Author's notes: So I haven't updated Jaune Hex in over 2 years now (?), but I will get back to it, and now I'm doing a persona fic? Yeah, this is what happens when school decides to take you, bend you over a rail and…well I'll let you use your imagination from there. The point is, life is difficult for me, and I let that affect my writing.

Speaking of my writing, I've lost contact with my beta, so if you've read my RWBY fanfic, do NOT expect that quality of writing going forward. I don't know what happened, but oh well. I hope the plot at least is good enough to keep you engaged.

Pairings? Hmmm…well no yaoi or yuri that's for sure.

Also, I'm only familiar with persona 4 and 5, and a mere passing knowledge of 3, so I may butcher some of the timeline and history.

Chapter 1

"Get in the car!"

"No, stop! Please, someone help!"

"Go away kid, mind your own business"

"Damn brat! I'll sue! You! Tell the police this kid assaulted me."

"No! I'll tell them about what you did with that money"

"Heh, I'll just say you did that of your own accord."

"B-b-but the police, they'll…"

"The police? Please, the police are my bitches!"

"Everything alright here?"

"…T-t-this kid assaulted us."

"Alright kid. You're coming with us."

"Akira, son…What happened?"

It played over and over in his head as he sat in the train.

The woman who cried for help. The man so drunk, that he slipped and hurt himself. That same man had the kind of influence and power that he got the woman to accuse him of assault and got him expedited through the legal system and sentenced to probation on his assault charge. His father pulling every favor he had to either prove his innocence, and barring that, get him shelter and into Shujin Academy for his probation period.

He hated it.

His father already worked himself to the bone just to provide for the two of them, but this incident…well it caused him to work ten times as hard to get him out of it, only for it to fail.

Akira Kurusu, age 17.

A brief history:

An otherwise average student, he and his father lived in a small town named Inaba for the past few years. When he was an infant, his mother was killed in a home invasion, which would lead to his father selling the house to move to the small town of Inaba. His father, previously a chief of investigation, would take on a downsized career as simple officer with the local police force. A few years ago, there was apparently a big case involving two murders, and several kidnappings that would lead to his father getting a promotion that would lead him working longer hours and leaving Akira to fend for himself at home. Getting into high school, Akira slowly made a name for himself, his skills and potentials matching that of the 'legendary transfer students' from years ago. He'd never get to see it through though, thanks to what was supposed to be an act of chivalry. Following the charges, rumors quickly spread, and as such he became the pariah of Inaba, a thug, the likes of which the town had not seen in years (just don't say that around Tatsumi Textiles). Determining that the stress of the local stigma would be too much, his father managed to get him a shelter close to Tokyo, and admittance to Shujin, a prestigious academy that would hopefully detract from his assault charges.

Which brings us to his current plight, after getting of the train:

"Excuse me, sir! Can you tell me where I can find the residence of Sojiro Sakura?"

"Yeah kid, last lane on your right, all the way at the end. Can't miss it."

Well the house had the name plate of 'Sakura Residence' but no one was answering the doorbell.

It was only thanks to a delivery man taking note of said owner's absence that Akira knew to check a few lanes back for the café that apparently Sojiro Sakura ran.

It was a charming little setup, considering this was the man who would be his caretaker for the next year.

After the two customers he was dealing with finally left, he put up a 'closed' sign and turned to address Akira.

"So, you're his son, Akira right?"

Akira nodded in response.

"So you'll be in my care for the next year…Look I have a situation in my house so I can't have you there. But there's a room above this café you can stay in."

Akira nodded in understanding, taking in what he knew was probably some kind demeaning lecture was coming his way.

"I'll be locking up the store after closing every night and I expect you to respect my shop. If I so much as think a single yen is missing from the till, I won't hesitate to turn you into the police and let the system do with you as it will."

"Yes sir…"

A tense silence followed.

…

"Well then, come on upstairs then," and he followed Sojiro upstairs, into what he felt was to be his 'cell' for the next year.

He was pleasantly surprised at the size of it. It was bigger than his room back home.

"Well, something to say?"

Knocked out of his stupor, Akira replied "Thank you Sakura-san, I appreciate the room."

Sojiro merely grunted in acknowledgement before pulling out a small notebook and handing it to him.

"This is a journal. I expect you to write in it occasionally, so that if ever a time comes, I can report what you've been up to. Is that clear?"

