This story is a work of fiction.

Any relation to persons, living or dead, as well as events, are purely coincidental.

The author owns none of the characters, or events, that take place here.

The world is not as it should be.

It's filled with distortion, and "ruin" will soon descend.

However...there are those who would challenge fate, in desire for change.

Since time immemorial...they were known as,

"Tricksters."

Persona 5: Hoshi to Bokura to

Eighth Heist: Starting Point

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"This can't be," Makoto whispered as she, Sakamoto, and Akira stared at Shujin Academy, completely and utterly baffled. "All of this time, we were still in Shujin? T-that isn't possible!"

"Makes about as much sense as that damn app and furball," Sakamoto gave his two cents before frowning. "A-and was that seriously Kamoshida? I mean, bastard looked way different from-"

"Well this is an curious sight," a familiar voice called out. The group turned, and the blonde delinquent scowled fiercely while Makoto became tense. Approaching them was none other than Suguru Kamoshida, clad in his gym attire. "The transfer student, Sakamoto-kun and Niijima-chan. That's an odd combination if there ever was one."

Sakamoto's face twisted into a scowl, his hands balling into fists. "Kamoshida..." he whispered in anger. "You son of a-!" Before he could rush up and ram his fist into the man that caused them so much grief earlier, Makoto's hand snaked around his wrist, preventing him from acting. "Wha-?! Prez!"

"Hold a moment," she hissed, her eyes giving him a warning glare. Something about it must have scared the crap out of him, as Sakamoto immediately backed down, though he still scowled. Akira shared his sentiments, however. He felt a rather strong urge to hit the man himself, though he noticed something was off. The first was the obvious sight, in that he was back in his regular gym clothes, but his eyes were no longer yellow: they were back to those cold eyes that well hid the animosity they no doubt held. Secondly, Akira could no longer fee that sense of wrongness from earlier. Makoto then bowed her head. "Sorry for staying so late, Kamoshida-sensei. I had stayed behind to help Kurusu-kun get more familiar with Shujin, and Sakamoto-kun was kind enough to help."

Kamoshida scratched his chin. "Is that right?" he inquired. "Well, at least he's doing something other than being so laid-back. He wasn't like that back during his days in the track team." Sakamoto's eyes flared with rage upon those words, and would have lashed out again were it not for Makoto giving him another warning glare. The teacher then looked at Akira, who merely pushed up his glasses. "You're Akira Kurusu, the transfer student, is that right?" he asked. "I'm Kamoshida, the gym teacher and coach for the volleyball team."

"It's a pleasure," he said, bowing his head. Strange how the man asked that, given that he identified him as the transfer student just moments ago. "I hope I won't be a burden."

"My word, how polite," Kamoshida chuckled. "Keep up that attitude, and I'm sure you'll live through Shujin, no problem." He then folded his arms, looking at Makoto. "Then again, with Niijima-chan looking after you, I suppose that's pretty much a given. Although, if I were you, I would head home. It is rather late."

Sakamoto frowned. "Late?" he questioned before he took out his phone. His eyes widened, seeing the time. "The hell?! How long were we in there for?!"

"Well, you kids take care now!"

With that, Kamoshida took his leave, waving at them jovially as he turned his back toward them, and entered the school. Meanwhile, the three teens were left confused and disoriented. The sky was tinted orange when it should have been blue. It only turned orange when it was close to dusk. With that in mind, it made Akira wonder how much time had passed since they entered that strange world. "None of this makes any damn sense," Sakamoto growled, scratching his head in frustration. "First that damn app of yours sends us to some weird-ass castle, and then we saw that dungeon, and-and then Kamoshida in that getup, then...gah, what the hell?!"

"I'm confused as well," Makoto bit her lip, cupping her chin. "Kurusu-kun's clothes returned to normal as well. Actually, about that," she turned to him, eyes softening in concern. "Are you alright, Kurusu-kun?"

"I'm fine."

