Anime Avenue

Episode 6: All New Faces

Kazuki: That's crazy. You entered a whole other dimension? And on top of that, you gained other worldly powers? That's insane, bro.

Ren nodded, agreeing with his little brother.

Kazuki: Well, at least you're not alone. That Sakamoto guy knows about that other world now. As do I...eben though I haven't seen it for myself.

Ren: ...

Kazuki: It's probably best that we keep this to ourselves. At least until we know more about that other world. Well, we better head off to sleep.

Ren nodded, as he and his little brother went off to bed. During that night, while Ren was sleeping, he was remembering all that had happened, while hearing Arsene's voice ring through his head.

This power of mine is yours! Kill them however you want. Run wild to your heart's content!

While dreaming, he was thiking back on what happened, within the other world.

Sakamoto: What...What was that just now?

Kamoshida(...?): You little...!

Kamoshida walked up to Ren, aggrivated that his "men" were taken down. While he was distracted, Sakamoto got back on his feet and tackled him to the ground.

Sakamoto: You like that, you son of a bitch!?

When Kamoshida was knocked down, something had fallen out of his robe. It seemed to be a couple of keys, attached to a metal ring.

Ren: They key!

Sakamoto: Y-You mean this!?

He quickly grabbed the keys and dashed out of the cell. When the door closed, Sakamoto locked the cell.

Sakamoto: OK, it's locked!

Kamoshida(...?): Damn you!

Sakamoto: Hey...! What was that just now!? And...your clothes...!

In a flash, Ren's body was engulfed by a blue flame and his new outfit transformed back into his school uniform.

Sakamoto: Whoa, it went back to normal...!?

Kamoshida(...?): You bastards!

Sakamoto: God, this's effin' nuts! Anyways, let's scram! You lead the way!

Agreeing, Ren took off, as Sakamoto threw away the keys, catching up to him.

Kamoshida(...?): Goddamn thieves...! After them! Don't let them escape! Y-You bastards! You think you can get away with doing this to me!?

Sakamoto: I don't give a shit! I ain't down for any of this! C'mon, let's get outta here!

Together, Ren and Sakamoto were running everywhere, trying to figure out where the exit was. All of a sudden, there was a voice, calling out to them.

...Hey, you there. Blondie! Frizzy Hair! Look over here!

Ren and Sakamoto turned to one of the cells and saw something locked up. It appeared to be a predominantly black cat with blue eyes and a white muzzle, paws and tail tip who wears a yellow collar.

Sakamoto: What is this thing!?

You're not soldiers of this castle, right!? Get me out of here! Look, the key's right there!

Sakamoto: We're trying to get the hell out of here...! I mean, you obviously look like an enemy too!

I'm locked up here, so how can I be your enemy!? Help me out!

Ren: ...A cat?

I am NOT a cat! Say that again and I'll make you regret it!

The noises of the guards were drawing in close, almost like they were around the corner.

Sakamoto: They're catching up already...!

Sakamoto pulled out his phone, hoping for a signal but there was still nothing.

Sakamoto: Shit, there's still no 't there any way to contact someone outside!? How the hell do we get out...!?

Hey, you two! You want to know where the exit is? Let me out and I'll take you there. You don't want to get caught and executed, right?

Ren: Can you really help us?

I never go back on my word.

Sakamoto: This thing sounds like it's all talk...

If you guys think you can get out on your own, then be my guest!

Sakamoto: Whadda we do...?

With time wasting, the footsteps grew closer and closer.

Sakamoto: Are you seriously not messin' with us?

If you don't hurry, they'll catch you.

Sakamoto: F-Fine...

Ren grabbed the keys and unlocked the gate, letting the strange creature out of the cell.

Ahhhh...Freedom tastes so great...

Sakamoto: Now, where's the exit, you monster cat!?

Don't call me a cat! I am Morgana!

Sakamoto: Shuddup and hurry it up! You wanna be locked up again!?

Morgana: A-All right, sheesh! Follow me, and stay quiet!

With Morgana leading the way, Ren and Sakamoto headed for the exit. Thanks to Morgana, the group found a bridge that they were able to cross and proceed through. However, they were stopped, when more knights showed up.

Sakamoto: A-Aah! Shit...Shit, it's them!

