CHAPTER 1: Inaba, The Beginning

A story detailing what it would be like if Yu Nagukari was Female. Basically, a "Hamuko of Persona 4"… Yes this sort of thing has been done before, mostly REALLY BADLY, but I'm trying to differentiate mine from the rest. There will be more changes besides just throwing in a Female Main Character. Unfortunately most of the ones I know I'm going to include won't come until a little later on… But trust me, they changes will be REALLY interesting… Enjoy =D

There is darkness all around. Not a sound to be heard, save a car driving, a limousine to be more precise. It has a velvety blue tint, and has no markings on the exterior. There is thick fog surrounding the automobile. Who is driving the limousine is unknown, but there are two passengers. One woman, who is sitting towards the back –on the side- of the limo, wearing a blue uniform that resembles of a police uniform, she has blond hair, golden eyes, and a blue head band. She is also holding a somewhat large book in her lap. The other resident, an old man, who sits on the far end of the limo. He is wearing a suit that resembles a butler uniform, he also has silver hair, and his face is resident to a very long nose. There is all but silence, until it is broken, by the old man with the long nose…

Man with long nose: "…Welcome, to the Velvet Room."

CUE SONG: Persona 3/4: The Poem for Everyone's Souls

The interior of the limo shares the same velvety blue coloring as the outside. There is a bar to left, a small table in front of the old man; there is also no visibility on what is outside of the limousine. The bizarre-looking man speaks once again.

Man with long nose: "Ah… It seems we have a guest with an intriguing destiny… *chuckle*… My name is Igor… I am delighted to make your acquaintance. This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter… It is a room where only those who are bound by a "contract" may enter… It may be that such a fate awaits you in the near future. Now then… Why don't you introduce yourself… My lady?"

'Mm..? What? Ugh… Everything is a blur… My name...? Ah... It's coming back to me slowly…'

The young lady answered the man known now as Igor.

Teenage Girl: "My name is Minori Kyoko."

Igor: "Hm… I see. Now, let's take a look into your future, shall we?"

Igor then pointed his palm toward the table in front of him. Then the table top glowed a bright blue color. And before Kyoko's eyes appeared a small deck of cards.

'Whoa that was so weird… What did he do?'

Igor: "Do you believe in fortune telling?"

And with a swipe of his hand Igor spread the small deck of cards in a 3 by 3 arrangement.

Igor: "Every reading is done with the same cards, yet the result is always different… *chuckle* Life itself follows the same principles, doesn't it?"

Igor then flipped over the bottom-right card. A picture of a tower being struck by lightning appeared on it.

Igor: "Hm… The Tower in the upright position represents the immediate future. It seems a terrible catastrophe is imminent. The card indicating the future beyond that is…"

Igor then flipped over the bottom-right card, which had shown a small crayfish above a larger crescent moon with a face on it facing to the left.

Igor: "The Moon, in the upright position. This card represents "hesitation" and "mystery"… Very interesting indeed. It seems you will encounter a misfortune at your destination, and a great mystery will be imposed upon you. 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."

Igor then swiped his hands over the cards on the table, and they all vanished into thin air.

'Ok. This dream is kinda creeping me out… It's so strange… Wake up me!'

Igor: "Ah! I have neglected to introduce my assistant to you. This is Margaret. She is a resident of this place, like myself. As well as our master, who could not be present here."

Margaret: "My name is Margaret. I am here to accompany you through your journey."

"We shall attend to the details another time. Until then, farewell…"

Suddenly, everything in sight was fading out into a white fog…

END SONG:

Persona 3/4: The Poem for Everyone's Souls
LOCATION: Train…

'My name is Minori Kyoko, or Kyoko Minori for you English speaking folk. I am a seventeen year old girl. I am roughly 5'5" with shoulder length pinkish-red hair, and my eyes have black coloring. I recently had to be transferred out of my school in the big city, to a small urban town school, because my parents are going to work overseas in America and they asked my uncle to be my temporary guardian. I adore music. My favorite singers are Hirata Shihoko, Lotus Juice, Kawamura Yumi, Fujita Mayumi, and of course, Kujikawa Rise. I have my own pair of custom made headphones. They're blue and I hang them around my neck. Of course my music player is the newest brand of music players from PEACH INC: The "X-Station 3DSiPod"… I have a feeling that I'm going to have a very interesting school year.'

