Well… damn I actually feel into this rabbit hole of fanfiction.
Honestly I never expected myself to actually write this story but… you know what? Imma do it anyway! I had this idea for way too long and just went with it.
Welcome everyone to the first chapter of Gone Rogue. My second Persona 5 story.
This one actually has some background that I feel is important.
See I always found it really cool how Personas work. They're a pretty interesting form of power to me. A figure of myth or fiction just manifesting as a badass beast to fight the shadows with. So one day I was thinking what kind of Persona could I have? Eventually I ended up annoying other people with that question and got a lot of pretty cool replies.
So than I had a Persona suddenly but that's about it. I didn't want to have it just… be there and not do anything with it. Particularly because I got way to invested in designing it than I am willing to admit.
Which got me thinking more, about how I MIGHT be in the Persona verse and how I'd even get to Japan and get a Persona and eventually I ended up with an OC.
Now I want to get this out of the way I always had, admittedly, some issues with self inserts. They are just SO EASY to end up as either Gary or Mary Sues or just… not interesting. One of the reasons I never saw myself writing one but here we are and I decided screw it I'm giving this a shot. This is basically myself my own birthday present.
Also I wanted to try out a sorta 'schedule' in that I try to post SOMETHING (be it a new chapter or a one shot) once a month to show I'm actually active. We'll see how it goes.
With that said, say hello to Ariella Sophia Richter.
Some more things I wanna get out of the way.
I am NOT Ariella. Think of her like… a Luke Skywalker esque self-insert. Some of her traits might be 'inspired' by me (like how George Lukas put some of himself into Luke S.) for example we both have central heterochromia and two first names but that doesn't mean that everything that happened to or is Ari automatically transfers to me as well. There are a lot of fine differences between us, one of them being that I can't speak Japanese (which is kinda important if you're supposed to live for a year in Japan)
Also I am NOT gonna make her a Mary Sue. Shes not gonna come in and suddenly steal the show from everyone, I wanna make her an actual character and not pure wish fulfilment. I once promised myself that if I ever write a sue I slam my fingers into a door (had someone ask me not to do it but you get the point :P).
Also, Also this WILL be Royal Timeline before everyone asks me if I include Royal in this or not.
Furthermore, I actually don't know how to handle romance in this fic yet. The Hifumi simp in me wants to ship Ari and her but nothing is set in stone yet. I'd be happy to hear suggestions though. Me and Ari are Bi so I am flexible.
Also as a last note: I am STILL writing on Round Two don't you all worry I am not abandoning that fic. I honestly have some set plans for Gone Rogue but I see how it develops and its more of a fun side project. Who knows how this is gonna end up or who is even going to read this XD. Than again this isn't the first self insert story for persona. I just see how things go.
Alright than that's about it. Hope you all enjoy. If you'd like, feel free to reply what your Persona would be in the comments and see ya at the end of the chapter :)
BTW: I'd like to give a huge thank you to LuxKamizugi for making such an amazing picture of Ariella! I decided to add the title to the image and promptly used it as a cover art. :)
Life is but an endless string of actions. From the moment of our birth to the moment we cease to be, we act. Upon each other we have an influence, our actions shaping not only us but those around us and in return those that could or could not be one day be aware of us. This marks the butterfly, effecting the worlds with possibilities of fates that may or may not be at the same time.
The butterfly is around us with every breath we take or don't, every meal we eat or don't, every friend we make or don't. Actions always demand reactions and to deny the ability to do so is to take away what makes humanity what it is.
One day… Akira Kurusu made an action. The act of defiance against a man who wanted to claim Japan and the World as his own ship, which led to the Trickster being send away from his hometown. Locked away, released only with a record staining his reputation and banished to Tokyo. That single action of defiance however, would lead to a rebellion unlike any the world has seen before. One where Akira Kurusu stole back the future of humanity from a twisted false god. And it all began one, seemingly unimportant night in the great scheme of things.
Yes the butterfly and its effects was truly a wonderous thing, making a seemingly unimportant event the crutch for unpredictable change.
So the following tale will begin like any. With a seemingly unimportant event.
For you see. One day… the principal of Shujin Academy, Eiji Kobayakawa made an action. One that he doesn't make in countless other worlds. Ever seeking the success of his school to further his own fame, he wishes for Shujin to be more than just one of the most prominent schools in Japan. No, he desires far more than simply that in this World.
The World was not consisting of just the land of the rising sun. As such Kobayakawa wanted to reach out to other countries, form partnerships with other schools, so that the glorious Shujin Academy would become known to the whole World as a Beacon for proper education. A proper education which was nothing but a lie stained with the tears and despair of victims from a twisted teacher. Something the World at large was unaware of due to another of his actions to hide all of that one teachers misdeeds.
Yet even without the dark nature of Shujin's education brought to the light, it was remarkably difficult to find a partner school. But yet… it seemed as if the principals efforts were rewarded.
For one day… a high school in Germany agreed to a partnership with Shujin. To celebrate that fact a student exchange was proposed. Lucky students of both countries would get to live in a new environment for one year.
The students of Shujin basically battled for that opportunity, some for the joys of a foreign country in Europe, but many more to escape the claws of a mad King.
In Germany however, students weren't as enthusiastic. The prospect of leaving home was scary for one half, the prospect of having to spend one year away for another and the challenge of a foreign language was a hurdle for all to overcome. So it came to be that, paradoxically, only one girl from said school was willing to leave her own country.
One Shujin student escaped a mad reign. But this isn't the story about that student, but about the girl that entered the distorted Kings realm and how she and many others would follow the Trickster on the revolution which would shake the world.
The Trickster may not know it now… but the Knight of Wands was added to his deck.
4/9
"Excuse me?" a kind sounding voice called out.
Beneath a blue blanket, a girl awkwardly turned to its source, half awake, half asleep. After at least 13 hours of flight, not counting the time it took to switch planes, exhaustion had become a very familiar feeling for her. Somewhat odd, considering that she has been pretty much forced to do nothing but sit, sleep and watch movies. How does doing nothing cause exhaustion? Weird…
Eventually the girl managed to force herself awake fully, rubbing some stray sleep out of her eyes. "Sorry. You were saying?" she answered the stewardess in somewhat shaky, still some left-over tiredness in her voice, Japanese. She knew it well enough to handle herself, fortunately.
The stewardess, wearing that welcoming smile as always, handwaved her apologies, "We will be landing soon. Please make sure to check your seatbelt and put your things away."
Nodding at her request, the stewardess was satisfied with the answer and went to the next passenger.
Stretching as much as her position allowed her to, she began to gradually pack away everything she had used to keep the boredom away during that small aerial odyssey. Her headphones, a book that had been a spontaneous decision at the airport (and which she never DID come around to read for some reason), a notebook and pen, some snacks…
Soon enough everything was put away, leaving her with nothing more to do then wait… again…
She liked flying, really she did, but after what felt like an entire day of it she was starting to want solid ground beneath her feet again.
