Velvet Room, Inc.
First of all, I would like to say that this fic ain't dead. I am terribly sorry for the wait. I've been practicing my writing by delving into other stories aside from the Persona series (I think some readers have noticed) so that I can improve myself, and what I have been doing for the past months included a mix of school, video games, and writing other fics. Again, I am sorry.
For a notice, I would like to inform everyone that Velvet Room Inc. has undergone major rewriting (yes, all chapters) as far as my writing style is concerned. I re-read the whole fic again, and decided some few months ago (maybe September of 2013?) to improve the story after practicing other fics. My efforts seemed to have paid off, and as of February, I have begun to rewrite every single chapter of Velvet Room so far. I won't be as busy anymore, as graduation has already been done and as of now, I'm spending summer vacay while fixing some stuff up before college (yes, here in my country, it's common for a 17-year old to already be entering college).
Fear not—the general premise you have seen so far is still present, albeit with new twists and turns with its improvements. For the many months this fic has been gone, I would like to pay for lost time by a more improved work.
And so, thank you for your support. I still see readers drop by then and again if this fic was already located so many pages far back into the archives of the Persona fanfics, and that makes me happy. Here's chapter 1 revamped, and expect the others to come soon.
DISCLAIMER: Persona 3 and all things associated with it is owned by Atlus. Seriously, they do. You must be high if you think it's someone else's.
CHAPTER 1: Welcome to the Velvet Room
"Fired again, huh."
For the umpteenth time to date, I was heading back home without a job. I put my headphones on as I waited for the next train home down at Port island Station. Playing music all by my lonesome self seemed to be the only peace I could savor for the moment.
I went by the past week's events that seemed to justify my luck when it came to finding a PERMANENT source of income. My self-esteem and pride shrunk as I recalled my utter failure of a journey in finding a job.
Monday. Hagakure Ramen.
My peripheral vision (or maybe my sight altogether) bluntly ignored the stand placed on the floor that shouted in bold letters the words "WET FLOOR." What ensued after was a minute-long scream session from the Gourmet King, courtesy of my slip-up and two orders of Hagakure Bowls finding themselves landing on his crotch.
Tuesday. Chagall Cafe.
The waitresses convinced the manager to give me the boot after I mistook their changing room for the male comfort room. Seriously, they HAVE to make the signs bigger. Or just change pink female pictures to the words FEMALE.
Or maybe I just need to start wearing glasses, like my optometrist prescribed.
Wednesday. Sweet Shop.
The telephone directory number for the factory where the shop ordered chocolate was way too close to the one for the factory that produced coffee. Throughout the day, customers were complaining "how their treats tasted like cappuccino or black coffee."
Thursday. Club Escapade.
I made an attempt to try those bottle tricks bartenders do, and seconds later a bottle of whiskey flew onto old Mutatsu's head. My records, clothes, stuff, and existence vanished altogether after the ambulance and the police came into the scene.
Friday. Game Panic.
I spent more time mastering Yoshimitsu than helping the kids who wanted to play. 'Nuff said.
Saturday. Rafflesia.
I got overexcited with the scented candles I brought with me from the store and 10 minutes later, firefighters and a crowd were swarming the outside.
And we come to today's latest highlight—
Sunday. Paulownia Mall Police Office.
I practically begged Officer Kurosawa for an hour and a half to let me join the Port Island Junior Night Patrol. Though it was primarily for the sake of the community, volunteers earned 40 000 yen from the primary beneficiary of Tatsumi Port Island, and that was the Kirijo Group. They wanted to make sure that Port Island remained safe, as their leader was quite fond of the place or something like that.
Anyway, Officer Kurosawa gave in and gave me a slot, since they were lacking a member for tonight's watch. My blunder? I looked through the equipment room since the good officer told me to familiarize myself with the place, and found myself in awe of a sawed-off double-barrel shotgun. I took the weapon in my arms, and tried posing with it like I was hunting down some bad guys. Officer Kurosawa came in to check on me, and, getting a shock from the door suddenly opening, I accidentally pulled the trigger and left a gaping hole in his hat.
"Oh, train's here."
I stood up and entered the car. I was quite surprised that there were very few people, as late afternoons had a lot of people going home in time for some quality moment with their family.
Family. Something I haven't thought of in a while.
After I was born, I was separated from my parents due to reasons unknown to me. I was left in front of the doorsteps of an orphanage, where I was taken care of by the people running the place. I was sent to school through a scholarship they had been able to find for me and a few others, but only up till middle school.
In the orphanage, I never really made any friends. Watching the others just leave after getting adopted meant that if I got to know some of them, they were bound to leave me sooner or later. I didn't want to feel hurt, and I never forgot about my real parents too—which was why I ended up as the lonely kid who never even got an interview, and just kept aging into young adulthood while still in the orphanage.
