English is not my first language.

if someone likes to be a beta reader to point out my grammatical errors I would be very happy

please enjoy!

Welcome to Tartarus (V)

Day: 23/Tuesday Month: June Year: 2009

Afternoon

"What a boring day"

I had finally returned to class, most of my classmates were glad that I was alright, it seemed that most of them really liked me, but other than that the classes continued in a monotonously normal way, to that I add the fact that I did not have a club and Kirijo told me that I should take a break, since I had some money (something like an allowance from the Kirijo group) I decided to go eat near Iwatodai station, but on the way I see a householder.

"I Shinji!" I yelled while waving my hand

"What's up Tyron? Hanging out after school? Shinjiro replied seeing me

"I wanted to eat something outside the bedrooms, what do you say? Do you want to join?"

"Sure, I know a good place around here."

Following Shinjiro we arrived at a stall that seemed to sell bowls of meat, it had a really appetizing smell, so I closed my eyes and ordered one at random hoping it was a good one, with our bowls we sat down to eat.

"So… have you heard from Akihiko? I know he can be very persistent" I said as I looked at my bowl, it looked like it was chicken.

"Yeah he... has been pressuring me ever since I left..." Shinjiro answered listlessly.

"Maybe it is none of my business… but is there a reason you do not want to go back? You do not have to say anything to me if it makes you uncomfortable!"

"I did something that I can never take back... and since then I've been living life one day at a time..."

"Basically… Have you run away from any sense of responsibility due to guilt?"

"Hey, that would be correct…"

I looked at my bowl for a moment, thinking about what I could say to him, I know it was not his fault, but that would not make him feel any better, it might not be nice, but I hoped he would wake up with what I was about to tell him.

"You know, I think I can understand a little, waking up one day not knowing who you are is terrifying. Do you know what kind of weapon I use? A rifle…"

"How…?" I look surprised

"I have no idea, the knowledge and muscle memory were there, so in the end it was my weapon of choice"

"Why do you tell me that?" I ask confused

"What could someone be up to who knows how to use a weapon of that caliber so well? I do not know who I was, or if I was a good PERSONA... but I don't let that stop me, it's not our past that defines us, but what we learn from it."

We both stayed silent, I tentatively tried the bowl, it was delicious, I looked a little at Shinjiro who only looked at the bowl as if it were going to give him all the answers in the world, I did not say anything, I just let everything settle in his head a little more

"What am I supposed to do? I thought I could live my life peacefully until I die…but…" Shinjiro finally said.

"Why can't I shake the feeling that this is something that was out of your control in the first place?"

"Aki…"

"No, Akihiko hasn't told me anything about you, I really don't need to, he becomes pretty obvious just by looking at that expression on your face."

So we went through a potpourri of emotions on Shinjiro's part, from anger to helplessness, from helplessness to guilt, from guilt to embarrassment, I just watched as he looked defeated even looking at his own bowl of food.

"You know, I may not know exactly what you did, but feeling guilty about hurting someone is perfectly normal, it would be bad if you did not care and just moved on after what happened, but you cannot spend the rest of your life feeling guilty either. that is why"

"…"

"I'm not saying that you need to join us, but if you feel like helping us, we would appreciate it, hell, we could get you out of the depression if you let us, think about it, I'm all ears when you need it"

While I did not like doing that, I really wanted to help him, he did not deserve to die, not the way he did, leaving him with things to think about, pay for our bowls and leave the place to go straight to the dorms where Akihiko was the first to go. be waiting for me

"Yo Tyron, did you meet Shinji today?" I wonder when I see myself

"Yeah... we chatted a bit and I gave him some advice on what to focus on, I don't think he'll join in, but at least he could have a different perspective on life."

"That's more than he could ask for, although it's only the second time it seems like they've gotten pretty close."

"I think it's just me being me, I like to help people when they need it"

"How about you stop by the boxing club tomorrow? I will teach you how to fight some shadows with your fists, I do not think it is good to depend on the rifle always"

"I guess I can try"

"Then everything is arranged, see you at the boxing club tomorrow"

Day: 24/Wednesday Month: June Year: 2009

Tomorrow

I was finishing arranging all my things for school when I went down to the kitchen, there I met the newest member of the dorm Fuuka, I quickly greeted her since I had not had much interaction with her since I was most of the time in the room. hospital.

"Good morning" I greet her

"Hey? H-hello!" Fuuka replied shyly

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Tyron Miller, you can just call me Tyron"

"Yamagishi Fuuka, it's fine if you call me Fuuka too"

"How is everything? Are you adjusting well to the bedrooms?"

