I do not own Persona
It is owned by Atlus
I just own my OC's
Enjoy!
A helicopter zoomed above the water as it made its way over to the large city of Tokyo, Japan. Bright colorful lights shone somewhere beyond the city. That source of the light came from a casino that was set in the middle of the city. There was a loud commotion from inside the casino as a siren blared which caused panic among the patrons inside.
Above them which was the cause of their alarm was an unknown person, a person clad in black that was unseen from the casino patrons but they knew something was inside with them. A trio of men in black suits casually made their way into the casino as they too looked around for the suspicious figure. The figure landed atop a chandelier stood as his black trench coat flowed about. Tucked under his arm was a silver briefcase, his hair was a mess of black curls, and wore a white and black domino mask that framed his face, and mischievous, a smirk on his face.
"Up there!" a patron pointed out as everyone in the casino looked to where the figure in black was.
"He's here," said one of the black-suited men as he spoke through a radio. "Move in immediately." the one who spoke into his radio pushed through the crowd and was followed by the other two beside him.
The figure standing atop the chandelier gave the suits coming after him one more smile and decided to take his leave. He put the briefcase on the ground and leaped off the chandelier.
Once Joker landed on a lower chandelier, his radio turned on once his feet touched the surface.
"So, how did I do?" Joker asked. "Pretty impressive, right?"
"Good, Joker," Mona answered. "Now, you gotta get running!"
"This is our only chance!" Crow said.
"Don't worry, guys!" Joker assured. "Stay safe!"
You better hurry on up outta there, Joker!" Skull expressed.
"It's all good, Skull," Joker answered.
"Joker, we'll retrieve the briefcase on our end," Queen declared.
"Make sure you get it!" Joker said as he leaped onto a few more chandeliers. "Also Queen, you, Mona, and Knight are in charge while I'm making sure to give you guys a chance to escape!"
"We got it covered, Joker," Knight stated. "Now, do us a favor and get out of there before something not so pleasant happens, huh?"
"Knight, c'mon..." Joker chuckled. "Have a little more faith in your fearless leader."
"I got faith, alright," Knight replied. "Double time, everyone! If we don't get out, then our leader's sacrifice will all be for nothing!"
"Right!" Panther exclaimed cheerfully. "We're all gonna make it out of here!" A distorted radio transmission was heard in each of the group's radio but the voice that came through was garbled with static.
"What in the world was that?" Oracle wondered.
"I'm not sure..." Joker said. "Are you guys okay?"
"Don't worry about us, Joker," Mona assured him. "Just concentrate on getting away."
"You got it!" Joker agreed as he kept up his dash to lead away assailants tailing him. He leaped a couple of platforms as the rest of his friends chatter over the radio.
"But I have to say, showing yourself above that crowd was an excellent move," Mona praised. "Nice work as always, Joker."
"I bet Skull wouldn't pull it off that smoothly," Panther remarked.
"Knowing him he probably would end up tripping onto his face," Knight noted.
"I WOULD not!" Skull proclaimed. "Screw you, Knight!"
"This happens because you have no sense for aesthetics," Fox stated.
"Nobody asked you, Inari!" Skull retorted.
Joker couldn't help but smirk at his team's banter' to each other as he proceeded his role as the decoy so they can have a chance to escape. He paused in his departure as he spotted more men in suits who had seen him.
"There he is!"
"Just run, Joker!" Oracle called out. "Get out of there!"
"You don't have to tell me twice!" Joker answered as he hopped a set of large rings to make his way to the balcony.
"OK, Joker's got the enemies' attention," Mona stated. "Looks like the rest of us can slip away."
"Everyone remember where we're meeting up?" Noir wondered.
"No worries, I can guide you all," Oracle assured. Joker landed on the balcony that read 'CASINO' in orange from the top. Joker's escape was cut off when two suited men blocked his path.
"Stop right there!"
"You won't get away!"
Both men shaped into the form of shadows. A third shadow grounded right behind Joker who turned to face the third shadow.
"Take 'em down, Joker!" Panther cheered.
Joker smirked and vaulted onto the shadow. He gripped its mask and tore it off its mask as it changed into a Sacrificial Pyrekeeper. The being before Joker had a head shaped like a bull, its hands gripping a pair of handles, a trunk with another pair of arms at its side with a long tail. Joker pulled out his dagger and got into a stance to fight the shadow.
"Comparing power levels..." Oracle quickly examined. "No threat. Get 'em, Joker!" Joker moved a hand to his own face to rip off his mask.
"Let's do it!" Joker said. "Persona!"
Knight, followed by the few that accompanied him to recover the briefcase that was left behind by his leader. While Mona, Skull, Panther, and Noir secure their escape which will be made easier with Oracle watching over them. Queen, Fox, and Crow were with him to get the briefcase into their possession. The group who was in charge of getting the briefcase went to one of the higher balconies where Joker had left it.
"Ah, we are successful in reclaiming the treasure," Fox mentioned as knelt down to pick up the briefcase.
"Yes, a bit too easily as-a-matter-of-fact," Crow commented.
"True," Knight said as he put a hand on his chin. "Joker is leading the majority of the Shadow's away from us. But there is the possibility that the Shadows are still after us."
"Of course," Queen agreed. "With the Palace on high alert as it is, it appears we're not off the hook..."
"Yep!" Oracle's voice was heard by everyone. "Joker may be making our escape easier, but there are Shadow's still on the search for the rest of us! Grab the case, regroup with the rest of us, and let's get on out of here!"
"You heard her," Knight stated. "Fox...?"
"Yes," Fox nodded as he knelt down to pick up the briefcase. "Treasure secured."
"Thanks for pointing out the obvious, Inari," Oracle remarked.
"How absurdly childish," Fox declared with a shake of the head.
"No time for that, you two," Queen said. "We got the briefcase, so let's group back up with the others."
"Good call," Knight stated. "How's Joker doing right now? Is he getting by, alright?"
"Heh heh..." Oracle chuckled. "Joker's doing just fine."
Joker easily defeated the Sacrificial Pyrekeeper with one final attack. The beaten shadow dissipated into a black substance once it was taken out.
"Okay, pull out before their back up gets here," Oracle declared. "Joker has emerged victorious."
"Impressive, Joker," Mona commented. "You defeated them with ease."
"Don't be impressed all at once," Joker smiled.
"Hold on!" Oracle exclaimed. "More of them! Be careful!"
Three more shadows appeared before Joker. One leaping at him to land an attack only for the masked young man to back-flip to completely avoid it. Joker quickly escaped the rest of the enemies by hopping up to an upper balcony.
"Joker, behind you! Go through that door!" Joker knew it was best to do as the hacker said and ran into the door. The door led him in a dark corridor which caused him to pause in his tracks.
"Who turned out the lights?" Joker wondered while looking around.
"It's all good!" Oracle assured him. "You should be able to get out that way! Hurry!"
"Dude, can he even hear us!?" Skull questioned.
"Don't worry, I'm picking up everyone's voices," Oracle mentioned. "Just go, Joker!"
"OK," Joker replied as he started to run. "I'll-"
"Hmm?" hummed Oracle. "Wait a sec!"
"What's the matter?" Joker asked. " Oracle?"
"I'm getting a weird reading heading your way!" Oracle stated. "C'mon run!"
Joker wanted to ask the team hacker what this weird reading she was getting even was. But decided it was more important that he keep his focus on getting out of the casino. While going through the pitch-black corridor, he had to sneak past a couple of men in suits which wasn't hard to avoid. Oracle gave him the suggestion to use his grappling hook to latch onto a grated bridge from above him and with the use of his tool, Joker gracefully landed on the bridge.
"All right, go straight from there!" Oracle stated. Joker ran in the door in front of him which brought him into a storage room inside the casino.