Though the view was unparalleled.
She turned her head to the left, gazing out into the sky. She laughed a bit at the rising sun in the distance, gradually covering the earth with orange, golden light. Entering the land of the rising sun and being greeted by the star as if it was waving at her. This could be seen as a good sign?
She sighed, letting her mind wander and reviewing how she ended up in this situation.
"I don't know about this. Are you sure this is what you want?"
"Come on mom. I've been to other countries before."
"But never for a YEAR. And besides this is Japan. They don't even write with the same letters that we do."
"I mean I get THAT. But I can do Japanese and these Kanji and all that. And doesn't your brother have a friend there?"
"Right he has this friend in Tokyo."
"Exactly!"
"Listen if this is really what you want… your mother and I support it. But have you really thought this through?" her father chimed into the conversation.
"Yes dad I did. Its… I already told you no one was willing to sign up for it right? I mean… when is the next time I get the chance to spend a full year in a different country? It's even been guaranteed that my year over there would be valid for Europe as well and that I wouldn't have to retake a year."
"Well I did look up Shujin the other day. Their one of the best schools in all of Japan period. They even have an Olympian Athlete as a Coach." Her mom had to admit.
"What is an Athlete doing as a school teacher?" Her dad questioned. It was an… somewhat odd thing she had to admit.
"Well I can ask him if you let me~?"
They had looked somewhat uncertain about it for some time, typical parental worry. Eventually however they gave their approval under the condition that instead of some organized guardian she would stay at their family friends place, so she had someone to talk too.
She had been overjoyed at the news, though actually saying goodbye for a full year at the airport was quite difficult. She had hugged them as tight as possible.
"Love you mom. Love you dad."
"Love you too Ari."
"Be careful okay Schatz?"
Careful. Ari smiled a little. She had travelled a lot already in her life, even alone with others of her age. At some point the fear of foreign countries just evaporates into nothing. Not that she ever had that fear to begin with. Just the time was longer this time, from 2 weeks to… well a year.
"One year in Tokyo. Can't be too bad right?" she asked no one but herself.
After all… it's not like any of these Isekai Anime about getting dragged to other worlds where actually a thing.
Unfortunately.
"Next." The man in uniform at the pass control called out.
The line was FINALLY starting to quicken, to Ari's great relief. She HATED having to wait so long. It had already taken what felt like an eternity to get her trolley case. So much about patience being a virtue.
Really she should be used to this but this time it was even longer than usual.
Putting back the sleeve of her jacket, allowing it to cover her black wristwatch again, she gave her pass to the man who immediately eyed her with mustering gaze. Ari was well aware she stood out like a sore thumb compared to the ones around her.
Her hair was a messy dark blonde, going down her back past her shoulders, a single blue strand of hair to the right front of her head sticking out. Her eyes, hidden behind black glasses were an odd colour, dark green with a golden/yellow ring around the pupils. Central heterochromia, same as her grandmother. A blue steel earring was in her left ear as well and on her neck was a necklace with the symbol for Yin and Yang. Her clothes consisted of a blue hooded jacket, a white T-shirt with black stars on it and dark blue jeans above black sneakers.
The official eyed the passport. "Ariella Sophia Richter?"
"Yes." Ariella said, trying to hide her time related frustration.
"Date of birth?" they did questions for the pass here? Okay, interesting. Then again, her picture on the pass didn't have her glasses so maybe it was that.
"14th August."
"Have you been involved in any criminal activities in your home country or recently been in trouble with the law?"
"No?" Ari replied with a raised eyebrow. What kind of question was that? Better yet, who would answer with 'yes'?
"Your reason for traveling to Japan?"
"I am living here for a year. Exchange year at a Tokyo school. Shujin Academy" Ariella proceeded to answer, suspicion ever increasing. "Say if you don't mind me asking why do you need all that from me? This is the first time I've been asked these things merely ENTERING a country."
The man behind the counter gave a sigh, some weird mixture of apologetic and exasperated. "We're very sorry but we were given orders to more thoroughly investigate any that enter the country. Recent events have made our national risk level rise and as such we have a lot more responsibilities."
"Wait, rising of risk level?" Ariella wondered. What could THIS be about?
"So you haven't heard about the mental shutdown cases?" the employer asked in reply.
"Huh. Those? Well I've heard about some accidents happening before but don't these things happen all the time all over the world?" She had a quick conversation with her parents about these as well. Ariella honestly wasn't sure anymore how she had convinced them to still let her go.
The accidents and casualties that resulted of them were horrible no question, but again, accidents happen daily.
"Maybe, but it hasn't stopped the political climate of Japan to be affected. It has gradually been causing unrest to the point some fear it to be acts of terrorism."
Ariella was taken aback, eyes wide behind glasses. "Terrorism!? But these are simply cases of people being overworked aren't they?"
"I-I see."
The man nodded with apparent unwillingness to continue the topic. He scanned the pass after a last check if her face aligned with the one shown on the document, before motioning for her to continue. Swiftly grabbing her pass, she continued on her way, trying to not hold up the line even more, another yawn creeped its way out of her mouth. Jetlag was going to be a pain for the rest of the day.
She checked her phones GPS again, already halfway out of the airport. Her caretaker was living in a place called Shibuya. Just take a quick train, meet with him, go to her new home and finally unpack. Maybe get something to eat on the way…
And maybe look up these supposed terror acts sometime today as well.
"One year in Tokyo… what a mess." A young boy with silver eyes that gleamed like coins spoke beneath his breath, as the train stopped in its location. He looked not unlike a young man one might discover on the streets, with his fake glasses which were supposed to make him appear harmless, and dishevelled black hair. His tone while speaking however was dark and full with thinly hidden rage, not one you would suspect from a boy like him.
But that just so happens when the World gives you a harsh reminder of there being no justice whatsoever.
Just a few months ago he had walked the streets in the night, only for his thoughts to be interrupted when he heard a woman scream for help. Him being… himself, he went to help her without thinking much about it.
Turns out, the guy who was trying to force himself on the woman was an asshole, but some sort of influential asshole who had the means to make it all look differently to how it actually was.
Because THAT was the true thing keeping this world balanced. Not Karma or fate and least of all JUSTICE, but power, corruption and money.
And this was how Akira Kurusu ended up here. In one of the biggest cities of Japan after being disowned, left to rot for 3 months in Juvenile Hall and now abandoned by everyone he ever cared about to fend for himself in Tokyo.
It had been months since anyone even spoke to him without any barely hidden disdain or disgust.
Needless to say Akira was PISSED. But by now that rage had gradually evaporated into… not acceptance (not by a long shot) but simple… cynicism.
His parents had looked at him as if he was the trash of society when they spoke.
"You're a disgrace to our family name!"
"You should be ashamed of yourself!"
A disgrace. Should be ashamed. His only crime was saving some woman he never even saw before and yet he was a disgrace that should be ashamed.
Akira grit his teeth, clenching the memories away. To hell with it all.
