Note: This may be the last time I may create another version of this story, as it may be becoming ridiculous of me if I keep rewriting this story. The reason why I do that is because I can't seem to find the right motivation, and it may be out of character in the plot for the characters if I continued in the other stories. Just like in my previous story, Little Busters: Persona, the characters here may act differently from the Visual Novel, and the anime adaptation, and they will have similar backgrounds to the SEES members in Persona 3. And the plot itself is mirroring that of Persona 3.
Also, to compare the similarities of background of each cast to the P3 cast, I will show you this:
Riki Naoe – P3 Protagonist: Both have lost their parents at the young age. In this story, Riki had lived with distant relatives, instead of having a childhood experience with Little Busters. Thus, having a semblance of background with Minato Arisato/Makoto Yuki, or basically speaking, P3 Protagonist.
Kyosuke Natsume – Akihiko Sanada: Both are seniors in their group, and they seem to have interest in doing something interesting or exciting. Like how Akihiko is always interested in doing something exciting like having an expedition in Tartarus, or simply investigating the Dark Hour. In Kyosuke's case, he's always up to something fun or exciting. Also, both have fondness,overlyfond, for their younger sisters, or at least, the way I see it, Akihiko is very fond of his own sister in Persona 3, even though she wasn't introduced or at least, given a background other than she was both adored by both Akihiko and Shinjiro.
Rin Natsume - Ken Amada: Seems to have distrust towards adults. Both are seen to be quiet, and from the way I can see it, it seems like Rin is someone who would keep to herself, like Ken does in P3.
Masato Inohara - Junpei Iori: Both are comic relief character, for one, and two, both seem to be eager to do something like a super hero does, or at least, from the way I see Masato, he seems to be like "Whoo, I'm a hero of Justice, and stuff", and they are the main buddy of the main protagonist.
Kengo Miyazawa - Kazushi Miyamoto: Both are into kendo(Or at least, in P3, if you choose the kendo club, and in the movie, it was seen that Kazushi is in the kendo club) and both have girls who have romantic feelings for them, or at least, in Kazushi's case, in the FemProtagonist route, it was seen that Yuko has a thing for Kaz, even though he doesn't notice it. Anyway, both of them have girls who have romantic feelings for them, to which they don't seem to acknowledge or return.
Haruka Saigusa - Yukari Takeba: Both are seen to be cheerful and bright in their school, though in their background, Haruka bears a lot of grudge hatred towards her twin sister, Kanata, which is similar to Yukari's case in which she has a lot of grudge towards her mother.
Kanata Futaki - Mitsuru Kirijo: Both are having trouble in meeting the expectation of their families; or at least, in the near end of the game, it seems Mitsuru wasn't able to cope up with the expectations of others, and was forced in a marriage-that was not continued or even held in the end-which is similar to Kanata's case.
…That is all for now.
Disclaimer: I don't own any, obviously.
Little Busters: Persona Intertwined
Chapter 1: Little Busters
…At a train car... Anezaharu railing…
"Hm, I'm almost at my stop…" A transfer student who is a bishounen said with him sitting at the side, looking a bit downward, as in making sure he doesn't forget the name of his stop.
/My name is Naoe Riki. Nice to meet you, I am pleased to at least get to know that there are those who are taking interest in listening to my own story. Even though you may find me at least to be boring, I may be able to spice up a bit this story that I'm about to tell. Ahem, this is a story that… well, it follows or revolves around me, if I may start, and most of the people I met, who are very dear and priceless to me, are those of the ones who at least have given me change in the way I think… Ten years ago, my parents… well, they… died. In a car accident, I have lived with distant relatives of my parents, though I mostly find myself to be a loner for the most part… …Perhaps I'm being pessimistic, but right now, I can't seem to find myself to be involved with other people. There are those who have approached me in a friendly manner, but I myself seems to be detached nowadays to society… I am… un-fear… I am unafraid of death… My whole life is like about to end at any moment, with everyday feels empty to me… But, something happened to me… One day, when I was sitting alone at the courtyard of my school… A voice… A voice has spoken to me, asking me if I want power to make my beliefs to become reality… This other me… Mou hitori no boku… …Oh, um, u-uh, y-you may think I'm insane or crazy for saying this but… I have "another me" inside me… This other me… Mou hitori no boku… I came to refer to him as "Yami Riki", I don't know what to make of this. But this "other me" has been with me for the most of my life…We are inseparable, he and I… If you want, I-/
Flaashh-!
-Something has glowed inside the depths of Riki's dark mind…
/ …! W-Whoa…! Th-This is a sudden! U-Um… You're about to meet that "other me", he may sound offensive, or cold, or you may say… uncaring and emotionless, but please, do not judge him… me. Yes, I'm referring to me, in a way, that I guess you may see it that I'm describing a side of me that-W-Wait, here he comes…!/
-Flaaaassshh-!
…A different "personality" has taken over…
/… … …My name is Naoe Riki, I am the side of my Mou Hitori no Ore… My othe me… No, I am not a different person from the one who just spoke earlier. I am… "Yami Riki", as you can call me. As in I am someone lurking from the dark corners of Naoe Riki's mind. So far, I'm the only one he could count on to various situations. …And don't mistake me for someone else, I am Naoe Riki, no more, no less, only right now, my own gentle side seems to have subsided, and I am not a demon if you think that… though if you do think so, then that's your problem. It's everyone's problems to deal with those that they do not know what to do. …And if they don't take responsibility for it, then it's all utterly futile. Hm, life is a series of choices, and if your choices are poor, meaning you're making your own choices to be degrading. If you want better choices, then acknowledge that you can get there by acknowledging your own wants… Ask yourself what you want… Hm, oh, it seems the story about to start. My stop is here./
"…This is the final train bound for the nearby terminal of our stop. Please take care to board before our departure." The train announced as all the doors opened…
"…" Riki stepped out, though his expression is that of emotionless… as in it's hard to imagine what he's thinking at the moment. This is "Yami Riki", at the moment. "…Hm, this is the place. Hm," He looked at the right direction, there's a clock street that says that it's almost midnight… "Hm, I better check the map instruction." He decided to bring out the map instruction that was given to him, prior to the decision to transfer him to the dormitory for students… He'll be staying there for a year as he attends his second year high school year…
…tick… tock… tick… tock… tick-Sharp-!
