in battle is enhanced in towards the next preparation. Again, she may be powerless but she can fight seriously.
Just as I regained my senses. I quickly come to realize…
"Oh! I notice that I really need to head home. So… talk to you tomorrow!" I said as she nodded with a smile.
"Very well, see you tomorrow then." Baiken then decided to walk back home while I decided to run back in order to call it a day.
4/12/2019 Okabe Residence, Masaki City, Japan Evening - Cloudy
*Persona 5 OST- Beneath the Mask -instrumental-
Just as I came back… late. I soon to notice that Tenga isn't here yet… I guess that he's still doing his detective work? Plus, I was looking at Ryona watching TV. I shouldn't disturb her so I'll just head to my room.
-[Ichiro's Room]-
Just as I entered in my room. I start to feel some sensation in my body. I looked at the mirror to take a quick look at myself…
"Geez… what have I gotten myself into…" I said to myself until…
"C'mon, no need to go sad and all. Besides, I helped you to awaken your Persona of yours." That voice… it must be… Nyarlathotep… "Besides, you are MY own personal Godslayer, my apprentice."
Nyarlathotep appears behind me from the mirror as she was touching my chest with her hands smoothly as if she is seducing me.
"Just, what do you want? I was killed before until I get to live a normal life after I came back to life… My uncle would freak out about this." I said to her as she felt my cheeks.
"Fufufu…~ Don't be so hasty there.~" Nyarlathotep continued as she wraps her left leg and held onto me. "Don't worry, I can revive you many times as I want. Even in the real world as well.~"
"I know that's a great gift for me but… I want to ask you. Do you know anything about… the Empire of Fuso?" I asked her as she starts to think.
"Hmm… I can tell you about that world… To be honest, the humanity in Fuso are… currently hiding. I wouldn't say 'extinct', but suddenly disappeared when these Shadows appeared." She said to me until she shrugged off. "Again, I'm just an ex-outer god."
"Ex-outer god? Don't make me laugh. You're just some attractive ghost woman trying to seduce me." I glared at her at the mirror as she sighs and glares at me back.
"Listen here, Ichiro." Nyarlathotep continued. "I was banished back to the center of the universe after being defeated by you lowly humans… only to heap even more insult to injury when my fellow Outer Gods mocked me for embarrassing loss. This prompt my master, the Blind Idiot God, to finally open his eyes, only to see how much of a failure I've become as the avatar of his court. He deemed my position as inferior now… realizing the Elder Gods would take this as a chance to overthrow him as the prime minister as the prime ruler of the universe because of my failure, he decided that I had to be erased from existence… However, I wouldn't accept it… I asserted my free will and rebelled his decision. He instead found it more fitting to turn me into a damn spirit, stripped my powers, forever exiling me back to the real world and the Another World… hmph." She sighs. "Now, it seems he has a new avatar in my place… far more sadistic than I ever was."
"Huh? A new avatar?" I asked her.
"That, I can't know. But… I'll give you a hint.~" Nyarlathotep continued. "The avatar was the first to attack the Another World, causing the Fuso's humanity to flee after the shadows took over. After all, it's just an another universe based on World War II. Now then, go get some sleep, my apprentice. Oh and… make sure you go to school tomorrow. By the way, real quick for talking. I still have bit of much power left so… make it useful for yourself. You better not waste it."
Nyarlathotep disappeared from the mirror as I sighed off and headed off to bed. But… I also sense a faint, strange bond with her…
[CRACK!]
Thou art I… And I am thou…
Thou hast established a new bond…
It brings thee closer to the truth…
Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the [Judgement] Arcana…
Judgement? Honestly, I have no idea…
You have established the [Nyarlathotep] Social Link of the [Judgement Arcana]! Thus, you have earned the ability to use Nyarlathotep's powers by interrogating Shadows to become your additional Personas via by small chance. Interrogating stronger Shadows cannot work. So make sure you use that ability wisely. It can't be used all the times.
"What a drag…" I sighed as I headed off to bed to call it a day.
Personas, Social Links, Another World, Goto, and most importantly… Nyarlathotep. Yet… there is so much things I need to know more about… Even my power as well…
[TO BE CONTINUED…]
Opening - Sakura Meikyuu from Fate/EXTRA CCC
*Theme plays*
The theme starts where a pile of all arcana cards are on the floor as the view spins around them as it was slowly zooming in until it transitions to show the silhouettes of Ichiro, Baiken, and Saburo one by one until it finally shows Ichiro holding the Fool Arcana as he stood on the building to look at Masaki City as the wind was blowing as the sun rises and next shows the Velvet Room where Igor was seen opening his eyes as he smiles while Lavenza flips the page from her compendium. Then, it shows of the mirror of Ichiro and Nyarlathotep as they looked at each other but shows Nyarlathotep in underwater as she drowns into the abyss as it transitions.