He walked out of the train, on the inside still fuming. Not that THAT was anything new. He had become oddly accustomed to the dark fury incubating in his heart.
Now standing in the streets, buzzing with people of all walks of life and nigh impossible to navigate, he pulled out his phone. He had to find a way to Shinjuku. That was where this 'Sojiro Sakura' was who would serve as his guardian… till he would also get sick of Akira and leave him to rot on the streets probably.
But as he went to enter the name of the district…
"Hm?"
An App of some sort was occupying the entire screen of the device.
"That's… odd. I don't remember ever downloading something like this."
Was it spam? Some sort of guide or update? It didn't react in any way upon clicking on it.
Great. The next fantastic news. His phone was busted. He let his view wander elsewhere, maybe ignoring it would-.
Akira let out a small sound of surprise as the person next to him stood still.
That surprise turned into confusion when EVERYONE was frozen.
Akira looked around rapidly, not quite understanding what was happening. How in the world was he the only one moving!? The bystanders, the cyclists, even the BIRDS around him were frozen in the air.
"What in the world?" was all he could say to respond to all this.
But there, in the distance! There was something else. Something moving and… blue?
No it wasn't a living being. It was… FIRE.
Blue flames danced in the distance as if to some otherworldly song only known to them. Gradually the flames took form, morphing into a shape of a tall bipedal… THING with wings and power just emanating of it.
And beneath it there stood Akira himself, with golden eyes ready too…
…
The figure vanished.
And with its disappearance time itself came back as well, everything unfreezing and acting once more.
Only Akira was now the one frozen, absolute disbelief filling him.
What the HELL was THAT!?
That's it, he was going insane. Starting to hallucinate form sensory overload maybe. Hopefully!
No he just needed… some fresh air. That's right! Some fresh air… while he was outside okay than maybe WATER. Yes something to drink. He ran to the nearest automat there was, hoping to literally wash whatever just happened away.
He ran too fast though.
Akira crashed into someone else, his phone flying out of his hand onto the asphalt, only its surprising sturdy exterior preventing a total crash.
He gave a harsh exhale as he groaned on the ground, several thuds landing on the ground.
"Scheiße sorry! Are you okay!?" someone told him, the voice coming from the ground. The one he ran into?
He focused on the voices source. A girl. Blonde hair with… a blue strand? She had a grey and black backpack on her and a large black trolley case to her right. To her left was another phone, not his, which was quickly tugged away. Thankfully it didn't look damaged either.
She stood up and walked over to him giving him one of her hands and picking his own phone up and handing it to him.
"Huh? Yeah sorry. I didn't mean to crash into you." Akira spoke quickly, taking both her hand and his phone while standing up. Just because he was starting to lose his marbles didn't mean he had to drag someone down with him.
"Oh no its fine! I didn't look where I was going this is on me."
"…Huh. So that's what it sounds like when someone isn't horrified by your very existence. Good to know. Almost forgot how that felt like."
The girl looked kind of embarrassed. She definitely wasn't from around here that much was obvious. She looked more Caucasian with the blonde hair and all. From Europe maybe? Or America?
More importantly though, why was he wondering about that instead of going on his way?
He went to leave when the girl had a look of surprise while pointing at his clothes. "Hey isn't that a Shujin Uniform?"
Shujin Uniform? Oh right he had started to wear them on his train ride. A part of him hoped they would get torn up by something. Though unfortunately they were still in one piece even after falling down.
…Why was this girl aware of where the Uniform came from?
"Yes?" he asked, "How do you know that?"
"Well, I have one in my trolley." She patted said trolley on the head as if it was a loyal dog, "I am here for an exchange year. My name is Ariella. Nice to meet you-?" she held out her hand with the small name request in the air.
For a small second the raven merely stared at the hand extended to him. He… honestly wasn't sure what to make of this. Well the least he could do was try to act well rounded? Akira didn't want to mess up the first positive interaction he had in months.
So he took her hand and said his name "Akira."
"Cool. Nice to meet you Akira. Say, you know your way around here?"
"No I… just got here myself." He replied somewhat awkwardly.
"Ah okay. Well… you want to grab a bite to eat?"
His stomach growled, surprisingly loudly, at the mention of food, enough for Ariella to look down at the sudden answer. Soon enough, he was dragged away to the nearest food source, memories of blue flames being left behind.
The food was nice all in all. He didn't had much cash on hand, neither did Ariella, so the two had after some looking around decided on Big Bang Burger. The blonde had never heard of the place before, to his own surprise. Then again, she definitely wasn't from Japan and according to an article he skimmed a while ago Okumura Foods and Big Bang Burger were just considering expanding outside of Japan.
"Huh… pretty good for fast food." Ariella noted after one bite into a cheeseburger. Or well Big Bang Burger 'Milky Way Variant'. "Gotta give credit to the people naming it they are focused on their theme."
"Well it does its job. Food is food." Even if in this case they might feel hungry again an hour or so later. "But yeah their good for what it is." Akira remarked with a bite into his own meal. "First thing I ate all day."
"Really?" Ariella raised an eyebrow only for him to nod. She than smiled and raised her soda "To the first thing we eat in Tokyo than." She started a small cheer, silent request for him to accept. Against his better judgement, he ended up copying her, both their plastic cups making a small thud sound. "Cheers."
"Cheers!" Ariella repeated, more cheerfully than himself, before drinking from the straw.
…Maybe his social skills got a little rusty while stuck in Juvie. But it's not like he had much to do there other than wait till his time was up. His inmates weren't exactly chatty and it's not like anyone wanted to talk with him after this whole mess got started.
That in mind… this was an admittedly nice change of pace. When was the last time someone apologized for running into him for starters? His 'goodbye' from his last school pretty much consisted of people walking all over him.
Deciding to try and continue the conversation, he took the word. "Your being pretty straightforward."
…Could have gotten better but also worse.
If Ariella noticed his awkwardness surrounding attempts at communication, she didn't say anything. "It's just that I don't know anybody here so I figured I try and make some contacts as soon as I can. And then you arrived, fresh transfer as well." She added that last part as if it was a good thing.
"Yeah I guess." Akira admitted before asking, "So what exactly brings you to Tokyo? I mean no offense but you don't look like you're from around here."
The blonde gave a small laugh, "Well you'd be right there. I'm actually from Germany."
Germany? Okay that solved the mystery regarding where she came from. "You mean the country with Sauerkraut, Octoberfest and Tsundere redheads?"
"That's the on-." She answered with a smile, which got dropped nearly instantly, before she could even finish her reply. Had he stepped into some sort of pit again? Come on he was joking and those weren't BAD stereotypes!
"Did you just reference Evangelion?"
…Oh.
He sighed in his mind, thankful that he hadn't said something wrong. He had his own small moment of shock soon after though.
"…Did you GET my reference?"
"Do you honestly think I travel to Japan without ever seeing Anime before?"
"…Fair point."