…Something penetrated Riki's senses, as if time itself is dissolving…
…The time is now midnight.
-Daaaaaaaarrrrrkkkkkknnnneeessssss-!
…Everything became greenish, albeit has some blackness in it, in color… And the color of bodies of water around is red as blood… the one near the sidewalk is red, and there's a trail of it up to the nearby canal.
"… … …" Riki's eyes are wandering as he observed his surrounding. …There are coffins at the side of this train terminal… "…" His expression is still emotionless-perhaps it's a good thing as he may perhaps panic if he was in his usual personality-so it's hard to say if he's scared of the surrounding, or is just feigning a calm demeanor… which one can obviously describe that it's not that case, as anyone who is feigning a calm demeanor can't possible become this calm in the face of something like this. "Hm, I better get to the dorm as soon as possible." He simply said, as he stuffed his map inside his pocket, and decided to move on…
…tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap…
…tap, tap, tap, tap, tap…
…tap, tap, tap…
His footsteps are the only sounds that you can hear in this train station that is seemingly empty… … … …where did everyone go? Why is everything greenish? How come it's like that everyone has disappeared and Riki is all alone in this district…? …Why is the water bodies around are colored red as blood…?
…Those questions rang inside Riki's mind, and they won't stop…
…
…
…Later, at a nearby district…
…After passing through the shopping district-or at least, there were a lot of shops there that are like fitting for the teenage culture where all sort of accessories, or something fancy that may catch a teenager's interest, are for sale, and there are game centers there, as well. Something that does not interest Riki one bit.
"… … …" This is still "Yami Riki", at the moment, he's eyeing his surrounding while holding the map instruction on his hand, and looking at it, with his eyes looking about at his surrounding as he walks about. …There are some coffins around here, and they're quite disturbing… "What's with all these coffins…?" Riki, Yami Riki, asked while looking at the map on his hand.
…
…Later, in front of the dormitory…
"… …Hm, maybe I should let mou hitori no ore to take over…" He thought of letting his usual personality out-
-Swap-! Flaash-!
"Ah!" …This is now the usual Riki standing. "Ah," Looking at the dormitory, and sizing it up. "Wow, it's… it's huge. There are four floors...?" He said eyeing the above floors of the building. "Hm, I wonder if there are still people who are awake. I better go inside, before I…" He said, approaching the entrance stairway, and the door. "Hm, will I be rude if just go in without alarming somebody of my presence…?" He wondered that, as he's about to approach the door… "… …Sigh," He let out a sight with a downcast gaze, with his eyes closed, due to a bit of fatigue. "Well, it's a lot more better than staying out here…" Turning around, "Ger…" He feels unnerving at this environment… It feels like the world has ended… Or a reminder of that. And the blood on the sidewalk is quite very disturbing. "gulp, I better go inside." He said as he has turned to face the door in front, he decided to knock first.
Knock, knock-!
"Um, e-excuse me! I'm sorry I'm late, but I had an unfortunate delay earlier at the train! So I-" Suddenly, the lights on the first floor lit. They can be seen through the large windows to the side. "Huh? I… Is someone… Is someone inside?" 'Did they hear me shouting? Hm,' He decided to knock gently…
knock, knock, knock…
"Um, h-hello? I'm sorry to disturb you, but-"
-The door suddenly opened,
"Ah, e-excuse me." He bowed politely as the door opened, then he straightened himself and found-"I don't mean to intrude this late, and-"
"You are late." An emotionless, and monotone-like, voice said. There's someone in front of him by the door… It's a girl… Silver hair, long, yellowish and is rather cute… A girl.(Note: A character based from Kanade or Angel from Angel Beats, who is sort of like an Elizabeth character in this story) "I have been waiting a long time for you." She said with an emotionless face.
"Eh? Oh, you mean… You've been expecting me?" Riki asked politely, not intending to offend this girl, who is also quite short, by the way, even a bit shorter than Riki.
She nodded a bit earnestly, and turned around to walk to the other direction, which also seems to be a gesture for Riki to follow. He does so,
"I'm sorry for arriving so late. Um, is this… Where I was given a proper invita-" He said as he has taken a few steps inside the building, and he has looked around and found the place to be quite luxurious. Before he could say anything else, however-
Snap!
…The silver-haired girl snapped her finger, making a document file that is at the side, and on a counter table, opened up by itself… and a feather ink is prepared as it levitated, lifted by an invisible force…
"Eh…?" Riki was caught off-guard at that, and is greatly frightened at what he just saw. "Huh?" He was now panicking a bit as he took a bit of one step backward. "Wha-What just… Did you just…?"
"If you wish to proceed, please sign your name here." The girl said as she sat at the seat that is at the other side of the counter where the document file is laid.
"… … …" Riki's eyes are widened, and the impression that he is frightened is very obvious… "… … …" Riki, with a very frightened face, couldn't say anything-or bring himself to speak up anything that might break the silence, and he feels he has no choice but to oblige to the demand of this girl… "… … …Hm," He decided to sign the contract, he approached the counter, grabbed the feather ink, and signed the document file.
The girl nodded, satisfied. She picked up the file, and hugged it. "No one can escape time, it delivers all to the same end. Wishing will not sway the wave of time." She said, raising her hand that is holding the file. Then as she flipped it… it disappeared… as if it disappeared with how the way you look at it in it becoming tiny in sight… then it's gone…
"…Time?"
She nodded, "You would do well to follow your obligations, Naoe RIki. For you see," She extended a hand forward, and towards Riki-"It begins here… Take this card…"
-Daaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrkkkknneeesss-!
Everything became dark all of the sudden, and the girl, in terms of impression and the way you may see it, has dissolved into the blackness around… And there's a card… That was left behind on the counter…
"… …" Riki went near to look at it, it's a ring card… A card that portrays a ring, that is… "…" He picked it up, "…? What is this?"
Flash-!
The card vanished in a flash of light-and the one on Riki's hand right now is… a ring. Omnipotent ring. "… … …He put it on his finger on his left hand. His index finger, to be precise. Then he looked at his hand with the ring equipped. "…Quite fancy."