"Joker-stop!" Oracle ordered.
"Oracle...?" Joker wondered. "What is it?"
"It's an enemy-right near you!" from the hacker's warning, Joker back-flipped away from the two shadows that appeared in front of him. That wasn't all when another quartet of shadows emerged behind Joker.
"Even you can't take on this many-Huh!?" Joker wondered what had gotten Oracle so confused. "Joker! That weird reading from earlier is closing in on you too!"
"Well, that just adds on to my list of problems..." Joker muttered while surrounded by shadows. The shadows stepped closely to Joker but something caught Joker's eye. Someone was coming down the stairs from the far side of the room. The person in question's hair is a deep red tied in a black ribbon, her clothes were similar to his own attire and complete with a matching black mask with silver highlights.
"I'll end this right now," the person stated as stepped forward and unleashed the weapon from her side. A silver rapier was hanging from her left hip.
"Joker, it's her!" Oracle cried. "She's the weird reading I've been getting!"
"Seriously...!?" Joker wondered. "But why is she even here...?"
The person tossed her rapier in the air and effortlessly caught it in her hand and hurled it at Joker. Although, Joker wasn't her target as it was the shadow behind him. The weapon pierced the shadow in the chest causing it to fall on its knees. The shadows that surrounded Joker had decided to make this new arrival their target as they went to attack her. A shadow leaped at her only to miss as she avoided it with a single-handed cartwheel. The same shadow approached her but never had a chance as she had pulled out her rifle and blasted the shadow away.
The girl flipped into the air over a second shadow and took aim with her rifle. As she landed on her feet, she fired a shot into the shadow causing it to dissolve away and stepped up to Joker.
"Yoshizawa..." Joker uttered out as Yoshizawa slowly moved toward him.
"My weak self relied on you so much..." Yoshizawa said. "That ends today." she kicked her rapier which was stuck in the shadow behind Joker. The blade sliced through the shadow causing to dissolve and the blade to sent spiraling through the air. Yoshizawa spun around and caught her weapon and faced the shadows alongside Joker.
"Let's do this, Senpai!" Yoshizawa exclaimed as she pointed her rapier.
"Just follow my lead!" Joker smirked as he and Yoshizawa readied to take down the enemies before them.
The Knight and his group reunited with the rest of the team. Once they regrouped, Crow made the suggestion to get out of the casino right away before any more shadows appeared to attack. Though, wherever they went they came across more shadows as they were still on the lookout for them. The best course of action was to hide and stick to the shadows the best they can but once they see an opening they know it's time to get out of dodge.
"For real!" Skull groaned. " There's no end to these guys!"
"You're not wrong there," Knight agreed. "But it's no shock they would be out in force looking for us even if Joker's leading the majority of them away. But we've gotten this far, no turning back now."
"It's all good," Mona assured. "We can make it. Oracle? What do you think? We got a way out of here yet?"
"Yep!" Oracle replied. "Just up ahead is a window that'll take us right out of the Palace!"
"Excellent!" Crow commented. "Let us be on our way then!"
The group of costumed teens snuck past the shadows that we're keeping an eye out for them. Once they knew they were home free, they found the window Oracle spoke of, only it was guarded by a shadow. The team split off and hid behind a pair of opposite walls before the shadow could spot them.
"Just when we found our way out, too..." Panther sighed.
"We need to dispatch it," Crow proposed. "Once we have beaten it, we can make our way out."
"Who will be the one to remove its mask?" Fox wondered. Everyone stared at each other, Crow was about to raise his hand as he was about to volunteer.
"I got it," Knight declared. "Leave it to me."
"Well, if anything, make it quick, Knight," Queen said.
"Yeah," Mona concurred. "Once you do it, we'll give you covering fire. So, Knight, how are you gonna proceed?"
"I got an idea," Knight mentioned. "Once it's off, you guys know what to do."
He crouched down and moved closer to the shadow but not as close to tearing its mask off. Knight reached for his AS50 sniper rifle and aimed at the unsuspecting shadow that had no clue it was being targeted. Knight kept his sight trained on the shadow, his target being the shadow's face in order to detach its mask. Knight squeezed the trigger on his gun as the shot hit its mark as the shadow's mask was shattered from its face. The bullet caused the shadow's head to reel back from the impact which caused it to turn into its true form.
It took the form of a Ganesha, a large, azure-hued being in the shape of an elephant that stood on its rear legs. Knight followed by the rest of the team got into battle positions as the large enemy in front towered over them.
"This'll be a piece of cake!" Oracle declared. "Let's end this quickly!"
The Ganesha swung its sword in a wide arc causing the team to leap backward to avoid it. It was time for a fight as everyone pulled out what weapons they had.
"Physical attacks are a no-go against this one!" Oracle noted. Knight listened to the hacker's advice and put stowed away the longsword he had with him and instead reached for his sniper rifle.
"Gunfire should do the trick!" Oracle voiced as the whole team pulled out their firearms and fired on the Ganesha. The shadow became enraged by the gunfire as it let some black substance separate from it. The essence took shape into three more enemies called Unicorn which looked exactly as they were called.
"Great," Mona remarked. "More shadows have taken up battle positions!"
"Let me have a look!" Oracle exclaimed as she scanned the Unicorn. "They're weak to Curse skills!"
"Ah, looks to be a job for us, right Knight?" Crow asked Knight with a grin.
"Seems like it," Knight replied. "Crow and I got these guys! The rest of you can keep the big one busy!" The rest of the team went to attack the Ganesh. Which left the trio of Unicorn to Knight and Crow.
"Persona!" Crow summoned his Persona. "Eigeon!" the black and red blast erupted off the Unicorn causing it to flitter away into nothing. Crow turned to Knight and raised his hand up, giving him a high five as he passed him. "Finish the rest."
"Got it covered," Knight stated as he stepped up to the remaining two Unicorn. "Come, Persona!" the armored figure that emerged behind him in a blaze light blue flames. "Maeigaon!" a second black and red blast much like from Crow's own Persona simultaneously detonated into the remaining shadow's which knocked to the ground.
Knight, his long sword grasped firmly in his right hand sprinted up to one of the downed shadows and cut it down with his weapon as the shadow faded in defeat. Not long after, Crow followed and had done the same to the remaining Unicorn with his laser sword. Crow leaned up straight and turned toward Knight and nodded his head, Knight returning the gesture toward his teammate.
"Good job with that victory but this fight isn't over yet!" Oracle exclaimed toward them as they turned and saw the rest of the team still battling the Ganesha.
They were doing good against the bigger shadow yet giving them a tough time once they figured out its true weakness. Noir blasted a Psiodyne at the Ganesha which brought it to its knees. The rest of the team pointed their firearms at the Ganesha with Knight and Crow joining in the line.
"Hit it with everything you got!" Mona called out as everyone unloaded on the towering shadow, round after round. The final shot impacted against the shadow's head was from Knight's sniper rifle who aimed through his scope. The gunfire didn't down it and only managed to make it angry. The Ganesha brought its attention toward the one who landed the final hit from their firearm, it's eyes on Knight.
"That's right..." Knight smirked. "Come and get it." he fired one more shot which was aimed at the shadow's elephant-like face. The shadow charged at him with an attack with its sword and hit him with a Giant Slice.
"Dammit!" Knight cursed out as he was knocked onto his backside.
"Knight!" Oracle called in concern. "That's not good!"
"He's gonna be in trouble if we don't get him outta there!" Skull exclaimed.
"I'll go after him!" Queen exclaimed as she summoned her Persona which was in the shape of a motorcycle. "Just cover me!"
"Okay, go!" Mona approved. "Hurry!"
Queen sped toward the Ganesha which was standing over Knight. It raised his blade above its head ready to make the killing blow. The rest of the team put an end to its assault as they once again started to let bullets fly at it. While they were keeping the shadow busy, Queen was accelerated her way toward Knight, she drifted her Persona right beside him and extended a hand for him to reach.