*bzzt* Monotone voice: "A MESSAGE FROM: RYATARO" *bzzt*

"Oh. My phone…"

TEXT MESSAGE: "MEET US OUTSIDE YASOINABA STATION AT 4PM."

Kyoko: "Well duh. Where else am I going to meet you? Geez."

*Ping* FEMALE ANNOUNCER: "We will arrive at Yasogami Terminal in a few minutes. Passengers heading for Inaba city, and Yasoinaba Station, please go to the other side of the platform." *Ping*

Kyoko: "Oh. That's me."

LOCATION: Unknown Home

Young girl: "Oh. Should we go soon?"

Older man: "Yes… Just about."

LOCATION: Train heading for Yasoinaba Terminal

'Hm. The scenery is beautiful… Oh dang… We went into a tunnel…'

Kyoko: "*sigh*"

Just then, images of a woman clad in blue and an old man with an elongated nose flashed through her mind. This startled the young girl. She quickly shook it off and thought nothing of it.

MALE ANNOUNCER: "Yasoinaba… Yasoinaba…"

"Oh. This is my stop…"

LOCATION: Yasoinaba Terminal in Inaba City.
TODAYS DATE: April/Eleventh (4/11)… Monday.
GENERAL TIME: Afternoon.
WEATHER: Foggy

Man's Voice: "Hey! Over here!"

Kyoko: "Hm? Ah. *walks over to the caller*"

Older man: "Well, you're much cuter in person than in your photo. Welcome to Inaba. I'm Dojima Ryotaro. I'll be looking after you. Let's see… I'm your mother's younger brother… and that about sums it up."

Kyoko: "It's nice to meetcha "Uncle Dojima" tee hee."

Dojima: "Heh. You probably don't remember, but we've met. I've changed your diapers before, you know. This here is my daughter. Come on, Nanako, introduce yourself to your cousin."

'He's…. changed my diapers? Ew… Wait, has he seen me naked!..."

Nanako was a small girl. She was roughly around 6 or 7 years old. She also seemed to be a bit shy. But that's expected from most young kids when meeting new people.

Kyoko: "*chuckle* Hi there. I'm your cousin Minori Kyoko. It's nice to meet you Nanako," said Kyoko, who then followed up with a carefree smile.

Nanako: "Mmph… H'llo…" said a shy Nanako as she retreated to the backside of her father.

Dojima: "*chuckle* What're you so shy for? She's just your cousin."

Nanako didn't take kindly to Dojima's remark, as she retaliated by slapping his back.

Dojima: "Ow, hahaha."

Nanako: "Mm…"

Dojima: "Well then… let's get going. My car's over there."

CUE SONG: Persona PSP Remake: Daily Life
LOCATION: Central shopping district, MOEL Gas Station

The three then proceeded to a nearby white car. During the car ride, Dojima and Kyoko discussed many things that have happened over the years. On their way to the Dojima Residence, they had to stop at a gas station in the Central shopping district…

Attendant: "Hey there. Welcome to Moel."

Dojima: "Can you go to the bathroom by yourself?"

Attendant: "E-excuse me sir?"

Kyoko: "I think I can…"

Dojima: "*heavy sigh* Not you two, Nanako."

All, except the attendant: *exit the car*

Nanako: "*nods in confirmation* Uh-huh."

Attendant: "The bathroom's in the back. On your left. Ya know which side's left? It's the side you don't hold your chopsticks in."

Nanako: "…I know… Geez…*walks away*"

'This guy must think she is stupid or something… I mean yeah she's really young, but she's not an idiot.'

Attendant: "You guys takin' a trip?"

Dojima: "No, we just had to pick her up at the train station. She just moved here from the big city."

Attendant: "City, huh…?"

Dojima: "Fill up my car while you're at it. Regular's fine."

Attendant: "You got it, Sir!"

Dojima: "*light sigh* Now's as good a time as any for a smoke... *walks away*"

Attendant: "You in high school, kid?"

Kyoko: "Hm?"

Attendant: "It shouldn't be too surprising to a city girl that there aint much to do out here in the sticks. Heh heh. You'll probably be bored pretty soon. You'll either be hanging with friends or going to part-time jobs. We're actually looking for part-timers, ya interested? Give it some thought. We don't care if you're a school kid."

The friendly gas station attendant then extended his hand toward Kyoko, the latter of whom returned the gestured.