Two months ago, that changed. I decided that it was high time that I lived alone and learn to become independent, as I no longer wanted to be a burden to the people who had taken care of me all this time. After they accepted my decision, wished me the best of luck, and even raised a small fund just to help me get around for a while, I found an apartment practically owned by the Kirijo Group, and was satisfied with the place and the fair rent that was presented.
I walked down the car and found an unoccupied seat. After having sat, I noticed the passenger beside me reading book and immediately recognized the blonde.
"Hey Aigis." I greeted. Aigis put her book down, faced me and grinned.
"Ah, Minato-kun! Fancy meeting you here," she said. "I don't normally see you out on Sundays." Aigis was one of my "neighbors" back at the apartment. Shortly after having formally becoming a tenant there, she was the first to have welcomed me—however; we were still far from what you'd call casual friends.
"Well, I was out job-hunting again," I replied. "And I found one as well. Too bad I got fired 15 minutes after I got the opening, though," I said, chuckling.
"You've got really bad luck, y'know?" Aigis said worryingly. "If you can't find a steady job soon, how'll you eat? Or even pay your rent, for that matter?"
Bullseye. I was starting to get short on the cash I had when I finally started my "solo life" that I finally decided to start looking for a source of money for rent, provisions, and my other needs.
". . . . I could always become a hobo," I replied, forcing a smile.
But seriously though, I don't wanna end up being a hobo. . .
Finally, I just sighed, put my hands in my pocket and looked down sadly. "Well, I'll just have to keep looking for a job 'til I stop getting fired."
"But in the meantime, if you need help, then don't hesitate to ask, 'kay?" she said. I could see the genuine concern on her face. Damn, it made me wanna cry. Please don't pity me, I'll feel all gooey inside.
"Thanks, but I don't want to be a bother to you," I said. Since her parents worked overseas and were successful entrepreneurs, she was sent unbelievable amounts of allowance every month.
"C'mon, you know it's not gonna bother me. It'd be my pleasure to help you," Aigis urged. "Besides, you've helped me out a lot of times so let me pay you back for all the times I owed you."
"You don't have to, really. And I don't you to get a sense of debt from all of my helping. I help you since you need it from time to time, 'kay? Everyone does. Not 'cause I expect a reward or stuff," I said, patting her head.
For some reason, her cheeks reddened. ". . . . .we're not even past the casual friends stage, you're so unfair. . . . ."
"Hey, did you say something? You're a bit red." I placed a hand on her forehead to check her temperature. "A bit warm, too. You okay?" I asked. "I-it's nothing! I'm f-fine!" Aigis replied. Her expression seemed kinda off.
"Iwatodai, Iwatodai! Last stop for Iwatodai!" the announcer spoke.
"Hey, it's our stop. Let's get off," I told Aigis as I stood up.
"A-ah, sure."
While walking to the apartment's direction, Aigis and I spent the time chatting about stuff like other job openings around Port Island, dinner, and eventually school.
Since I didn't come with much money to begin with, I was practically an out-of-school-youth. I didn't go to high school, nor did I know much people in the vicinity. Besides, even if I did have the money, I just wouldn't fit in Gekkoukan High School. Why? It was a school for the rich kids. If someone had 500 yen for each time a Gekkoukan student snickered at me, he'd already have a million yen.
Save for Aigis, that is. She was the only Gekkoukan student that I knew and was acquainted with.
"Hey, are you really fine with not going to school? Aren't you missing out on a lot of things?" Aigis asked.
I looked up and smiled sadly. "I am missing out, but I think I'm just not cut out for a normal life anymore, y'know? I'm bad at making friends, I've got terrible luck, I'm too strong for my own good, and my smarts just won't get me anywhere with how I put it to use."
"But you've got really good points too!"
I chuckled. "I somehow doubt that, Aigis."
"Ugh, I don't understand how you have such low self-esteem. Why can't you try being confident in yourself once in a while?" Aigis asked.
"Well, it might make me seem arrogant," I said flatly.
"There's just no arguing with you, huh," Aigis sighed.
"Oh, I nearly forgot. I gotta go to the shrine, so go on ahead without me Aigis."
"Naganaki Shrine? What are you gonna do there?"
"Oh, it's nothing. See you later!" I waved goodbye, running to the shrine's direction. Aigis grinned and waved back, before turning the other direction and walking back to the apartment.
It might seem like it was the douchebag decision to leave her walking all by her lonesome self, but I never considered it was since she always carried a stun gun and knew lots of judo moves. I shuddered at the memory of when she mistook me for a kidnapper when I tried to sneak up behind her and tickle her.
The shrine was as it usually was after I climbed its steps—the playground that was near the entrance; donation box by the temple, beside it was the fortunes; and leaves scattered here and there. I walked around a bit, searching for a familiar face when suddenly; a ball of white hit me up front and tackled me down to the ground. As I strained to see who it was (or what it was), I got assaulted by tongue and saliva. Turned out to be just the one I was looking for—
It was Koromaru, the shrine's guard dog; at least, that's how his job seemed to be.
"Hey there, boy! Happy to see me, aren't ya?" I grinned at the hound. Koromaru barked loudly and wagged his tail back and forth in a flurry.
