AN: The original version of the story was dormant for quite a while. Now, however, I've decided to start all over again just like with Duality years ago, having reworked some of the ideas. For those of you who read the original version of this story, Masato and Natsumi haven't been removed, rather they're going to be introduced later in the first proper arc of ten chapters. Akari is a new character, that I'm enjoying writing for, and I'm looking forward to taking this story in a new direction that I hope you guys enjoy. Please read, review, favourite, follow, etc! (Duality Chapter 112 is underway as well, but that might take a while)
真·女神転生
SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI
Persona: Gnosis
Prologue: The First Test
Flowing through the sea of information, the sons of man built a new paradise.
Weary of struggle, all man yearns for is bliss, without any pain to invade their peace.
Yet these sons of mankind, their minds have no bounds when the world's information lies at their fingertips.
They pursue knowledge of many kinds, never satiated. And there are many who would use that disaffection...
To cause pain, enough to end bliss and peace for an eternity.
They will justify this pain as 'waking the world up', ignoring the true devastation of their methods.
Yet they have acquired evil means to carry out their aims...
You who can hear my call...
The true knowledge you need to survive is not within the reach of modern technology.
Nor is it within the annals of history, etched onto ancient paper.
Rather, the truth of your own psyche.The full limits of your heart and mind.
That, one of a strong will, is called Gnosis.
It will begin soon. And it all begins with one step.
Here, in the world of the unconscious, do you still remember your own name?
Chapter 1: Spring Days
|April 10th 2017|Shinshuto City, Totsuka – Nakahara Household|3:21 am|
It was in the middle of the night, a time where most of the country was fast asleep. Yet one boy, in a quiet, opulent suburban home had been rudely awakening by the sound of a vibrating phone, sitting atop a stack of oft-read books. Irritated, he grabbed it from his bedside table, and saw his tired reflection in the phone screen. His black hair was shoulder length, and somewhat feminine, yet his eyes bore the wisdom of a future scholar.
I thought I set this stupid thing to not vibrate. What is it now? I need my sleep.
He looked, and saw a new text message. However, the name and number of the sender was completely hidden. Initially, he dismissed it as a spam message, but curiosity overtook him. He opened the message, and grabbed his black-rimmed glasses so he could read it.
Shintaro Nakahara. If you can read this, we'll meet again soon enough. You, me, and everyone else. I swear I'll solve everything for you all this time.
"...What?" He muttered quietly. Shintaro enjoyed a good mystery novel, he had an entire shelf devoted to such tomes above his computer desk. His room perhaps had more books than the used book store around the corner. But this didn't make sense. Meet 'again', the message sent. They knew his full name. And 'everyone else'.
Who the hell sent this? Kohaku? It's not like I have a lot of other friends besides her...
He considered whether to reply or not. If they withheld their number, no message could possibly be sent. Yet, it wasn't like he would lose anything by replying. So, still groggy from a lack of sleep, he managed to send a reply.
Who are you?
Strangely, his phone was able to send the message. Shintaro waited a few seconds, seeing if anything at all would happen. Yet nothing happened. Annoyed, he put his phone back on top of the books, and slowly went back to sleep...
|Kansei High School, Classroom 2-1|8:15 am|
Kansei was the oldest high school in this city, and held joint-first place with the Chieki Academy. Surrounded by nine huge skyscrapers in an area called the 'Divine Nine Crossing', the school had recently been completely refurbished on the inside. Most classrooms had pale blue walls and light wooden floors, complete with sleek, stylish desks. The windows gave view to the surrounding buildings, one of which was a massive insurance company's Japanese branch, the other a prestigious computer software company, and the other a law firm.
A girl sat at one of the desks, sweeping back her long brown hair, the tips of which she had recently dyed orange. She had only done it on a whim, but she liked the way it complemented her orange blazer – different from the purple most of the other students wore. She took a look at one of the papers in her bag, which contained some complicated sheet music.
"Oh hey Kohaku, your hair!" A shorter girl said. "It looks so cool!"
"Thanks, Akari-chan!" Kohaku Teruya said, blushing. Akari Ito was one of Kohaku's best friends from school last year, and it was a relief that they were in the same class this year as well. "I like what you've done with yours too!"
"Oh...thanks!" Akari said, embarassed. Her hair was a short bob cut, it having been slightly longer during her first year. She had added two pink horizontal bar hair clips to complete the look. Akari sat in the desk behind her, which was at the back of the class. "So, what's new? Your parents still major workaholics?"
"You bet. I barely saw them during spring break. Remind me never to get a job in politics." Kohaku said, sadly. "We were going to go somewhere, but then all kinds of work got piled on."