Attendant: "Oh damn. I should probably get back to work. *walks away*"

Nanako then returned, but stayed toward the front of the car, away from Kyoko. She was looking straight at Kyoko though… Kyoko then felt a great migraine come on.

Kyoko: "Ngh… *puts hand to forehead*"

Nanako: "*walks up to Kyoko* …Are you okay?"

'Awe, she's so sweet!'

Kyoko: "Mhm. *nods* I'll be fine. Arigato."

Nanako: "Did you get car sick? You don't look too good…"

'Now that she mentions it… I'm definitely feeling a little bit dizzy… It's probably just from the trip though.'

Kyoko: "I'm sure it's just from travelling. Arigato Nanako-chan."

LOCATION: Dojima Residence, Outside

Dojima and his daughter walked into the quiet little home. Kyoko stood outside for a few more moments to contemplate…

'I'm here. For the next year, this is my house.'

Kyoko: "Well, I'll make the most of it! This is guna be a fun year. I can tell. *walks inside*"

LOCATION: Dojima Residence, Inside
GENERAL TIME: Evening
WEATHER: Raining

It is now dinner time in the Dojima house. We find Dojima, Nanako, and Kyoko sitting at a table… They're not eating anything elegant, just some TV Dinners…

All: *open a can of soda*

Dojima: "All right, let's have a toast."

All: *raise cans, then take a sip from the can*

Dojima: "So… Your mom and dad are busy as always… They're working overseas, in America right?"

Kyoko: "Yep. They went to work for a gaming company called ATLUS. The company needed translators for their upcoming game, Devil Survivor: Overclocked."

Dojima: "Ah I see. That sounds interesting. I know it's only for a year, but getting stuck in a place like this because of your parents… It's rough being a kid."

Kyoko: "Eh, what are you guna do ya know? *chuckle*"

Dojima: "Well, it's just me and Nanako here, so it'll be nice having someone like you around. So long as you're here, you're part of the family, so make yourself at home."

Kyoko: "Yes, Sir! *salutes Dojima*"

Dojima: "Uhh… Right. …Are you into military stuff?"

Kyoko: *sweat drop*

Nanako: *chuckle*

Dojima: "Well, anyway… Let's eat.

Dojima's Cell: *Pipipipipipipi*

Dojima: "Ugh… Who's calling at this hour? *opens cell*… Dojima speaking…Mhm… Yeah? I see… So where is it?... Uh-huh…*sigh* All right, I'm on my way *hangs up*… Looks like I made the right choice to skip the booze. Sorry, but I gotta go take care of some business. Go ahead and eat without me. I don't know how late I'll be. Nanako, you help her out, okay?"

Nanako: "Oh… Okay…"

Dojima: "*walks to the front door* Nanako, it's raining out. What did you do with the laundry!"

Nanako: "I already brought it in!"

Dojima: "…All right. Well I'm off. *leaves*"

Nanako: *turns on the television*

TV: "-for this week. Next, let's take a look at the hourly breakdown of tomorrow's weather. With storm clouds moving in from the west, expect rain throughout the day tomorrow in most areas."

Nanako: "…Let's eat."

'Hm… Seems like it's just me and Nanako now... Maybe I should break the ice with her…'

Kyoko: "So what's your daddy's job Nanako-chan?"

Nanako: "He… investigates stuff. Like crime scenes. He's a detective."

Kyoko: "Oh that sounds exciting!"

Nanako: "Mhm…"

TV: "And now for the local news. City council secretary Namatame Taro is under fire for an alleged relationship with a female reporter. His wife, enka ballad sensation Hiiragi Misuzu, revealed to this station that she will likely pursue damages. In response, Eye Television has decided to cancel all of announcer Yamano Mayumi's televised appearances. Until allegations of an affair with Mr. Namatame are resolved, she'll remain off the air and out of the public eye."

Nanako: "…This is boring. *changes the channel*"

Kyoko: "Awe, but I enjoy all that gossip stuff. *sigh* Oh well."

TV: "At Junes, everyday is Customer Appreciation Day. Come see for yourself, and get in touch with our products! Every day's great at your Junes!"

Nanako: "*sing-song voice* Every day's great at your Junes!"

Kyoko: "!"

'She seems so carefree all of a sudden… It's pretty cute'

Kyoko: *chuckle*

Nanako: "…Aren't you going to eat?"

