"Master? Are you sure it's a good idea to bring the guest here so soon after what happened?" A woman asked, her tone almost robotic with how bored it sounded.

"I agree with Justine. We repelled the entity only moments ago. What if it attacks us again while the guest is here?" Another woman asked, her voice laced with uneasiness.

"We have nothing to fear girls. I have taken steps to ensure it won't find this place again. Besides, we were able to repel it before, and we will repel it again if need be. And should this guest, or any guest for that matter, happen to be here if that happens, I will summon your siblings at once." A man assured.

"Very well master. We will trust your wisdom."

The three people waited for a few moments before they heard their guest: Yu Narukami, starting to stir. When he woke he found himself in a prison cell, dressed in a prison outfit. Yu took note of his surroundings. The cell he was in had a bed, a toilet, and the walls were padded, like he was in an insane asylum. Oddly enough, the padding was a velvet blue rather than the snow white.

"W-where am I?" He asked, getting up. He walked to his cell door and felt something weighing him down. He looked and saw that he was in cuffs, and his legs were chained to a metal ball. When he approached the cell door, he saw two women before him, they looked like twins.

Both of them were adults and fully developed adults at that, and sported long, platinum blonde hair tied up in a ponytail. The one on his left side had bangs covering her left eye while her right glowed a beautiful golden, with her ponytail thrown over her right shoulder while the girl on his right was like a mirror to the girl on his left; bangs covering her right eye, her left eye glowing with a golden color, ponytail thrown over her left shoulder. The two girls were dressed in warden outfits and had hats that spelled out 'OXYMORON'. All Yu could think about was how they shared features with that man from his other dream; Theodore.

The girls turned around and stood at attention and Yu looked dead ahead, following their eyes.

In the center of the room stood a large desk standing on a carpet sharing the same velvet blue as the walls in his cell, and with a golden "V" emblazoned on it. At the desk sat a man wearing a formal suit and gloves, with bloodshot eyes, pointy ears, a bald head with grey hair, and a very wide grin. But most disturbing of all was his nose, his very long, very pointy nose.

That man could poke someone's eye out with that thing.

"Greetings Trickster, welcome to the Velvet Room." the long-nosed man said in a voice that was somehow creepy and soothing at the same time.

"Where am I? Am I hallucinating again? What did that app do to me?!" Yu yelled, pulling and banging on the bars.

"Inmate, please calm down. This is very real, as was what you saw earlier." The girl on his left told him, her tone lacking any form of emotion.

"If you want to get out of this alive, you'll need a resolve of steel. Get a grip!" The one on his right ordered, almost the polar opposite of the other girl in tone.

"Welcome. My name is Igor, and I am delighted to make your acquaintance. These fine young women here are my assistants. To your left is Justine, to your right, Caroline. They will be the wardens of your rehabilitation." Igor explained, his wide smile never vanishing when he spoke.

"Rehabilitation? Trickster? Get out of this alive? W-wha?" Yu couldn't even form a complete sentence from the huge information dump he was given.

"Inmate, please take a deep breath. Panicking will help no one." Justine suggested.

Yu tried to do what he was told, but he still couldn't get over what he's seeing, or what he heard. His mind began to flash back to that night, and all he could think about was how he could not go through that again.

"Why am I in jail? I did nothing wrong! Let me out! Now!" Yu demanded, pulling at the bars to no avail.

"Don't talk to our master like that!" Caroline yelled, pulling out a baton and slamming it against the cell walls, sending a surge of electricity that forced Yu back.

"This is the Velvet Room, a place between dream and reality, mind and matter." Igor explained, completely unfazed by the outburst. The long-nosed man then looked around, his bloodshot eyes examining the room like this was also the first time he's seen it.

"Still, I am most surprised. The Velvet Room shifts to reflect the state of the heart of its guest. Often times it is something comforting: The living room of a house, the captain's cabin of a ship, and so forth. I never thought a guest would see their own heart as a prison."

"Wait, are you saying I'm the reason I'm here?"

"Yes... and no. Only those bound by a contract may make use of our services. You signed one such contract."

"What? No I didn't!"

Igor snapped his fingers, despite the fact he was wearing gloves, and Yu saw a piece of paper materialize in front of him. He grabbed it and started to read.

"This story is a work of fiction, any similarities between- wait… this was from the dream I had before I came here!"

"Correct."

"B-but… it was only a dream!"

"We told you, inmate, this is very real." Justine replied.

