Chapter one arrival and reunions
Serenity woke up on the day she and Minato were supposed to leave for Jabberwock Island and Rising Angels High school. After Minato sudden revival her mother allowed him to stay with them until it was time for her to leave for her new school because their where no other trains leaving for earth until that day. During the wait Serenity made good on her promise to give Minato the profiles he would need to conduct his own investigation. After she got dressed, she went through her luggage to make sure she had everything she would need for her trip. Suddenly she heard a knock at the door which turned out to be Minato.
"Hey Serenity, did you sleep well? Your mother wants us down in the dining hall in ten minutes. Oh yeah, she also wants me to remind you to make sure that you packed everything you need for the trip. Have you gone though and made sure you packed everything?" Minato asked look at the suitcase that Serenity had.
"Yes I have. But it couldn't hurt to do a final check after breakfast. Did mother tell you what's for breakfast?" Serenity asked has they started towards the dining hall.
"Yeah she did. But she wants it to be a surprise." Minato explained has they entered the dining hall. The food was already set out on the table. It was udon noodles with stir fried rice, Philadelphia rolls and gyoza. Serenity ate her food happily but slowly wanting to savor her final meal before heading off to her new temporary home.
"Now Serenity I know that you will be busy with your work for the Foundation and your studies please make time for your friends has well alright? Oh, and be sure to call your case worker every Sunday night alright? I don't want you to be taken out of the program just because you forgot to do so. Also please remember to write home and tell me how you are." Elayne told her daughter with a sad smile.
"Don't worry mother I'll make sure to write has often has possible. You just make sure to take some time to take care of yourself alright?" Serenity said knowing her mother had a habit of over working herself.
"Don't worry big sister I'll make sure she gets plenty of rest. You just have fun working at the foundation! I wish I could go with though. I really wanted to see what earths like. Can you bring back some souvenirs, please?" Her little sister Tanika asked excitedly. She was about eight years old and love butterflies and birds. She was wearing a purple and blue dress. Her hair was in a fish tail braid with a flower.
"Alright I'll find the best one I can. You just make sure you take care of yourself and listen to mother. I love you little sister I'll see you when I get home." Serenity said bring her little sister into a hug. Minato came up behind her and informed her that it was almost time to go. "Well mother it's time for me to go I love you. I promise to make sure to write has much has possible. Farewell for now." Serenity said has she and Minato left to meet her boyfriend at the train station that would take them to their new adventure.
At the train station Dylan was already waiting for them at the platform. "Hey Moonlight Princess, ready to get on the train? It's should be here in a minute." Just has he said that a loudspeaker came on with an announcement.
"Attention all personal who are boarding train 2009-229-24323 your train will be arriving at platform three in ten-minute please proceed to platform three immediately for luggage search and ticket processing. Please remember that luggage search is necessary to board the train. Thank you for your cooperation." The person on the loudspeaker said.
"What's the luggage search about? Is that normal here?" Minato asked Serenity has they set their things down while they waited for the train.
"Normally no, but ever since the tragedy the started in 2013 they had to up the security to make sure no one form Ultimate Despair gets into the kingdom." Serenity explained grimly.
"I know that look Serenity. Your worried about something. What is it that's troubling you?" Minato asked while looking her in the eyes.
"Well… it's just that there already have been 35 Ultimate despair members caught in the last to two days and 25 where change out in the kingdom. I'm worried about this. What if they do something to the kingdom while I'm gone? What if they try and hurt mama and Tani? What if Nyx is back form the seal has well Minato? What's if they…" Serenity started to panic her surrounding started to blur she distantly realized that she must have been having a panic attack. But she couldn't get herself under control it was too much she couldn't-
"Serenity it's alright. We're right here everything's going to be alright I promise. Ultimate Despair won't get here. Take a deep breath okay?" Dylan instructed softly. Then he started humming a song that they had heard many times has kids.
Isabella's Lullaby Cover by AmaLee
Let me sing a lullaby,
As you close your eyes
And as your drifting off to sleep
How I hope that the dreams that you find are bright
Love, can we meet again soon in the bluest of skies?
Were a tomorrow awaits you and I
So hold me tight one more time
But don't kiss me goodbye
Cause I know that I'll see you on the other side
Love can we meet again soon in the bluest of skies?