"Yes! They are all very friendly and have made me feel welcome"

"I'm sorry I couldn't introduce myself sooner, already time"

"Don't worry, I understand... I am sorry, because of me you were so hurt"

"Nah, it was just me being reckless, but I'm glad you're alright, after all I like to help when I can, so don't apologize for anything, so let's get along Fuuka!"

"Yes!"

You are me, I am you... you have acquired a new link, with the power of the arcanum of the PRIESTESS you have opened the path of a new chapter...

"Oh! I am late! See you!"

Afternoon

The day was quite calm, it was still taking me a bit of work to catch up on classes, but I was sure I would make it sooner or later, when the bell for the last class rang I went directly to the boxing club where Akihiko was already training, hitting a punching bag, lucky for me that today I didn't have a club either so I could pass without problems.

"I, Akihiko, am already here"

"I'm glad you came, I'm really grateful for how much you've helped Shinji" he replied leaving the sack

"I just want to help him, the long face does not go with him"

"You're right... well, put on your gear, let's see how good you are at fighting"

As he said change into my sports clothes and put on my gloves, at first it was not going so well, but as the session progressed, I managed to move better, it was almost like with the rifle, although it was not the best, it seemed like he had at least some training to keep up with Akihiko.

"You're fairly good. Are you sure you have not practiced before?" asked Akihiko a little tired

"Honestly, it's like when I took the rifle, although not as good as that time, at least it seemed like I knew how to fight"

"If that is the case, I think we will have to polish those memories, I am sure that even without your rifle you will be able to put up a good fight with the shadows"

"Yeah, I really don't want to be defenseless if that happens."

So, we continued our training session until it was time to leave, with a quick shower and back in our uniform we headed straight to Iwatodai station to eat some meat bowls, the place really did good food, and I was happy to try a different bowl .

"That was a good workout, but I'm pretty hungry" I said as I put down my second bowl, it was a mix of pork and something else.

"It is normal, after a large amount of exercise, a large amount of protein is needed to compensate for the loss"

"I don't even want to think about the amount that Olympic athletes consume in that case"

"I imagine so" Akihiko replied putting a fifth bowl aside

"I think you already consume one…"

We both leisurely ate our food, I was really getting addicted to this place, the bowls are good and not expensive, it was perfect for hanging out with friends, when was the last time I was able to enjoy like this?

"What's up Tyron?"

"Hey?"

"You looked really thoughtful for a moment"

"Just a bit of nostalgia I think, I suddenly felt like it had been a long time since I had enjoyed a quiet meal with my friends before waking up here."

"Did you manage to remember anything else?"

"No, it's just the feeling, I like being able to spend my time like this, I'm happy I got here"

"We are also happy that you are here, you have helped us a lot"

"Kirijo said something similar the other day, I'm also happy to be here with everyone"

Day: 25/Thursday Month: June Year: 2009

Afternoon

"Those two sure really got me addicted to that place."

Another quiet school day, I had been training with Akihiko for a while, but since I also had my normal club I spent part of the afternoon in this one until it was time to go back to the dorms, as always Iwatodai station was on the way and so the meat bowl stall, just as I was about to enter I saw a familiar face.

"I Shinji! How is everything?" say hi to

"Tyron, it's good to see you, I... I have something I wanted to talk to you about" Shinjiro said pointing to a couple of seats further away.

"Is it okay with you if it is while we eat? Training with Akihiko and the athletic club left me hungry."

We both entered and placed our orders, I immediately started eating, but Shinjiro seemed lost in thought, just looking at his bowl, it seemed like he wanted to say something, only nothing came out of his mouth, once I finished my plate, I looked directly at him .

"I'm good at a lot of things, but mind reading isn't one of those, so speaking out loud might help," I pointed out.

"Hey? Ah, you are right" he said embarrassed

"Come on man, if you need to bury a body let me just get the shovel, I think we had one in the bedrooms"

"It's not that... it is just... Do you think we all have a place where we belong?"

"Well yes, why do you ask?"

"It's just... I don't think I have anywhere to go back, I don't have parents, the orphanage I was from burned down, and I can't go back to the dorms, I don't know where else I could go."

"And why can't you go back to the dorms?"

"Because the second I get back there Aki will constantly chase me to join the fight and I can't do that."

"Have you tried talking about it?"

"Well... not..."

"And how are you so sure that he is going to pass?"