"Who's there!?" A female voice yelled from up ahead-
"Huh?" Riki has turned to the direction forward…
"Huh?" A female high schooler, who has pinkish hair and it's long, is standing there, puzzled and seems to be a bit frightened at the sight of Riki. (Character Introduction: Haruka Saigusa) "How can you be…? But it's…! D-Don't tell me…" …She has a gun scabbard on her waist side… …She's about to draw it out… Is she… going to…
"Wait, Saigusa Haruka!" Another high schooler, who also has a long, pinkish hair, stopped her hand that was about to pull out the gun.
"Ah! F-Futaki Kanata…!"
tic, tic, tic…!
-Suddenly, the lights went on. It seems like a black out had occurred, and now the power is back.
"Th-The lights…" Haruka Saigusa, a bit startled still, and her hand being held by Kanata Futaki, her twin sister, said as she eyed the lights that turned on altogether.
"Hm," Kanata Futaki(Character Introduction: Kanata Futaki) turned to Riki Naoe.
"… …" Riki blinked once, twice, as the development has become bizarre and interesting.
Kanata walked up towards Riki with her arms crossed, "We were expecting you to arrive earlier." She said, as if she's scolding Riki for arriving late, in that cool, and somewhat coldhearted, tone of hers.
"…" Riki slightly lowered his head a bit, without averting his gaze towards Kanata. "…I got delayed at the monorail." 'Truth to be told, I rather allowed Mou hitori no boku to handle this, so…'
Flash-!
Swap-!
…A different "personality" took over…
…Riki's expression became emotionless, as if devoid of emotion… "…Sorry for arriving late. And for intruding in without permission. But I rather not disturb anyone from their rest at this hour, though perhaps, I did it with a bit of exaggeration." He bowed in apology, "I apologize."
"… …" Kanata put her hand on her hip, maintaining a cool standing. "…I see. I'm Futaki Kanata, I'm one of the students who live in this dorm."
"…" While maintaining a slight glare towards Kanata, Haruka seems to oblige to ask something… "Who's he?" She asked, then she has turned to Riki.
"He's a transfer student. Naoe Riki, 11th grade, a junior this spring, and will be a student in this dorm who will be staying here for a year." She said in a formal, professional manner.
"… …I rather not maintain a long delay in our conversation, " Riki narrowed his eyes a bit, with his emotionless-ness still in. "and I'm rather tired."
"Hm, understandable." Kanata said, maintaining her cool pose. "Then, your room is at the second floor at the end of the hallway. Your things should already be there."
"…Understood." Riki walked past, the two girls, which Haruka saw as a bit rude behavior.
"Hey, wait a minute, you…! Who do you think you are to just walk up here, and-" Haruka is cut-off by Kanata's hand which she extended, to stop her from proceeding with what she was about to say.
"It's getting late. So I would rather not delay this reception for our new guest, Naoe, don't lose your key. Ah, speaking of which, here." Kanata brought out something from her pocket-a key.
"…" Riki extended his hand to receive it, and he did. "Thanks."
"Hm, well, good night." Kanata walked past Riki, and went upstairs through this spiral stairways.
"Hm," Haruka pouted a bit as she did that. "Why is she… She's a bitch, and she's acting all cool." Even though she was murmuring, it was loud enough for Riki to hear it.
"… …" He decided to go to his assigned room, despite the animosity that he feels towards the direction of Haruka-
"Hm," Then she turned her glare towards Riki. "Hey, you!"
"… … …" Riki didn't turn around to face her, but he stopped to listen. "…What is it?"
"Hm," His cool tone annoyed Haruka a bit. But she has maintained her cool, "Who are you, anyway? And… on your way here from the station… Was there anything… weird?"
"…" Riki turned to her, with a bit of life on his expression this time. "Weird?"
"You know, what I-No, never mind." She walked towards Riki, and past him. "Well, good night." She said as she had turned to him.
"…Okay. Good night." Riki has started walking towards the other direction.
-Swap-!
…This is now the usual Riki behavior.
"…I'm sorry, if my presence is an eyesore." He started speaking in a timid and polite tone.
"Eh?" Which seems to have surprised Haruka, as she has turned to him with a mild expression. "You…"
"Well, I don't wish to bother you any further. Then, if you will excuse me… And I'm sorry, for… Hm, no, never mind…" He started walking again towards the end of the hall in this second floor that is only a bit of distance or height from the first floor.
"… …" Haruka's expression turned to that of sympathetic expression, as in feeling regretful of her choice of words, and attitude towards Riki earlier. "Hey, um… I'm sorry if I sounded rude, or even acted like a bitch… Huh? H-Hey! Are you listening to me!?" Noticing that he wasn't paying attention(Or couldn't hear, as she was frankly just muttering all that), she yelled.
"Huh?" Riki turned around with a mild expression on his own.
"Were you listening? How dare you play with a girl's innocent heart in a dramatic atmosphere!?'
"Huh? Oh, uh, no… That's not…" Riki, with his hands raised in defense, said while slowly backing away backwards, at Haruka's outburst.
"Moh…! Hmph," She pouted, but then she smiled sweetly. "Oh well, never mind. You look like you're very easy and very fun to tease. Hehe~I think I'm going to like you."
"Huh?" Riki was confused at that.
"Nothing~! Well, see you!" She ran upstairs to the third floor, which is probably the girls' dorm…
"… …What was that all about?" Riki asked, and he turned around to go to his assigned room.
…
…
…The next day, at the school gates…
"Ah…" Riki found himself standing before the school premises. He hopes he fits in for the rest of the year. "…Maybe I should… let mou hitori no boku to take over…" He thought of at least acting on good impression on his first day, so…
-Swap-!
Flaash-!
…Another "personality" took over…
"…" Riki's expression became emotionless.
"Ah, Naoe-kun~!" A familiar voice from the direction behind.
"…" Turning around, with life on his own expression despite being "Yami Riki" at the moment, is shown. "Oh, Saigusa-san!" …And life on his voice, it's not much different from the tone of his usual behavior.
