Chapter 26

May 6, 2021; Thursday

(Morning)

Kyuto High; Front Gate

Kazuhiko massaged the side of his face. The bruise that he felt when his face hit the floor during the trip still hurt, but he couldn't complain; He brought it upon himself. Tyr looked at him with a hint of interest.

"Something wrong?"

Kazuhiko shook his head.

"No, it's nothing."

Tyr averted his eyes and nodded, then turned to the school.

"Well then, it would be best not to get distracted now. The Harbingers could make their move at any second, and you don't look like you've been staying in shape."

Kazuhiko looked at the ground. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of shame in himself. Of course, he had been on vacation, but it wasn't a reason to slack off. Further more, the demands on the Mirror Dimension app had steadily grown during the vacation. He made a mental note to fulfill them after school.

"Hey, Sukima-senpai!" A voice called from behind him.

Kazuhiko turned around and met the smiling face of Filipe.

"Oh, how's it going? Did you do well in the tournament?"

Filipe laughed and scratched the back of his head.

"Unfortunately, I got second place. I was beat by this kid named Shinya Oda; Pretty tough but was a god sport about everything."

Kazuhiko smiled.

"Well, second place isn't all that bad. I mean, you still beat a bunch of other competitors."

Filipe nodded.

"Well, the bell's about to ring. How about we head to class?"

Kazuhiko let Filipe go ahead while he stayed at the gates.

"So this boy is the Emperor arcana? Please excuse me for being impolite, but I honestly don't see the reason."

Kazuhiko waved his hand at Tyr.

"Right now, it's a bit too early to judge. Let's talk to him some other time; I'm sure it'll make sense as we move along."

3:22 PM

(Afternoon)

Mirror Dimension; Niflheim

27th floor

"Garula!"

Loki sent a giant tornado towards a shadow which sucked it up into the vortex.

"Now Mika-senpai!"

Mikan nodded and cast a Bufula spell towards the tornado turning it into a frigid winter storm. The shadow inside froze and hit shattered into pieces when it hit the ground.

"Alright! How many was that now?" Johei asked as he supported himself with his spear.

Kazuhiko thought for a moment, then spoke.

"I think… 32 in total?"

Daichi shook his head.

"34, Kazuhiko. You forgot to count the Gemini boss 2 floors down."

Kazuhiko shrugged and picked up the loot on the ground.

"You have to wonder, how can you sell this stuff without the buyer being suspicious of how you got it?" Iselin asked.

Kazuhiko sighed and shook his head.

"That is a question I have asked myself numerous times."

Flashback

"So, what is this?" The shop owner asked Kazuhiko.

Kazuhiko looked at the golden cracked shadow mask on the desk and sweated.

"Um… an old family heirloom?"

The shop owner eyed him suspiciously, then smiled.

"Ah, whatever. I'll buy it!"

Flashback End

"I swear, he's just playing with my mind…"

Daichi brought his rapier up and walked over to the hallway.

"Well, let's just make it to the safe room on the next floor and cal it a day, yeah?"

Everyone nodded and readied their weapons.

Later…

Johei, Mikan and Iselin had all left. Kazuhiko and Daichi were still in the safe room, trying to stock up the supplies and materials that they had found for the day.

"Thanks for staying behind, Daichi. I really needed the help."

Daichi smiled.

"It's nothing. Just want to do my part around here."

Daichi finished putting away the shadow materials in the box and sat on the chair.

"Ah, finally done. That was a good work out."

Kazuhiko nodded and rested his back on the table.

"Well, we were getting rusty after Golden week. Wouldn't hurt to be ready."

Daichi stared at the door out into Niflheim and frowned.

"What? Something on your mind?" Kazuhiko asked.

Daichi nodded. He sighed and got up.

"Sorry if I seem a little pushy, but could we go shadow hunting some more? Just you and me?"

Kazuhiko threw him a confused look.

"Uh, why?"