Haritsumeta kodou no ito wo hajikarete
Ichiro was seen walking down the streets during the night time as he was seen holding the Fool Arcana on his right hand as he continues walking down the streets.
Karadajuu ni haritsuku kurayami wa
Baiken was seen doing her training with her katana as she realizes and grabs out the Empress Arcana as she stared at it with a serious glare then looks at the pink blossom tree.
Aanata o madowase okashite yuku no?
Saburo was seen looking at the shores with his parked motorcycle as he held out an Chariot Arcana during the sunset as the wind blows his hair.
Suujikango no unmei mo shiranai de
Labrys was seen flying in the sky over Masaki City with her rocket-powered axe on her back as she felt her chest as she shakes off her mind as she carries on her mission.
Kokoro ni kizanda kono omoi wa kowasenai hazu na no ni
Then, it shows the falling glass that shows the reflection of the characters and their lives as they were soon slowly start to reforming into a fixed glass. Then, Ichiro appears holding a floating card as it was glowing. So then, he crushes it and summons his persona.
Anata no koe ga watashi o hikimodosu
Then, it shows the battle of Ichiro commanding his Persona Susano to raise it's sword high to call the storms from above. And then Baiken using her Persona Amaterasu as she slashes the air with flames from her blade.
Kuzureru ashimoto ni sakura ga maichiru
Saburo was seen riding on a motorcycle Persona Fenrir as he held a shotgun as he fires it then to Labrys using her axe as she summons her Persona Ariadne as it creates red weaves elegantly.
Nomikomare sou na meikyuu o kirisaite
Isabelle Wittgenstein was seen in the Another World as she stood on the building to look at Masaki City of Fuso to see the dawn rising as the wind blows.
Tomaranai watashi no netsu o kanjiteite
Then, it shows the scene of Ichiro, Baiken, Saburo, Labrys, Isabelle, and Lavenza standing on the top of the Velvet Train while in the Another World of Fuso while the sun rises but ends with a quick silhouette appearance of the Shadow Operatives, Investigation Team, Phantom Thieves, and now the Crew of Motley Fools consisting of Ichiro, Baiken, Saburo, Labrys, and six other silhouette members. It ends with Ichiro standing on the blue sky as the light slowly shine bright as he held his hands out as the view zooms into this right eye as it shows the memories but zooms out quickly to end with a Fool Arcana card on the table in his home as everything went black.
-CHAPTER PREVIEW-
"I want to learn the truth of the Another World…"
That is what Ichiro said when he was determined.
But, the journey begins with Ichiro and Baiken. As well as the third member of the team…
Next Chapter: [Like vines tied by Fate.]
Author's Notes: Hello, everyone! Thank you for reading this story. I know It isn't good like my other cancelled Persona x Kantai Collection story. But, I did my best to create this story to have Persona 5 connect to Estrange Journey since this is set in 2019 while I think Persona 5 to set one year after. Now then, I took my time to create the story's setting and character with inspirations from Persona 4, 5, and Imagining Project. Also, Lavenza is from Persona 5. If you want to know about her. I can't spoil it. You have to beat the game first to know more about her and it's origins. If you want to know why I want this story is to have a alternate world focus is because I want to create a theme where humanity in the another world is almost lost. There comes the new heroes from the real world to liberate it from the Shadows... or rather the true boss. There is a small chance that I will work on it since it's going to feature a vast wide of characters. But this chapter focuses on the forming of the new group. The [Crew of Motley Fools]. Now then, I should end this right here. The next chapter will focus on Saburo Komura and one familiar character from Persona 4 Arena. And, I'll give out details on Ichiro's Initial Persona, Susano. Until next time… Switch on you Youth!
Le Compendium Info #1
Persona User: Ichiro Okabe
Persona Name: Susano - Arcana: Fool
Level: 2 - Next LV: 50
Melee: N/A - Ranged: N/A | Fire: N/A - Ice: N/A - Thunder: Str - Wind: Wk - Psi: Wk - Nuclear: N/A - Light: N/A - Dark: N/A
St: 3
Ma: 2
En: 3
Ag: 4
Lu: 1
[Zio] | [No Skill]
[Cleave] (New Skill) | [No Skill]
[No Skill] | [No Skill]
[No Skill] | [No Skill]
-(Next Skill Lv. 4)-
-[Sukukaja]-