'There goes her carefree attitude…'

Kyoko: "Oh! Right haha. C'mon, let's dig in Nanako-chan!"

END SONG: Persona PSP Remake: Daily Life

Later that evening, Kyoko went to the room she is borrowing from Dojima. It has a small sofa, a coffee table, a desk, a shelf, drawers with a small TV on them, and a futon.

Kyoko: "Hm… Maybe I should go to bed… I'm rather tired... Then again, I didn't get to see my gossip stories because Nanako hogged the TV. Maybe I'll watch a little bit before bed…"

And with that, Kyoko got changed into some pajamas, and sat down to watch the TV… She couldn't find the remote though…

Kyoko: "Oh my gawd! Where is that remote! Maybe it's behind the TV… It's the only place I haven't looked…"

Kyoko then attempted to reach behind the television… When all of a sudden…

Kyoko: "*hand goes into the TV screen*…Um…. ok Kyoko… keep your cool… you're just tired and hallucinating… your hand is definitely NOT in the TV…Oh my gawd… oh my gawd…"

Then her arm started to slowly reach further into the TV… Then her elbow… And then without warning, her body just flew into the TV…

LOCATION: ?
GENERAL TIME: ?
WEATHER: Foggy

Kyoko: "Mm…. Where am I..? And what's with all this fog..? I don't see an exit nearby, so I may as well walk down this path…"

And with that, Kyoko walked down the path… The path was made of hundred of red cubes. It was hard to see ahead of her due to the thick fog covering the area…

?: "Do you seek the truth…?"

Kyoko: "Huh…?"

Kyoko, not getting a response from the voice, continued down the path.

?: "If it's truth you desire, come and find me…"

Kyoko: "Huh! Who's there? Hello…?"

Once again, she received no response and continued forward… She soon encountered a large, square door.

Kyoko: "I have a feeling that whoever said that stuff is just past here…"

She opened the door… She saw a dark figure in front of her…

Kyoko: "Who are you!"

?: "Pick up the shuriken…"

Kyoko: "Huh…?"

Kyoko then looked down, noticing a somewhat light and flimsy shuriken at her feet, she picked it up…

Kyoko: "What's this for? You wanna fight? Then bring it on."

CUE SONG: Persona 4: Edge of Madness (Just the intro)

?: "So… You are the one pursuing me… Hmhmhm… Try all you want…"

Kyoko then whipped her shuriken at the black form… She just barely hit it, doing very minimal damage… The shuriken then spun back around and returned to its thrower.

?: "Ah-ha… So it seems like you can see a little, despite the fog…"

Kyoko: "Don't worry… I'll getcha good now!"

She threw it once more, again only causing minimal damage…

'Damn…'

?: "I see… Indeed, you possess an interesting quality."

Kyoko: "Argh!"

Kyoko threw the shuriken harder this time. It hit the black form but still didn't seem to do much…

'…I'm getting better at least…'

?: "But… you will not catch me so easily… If what you seek is "truth," then your search will be even harder…"

The surroundings became covered in more fog…

'Awe damn… It's harder to see…'

Kyoko readied herself just in case of something nasty…

?: "Everyone sees what they want to… And the fog only deepens…"

Kyoko: "Hee-yah!"

She threw the shuriken again, but it completely missed the target…

'Man, it's so hard to see… I can't hit them…'

?: "…Will we meet again…? At a place other than here… Hmhm… I look forward to it…"

Kyoko: "Wait, w-what… are… you… talking…..abou-…"

Kyoko then lost consciousness…

END SONG: Persona 4: Edge of Madness (Just the intro)

…TO BE CONTINUED

AUTHOR'S MIND:

Ok, so this is the part where I just speak randomly. I hope you guys enjoy my story, despite its lack of originality. I can assure you that the changes I have in store will be very interesting. Unfortunately, most of them don't occur til about the October - December time range =/… I also hope you guys like my FeMC. It took me awhile to come up with a meaningful name for her… Kyoko Minori: Kyoko meaning: "child of the city", and Minori meaning: "truth"… I couldn't find any Japanese female names that had to deal with killing shadows =P… I also hope you feel inclined to listen to the "CUE/END SONG" segments, it only adds to the story you know? =]… Well I think I'm all out of stuff to rant about… So I guess I'll see you in Chapter 2: "The Start of A New Year"!