It was a lie. His chest hurt like hell as if a football jock had smashed into him at full force, weighing 200 pounds of pure muscle, and his shoulder burned as if someone had taken a hot knife to it. However, he couldn't let it show. Things were crazy enough as is. That said, however...he felt elated still. As if chains had been removed from his wrists and ankles. His spirit, which should have been low, felt like it was soaring. Like he was finally free...or something. The two looked unconvinced, but they otherwise remained accepting of his answer.

"What the hell was that back there, anyway?" Sakamoto asked. "I mean...that dude in the cape, that WAS Kamoshida...right?"

There was no real sure answer. Compared to the identical man they encountered back in the castle, the Kamoshida they met just now seemed perhaps a bit more...amicable, and casual and more pleasant. That said, Akira wasn't fooled. He could see the subtle body movements and facial twitches. The way he talked about Sakamoto was almost sneering, noticing how his lips curled at times. Whatever the case was, it was hard to tell for sure. That said, Akira was just glad to be alive. And out of that horrible place.

"I don't know," the Student Council President shook her head. "At any rate...all of this is too much. And...I feel so exhausted."

"Right with you there," Sakamoto groaned, holding his head. "Feels like somebody took a hammer to my head." A moment later, he gave a shrug and then grinned, looking at Akira. "Also, thanks for saving our asses back there. That thing with the clothes and that Persona thing was freakin' awesome." He extended a hand. "The name's Ryuji Sakamoto."

"Kurusu, Akira," the frizzy-haired teen smiled, taking his hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Sakamoto-san."

"Hey hey, no polite crap, aright? Just call me Ryuji!"

Makoto sighed, shaking her head. "Free-spirited as always," she mumbled, though she couldn't help but feel envious. Given the pressure at school and whatnot, she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to step into Ryuji's shoes and live a normal life for once, uncaring of what life had to throw at you and whatnot. For now, though, she had other concerns. "Well, it is getting late. Why don't we head home for the day?" she suggested, though that question seemed to be directed at Akira more than the two boys. "After all, if we stay any longer, Sis may not be so forgiving."

"You have a point," Akira conceded. He definitely did not want to imagine a rather peeved Sae Niijima glaring at him while demanding an explanation...and out so late with her younger sister at that. He was on a short-enough leash as is. He turned to Ryuji, and bowed his head. "See you tomorrow?"

"Yeah, sure," Ryuji nodded. The three then parted ways, taking their leave. As they did so, however, Ryuji frowned as he looked at Shujin Academy, staring at it as if he expected it to change back into that castle. His eyes caught sight of Kamoshida in one of the windows, talking to what looked like a girl without the blazer. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail. If he remembered right, he thinks her name was Suzui. "Damn pervert," he scowled heavily, remembering what had happened to him in the past. The ache in his leg wouldn't dare allow him to forget what happened between him and that bastard. However, even still, he was confused. "Was that...really Kamoshida?"

A moment, then he shook his head. His head ached so much, it hurt just to even think. He shook his head, and made his way back home. He didn't want to make his mother worried.

TakeYourTime

"We're home!"

Sae turned away from her laptop, sitting at the large table near the kitchen with a rather scrutinizing glare in her eyes. "You're home awfully late," she said, her tone clearly suspicious. Both Makoto and Akira winced, feeling the immense pressure the woman was exerting. If they were to describe it, they felt as if they were being held down by some unruly force, grabbed by the throat, pressed against the wall, and a glare that spelled death for them for even the slightest action. "I hope you two weren't fooling around."

"We're sorry," Makoto apologized. The two had expected Sae to act this way, so they had devised an excuse on the way home. "I was showing Kurusu-kun around the school when classes ended, and decided to show him around Shibuya. One of the second-years, Sakamoto-kun, decided to tag along, and things got a bit...animated. Sorry for worrying you, sis."

Sae didn't look quite convinced, though she relented, giving a sigh. "Well, at least the two of you are aware," she said tiredly. The two noticed that she seemed a bit exhausted, no doubt because of her jop. Akira also noticed a picture of a man's face on her laptop, most likely her newest case. "At any rate, how was your first day at Shujin, Kurusu-kun?"