Only in my dreams do we meet again…
Minato recognized the tune even though the lyrics where different than what he often heard has a child. "Dylan where did you hear that song?" Minato asked has Serenity passed out. Dylan looked up form where he was siting and look at Minato with a smile.
"Are uncle Leslie would sing it to us when we would go to visit him in the demon world of Kededith. Trust me you don't want to go there unless it to the rebellion's hideout. Tell me Mr. Messiah, do you believe in demons?" Dylan asked darkly in a tone that sent shivers down Minato's spine.
"Well yes why do you ask?" Minato asked not liking were the conversation was going. Dylan just laughed and smiled.
"You see Minato there are many kinds of demons out there. The one that I'm referring to is call a taboo demons. They eat humans and humans. I hope you don't mind a quick history lesson but it's necessary for you to understand why you shouldn't go to that world unless necessary." Dylan replied with a smile.
"Sure I don't mind. At least it will be something to do while where waiting for the Luggage search is underway." Minato said interested in the history lesson that the boy had mentioned.
"Alright then our story take place 1010 years ago in the year 1005. In the beginning there was just humans, angels and human demons on earth suddenly the some of them started to eat humans. Something which was taboo among demons there for they became known has taboo demons. Their actions sparked a civil war between the two demon races. This war only lasted one war with the taboo demons has the winners. After that the taboo demons stared to go after the angels who had created a seal to protect the human form them. This war lasted a lot longer than the demon war being five years. During this war the taboo demons won by sealing a way the arch angel Agatha. Then came the human war lasting nine years long. The humans decided after nine years to make a deal called the promise with the taboo demons. Now this is where the truth divinities form the story. You see most people believe that the promise was that humans wouldn't hunt demons and demons wouldn't hunt humans. Some people would be left behind for the for the taboo demons to "breed" and "harvest". However, the true promise was that the human and demons would split the world in two. Those two worlds became known has Earth and Kededith while there where humans left behind but not for the purpose they were intended for. Instead of being used to help the taboo demons find and alternate food sources they were used to breed and eat has food. It has been a thousand years since then and nothing changed the only people who know the truth are the rebellion and the Ratri clan." Dylan explained like he was reading a textbook. Minato's eyes widen when he heard the story.
"Dylan, that name Ratri clan where on earth no the universe did you hear that name? And that story, how do you know about that? The only people that should know about that should have been me, Minako and our parents should know about that." Minato told him eyeing him consciously. He was told by his parents growing up that the Ratri were dangerous people. The one rule that his mother always told him and his sister has kids.
"Minato, Minako I know that my past may seem like a fairy tale, but it most certainly is not. You must never reveal my past to anyone. Understand that they will do anything to get their way. So, if you hear of anyone say their last name is Ratri then you must stay away from them alright? I'm not just asking you this has your mother but someone who wants to protect you from those demons who are willing to anything to get humans to call their "food" so promise me that you will never go anywhere near them understood." Their mother Hamuko would say.
"Your mother is right children. She barely made it out of Grace Field has children. Not to mention that we lost your Aunt Isabella too them along with your uncle Leslie has well… We love you both very much and want you to be safe." Their Father Makoto would say softly.
"I remember that they would always cover their necks. Even in the summertime, sometimes they would hum that same tune. At night before we would go to bed, they would sing it to but they had different lyrics." Minato said with a wistful smile remembering those happier days. Never did a day go by did he wonder what his life been like if they had survived that night on the moonlight bridge. Would he have the persona powers he had now? Would he'd have a normal high school life? Would his childhood have been more tolerable? He knew that he would never have an answer because those days where long gone. Before they knew it, the luggage search was over. Dylan carried Serenity on to the train.
"Uhh… Where are we? What happened?" Serenity asked has she woke up.
"You passed out after a panic attack. Moonlight Princess are you sure you're alright? You've been having a lot of panic attacks lately. Serenity I know your worried about them but don't forget your mother survived in the Locust war and help end the Lambent pandemic. She's a strong woman. If anyone can keep Ultimate Despair form getting to them it's her." Dylan said reassuringly.
"Thanks Dylan, but what about Nyx and Erebus? The only reason the dark hour went away way because Minato sealed her away. And he lost his life because of that." Serenity asked.