"What the hell did you trick me into?! I want out!" Yu yelled, grabbing the paper with both hands and trying to rip it, unsuccessfully.

"Don't bother inmate. Your only choice is to abide by your contract, and give it your all to rehabilitate yourself. Don't worry, we'll give you a hand, because we're your loving and supporting correctional officers! Ain't that right, Justine?" Caroline asked with a sadistic grin as the contract vanished into thin air.

"Yes, but that will have to come later. Time marches on in your world, and we will have to continue this at a later date." The woman stated calmly as an alarm bell could be heard.

"Farewell Trickster. I look forward to seeing you again. I hope your rehabilitation goes smoothly." Igor said, his smile never fading throughout the whole ordeal. Yu's eyes felt heavy, and he soon fell asleep, his body toppling to the floor and soon disappearing completely. There were a few moments of silence before Caroline spoke up.

"Jeez, what a scaredy cat. Are we sure we picked the right guy? The other guests didn't have nearly as much of a breakdown when they came here." Caroline scolded.

"We didn't choose him, fate did. And if we're to to be fair, the Velvet Room didn't transform into a prison for them, and they haven't gone through the same ordeal he has in the waking world." Justine countered, tone even and monotone.

"That may be so, but his trials haven't even begun. Time will tell how much of his potential he will realize and fulfill, and how strong his bonds with his fellow Tricksters will be." Igor added.

The two girls looked at each other, and immediately looked away, as if both were embarrassed by the other. Unease filled the air as they rubbed their arms. Igor's bloodshot eyes widened when he realized what was wrong.

"Ah, and now we get to the final matter. Girls, do you wish to merge into your original form?" Igor asked, stretching his arms as his gloves glowed blue, as if preparing a spell.

"I… I think not Master." Caroline answered, causing Igor to raise an eyebrow and the glow to dim from his gloves.

"She's right. We already introduced ourselves to him. He will no doubt panic again if someone else is waiting for him next time." Justine added.

"Exactly. For now, I think I can live like this, at least until this scaredy cat has fulfilled his contract." Caroline agreed.

"Very well. I shall inform your siblings that, for the time being, they have two new sisters." Igor replied with a small nod.

"Oh, that reminds me; is the guide up and about yet?" Caroline asked.

"Yes, she is. She has everything she needs, and I'm sure she'll be very happy and excited to meet him." Igor said, chuckling.

Yu woke with a gasp and bolted upright. He looked around. He was in his room. He was in the same PJs he got dressed in. The sun was rising, its light bathing his room. He clutched his chest, his breathing hard and labored as cold sweat rolled down his forehead.

It was just a dream. An LSD induced dream. What did that damn app do to me? How did it do that to me?

Yu looked at his alarm clock. Just about a minute before the alarm was going to go off. And there was no way that he was going to risk going back to sleep even if he had an hour. He made sure the alarm wouldn't go off and quickly got dressed in his Shujin uniform, brushing his teeth, and decided to start organizing some of his home souvenirs, making sure the butler and panda costumes were tucked out of sight. He then heard a light knock on his door.

"Yu-kun? Are you awake? I didn't hear an alarm go off." Makoto's voice called from the other side.

Yu proceeded to open the door. Makoto too was dressed in her Shujin uniform while Sae was on the phone with someone.

"Yea, I'm awake. Woke up right before my alarm went off."

"Alright, well come on in, breakfast is ready, and once we're done, we're going straight to the school. Come on." Makoto said.

"You said so yourself, I'm not one to joke. I fully expect those two stacks done by tomorrow."

Yu heard a groan of resignation from the phone.

"Akechi?" He asked, even though he already knew the answer.

"Yes. Hurry up and eat your breakfast. We don't want to keep Principle Ushimaru waiting." Sae ordered.

"Trust me, you really don't." Makoto replied, and rubbed her forehead as if remembering something painful. Maybe this Ushimaru gave her a scolding. It's not like he'd chuck any chalk at her.

Yu looked at his meal and started eating while Makoto and Sae talked among themselves. Yu, ever curious, decided to try listening in.

"Watch…. trouble…. kick out…. aim below the waist." Sae spoke.

"Don't worry…. fear…. wrath…. carry a taser." Makoto replied.

Yu decided that, if he didn't want to fear the mere sight of the Niijimas, he should probably stop listening. He finished with his meal just as they finished their talk.