Daichi looked down on the ground.

"Well, remember when you told me that I should strive to redeem myself?"

Kazuhiko, who vaguely remembered saying something similar, nodded.

"I want to do it this way. Get rid of those shadows so nobody has to get hurt anymore. It's fine if you don't want to go-"

Kazuhiko quickly picked up his sword.

"Forget about going by yourself, Daichi. You might last a little while by yourself, but you need someone there with you to tell you when to stop."

Daichi smiled.

"Thanks. Alright, so let's start on the 10th floors."

30 minutes later…

Kazuhiko began to breath deeply. He was completely covered in sweat and had trouble just staying upright.

"You're pushing yourself over the limit, Kazuhiko. Try to take a quick break every now and then."

Kazuhiko wiped the sweat from his forehead and pointed ahead.

"Try telling that to him."

Daichi was fighting 4 shadows at once by himself. He fended off one with his rapier and cast a Mamudo spell to finish the rest.

"Huff… puff… got… to do more…" He said between breaths.

Daichi was about to run ahead to confront more shadows until he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, let's give it a rest for today." Kazuhiko told him.

Daichi hesitated, then spoke.

"Just… a few more… I can keep going…"

Kazuhiko shook his head.

"Just take a look at yourself, Daichi. You're running yourself completely ragged. Hugin and Munin don't look too good either."

Daichi looked at his two Personas which were resting on the ground.

"Don't worry Master Daichi!"

"Give us a little time. We'll be ready in a moment."

Tyr intervened and picked up the two crows.

"No, you are not. You push yourselves any longer and you'll be more of a hindrance than a help."

The crows hung their heads and sighed.

"Very well."

"We shall retreat for now."

Daichi looked as if he were about to protest.

"What? No, we still need to do more!"

But his Personas didn't listen and started to make their way to the safe room. Daichi's voice faltered, then stayed silent.

"I… I still don't feel forgiven yet…"

Daichi fell to his knees and stared at the ground.

"There's still too much that needs to be repaid."

Kazuhiko sat down next to him and hugged his knees.

"Why do you want to do this so badly, Daichi? We can still do more some other day. It's not like it's the end of the world."

Daichi let out a deep breath.

"It's just… I feel like I can hear their voices… All of them… they keep telling me that I'm not done yet… I haven't repaid my sins."

He clasped his hands onto his head and yelled.

"Why won't you leave me alone?! I'm doing my best!"

Daichi began to break down in tears, speaking between his wails.

"I just… *sniff* want to make things… r-right. *sniff* I never wanted … *sniff* to make people suffer."

After a little while, Daichi was able to wipe away his tears and calm down.

"I-I'm sorry for pulling you into this, Kazuhiko. I should have been more considerate of your time."

Kazuhiko shook his head and waved his hand.

"Don't worry about it. I'm just glad that you had the willpower to stop."

As they made their way to the safe room, Kazuhiko stopped.

"Oh yeah, how about the next time we hang out, we do it in the regular world?"

Daichi smiled and nodded.

"Yeah… sure."

(Evening)

Matsuhito Hotel, Lobby

Kazuhiko plopped himself on the couch of the lobby and heaved out a great sigh from his tired lungs. He had worked himself harder than he ever had before, but he seemed content with his actions.

"You know, Kazuhiko" Tyr started

"You can always just take tomorrow off from training."

Kazuhiko raised an eyebrow.

"Oh really? But weren't you the one who said we should get back into shape?"

Tyr smiled then replied.

"Yes, but you're all sore from the extra workout. Let your body overcompensate and build those new muscles."

"Didn't we learn that in Phys Ed?"

"Yes, you did. I sometimes pay attention in class as well."

Kazuhiko shook his head and smiled.

"Then it looks like I'm going to have to step up my game in class too."

The two chatted for sometime until some more customers started to come in. The ringing of the desk bell was soon heard.

"Hey! Boy! Get over here!"

