Hey guys! Thankd so much for supporting and being overall really kind towards this story. Lets get on with the story.
I don't own the Persona series.
Layla stared aimlessly out the window. There was no use of her paying attention to class, her mind was too preoccupied.
The events of the Velvet Room replayed in her mind. Igor and Mercy had to be real. There was no way her imagination could create such abstract characters. In fact, she was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she failed to notice the bell and lunch starting.
"Hey, you ok?"
Layla blinked and looked up. There was a young man with dark hair and a gold heart shaped pendant. Instead of a typical standard blazer, he wore a dark blue hoodie and black pants.
"Lunch has started. Did you not bring something to eat?"
"Oh not at all! I do, I just was zoning out."
"Alright."
He grinned softly and patted her on the head. She gave him a weird look, and he quickly retracted his hand.
"Sorry, force of habbit."
"No it's fine."
"Yo Layla. What's up Elm? Let's eat together." Juan said as he approached the two.
As they ate, the dark boy introduced himself as Elm Argua. In fact, he sat right in front of her in class. They chattered about things, but Layla still found it difficult focus.
"Earth to Layla. Can you read me?" Juan joked, waving his hand in front of her.
"Huh? Yeah I can hear you."
"Why so distracted today?"
She couldn't tell Juan or Elm about the Velvet Room. They'd think she was insane.
"Well...um..."
"It's different from American schools, isn't it." Elm mentioned.
"Yeah, I guess I'm just trying to soak it all in."
Now that he did mention, Japanese schools were much different than her old classes in America. Instead of opening doors outwards, here the doors slid to the right. They also ate inside their classrooms instead of a normal cafeteria. It truly was the different, but still a school nonetheless.
"I forgot American schools looked different. It's been awhile since I've been in one." Juan nodded.
"Hey! Did you hear?"
"Hear what?"
All three of them turned to a loud pair of girls.
"That another student disappeared! This is the third time!"
"No way! Are you sure he isn't just skipping?"
They all tune out as their loud chatter drifted towards other topics.
"People are disappearing?" Layla asked.
"Yeah. For some reason, folks are vanishing out of the blue." Juan said.
"So it's not a rumor." Elm mumbled.
"How scary..." Layla said.
"Hey don't worry. I'll protect you. In case you didn't notice, I'm totally ripped." Juan grins
He extravagantly flexes his arms and poses until they all break down in laughter. Elm quickly composes himself then looks at Layla seriously.
"But in all seriousness, we won't let anything happen to you."
She smiles and nods.
The bell rings again, signalling that lunch was over. The math teacher, Mr. Taka, swiftly started class as soon as he entered.
And for once, Layla found that she could focus on class. Too bad she didn't understand.
Class had finally ended as Layla stretched in her chair. When she left her class, everyone was buzzing about the missing students. It made her feel uneasy.
"Strange things are happening within your world, and only you and your allies have the power to prevent it."
'Was this the chaos that Igor warned me about?'
A hand suddenly grabbed her shoulder.
"Ahh!"
"Woah! It's just me Layla."
Juan walked from behind her, followed by Elm.
"Getting a little shaky from all the talk?"
She nodded meekly.
"Just like Elm said earlier, you don't have to worry."
"I know but-"
"You know what, let's hang out."
"What?"
"You, me, and Elm here are gonna show you around town. That way you're not so scared."
"Smart idea." Elm nodded.
Juan grinned and bowed.
"Why thank you sir!"
Elm rolled his eyes but grinned anyway.
"So how 'bout it Layla?"
"Yeah, it sounds like fun! Let's go tomorrow, it'll be the weekend then."
The two stared at her blankly for a moment.
"You know we still go to school on Saturday right?" Elm asked.
A horrified expression grew on her face.
"NO WAY!"
"You'll get used to it. We'll just go after school."
She nodded sullenly and kept that expression as the three walked back. When Layla entered the dorm, she could already hear a loud argument.
"It's always this bitch! She's always causing trouble!"
"Excuse me! If anyone causes trouble it's you! And I'd rather be a bitch then a slut like you!"
Layla choose to leave them be.
She went straight up the stairs to her room, trying to ignore the yelling. After an hour or so, the yelling abruptly stopped.
'At least they finally stopped.'
A swift but curt knock hit my door. When I opened it, a woman looking much like Margaret stood there. She had short white hair and yellow eyes, and wore a long blue dress, blue gloves, a blue attendant-like hat, black leggings and blue, knee-length boots.
"Good evening. Miss Layla Mitchell, correct?"
"Yes that's me."
"I am Elizabeth. I function as a counselor and nurse here. However, I was asked to deliver a note for you."