"Get on!" Queen commanded as Knight grabbed for her and set himself behind her on her Persona and once he was on Queen rode off to gain some distance from the Ganesha.
"They're clear!" Panther announced cheerfully.
"Noir, care to do the honors!" Mona offered.
"It will be my pleasure!" Noir smiled in agreement. Noir had brought out her Persona and finished the shadow off with a Psiodyne causing it to dissipate away.
"We are victorious," Fox declared.
"Thanks for the save, guys," Knight thanked everyone as he hopped off Queen's Persona.
"You alright?" Queen asked Knight. "It seemed like it were agitated and placed all of its attention completely on you. It didn't hurt you at all, did it?"
"What, you worried about me?" Knight questioned with a smile. "It's all good, I'm fine," Knight claimed while rubbing the back of his head. "But it all worked out thanks to you guys."
"Hey, we gotta go now," Mona asserted. "All that commotion might've been heard."
"Agreed," Crow added. "Enemies must be swarming in our current position."
"Yep, time we left," Panther voiced.
"See that window above us," Oracle pointed. "Through that is our exit out of the Palace." The group went out the window one-by-one to avoid making possible, unnecessary noise. Once they were out, everyone had a moment to catch their breath, realizing just how exhausted they all were.
"Everyone okay?" Mona asked the team. "We made it out. Oh, that reminds me..." Mona mentioned as he turned to Oracle. "How's Joker doing? I heard he was having his own set of problems?"
"Oh, right!" Oracle eyes had to have widened behind her goggles. "I gotta check on Joker because last I checked-wait, huh!?"
"I think... that's the last of them?" Yoshizawa uttered as she and Joker finished off the last of the shadows.
"Yeah..." Joker replied with a nod. The fight was quick, the shadows barely had a chance to even attack them. It's been some time since Joker had fought beside Yoshizawa but he was nonetheless impressed with her skill which she had perfectly utilized her gymnastic ability.
"I genuinely have no clue what just happened, but I take it you're okay?" Oracle's voice came through the radio.
"Yeah, everything's good-" Joker said.
"Wait-bad news! Enemy backup's headed your way! You need to book it, right now!"
"Please go," Yoshizawa insisted. "I'm going to make it harder for them to track you down."
"Are you sure?" Joker questioned. "I can stay and help you and we can get out together-"
"No," Yoshizawa shook her head. "You still have something to do as a phantom thief, right?"
Joker didn't want to leave Yoshizawa alone but he knew she was right and had given her a nod showing her he understood.
"Then I won't stop you," Yoshizawa stated she turned her back to him. "I'm not a member of the Phantom Thieves, I can't interfere." Joker watched her leap up to a platform. "Don't forget the promise we made, okay?"
"I didn't forget..." Joker mentioned. "Thank you, Yoshizawa," she responded back with a small nod and then leaped away.
"Joker!" Oracle exclaimed. "You need to get out of there! Go go go! Head up the stairs at the end of the path! Just a little more, so hang in there!"
Joker sprinted up the stairs that were just ahead of him. He took cover behind a corner and peaked from it to find any more black suits keeping an eye out for him. It seemed clear so he took his chance and hastened down the hallway. Joker put his back against a wall to shield himself from the workers inside who seemed too busy eyeing their monitors giving him the opportunity to run. Joker knew at least three of the men in black suits were tailing him and thanks to Oracle's instructions, he went up another set of stairs that took him to a door just down the hall.
Joker shoved his way through the door as his hands caught rail. From below, casino patrons were still chatting and didn't him from above.
"Something wrong?" Oracle asked. "The exit should be just up ahead."
"Through there?" Joker wondered as he brought his eyes toward a large bright, rainbow-colored window. "Oracle, is that window my only way out of here?"
"That's just how it is," Oracle affirmed. "After that commotion, the floor below is-"
"Completely closed off," Queen voiced.
"Hey, can you make it?" Panther asked.
"Don't sell me short all at once," Joker added confidently. "Of course, I can make it."
"Over there!" one of the men chasing Joker announced as he and another duo with him were pointing pistols at Joker. "There's nowhere to run!"
Joker only smirked and leaped onto the railing and scurried across and sprung to another railing leaving him right in front of his escape exit. Two other men went to corner him while the lead one in dark shades kept his gun trained on Joker.
"See ya," Joker bid his farewell to his pursuers and crashed through the window, his arms over his head to avoid the shards of glass. Screams of surprise can be heard inside as Joker spun elegantly through the air while the moon shone brightly behind him.
"What a showoff," Oracle remarked with a scoff.
"You're so reckless, you know that?" Panther added as Joker touched down with a roll and reverted into a crouched pose.
"I believe the correct word would be precise," Joker quipped as some glass shards fell around him. He rose up straight as several bright lights shone at him. The only problem was not the lights but also the horde of police staring at him.
"Enemies here?" Oracle questioned in concern.
"What's wrong?" Crow wondered.
"These readings! It can't be!"
"What happened?" Skull exclaimed.
"An ambush!" Panther gasped.
"Joker, can you handle this!?" Mona asked.
"Joker!" Fox called.
"Oh no!" Noir screamed.
"Joker!" Knight yelled. "What are you waiting for? RUN!"
"Capture him!" a police officer ordered as every police officer began chasing after Joker. Joker knew wouldn't be able to outrun this many police, not that he didn't think he could. He leaped onto a ladder and starting making his up it. He smirked knowing it will take the police far too long to actually follow him. Once he was nearing the top of the building, he saw more police up there waiting for him.
Joker gasped as one of the police rammed the butt of his gun into his face causing him to fall right in the crowd of police below.
"Suspect secure!" exclaimed one of the police. A detective stepped through the crowd and stopped beside Joker who was held down.
"Didn't expect the find some kid," the Detective said. "You have your teammate the thank for this." he mentioned as he knelt down to grasp Joker by the head. "You were sold out."
"What...?" Joker wondered. "What do you-" he didn't get to finish as the police pulled him up by his arm.
"Suspect confirmed! Cuff him!"
Handcuffs were placed around Joker's wrist and just like that, the leader of the Phantom Thieves had been arrested.
The others still clad in their costumes watched from afar as their leader was taken away and put into one of the squad cars as an officer shoved him in the back seat.
"Damn," Ryuji grunted through gritted teeth.
"Yes," Yusuke nodded beside Ryuji. "It's quite a disheartening sight to watch as our friend is taken like this."
"Yeah, I hear you," Hiro mentioned with folded arms. "Hey, I think it's about time we left. They might still be looking for us."
"Right," Makoto agreed. "We should all head home for the day."
"All we can do is wait now, huh?" Ann asked.
"That's right," Morgana nodded. "Now, all we gotta do is wait and put our plan into action." everyone nodded in agreement with the 'honest to god' human.
"I'm sure you all have already noticed..." Hiro disclosed bringing everyone's attention to him. "Akechi's isn't here anymore."
"Yeah, he ditched us moments ago," Futuba announced.
Hiro saw that everyone is still upset by the fact that they are leaving Joker to be taken away by the police. He shared their feelings as he watched the police get ready to disperse from the scene. There was no way they would take it easy on him once they get their hands on their leader. From what Hiro was told by his father, most detectives handling interrogations can get a bit too carried away. Hiro's hand clenched just thinking about what they might do to him. Hiro felt a hand gently grab his wrist and turned to the source of the feeling. He saw Makoto giving him soft eyes and his fist unclenched as the sight of her eased his worries as Hiro's only response to her was a small smile.
"Don't look so upset, everyone," Morgana claimed. "Akechi has no idea that we tricked him while he goes ahead and thinks he duped us. It'll all work out."