"Naoe, so you came to school alone. Hehe, so, how do you like it? This is your first day, but you might end up liking it a lot. Oh, you should go see your homeroom teacher first. The faculty is at the right corner of the hall when you come to the main hall. Come on, let's go altogether. Hehe~" She went off towards the school building at the middle of campus.
…
…Then she stopped, and playfully turned around to face Riki with a sweet smile. "Well, this is Yagami High School, welcome to our school, Naoe… Oh, can I call you… Riki-kun...?"
"… …Ah. I don't mind." Riki, despite being "Yami Riki" still, showed life in his expression, though one may say that his tone is calm and rather emotionless.
"All right! That decides it then, welcome to our school, Riki-kun! Hehe~"
"Hm," A very slight smile turned on Riki's face, "hm," He eyed the school. "Yagami High, huh…?"
…The sound of the first bell rang.
…
…
…Later, after homeroom session…
"-We'll be together for the whole year. You're all second-years now, so start acting independent for yourselves. If you guys make someone else decide something every important for you, you'll later regret it. And you'll have to live with the consequences, whatever they may be. That's it for homeroom, I shall see you all tomorrow for normal lessons beginning." The homeroom teacher said, ending the class.
"Rise!" One student said aloud.
Everyone did as obliged to.
"Bow!"
-Again, they did as obliged to.
-Sliidee!
The teacher exited the classroom.
"… …" Riki, who is still "Yami Riki" at this point, decided to remain in this state of mind-staying as "Yami Riki" for the rest of the day as safeguard, that is-to ensure that he makes a good impression out of the people he meets, in order to blend in for the rest of the year.
-Right then, someone approached him.
"Yo! Nice to meet you, transfer student!" …A muscular guy(Note: Character Introduction: Masato Inohara) approached him at his desk.
"Hm?" He turned to him. "Who are you?"
"Me? Heh, I'm Inohara Masato! Nice to meet you! Wow, we don't get too many transfer students nowadays. Have you been training your muscles? I'm the strongest guy in this class, you know!" He said pointing at himself with his thumb finger with great pride.
"Hmph, is that so?" …Another muscular guy approached. This one is wearing a kendo attire that is worn by those who are member of the kendo club. …And oddly enough, there's a sword on his hand that he's wielding, it's wooden, though. "Don't give the new student a hard time with your muscle fanaticism." He turned to Riki, and smiled. "Hello. It's nice to see someone new in this class once in a while." He offered a handshake.
"… …I'm afraid I cannot take your handshake." Riki said emotionlessly.
"Eh?" The guy is taken aback by that. (Note: Character Introduction: Kengo Miyazawa) "Wh-Why is that…?"
"Because… I don't know who you are. And it is among the code of honor that one may introduce one's own name before they offered friendship, like how you sheath a sword, in which you may know its own edge and hilt, you may not know its purpose… a tool of combat, or justice?" Riki turned his direction forward, with his head resting on one hand that is resting on his chin.
"Ah…!" Kengo is taken aback by those legendary words, of sort.
"Huh? What are you guys talking about? And what's with that face, Kengo?" Masato asked, being confused about what they've talked about.
"Gr," Kengo is annoyed at Masato. "Idiot, he said something that I have forgotten… No matter how you may fare against such obstacles, there must be meaning in it, otherwise, there would be no drive for victory or honor at all!" He said feeling energetic and chivalrous, albeit exaggerated, with his fists clenched tightly, and it's like he's gathering strength in his pose of standing.
"Huh? Victory? Gr, if you mean by which of us is stronger, we still haven't decided that! Now that I think about it, though, maybe this is now the time for it!" Masato said, about to grab Kengo's shoulder as if to challenge him.
"Hey, don't pick on the weak!" A female voice said.
"Oh boy, you guys are at it, again, huh?" A male voice said.
"""Huh?"""
Riki, Masato, and Kengo turned to the door. Though Masato was about to grab Kengo's shoulder to challenge him,
By the door, are two people with the same hair color, and the male one is taller, while the girl, who seems to be a second year student, is smaller. They are siblings, from what can tell at first perspective. (Character Introductions: Kyosuke Natsume and Rin Natsume)
"Hey, don't pick on the new student!" Rin Natsume said running towards the three.
"Geez," Kyosuke scratched the back of his head, a bit annoyed at Kengo and Masato's usual antics-which is brawling it out. "Hmph, if I didn't know any better, you guys might be sent to prison for being muscle fanatics, and will be given national protein program regimen where you will stay until you guys have proper brain flow in the veins." He said approaching the group of people ahead, with him pointing at his head with his finger, as if to indicate that they're brainless.
"Don't make a fool out of me, Kyosuke!" "Don't mock me, Kyosuke!"
Masato and Kengo exclaimed in anger.
"Hmph, you guys can't even beat me through words." Kyosuke slightly turned away from them with his eyes closed, as if disappointed at them. Then he suddenly turned to them with piercing eyes. "I wonder… if you guys can even stand against me? HM?" An aura of authority-that is overwhelming-flew out of Kyosuke's aura, and sent shiver into the spine of the two muscular guys. Wow… So this is the power of brain power.
""Gr,""
'Ah, Kyosuke Natsume… You've always been the target of my aim to become stronger…' Masato said, recalling his goal in becoming strongest in school…
'Natsume Kyosuke… You're always good for words, hm, I wonder, if either of us will hold a candle even to you.' Kengo recalled that Kyosuke has always been the leader of their group, which lead to…
"Hm," Rin scoffed at these two big idiots, and turned to Riki. "Hm," She smiled warmly. "Hello there, it's nice to see someone new in this class once in a while."
"…Ah." Riki's expression is emotionless, though he did acknowledged the warm welcome.
"Hm," Kyosuke turned to Riki, and noticed that emotionlessness. "Hm," He smiled-grinned, in fact. "So this is the new student. Hm," He approached Riki. "Yo!" He greeted with a raised hand, "Nice to see someone with a bright energy, and a warm heart! We could use that kind of energy flowing in this school. For youth is the best way to live. Even old people tend to be young, too, and those who are young are wasting their lives with petty squabble of…" He went on and on… (Note: Kyosuke is kinda like Yusuke from Clannad in this kind of story, but only a bit, in which he tend to be full of speech.)