Morgana: Tch...You amateur! Stay still!

Ready for a fight, Morgana looked to Ren.

Morgana: Hey, you! You could fight, right? Let's go! Come...! Zorro!

Blue flames emerged and engulfed Morgana, as he called upon a creature, like Ren did. But his monster was different from Ren's.

Sakamoto: Y-You got one of those things too!?

Morgana: Hmph...We will promptly shut them up!

Working together, Ren and Morgana used their powers and abilities to eliminate the enemies that stood in their way. Together, they were quite the team.

Morgana: Not bad. Your Persona's pretty powerful.

Sakamoto: Persona...? Y'mean that thing that comes outta you guys all dramatic-like?

Morgana: Yes. You saw how Frizzy Hair here ripped off his mask when he summoned it, right? Well, everybody wears a mask deep within their heart. By removing that...

As Morgana was explaining, Ren's outfit changed back to his school uniform.

Sakamoto: Huh...? He turned back to normal...

Morgana: Hm, it looks like you don't have full control over your power yet. The transformation shouldn't dissolve like that. After all-

Sakamoto: Rrgh, that's enough! This crap doesn't make any sense!

Morgana: Can't you just sit still and listen for once, Blondie!?

Sakamoto: Don't call me Blondie! My name's Ryuji...

Morgana: Actually, there's no time for me to lecture you! You wanna escape this place in one piece, right? Let's go!

Continuing to lead the way, Morgana led Ren and Ryuji to an empty room. Luckily, there were no threats around to be seen.

Morgana: We're here!

Ryuji: Finally! We're saved...!

Looking for a way out, Ryuji tried opening one of the doors but it didn't seem to budge.

Ryuji: Nnh...! ...It's not openin'! D'you trick us, you jerk!?

Morgana: Don't jump to conclusions! Over here!

Behind Morgana was another door and that one seemed to be unlocked. He opened it and led to a small room. But there didn't seem to be a way out.

Ryuji: Where are we supposed to get out from here!? There aren't even any windows!

Morgana: Ugh, amateur...This is the most basic of basics.

Ren looked around, looking for something that they weren't spotting. That's when he caught sight of something...

Ren: A ventilation shaft?

Morgana: That's right! You guys should be able to squeeze through it one at a time.

Ryuji: I see...

Climbing up what looked to be a bookshelf, Ryuji grabbed the vent and tried pulling it off. When doing so, he fell back down but managed to open the shaft.

Ryuji: Oww...Crap! The enemy didn't hear us, did they? Seriously, we're finally gettin' outta here...!

Morgana: You should wait on celebrating until you actually get out. Now get going!

Ryuji: But...what about you?

Morgana: There's something I still have to do. We're going our separate ways.

Ren: Don't get caught again.

Morgana: Heh, you better be careful too. See ya.

One at a time, Ryuji and Ren climbed through the vent and escape the castle. Back in the real world, Ren had awakened from his sleep and was walking to school with his little brother. Both brothers caught their respective schools in sight and parted ways. At Misaki school, it seemed as though more transfer students were going to attend.

Quite the eventful trip to school, it seems.

Something like that...I guess.

The transfer students were greeted by an elderly man with a gentle smile. He seemed to be the school's Principal...

I was told to come speak with you, when it came to new students?

Yes, I thought we should meet at least once, seeing as you've transferred here. First of all, let me congratulate you on a successful transfer, Mr. Neku Sakuraba. Along with these four as well.

Neku: You seem to have it mixed up. I'm not transferring here. They are.

I see. Well then, I congratulate the four of you for transferring to Misaki High.

Thank you, sir.

Yes, thank you.

Thanks.

It is all thanks to you.

All I did was approve Neku's transfer. From now on, everything will be up to you.

Neku: ...

Again...welcome to Misaki High. Monika, Sayori, Natsuki and Yuri.

The camera panned up and revealed the appearance of all four girls.

Monika had long coral brown hair that she kept in a ponytail tied back with a large white bow. She also had bangs and two long strands of hair next to her face. Her eyes were emerald green.

Sayori had coral pink hair, cut short and slightly curled at the ends, with a large red bow on the left side of her head and her eyes were sky blue.