Everyone began walking away while Hiro stayed behind watching the police. His arms were folded over his chest. He felt a hand touch his shoulder as he saw who had done it.
"Still worried about leaving him?" Makoto wondered.
"Am I making it that obvious?" Hiro asked. "Mako, you and I both know they won't take it easy on him."
"I know," Makoto sighed. "But Ren knew this is what he signed up for when he volunteered to be the decoy."
"Yeah," Hiro said. "And when Ren makes his mind on something, he does it. I'm still concerned but I'm sure he will come through, he's our leader.
"Hiro-kun! Mako-chan! We need to leave now!"
"Coming, Haru!" Makoto answered back and turned to Hiro. "Looks like we should leave now."
"You go ahead," Hiro said. "I'll be right behind you." Makoto still seemed skeptical about leaving but nodded.
"Okay, don't take too long," Makoto gave him one last look before joining the others.
The others began to leave while Hiro turned to peered at dispersing police. He's had strange adventures this past year. A lot of it bizarre but also interesting, to say the least, and it was all because of that guy he met with the criminal record all the way back in April. It was that fateful month Hiro met his leader.
The day he met his friend... Ren Amamiya.
Day: Saturday
Date: 4/9/2016
Time of Day: Early Morning
Weather: Cloudy
Location: Isamashi Residence
For him, it was just like any other morning. Yasuhiro Isamashi had rolled out of bed once his alarm went off. He ran a hand through his silvery-white hair that was straight yet slightly spiky. He stepped out of his room to take his shower for the day and brush his teeth before putting on his school uniform.
The semester started a few days ago for the first term at Shujin Academy. The school gave students their own uniforms that can be modified to their own liking. Yasuhiro had done so himself by wearing the standard blazer that was unbuttoned and underneath he wore a white dress shirt buttoned halfway to reveal a light-grey v-neck t-shirt, the pants worn were the standard Shujin red and black plaid pants. While that's all there is to his school uniform, there was one other addition that Yasuhiro never goes without. Before walking out of his bedroom, he pulled a light-grey bandana off the door handle and secured both ends together around his neck. Yasuhiro was about to step out of his room until his phone beeped from his pocket.
He reached for his smartphone that was decorated with a black and white checkered case. He turned it on and saw the message from his father.
[Chat IM]
[Akitoshi I.]: Is that you upstairs? If you're ready come down and get your breakfast.
[Yasuhiro I.]: On my way.
Yasuhiro stowed the phone away and reached for his Shujin school bag that was in satchel style. He made his way down the steps and saw his father, Akitoshi Isamashi. His father was a man in his late 40's, his hair was a shade of black that slightly grayed, he had a bit of stubble growing on his face, his skin the same light shade as his son's and dark brown eyes. He currently wore a yellow apron with the Junes mascot from Inaba on the front with his usual out he wears for work. A black tie with a light blue dress shirt, black slacks, and dress shoes. His dark brown trench coat was draped over one of the dining chairs.
"Morning, Hiro," Akitoshi greeted.
'Hiro' was a nickname among the Isamashi family and close friends that Yasuhiro had them call him. He found it to be an easier name for people to know him by rather than saying Yasuhiro which he found to be quite a mouthful.
"Morning, Dad," Hiro said with a small wave as he walked to the refrigerator. "What's for breakfast?" he asked as pulled out a bottle of orange juice.
"Pancakes,"
"Pancakes, huh?" Hiro repeated with a smirk. "I'm surprised Hamuko isn't down here since they happen to be her favorite."
"I'm sure she'll be down soon," Akitoshi replied as he placed a couple of pancakes on a plate. "Here, these two are yours."
"Thanks a lot, Dad," Hiro said while he sat down in the chair. "Thank you for the food." he clapped his hands together with a slight bow of the head and began eating.
"So, I hadn't had time to ask..." Akitoshi wondered resuming his cooking.
"Ask what?" Hiro questioned after he swallowed his food.
"Have you seen Makoto lately?" Akitoshi asked. "She goes to Shujin, doesn't she? And she's Student Council President?"
"That's right," Hiro mentioned with a nod. "We even got the same class, too. But if you were wondering if we've started talking again that's a no. I don't want to bother her if she's busy with Council duties."
"You sound like you're making excuses," Akitoshi replied whilst putting a couple more pancakes on a plate opposite of Hiro's. "Maybe it's time to change that. I remember the two of you were pretty much inseparable when you were kids. But I suppose it's pretty understandable if you haven't for three years since Katsuo passed. He and I started off as a pair rookies from Police academy, then as officers..." Akitoshi said with a low sigh. "He was a good man, a good friend."
"Yeah," Hiro agreed. "He was a good man. So, any particular reason why you're bringing this up, Dad?"
"About that..." Akitoshi recalled. "I was asking since I have been working with Sae on cases now."
"Sae-san, huh?" Hiro wondered finishing the last of his pancakes. "How's she been doing? Been a while since I had seen her."
"She's become confident and fearless in her career as a Public Prosecutor," Akitoshi mentioned. "Much like her father when on the Police and she does her job well. I think he'd be proud that both of his daughters are doing well."
Just coming down the steps came the youngest member of the Isamashi family is Hiro's little sister, Hamuko. She had dark hair much like her father that was done in a high ponytail while her bangs framed her face and with light skin and brown eyes. She wore a purple long-sleeved hoodie, a blue skirt with white tights underneath. Clutched in her hand was a Buchimaru-kun backpack with a couple of idol stickers stuck to it.
"Look who decided to join us," Hiro commented while raising his glass of orange juice. "Morning, kiddo."
"Morning, bro," Hamuko said while wiping the tiredness from her eyes. "Good Morning, Daddy."
"Morning, sweetheart," Akitoshi smiled as Hamuko sat at the chair beside Hiro's. "I made your favorite." he placed two pancakes on Hamuko's plate.
"Great," Hamuko grinned. "They look yummy. Your pancakes are yummy."
"Dad's cooking, in general, is delicious anyways," Hiro chimed in. "If you decide to retire from working cases from the police, you should open your own restaurant."
"I don't think I would enjoy making food full-time," Akitoshi admitted as shut off the stove and hung the apron he wore on a chair and poured himself a cup of coffee. He joined his children at the table and took a sip. "So, Hiro, I haven't had time to really asked...?"
"What's up, Dad?" Hiro wondered as he finished taking a sip of orange juice.
"You aren't going to do volleyball this year?" Akitoshi questioned. "What happened?"
"If we won nationals last year, I told Mr. Kamoshida that I won't be coming back to the team," Hiro mentioned.
"He must be pretty upset about that," Akitoshi mentioned as he leaned back in his chair. "From what I heard, you were one of his best players, weren't you?"
"Yeagh!" Hiro and Akitoshi stared toward the youngest Isamashi who had sputtered out a word with her mouth full. Hamuko gulped down her food with bits of pancake on her face and smiled. "Sorry," she said with a bashful tinge on her cheeks. "I said 'yeah'. You had to be the best player because you were so awesome when Dad and I went to see some of your games, bro."
"Try not to be so messy when you eat," Hiro sighed at his little sister and wiped her face with a napkin. "But thanks, Hamuko. Means a lot." he turned back to his father. "I decided to focus on college entrance exams with it being Third-year."
"That's good," Akitoshi agreed. "Studying is important for students-"
"Studying is boring," Hamuko chimed in.
"Hey!" Akitoshi corrected her.
"Well, it is!" Hamuko argued. "Big bro just sits in his room all day with his face buried in those big boring books!"
"Those 'big boring books' help me ace my tests," Hiro chuckled. "You'll understand once you reach middle school and high school, Hamuko." his only response from his kid sister was when she stuck her tongue at him, the act only made Hiro lightly ruffle her head. Akitoshi leered down at his wristwatch.