"Eventful," he answered wistfully. "Everyone found out about my record, no surprise there, nearly got killed in a castle owned by a perverted king, awakened to some supernatural power, met a talking cat, and got a new friend." Makoto's jaw hit the ground, staring at Akira in utter dismay by his cheeky response, accompanied by the beginnings of a grin. "All in all, quite the day."

Sae quirked an eyebrow, confused by the majority of the response. Castle? Supernatural power? Must have been a game he was playing or something. However, she did catch one thing that earned a bit of attention, however. "Wait, what do you mean found out about your record?" she questioned sharply. "The faculty was supposed to keep that under wraps."

"Someone leaked it all over the school website," Makoto told her sister, clearly angry. She would talk with Akira about his words earlier, but remembering how someone blatantly posted such private information on a public site was enough to get her in a foul mood. As a Student Council President, the well-being of the students was her first priority, so Akira's private information being revealed like that had certainly set her off. "Worse, everyone keeps spreading more and more rumors. Its horrible."

The prosecutor clicked her tongue, shaking her head in disappointment. "Unbelievable," she muttered. When she was at Shujin, the likelihood of such a thing ever happened was next to none. School had changed quite a bit, hadn't it? Had the teachers become incompetent? Or was it simply the inability of the Principal from keeping his own subordinates in check? Either way, such a thing was quite concerning. A student's private information, especially one like Akira's, was not something that should be shown to everyone. "And has there been any other problems?"

"Not really."

Makoto turned back to Akira, once again taken aback. "How can you say that?!" the girl cried. "Kurusu-kun, this is serious!"

"How do you figure?" he asked quizzically. "Rumors are just that, rumors. If they want to believe it, let them. It isn't like it will cause me any trouble." Suddenly, a yawn emerged from his throat. He stifled it, and realized just how tired he was. His feet felt like they were struggling to support his own weight, his shoulders were sagging. "I'm tired..."

"So I notice," Sae remarked dryly. "From what Makoto said, you've had a rather rough day. Why don't you head to bed early?"

Akira gave a nod. "I think I'll do that." With a bow to the two Niijima sisters, he headed up the stairs, moving to his room.

Makoto stared at his retreating form with a face akin to a gaping fish, eyes threatening to pop. His utter lack of concern over the situation was...infuriating and baffling. Infuriating because, given her nature as student council president, he was giving a complete lack of disregard towards his own image, which was somewhat crucial in school. Yes, she had an image as well, seen as a tight-ship running woman, but given the prestige of Shujin, it was natural. Baffled because of his disregard. She would have thought he would be angered or saddened by this turn of events, yet instead, somehow, he just took it in stride. But why? Shouldn't he be raging over it?

"How is he not concerned about this?" she questioned with a sigh, shaking her head. She then looked back at her sister. "By the way, sis...I thought you said you wouldn't be home tonight."

The older woman waved a hand. "One of my co-workers decided to cover for me tonight," she answered. "I could have handled it by myself, but she insisted." Sae gave a tired sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. "This really is annoying..."

"Tough case?"

"Something along those lines, yeah. So, how was Kurusu-kun's first day at Shujin?"

'Other than us somehow landing in some strange castle with Kamoshida as its king and torturing students, overall good I'd say,' Makoto thought dryly. Upon that line of thinking, though, she realized that there was another matter that needed to be investigated regarding those bizarre circumstances: the students. If they were from Kamoshida's volleyball team...

Then this required some looking into.

TakeYourTime

No sooner had Akira fallen asleep in the comforts of his bed had he awoken to find himself once again in that bizarre place, colored aquamarine blue. "Welcome to the Velvet Room," he heard Igor's voice greet him as he sat up groggily, rubbing his eyes before he turned.

Sure enough, there the bizarre old man and his young assistant, Lavenza, stood in the center of the room, the former with that wide-stretching smile plastered across his face. He got up from the makeshift bed of the cell, and left, entering the circular room. As he did, Lavenza bowed her head. "Welcome back," she greeted him. "It seems you've had quite an experience."

"That's one way of putting it," Akira muttered, rubbing his neck. "So, this place wasn't a dream..."