"Don't worry I'm not going let them win. I won against her last time. And I'll be dammed if I let them win this time." Minato said reassuringly.
"Alright I trust you guys. I guess all we can do is hope for the best." Serenity said with a nervous smile.
"Attention all passengers. 10 minutes remain until departure please put away your luggage and make sure everyone in your party is on board. We here at Inlustris universal travel industries hope you enjoy the raid and would like to remind you passengers that you if you have any complaints your notice any sign of Team Danganronpa or Ultimate despair please go to the service comity immediately. Thank you and enjoy the raid." The loudspeaker said loudly.
After a while the train took off the station. About five minutes later Minato fell asleep. He dreamed of a blue familiar light. When he "woke up" he was not in a train. He was in a blue room with a few people he knew. "Welcome back to the velvet room. How nice it is to see you again!" A man by the name of Igor said. He was an old man who wore a black suit and had a long nose. He had gray hair at the back of his head.
"It's great to be back Igor, Elizabeth and Theodor. How have you been?" Minato asked happy to see the residents of the velvet room. Over the time he and the rest of SEES had been fighting against Nyx and the dark hour he and the residents had become close friends.
"We have been well. But enough about us, I'm sure that you noticed the changes that the Velvet room has undergone in your absence." Igor started gesturing around the room. That's when Minato noticed two unfamiliar people in the room. One appeared to be a bit older than Elizabeth and Theodore. She had long blond hair.
"Hello, my name is Margaret my sister has told me a lot about you. I am an attendant of the velvet room in charge of the persona compendium. If you need to one of your personas, please feel free to see me." Margaret bowed in respect.
"Nice to meet you Margaret. I thought that Elizabeth was the one in charge of the compendium?" Minato asked look at Elizabeth for a moment.
"Yes, that was originally the case. However, when you became the seal Elizabeth left the Velvet room to find a way to release you form it. There for she can no longer fully wild the powers of the compendium. That is why I have chosen Margaret to replace her until Elizabeth is able to do so." Igor started to explain. "Now then, I suppose you are wondering what purpose Elizabeth will be serving now. She now wilds the Shadow compendium. Has the name suggest it holds all the information on shadows and other enemies that you may face on your new journey."
"New Journey huh? So do you know why I am out of the seal?" Minato asked his old friends. To that Igor shook his head.
"There is still much we don't know about the seal. But what I can say is that you have been released for a grate purpose. I hope that you will make the most of this opportunity to the fullest." Igor said with a smile. After that Igor started to do a tarot reading for Minato. When he was done, he looked at Minato with a smile that was reminiscent of the first time he had done this for Minato. "Well, well it looks like you have quite the adventure a head of you. It appears that you will meet your successor and find the truth behind the disappearances of your friends. However, there will be many obstacles on your way to finding them. You will meet many new faces on your way. Will they be friend or foe? Only time holds the answer to that. We wish good faith on your new journey." Igor said with his signature smile that simultaneously chilled and comforted Minato. Has awakened he saw the memories of his time in SEES and with a soft smile returned to the wakening world with the hope that he would find his friends safe and sound.
When Minato woke up the first thing, he noticed was scene outside the train windows had changed. Before it was a city that was full of lights and trees. Now it was stars, planets and galaxies in the sky and trees with blue leaves. "Hey look who's up! You really are a heavy sleeper. We left Universum and hour ago. We will be arriving on earth in an hour." Dylan said with a smile. Minato nodded and watched the scene go by.
"So, Dylan, what are you going to do while you're on earth?" Minato asked the boy who replied with a smile.
"My dad got me a job working part time with his friend Dante at his shop Devils May Cry. Has a Demon hunter. Looking forward to it to tell you the truth." Dylan replied with a smile. The conversation carried on until they got to earth where they got off at Tatsumi Port Island Station.
"Well here we are. Are you guys ready to start our new adventure?" Serenity asked her two friends. The pair nodded and walked out of the station. Just then a motorcycle drove up and parked next to the station. On it was a man in his early thirties with white hair and tan skin.
"Hey Fellas, sorry to interrupt this gathering of your but I need to know how to get to platform 9. If you could tell me how to get there then it would be great." The man said has he walked up to the trio.