"That's annoying. My parents took us to Nara. Those deer were so cute! I got to feed a whole family of them!" Akari said, happily. "Did you and Shintaro-san hang out?"
"Yeah. The usual..." Kohaku said, smiling, thinking back on her and her best friend's Spring Break. Always the bookworm, he kept telling her about all the new books and authors he had discovered. At the same time, she kept giving him new CDs to listen to, or dragging him to the karaoke bar so she could hone her vocal cords – and mock his tone-deaf efforts.
"Oh, there he is!" Akari said, pointing at the door. Kohaku waved him over, but as he approached, she looked concerned. He wasn't usually this tired when he came to school – his blazer was crumpled, and his tie was loose.
"Morning, Haku-chan...hey, Akari-san..." Shintaro said, yawning.
"H-Hey..." Kohaku said. "What's up? You read through the Millennium Trilogy again?"
"Nah, just couldn't sleep...my phone went off during the night." Shintaro said, now looking worried.
"Really? You didn't put it on silent?" Kohaku asked.
"I did. I double checked it, but it was definitely set to not make a sound, or even vibrate. Yet at 3 in the morning, my phone is buzzing, and..."
While Akari got distracted by another student, Shintaro showed Kohaku the weird message he was sent this morning. Disturbed, Kohaku's eyes widened.
"They know your name? Who do you think sent this?" Kohaku asked. "You don't have any enemies from middle school or anything, do you?"
"No way. You're the only one from middle school I even talk to. But this makes no sense!
It's not like one of those stupid scams, like I've been in an accident that apparently happened five years ago or something." Shintaro said. "I didn't tell mom or dad. I want to think it's just a prank, but..."
"Calm down, Taro-kun. There's no point worrying about it for now. It's not like it's a death threat or anything, right? If you get anymore, just ignore them." Kohaku said. "It might have been someone at school. Like a secret admirer. I can always try and listen in on the gossip later."
"A secret admirer? Would they really send such a creepy message?" Shintaro asked. "Oh, I just had a thought. Maybe it's to do with those Bythos weirdos."
"Bythos? Those total psychos? Everyone's been going on about them. Lots of government criticism on their website, but they're so vague about everything. I dunno why they're getting so much buzz." Kohaku asked. "I did find one of their leaflets outside when I was getting off my bicycle...here. It's kinda creepy..." She pulled the leaflet out from her pocket, and Shintaro took a closer look.
WISE UP
For too long, Shinshuto's City Council has hidden the true depths of their corruption. They have trapped us all in a despicable, ugly world. One you have been conditioned to believe is Paradise!
They can hide behind their success stories, their new developments, but they only wish to satisfy themselves!
Yes, you must all open your eyes! They believe themselves to be the true power of Japan! Someday soon, they will conquer the Land of the Rising Sun, and from there, the world!
Do not give in to such tyranny, friends! Join us! For the sake of a better, brighter tomorrow, we must do what is necessary!
B.Y.T.H.O.S - Bright Years for The Honest Ones of Shinsuto - shall become the new hope of the world.
"That's one aggressive marketing campaign." Shintaro said. "Since when were the city council after world domination?"
"You always get anti-establishment creeps in places like this." Kohaku said. "I mean, look how much Shinshuto City is in the news. The schools are out-performing most in the country. Tourists are swarming in to see the sights. They're building artificial resort islands in Ginumi...and that place is gaudy enough as it is!"
"Hmm. So you think these Bythos guys hate all the new construction? What's so bad about this city's prosperity? Look at all the money that's coming in. Before they designated this place a city, hardly anyone knew this place existed."
"I just hope these Bythos guys don't do anything crazy..." Kohaku said, worried. "Everything's going so well for the city these days. I don't want it to go to hell."
"Relax. As long as we're together, we'll be fine." Shintaro said.
"...If you keep saying those things out loud, people will start to get the wrong idea." Kohaku said, smirking.
"Wrong idea about what?" Akari asked, curious.
"It's nothing. Just school rumours, the usual." Shintaro said. He looked at the door, and saw a woman approach. His face lit up as soon as he saw who it was. "Ah, it's her!"
The door swung upon, and there was a beautiful teacher – at least, in Shintaro's eyes – with long black curly hair and a pink blouse and white skirt, she was known for her elegance and her kind, motherly approach to her students.
"Your favourite teacher, huh?" Kohaku said, playfully nudging Shintaro with her elbow.
"Oh yeah. I was hoping we'd get Suzuki-sensei again!"
"Too bad she's married...a student-teacher romance would be huge news for Kansei." Kohaku said, grinning.