"Looks like it's time about time we get going," Akitoshi said. "I'm gonna drive Hamuko to school. Hiro, need me to give you a lift?"
"Thanks for the offer," Hiro replied. "But I'm gonna take the train."
"The train?" Akitoshi repeated. "You don't have to take that if you don't want to."
"I'll be fine, Dad," Hiro reassured.
"Still, be careful," Akitoshi urged. "There's been a lot of accidents going on as of late. Like the one recently with that poor gymnastic girl."
"Yeah," Hiro sighed. "I remember hearing about that."
"She was only fifteen," Akitoshi mentioned with a sigh of his own. "Well anyway, all I saying is be careful, Hiro."
"I know, Dad," Hiro nodded in agreement. "Have a good day."
"Alright, son," Akitoshi smiled. "You have a good day, too. Hiro, I'll need you to pick up Hamuko from school."
"Got it," Hiro agreed.
"By the way, I may home late tonight, so be sure to lock up in case I'm not back so soon," Akitoshi added. "Let's go, Hamuko." Akitoshi left with his keys in hand.
"Coming, Dad," Hamuko nodded as she had just finished her pancakes.
"You should catch up to, Dad," Hiro told Hamuko as reached for the dishes on the table. "I'll put these away."
"Okay thanks, bro," Hamuko nodded as got up and grabbed her backpack. Hiro put the dishes in the sink and veered his head toward his little sister.
"By the way, thanks," Hiro mentioned.
"Hmm?" Hamuko hummed in question. "What for?"
"For not saying anything to Dad..." Hiro said which only caused Hamuko to tilt her head. "You know, about me coming home with bruises from volleyball practice."
"I-It's no problem," Hamuko stammered. "But did you really quit? We won't have to hide anything from Dad anymore."
"No, not anymore," Hiro shook his head. "Trust me, it hurt me to lie about everything to him, too." Hiro knelt down to Hamuko's level. "But now that I quit the team, I don't have to hide anything from Dad anymore."
"Okay," Hamuko replied. "You mean it?"
"Of course," Hiro smiled and then remembered. "By the way, remember Makoto?"
"I sure do," Hamuko grinned while it faded into a frown. "I haven't seen her in a while. I miss her."
"Well, that's going to change," Hiro affirmed. "I guess this means I got to talk to her now. Tell you what, if Makoto and I get to talking again, I'll see about whether she has time to see you. Sound good?"
"Yeah," Hamuko's grin returned to her face. "I'd like that very much, bro."
"Nice," Hiro folded his arms. "You better hurry. Dad's waiting for you. Have a good day at school, okay?"
"I will, bro!" Hamuko said as she gave her brother a hug. "You have a good, too!"
Hiro reciprocated the hug as Hamuko let go and threw her backpack around her shoulders and ran to the front door. Once she was gone, Hiro sighed and folded his arms over his chest. The volleyball practices held by Shujin's team were less than safe. Hiro had come home with the occasional black eye. He was lucky it was only Hamuko home at the time since Dad was busy at work and he was thankful that Hamuko was one of those kids who was able to keep things to herself. Hiro hated himself for putting Hamuko in that situation. If his Dad figured out he was lying about how dangerous the practice was, he would likely be furious. What would he be angrier at? The fact that his kids lied to him, or angry at Kamoshida.
Hiro shook his head to rid of the thoughts. Now that he was done with volleyball, there was going to be no more keeping secrets.
And no more Kamoshida... He thought hopefully.
Hiro has the idea to live an honest school life and focus on exams. He scooped his satchel off the floor and put it on and made his way to the front door. He slipped on his black sneakers and went out the door. Hiro pulled a pair of earbuds from his pocket and stuck into his phone jack. He flipped through his playlist and was close to picking the Phoenix Rangers opening theme but decided against it and instead picked a song from an artist he recently discovered.
The artist's ethnicity is Japanese but sung in English. Hiro didn't understand English very well except for when he's learning it in class but he loved the slow, relaxing rhythm of the music. While he understood some of the lyrics, something about 'Poe's masquerade' he had to guess.
But it helped since he was packed in a train car with several others. He paid no mind if anyone had their attention on him since he's able to spot in a crowd with the shade of his hair. Its people felt that way about him, wondering if he dyed his hair when he'd actually inherited it from his mom. The train came to a halt as Hiro along with other passengers left the train and waited for the next one to show up. While waiting, Hiro noticed someone familiar ahead of him.
The person he saw was a girl about his age. She had brown hair in bob-style, a french-braid headband that matched her hair. Instead of the Shujin blazer, she wore a black halter vest over a white long-sleeved turtleneck, the standard plaid skirt, black pantyhose, and black ankle boots.
Makoto...
She was standing in front of him, waiting for the next train to show up. What was he going to say? Hey, remember me? We were childhood friends. Its not like she couldn't have forgotten him as it hasn't been too long since they had spoken. It's only been three years, three years since she lost her father. They became strangers, never even speaking a word to each other. Hiro didn't want to distract from her studies or Student Council duties.
"You're just making excuses. Maybe it's time to change that."
Maybe Dad was right. If Hiro's father can start speaking to Sae, even if it's just about cases, then he can talk to Makoto. Plus, Hamuko wants to see her again, too. Hiro casually stepped beside Makoto as she hadn't noticed him yet. She seemed like she was in her own thoughts while waiting patiently for the train to arrive. Hiro turned his head toward to say something but for some reason, he hesitated. He was about to turn his head hoping she wouldn't notice him staring but it was too late as she stared up at him with brownish-red eyes.
"Hiro," she said. "Good morning."
"Morning," Hiro smiled.
Makoto returned the smile and turned her head back to the train tracks. Hiro folded his arms wondering if he made the wrong move. But he couldn't let it end like that and let it be it.
"So, all I get is a 'good morning'?" Hiro asked which caused Makoto to gaze at him in surprise. "I know we haven't spoken in a few years but that seems a little harsh for your old friend, don't you think?"
"Right," she smiled. "Sorry. It's true we haven't talked in three years. How have you been since then? How are Aki-san and Hamuko-chan?"
"They're good," Hiro replied with a smile. "Dad's still with the police, though he's a Detective now. Hamuko turned nine last month which puts her in the 3rd Grade now. Once school's over, I got to get her from school."
"That's great," Makoto said. "Too bad I can't come with you when you pick her up from her school since the Student Council and I are holding a meeting once all classes end for the day. How's Hamuko doing in school?"
"How most kids are toward school, she doesn't like it," Hiro mentioned. "This is ironic because she happens to be one of the brightest in her class. Since Dad's at work all time I have to look after her, especially after my Mom passed. But it's not bad, I'm just glad I can be there for my kid sister. She and I also take turns doing the dishes."
"Well, I'm glad to hear Hamuko-chan's doing well," Makoto said. "How's Aki-san been?"
"Dad's doing good, too," Hiro assured. "As I've mentioned, he's a Detective now. It's a great job for him since he's always had a sharp eye when working a case. Though, once he's done working, he's back to being a Dad. If he ever gets a day off, he'll take to time to clean up the house. He's gotten good at cooking, too, even making breakfast from time to time. He's doing his best whether he's at work or being there for Hamuko and me."
"That sounds nice," Makoto agreed. "He was like family to Sis and I since he was close friends with my Dad."
"I know, about Katsuo-san..." Hiro mentioned. "He was a good man. I'm sure you and Sae both still miss him."
"Yes," Makoto said as she put her head down. Hiro felt the need to change the subject as he felt he may have made the wrong move to talk about Makoto's Dad.
"Did you know?" Hiro wondered. "My Dad told me he's working with Sae on cases right now."
"Oh, I wasn't made aware of that," Makoto answered.
"Why's that?" Hiro questioned. "I would've thought Sae told you about it."