"""Ignore him."""
The other three, Masato, Kengo and Rin, said altogether to Riki, wanting him to ignore Kyosuke's moronic speech. Since… it's moronic.
"Huh? Hey, I was just getting to the good part! You guys must have a warm heart, in order to persevere! For it is through the warm of heart that one can beat evil! Or have you guys have forgotten that part of Little Busters!?" Kyosuke, disappointed at the other three, exclaimed loudly and passionately.
""This isn't some manga story, you idiot!""
Both Kengo and Masato exclaimed back.
"Ah…" Rin sighed in annoyance,
"Hm," Riki, feeling he's out of place, decided to go pack up, and leave this place. He stood up, grabbed his bag, and-"Well, see you all tomorrow." He said, though it seems like the others didn't hear him. Rin included, as she join the arguing of those three morons. "…Hm, well, this is a nice and interesting group of people." So said "Yami Riki", "Hm," He smiled at the sight of these warm people. "Well, see ya." He said, heading towards the door-only when he opened it that he caught their attention.
"""Hm?"""
They all turned to the door that was opened-then quickly closed after Riki exited.
"Wha-H-Hey! I haven't…! Gr, and I was wanting to have a conversation with that new guy… He seems interesting…" Kyosuke said putting his hand on his chin.
"""Huh?"""
The others said altogether.
"What do you mean?" Rin asked.
"Yeah, I was the first one to speak to him, then you guys butted in." Masato said.
"Hmph, you'll probably just annoy him with your muscle fanaticism, anyway." Kengo said without turning to the latter.
"What did you say!? Want to settle this outside!?" He said, challenging him again.
Rin ignored those two big idiots, and is just staring at the door. '…So he's the new guy that Saigusa spoke of.' She thought…
…
…Meanwhile, at the student council room…
This room is filled with girls only as participants-or those who are present in this very room-and Kanata is among them, she's on the middle where there are three long counter tables provided, with her being at the middle one, too.
"Are well accounted for? Hm, then, let us begin this meeting." She said with her hands together, and her chin resting on them.
"Hm,"
"Hm," Some responded a bit to that statement.
"First of all, give us the background." Kanata gave permission to one of the members, another pink haired student, though hers is more white in color.
"Hai!" That student stood up with a background report paper on her hand. She started reading paper… "Naoe Riki, blood type…"
…
…After a while, after the report…
"…That is all." The student has done with report, and she sat back on her own seat.
"Hm," Kanata is put on a pondering state, with her previous position not changing, and she seems to have an intense expression on her expression with her beautiful brownish eyes reflecting that of the sunset outside.
"Well, what do you think, Kanata?" A-chan asked.
"Hm, interesting. So, he walked casually during the dark hour?" Kanata said with a fascinated tone-she is fascinated, that is.
"Normally, that's not the case, but… Hm, this boy, Riki, seems to be of special case, Futaki-san." A blonde haired young woman, who is certainly most beautiful as well, said. (Note: Character Introduction: Saya Tokido)
"Hm, A-chan, what was the result of the observation?" Kanata asked.
"Hm, well…" A-chan is filing through the report paper she's carrying. "But you know, it's kinda interesting. Those who had the potential tend to be unstable at first, too. Memory loss, disorientation, and all sort of mental instability are guaranteed for those who just awaken to their potential without warning." She keeps skimming through the file.
"Hm, then…" Turning the other members, Kanata stood up. "I would all of you to treat him with utmost respect. He'll be staying temporarily at the dorm where I reside along with Tokido-san, as well as A-chan. I will ask Natsume to observe his daily activities more closely from now on." Kanata said with her hands on the desk counter.
"Oh? Which Natsume? The younger one, or…" A-chan pondered with her placing her index finger on her chin.
"The older one. Hmph, though I do kind of wonder what kind of trouble he might stir up. Always taking risk, that one…"
The others turned to each other, as they tend to agree to that statement… They're talking about Natsume Kyosuke, no doubt.
…
…Meanwhile, at the shopping district…
"…" Riki, still at "Yami Riki", is walking among the crowd of students in this crowdy shopping district. "…"
-Swap-!
"Hm," He slightly looked downcast… this is now the usual Riki, as evident by his expression that is now gentle-like. "Hm, I stayed… Hm, mou hitori no boku remained for most of the time today, hm, but I guess I'm going to be like that to be able to get along with some people." He said walking along the passing students, then-
bump-!
"Kyah!" "Wa…!"
Riki bumped into someone small… A girl. She's wearing a white cape that seems to be catchy, as in easy to catch your attention. (Character Introduction: Kudryavka Noumi)She's small, and she fell on the ground upon bumping onto Riki.
"Huh…?" Riki eyed her as she just sits on the ground after falling.
"Ow…" She scratched her butt in a cute manner, "I fell…"
"…You are…" Riki said, unsure of what to say next. Nonetheless, he offered a hand to help her out.
"Oh, uh, th-thank you." She said accepting the offered hand.
…
…Later, the two of them have sat at the nearby bench…
"Mmoooh~~… I'm so small that I tend to bump into someone… I doubt I'll be seen like this, as in I'm like a garbage can that tend to be bump on." Kud, as she preferred to be called by that nickname to make her easy to address at, said in a childish manner with her twinkling her fingers together.
"…Don't say that. Here, I'll buy you a drink. You just arrived here in Japan, yes? Then, I'll treat you to some drink." Riki said as he has stood up to buy something.
"Ah! Wait, you don't have to spend your money on… me…" She said, but Riki didn't heard her, and went to buy something, anyway.
…Later, after Riki came back…
…The two of them sat there at the sunset, enjoying their drinks and their company.
"I see… So you've just arrived at this place, too, Naoe-san." Kud said, with her sipping on her drink.
"Ah… I'm still new to this place, so it's not much for me, I… Hm," 'Maybe I should…' …Riki thought of allowhing "him" to take over… "…Hm, okay."
-Swap-!
Flaash-!
…Another "personality" took over…
"…" Riki, having an emotionless expression now, sipped on his drink again. "So, how about you, Noumi-san? How do you find this place?"