The silence was interrupted soon after as Ariella gave another small chuckle, one that he found himself sharing to his own surprise. The air seemed to get less tense nigh immediately... had it been tense to begin with or was it just his imagination making things worse in his mind?
"But yeah that's the one." The blonde said, continuing the topic before it got led astray again. "My school back there entered a partnership with Shujin and to celebrate that a sort of exchange program was made. I ended up being the only one who applied and well… here I am." She shrugged her shoulders, while nibbling on a few Saturn Fries. "Maybe whoever left Shujin is meeting someone from my class right now."
"Isn't it at most 5 in the morning in Germany?" he noted, remembering this thing called Time zones dividing the Earth.
"Beats me I always sucked at geography."
"She said as she sat in a different continent." Akira teased, making her raise her hands in a mock 'defence' as if admitting to the issue.
They spend the rest of their meal with small talk. A certain half German Anime character somehow ending up back in the conversation (on the question of Asuka or Rei he had answered both, which got her approval) among other things. The atmosphere was so… easy. As if it was just him talking to a fellow classmate again about the most trivial of nonsense at that. One who didn't know about all his trouble back home.
But as if his thoughts had summoned a demon, she started focusing on THAT. "So what about you?"
"Hmm?" he raised an eyebrow, hiding his tension behind a well-honed mask. "What about me?"
"Well you said you don't know your way around here either so what brings you to Tokyo?" she clarified her question.
The 'criminal' rubbed his neck. He really didn't last more than an hour before being put on the spot huh?
"Damn brat! I'll Sue!"
He bit back a frown. Curse that bald asshole.
"…I don't really want to talk about it. Let's just say I needed to transfer because of issues outside of my control."
The silence was there, but not too long, as Ariella seemed to get the hint, actually caring about whether or not he wants to talk. "Okay than." She said without pushing on the topic. "But whatever made you transfer, it can't follow you all the way here right?"
…Wait was that true?
Honestly Akira never really paid much mind to that. But it was the truth wasn't it? Nobody at Shujin knew of his record aside from his Principal and Class teacher and his guardian of course. But if you don't count them… he was a complete blank slate!
In other words… he might actually have an escape from that treatment he suffered for months. He might actually have a shot at a normal life again. Something like this meal here, just easily talking with someone his age, didn't need to be the exception.
It… made him feel oddly content. As stupid as it sounded for something this… trivial to suddenly mean so much, after months of constant disrespect and mistreatment for something he didn't even do, it was as if he had found a river of fresh water in a dessert.
"Yeah… I guess you're right." He admitted his epiphany, the faint feeling of his lips curling up for the first time in months being almost foreign to him.
The German girl mirrored his smile, once again taking her cup of soda and holding it up. "Alright than, on a new start in Tokyo!"
"Two cheers during one meal?"
"Why not try and start things of extra cheerful?"
…She had a point.
His lips grew a little wider and he let their cups clash again "Cheers."
A small alarm went off and Ariella still had her smirk on her face as she turned her attention from him to her phone as she turned it off.
"Oh its already time." She said to herself before putting the phone away, quickly drinking the last of her soda and standing up. "Sorry but I have to go. I am due to meet up with my caretaker for the year. I was told to meet up with him in Shibuya square."
He waved his hand, as if to wave away the apology. Another thing he had grown unfamiliar with. "It's Alright. Now that you mention it, I need to go to mine too."
"Oh? Where are you staying? Somewhere around here?"
He shook his head, "No but its somewhere in Yongen-Jaya. And you?"
She dipped her head to the side, playing with one hand idly with the blue strand of hair in between otherwise dirty blonde locks. As if she marked that particular part of her hair, he noted amused. "Don't know yet, only somewhere around Shibuya. About to find out. Hey you wanna exchange numbers?"
"…Sure?" he said with some hesitation.
It was over quickly than, both exchanging their contacts with one another (to his surprise he had gotten a Japanese number from her, good on her for preparing), saying their goodbyes and the blonde running out of the local.
"Was nice to meet you Akira!"
"Same Ariella."
"Oh just call me Ari. People usually do. See ya later!"
As she left, Akira continued sitting on their bench for a little while longer, replaying the meeting in his head with a small smile as he watched her go. "Goodbye Ari." He told himself.
Months upon months of friends and family treating him like garbage… and some stranger just showed him more compassion than they ever did.
It wasn't much, and probably shouldn't mean much, but for him as silly as it sounded it was important.
And that, admittedly cute, stranger (maybe possible friend?) was going to the same school as him from now on.
For the first time in far too long, Akira let himself relax and have something akin to... anticipation maybe put it best.
Maybe Tokyo could be a fresh start after all?
Akira grit his teeth in frustration, marching down the alley.
How could it be this difficult to find one person!?
Sojiro Sakura was supposed to live in a house down the street. He had to ask a police officer for that information after way too long of a time searching, who already glanced at him with suspicion for loitering around. Half surprised that he didn't make an additional experience with police brutality, Akira had gone exactly there, and no one was to be found. If it wouldn't have been for a deliveryman helping him out, he would still be searching.
So now he was in front of a small café labelled 'coffee&curry Leblanc'. It was so small it seemed to drown among the large buildings surrounding it, other than that it seemed oddly charming.
The 'delinquent' took a deep breath, lowly talking to himself. "Alright Akira. This is the guy who you're going to be stuck with for a year. Try to not make too awful of an impression. Maybe he isn't so bad."
Hey he met one okay person today. Maybe it won't be so bad. Sure this Sojiro guy likely already saw him as an annoyance and nothing but a no good criminal with no future who he would kick out without a second of hesitation…
…Oh who the hell was he kidding? If it was as bad as he feared just keep your head down and power through. But… well maybe he would be pleasantly surprised? One person managed it…
He was… just gonna ignore the small fear that Ariella would also drop him like a piece of hot iron as soon as she knew about his record.
Okay now he was getting worked up again. "Come on Kurusu get it together."
Steeling his nerves, he opened the door, a small bell announcing his arrival, with unexpected volume.
The Café's interior was similar to its exterior. Small, somewhat rustical but also having its own sense of charm. An old looking couple was still slurping on their Coffee while a man with an apron wearing a pink shirt read the newspaper.
"That's gotta be Sakura."
The Television broke an unfamiliar silence with an announcement about a traffic accident, causing the elderly couple to announce their shock. Akira didn't had it in him to care too much. Sure it was awful, but that's unfortunate reality of life. This country has gone to hell, its only now that people start to notice.
But of course some try to explain the Murphy's law of life being a bitch and some people keep on living and people going insane, with rumours of terrorism here and there, usually not taken seriously but he once read a small article about border control increasing as a response. Too little for an unsatisfied community…
He forced down a scoff.
The Barista didn't show much of a reaction, instead wondering about a shellfish used for pearl farming, before turning his head towards him, actually acknowledging the raven's existence. "Oh right. They did say that was today."