Natsuki had short, straight pastel pink hair and pink eyes. She also had a red hourglass-shaped hair clip at the right side of her bangs, as well as two red ribbons forming two small twin-tails. The rest of her hair is short and she has small bangs on the side of her face and small locks of hair on her forehead.

And lastly, there is Yuri. She is shown to express maturity and sophistication, and is noted to be extremely beautiful. She had long straight dark purple hair and light purple eyes, and she wore purple barrettes on both sides of her head, positioned upon long strands of hair close to her bangs.

When class began, the teacher; Aiko Yumi announced that the class was getting four new students.

Aiko: Alright, class. Today, we are recieving four new transfer students. Please introduce yourselves.

Hi, my name is Monika.

Hello, I'm Sayori.

I-It's nice to meet you. M-My name is Yuri...

I'm Natsuki.

Aiko: Class, please welcome our new students.

Akari: Cool, we got four new faces! Awesome!

Enju: It's nothing to get excited about, Akari.

John: No, I think it's cool. They might be interested in manga.

Enju: I doubt that.

Yamabuki: You never know.

Kazuki wasn't sure what to think...not that he really cared. The girls were no concern to him. When first period ended, Kazuki was still working on the problems he was having, yesterday. That's when Akari showed up.

Akari: Hey, Kazuki!

Kazuki: Oh, what's up?

Akari: You ready to begin where we left off?

Kazuki: Yeah, sure. Where's Enju?

Akari: She went to go get some materials from yesterday.

Kazuki: Oh, I see. It's strange. I feel...sorta bad for her. She must have stuff of her own to do.

Akari: Hehe! That's what's great about Enju...She may not seem like it, but she loves to help people!

Kazuki: I don't know about that...

Akari: So you don't need to say you're sorry...All you need to say is thank you!

Kazuki: I see...Well, thanks, then. I'll take you up on your offer.

Akari: Mm-hmm...and I'm gonna go all out to teach you too! Aim for the top of the class!

Kazuki: I don't have to aim that high!

A few hours later, Akari and Enju have finished going over all the classwork throughly with me. From the back of the class, John and Yamabuki were already getting friendly with the transfer students.

Enju: Alright! I'm done! There, how about that?

Kazuki: Got it.

Enju: Hmm...You actually seem to get it, once you're shown how...

Kazuki: Why do I get the feeling that was an insult...?

Enju: I wonder why you've been so hopeless up until now, exactly...

Kazuki: Like I said, a lot on mind. Things you wouldn't understand.

Enju: Let's see...correct...this one's also correct...

Akari: Wow! Amazing, Kazuki! You got them all right!

Enju: Well, this much is to be expected. The important thing is whether or not you can keep it up. If you're back where you started again tomorrow, I'm gonna be angry, you know?

Kazuki: Is there EVER a time when you're not?

Enju: Really?

Kazuki: I get it! Alright? Figuring out what I didn't learn before is fun. Besides...N-Nevermind. Thanks for teaching me. Starting tomorrow, I think I should be able to manage.

Akari: Not at all...You're welcome!

Enju: Sure...Just be sure to practice by yourself, too. We can't always be taking care of you.

Kazuki: Never asked you to do so, in the first place.

Akari: Kazuki will be fine!

Enju: Why are you answering for him, Akari?

Akari: Kazuki is the kind of boy who can do it if he just tries!

Kazuki: Plus, she's a nicer person than you.

Akari: No, that's not true! Kazuki picks up on things really quick. He was listening to today's explanation really carefully. He's got that much grumption...I'm sure he can do it! Right, Kazuki?

Kazuki: Understood.

Enju: I wonder...

Kazuki: What now?

Akari: Hehe...

Enju: Hmph...I won't be fooled by that kind of attitude...

Kazuki: Excuse me?

Enju: W-Well, I'm the class representative, so it's my job...D-Don't get the wrong idea!

Kazuki: Whatever. As if I care.

Akari: Huh...What about me?!

Kazuki: I guess I gotta thank you as well, Akari.

Akari: Hehe.

Kazuki: Regardless...thank you.

Enju: Bah...what am I meant to...Argh! Fine! Y-You're welcome...

Akari: Enju went from "tsun" to "dere!"

Enju: I didn't go "dere"!

Kazuki: Denial to the very end...

TO BE CONTINUED...