A teenager in a bellhop uniform quickly ran to the desk and saluted a man that looked like the manager.

"Yes sir, Takai-sama!" The boy said.

The man named Takai smiled and pulled over a cart.

"About time to make yourself useful around here. Get these people's luggage over to their rooms on the double!"

The boy bowed quickly and pulled the cart towards the elevator.

"Excuse me! Coming through! Luggage cart behind you!"

Kazuhiko and Tyr looked at the hardworking boy with interest.

"Seems like there's a lot more commotion today, isn't there?" Kazuhiko said.

Tyr nodded.

"Although, I get the feeling something is about to happen..."

At that very moment, the cart hit the edge of the carpet and sent the luggage tumbling over.

"W-whoa!"

The boy landed on the floor along with the luggage.

"Owww…"

Heavy footsteps were heard.

"And what the hell just happened now?!" Takai said.

The boy quickly got onto his knees and bowed his head to the ground.

"I-I'm very sorry Takai-sensei! I'll clean this up at once!"

Takai crossed his arms and flared his nostrils.

"What are you, some kind of retard?! Pick this up immediately! And add another hour to your shift!"

After Takai left, the boy scrambled to get the luggage back onto the cart.

"O-okay… so room number 207 is over here… oh crap, where's the master key card that I had?"

Kazuhiko picked up the card and walked over to the boy.

"Hey, is this it?" He asked.

The boy's eyes widened and he broke into a smile.

"Yes! That's it! Thanks so much!"

Kazuhiko looked at the rest of the luggage on the ground and picked up a suitcase. The boy hesitated to speak until Kazuhiko cut him off.

"Nothing wrong with a little good deed, is there?"

The boy smiled and shook his head. The two stacked the luggage quickly and the boy was soon pushing the cart towards the elevator once again.

"Thanks, but you didn't really have to do that. I could have handled it myself."

Kazuhiko waved his hand.

"Like I said, there's nothing wrong with a good deed."

The boy smiled and pressed the elevator button. As the elevator was being called down, the boy hesitated, then turned around.

"I'm very sorry for the inconvenience! Please, allow me to make it up to you!" He said while bowing.

Kazuhiko recoiled for a moment, then turned to Tyr.

"It doesn't seem like he's going to back down at all. Let's just listen to what he has to say."

Kazuhiko shrugged and turned to the boy.

"Well, it's alri-"

"Thank you! My name is Ichiwa Kawahara. If you ever need anything, call the front desk and they'll send for me!"

Kazuhiko was once again rendered speechless.

"… um, okay. Nice to meet you Ichiwa-san."

The boy straightened his back and replied with an appreciative smile. He stuck out his hand and Kazuhiko reluctantly shook it. Then, a blinding flash appeared.

"Y'know, I'm actually starting to get used to this…"

I art Thou, Thou art I

Thou hast established a new bond

It shall be the power to pick oneself back up from despair

I present to thee the Tower Arcana

"It's very nice to make of your acquaintance!" Ichiwa said, his smile not faltering for a second.

"Hey! What are you doing, boy?! Get back to work!" Takai yelled from the front desk.

Ichiwa recoiled then quickly turned around.

"Well, see you later!"

As the doors closed, Kazuhiko waved to Ichiwa. Tyr, however, was eying the manager.

"I am really starting to hate that man…"

Takai seemed to be all cheery with the customers and the staff, but only Ichiwa was the one to get on his bad side.

"Probably, something to make note of later. For now, there's nothing we can do but wait until this story unfolds. C'mon, let's go to our room."

?

"I believe we've let them have a nice long rest, correct?"

There were three hooded figures seated at the table; at their sides were two of their own underlings, that is, except for one of them.

"Yeah, this should be enough. Not only that, but they seemed to have gotten back into their combat life. I say we start the plan now!"

The lone hooded figure watched the recording of Kazuhiko's group attentively.

"You've been silent for quite sometime Shiroe-nii. Is something the matter?"

