Hey, hey everybody! Dangstaboy here! Sorry for the wait, but I was working on my character list for my HOTD fanfic. I'd like to make a special shout out to RosyMiranto18 and adtauthor22; you guys have been doing the most reviews for my fanfiction and I'd like to say I really appreciate it (*sniff* I really do). Please keep up the good work with all the reviews and follows! Remember, I'm all ears for suggestions so no need to be shy and speak your mind. Also, Happy fourth of July guys! But enough with my intro, please enjoy chapter 8!

CHAPTER 8

Neo-Featherman?

(August 12, 2021)

Kyuto High, Front gates

Morning

"Kazuhiko, are you sure that this is the wisest choice we are making?" Tyr asked.

Kazuhiko sighed. The agreement with Mikan had kept him up all night, wondering what to do. Most of that time was Tyr asking him the exact same question.

"Yes, Tyr. There's no way she'd let us out of her sight now that she suspects us of something. It's best to just come clean. She'll believe it when she sees it."

Tyr looked slightly disappointed in Kazuhiko's answer, but stayed silent for the remainder of the walk. Upon entering the classroom, Johei walked up to him with Loki in tow.

"'Sup Jo- Holy crap dude!"

Johei sighed as if he had been used to this reaction many times. His face had multiple slap marks that seemed fresh.

"Yeah, I know. Consider yourself lucky that your Persona isn't as perverted as this guy." Johei jerked his thumb to Loki who was snickering to himself.

"So many cute girls in this school! I think entire second year female population made their mark on him, literally!"

"You poor, poor soul"

The bell rang at that moment and everyone took their seats. Mr. Ozuma walked into the classroom with his usual scowl.

"Alright everyone! Settle down. I have an important announcement to make!"

The class soon became silent when they noticed a girl next to Mr. Ozuma at the front. She appeared to be only slightly Japanese, but the majority of her features pointed to her heritage being European.

"I'd like to tell you all that we shall be receiving more transfer students in a few months."

Several students whispered to each other. It wasn't normal to have transfer students that late in the year. Mr. Ozuma slapped his book on the desk.

"For the time being, I shall assign their seats near the left side of the classroom. Transfer students have to stick together."

11:50

Lunchtime

Rooftop

Johei and Kazuhiko decided to discuss their current situation on the roof.

"So, Mika-senpai's gonna see what this is all about, but should we really tell her the truth?"

Kazuhiko nodded with a serious look.

"Yes; She can tell whether we're lying or not. I can keep a straight face and control myself, but you, on the other hand, have a 'tell' that'll give us away."

Johei looked puzzled.

"What do you mean?"

"You scratch the back of your head when you lie."

Johei stood up.

"What? No I don't!"

"Fine, then. Look me in the eyes and tell me that you've had a legitimate girlfriend before."

Johei nodded.

"I have had a real girlfri- Goddamnit!"

Johei's hand shot right to the back of his head before he could even finish his sentence.

"Shut up Loki!"

Johei yelled his last remark as if it were an instinct, but Loki was nowhere to be seen. Johei turned around, expecting to see Loki, but couldn't find him anywhere.

"Loki? Hey, where are you?"

Kazuhiko started to get a bad feeling. Loki then appeared from the staircase, with somebody close by.

"Hey, Shiroka-san. I found the note you wrote me in my locker."

Johei backed up with a horrified look. Loki just floated in midair laughing his head off. Kazuhiko and Tyr just stayed where they were.

"Nikano-chan! This was all just a big mistake! I didn't write that letter! I swear it wasn't me!"

Nikano, who happened to be an estimated 400 pounds, was one of the most narcissistic girls of the second years. Kazuhiko remembered a story Narukami had told him when he was a second year. He, Hanamura-san, and Kanji-kun were out in Okina city hoping to get a girl's phone number. Hanamura-san ended getting a number only to be tricked and called their classmate, Hanako. Just thinking back on the moment was enough for Kazuhiko to imagine what was going to happen next.

"I just wanted to say that I'm flattered by your words. I'm going to take advantage of this, what did you say it was? Sexual connection of the lips of two lovers?"

"Okay, now I'm outta here."

Kazuhiko and Tyr walked/floated to the staircase ignoring the pleas of help from Johei and the hyena-like cackles of Loki.

2:45 PM

Kyuto High, Classroom B-2

Afterschool

"What the hell was that for?!"