"Oh, come on! As if I'd go after a married woman!" Shintaro said. "It's not like I'd have much luck, anyway. Remember Kaori from last year?"
Kohaku sighed. "You turned your entire date with her into a character study of Macbeth. Not the happiest of plays to discuss over coffee and curry, you know."
"But...I thought we had a lot in common." Shintaro said, bitterly.
"Well, maybe better luck this year." Kohaku said. "I'll be your wing woman, of course. That is a thing, right?"
"Alright, settle down, everybody!" Suzuki said. "Welcome back to school, everyone. Looks like most of you were in my class last year. But to those new to my class, my name is Michiko Suzuki." She wrote the name down on the electric whiteboard, the school's new approach for modern-teaching.
"I was worried we'd end up with that toothless old guy..." Akari said quietly.
"As you can see, this school's gone through quite a few changes since last year. But don't forget that you're here to learn. To grow, to change, and to always improve yourselves. That much will never change, as long as you're here. As your teacher, of course, I'll always be here to support you."
She always likes giving these speeches. Just like last year. Wow, we are so lucky to stay in her class!
"Before I go any further, I'd like to introduce a new student." Suzuki said. Shintaro gasped. He had been so distracted by his new teacher that he hadn't even noticed there was a girl in uniform standing right next to her. Yet this girl was something else.
"Huh..." Kohaku said, staring at this new girl. "Wonder where she's from?"
She was nothing like anyone he had ever seen before. Short teal hair in a bob cut, with a blue and silver hairpin resembling a pair of scissors. Her eyes twinkled when she stared at her new classmates, revealing their bright blue hue. While she wore the uniform without customising it, like Kohaku often did, she seemed to have a blue sleeve under her shirt, on her left arm.
Huh...she's pretty. Maybe Kohaku was right about better luck this year. She looks kind of sullen, though.
"My name is Kei. Kei Kakusa." The new student bowed politely to everyone, yet kept her stoic expression. "It's a pleasure to meet you all." Her eyes moved towards Shintaro, who froze on the spot.
"Is she looking at us?" Kohaku asked quietly.
"I dunno..." Shintaro whispered.
"I'm from Yokohama. I transferred here for the school year." Kei said. "I'm looking forward to making some good friends here."
"Thank you, Kakusa-san." Suzuki said, smiling. "Now then, we'll need to find you a seat. There's only a couple to choose from..."
"I'd like to take that seat, Suzuki-sensei. Is that alright?" Kei asked politely, pointing to the desk behind Shintaro and Kohaku.
"That's fine!" Suzuki said. Kei walked over with her dark purple bag, and sat next to Akari.
"H-H-Hi!" Akari said, embarassed. "I'm...uh...Akari!"
"Hello." Kei said. "...Are you okay?"
"She's always like this when meeting someone new." Kohaku said. "Like when we first met, and I asked her if she had a spare pencil, and she froze for like two minutes..."
"Ah." Kei said. "No need to worry. I don't bite."
"I'm Kohaku, by the way. Kohaku Teruya." Kei and Kohaku shook hands. "And this is Shintaro!"
"Hi!" Shintaro said, smiling. "Welcome to Shinshuto City!"
"...Thanks." Kei said, with a faint smile. "It's a very welcoming place, no matter where I go. I'm looking forward to this year."
LATER
"Okay, that's it for today. Your normal lectures will start properly tomorrow." Suzuki said. "Just so you all know, our new practice building and gym mean there will be a lot more clubs to sign up for."
"There's only one club for me." Shintaro said, as the school day finished.
"...Which club?" Akari said, in all seriousness.
Quick on the uptake as usual.
"Books, Akari. You know, Shintaro practically inhales them, the amount he reads in a week." Kohaku said, amused.
"What can I say? I love reading." Shintaro said, eagerly. "There's always something new to read. Like, just the other day, I bought a full collection of Stephen King books, and then there was a Victor Hugo set my mother bought me."
"You seem like a perfect student, Shintaro-san." Kei said, slightly amused.
"Well...I guess, but Kohaku got the better grades last year. Top of the class, as usual." Shintaro said.
"Stop it!" Kohaku said, embarrassed. "Me and Shintaro always come out on top when we study together."
"I see...I may have to join your study sessions, then." Kei said. "What clubs are you joining, Akari-san?" she asked, politely.
"Um...I think there's going to be a pet club of some kind. I really wanna be a vet after school, so I'm gonna join it if I can!" Akari said.
"Kohaku plays the flute. She'll be in the school band." Shintaro said. "How expensive was your flute, anyway? The really nice silver one?"
"¥98000." Kohaku said.