Shiroe kept his eyes on the video feed as he spoke.

"Their current number in their group is 5. The traditional number of Persona users is 8. I say we let them build their forces before we get serious."

"Are you kidding me?! We were just about to start having some real fun and then you drop this on us?" The figure with a young voice said.

The said figure quickly received a smack on the head from Shiroe.

"Raise your voice against me again and I will personally make sure that foul tongue of yours never makes another sound!"

Shiroe made his way back to his seat and regained his composure.

"Although, I believe that in order for them to start gathering more members, we may have to intervene."

Shiroe turned towards the young hooded figure.

"If you really are raring to go, I don't see why I should hold you back."

Shiroe waved his hand to everyone else to leave until it was just the two of them.

"Your eccentricity is truly a force to be reckoned with, so I have made the decision to let you be their first actual challenge."

Shiroe stepped over to the desk and picked up a photograph. He handed it to the hooded figure who scanned it with his eyes.

"This guy? What makes you think he's gonna be part of their group?"

Shiroe stepped towards the door.

"I have taught you this before, haven't I Mijuku? Never judge a book by it's cover."

After Shiroe left, Mijuku looked at the picture once more.

"Hmm… White hair, light brown eyes, common facial features, shouldn't be too hard to find."

He turned over the picture and glanced at the name. Then, he put the picture back on the table.

"Alrighty then." He said as he fiddled with his Kusari-gamas.

"Let's have a little fun, Yoichi Miryoku."

Kyuto High, Classroom B-2

May 7, 2021; Friday

(After School)

"Alright, there's the bell. Stay safe on your way home and remember that you still have notes for tonight." Mr. Ozuma said.

The classroom quickly emptied out until there was only Kazuhiko, Iselin, Johei, and Daichi left; Mikan entered the classroom later.

"So, I believe you all know why I've asked you all to come here right now." Kazuhiko said.

Everyone nodded at the same time. Kazuhiko pulled out his phone.

"A new person has been targeted by the Harbingers of Death; A person named Yoichi Shiryoku. Today, I've decided to let us have a little rest, but tomorrow will be when we start our mission. Clear up your schedules as well as you can for tomorrow so we can head into the Mirror Dimension."

And with that, the meeting adjourned, but they stayed in the classroom for sometime.

"Say, Kaz, there's something that I've been thinkin' about" Johei said.

Kazuhiko turned towards him.

"And that is?"

Johei scratched the back of his head.

"Well, it's kinda childish, but you know how they're called the Harbingers of Death and all, right? Well, what about us?"

Kazuhiko raised his eyebrow.

"What do you mean by that?"

Johei sighed.

"Don't make me spell it out, dude. I mean, what should we call ourselves?"

Kazuhiko blinked several times before he fully digested what Johei had said.

"… are you being serious right now?"

Daichi stepped into the conversation.

"Johei… I have only one thing to say to you…"

Kazuhiko sighed.

"Thank you, Daichi! At least I know you won't say anything sensele-"

"We should be called the Reflection Team!" Daichi suddenly shouted as he broke into a pose.

He knelt on one knee and crossed his arms into a "v" shape. Hugin and Munin posed on either side of him as well.

"…"

Kazuhiko was rendered speechless yet again.

"See, I told you; Neo-Featherman." Iselin whispered to Mikan.

The two girls broke into laughter while Johei yelled at Daichi.

"Absolutely not! Since when do you make the decisions here?!" Johei said.

"Well, it's not like you're very qualified for this kind of job."

"Hah! I could easily come up with a better name than that!"

Johei stepped into the front desk struck another pose.

"Behold! The power of… The Investigation Team!"

Kazuhiko sweat-dropped while Daichi continued to criticize him.

"Kazuhiko… I get the feeling that the name is already taken."

Kazuhiko buried his face in his hands.

"Believe me, it already is."

Suddenly, Daichi and Johei stopped fighting.