"Crystal Sakura-san"

"Good. Now then, tomorrow we'll be heading to Shujin Academy to introduce you to the principal and your homeroom teacher. I expect you to be up bright and early as this'll be one of the few times I drive you anywhere. Understood?"

"Yes sir."

"One more thing, I was informed that there was an…incident at the school last week. You'll probably hear about it, so I won't say anything, but I expect you to keep your nose clean and out of any trouble."

He nodded once more.

"Well I'm locking up for the night. You're welcome to use the bathroom. A box of your things is supposed to arrive in the next day or two, so I'll bring them upstairs when they arrive. Any other large packages you plan on ordering will be on you to take up in the future, understood?"

Another nod.

With that, Sojiro left, leaving Akira to ponder his room…

Well maybe that's a bit generous given all the clutter. But at least there was a mattress with sheets.

About an hour later after some cleaning and re-arranging, and Akira found himself laying on the bed, tired from the day.

However, he realized he had one more thing to do before dozing off. Reaching into his pants pockets, he pulled out his phone and dialed the one number he had left stored in his phonebook.

"Hello, Akira. Son?"

"Hi tou-san"

"I take it you arrived safely then?"

"Yes I did. Thank you for setting this up."

"No problem son…"

"Tou-san…you know I'm sorry, right…If I knew all this would happen I would've…"

"You did what was RIGHT Akira. I never want to hear you apologizing for that. If anything, I'm sorry that I dragged out the fight as long as I did. I think you lost a week of schooling that would've been more productive."

Akira gulped down his emotions, wanting so badly to hug his father right now.

"Listen, I'm doing everything I can to try and find more evidence. They buried a lead and I know it. I'm not giving up on this. I'm still working otherwise so it may take some time."

Akira clenched his fists. His father doing everything he can, and here he was being the burden again.

"Don't worry about me dad. I'll be staying low here. I don't want you overextending yourself on my account."

"Hush boy. Look, Sakura-san is…Look I sprung this on him, so if he seems grouchy, it's not you despite what he says. He just doesn't like it when people spring things on him. He'll warm up to you, I know it. I gotta go now. You take care son."

At the sound of him hanging up, Akira let out a sigh.

Taking notice of the sheets and blanket, he could tell that Sojiro wasn't a bad man. After all, he could have left him with nothing more than a futon and pillow. Instead there was mattress and sheets waiting for him, all of which looked new or at the very least freshly laundered.

Reaching down, he opened his backpack and rifled through its contents, finally pulling out a single framed photo.

It was a single photo of his father, his mother, and him, being cradled by him mom while he was an infant. One of the only pictures of all three them before she would be taken from him and his dad.

Setting it on the small table near his bed, he gave one silent prayer to it before going to sleep, shedding a few silent tears.

?

Akira opened his eyes only to be greeted by a deep blue light and brickwork.

Based on his cramps, his bed had turned into futon overnight…

Or rather a jail mattress?

He sat up and looked around and found his surroundings had fully changed. He was now in a cell, and on the other side of the jail door sat a rather odd-looking man with a perpetual grin, and two young girls in police(?) garb of some sort.

"Welcome to the Velvet Room," The man's deep voice sounded.

"This is a world that exists between the waking and dreaming, mind and matter. It is a room solely for those who hold a contract. I am Igor, you may think of me as a guide to you Trickster and a helping hand in your rehabilitation. The two before you are Justine and Caroline, your wardens and overseers of your rehabilitation. We shall meet again soon Trickster, until then…"

His vision began to fade

April 18, 20XX

Upon waking Akira found himself staring at a regular wooden ceiling and rafters.

No brickwork, no blue lighting, no long nosed man and no loli police officers…

Ok that last one was weird considering the other things.

Still, he took in the time and noticed that if Sojiro wasn't already here, he'd be here soon to get him going.

Getting dressed and ready took but a few minutes and he was downstairs.

And there was Sojiro with a plate of curry and rice waiting for him?

"Oh, I was just about to check if you were ready. I've made you some curry. A good day starts off with some breakfast, so hurry up so we can get to it."

He was grateful for the plate of food before him and the tall glass of milk.

As he dug in, he couldn't help but shed a tear. Something about the taste, he couldn't quite put his finger on it, spoke of a tenderness and care. Something like that of a mother and it touched Akira's soul.

"Something wrong kid?"

He hadn't realized he had been crying a bit. "No Sakura-san. Apologies, it's just so good."