I sat cross-legged on the ground and took out a ham sandwich. "Here you go boy. Hope you weren't too hungry when I wasn't around," I told Koromaru. He was practically jumping up and down at the sight of the food, and it was evident that he couldn't wait to wolf down (pun intended, *chuckle*) the tasty morsel. I gave him the sandwich, and Koromaru proceeded to tear through the food. I sat down beside him, sighing. I just couldn't get over the fact that I was running out of options to choose from regarding my near-empty piggybank holding the budget I have.
"Hey, maybe I'll get lucky and be wandering vagrant with my trusty sidekick, the White Koro! We'll have adventures, and I'll start wearing a white cap with animal ears on it, and I'll turn you yellow! Even better if people start giving me food and money for all the good stuff I'll do!" I said, chuckling.
"But, like hell that's gonna work, right boy?" I said as I patted Koromaru. He looked so content after having finished his food I couldn't help but smile.
"Hehe, just look at you. All you need is something good to scarf down and you're content, huh? Makes me kinda jealous. . ." I ranted. Koromaru whimpered and licked my face. "Hey, thanks for the compassion," I said, ruffling his coat. "Hope I find a job soon, though."
Suddenly, Koromaru started barking at me, not in a bad way, and jumped back and forth away from me. It was as if he was telling me to go with him somewhere. . .
I stood up and went after him, and before I knew it we were moving away from the shrine and towards station. I wondered at the back of my head why my instincts told me come with this dog all the way back to Port Island. Well, Koromaru IS a smart dog, maybe he's got something for me. . .
Once in Port Island, the white hound darted through the streets and led me to an alley in Paulownia Mall. I found myself asking why he would take me to such a place.
Reaching the end of the alley, I spotted a weird blue door. Koromaru was sitting in front of it, wagging his tail and somehow holding an aura of success. Above the door was a gold plate with sapphire-colored letters, blinking at me with the words "Velvet Room, Inc." Koromaru barked and leaned on the door, scratching the doorknob as if telling me to open the door.
Something about the place drew me in, and my curiosity was pushing me onwards. I subconsciously gulped and grasped the golden knob, turning it and finally pushing the blue door.
I stepped in and found myself in a sort of lobby, filled with (what did I expect?) blue furniture—sofa, glass coffee table, carpet, cabinet. I walk around with Koromaru following me in a leisurely pace and stumble upon the reception table. Behind it was a man clad in a blue uniform with blond hair. He almost looked like a bellboy or something. He sat on a chair with his back towards me, reading a book. I took another step forward when he closed his back, stood and turned to face me.
"Good day, sir. My name is Theodore. How could I be of assistance?" the man asked. His aura radiated sophistication and contained power, something that put me on edge. As my lips parted to speak, words came out of my mouth that I didn't even think of saying yet, almost as if it was a reflex.
"Uh, do you perhaps have a job opening in this place?" I asked. Theodore blinked, seemingly surprised. He shifted his expression, now grinning from ear to ear.
"Ah, it seems Master Koromaru finally brought in another Candidate. It's been some time since Master Tatsuya had succeeded the Line, anyways . . . No matter. Please, follow me," Theodore said. He started walking towards a door that emitted a unique vibe, pulling at the inner depths of my mind; beckoning me to go in the room it contained behind it.
I thought for a while about what he just said, contemplating whether or not to ask him about what he meant by "Candidate" or who "Tatsuya" was for that matter. In the end, something in the back of my mind decided for me not to pursue that line of questioning. At least, for now.
After opening the door, Theodore held onto the knob and bowed low, just as how a gentleman would open a door for a lady.
Not that I was a lady.
I went into the room and found myself in some sort of office. There was a long table placed in the center, with seats all around it; kind of like the ones in corporate meetings. From top to bottom, the place was a hue of velvet blue, including the carpet and the furniture. A man in a jet black suit sat in the largest chair in the room. His expression was that of someone amused and in glee, with eyes that told of deep understanding and wisdom. His hair was tied into a ponytail. Seated beside him was a man who seemed older with his unruly tufts of white hair. His eyes were bloodshot and combined with his long, beak-like nose and hunched back, he seemed like a bird of prey contemplating about his next meal.
As I scanned them, I notice that the wall behind them was no wall - it looked like the metal grates you'd see in an old- fashioned lift. Besides that, whatever looked like a wall past those grates continued to descend, as if we were inside an elevator.
"What is this place. . .?" The silence was broken when the man in the black suit gestured for me to take a seat opposite him in the long table. He was grinning from ear to ear, as if he was just given the best present he could ever hope for.
"We have been watching you for a while now, Master Minato Arisato. My name is Philemon, and this is my assistant, Igor. We believe you have the Potential needed to accomplish a heavy task at hand. Which is why we bid you—
"Welcome to the Velvet Room."
Leave a review, criticisms and complements are welcome, and so are suggestions. Peace out.
~Arsony