She presented Layla with a black envelop, similar to the invitation to the academy she received not too long ago.
"Thank you."
"Of course. You are a special guest after all."
Layla looked at her in confusion, but Elizabeth took no notice to it. She bowed and left as quickly as she came, closing the door behind her.
The placed the letter on her desk and yawned. She quickly submitted to her bed and fell asleep.
'I'll just read it tomorrow.'
"Welcome back."
Once again, Layla was in the glamorous and bright Velvet Room. Both Igor and Mercy remained in the same spot she'd last see them.
'Looks like I'm back.'
"It seems you may soon begin your journey. I advise caution on your way." Igor said.
'So the disappearances are part of the chaos he spoke of.'
"When the time is right, your power will be unleased. So bide your time and watch attentively." Mercy added.
"Before you leave, take this with you."
A silver key appeared in her hands, glowing brillantly.
"With the use of that key, you may enter this place of your own volition."
'Seriously? How will I find it?'
"You must find the door yourself. But do not fret, I am sure you will be able to."
That comment did not comfort her.
"It seems you must be up soon. Return to your world." Mercy says.
The room flashes white, and it shatters apart like glass.
BEEP!
BEEP!
BEEP!
BEEP!
Her hand slaps the top of the alarm. She felt exhausted, but forced herself out of bed to get ready. Igor told her to stay attentive so that's what she'd do.
As she walked to the academy, she scanned the area. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The Velvet Academy stood as regal as ever, standing in its blue glamour. From here, not only did the school appear regal, but a pinch of mystery. It was a little unsettling.
"Excuse me, but if you don't start walking now you'll be late."
Layla blinked back into reality and realized some girl was standing in front of her. She had shaggy brown hair and strangely wore a baggy boy's uniform-which was still perfectly ironed somehow-along with gloves.
"Yeah you're right. Guess I got a little distracted."
She laughs awkwardly as the girl gave her a sympathetic smile.
"You're the transfer student right? I heard your name is Layla."
"Yeah that's me."
"I'm Arashi Endou, a second year like you except I'm in a different class."
"Nice to meet you."
The had a nice conversation as they hurried to school. Before they went separate ways, Arashi stopped her for a moment.
"Just so you know, I am a boy."
He didn't give Layla a chance to respond before walking to his class, leaving Layla standing there, bewildered. She forced herself into class and tried to think of something else.
The school day droned on as usual, and when the bell finally rang, she was filled with excitement. Both Juan and Elm walked up to her desk as she packed away her stuff.
"Ready to go?" Elm asked.
"Yep, let's go exploring."
Juan laughed at her excitement.
"You sound like a little kid." He teased.
She stuck her tongue out at him and followed the two out of class then the school. The boys led her to a station, and as soon as they came the monorail pulled in.
"A monorail?"
"Yep, pretty cool right?"
Layla nodded eagerly. The train wasn't too packed but they all still stood, clutching the railings.
"Hold on tight Layla. These things go pretty fast." Elm said.
"I'll be-WOAH!"
The train sped forward faster than she had anticipated. In fact, she would've fallen if not for Elm grabbing her quickly.
"I told you to be careful. Just hang onto me for right now."
"Ok...sorry."
"Aw! Look at you two, the perfect couple!"
The two quickly denied it, despite their flushed faces.
"Anyway, the closest city to Velvet Academy is called Venus City." Elm said, pointing out the window.
The monrail raced over the ocean, revealing a large city in the distance. It was a large city, dominated by shining metallic structures and buildungs, monorail tracks built all around and through it. It seemed like a typical city but somewhat more futuristic.
"Wow!" She said, quickly forgetting her embarrassment. She peered through the window in wonder.
"The city is broken up into 5 districts: Velvet, Wands, Ovid, Zero, and Infinity." Elm explained.
"We're getting off at Infinity, that's where all the arcades and cool stuff are." Juan grinned.
Within a few minutes, they stepped off the train into Infinity. The group went about, showing Layla the sights. There was Midnight Arcade with different games everyday, a manga shop, and several fast food restaurants.
They then travelled to the remaining districts. Zero was an industrial district with many firms and companies. It also housed the Eternal Spire-a large tower like structure in the center. Unfortunately the elevator was out and no one wanted to walk up. Ovid was more like a strip mall, containg multi-purpose stores and places to work. Layla wanted to visit Wands, but the boys objected it for some reason they didn't want to disclose. They ended up going anyway. Wands was a shady area filled with night clubs, strip clubs, bars, and who knows what else. The only good thing there was the ramen shop. The three stopped for food there once Layla declared she was feeling famished.