"Hm," She nodded sweetly, "It's wonderful. Japan tend to be wonderful, and tend to be full of surprises. I've been here with my mother from time to time…"
"…Your mother?"
"Hm," She nodded sweetly again. "I came here this spring, though I don't think I'll be able to stay until summer.
"…Summer?"
"Hm," She nodded weakly while still sipping on her drink, she separated the straw from her small mouth, "I may have to transfer again."
"…" Riki turned his gaze away from Kud, and is staring at the sunset ahead… Where you can see the sea… reflecting the sunset itself. "Just do what you want. Only when you allowed your mind to flow, is when things become smooth and clear as day." He said, then he started sipping again.
"Eh?" Kud turned to him,
"…If you want to know what you want, then ask yourself what you want."
-Swap-!
…The usual Riki returns.
"People failed in their own goals because they tend to let others decide for them. Only when you acknowledge your own self-worth and self-respect is when you find what you are seeking. And also… But…" Riki narrowed his eyes a bit, "The thing that keeps us all together in the end… the truth."
"…?" Kud blinked once, twice, thrice. "Truth?"
"Ah… Only when you realize, that when truth itself is smiling upon you. Like a revelation has been given to you, to do that, all you need to do… …is to follow the strongest feeling in you." He said, having sincere eyes…
"… …Ah…" That attracted Kud, apparently, as she's eyeing him intently. "Ah… …" She's eyeing him still… 'Naoe-san…'
"Hm? What is the matter?" Riki asked, with the straw still connected to his mouth.
"Ah," Kud realized that she was dazing out, she quickly turned away from Riki's direction. "N-Nothing. Haha, you are very kind, Naoe-san. I have never heard that kind of advice before." She said eyeing the sunset now, as well, though Riki has already turned his gaze away from it.
"Eh?"
"Japan is so cold… But it's also like when my feelings would burst out…"
"…Noumi-san." Riki find her to be fascinating, in fact.
…
…Later, before midnight…
…
…At a train station…
…Some people, who are like delinquents in appearance, are hanging out in this area. Some are talking rather wildly, while the others are drinking and smoking. One peculiar delinquent, who is texting on his cellphone, found this hour to be boring.
"Gr… this sucks." He said.
Right then, a touch chick threw her can away. She and her friends decided to go home, as it's already late this night… The others themselves decided to go home as well.
The guy who has a cellphone, put his phone away, and stood up.
"-Electronic Department Service brought to you by the time scheduling for tonight. At the sound of the tone, the time would be 12 o' clock AM.
…ton… ton… …ton… ton-Sharp-!
…Something penetrated through the senses of the man who was left behind here…
-Daaaaaarrrrrkkkknnneeeesssss-!
…The environment became greenish in color.
"Huh? Wha…!?" The young man, unlike the others around who have been replaced with… coffins, is distraught, as the change of environment is sudden, and without warning. "Huh…!?" He eyed the coffins around, feeling very distraught. "Wha-What's going on here…!? Hey, what kind of messed-up joke is this, you guys!?" He said, feeling very nervous and…
"Groooaaaarr…" …A dark thing is approaching. And…
"Huh…?" Turning to this thing, "Ah… Ah… Ah…!" …Dark liquid poured out of the face of this young man… It's consuming and devouring him… "Agh… Ugh… Ahh… Uwaaaaahhhh-!" …He collapsed on the pool of blood-that is water in blood color…
…
…Meanwhile, at the dorm, command room…
…On the huge screen that is operated by consoles about, Riki is shown to be sleeping soundly.
Kanata, A-chan, Saya and Haruka, Rin and Masato and Kengo are here, observing him. Masato is doing some push-ups at the side, with Kengo being on a meditative state. Rin is having tea at the sofa, along with Haruka. Saya is standing about, on stand-by, eyeing Riki with intent.
"Hm, he's still sleeping." She observed. "The dark hour occurs every night, at twelve midnight. One might refer to it as the "hidden hour". During this time, an ordinary person would transmogrified into a coffin, and is not aware of his surrounding." She speculated.
Kanata and A-chan are near the consoles, having tea.
"siiip, then he must be…" A-chan said after putting down her tea on her small tray.
"Hm, he has retained his human form. He is asleep, but, there is no doubt that he is experiencing the dark hour." Kanata said, then she took a sip of her tea.
"Hm," While annoyed at Kanata, Haruka wonders about Riki, and turned to the screen. "But, isn't this a bit bad…? We're spying on him and all…" She said slightly looking down.
The three, Saya, Kanata and A-chan, turned to her.
"Hm, then if you had only accepted my request to accompany him and ensure that he's safe, then we would have never come to this." Kanata said, before turning her attention back on the screen.
"Hmgh," Haruka pouted, and is a bit angry at Kanata.
-bipp, bipp-!
Suddenly, a security alarm sounded from the console.
Kanata elected to push it immediately, answer it, no doubt-
"…Command room. …Is that you, Natsume?" She asked, guessing that it's Kyosuke calling at this hour.
"Hey-! You're not gonna believe this, this thing is HUGE! Unfortunately, I don't have time to talk right now! It's chasing me… Just wanted to let you guys know, I'm almost there-GUAAH-!" …Communication is cut off as Kyosuke shouted through the communicator.
"""Ah…!"""
All of the girls were frightened and were taken by surprise, causing some of them to stand up from shock and surprise.
Masato stopped doing push-ups.
"Huh? What the hell does he mean by that…?" He asked, a bit agitated as he just stared at the console where Kyosuke's voice echoed.
"Does that mean he's bringing that… that… that monster… HERE!?" Rin asked, frightened at that thought.
Everyone is agitated, and Kanata, being the leader, turned to face everyone. "Contact Nishizono! We'll have her scan the area, while we tend to the matter." She then turned back to the huge monitor, "We'll suspend our observation for now, we'll prepare for battle." She then faced A-chan. "A-chan! Grab our weapons and evokers!"
"R-Right! Roger that!" She said, a bit agitated.
"I'm going to fetch Kyosuke! Masato, let's go!" Kengo said, beckoning Masato come along.
"Huh? A-Ah. Let's go!"
Both boys ran out of the room.