"Me…"

"Let's go together, we'll talk to him and see if we can talk him out of bothering you about it."

"Okay..." Shinjiro agreed after a couple of minutes of pondering.

With that we both headed back to school, I knew Akihiko would still be training so the boxing club was the obvious place to visit, it did not take long to arrive and find Akihiko still in his routine just as he had left it.

"Did something happen Tyron…? Shinji…? What are you two doing here?" asked Akihiko surprised to see both

"Well Akihiko, could you lend us some of your time to talk?" I told

"Of course"

"Come on Shinji, it's your turn" I urged.

"Aki I... I cannot help you with the dark hour or fighting the shadows, it is just not something I can do right now... I am afraid the same thing will happen again..." Shinjiro said without looking at him.

"…"

"I can't forgive myself for what I did, but I have also learned that being depressed was the worst possible option, I would like to improve, something better for my life, so if you would allow me to return to the dorms... I would really appreciate it..."

"Of course! All your things are as you left them, you can come back whenever you want friend" Akihiko replied happily

Shinjiro seemed confused at how easy he was, I just smiled as he patted him on the back and gave him a thumbs up, no one in the world could take the I told you so face off of me at that point.

"Time? You never know until you try, and you've always had a place to return to."

With my work done I watched as Shinjiro covered his face in embarrassment, Akihiko gave him a sympathetic look before going back to his training as we headed out, outside the school Shinjiro heaved a sigh as he looked up at the sky.

"Thank you..." Shinjiro said.

"Hmm?"

"I spent a lot of time trying to burn that bridge thinking I don't deserve to be there, but after talking to you I've come to understand that running away doesn't do anyone any good, I still won't help them fight, but at least I'll try to move forward..."

"Don't worry, your friends will be there for everything"

"Friends... it's been a while since I made a new friend apart from Aki and Mitsuru."

"Well, on the one hand you may need to change that dark and disturbing personality that you presume, it is so different from how you really are"

"S-Shut up!"

Between teasing and laughter we finally reached the bedrooms where everyone else was already, we quickly introduced them, although a little nervous they still welcomed him, well Makoto still seemed stoic and Mitsuru seemed happy to see him, it seemed that once he entered, he was a completely new PERSONA.

"Welcome home" Kirijo said

"I'm back"

Day: 26/Friday Month: June Year: 2009

Afternoon

Another quiet day at school, with Shinjiro now in the dorms it seemed like everything would be looking up, with no real plans after the club I was likely to head over to the Velvet Room to see what possibilities my new PERSONA offered, further feedback would be appreciated, but first to put the plan in motion I saw the new resident of the dormitories

"I Fuuka! How are you today?"

"Hi Tyron, not much, I was thinking of going for coffee. Do you want to come too?"

"Sure, I want to try the local coffee"

With something similar to a plan we went to Changali Café in the Paulownia shopping center, Fuuka ordered a cappuccino, but with this weather I wanted a frappuccino more, with our orders we both went calmly to enjoy our drinks.

"You know, I've been thinking about learning how to cook, I was wondering if maybe you would like to try it sometime" Fuuka said thoughtfully

"Gladly, I'll be waiting for you" I replied happily

"Thank you" I honestly think I have been improving my cooking skills"

"Getting better…?"

"Makoto tried my cooking a couple of times, and it wasn't very good, but I think I've improved"

"Ah... okay, when you prepare something, I'll happily try it" I said with much less conviction than before

I had forgotten how terribly bad it was cooked, taking my drink I contemplated if I should also ask for some other medicines in the medicine cabinet that I would be requesting from Kirijo, after all I did not have the heart to tell him that I cooked badly.

Day: 28/Sunday Month: June Year: 2009

Afternoon

It was a relatively quiet day, I had finished my homework so I was free to hang out, which Iori took advantage of by making me accompany him to the card room, he had also somehow managed to drag Shinjiro to our exit and I took care of bringing Makoto, in the end we were even joined by Akihiko which resulted in an afternoon of guys playing video games, no one could beat me in shooting games.

With the afternoon ending on a high note we split up a bit before heading back to the dorms, Makoto along with Iori went to see if they could get upgrades for their weapons, Akihiko and Shinjiro went to get ingredients to stock the dorms, I had gone to the Velvet Room to see what new skills there were for my repertoire.

With Fuuka I had achieved the link of the Priestess, who was the maiden of Orleans Joan D'Arc, with Shinjiro it was that of the Hierophant, with which I had acquired Saint George, the dragon slayer, luckily, I had achieved a regeneration improvement with this last one so now my days in the hospital should be fewer.