"This food is amazing! I've never had such delicious ramen."
"It really is. Too bad it's located in the worse part of town." Juan said, muttering the last part under his breathe.
"I needz nore BOOZE!" A man yelled.
Layla cringed at his voice. He was clearly drunk and he kept rambling.
"Ya know! *hic* The end is nears! The *hic* is near. They're gonna *hic* They're gonna *hic* rain from the sky! Har Har Har!" He shouted.
Elm frowned at the man. As did Layla. She decided to pay no mind to a mindless drunk's rambling.
"Let's get going, it's getting late." Elm said.
"Yeah, we shouldn't be in Wands this late. It gets worse at night." Juan said in agreement.
"Ok let's go." She nodded.
They paid and bid farewell to the cook as they left the shop. The streets of Wands were now somewhat empty, with the exception of shady people standing around street corners. The monorail station-as well as the train- was practically abandoned.
"Damn, it's like a ghost town." Juan said quietly.
"Yeah..."
The darkened city made her nervous. It made her feel as if something bad would occur. Elm seemed to notice her distress, and patted her on the head.
"Don't worry, we're almost back to the academy." He assured her.
And he was right. With no one getting off at the other stops, getting back was relatively easy. However, they still had to walk back to their dorms in the dark and creepy streets. A light fog had formed, making it much worse. In this weather, the Velvet Academy looked menacing and evil.
'Creepy.'
They stuck closely together as they slowly walked.
Heed me.
Layla stopped walking.
Heed my call.
She turned around and began to walk into a nearby alley, ignoring both Juan and Elm's confused protests. Proceeding down the narrow alley, something glowed in the darkness. It shimmered blue light and continued to do so as Layla came closer.
"Layla! What the hell man!" Juan yelled.
He grabbed her shoulder, pulling her back. She snapped out of her trance and fell back onto her butt. She blinked, unsure of how she ended up there.
"Hey, be more careful." Elm said.
He and Juan helped Layla off the ground.
"Thanks."
It was then the boys noticed the shining blue. It penatrated the darkness, as if it were beckoning them.
"What is that?" Elm asked.
Layla shrugged and dusted dirt off her skirt. Juan grinned creepily and went closer towards the light, pulling his goggles down over his eyes.
"W-wait a second! Juan!" Elm yelled, following Juan.
Layla ran after the two but all three reached a dead end. But unlike normal dead ends, this one had a large tear-like scratch in the wall. It glowed blue vibrantly as they drew closer. Juan mumbled to himself as he observed it.
"Is this a normal wall in Japan or something?"
"No. Definitely not." Elm answered.
"This thing is amazing! It's like alien hideout or something!" Juan said, excitement evident in his voice.
"Juan. Please back away from it without touching it." Elm said slowly.
Unfortunately, Juan had already began fingering the tear's edges. He began peeling the tear open.
"Juan don't!" Layla said, rushing over to him.
Too late. The tear flipped open and began furiously sucking in. Juan being the closest was first to be pulled in, followed by Layla, Elm, and their screams. It closed firmly behind them, leaving no trace of light or human presence.
It was so dark on the inside as they tumbled through the air. It felt as if they were falling for eternity. Layla yelled out for Juan and Elm, but neither answered. Soon, the darkness began to clear and her free falling began to slow. She easily landed on a piece of land.
"What is this?"
It was like broken space. Bits and pieces of black land floated freely. It seemed to have a different sense of gravity. The air around her was the same, but the sky was eccentric and exotic abstract colors that clashed with the dark land.
"Layla!"
"Layla!"
"Guys!"
She frantically searched for them on nearby platforms, but couldn't see them.
"Where are you?" She yelled.
"Um, we're not exactly sure." Juan yelled back.
'They sound close but where?'
Suddenly, she knelt down and gazed beneath the platform. She was greeted with Juan and Elm's baffled faces.
"How did you get up there!?"
"I just fell here."
"Hang on Layla, we're coming. Just stay put." Elm said.
"It's ok, I can just jump."
"WHAT!?"
Before either could stop her, she jumped off, slowly gliding towards them.
"How did you do that!?" Juan asked.
She shrugged.
"Maybe certain areas have different types of gravity?" Elm mumbled in thought.
"Maybe? Where exactly is this place?" Layla asked.
"Maybe some parallel universe?" Juan shrugged.
"We wouldn't be in this situation if Juan hadn't touched the thing." Elm sighed.
"W-what! I was just interested!"
"RRAGH!"
All three quickly fell into silence.
"RRAGH!"
"Wh-wh-what's that noise?" Juan asked.