…Oh great the 'neutral tone'. The kind of tone your voice takes on when you speak to someone you couldn't give less of a shit about. Akira had become pretty good at hearing it out.
The man finished a bit of small talk with his two paying customers, who took their leave. As soon as the bell announced their departure, he could almost see the supposed Sakura relaxing his muscles as if stop pretending to act. "Four hours for just a single cup of joe."
He took a step towards him, eyes cold. "So you're the guy. Akira Kurusu."
"Yeah that's me. Are you Sojiro Sakura?" Akira said as peaceful as he could.
"Yeah. That would be me. You'll be in my custody for the next year. I was wondering what kind of unruly kid would show up. But you're the one huh?"
"Okay we aren't even going to pretend to act cordial. Alright than."
"Have you been told? A customer of mine and your parents know each other and-" Sojiro started before sighing, deeming it unimportant. "Well not that that matters… follow me."
Deep down Akira was thankful for the topic switch. He rather didn't think about his parents just asking some guy he never met before to ask a guy THEY never met before to take him in.
Who cares anymore.
Akira followed Sakura up the stairs to a backroom without a word, feeling like a bag of garbage being stored away. Probably not inaccurate to what this guy saw him as.
So much for first impressions.
Ariella released a small breath.
That… went well. She was making contact! At least she wouldn't be completely clueless with one person already knowing her at Shujin… right?
She gave a mental sigh. "Interacting with people can be exhausting."
Was she making a good first impression? She hadn't accidentally messed up some Japanese custom or similar right?
She wasn't sure WHY exactly she had invited him for lunch. All of a sudden, BOOM Japanese kid crashing into her with Shujin uniform. She had to react somehow. Why not try and start this year abroad on a good foot?
That and Akira actually looked kinda cute. Nothing wrong with admiring beauty when you see it. And he was pretty nice, if a little withdrawn at the start.
Ariella played with a bit of her hair, putting these thoughts aside and focusing back on her current task. She had more first impressions to make today.
"Shibuya square. Somewhere near the station." Ariella thought looking around. He must be close by.
She remembered her uncles' words on her caretaker.
"I'm sure you both will get along. He loves the youth, pretty rare for an old geezer like him. Especially in his profession."
"Profession? What does he do?"
"He's Politician actually. Well used to be. He constantly holds speeches in the middle of the street. But he also is co-owner of a restaurant and drives a Taxi for some reliable income cash. Says it lets him connect with the common folk."
"Hold on Politician!? How did you get to know someone like that?"
"He did a year abroad himself at college and decided to choose Germany of all places. That's how we got to know each other. He was a pretty wild guy back than but he always had my back. Since than he's mellowed out and is falling on somewhat rough times. I am sure you can both use the company."
"Okay but if he is a Politician than why does he need two other jobs?"
"Just because you're in politics doesn't mean you're a millionaire. He hasn't been in an active party for a while but he manages and has enough money for two or more."
"And you're sure I won't be a burden on him?"
"Not at all! He was excited when I asked him to look after my favourite niece. Like I said I think you can both use the company."
"Alright well… thanks! One last thing. What's his name?"
Out of the corner of her eye than, there was a man wearing a black business suit. He sat on a bench next to the statue of a dog, Hachiko Statue if she remembered right, looking like he was expecting someone. She pulled out her phone just to make sure, slick black hair, thick eyebrows, bulky figure… yeah it all fit the picture she was given.
Steeling her nerves she approached the man. "Excuse me? Toranosuke Yoshida?
This caused the man's head to turn towards her, a brief look of surprise before being overcome with realization. A pleasant smile was directed at her as the man stood up. "Ah yes that would be me."
Toranosuke's eyes seemed to analyse her, as if he was comparing her to an image in his head. "Dirty blonde and blue hair. You are Miss Richter right?"
She smiled right back at him. "Yep that's me. Ariella Sophia Richter. Thank you for taking me in your care." Ariella gave a small bow of respect, a tradition in Japan if she remembered right. No need to be rude.
Toranosuke merely gave a small laugh, almost adorable coming from him. "No need to thank me. Es ist mir ein vergnügen."
Ariella's eyes widened a little at the nearly accent free sentence. "Du sprichst Deutsch!?"
"How do you think I survived a year in your country?" Toranosuke joked. "I'm sure he told you we met during my year abroad."
"Well yes but I am still just surprised. Your German is great." She complimented and really it deserved respect. German wasn't exactly EASY to learn… unless you were born into it.
Toransouke gave a small wave, "Thank you. Flattering to hear. I simply have a knack for picking up languages. Don't be afraid to speak German with me. I know it must be a huge change for you."
Ariella shook her head. "Not really. I know my Japanese. Thanks for the offer but I didn't move countries to speak the same things I do everyday."
The politician nodded in understanding, "I see. Well in case you change your mind, just tell me. Now than, how about I drive you to your new home? Do you need help with your luggage?"
"Thanks but I manage." She answered with a smile before following her new guardian to his car.
Not bad for first impressions in one day.
Less than an hour ago Akira had thought maybe Tokyo could be a fresh start.
He was already regretting those words.
"This is your room."
…This was a joke right?
This HAS to be a joke! When he compared himself to a garbage bag he hadn't meant it LITERALLY! Or why was his room a sized up trashcan!? He wasn't even going to consider counting the spiderwebs or guess what was inside these bags strown around everywhere. His bloody CELL had looked better than THIS!
"You look like you wanna say something." Sojiro questioned with a tone that didn't just speak volumes but wrote an entire book series about how he wasn't supposed to act ungrateful.
"Its…"
"A FREAKING GARBAGE DISPOSAL!"
"…big."
He wasn't given much of a reaction. "It's on you to clean up the rest."
Not surprising. What was however that Sojiro had used 'rest'. Don't tell him there actually was an attempt to clean this attic in… ever!
"I'll be leaving after I lock up each day." With him inside? "Do I get a key as well?"
Sojiro frowned. "I haven't found the spare key yet, but I give it to you once I have. Can't be bothered to pay a fortune for another set."
…Of course not.
And just like that Sojiro continued on. "You'll be alone at night, but don't do anything stupid. I'll throw you out if you cause any trouble."
Akira bit his cheek. All this guy was thinking about was probably whether or not he would run off into the night with his cash register. "I understand."
Sojiro showed the bare minimum required for approval and talked on. "Now than 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?"
This DID make Akira perk up. Don't tell him this guy actually believed a semblance of his story!?
"That's what you get for sticking your nose in a matter between two adults. You did injure him, yeah?"
…Why was he even TRYING to get his hopes up?
He forced down a stray bolt of anger. What was he supposed to do, just let that asshole drag some woman into his car!? "He tripped on me." He stated perfectly calm.
"Sure. Heard that part of your story as well. And how an eyewitness present kept insisting you harassed that man instead."
"Sure believe some backstabber over me. Not the first one."
"And now that you've got a criminal record, you were expelled from your high school. The courts ordered you to transfer and move out here, which your parents also approved. In other words they got rid of you for being a pain in the ass."