"Hey, don't go in there alone! Stop being masochist!" Rin followed after the boys.
"Hey, Rin-!" A-chan called out, but was ignored.
…
…Later, at the 1st floor, lobby…
Twuachtt-!
"Guah! Dammit-!" Kyosuke, who slammed the door open, ran inside, with him feeling out of breath-
SLAM-!
-Then he closed the door on that black figure outside that was certain to get in had he not been quicker.
"Grrgh, dammit." Kyosuke, while using his body to keep the door shut, sat down on the floor with his back facing the door behind him. His left arm seems to be injured… And he's holding it while gritting his teeth in pain.
"Kyosuke!" Rin's voice echoed, which snapped Kyosuke out of his deep pondering of what he should do…
"You guys… ... …" He fell silent as Rin didn't seem to have sounded concern for her dear, older brother… "Can't you at least call me "onii-chan" for this kind of situation…?" He said, feeling sympathetic towards himself.
"No time for that! How are you doing?" She said, tending to his injured arm.
The others arrived in time.
"What-!? Kyosuke! What the hell…!?" Masato said, feeling in awe and worried about that injury that Kyosuke sustained.
"Don't move. We'll treat you up." Rin said trying to make sure the wound isn't open up…
"Grcht!" Which only made Kyosuke feel very little pain, but was enough to make him grit his teeth again. He turned to his injured arm with Rin tending to it. "I'm all right… But…" Turning to face the others, "Get ready to be surprise, though, our RPG boss is here! At this moment, he'll-"
"Hey, THIS IS NOT SOME MANGA FANTASY! Just how the hell did you-" Masato snapped then-
"GROOOOOAAAAAAARRRR-!"
-SLAAAAAMMM-!
-Suddenly, the ground seems to have shook, as well as the entire building…
"Gyah!"
"""Guaaaahhh-!"""
Haruka was the one first one among the girls to shriek in panic, followed by the others, with the exception of Kanata and Saya.
"Wha-What the…" Haruka said, as everyone became alerted, and are looking about for any sign of enemies…
Saya turned to Kyosuke, "Natsume, is it one of them?"
Kyosuke raised his head slightly, "Ah, but it's not an ordinary one. That punk tried to chase me all the way from the shopping district. Heh," Kyosuke has slightly turned away, "I only hope that guy was all right…"
"…? Hm?"
"Ah, nothing. Anyway,"
-SLAAAAAAMMM-!
The ground shook once more, alerting everyone even more-
"Oi, oi, oi! What the heck!? Shouldn't we be ready for battle!?" Masato asked, holding the gun on his waist side that is sheathed with a scabbard.
"For once, this idiot is right." Kengo agreed, he's standing side by side with Masato. He grabbed the gun on his own scabbard,
Kanata did as well, "A-chan, go to the command room. It will be safe there." She told A-chan while holding the tip of her gun.
"R-Right. Be careful, you guys!" A-chan said, getting ready to run for it to the command room, and wishing them all luck.
Kanata turned to Haruka, "Saigusa, go upstairs and wake our guest up. Then escape out at the back." She ordered with an aura and tone of authority.
"Huh?" Haruka was greatly surprised by that order, though. "B-But… What about the rest of you?"
"We'll stop it here." Kanata brought out her gun, "Natsume, I know you're fatigued, but since it's your fault for why it has approached this place in the first place, you have to fight."
Kyosuke glared at Kanata, "Like I have a choice!" He said, as he struggled to get up.
"H-Hey! Your wound!" Rin, worried for his wound, exclaimed, while trying to reach out his injured arm, but Kyosuke pulls it up to make sure that Rin doesn't reach.
Kyosuke turned to Haruka, "Oi, Saigusa, what are you waiting for? GO!"
"I-I'm going!" Haruka said,
"I'll go with you!" Rin said, volunteering to go as well.
-tap, tap, tap-!
tap, tap, tap-!
"I'm sorry I'm… huff, huff… late." A blue-haired high schooler came running, exhausted from all the running. (Character Introduction: Mio Nishizono)
"You're late! Where were you!?" A-chan exclaimed at Mio.
Mio straightened herself up. "I am sorry. I was occupied with-"
"Save it." Kanata interrupted, "We best examine area." She turned to Mio with a serious expression. "Nishizono, scan the area and look for any signs of enemies."
She nodded, "Hai!"
…
…Later, at the third floor hall…
"Groooaaaarr!"
"Groooaaarr!"
"Groooaaaarrr-!"
Black creatures with no legs, but have two arms, and a blue mask are crawling at the walls outside. They seem to be trying to get to the higher floors…
"Hurry, RIki-kun! Over here!" Haruka, who is holding Riki's hand, said, as she dragged Riki to the higher floors with Rin following behind.
"Don't stop running! Those things might-" Rin said, but-
*Shatter-!*
*Shatteerrr-!*
"""…!"""
The three were taken by shock, and surprise, upon hearing those shattering sounds below-
"Huh?" Riki, who was woken up earlier, took a peek on the stairways below…
"What was that…?" Rin took a peek as well, beside Riki.
…TAP, TAP, TAP, TAP, TAP, TAP-!
…Sounds of fast footsteps are approaching…
"I-It's getting closer! Hmnh," Haruka took Riki's hand again. "Keep moving, hurry!"
"H-Hai! Um, just what is-"
"Just get your butt moving, Riki-kun!" Haruka said as she dragged Riki further up-
"Gr," Rin decided to follow.
…
…Later, at the rooftop…
Keplunk-!
Haruka slammed the door open, with her dragging Riki outside at the rooftop, followed by Rin following them-
Slam-!
-Then she slammed it closed, with her using her body to block it.
"Sigh, we should be safe-"
-SLAAAAMM-!
"Gyah!" Before Haruka breathe out more sigh of relief, another shaking occurred.
"Grooooaaaarr-!"
-Suddenly, a gigantic black hand appeared at the edge of the roof, followed by a bunch of other black hands, and one of them is carrying a blue mask with the Roman Numeral of I on it.
"Y-You gotta be kidding… It climbed up the wall!?" Haruka exclaimed at the sight of this monster.
"Ah…" Riki is in awe, '…What is this…? A monster…?'