Johei stood right in front of Kazuhiko's desk, clearly pissed off.

"First, you get to sit next to the transfer student, then you leave me to have the life sucked out of me with that ogre that calls herself a woman! What else are you going to do to me?!"

Thankfully, Iselin had left earlier, so she didn't hear Johei's retorts.

"Forget it Johei. Besides, we have bigger problems to worry about."

Just as Kazuhiko said that, Mikan walked into the classroom.

"Alright, show me what you two are up to."

Mikan looked all business, her hands on her hips and a scowl on her face. It was as if she sent them a mental message that said 'Don't bullshit with me'. Johei sighed.

"Okay, okay Mika-senpai. Let me just get my stuff. I'll be right back."

Johei excused himself leaving Kazuhiko with Mikan. Kazuhiko already had his gear in his baseball bag. So he didn't need to go anywhere.

"I thought I told you to make sure he didn't do anything that he would later regret." Mikan scolded.

Kazuhiko sighed deeply and replied to her.

"Don't worry. He didn't do anything bad. You'll see when we show you."

Mikan, although obviously dissatisfied with Kazuhiko's answer, stopped badgering him and waited patiently for Johei's return. Moments later, Johei came back into the class with his bag.

"Okay, Mika-senpai. Let's go."

3:30 PM

Nuzoko Mall District

Afterschool

"So, this is what you two have been doing?"

Mikan looked at her own reflection in the mirror; Kazuhiko and Johei standing by her side.

"Well, not exactly, but just step on in."

Mikan looked back at Johei with a face full of anger.

"You expect me to just do this?! Am I some type of idiot to you? You're obviously lying!"

Kazuhiko sighed. He had expected as much. Mikan definitely wouldn't buy into the truth that the two told her. Johei, who also came to this realization, sighed as well.

"I know it sounds absurd, but believe us!"

Mikan continued to glare at him until Johei gave in.

"Fine! I'll do it myself."

Johei placed his palm on the glass and his entire hand passed through. Mikan shrieked and hid behind Kazuhiko.

"What the heck?!"

Johei pulled his hand back and beckoned Mikan to try.

"Go on, it's not a trick."

Mikan slowly moved to the mirror. She remembered the weird QR code that Johei showed her and told her to scan. Her phone had downloaded a new app that she couldn't recognize, but it seemed safe and didn't take much data so she was fine with it. She presses her hand on the mirror, and felt the sensation of sinking into water.

Tyr and Loki were floating behind Kazuhiko and Johei as they watched Mikan disappear into he mirror.

"So, you guys think she's gonna let you keep doing this?" Loki asked

Johei nodded, obviously not worried

"Don't worry, once she comes back we'll show her the stuff we got and prove to her that we'll be fine."

Kazuhiko, on the other hand, wasn't so sure.

"I don't know… Mika-senpai shows a lot of concern. If it's something she doesn't understand, she'll probably won't be fine with this."

The four waited for another minute, hoping to see Mikan come back.

"Shouldn't she be back by now?" Loki asked.

Johei shifted his weight.

"Yeah, she would have tried to come back by now. Maybe we should check on her."

Johei walked into the mirror with Loki while Kazuhiko and Tyr stood by. A split second later, Johei poked his head back.

"Dude, senpai's not here! The place even changed!"

Kazuhiko looked puzzled.

"Changed? What do you mean, changed?"

Johei rolled his eyes and grabbed Kazuhiko's hand, trying to pull him in.

"Just hurry up!"

Mirror Dimension

?

Kazuhiko stepped into the Mirror Dimension, expecting to see the mall, but he got a surprising scene instead.

"What the hell happened here?"

The place he was standing in was still the mall that he knew, but it looked as if it had a darker feel to it. The stores were closed and black slime-like webbing coated the doors, making them impossible to open. Everything looked worn down, as if the mirror was a time-traveling device that sent them centuries into the future. Outside, the sky was reddish black with just enough light to see the path. Overall, the place looked like shit. Mikan was nowhere in sight.

"Mika-senpai! Where are you?!" Johei called, but nobody answered.

"Huh, where could she have gone?"

The two heard a bubbling noise and looked over to the balcony railing. There was a black and red ooze that 'climbed' it's way up to the floor.

"Kazuhiko! It's a shadow!" Tyr said.

Kazuhiko readied himself and drew his sword, Johei doing likewise with his yari. The shadow finally pulled itself onto the floor and split into three parts. The parts solidified into large wooden statues that had four masks attached to each of their heads. The masks constantly switched around, as if the shadows were communicating to each other.