"I am not even going to argue, your right." He spat internally. There was no other way to put it his parents HAD discarded him. Not much of a loss perhaps. They never were that close. He was just their top grades model student who they placed their hopes on, only for him to 'disgrace' them with the unforgivable sin of standing up to help someone.
No use crying over that. Akira simply nodded. Not something Sojiro seemed to notice.
"Its best you do not talk about anything unnecessary. I am in the restaurant business you know." Sojiro warned, putting his hands to his hips as if to assert authority. "Behave yourself for the year. If nothing happens your probation will be lifted. Cause any problems and you'll be sent straight to juvie."
"I understand." He repeated, hiding his clenched fists in his pockets. No reason to give the Barista any more reason to be doubtful regarding him.
"We'll be going to Shujin Academy tomorrow. We'll introduce ourselves properly to the staff there. There's rarely a place that'll accept someone like you, you know."
Ah yes the great Shujin Academy. The school that oh so graciously accepted him with open arms. Surely only out of their best interest and not because he was one of the best athletes back at his old school. He had done his research, they were very into sports. 'Rehabilitating' a Fallen Star was probably good publicity.
"What a waste of my Sunday."
You'd think hearing someone talk to you like that would be less painful eventually. "Well I'm sorry." Akira apologized half sarcastically, half genuinely.
The raven was ignored once more, "Your 'luggage' arrived a while ago. I brought it up here for you." Sojiro told him, head leaning towards a pile of boxes in a corner containing all his life.
Now left to his own devices, Akira took a good look around the room. Starting today this was going to be his new home.
Sighing to himself he started searching for a broom of some sort.
It was a relatively short ride to Yoshida's residence. Maybe ten minutes at most from Shibuya square into a small housing estate. By some stroke of luck the traffic was even bearable.
Charge and Guardian stepped out of the car, right after Yoshida parked his black car in his driveway.
"Wow this place looks great!" Ariella commented before even closing the door of the car behind her.
It was rather normal looking for a house, not where you expected a Politician of all things to put their nest in. But this 'normality' had its own charm. Some small specks of grass made up a front yard. The building itself had white walls going as high as two floors and ending on a black gable roof.
"Thank you. It was an investment I had made with my first payment. Money well spent I say." Toranosuke said as he walked to the trunk of his car. Before he could take her own luggage out however, she already moved, taking them out herself. "Thanks, but I can take them myself."
He nodded in acceptance. "Very well than. Oh, by the way here." He reached in his pocket, pulling out a small keyring with three keys already attached to it. "I went ahead and got you your own keyset. There is one for mail, the house itself and a separate one for your room. I wouldn't want you to be dependent on me. I have a somewhat busy schedule. I trust that you can take care of yourself?"
He held the keys out for her and Ariella nodded before taking them. "Of course. Thank you."
"Not for that. How about you let us in then?"
She nodded again at his request and walked up to the wooden door, her belongings in hand. It was funny how your life could be fit into such small things like trolleys. Makes one wonder how much they really need.
Ariella searched for the right key and let the door click open, stepping into her new home with Toranosuke in tow. It was surprisingly spacious, the blonde noted as she was given a small tour. The main door led to a small hallway with a staircase going up to the second floor. On the first floor were three rooms, one hobby room of some sort to the hallways left, one Kitchen to the right and next to the staircase a living room with a window door into a small garden. Going up the stairs there were three more rooms, one being Toranosuke's bedroom which they didn't enter (not that she wanted to), one for working related things and finally at the end of the second floor hallway was her own as the Politician helpfully noted. Across the rooms were various things strewn about, books, paintings, some plants here and there. She even found a small framed picture of Toranosuke with what she thought was her Uncle in his youth. Some souvenirs from other countries as well. It seemed that he enjoyed traveling as well.
"Such a big house… is anyone else living here? Wife? Kids?" Ariella asked curiously. The Politician merely shook his head, having expected such a question. "I am afraid not. I just haven't found the right woman yet."
"Oh… well I'm sure you find one someday." Ariella tried to reason, trying to prevent a sudden shift in mood from what could be an… uncomfortable subject. "If it makes you feel better, that's something we share?"
Toranosuke gave a small chuckle, taking the topic with a certain peace of mind she was unfamiliar with. "Nothing to feel embarrassed over. Such things can't be forced, they just happen. I am comfortable with myself, even if it felt a bit empty here from time to time. I am sure we both find someone one of these days. Your still young as well, no need to make yourself worry about partnership already."
He put a comforting hand on her shoulder, "I know you find some nice man or woman sooner or later."
…Okay that caught her of guard. "Well uh… thanks." She appreciated the comforting words. Not at all what she expected when she asked about his own status. "But you know-?"
"You swing both ways? Yes of course." Toranosuke remarked as if it was the most obvious thing, "Me and your uncle talk about everything. You've got nothing to worry about."
"Huh… good to know." Ariella said because really what else COULD she say? She smiled at the comfy viewpoint her guardian had. "And here I had people trying to warn me that Japan is so old school about these kinds of things."
Said member of Japanese community scratched the back of his head. "Well, it is still present here and there, but so it is in every country I assume. Some people still cling to their values, ignorant of the newer generation and their own believes. It's not illegal but might still give you some unsavoury comments."
She gave a small sigh "Yeah bad apples are in every country. Everyone just made it look way worse than it was in telling me. Thanks for the warning but I manage." Its not like she screamed it into the night from rooftops that she was Bi. She never really saw a reason for it. That was her thing and what did it matter to other people?
He nodded at her reassuring words and walked towards the final door. Ariella's own room. Toranosuke smiled gently once more, "It was about time this Guest Room found some use. What do you think?"
The room was not particularly large but not small either. Grey carpet with a stone pattern framed the room alongside white tapestry. A brown table was beneath the windows looking towards the garden and a black wardrobe was in one corner of the room. A freshly made bed was in the other corner, right next to the windows and a door to the left lead to a small bathroom with a bathtub. It was pretty baren… a blank slate… like her in a way.
"It's perfect." She told him, meaning every word.
Toranosuke seemed to beam at her approval. "I'm glad. I let you unpack your belongings for now. I promised your uncle I call once you arrive."
Oh on that note she still had to call her parents.
"Alright thanks Mister Yoshida."
"Not so formal. Just call me Tora." He smiled.
She smiled back "Well than you call me Ari."
"Very well Ari." And with that he was gone, leaving her alone in her new room.
Now left to her own devices, Ariella took a good look around the room. Starting today this was going to be her new home.
Letting out a stray yawn, she began unpacking.
Somehow Akira had managed to make the attic 'inhabitable'. After hours passed of scrubbing, cleaning and fighting of a small dust bunny army (a battle hard fought and proudly won) most of the garbage and waste was gone. Sojiro had come back, saying something about how he was surprised the noise he heard was Akira actually cleaning. What else was he supposed to do?