"That's...a lot." Kei said, impressed.
"I know, I know. My parents work with the government. They get a lot of bonuses." Kohaku said. "What with the city's huge growth the past couple of years."
Kei nodded. "Yes, of course. This city's certainly made a name for itself. Before the late 90's, this was just a rural community, right?"
"More or less. There was barely any kind of infrastructure." Shintaro said. "Then all of a sudden, the country decided they wanted to build a new model city. Totsuka was the first step. The heart of the city, starting with the Divine Nine Pillars."
"Ah, I heard that. It's so strange, being right in the centre of it all. This school existed long before all of that, too." Kei said.
"They're not that divine if you ask me. Just a bunch of boring companies you need like a hundred degrees to work for." Akari said, rolling her eyes.
"I'm not sure about one hundred..." Kei said, laughing awkwardly. "Well, it's been nice meeting you, but I should be getting back to my school dorm -"
"Oh, are you sure?" Shintaro asked. "We could show you around the city first. There's a lot of places you should see, like -"
"The cat cafe down the road!" Akari said, positively beaming. "Please? I wanna see Mocha again!"
"...Maybe another time." Kei said, politely. "Actually, I did read up on one place that looked like fun. The Bella Donna Shopping Centre. Would you like to come with me?
"Oh, sure! I love that place!" Kohaku said, excitedly. "There's a great music store, and for Shintaro, a huge book shop, and there's one of those toys you can build your own stuffed animal -"
"Really?!" Akari said, gleefully. "I never knew that! Let's go now!"
"I think there's a good pizza restaurant on the top floor as well." Kei said, cheerfully. "I'd like to treat you all to dinner, if that's alright. My way of saying thank you."
"That's very kind, but shouldn't it be us treating you?" Kohaku asked.
"Not at all." Kei said. "How do we get to Bella Donna from here?"
"There should be a bus...hold on." Kohaku said. She pulled out her smartphone, protected by a leather orange case with a musical note charm, and searched for the bus stop. "Nine minutes to the next bus. Let's get going!"
"Okay!" Shintaro said. The four of them left the classroom, with the rest of the students staring at Kei in wonder.
"Three girls...?!" One male student said. "How does that bookworm do it?"
"I dunno. Maybe we ought to hit the library more." Said another student.
Kansei High School – Entrance Path|3:45 pm|
Before long, they were out in front of the grand entrance, surrounded by cheery blossom trees on either side, and a grand foundation in the centre of the main path. Upon this fountain were statues of mermaids, the favourite mythical creature of the principal. The sun was shining overhead, and pigeons were flying from tree to tree. There was a slight breeze, and thus blossoms were falling to the ground, creating the idyllic image of spring.
"Just like always." Kei said, gazing wistfully as the blossoms fell at her feet.
"What do you mean?" Shintaro asked.
"Duh! Spring, dummy!" Akari said. "It's always beautiful here at this time of year. My big brother told me all about it when he was here."
"The one at college?" Kohaku asked.
"Yeah! He said the blossoms were the perfect complement to a first date." Akari said.
"Hmm. Perhaps that's something I can look forward to." Kei said. "...Maybe not. After all, I'll have to go home after this school year is over."
"Better not break too many hearts, then." Kohaku teased. Kei and Akari laughed, while Shintaro smiled in silence. The group made their way to the bus stop, and their bus, the No. 29, was due shortly.
"So, where about in the city is your dormitory?" Shintaro asked.
"Asakita." Kei answered, looking deep in Shintaro's eyes. He shivered slightly, but kept quiet.
"Oh, I love Asakita!" Akari said, joyously. "That's where the park with the big ferris wheel is! And there's some cute squirrels there at this time of year!"
The red bus arrived, sporting dark wooden floors and comfy beige seats. The group boarded it, managing to get seats nearer the back. As the bus departed, they watched the school vanish in the distance.
"I dunno about you guys, but I think this is going to be one great year!" Akari said.
"You always say that, Akari-chan. But you know what? I think you might be right!" Kohaku said.
"I hope so." Kei said, staring at the city in front of her. It was as if she was trying to memorise every single detail. She noticed Shintaro staring at her, and blushed. "I'm fine. This city is just all new to me still."
"Hey, that's what we're here for. Right?" Shintaro said.
"Of course. I'm counting on you." Kei said, with a faint smile.
The city's changing so much, so quickly. I just hope this Kei girl can cope with everything. Me and Kohaku are going to have to keep an eye on her. And Akari, if she starts running after a stray kitten again.
The bus made its way through the streets, approaching its destination. Yet there would be more than shopping and dining happening here today.
More than Shintaro had imagined.