"Johei, I'll take the one on the right!"

Kazuhiko ran up to the statue and leaped into the air, swinging his sword down on one of the masks. The sword broke on of the masks in half only for it to be replaced by the next one.

"Garu!"

A gust of wind blew one of the shadows over the edge and smashed on the ground below. Kazuhiko turned to see Johei with broken chains attached to his wrists, Loki extending his hand.

"Kazuhiko!"

Kazuhiko turned just in time to dodge the Agi the statue cast. His arms singed slightly, feeling the intensity of the flame. Kazuhiko felt chains form on his wrists and quickly broke them.

"Zio!"

Tyr extended his right hand to the sky, absorbing a lightning bolt, and discharged it towards the shadow. The statue fell on the ground, charred, and disintegrated into dust. One last shadow remained.

Kazuhiko and Johei cast looks at each other before charging the shadow. The shadow, recognizing the danger of the situation, turned and tried to run. Suddenly, the sound of a blade being pulled out of it's sheath rang into the air. Johei and Kazuhiko looked around, trying to identify the location of where it came from.

"Hey, Kaz, did you hear that?"

"What was tha-"

The shadow in front of them suddenly split apart and fell to the ground in pieces. Behind it, was a humanoid figure with something that looked like a falcon mask. Kazuhiko couldn't tell what the figure was due to it's body being covered with shadow slime and dust, and with slightly reddish hair with long bangs that covered half of the mask.

"Who are you four?" The person asked.

"Four?" Johei asked.

It took a moment for the boys and Personas to realize, but the person could see the Personas. Kazuhiko questioned the person.

"Wait, you can see them?"

The person nodded.

"Yes, I can. Now answer my question: Who are you?"

Tyr answered the person.

"These two young men here are Kazuhiko Sukima and Johei Shiroka. I am Tyr, Kazuhiko's Persona. This is Loki, Johei's Persona."

The person nodded, understanding the situation.

"Next question, what are you doing here?"

Kazuhiko answered this time.

"We're here trying to look for our friend. She didn't come back."

The person nodded again, and with all of his questions asked, he lowered his rapier and sheathed it. Johei seemed to have questions in mind for the newcomer but didn't follow on with them.

"Pst, hey Kaz." Johei whispered.

Kazuhiko turned his ear to Johei.

"Ask him something."

Okay then Kazuhiko thought. What should I ask him? Obviously the place has changed over the past two days. He looks like he's been around here so…

"Are you cosplaying as one of the Feathermen?"

Dangit!

The person drew back, being surprised by this question and shook it's head. Johei sighed and asked the question himself.

"What happened here? It wasn't like this when we were here before."

Falcon mask spoke.

"It's because of mankind."

Johei looked confused.

"Is this going to be one of those rants where people blame stuff on mankind like global warming?"

Falcon mask shook his head, as if annoyed by Johei's stupidity.

"No, this place reflects upon mankind's intentions. The only reason why it's this bad is because something powerful is stirring."

"And I did not understand a single thing you just said. Anyways, did you see our friend? She should be around here somewhere."

The Falcon turned and walked to the exit of the mall, beckoning for the boys and the Personas to follow.

"I can bring you there but I can't help you any further. Shadow nests are too dangerous to storm through without a Persona."

After walking through a neighborhood that Kazuhiko didn't recognize, they came to a large clearing where the two boys had fought with each other the previous time they were here.

"Is that…" Kazuhiko started.

Falcon mask nodded.

"Yes. A shadow nest. The nest where mankind's evil intentions and desires are birthed."

Falcon mask began to walk off into the distance, away from the nest. Johei noticed this and called out to the Falcon mask.

"Wait! We will see you again, right? What do we call you?"

Falcon mask stopped for a moment.

What is this feeling? He thought. They really want to know who I am? Seems that they haven't spent a long time in here.

Finally settling on an answer, Falcon mask spoke.

"Hayabusa. Call me Hayabusa. As for your other question, we might see each other in the future..."

With that, Falcon left the four. Loki began brought everyone's attention back to the situation at hand.

"Well, now that Mike Hawk showed us where that hot lady friend of yours' is, I say we go get her before she gets killed. Shall we?"

Kazuhiko nodded. Being a leader figure, he felt responsibility for his team. Right now, to ensure their motivation, he needed to give a speech.