"I-I don't know but we need to move. Now." Layla said.
The three began heading in the opposite direction of the strange growling, but it only seemed to grow louder as they continued. As they turned the corner, a black ball of sludge appeared before them.
"RRARGH!"
The sludge ball suddenly turned and faced them, stretching it's body to tower over them.
They all paled, backing away slowly only to be greeted by more of them. Simultaneously, they all burst-casting away their slimy bodies- and turned into dripping corpse-like entities. They were surrounded with no way out. Some even wore their school's uniform. One came especially close to Layla, breathing right into her face.
"S-stay away!" She shrieked.
She fell to her knees and covered her head with her arms. She felt as if she were going to throw up.
Juan glanced at Layla, then shoved one of them back. Elm quickly followed suit. The shadows groaned in response.
"RRAGH!"
"Elm no!"
Layla looked up once she heard Juan's yell. One shadow grabbed Elm by the neck, strangling him. Juan himself was now being held down by two. Both were obviously struggling, but the shadows were too strong.
You can't just sit here, can you?
A voice rang out in her head, it's gentle tone calming her.
Your friends fought to protect you.
Will you not do the same?
Layla nodded and began to stand.
"Layla, just run! Get out of here!" Juan begged.
The shadow swiftly kicked him, effectively shutting him up.
"I won't be scared. I'll fight too!" Layls declared.
She could feel strength building within her, growing and growing.
Time to stand up and fight!
"Persona!"
She held her arm out towards the sky, the chain around her wrist shattering. The broken pieces encircled her arm. They turned into gold metal- twisting around her pointer finger down to her elbow. A flurry of icy wind formed around her. It pelted the shadows, knocking them back, but caused no harm to Elm or Juan. When the wind died down slightly, Elm and Juan looked up at Layla in surprise. She smirked, her golden hair dancing in the air. Behind her stood a tall, regal woman with white hair held into a braid and a silver crown with an amethyst jewel. Her long black gown had gold intricate border designs and a silver buckle that held a blue to purple garment. Her black elbow length gloves were, silver necklace, and piercing blue eyes completed the look.
"I'll destroy every last one of them!" She yelled.
The woman nodded, holding her arm out as if to declare war.
The shadows began to stand up, growling as they rushed back at them. Juan and Elm frantically got to their feet.
"Stand back you two. Zelda and I will handle this."
They reluctantly but quickly agreed, backing out of the way.
"Zelda, Bufu!"
Zelda spun around and a diamond of ice encased one of the shadows. The shadow promptly disintegrated.
"Zelda, Bufu again! Keep it up!"
One by one, each shadow succumbed and disintegrated under the ice.
"Layla, behind you!"
The last shadow lunged at her back, but she quickly jumped back, dodging the attack.
"Holy Arrow!"
Before the shadow could even recover, Zelda pointed forward-a bow appearing in her hands. As soon as it formed, a golden arrow shot through its head-destroying it on contact.
Zelda bowed its head to Layla then disappeared. All the shadows were destroyed.
"That. Was. So. AWESOME!" Juan yelled, running up to her.
"How did you do that?!"
"Perhaps, this thing on her arm?" Elm said, looking at the strange glove-like thing on her arm.
"What was that anyway?" Elm asked.
"Persona..."
"Huh?"
Layla suddenly felt faint. Her body slumped and fell forward.
"Woah! Hey wake up!"
"Dude she's out cold!"
"-ey!"
"Lay-"
"La-"
She opened her eyes but quickly forced them into slits.
"Welcome back." Mercy says.
'I'm in the Velvet Room?'
"I see you've awakened to your Persona."
'My Persona?'
"A Persona is a manifestation of one's personalities — more specifically, they're described as a mask each character wears in the face of hardship." Igor explained.
'I guess I get it.'
"You have the gift to wield multiple Personas, as you are of the Fool Arcana." Mercy said.
"If you wish to continue getting stronger, you must make genuine bonds."
'Bonds?'
"The bonds of friendship or even love will make your Personas stronger. Or you may even create new Personas with such power."
"Next time, I will explain how to create new Personas. But you will need to come on your own." Igor grins.
"Lay-"
"-la!"
Muffled yelling permeates the room.
"It seems you are being called back to your own world. Head back and be wary of the shadows." Mercy says.
The room begins to fall apart and then shatters.
It's all dark now.
"Lay-"
"-ke up!"
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Layla has finally awakened her Persona Zelda. Her Persona is based on Zelda from the Legends of Zelda franchise, but her outfit is based on a palate swap from Super Smash Bros Wii U/3DS. That's all for now. Have a nice day.