The Barista had suddenly gained a rather fond look, to Akira's own astonishment. He had even offered praise. Of course that was quickly followed up by saying it was 'only natural you'd want to keep your room tidy'.
Sakura had than more or less told him to go to bed because… well he really didn't have anything better to do, but before the raven could do just that, the phone in the Café rang and he had to twist the sign in the door to show closed.
Now… Akira was merely lying in his bed in his sleeping wear, a black long-sleeved shirt with wide dark pyjama pants. It wasn't too uncomfortable, surprisingly. Better than the one he had in Juvie. Which honestly wasn't saying too much but as every adult figure in his life kept reminding him, its not like he had much of a choice.
Choice. A funny thing really. Make it one time wrong, one time in the way you aren't expected too, and your life and future can be scarred forever.
"Damn brat. I'll Sue!"
Akira growled to himself.
Still what was he SUPPOSED to do? He couldn't just ignore someone screaming for help! Even if the one he helped had then driven a Knife into his back. A Knife which was than accompanied by oh so many more…
He was pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of his phone ringing. Curiously, he turned it on-
And that weird App was saying hello once more.
Akira raised an eyebrow "I thought I deleted you."
Its icon, in the shape of a distorted red eye, seemed to stare at him, watching him, observing him, judging him…
It made Akira uncomfortable in ways he wasn't quite sure how to explain.
One quick swipe later, and the eye was closed again. Hopefully this time for good. What was this some sort of spam?
That being said… the eye brought back another memory from today.
He found himself going to his contacts… in an enraged tantrum he had deleted all of the ones he used to have, making it a pretty barren place.
But now there was someone added.
Ariella
Akira starred at the single number on his phone, as if he wanted it to tell him something.
"Who are you?" he asked out loud, for nobody to hear.
People were… difficult. They can stab you in the back in a moments notice.
What about her? Would she be like that woman he had helped? Like his parents? Like his 'friends'?
He had actually enjoyed himself during their meeting. But how long was that going to last?
His silver eyes couldn't stop but stare at the single number. Should he write her?
…this attic was pretty lonely. He didn't like the silence. It just put him on edge.
As if possessed by some demon, Akira let his instincts take over and opened his messenger.
It hadn't taken that long to unpack all her things. She was done within 20 minutes and it mostly took that long because she couldn't decide were to put some of her stuff. Now though, they were all put away, her Laptop waiting on the table to be reused, her clothes stored in the wardrobe and for everything else having found a place.
Ariella had talked with Tora the rest of the day. The older man had quite the stories to tell. Some about his own time studying abroad, some of his other travels. Not only that but he turned out to be very talented.
Her guardian seemed to be something called Polyglot. He had an easy time learning languages and used it as a hobby even. He knew over 12 of which the notion alone made her head spin.
Languages weren't really her specialty. She only knew German (would be bad if she couldn't), English and Japanese. The last two she could speak rather fluently but she honestly had no idea how. She tried learning other languages like French but it would never stick.
She wrote in English and Japanese though, so maybe the lesson is that you can only learn a language by using it.
Well that aside they had eaten some cheep ramen for dinner and afterwards, noting the time, he had told her to go to bed. Not that she was sleepy when she was meeting her new principal tomorrow.
Unfortunately 'falling asleep' wasn't her specialty either, despite Jetlag making her feel fatigued. So she ended up merely playing in her phone for the foreseeable time. It was only 10 in the evening. Usually she wasn't falling asleep till midnight. She had time to kill.
Which she did by looking up something she had wanted to do since she entered Japan.
Ariella let out another groan at finishing another article as she lay in her bed, only wearing a pair of blue comfy panties and a wide sewn white shirt.
These mental shutdowns were a bit more than just accidents. One person would usually go in a state of madness or catatonic and this would cause a ripple effect of some kind. Just a few days ago someone had driven a transit bus into the opposing lane with the customers still inside. The driver was overwhelmed by the passengers and one of them took control before it could come to a complete crash fortunately.
Incidents like that one have been happening for the last two years, but lately picked up in frequency. Either a single person would go into a coma or into madness and bring others down with them.
Some conspiracy theorists believed them to be staged, which in the internet got some small traction and apparently the concerned public believed it enough for the Japanese government to act. Any action they DID take was seen as far too little, however. Officially no one knows the cause but for those who didn't wear tinfoil heads, it was a result of stress and being overworked. A chain of mental illness-related incidents. She found at least one blog by some Doctor specializing in the human mind that tried to rally like-minded into making the masses of Japan focus more on mental health as a result but that was a very niche blog, and she didn't even know how she found it.
Ariella put her phone away, starring up at the ceiling.
There was no question that these events were tragic, but to label them terrorist acts… how was that even supposed to work? Its not like anybody could just snap their fingers and have someone drive into a group of people just like that.
Then again nobody seemed to know.
It was just another pointless tragedy in a World that had them every day. Pointless loss of life that made countless miserable and…
No stop that train of thought. She knew where this was going. Don't try to go to bed feeling miserable.
It was sometimes really difficult to keep an optimistic outlook on the World. If everything you see in the news is suffering, corruption or other distressing things coming to light… sooner or later all these things attach themselves to you and you start carrying them around. Maybe that was just her though. Maybe it was just her who in her weak moments was starting to fear humanity was gradually killing itself for some other species to take over on their ashes, hopefully to not repeat their mistakes.
She rubbed her eyes, glasses having been put aside, having only a use for seeing in the distance and even than not to counter a debilitating flaw.
Ariella didn't WANT to be a nihilist. Whenever she read a story, her favourite characters were always the 'Determinators'. The 'Anti-nihilists'. The kinds of people who look tragedy and despair in the face and tell it to crawl into the abyss where it came from and made that abyss blink. She wanted to be just like that!
…But let's just say humanity made it really hard to do that sometimes.
Perhaps more frustratingly was… the small guilt she felt whenever she DID end up with such thoughts.
It's not like she ever really 'suffered'.
Well… sure she had her low points but she has never been put through extreme tragedies. She had a loving family, a healthy body, never starved or felt poverty and never… experienced something that ought to scar you. Things could always be worse after all and she got the once in a lifetime chance to study in a different country. Who would dare say their life was hard knowing that?
Compare her life for example to some kid on the other side of the Planet that never went to sleep with a full belly.
Ariella's life was nowhere near as bad as countless other people. There was no justification for her to feel shitty. No reason that SHE should be nihilistic.
…Maybe it was time for some selfcare.
The transfer sighed. She enjoyed reading or watching different kinds of stories. Many do but for her it was a passion. So much so she even made her own works based on these tales. A few years ago she had started actual writing a as hobby, just some small stupid fanfictions back then. She enjoyed it however. Enjoyed it way more than she ever expected.
And even better… other people enjoyed it as well.
She had made one or two accounts on certain sites for such content. To her great shock, within a few days her first story had already over a hundred favorites. By now, years later, that number was over a thousand.
Over a thousand people enjoyed something SHE created. SHE of all people!