"Hey Uncle Dante if you're looking for Dylan then he's right here." Serenity said to him with a smile. Dante looked at Serenity in surprise.
"Serenity?! Now this is a surprise. Came to see your Uncle? And who's are your friends here?" The man now named Dante asked.
"These are my friends Minato and my boyfriend Dylan. You guys this is my uncle Dante. He's a friend of my mother." Serenity said with a smile.
"Boyfriend? Now how long have you two been dating for?" Dante asked looking at Dylan.
"Only two weeks now sir." Dylan said looking at Dante with a smile noting the protective look on his face.
"Don't worry uncle I've known him since my childhood. He wouldn't do anything to hurt me." Serenity said with a soft smile.
"Alright if you say so Serenity. Anyway, I'd love to stay and chat, but we need to get back to the office alright? Dylan are coming." Dante called to the teen who nodded and turned to his girl.
"See you tomorrow at the park at noon? We can go shopping for school supplies" Dylan asked his girlfriend. Serenity nodded and hugged him before saying that she would have work in the morning but would be more then glad to. Once at the shop Devil May Cry Dante sat down with Dylan and asked a few questions.
"Dylan, I'm going to be frank here. I trust you with Serenity but there is something I need to know. I heard from her mother that she recently went through a mess of a situation. She didn't tell me the details and I don't need to know. But what I do want to know is, how is she handling the aftermath." Dante explained to the boy.
Dylan thought for a moment before giving his answer. "She's doing alright. She's agreed to see a therapist who is actually a friend of her mother." Dante nodded and they continued talking for about five minutes before a knock at the door. "I'll get it although I don't know why their knocking on a shop door." Dylan said has he walked over to the shop door. At first it looked like there was no one there, However just has he was about to close the door he heard what sounded like a baby crying. He looked down and saw what looked a year old baby boy.
"Dylan what's going on with that crying." Dante asked has he walked over and saw the baby. He looked closer into the basket and saw a letter written for him in the demon's world language.
Dear Dante
It has been a while since I have visited or spoken to even you in person. Has much has I would like to I am currently being chased by an mysterious organization. I do not know their name our who they are. But I was able to find this symbol that seems to be their mascot.
Unfortunately I cannot care for my own child like this while they are in pursuit of me and my wife. So I ask that you take care of our son Nero until we are able to deal with these people. Enclosed is all the documents you will need. Please take care of him has if he's your own son.
Sincerely your brother Vergil
On the bottom of the letter was a unfamiliar symbol that was three gold arrows pointing inward on a white ring on a gray background. Dylan looked at it and gasped. Dante looked at the teenage knight with curiosity. "Know something about this?" The devil hunter asked him.
The knight though for a moment before he answered. "I'm not supposed to tell you this but given the circumstances I think the law of emergency exception applies here. I only know this because of my status Serenity's royal knight. So I'll need you to promise that you won't tell anyone unless the circumstance dictates otherwise." Dylan said has he sat down in a chair. Dante sat across from him with a fatherly look on his face while holding baby Nero.
"So what am I dealing with here Dylan?" Dante asked the boy. Nero had already fallen asleep in his arms with a peaceful smile on his face
"That symbol represents the SCP foundation. SCP means Secure, Contain and Protect. Their purpose is to contain and researching phenomenon. However they have very controversial ways of doing so." Dylan explained with a serious expression on his face.
"Controversial how exactly?" Dante asked the teenager before him. Dylan shivered before answering.
"It's their experiments Dante. They don't even treat the human SCPs with humanity. And I should note that some of these ARE in fact human or are infected by a SCP. Heck they aren't even allowed to see their families. That's why the Serpent's Hand was created in the first place." Dylan explained to the Devil hunter.
"I see, so what else can you tell me about these guys. Anything that could help me find out why they want Vergil?" Dante asked.
"Sorry but that's all the information that Serenity was permitted to tell me. If has Serenity's royal guard there's only so much she's able to tell me." Dylan explained to Dante with a sad smile.
"That's fine by me kid. I'll just have to ask Serenity about it when I see her." Dante said to the knight.
"That should work. I'll call Serenity and let her know what's going on. I'll also have to call my caseworker and have her pass on some information." With that Dylan went up to the room Dante had provided him and call his moonlight princess.