"And with that everything is ready" I say looking at Lazuli who was writing in her book

"Okay, everything is ready. Anything else you need help with?" he said smiling at me

"No, but I think I'll explore the place a bit."

"Of course, take your time dear guest"

Nodding to both Lazuli and Igor who was just watching I went for a walk around the library since I still had some time, I was really curious about everything in the place, taking some random books to see their content I was surprised to see that if they had any kind of content, the problem was that at least the ones I had chosen seemed to be in some foreign languages, at least the ones I could identify, there were several others that I couldn't make heads or tails for their content.

"Were there other doors too?"

Hidden among the shelves I also found some doors, some had some vaguely familiar symbol, but when I opened them, they only showed a wall on the other side, that only deepened my confusion, I kept trying doors until I reached one that caught my attention in a very particular way.

This door had a heart, above the heart there was a kind of small crown, and in the center of the heart was what was the drawing of a keyhole, it was the symbol of the Kingdom Hearts games, just like with the other times I opened it only to see a brick wall on the other side, I was a little disappointed to leave the place, but before doing so the door opened by itself.

"Tyron! It has been a while my friend

I blinked confused, in front of me was a boy of about my age, his brown hair seemed to defy gravity because of the way he looked almost like a porcupine, he was the legendary bearer of the key blade Sora, who after seeing me better crossed his path. arm and looked at me confused.

"Did you shrink? I remember you were taller than me…"

"It's not that Sora was shrinking, take a good look at him."

It did not take long for his old friend Riku to appear behind Sora, who also seemed to know me, he only smiled a little before giving me to stretch out his hand to which I could only take it, still a little confused.

"I know it may seem strange, but we are really old acquaintances" Riku said after letting go of my hand.

"What…? No wait, how…?" try and fail to appear consistent

"That's how it feels to be on the other side of the conversation..." Sora said a little amused

"In short, some of these doors have the peculiarity of making random movements on their timelines, the first time we met well you had told us that you had interacted with us at various different times, which we confirmed over the years" he finished Riku, leaving me still confused

"Crazy, right?" Sora added

"I feel like my head hurts" I told him

"I felt the same the first time" said Sora

"No, your brain short-circuited, and you almost passed out" Riku told her.

"Details"

I was about to say something else, but decided it was not really worth it. What difference does it make that the Velvet Room connects to other realities? For the sake of my sanity I will just let it be, Sora and Riku seemed to know the place well and although it was the first time I knew them I knew they were both dependable, so I left them on their own.

"Well it was a pleasure, but I think it's time to go back to my place" I told them to which they both nodded

"We will be here a little longer looking for some books, if you need help at any time you can look for us in the city on the other side of our door... although I don't know what version of us you will find" Riku said

"Just let your heart be your guide, so you'll always find us when you need us, by the way, take this, you told me to only return it to you the first time we met" Sora added taking something out of his pockets.

It was a card, on one side it seemed to have the same design that the arcana shared on the back, but on what should be the front it was completely blank without any design of which arcana it represented, I looked at Sora who just shrugged. shoulders.

"I don't know what happens with that letter either, but I can assure you that it is helpful, at least it was for us. See you!" Sora said goodbye

"See you later Tyron" Riku followed.

You are me, I am you... you have acquired a new link, with the power of the arcane JUSTICE you have opened the path of a new chapter...

You are me, I am you... you have acquired a new link, with the power of the arcane DEVIL you have opened the way to a new chapter...

I just shook my head a bit, it was already late and the whole meeting with Sora and Riku really left me confused, putting the letter in one of my pockets I just went back to where Igor and Lazuli were to say goodbye

"I think it's time to go, it's late and I think this library just gives me so many more questions"

"Of course dear guest, but whenever you have any questions you can ask" Igor replied.

"Well… since you mention it, I was wondering what is that mask hanging on the door behind you? It looks familiar, but I'm not sure were."

It was a simple white mask with a gold butterfly wing covering the right eye, I was sure I had seen it somewhere before, for a second I could also swear that Igor showed a surprised look, but it must have been just me. imagination since I was not paying attention.

"Ah, that's just a decoration, it seemed to go well with the environment," he simply dismissed.

"I see... well it's probably nothing, see ya"

I left the Velvet with a thousand more questions, but what stood out the most was that door, the more I thought about it the more I realized that it had actually been there from the beginning, but why did it feel like it was slipping away from me the memory of my mind?