A slight smile touched his face, but he turned around and grabbed his hat so that Akira wouldn't see.

"Well hurry up then, we want to get there before the school day starts."

Akira had forgotten that he was technically starting classes tomorrow. He was going to the school today to introduce himself, get his books and get started on catching up.

Shujin Academy

Standing before the rather large man the tired looking woman, Akira could tell he was off to a swell start (sarcastic voice).

"Just so we're clear, we wouldn't normally except a student with a criminal charge like yours, but given your academic records from your previous school, we have agreed to admit you on a probationary status. Step one foot out of line, and we won't hesitate to expel you and let the justice system do as it will with you."

Wow the big man sounded exactly as self-righteous as he imagined he would.

"This here is Sadayo Kawakami, she will be your homeroom teacher."

"Here is your student ID and some paperwork you may want to look over regarding your probation status."

Kawakami seemed oddly out of it, drained of all energy almost. However she seemed to have noticed something and quickly retrieved it from the small pile of papers she handed over to Akira.

"Principal Kobayakawa, why me though, surely a male teacher would be better suited to handling this particular student."

Akira didn't bother speaking up in his own defense, knowing all the good it would do him, and he noted that Sojiro did nothing as well.

"Your class was the only one with an open seat. My apologies Kawakami-san. Please just do your best."

"Well the agreement is that if he makes any trouble, he'll be expelled right?"

"Yes, that is correct", and then the large man directed his gaze to Akira. "That means ANY trouble young man. One toe out of line, and we'll have you expelled and back in the courts in no time."

Again, no one coming to his defense, so Akira merely nodded to confirm his understanding.

"Now, Kawakami-san here has all your class materials waiting for you in the teaher's lounge, if you'll follow her, she'll give them to you and you may take the day to do as much catch up work as you can."

He needed some control, some kind of defiance, something to show he was more than just a delinquent.

A strained groan though is what exited his voice.

"What was that Kurusu-san?" the bloated man asked.

"I-If I may Kobayakawa-sama, may I see the day through? I find that a school environment helps me feel the urgency to study."

The man considered him for a moment before turning to Kawakami.

"If Kawakami-san is ok with it, I see no reason for you to attend classes."

This was the point that Sojiro stepped in, "Whoa kid, hold on there, I'm not driving back to pick you up, you sure you know you're way through the subway to get back?"

Akira wanted to snap at him, but held it in. "I remember the way back. I've been studying the subway routes since last night, knowing that I'm going to have to make regular use of them."

Sojiro gave him a once over before turning back to the principal, "Well if the kid wants to see the day out, who am I to stop him?" before continuing he turned back to Akira, "Just remember to be back before dark. Any later and you can sleep outside, understood?"

Akira swallowed, wishing everyone would just stop with the condescending tone. He wanted to yell out, but knowing what that would cost he settled for typical obedience. "I understand."

And with a nod, Sojiro took his leave, leaving Akira to deal with the principal and his homeroom teacher.

Kawakami took a deep breath, shaking her head all the while, and said "Well, follow me Kurusu-san."

Teacher's Lounge

"Oh, Kawakami-sensei, I was just looking for you!"

Akira gulped upon the woman surprising him and Kawakami.

She was certainly a beauty. Short brown hair, a deadly seductive set of red eyes, and a slim but very definitely toned figure. Some kind of martial arts maybe?

"Oh, Niijima-san? How can I help?"

"It's regarding Takamaki-san. Kamoshida-sensei said he noticed she was feeling a bit depressed. I was wondering if it might be ok to allow Takamaki-san to take a day off from school for a 'leave of grievance'?"

Kawakami gave a sigh and shook her head "I'm sorry Niijima-san, but given her grades, I'm afraid a day off might do more harm than good to her. I do appreciate you bringing this to my attention though. I'll see what we can do though to help her out."

The girl gave Kurusua once-over before turning her attention back to Kawakami. "Is this the transfer student then?"

"Oh yes, this here is Akira Kurusu. Kurusu-san, this is Makoto Niijima, the student body president. I expect you to show her the same respect you would any teacher, is that clear?"

Akira nodded dumbly, still gazing at Makoto…

It was only an uncomfortable silence later that Akira realized he should introduce himself and bowed to Makoto.

"A pleasure to meet you Niijima-senpai. I look forward to any guidance you might be able to offer me."