"Alright guys. Mika-senpai's in there. We're her only hope of getting out of here alive. No matter what, we won't abandon her to her death."

Johei nodded.

"Okay then! Besides, that guy said it was too dangerous to go into a nest without a Persona. We got Personas and weapons. How hard can it be?"

One hour later

"You just had to say to that, didn't you?" Loki said.

Johei was bent over and leaning on his knees, panting. Kazuhiko felt tired as well, but was able to keep himself upright by leaning on his sword like a cane. Loki and Tyr, on the other hand, looked fine; slightly tired from the battles, but fine nonetheless.

"Kazuhiko, we have to hurry to save your friend." Tyr said.

Kazuhiko nodded and wiped his brow and flicked the sweat off his hand.

Wait a second Kazuhiko thought. I still had that can of Boost with me, didn't I?

He checked his backpack and found the can. He popped open the can and drank deeply, feeling the energy flowing back to him. Tyr also felt the sensation of the drink.

"This feeling! That magical liquid is renewing my strength!" Tyr said, excitedly.

Loki and Johei noticed the two.

"What?! Dude, please tell me you got another can."

Kazuhiko felt bad for him, so he tossed another can to Johei.

"Thanks man!" Johei said.

Johei began to open the can before Kazuhiko realized what he did.

*FUSH*

Half the contents of the soda went full auto into Johei's face. Loki began laughing while Kazuhiko quickly apologized. Tyr, however, looked in awe.

"My goodness! It seemed that there was a monster hiding inside of the can! A rather low level monster, but reaping it might prove useful!"

Johei sighed and sipped the remainder of the drink.

"So, how far do you think Mika-senpai is?"

Kazuhiko looked around and found a door at the bottom of the stairs. He felt a strong presence behind it. Tyr, who also felt the presence spoke up.

"She's behind that door, I can sense it."

Johei perked up. Loki felt the effects of the Boost sharpen his skills.

"Alrighty then! Let's get her out of here!"

Kazuhiko nodded and walked to the door.

Hey guys! So, sorry for the wait on this chapter. I was thinking of Mikan's Persona, Hayabusa's character, and the answers for Johei. I hope you all have a great fourth of July! Without further ado, let's go interview Johei!

Dangstaboy: Hello everybody! Welcome to the aftershow interview! I'm your host, Dangstaboy! Tonight, we're here with a new guest! Please give a warm welcome to Johei Shiroka!

(Audience claps)

Johei: Where the hell am I?

Dangstaboy: Hey there, Johei! Welcome to the after show! The audience has a couple questions for you tonight that they want answers to!

Johei: Didn't Kaz tell me he had a dream like this before?

Dangstaboy: Alrighty then! First question. This one's from RosyMiranto18! What do you think about pancakes? Do you like it or not?

Johei: Well, pancakes are pretty good! I really like the ones from I.H.O.P.E, but it costs so much. I've made some at home, but I probably won't do it again.

Dangstaboy: Really? Why's that?

Johei: Well, Loki's been playing pranks on me all the time. Last time I tried making pancakes, he switched the eggs with those gag eggs and the chocolate chips with rabbit $#!t from the neighbor.

Dangstaboy: O...kay… on to the next question, I guess. Did you know about Goro Akechi? If so, what do you think about him?

Johei: You mean the second Detective Prince? Yeah, I've heard about him. He seems a bit snooty, but he does get a lot of popularity. Personally, I'd rather prefer the first Detective Prince, Naoto Shirogane. Never really liked Akechi-san, though. Against the Phantom thieves when they were obviously doing good for the people! Strange how he suddenly disappeared though. Wonder what happened to the guy.

Dangstaboy: Okay, thanks! Last question: What happened between you and Nikano-chan?

Loki: Oh! I can answer that!

Johei: Wait, what the- Loki?! How the *beep* are you here?! What the *beep* are you doing here? That encounter was your *beep* fault you piece of *beep*.

Dangstaboy: Uh, hold on Johei. Quit cussing. This place doesn't allow profanity or else you'll be transported back immediately.

Loki: Well, I can still answer for him! They were-

Johei: Don't you *beep* dare you sick son of a *beep*. Get the *beep* out of here!

(Johei and Loki vanish)

Dangstaboy: … Okay, I guess that concludes the interview. Our next guest will be Mikan in chapter 10! Keep those questions rolling, post comments on the review about this fanfic, and good night everybody!