"If you wish, it could be considered as such," Igor told him pleasantly. "As I said before, it is a place that exists between dream and reality, mind and matter." The old man then leaned forward, a curious glint in his eye. "By the way...I see that it is Arsene who embodies your rebellious will." Akira's eyes widened. Arsene...that's right. It was the name, the identity, of the being that emerged from him. Even now, he still felt its presence inside his body, as well as the elation it brought him. "Hmhmhm...how fitting. It seems you are indeed meant to be a phantom thief."

The frizzy-haired teen frowned. "Phantom...thief?"

"A topic for another time," Lavenza told him sharply. "Regardless, you now have the means to resist the ruins we spoke of to you earlier." Akira turned to him, curious. "The power you have obtained is known as 'Persona.' A power that represents one's truest self, given physical form. In a manner of speaking, it is a mask you wear when facing worldly matters."

Igor continued, "It is also your will of rebellion - the desire to never adhere to the rules placed upon you. However...yours is a unique power, my boy."

"Unique?" Akira asked. "Unique how?"

"You will come to know, in time," the old man answered enigmatically, much to the boy's continued annoyance. What was up with the cryptic answers with these people? Was it that hard to ask for a straight answer. However, Igor continued, either unaware of his thoughts which obviously showed on his face or simply ignored it. "Do you recall what I told you before in your last visit? That this place is only visited by those who have forged a contract?"

The boy nodded. "Yes, but...I don't remember signing a contract."

"Signing a piece of paper is not necessarily the only way of establishing a contract," the blue-garbed assistant told him, shaking her head. "It can be established through many means. Pursuing a mystery of unknown, chasing after a haunting memory, or facing that you do not understand...there are many ways. Regardless of how you may have done it, a contract has been sealed."

"And thus, you are our guest," Igor told him. Akira thought he saw his grin spread further, threatening to split his face in half. "Therefore, our services will be open to you for when you begin your journey."

"Journey...?"

Rather than answer his question, Igor held up a hand. A soft blue light danced into the air before him. Then, much to his surprise, the light solidified, becoming what appeared to be a key of some kind with a black-and-white face at the bottom. Hesitantly, the boy grabbed the key as it slowly descended. It was practically weightless, and felt smooth, much more so than typical metal.

"This key signifies that you are our guest," Lavenza told him, eyes narrowing at him with the utmost serious. "As our guest, you must uphold the terms of the contract: to take responsibility for any and all actions you make. So long as you adhere to this, we shall assist you in whatever way we can."

Igor chuckled. "I wonder where this power shall take you?" he said, curiosity and intrigue clear. "I can only look forward to what lays in the future for you, Trickster."

"Trickster?" Akira frowned, confused by the name. Why had the man called him that? Before he could ask, he felt his senses becoming overwritten by overwhelming drowsiness. "Mnrgh..."

"The next we meet," Igor's voice echoed as he began to fall back into unconsciousness. "It shall be of your own accord. Until then...farewell."

With those departing words, Akira's eyes rolled to the back of his head, and fell into unconsciousness once more.

TakeYourTime

Akira woke up in his bed, staring at the door that led to his room. As he rose up, leaving the blanket on his body to fall, he let out a tired yawn, scratching the back of his head. "I swear, what is with that weird dream?" he questioned, shaking his head in confusion. He wasn't sure if it was simply the stress from earlier, but the dream about that Velvet Room place and those Igor and Lavenza people were starting to become more bizarre. He winced a bit as he made a move to leave his bed, noting the aching pain in his chest and shoulder. "Guess what happened at school wasn't a dream, either." He then noticed something in his sweat's pocket. Frowning, he looked at the nightstand next to his bed, where his smartphone lay. That meant he didn't sleep with it, but if that was the case, then what was inside his pocket?

He dug inside and grabbed it, noting that it was small. He pulled it out, and opened his palm. His eyes widened, however, when he saw it. "...you gotta be shittin' me!"

It was the key he received in the dream. The key that signified his role as a "guest" of the Velvet Room.