Makoto acknowledged him before turning her attention back to Kawakami. "Has he been told about last week?"

"No, I was about to actually."

Last week? Something he should know?

Kawakami turned her attention to Akira and said "So, last week a student jumped from the roof in an attempt to commit suicide. She did not die and was rushed to the hospital. However, she passed away shortly that same day. You'll surely hear about it and maybe some unsavory rumors about it. Just ignore them please. The last thing we need is for this to get blown out of proportion."

A suicide!? Out of proportion?!

Back in Inaba this was unheard of. But then again, maybe the city put it's own kind of stress on students. Either way, it was a bit shocking to hear from a teacher that they were trying to keep this incident quiet. Maybe it was a reputation thing?

Oh well.

A bell then rang, saving Akira.

"Ok, well, please go enjoy your lunch Kurusu-san, after that, you'll have P.E. with Kamoshida-san. I expect you to be respectful to all your teachers from here on out, is that clear?"

"Crystal clear, Kawakami-sensei."

Makoto took her leave and Akira did the same.

Upon entering the hallway, he saw something that caught his attention.

A blue glowing butterfly. A rather beautifully shaped one anyways.

Trickster…

"Ummm, did you hear something Niijima-sempai?"

She merely gave him a look that basically said 'crazy' and went on her way.

'Get over it Akira. You're hearing things now, just get through the day now."

Trickster…come to me.

He squeezed his eyes, trying desperately to ignore the voice.

Trickster…come to me. Come to me. Come to me.

'Go away, go away, go away, go away, go away…'

WILD CARD! YOU WILL COME TO ME!

Akira didn't know what possessed him, but he suddenly found himself following the fluttering butterfly, though he noted that it seemed to fly in a rather angry pattern.

Following it, he found himself going up some stairs that bore some warning signs 'No Students Allowed'.

Approaching a door, he expected it to be locked, but the butterfly simply flew THROUGH the door and upon hearing a click, he merely pushed the door, and it opened with no resistance.

Stepping outside, he found himself staring at the back of a man in a white crisp suit, with long black hair, tied back into something like a pony tail. Said man turned around, revealing what might've been a distinguished face, but was hidden behind what appeared to be a mask in the shape of a butterfly.

"Forgive me Trickster, I rarely like using my power like that. It goes against everything I believe in, but for your own good, I needed to speak with you."

Akira blinked in confusion. He had no idea who this man was, but he was talking to him like they had met before.

"Um, I'm sorry sir, but I think you have the wrong person. I don't know anyone by the name of…"

"You ARE the Trickster. You have been unjustly punished and sentenced for a crime you did not commit. Your will of rebellion has not been stoked though and you desire more than anything to find justice. And find it you will, but not with the game rigged as it is right now."

Akira stopped. How did this man know about his record? And who was he.

"Ah, yes, forgive me Trickster, I am unused to speaking with people. It has been a while since I last needed to involve myself in mortal affairs. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Philemon. I am the master of the Velvet Room, and you could say I am the one who holds your contract."

The man then snapped his fingers, causing a gust of wind to seemingly sweep through the whole city.

"Our first order of business Trickster…is fixing your Velvet room," another snap and in the blink of an eye, Akira found himself staring at a blue glowing jail door.

"Now then. Imposter…Relinquish your control of the room"

And just like that, a roar seemed to emanate from the jail door. A roar that was inhuman and almost mechanical…

To be continued

Ending Author's Notes: Well I hoped you enjoyed that. I have plans for how to really derail the timeline of events for the game, but I'll still see if I can keep some things in line. I hope this fic is ok. I plan to use elements of Royal (maybe just Sumire. I don't care much for Maruki), and I'm watching a subbed playthrough of Scramble to see if I can incorporate elements of that into this as well (maybe we'll see a certain wolf if that's the case). The persona 4 cast WILL appear and MAYBE 3 will as well. I'm mostly ignoring 1 and 2 because I've never played them before and researching them is too much of a pain for me.

Also if you're a fan of Shiho…sorry, she had to go though. If it makes you feel any better…she's not the only one getting that treatment.

If you think you'd like to beta, let me know.

Also let me know what pairings you'd like (just curious)

Akira/Makoto
Akira/Ann
Akira/Haru
Akira/Futaba
Akira/Hifumi
Akira/Chihaya
Akira/Kawakami
Akira/Takemi
Akira/Sumire
Akira/Harem