"You ready? Let's go." Sae ordered, leading the way. Yu managed to get Makoto to drop back as they walked into the parking lot.

"So… what did you and your sister talk about?" Yu asked, knowing he would probably regret it, but unwilling to let his curiosity go unsatisfied.

"Oh, she just asked me to look after you at school. Also told me to warn you: Cause any trouble for either of us and you'll be kicked out, and that if you should try anything, I was to aim for your…. More private parts." Makoto answered with a smile starting to form.

Yu gulped. Makoto continued, as if reveling in his fear.

"I told her that if you did try anything, you should be more afraid of Sis than me. After all, she carries a taser with her at all times."

Yu gulped again. Louder this time.

"But don't worry. Just stay out of trouble, and you'll be fine." Makoto assured with her smile still in place as the group approached the car. Makoto rode shotgun and Yu sat in the back. After a good few minutes of driving, Yu decided to strike up a conversation and hope it didn't backfire.

"So, what's Shujin like?"

"Ah, it's a wonderful school, one of the best in the nation. If you manage to graduate there, you can make it anywhere. We offer a wide array of clubs, from kendo to drama to music to writing to baking. We also have a team for every sport, track, basketball, baseball, we have it all." Makoto explained, smiling with pride.

"Makoto is the Student Council President there. I've asked her to keep an eye on you so you don't cause any trouble, or get in any trouble."

"Yes. I hope you'll make many friends there. Oh, we're here now." Makoto said.

Yu wasn't expecting a paradise, but from the way Makoto described it, he wasn't expecting the school to feel like a prison as soon as he entered it.

Guess you've seen one, you've seen them all.

The three made their way to the principal's office. Ushimaru was a stocky and big boned man, but that only made him intimidating as opposed to weak. He had black hair combed and slicked all the way back, and wore a dress shirt with a blue tie and suspenders. His eyes peered at Yu from behind his glasses, but nothing could top Sae. Next to him was a woman in a plain long-sleeved yellow and white striped shirt and a navy blue skirt. As for her features, she had simple black hair and looked way too tired to be here.

"Hello Yu Narukami. I am Ushimaru, your principle. Let us get down to business. I know you're most likely aware of your situation, but just so we're clear; you cause any trouble for this school, and you will be expelled. Now, that said, I decided to accept you because I believe in second chances. We all falter in some way or another at one point in our lives, and I do not want you to throw away your life and future because of one stupid decision." the man informed the grey-eyed teenager, short and to the point.

Like you know the whole story

"With that in mind, I want you to make the most of this second chance. This is Sadayo Kawakami. She'll be your homeroom teacher." Ushimaru said. The tired woman simply nodded, putting two items on the desk.

"This is your student ID and the rulebook. Please look over it, because, as stated before, cause any problems, and I won't be able to protect you." She said as Yu picked them up.

"If there's nothing else you would like to discuss, the three of you are free to leave." Ushimaru finished with a nod. Oddly enough, despite his harsh words and tone, Yu got the impression Ushimaru was just strict, not mean-spirited, while Kawakami seemed to regard him with indifference, and neither seemed to harbor him any ill-will. He hoped this would be the case with all of his professors, considering that they'll have to know about his record.

"Do we have time for a tour?" Yu asked as they walked down the halls.

"Normally, I'd say 'no', but since Akechi is handling my paperwork, I should be free for the rest of the day. Take as much time as you need." Sae said, walking off.

"Alright then. Follow me please Yu-kun." Makoto asked. Before they could get on with their tour properly, they saw a girl stumble and fall.

This girl had bright orange hair, and was rather small for a girl in highschool. She had glasses on her face that seemed a little too round, and had bag holding a laptop that held a computer decorated with various egyptian symbols and alien paraphernalia, such as UFOs, Area 51 stickers, and so forth. Yu and Makoto helped her up.

"Be more careful Futaba, you almost hit us." Makoto said.

"I'm sorry prez. Wait, who's this guy?" The girl, Futaba, asked, a hint of fear in her voice.

"This is our new transfer student, Yu Narukami."

Futaba's eyes widened at the name. Yu couldn't tell if it was from surprise or fear. Futaba quickly picked herself, then her laptop bag and held it close to her chest.

"S-s-sorry about that. I-I gotta make like a tree and GTFO, KSEEYABYE!" Futaba sputtered quickly, sprinting with the energy of an Olympic athlete.

"What's her issue?" Yu had to ask.

"She… doesn't function well around strangers. She's a Second year, like you."