"No, not at all," Makoto shook her head. "Sis doesn't want me getting involved with her work and believes I should devote my time to my studies."
"Really?" Hiro raised his brows and then shook his head. "Gee, Sae," he muttered under his breath. "Is that all she is to you?"
"Hmm?" Makoto hummed bringing Hiro's attention back to her. "What did you say?"
"Nothing," Hiro dismissed with a wave of his hand. "So, we talked about me. What's been going on with you?"
While Hiro rode the train and walked to school with Makoto, they chatted the whole way there, a lot of it about Makoto's situation. She talked about Sae saying she's always busy with her job and that she makes dinner for Sae once she comes home. Hiro learned that when Makoto isn't busy with Student Council work, she's usually studying, sometimes in the library, the council room, or back at her house. Hiro noted that Makoto probably doesn't get out much unless she's going out shopping in town.
"So, you do the cooking at your house, too?" Hiro asked.
"Mmhm," she mouthed in reply. "It's only fair since Sis can't as she's usually working late."
"It's admirable that you can juggle council work, homework, and cook at the same time," Hiro sighed. "Are you making sure to take care of yourself?"
"Don't worry about me," Makoto assured. "I appreciate your concern," she said with a smile.
"Well, alright," Hiro smiled back. "But if you need any help. Just let me know." They walked inside Shujin Academy which brought them into the main hall. Hiro had to stop by his locker to grab the appropriate book for his first class. Once he grabbed it, Makoto approached him and they made their way toward their class, 3-C.
"It's good to talk again, huh?" Hiro asked.
"It really is," Makoto beamed. "We should talk again assuming if neither of us is busy."
"Yeah, I'm not doing volleyball anymore," Hiro mentioned. "So my schedule is pretty open but I am focusing on entrance exams."
"Oh, so it's true?" Makoto questioned. "About you leaving the volleyball team?"
"Correct," Hiro said. "So, are you going to make a big deal about me quitting?"
"I was never going to judge you about it..." Makoto urged. "I do hear that Mr. Kamoshida is not happy about you quitting as everyone at Shujin is talking about it. There's even that rumor that you and him were about to fight or something close to that. Is that true?"
"What?" Hiro questioned as he stopped walking to stare at Makoto. "That's ridiculous." he scoffed in irritation. "Do you believe that?"
"Of course not," Makoto sighed. "I've known you for a long time, Hiro." she smiled up at him. "I never thought less of you despite what rumors anyone said." Hiro tugged on his bandana as he smiled himself as they continued walking to class.
Glad to know someone didn't believe the rumors, he thought.
Ren Amamiya woke up from his nap while aboard the train to Shibuya. He was 16 years old with pale skin, his hair a mess of black curls, and wide glasses over his onyx doe-eyes. He was wearing a uniform provided by the school he's to be attending for time here in Tokyo, Japan.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for riding with us today. We will be arriving in Shibuya shortly."
The train intercom announced but Ren wasn't too focused on that. Ren's mind instead wandered back to what had brought him to Tokyo in the first place. The memory not being something he'd like to remember.
"Please! Help!" A young woman pleaded to Ren to help her from a man who was grabbing her. How could he not? He figured he had to do something. He made his way up to the man and gently touched his shoulder.
The man who was in a drunken stupor seemed to try to push Ren's hand off him with a hard erk of his body. From the movement, he tumbled to the hard ground and fell on his face. The young woman gasped cupping her mouth as Ren stared at his hands in confusion. The man started to get up, holding his face as blood streaked from his forehead.
"Damn brat!" The man said angrily. "I'll sue!"
The whole situation left Ren shocked and silent as he was hauled away by a pair of police officers.
Just even thinking about the whole thing caused Ren to scowl as he downcast his eyes.
What was I supposed to do? he thought. Do nothing?
"What? Are you for real?" Ren brought his attention toward a pair of high school girls chatting on the train. "A Mental Shutdown?"
"It's the truth," the other girl boasted.
"To a person though? That's gotta be a joke. You really love all that occult stuff, don't you?" The girls shared a giggle to themselves as Ren watched them. He sighed as he rolled his eyes at how inconsiderate those girls were being.
Yeah, right? Ren thought. When it comes to accidents, it's only funny as long as it's not happening to them.
Instead of listening to the bickering students, Ren instead paid attention to when the train was going to stop at his destination. Ren got off the train and was following the directions with the use of the map app. He looked up from his phone and saw the hustle and bustle of Tokyo with plenty of different people walking along the streets. His cell phone beeped as he stared down at it and saw some kind of weird-looking icon. It was shaped like an app that was colored black and red with the design of an eyeball.
What the...? Ren thought in confusion. I don't remember ever downloading this.
Ren tapped on it to try and get rid of it but the image became larger as if it were to activate. Ren brought his head away from his phone as everything seemed to stop around him. It was like the whole world paused for everyone but Ren.
"Huh?" Ren wondered. "What's happening?" he looked around as his eyes stopped on a pillar of blue fire. Ren squinted his eyes still not believing what he was seeing with his own eyes. The formed a demonic face staring back at him as it dissipated to reveal Ren himself staring back at him except this version of him had yellow eyes as it's lips curled in a nasty grin.
Everything went back to normal as the people started moving again, like normal. Ren saw they all acted as if nothing had happened at all. Ren shook off what had just occurred and dragged the app to the recycle bin, getting rid of it.
Day: Saturday
Date: 4/9/2016
Time of Day: Afternoon
Weather: Cloudly
Location: Yongen-Jaya
Ren followed the directions on his phone into the backstreets of Japan, Yongen-Jaya. He came to this area to find a man by the name of Sojiro Sakura who will be taking care of him.
According to the maps, his house should be in the backstreets in the residential area. Ren thought. Guess I best get looking.
Ren started searching for the home of his guardian until he spotted the Sakura residence nameplate and rang the doorbell a few times but there was no answer.
"Looks like no one's home... a voice mentioned nearby Ren which came from a Deliveryman
"Would you know where I can find Sakura-san at this time?" Ren asked.
"Sakura-san's usually at his Cafe around this time," the Deliveryman answered. "It's called 'Leblanc'. You can find it in the back alley."
"Thank you so much," Ren replied with a small nod of gratitude. Ren made his way to the back alley. He looked around for Sakura's Cafe until he found the sign above the door of a small two-story building that read: Leblanc, Coffee&Curry.
Coffee and curry? Ren wondered. Never thought I'd see it when someone put those two things together.
Ren walked into the cafe and recognized how small it was inside. The television was on talking about the accident that had happened recently. An elderly couple watched the news while enjoying some coffee which gave the cafe a wonderful aroma about the establishment. By the counter was a man on a stool doing a crossword puzzle.
The man was of middle age, dark slicked-back hair with a receding hairline, a chinstrap beard with a flared goatee, and some glasses. He wore a black pinstripe apron, a pink dress shirt with his sleeves rolled up, and pale khakis and white loafers. Ren got the feeling this was the guy he as looking for. Although the man paid no attention to the news or Ren himself for that matter.
"And down is..." the man spoke not even bothering to involve himself in the conversion. "...the name of a shellfish used in pearl farming..."
"Uh, excuse me...?" Ren spoke to the man. "I'm looking for Sakura-san?" he looked away from his puzzle acknowledging Ren.
"Oh, right," the man realized why Ren was here. "They did say that was today." he put his crossword on the counter and got up from his stool.
"We'll be going now," the elderly man stated. "The payment's on the table."
"Thanks for coming," the owner said.
"This place is in the back alley, so there are no worries of a car crashing in here." the elderly man mentioned.
"A what now?" the shopkeeper questioned with a risen brow.
"There's been a string of those rampage accidents, you know." The elderly man informed. "I just hope that none happen around here."
"It's none of my concern," the owner commented.