"Gr," Rin gritted her teeth in a bit of frustration, and went in front of Riki to cover him. "Those monsters… We call them "Shadows", and it's the one that attacked this place."
"Sh-Shadow…?" Riki asked.
"Hm," Rin nodded.
…
…At the command room…
Everyone is gathered here after an intense battle below…
"There! They're on the roof!" Kyosuke said.
"That gigantic Shadow… Just what it is it's after?" Kanata asked.
"Hey, we can't stay and chat idly, let's go!" Masato said, ready to save some lives. They were about to set out, but…
"Wait," A-chan, with a bit of sinister impression, beckoned them to stay, and watch.
"""Huh?"""
Everyone responded altogether,
…Back at the roof…
"Tch, stand back, Riki-kun." Haruka stepped in front of Riki and Rin,
"Ah, wha… What are you…" Riki was confused on what Haruka is trying to do.
"Ah," Haruka brought out a gun… pointed at her forehead, and… "Per… so… na-"
"Groooaaaarr-!"
*Agidyne*
-ABLAAAAAZZEEE-!
"Gyahh-!" She was blown away by the "Shadow" that erupted an explosion, and she's tossed to the side.
"Ah, H-Haruka!" Rin ran up to her, "Haruka! Are you all right?"
"Groooaaarr-!" The Shadow turned its attention to both girls.
"Ah," Riki realized the danger, and… he eyed the gun that Haruka dropped. "… …That's…" Recalling how Haruka used it… …of how she pointed it on her forehead and was about to pull the trigger…
…
…
...The image of the girl the other night appeared in Riki's white mind… "Go on, try it." She said.
"… …Hm," …Riki picked up the gun, and… "…Ah… Ah… Ah…" He felt nervous, dread is running through his heart, and… "Ah… Ah… Ah… … … …Ah…" He smiled sinisterly, and cool… He pointed the gun on his forehead… "Isn't this interesting… … …A DARK GAME." He said… yes, this is a game… Game… Start… DARK GAME START…
-BANG-!
Riki pulled the trigger, and blue shards that rotating around him appeared all of the sudden, they're all enticing in their appearance, and they're all gathering above Riki.
""Huh?""
Both Haruka and Rin, who are just about to be approached and attacked by the Shadow, turned to Riki as he seems to be out of place at the moment…
"N-Naoe…?" Rin said, in awe.
"In an instant, God shall become a Phoenix, all evil spirits chosen by it shall be reposed on earth." Riki recited some sort of Hieratic text that appeared in his mind, and golden light are emanating around him…
…At the command room…
"Huh? Hey, what's he doing? And… I don't understand what he's saying." Masato said, not understanding Riki's statement that he keeps repeating over, and over…
"Is that… not Japanese?" Kengo asked.
"…Egypt." Mio muttered.
"""Eh?"""
Everyone turned to her,
"The words he's reciting are… Egyptian words…" She said eyeing Riki at the monitor.
…
…Back at the rooftop…
"…shall be reposed on earth." Riki stopped chanting, with the golden lights around him to be dissipating.
"Gr, Groooaaaaaarrr-!" The Shadow, tired of waiting, went for Riki.
"Ah, Riki!" Rin called out.
""Riki-!""
Both Rin and Haruka called out.
"Groooaaaarrr-!" The Shadow lunged one of its blades to Riki-
"SKAAAAWWWRRRRGGGHH-!" A loud roar is heard… And…
-FLAAAAAAASSSSHHH-!
A blinding light erupted in front of Riki-
"Groooaaaaarrr-!" Which caused the Shadow to be blinding, halting its attack.
""Ah…!""
Both Haruka and Rin were in awe at this development.
-FLAAAAAAASSSHHHH-!
…Amidst the light that is emanating, something seems to be coming out-
-FLAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSHHH-!
A god, The Winged Dragon of Ra, came out of the vortex that appeared out of the light, and in stood gigantic in front of the Shadow.
"Groooaar…" It was bewildered at the very presence of the god.
"Grrrrrrrr," The Winged Dragon of Ra glared at the Shadow, which was enough to send chill down its spine.
…
…At the command room…
"gasp, Ah!" Kanata gasped at the sight of the god, and her mouth remained opened…
"What in the… That's…!" Kyosuke himself is in awe, and his mouth is wide opened…
"D-Dude, that's… That's huge!" Masato exclaimed.
Everyone else is in awe as well, as they watched this development from the screen. Ra's gigantic appearance can be seen clearly on the screen.
…
…Back at the rooftop…
"Grrrrrrrr," Ra is soaring slightly away from the ground, and some sort of waves are gathering around him.
…Shaaaaaarrrrrrppp…
"SKAAAAAAWWWWRRRGGHH-!" *ABLAAAAAZZZEE-!* Suddenly, he turned into a Phoenix that is shrouded in flames. "SKAAWWWRRRGGGGHHH-!"
*ABLAAAAAAZZZEEE-!*
-Ra soared towards the Shadow, about to land through it, with Ra intending to burnit alive.
*ABLAAAAAAAAAAAZZZZEEEEEEE-!*
"Grooooooaaaaarrr-!" The Shadow is incinerated by the flames-
*BOOOOOOMM-!*
And it exploded, defeating it.
""Kyaaaaaahhh-!""
Both Rin and Haruka were slightly blown away by that massive force that was erupted out of the explosion.
"Ah…" Riki, who has a very tired expression, looked at Ra's burning Phoenix mode.
"Grrrr," …It seems to be staring at him, too.
"…Thank you. God…" He thanked the god with a warm smile.
"…" …The god seems to have smiled back, and its flames dissipated. He is dismissed.
"Ah," Riki fell down from exhaustion.
""Ah…!""
Both Rin and Haruka gasped at that. They both stood up, and ran towards Riki.
"O-Oi! Riki-kun!" Haruka tended to him.
"Riki!" Rin did, too.
-Slam-!
The door is slammed open.
"Are you all right!?" Kyosuke, Masato and Kengo had arrived.
"Please… answer me!" Haruka beckoned of Riki who is still unconscious…
"Agh… ah… …" He drifted into unconsciousness…
End of Chapter 1