"Is she in my homeroom?"

"No. Though, I am curious. What was she doing at school today?" Makoto pondered out loud.

"Well, we won't get an answer now, let's get on with the tour, shall we?"

"Yes, this way leads to the faculty office…"

Futaba scurried out of the school as fast as her little legs would let her. That was way too close. She had been ordered to tap into the school's network to find out about the school's new student, but the files were all pen and paper, so she had to go to school in real life. Had she been caught by Makoto who knows what would have happened. Her family suffered enough because of that woman, despite her best intentions. Futaba reached inside her bag, luckily, the computer concealed the portfolio that held Yu Narukami's file. She pulled out her phone and took pictures of it, then called the man who ordered her to do this.

"Yes?"

"Mission successful." Futaba said with a heavy heart.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Futaba winced. She forgot the man only liked talking business in person, courtesy of her previous screw-ups.

"O-Oh. Sorry. Wrong number." Futaba sighed, defeated. She knew what to do: If what her boss told her was true, then she was to take action. She didn't know this Yu, and she knew that if she did this, his life would be hell on Earth, but she pissed off her boss once, and she's still paying the price for that, with interest. She took a deep breath before opening her laptop and going to work. With any luck, she'll never see the new guy's face again.

"And that concludes the tour. Any questions?" Makoto asked.

"No. You were pretty thorough. Where'd Sae-san go?"

"No need to be so formal with my sister. She may be strict, but she doesn't mind when it comes to honorifics."

"Oh really? I'll keep that in mind."

The two approached Sae, who simply nodded at the two as they got back into the car. Yu decided to try and memorize any landmarks as starting tomorrow, he'd take the train. Sure, Makoto would be with him, but he still would like some semblance of independence during his prison sentence. They were halfway back to the apartment when Yu spoke up.

"So, what happens now?"

"Now, you and Makoto will have the whole day to yourselves." Sae answered. Yu noticed that, despite her best efforts, there was bitterness in her voice.

"Any rules?"

"Be back by nine, stay in your room unless you're invited to the living room, if you want any friends to come over, you have to ask for my permission first. Also, I want you to write in this."

Sae reached inside her pocket and pulled out a book.

"This is your probation diary. You are to write in it at least once a week, and if I ask to read it, you're to give it, no complaints." She said, handing it to Yu. When he took it, he swore he could feel chains being attached to his arms and legs. She really was his warden.

"That's mostly it. Anything you'd like to add Makoto?"

"Yes. I saw that you were the top of your class in Yasogami High, and I expect similar results here. If your grades start slipping, I'll decide what you can do in your free time. If you need help, please don't hesitate to ask me to tutor you."

"Violate any of these rules, or get expelled, and I'll throw you straight out. Understood?"

By now the car had reached its destination, the apartment parking garage. The passengers and driver got out, and Sae turned to Yu.

"About the be back by nine rule…"

"Yes?"

"What if I get a job that requires me to stay past nine?"

"Get a job?" She asked, confusion on her face.

"You said you're very busy. I figured you wouldn't be able to give me an allowance, considering what you have to spend. If I get a job to help ease the burden, would you let me stay past nine?"

"Hmmmm… as much as I appreciate your initiative, I have to say no. For now at least. I want you to get used to your new life before going job-hunting. And I wish you luck, I doubt there will be many willing to hire someone with a record."

"Know anyone who might be willing to hire me?"

"No. But do keep it in the back of your mind." Sae answered, the bitterness and ice gone. And her face began to shift.

Is that… a smile? Nah, it couldn't be.

"Now, if you two don't mind, I have to get back-"

They were interrupted by the sound of Sae's phone ringing, the ringtone being the Superman theme of all things. She picked it up with a groan.

"Yes Akechi? YOU DID WHAT?! So the paperwork isn't done?! I gave you one job: Take care of my paperwork so I could go straight back to work as soon as I was done with Narukami. What do you mean sushi means more to you?! Remember who signs your paychecks young man! Fine. But if the job's not done by tomorrow, I'll give you another instruction in kickboxing. Is that clear? Good."

Sae hung up and Yu was surprised that she didn't crack the screen by squeezing too hard. She turned to the two high schoolers and rubbed her temples. She took a deep breath in, and her usual calm returned.

"Well, change of plan. Since Akechi loves conveyor belt more than his job, I am now free. Please tell me you have something planned. I hate sitting around and doing nothing." Sae informed, sounding almost hurt at the thought of free time.