"Haha, we'll see you next time," the elderly man said as he and his wife took their leave which now left Ren alone with the owner who sighed at the departing couple.
"Four hours for just a single cup of joe," he said and looked at Ren. "So, you're Ren?"
Introductions are important, Ren thought. I hope I don't screw this up.
"Yes, sir," Ren nodded. I'm Ren Amamiya. Please take care of me."
"Uh-huh." the man answered with wide eyes. "I'm Sojiro Sakura. You'll be in my custody over the next year. I wondering what unruly kid would show up, but you're the one, huh?"
"Seems so," Ren said while shoving his hands in his pockets.
"Have you been told?" Sojiro questioned. A customer of mine and your parents know each other and-Not that that matters. Follow me." Sojiro gestured for Ren to follow him to the upstairs of the cafe. The upper floor was an attic that had an assortment of items stored up there.
"This is your room," Sojiro said. "I'll at least give you sheets for your bed. You like you wanna say something?" Sojiro asked as Ren's eyes wandered about the room.
He expects me to live here? Ren questioned. Easy, Ren. You'll just have to make the best of it.
"Well, it's big," Ren commented. "Though it's pretty cluttered."
"It's on you to clean up the rest," Sojiro mentioned. "I'll be leaving after I lock up each day. You'll be alone at night, but don't do anything stupid. I'll throw you out if you cause any trouble."
I have the strangest feeling I'll be hearing that for a lot, Ren figured.
"Understood," Ren nodded.
"Now then..." Sojiro continued. "I got the gist of your situation. You protected some woman from a man forcing himself on her, he got injured, then sued you. Right?"
"Yes," Ren sighed as he didn't really want to remember the unfortunate circumstance that brought him here.
"That's what you get for sticking your nose in a matter between two adults," Sojiro addressed. "You did injure him, yeah?"
Well, he fell on his own... Ren mused with a frown. Not that you would believe me. I doubt you would.
"And now that you got a criminal record, you were expelled from your high school," Sojiro explained. "The courts ordered you to transfer and move out here, which your parents also approved," Sojiro smirked. "In other words, they got rid of you for being a pain in the ass."
I get your trying to scare me... Ren noted. But you're really laying it on thick here.
"It's best you don't talk about anything unnecessary," Sojiro cautioned. "I am in the restaurant business, you know. Behave yourself for the year. If nothing happens, your probation will be lifted. Your sentence lasts until next spring That's why you're gonna be here the coming year. Cause any problems and you'll be sent straight to juvie. We'll be going to Shujin tomorrow."
"Shujin?" Ren repeated.
"Shujin Academy-the school you'll be attending," Sojiro informed once more with an irritated glare. "We'll introduce ourselves properly to the staff there. There's rarely a place that'll accept someone like you, you know. What a waste of my Sunday..." Sojiro made his way to the stairs before turning back to Ren. "Your "luggage" arrived a little while ago; I brought it up here for you."
Ren looked to where Sojiro was pointing. He saw the big box on the floor as Sojiro had taken his leave down the steps to tend to his coffee shop. Ren opened the box that held his clothes and necessities from back home. Ren looked around the attic and found it to be a little messy, he could drag his finger across the dusty table in the corner of the room. With that in mind, he decided to change into some casual clothes that consisted of a black jacket, white t-shirt, a pair of blue jeans, I and brown shoes.
"I guess since I'll be staying here for the time; I suppose it couldn't hurt to clean up," Ren commented.
Day: Saturday
Date: 4/9/2016
Time of Day: After School
Weather: Cloudly
Location: Shujin Academy
The final bell rang as Hiro, along with other students from his class, 3-C exited from the classroom. Hiro stretched his arms over his head, craning his neck afterward and adjusting his bag.
"Hiro," Makoto's voice got his attention as he saw her also leaving the classroom. "Are you about to head home?" she asked making her way up to him.
"Yeah," Hiro nodded. "I promised Dad this morning I would get Hamuko from school."
"Oh, I see," Makoto noted. "Well, don't let me keep you from her."
"Thanks," Hiro smiled. "By the way, it's a shame we couldn't hang out more at lunch."
"I know," she sighed in disappointment. "It's my fault. I had to handle some Student Council business during that time. My apologies."
"Hey, don't sweat it," Hiro said. "I understand if you were busy. Besides..." he gave a wink. "You'll ruin my new loner status."
"Oh right, you don't spend time with the volleyball team anymore since you left," Makoto remembered. "It must be tough having nobody to talk to."
"Not really," Hiro stated crossing his arms. "Despite what people are saying about me, everything's good."
"I see," Makoto replied as she smiled at him. "That's good to hear. But if you ever want to talk feel free call whenever you want."
"Sounds good," Hiro agreed until he realized. "I don't think we have each other's current info."
"I didn't comprehend that," Makoto confessed. "Care to exchange info then." they pulled out their smartphones and sent their info to each other and heard the small ping notifying them about their sent info.
"By any chance, are you busy?" Makoto questioned. "If you are, I understand."
"Not at all," Hiro shrugged. "Tomorrow is Sunday. Why are you asking?"
"I was hoping we could chat again tomorrow," Makoto suggested. "Maybe you could also bring Hamuko along, too, since it's been a while. I'll be here handling some Student Council business."
"Sure," Hiro grinned. "I'm certain Hamuko will be thrilled to see you again." Hiro stared at his phone to check the time. "Looks like I better get going. Hamuko's school let out."
"You should hurry," Makoto said. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"You bet you will," Hiro smile which Makoto returned herself and started making his way down the first-floor hall grabbing his shoes from his shoe locker and replaced them with the standard white shoes that were worn in Shujin
Hiro thought it was nice to actually speak to Makoto again. The last time they had spoken was some time after her father died. It was tough for everyone, especially for Hiro's father who was good friends with the man. But was even tougher for Makoto and Sae as it was their father they had lost. Hiro's father quit his job in the police and decided to become a detective instead. From what Hiro had heard from his father, Sae worked hard to get to where she was as a Public Prosecutor and does her job well.
I'm sure Katsuo-san would be proud, Hiro thought as he walked down the hall to the front entrance. He sent Hamuko a quick text letting her know he was on his way. Hiro, unfortunately, wasn't looking up from his phone when by accident he had walked into someone.
"Ah!" the person he bumped into let out a short yelp which let him it was a girl. Hiro's phone had dropped from his hand as the girl had dropped her's too. The girl in question was about a foot shorter than him as Hiro himself stood at 6'0". She had long red hair tied into a ponytail complete with a bow. She wore the Shujin uniform complete with pantyhose and red loafers. Hiro had never seen this girl before, she had a 1 pin on her blazer which told him she was a first-year The girl stared up at him and gave an apologetic smile.
"I'm so sorry!" she admitted. "I was staring at my phone and wasn't paying any attention where I was going."
"No worries," Hiro chuckled. "I wasn't looking either. You're a first-year, right? I'm Yasuhiro Isamashi."
"Oh, how careless of me," the girl noticed. "It's only right I introduce myself to my senpai. I'm Kasumi Yoshizawa. It's nice to meet you, Isamashi-senpai." she greeted with a polite bow and smile.
So polite, Hiro thought. Hiro for a second couldn't place how Kasumi figured out what year he was in but realized she likely noticed the 3 on his blazer.
"Again, I'm very sorry for walking into you," Kasumi stated. "I was messaging my father and wasn't paying any attention."
"It's all good," Hiro assured. "I was texting my sister so I'm sorry, too." Hiro bent down to pick up his phone as Kasumi did the same. He reached for a phone as his brow's rose when he realized he grabbed the wrong phone.
"Uh..." Kasumi mouthed who was holding his smartphone in her hand, recognizing the black and white checker case. "Sorry, but I can't help but notice that you have my smartphone."