"You know what? Let's have our leader decide on the name!" Daichi said.

"I second that!" Johei replied.

"Hey, Kaz. What should our name be?"

Kazuhiko put his fingers to his temple and thought for a moment.

"Well, this entire group was created through the tragedies that caused other people to commit suicide. We joined together to make sure that we stop anyone from ever committing suicide again."

Kazuhiko lifted his head and looked at his friends, their faces and Personas smiling back at him.

"Therefore, I think we should be the SPT; The Suicide Prevention Team."

Johei nodded several times.

"Okay, I'll admit it, that's way better than my proposal."

Daichi nodded and finally quit his ridiculous pose.

"Yeah. Well, looks like we'll call ourselves that from now on."

Tyr looked at the entire team of Persona users with admiration. Then, he felt a slight pain in his head.

"Agh!"

Kazuhiko turned to his Persona with a worried look.

"Hey Tyr, are you okay?"

Tyr clasped his forehead then withdrew his hand.

"I'm… fine. I don't know why, but this team reminds me of something that happened before… I just… can't remember…"

Kazuhiko now looked even more worried.

"Well, tell me when these things happen. We're all a team here; there's nothing you can't talk to us about."

Tyr smiled at his user and nodded.

"Alright… I'll tell you when I get a grasp on something."

Kazuhiko seemed satisfied and turned back to the group.

"Well then, now that we've got the naming of our group out of the way, let's keep our eyes on the primary target."

Everyone nodded enthusiastically.

"Harbingers of Death, prepare yourselves for the power of the SPT!"

And we are back! Sorry for the three week delay everyone, I really needed time to study for finals and I'm glad to say that they are finally over! Also something to mention, please put your hands together for two new followers on this story: Ally Nicole Rose and ! Thank you so much for your support on this fiction and I hope you contribute to it's later chapters! Another thing worth mentioning, Persona Q2 is coming out! The dancing games were kinda "meh" to me but PQ was absolutely riveting! I also changed the proposed name from SPC (Suicide Prevention Crew) to SPT (Suicide Prevention Team); Adtauthor, RosyMiranto, I hope you guys are okay with this since you guys contributed to making the original name. As for Ichiwa's idea, I came up with some insults that my old man used to say to me. The social links are all related to a part of me that I went through so I want to make this story as intimate as possible. I not only write this fic for all of you guys, but also for myself. I really hope people can benefit from this story and find the strength to break from these moments of despair. Life is worth living guys, no matter what happens, it's all worth it in the end. Also, because of my delayed updating, I'll post another chapter by the end of this week.

A Rip in Time-Space

Kazuhiko: So, we're calling ourselves the SPT!

(Echo): SPT… SPT… SPT…

Meanwhile in Persona 5…

Mishima: As I was saying, I made this new website for popularity rea-

Echo: SPT… SPT…

Mishima: …Could you hold on for a second?

Back in Persona: OLP

Kazuhiko: How do we already have a website?!

Johei: I don't know!

Iselin: Alright, who told somebody about this?!

Daichi: I'm pointing my finger at Johei.

Johei: Hey! What the hell!?

Mikan: And what's up with the admin trying to talk to us?

Mishima: OMG OMG OMG I can't believe I get to meet you guys!

Everyone stays silent

Kazuhiko: Do any of you know this guy?

Mishima: I'm your biggest fan!

Johei: How did you hear that?! We just came up with that two seconds ago!

Mishima: Don't need to thank me for everythi-

Akira: MISHIMA! What the hell did I tell you?!

Mishima: AH! Um, Kurusu-san!

Akira drags Mishima away by the ear

Akira: Seriously, you just did that with The Investigation Team during my last Social link session with you…

Everyone stays quiet

Mikan: … Maybe we should agree to never talk about this.

Iselin: Definitely.

Daichi: That would be for the best…

Oh yeah, and does anyone else find Mishima kinda annoying? Even after completing his social link?