Makoto, however, lit up like a Christmas tree.

"The entire 'Like a Dragon' saga! You haven't seen the final two installments because of work, so now's the perfect time to watch it!" Makoto suggested with barely contained glee.

"Like a Dragon? I've heard of those, but never watched them before." Yu said, scratching his chin. His response garnered a gasp from both of the girls.

"You… you haven't seen any 'Like a Dragon' movies?! Then it's decided, you're going to watch the whole saga with us. If you don't, we will kick you out!" Makoto ordered.

"You're not gonna kick me out for not watching movies." Yu retorted, shaking his head.

"You're going to watch the whole saga with us Narukami. And that's final. If you don't want to, start packing." Sae said matter-of-factly, turning around and walking with Makoto, leaving Yu dumbstruck. Once he got over how his wardens had just abused their power, he went into the complex. When he entered the living room, he saw neither of the girls in there.

"Makoto? Sae?" He asked.

"We're getting changed. Put in the first movie in will you? It's called 'Like a Dragon: A Single Step.' It's in a golden box under the TV."

Wish I had a TV.

Yu began looking under the wide plasma screen TV, soon finding it. Inside were six movies, all starting with 'Like a Dragon.'. Shortly after, he heard the door open to reveal Makoto in a simple white blouse and skirt, and barefoot.

"Help me prepare some snacks Yu-kun. After that, prepare to witness the best movie saga of all time!"

"Someone's excited."

"I've seen all six movies 54 times." Makoto said as she got popcorn and heated them in the microwave

"I'm more scared that you've kept count more than the amount itself." Yu said as he got some candy and poured it into a bowl.

"Oh, just wait until the movies start." Sae said, no longer in a business suit, but now in jeans and a sweater. Yu had to admit, he had a hard time imagining the prosecutor in anything other than a business suit in the short time he's known her, and yet, here she was.

"I can't wait to see your reaction to the ending Sis!" Makoto said as she got out the popcorn. Now, there was no mistaking it; Sae was in fact smiling. It looked good on her.

"I'll put in the movie. Narukami, kill the lights." Sae ordered.

Yu did as he was told and Makoto went back to her room and came back with… a panda plushie?

"Is that… a panda plushie?" Yu asked.

"Yes, and his name is Buchi-kun. Buchi-kun, this is Yu Narukami. Say hi Buchi-kun."

Makoto moved the plushie's arm to wave at Yu, who waved back.

"Alright you two, get comfortable. I'm starting the movie." Sae said as she hit play and Yu dimmed the lights.

The three watched the final scene of the movie saga, the main character's funeral. In the first three movies, he had gone from a cowardly kid on the streets to the most powerful Yakuza boss in Japan, in a story full of twists, turns, drama and action. In the final three, the story focused on the now old main character training a protege to take his place, and the final fight was between that protege and his former teacher/father in order to save the clan. When the movie ended after the main character's funeral, Makoto and Yu were crying their eyes out. Sae turned the lights on and ejected the movie.

"T-that…" Yu croaked.

"I… I kno-hooooo-oooooow!" Makoto sobed.

The two turned to each other and hugged, both refusing to stop attempting to talk to each other over what they just saw, despite the incomprehensible sobs and sniffs that followed. Sae couldn't help but let herself smile at how well they got along, and at how fast. Maybe Narukami wasn't so bad after all. She glanced at the clock, and her smile vanished completely.

"It's getting rather late, so we should head to bed. You especially have a big day ahead of you Narukami, with tomorrow being your first day at Shujin." She informed, getting up.

"Alright Sis." Makoto said, breaking the hug. Any sadness from before having vanished at the mention of school. After saying their goodnights, Sae turned to Yu.

"Don't forget about the probation diary Narukami." Sae said, back to her serious self. Yu simply nodded, going to his room, getting changed and ready for bed. He looked at his diary, and decided he'd best get into the habit of writing in it.

Dear Diary: A lot has happened to me recently. I've been found guilty of a crime I didn't commit, and now I've been sent to live with a woman called Sae and her younger sister Makoto. Since that happened, I've meet a teenage detective who works for the greatest crime fighting unit in Japan, almost been kicked out because of a panda costume, somehow had two LSD trips from an app that doesn't know how to stay deleted, been sent to a jail in my dreams, and have been blackmailed into watching a saga of Yakuza films. I'm going to be staying here for a whole year. I've been here for two days.