That meant...the dream was real. The fact filled Akira with dread. The mention of ruin was concerning, and while he had previously dismissed it as mere ramblings, this told him that whatever awaited him was not going to be pleasant. He remembered the strange creatures that appeared in that bizarre castle, the warped Kamoshida who stood before them, the battered and tortured students. Something was not right. He wasn't sure what, but that place must be connected somehow. And this power...Persona...if he awoke it there, and it just so happened to coincide with him becoming a guest of the Velvet Room, then...was it really...just coincidence?

Akira grabbed his phone, unlocking it and looking at the icon that still remained present. He had tried various methods to delete it before, yet it always remained. This app...it must have somehow brought him there, but why? For what purpose?

Well...for now, he would have to put it on hold. He could ponder such curious questions later. After all, him keeping up with the rules of his probation was far more important than investigating some otherworldly matters. With that in mind, he quickly got changed and left his room. To his pleasant surprise, he found Makoto already waiting for him. "Hey," she said, waving. "Did you sleep well?"

"Somewhat," Akira answered. "Still a bit sore."

"I can imagine." Makoto then fell silent for a moment, her face showing that she was having conflicting thoughts before she spoke up again. "Hey...what happened yesterday. At that castle. I know its a bit much, and maybe a bit out of left field, but..."

He already knew what she wanted to say. "You wanted to look into it?"

"Yes." she nodded strongly. "Something about that place bothers me...and it isn't just Kamoshida-sensei's bizarre behavior, or those monsters, either." As he suspected. She was wondering about the students they saw being tortured. He would be lying if he said he wasn't also disinterested as to how students found themselves there without explanation. "I'd like to speak with Sakamoto-kun also, if possible."

"We'll probably run into him either way." Akira shrugged, fastening the belt on his bag. "Anyway, come on. I don't fancy being late on my second day of school when I've started earning good grace points with my homeroom teacher." Makoto quirked a brow up to her hairline, but then smiled thinly in amusement. The two then made their way out of the house, giving Sae their farewells as they left.

TO BE CONTINUED...

A/N: Here is the ninth chapter of Hoshi to Bokura to, and we're closing in on the awakenings of Ryuji and Makoto! Ex~citing stuff, no? Sorry for the lateness. I was working on other stories, writing a new one, and reading stories. Speaking of which, I recommend Black Fuego's "Persona 5: Trials of the Trickster," which as I learned, was inspired by this fic. The author is awesome as she took a few liberties with it. I won't spoil anything, but its impressive. I've also asked for a bit of help from them regarding a certain something, but I won't say what. Hi~mi~tsu~

So starting off this author's note is the concencus about the use of DLC Personas. Seems like the majority of you guys approve. Actually, one of the DLC personas shall appear in the awakenings of Ryuji and Ann, so that should be something to look forward to. I won't say which one, though. I will also be using the Picaro versions, since they are described in the Compendium as Personas who have become the Trickster's mask.

I'd also like to discuss a few things, in regards to the Confidants/Social links. Some have been changed considerably, though still keep true to what they are like in the game. I won't say how they've been changed, only that some aspects, such as how they start or the events involving them, have been altered to fit the story.

Third, I'm showing off the poll results so far regarding who "YOU" guys think should be Akira's love interest! In the lead is Makoto with 90 votes, and following behind her is Sae with 61 and Futaba with 48! Struggling to match them are Anne and Hifumi with 42 and 38 votes respectively! And behind the top five girls are Tae, Lavenza, Haru, Sadayo, Chihaya and Ichiko with 31, 30, 12 and 7 votes! Damn...I'll be honest. I wasn't expecting Makoto to be so freaking popular.

Fourth thing in the list is more news than anything...PERSONA 5 IS RECEIVING A FULL ANIME ADAPTATION! No, I kid you not! The news was announced literally yesterday or so, and is being produced by A-1 Studios. I don't see why people are fussing over that, though, especially given that A-1 is known for doing some god DAMN good animes, such as Nanatsu no Taizai, Persona 4 the Golden Animation, Persona Trinity Soul (though no one likes to talk about that), Blue Exorcist, Aldnoah Zero, and Black Butler! Anyway, it is being released in 2018! Be hyped, my peeps!

Alright, that's it for now! Later losers, and I'll see you in the next heist!