"I was just thinking the same thing," Hiro quipped as Kasumi giggled while they exchanged phones. "Since you're new, you getting used to the school?"
"A little," Kasumi replied. "But it's not all bad. Believe me, I'm alright. I'm sorry for walking into you, Isamashi-senpai."
"No need to apologize again," Hiro noted. "Anyway, welcome to Shujin." he looked at his phone to check the time. "I have to get going but I'll see you around? Next time we meet let's not collide into each other staring at our phones."
"Of course," Kasumi smiled. "And thank you. I'll see you around, senpai." Please excuse me." she said with a bow.
Hiro waved bye to Kasumi while she did the same and headed toward the school entrance. On his way out of the school, he heard a couple of male students talking to each other rather loudly.
"Hey, was Isamashi-senpai just talking to the Yoshizawa?" the first of the male students questioned.
"Yeah, he was," the other answered. "Both of them are athletes so it makes sense they would get along."
"I hope that's not the case. A friend of mine told me that he saw Isamashi chatting up the class prez this morning."
"Really? I've hardly ever seen her talk to anyone other than teachers or the members on the council."
"Apparently they used to be friends when they were just kids. But that ain't anything to talk about because the real news is that Isamashi-senpai quit the volleyball team."
"You serious...?"
"Yep. It's said he and Mr. Kamoshida got into arguments during volleyball practice. I heard it got so intense they were close to fighting."
"Really? So you're saying that Isamashi was close to 'pulling a Sakamoto'?"
"And thanks to that, most of the volleyball team are staying clear of him." Hiro had heard enough as he groaned at one of the downsides of going to Shujin Academy.
Good grief, he thought. Don't people have anything better to do other than spread rumors? 'Welcome to Shujin Academy: where rumors are the most important thing. We don't care as long as they aren't about us. he joked inwardly as he left the building.
Day: Saturday
Date: 4/9/2016
Time of Day: Evening
Weather: Cloudly
Location: Cafe Leblanc
Ren stood in the middle of the attic admiring his handy work. He had been cleaning the attic for a while now and wanted to make it spotless. He mopped the floor, he dusted the window sill, covered the bed with the sheets given to him by Sojiro, and lastly placed his box of belongings on one of the lower parts on the shelf by the stairs.
All finished, Ren thought. I'd say I did a pretty good job if I do say so myself. Ren continued to feel impressed with himself as Sojiro had finally joined him in the attic giving Ren a confused stare as he came up.
"What in world were you up to up here?" Sojiro questioned. "I was wondering why you were making so much racket but I didn't think you were cleaning." Sojiro commented until he looked around the room. "Actually, the place doesn't look too bad." he smirked as Ren which ren to smile in pride. "Though its only natural you want to keep your room tidy."
"I think so," Ren agreed.
"Why don't you got to bed for tonight?" Sojiro suggested. "You don't have anything better to be doing, right?"
"Not particularly, no," Ren said with a shake of his head.
"I'm going to close up shop and get out of here myself," Sojiro said. "I won't be the one looking after you if you get sick from staying up too late, you got that?"
"Of course," Ren replied nodding his head. "Night, Sakura-san."
"Hmm," a soft hum was Sojiro's only response as he went downstairs and left. Ren decided to change into his sleepwear and laid don on the single bed, resting his hands behind his head. As he stared at the ceiling, his mind recalled back to the night he was arrested.
[Flashback...]
"I had to go home early..."
Ren walked through his hometown neighborhood at night. It was quiet as he made his way through the street but as he was moving along, he heard people arguing somewhere just around the corner on the street.
"Just get in the car!"
"Stop it!"
Ren started to pick up speed and went into a dash as he got closer he heard the voices start to become more clear. He saw a man and a woman arguing in the distance and ran over to them.
"How dare you cross me!"
"Stop it! Let me go!"
Ren saw the woman struggling in the bald man's grasp. When the man spoke, he slurred his words confirming he had too much to drink. The woman continued to fight back, trying to resist the man but despite his current state, he had a tight hold of her.
"Don't give me that shit..." the man uttered.
"Ow!" the woman winced. "P-Please, stop...!"
Ren knew the woman was in despair and came to the conclusion he had to help her. What kind of person would he be if he were to just walk from this?
'I can't ignore this,' he thought with conviction.
"What a waste of time," the man grunted. "You think you're worth causing me trouble? Huh?
"I'll call the police!" the woman reasoned.
"Heh, call them if you want!" the drunk man spat. "The police are my bitches. They're not gonna take you seriously."
"No... Stop...!" she pleaded. A few blocks from their location, police sirens were heard.
"Someone called the cops, huh?" the man assumed. "Get in the car! Incompetent fools like you just need to shut your mouths and follow where I steer this country!" The man and the woman noticed Ren standing not too far away from them. "What are you looking at? Get outta my face!"
"Leave her alone!" Ren threatened. "Can't you see that you're hurting her!"
"Mind your damn business," the man spoke back. "Now get lost, kid." The man turned to face Ren, staring at him through his orange-tinted glasses. "See? This is all because you're so damn slow!" he yelled back at the woman. "Get in the car!"
[End Flashback]
Ren couldn't help but feel angry remembering that night. He closed his eyes exhaling out of his nose to try and calm himself. His phone alert went off in his pocket. He pulled it out to check if he got a message. But instead, it was that same app with an eyeball icon that appeared on his phone earlier today.
What the heck...? thought Ren with confusion. I thought I deleted it... Ren once again dragged the strange icon to recycle once again. He felt his eyelids start to get heavy and nodded off to sleep.
What was strange was that as soon as he fell asleep he woke up. Oddly enough, he wasn't in Leblanc's attic anymore. He heard a pair of chains swinging and occasionally clanging against each other and heard the sound of dripping water. He sat from where he was lying down and took note of his outfit. He was wearing a prison outfit and had handcuffs placed on his wrist. He placed his feet on the floor and put a hand on his head.
Where am I...? Ren thought. Am I dreaming? It felt too real to be a dream.
"Hahahaha..." he heard a chuckle from outside the room he was in which resembled a jail cell. He turned his head over to where he heard the laugh and saw two young girls make their appearance known to him. Ren stood up and faced them noticing something different about each of them.
They looked the same in the face, twin's he put together. They wore matching blue outfits, platinum-colored hair, and wore similar eyepatches. The one on the left had her patch on her left eye, and the other one had her patch on her right eye. Ren tried to walk up to them but something almost stopped him from moving. He had a ball and chain on his left ankle. Ren managed to step to the bars of the jail cell.
He grabbed hold of the bars as the girls' turned around and showed there was someone else behind them. Ren's eyes widened seeing a man with a large smile, wide bloodshot eyes, and an impossibly long nose. He brought up his head to make eye contact with Ren and held out his hand.
"Trickster... Welcome to my Velvet Room."
I'm back! Did you miss me? No? Okay, that's fine.
Anyway, I hope everyone liked it enough even though this is only chapter one. A new thing I'm going to try with this is also showing Ren's side of things. That way I'm not just solely focusing on Hiro. I already know, we all played Persona 5 so obviously, we know how what the Ren is already doing but I also did it to also remind people what story you're reading.
And I've already written like 6 chapters just so I can know what direction I want to take with it. Took a lot of work but I got figured out. I was going to make 10 chapters but I decided to post it and get over with.
Please Follow/Favorite or review if you want. Or not, the choice is yours. I'd love to hear what you all think about the direction I'm taking with this. I'm gonna be uploading on Saturdays and maybe another day, depends how I'm feeling.
Update:
After beating Persona 5 Royal, I'm changing the story up by updating with the additions from Royal. As well as making new changes like Hiro's surname and his codename. I contemplated making a new story but decided to use the previous story and go about with the changes.
That's all for now.
I'll see you guys next time!
Later!