This was her passion, she realized. This was something she wanted to do in her life. As stupid as it may sound knowing that she managed to reach so many people at once with something she enjoyed… it never failed to make her smile.
So she took her phone back in hand and opened the Browser, logging herself in and deciding to reread some old reviews. Sometimes she just enjoyed reading and rereading them. What other people felt and wanted to say to her, express themselves as well, was always touching.
It was true, reviews were like fuel to a fire.
And sometimes when she wanted to cheer herself back up, she went onto the comment section of one of her stories and reread some of them.
Just like she wanted to do now, but before she could start.
1 New Message
Someone wrote her.
Of all people it could have been.
Akira: Hey it's me. Akira.
Akira: How are you doing?
Well hello there.
Her eyes widened slightly seeing the ravens name on her phone. She honestly hadn't expected him to write her already. Not that she minded.
Ariella: Oh hey!
Ariella: Doing fine myself. Meet my guardian for the year and currently in bed. And you?
Akira: Did and AM doing the literal same thing.
Akira: Can't sleep so I figured I'd write you.
Ariella: Well you're in luck because I am incapable of sticking to a proper sleeping schedule. ;)
HA. If that doesn't sound familiar.
Akira hadn't had a single good sleep in the last three months. Sometimes he was awake till way past midnight due to stress.
The transfer smiled at the message.
Akira: Well welcome to the club. :)
Ariella: Happy to be here.
Akira: Are you? Heard sleep is something people need.
Ariella: What makes you think I'm a human? I could be an Alien for all you know.
Akira: Meh I'd doubt it.
Akira: Besides how big is the chance we are BOTH Aliens?
Ariella: XD
Oh good he could still do jokes.
Ariella: So what's your guardian like? Where are you staying now?
"Uhm…"
There was no way he could explain that without mentioning his record.
Akira: He's okay. A bit rough around the edges. We probably have to get used to be in one another's presence.
Ariella: Oh okay. Neat. Though I can get it must be a bit of a change for them.
Ariella: Like both our guardians I mean. To suddenly have someone in their House all the time.
Akira: You live in his house?
Ariella: …
Ariella: Yes?
Ariella: You aren't?
Akira: Well I'm in the room above his restaurant.
Ariella: Really? That sounds cool!
Ariella: Seriously, got a whole place to yourself basically.
…Huh. She wasn't exactly wrong.
In hindsight, if his Guardian already hated his guts from the get go (or at least gave of that presence), having his distance from him was probably a good thing.
Akira: Well…
Akira: I had to clean up a lot. Don't think someone has been here for years.
Ariella: Uff. Sorry to hear that. But maybe he just didn't have enough room at his place?
He gave a chuckle. She was actually trying to see an explanation that didn't scream 'You're not wanted'. He was going to leave her with that.
Akira: Maybe. Either way I'll manage.
Ariella: What Restaurant you're at? Maybe I can come visit sometime? Gotta say lowkey curious how his cooking is now.
He was too actually. Though knowing his luck, he might just refuse to 'feed him'.
Akira: It's a small place called Leblanc coffee&curry.
Ariella: Well not one for coffee, more of a tea person, but I can use some curry.
Akira: Your free to come by sometime.
Ariella: Will do than! Maybe after school tomorrow?
He blinked…
…She really was straightforward.
Ariella: Like if its okay with you I mean. Don't wanna force myself in your home or something.
He read the next message and briefly noted the… sizeable gap in time delaying between them. Had he been starring at her message for 5 minutes?!
…For the love of God get used to being a teenager again Kurusu.
His fingers flew over the letters.
Akira: Sure! The sooner the better.
Ariella: Great!
Ariella: Also speaking of, good luck tomorrow with the principal.
Akira: Thanks, might need it. Same to you.
Ariella: Thanks :)
There was a silence on both their ends afterwards. Then again what else was there to say?
It was a comfortable one for once. Putting away his phone, Akira put in the charging cable and let his head sink into the pillow, feeling oddly refreshed.
Releasing a breath, he closed his eyes and tried to let sleep come to him.
Maybe Tokyo would surprise him starting tomorrow?
And a few train stations away, a fellow transfer student did the same thing, deciding that it was time to force herself asleep.
Neither knew what the following year had in store for them.
And first chapter is out!
Now than some more neat background info.
Ariellas Arcana is going to be the Knight of Wands. Its not one of the major Arcana you are familiar with, because I didn't wanna 'rob' anyone of their Arcana. The Major one that is best suited to me is probably Justice and I cant just usurp Pancake.
I thought about making her the Aeon and while she would fit with Aeons being kinda strangers to the world around them and wanting to discover their place in the world I… just didn't feel like it. Its only been used for Gods or Robots… which Ari isn't. I had played with other candidates, among other things an 'Angel' Arcana, which is the stand in for Judgement in the Tarocchino di Bologna version but after being indecisive for way too long I just decided with the Knight of Wands, or you could shorten it to the Knight Arcana.
It's a minor Arcana of the Visconti-Sforza Tarot (Pierpont-Morgan Bergamo 1451) deck composed of 78 cards. Besides the main 21 your familiar with it also has sets of cards surrounding coins, swords, cups and wands.
The Knight of Wands represents Energy, Passion, Lust, Adventure, Impulsiveness, Determination, Foreign Travel, Unpredictability, leader and free spirited.
Reversed it can mean Haste, Scattered Energy, Delays, Frustration, Arrogance, aggressive, lack of enthusiasm and recklessness.
I feel like it overall fits for me and Ari.
Also I decided to have Ari stay with Yoshida, everyones favorite Politician. Partly because I didn't wanna make a new OC just to play her guardian but also because I think it actually might open an interesting avenue for his character. Having someone else trust them with their child in a time where he keeps doubting himself might be fun to see in action. Also he's probably one of my favorite confidants in the game and the only adult who actually has their shit somewhat together in this game, as well as the only one who I could actually justify take someone in. Sorry Sojiro and Iwai, nothing against you but you gotta admit Tora is a bit more well-adjusted than you both. And the other two already have kids to look after.
Finally, I am trying to go for a bit of a 'Foil' angle between Ari and Aki like you probably noticed. This franchise lives of character interaction (Akechi foils every Thief character for starters) so I wanna follow that angle.
Something I tried to show with Akira was his state of mind at the beginning of the game. He's a bit… damaged puts it best. He isn't sure if he can trust people but after constant abuse I imagine he might be desperate for SOMEONE to show some semblance of kindness. I would be in his shoes. And its why I imagine him meeting Ari so soon might actually be good for him. At the same time he doesn't really wanna trust anybody yet.
As for Ari, I already gave a few hints regarding her 'Rebellion' but that's going to be more obvious once she actually awakens.
Honestly I don't have this story completely planned out. I have a few ideas for the Kamoshida but beyond that… lets just see where this goes why don't we? Ill be honest I am a bit more nervous about this story than I'd like to admit so any feedback would be appreciated. XD
Thanks for reading and see ya next story/chapter.