I do not own Persona

It is owned by Atlus

I just my OC's

Enjoy!

The school seemed normal Hiro saw as he stared about while he followed Kamoshida. Speaking of Kamoshida, he was normal compared to the Kamoshida he saw in that castle if 'normal' was the right word to use for Kamoshida. After stopping just in front of Hiro's class, 3-C, Kamoshida turned to face him. He looked down at him as Kamoshida was tall and probably liked to use his height as a way to intimidate others but Hiro wasn't daunted by it.

"I've told you before..." Hiro began. "After we won nationals last year I was done with the team. I'm finished with volleyball."

"I'll admit, it's quite the poor shame," Kamoshida admitted as crossed his arms. "You had the potential to turn pro if you really wanted. Half the guys don't have the same finesse you had, Isamashi." Kamoshida shrugged but smiled. "But if I can't convince you to come back, then oh well. The team will surely be disappointed."

"Understandable," Hiro sighed. "But I got my reasons for not re-joining." Hiro turned to walk into his classroom. "Excuse me-" he was about to open the door as Kamoshida's stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

"Hold it, about that thing I wanted to speak to you about..." Kamoshida mentioned as he leaned close to whisper. "You aren't allowed to mention one word about practice. Cause you know that nobody will believe you and you'll risk getting expelled and crush your hopes of getting into college. You got that?"

"Yeah..." Hiro nodded.

"Good!" Kamoshida grinned. "Glad we got that covered. Oh, and you may want to steer clear of Sakamoto and that transfer student. People like them will drag you down."

The door sliding door opened up to reveal Makoto. Her eyes locked with Hiro's once she saw him. Hiro felt his stomach twist in a knot as he knew what was coming. Behind Hiro, Kamoshida smiled widely at Makoto.

"If it isn't our esteemed Student Council President," Kamoshida said. "I was just escorting Isamashi to class as I'm sure you were aware, he was awfully late."

"I was, in fact," Makoto replied with a look toward Kamoshida and returned her gaze to Hiro. "Thank you, Mr. Kamoshida." Makoto gave a small smile.

"It's no trouble," Kamoshida dismissed grinning. "Well, I should be on my way." he gave Hiro a few pats on the shoulder. "Isamashi, try to not give our president here, too much of a hard time as she's got enough on her plate as is."

With that, Kamoshida walked down the halls leaving Hiro and Makoto alone. Makoto stepped out of the classroom closed the door behind her. When she turned around, her arms crossed and her gaze lowered into a disapproving look which caused Hiro to become nervous but kept a straight face. When they were younger, she would give him that face when she would be upset with him. He did end up coming to school late so it made sense in this case for her to use that on him. She said nothing and only Makoto just sighed.

"We'll talk when classes end for the day," Makoto stated and then walked into the classroom. "It's almost time."

"Alright," Hiro answered as she kept walking. He sighed for probably the 5th or 6th time, he wasn't keeping track and stepped into the classroom already feeling the eyes of the other students on him.


Ren heard the occasional murmurs about him and his record as he navigated through the halls. He wondered how it was even possible for his record to be heard of so quickly. Unless rumors traveled fast in this school. Just on the 2nd floor was the student-faculty office. Ren poked his head inside and found Ms. Kawakami. She was seated at a desk as she made eye contact with him as she sighed turning away as Ren approached her.

"Unbelievable..." she sighed. "Being over half a day late on your first day...? Can you explain yourself?"

Like Ren assumed she was disappointed but she wasn't incredibly mad. Ren was more worried about Sakura-san. He was probably going to give him an earful once he returned. Ren figured he might try his luck and explain just where he was. The teacher was going to think he was just insane but here goes nothing.

"I was in a castle," Ren stated with a straight face and was admittedly curious about her reaction.

"You can't be serious..." Kawakami scoffed and turned her chair as gave Ren a narrowed look, obviously not believing him about the castle. "Will you pull yourself together? You were given fair warning yesterday. More importantly... I heard you were caught along with that Sakamoto-kun."

"'That' Sakamoto...?" Ren repeated with a raised brow. "He's got an... interesting personality but there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with him. At least, I don't think so."

"Just don't get involved with him, OK?" Kawakami told him. "He's nothing but trouble. He wasn't like that when he was devoting his time to track and field though..."

Huh? Ren thought. Was Ryuji in track and field at some point? Maybe that's the reason why he's so hostile to Kamoshida?

"By the way..." Kawakami spoke. "I also heard you weren't just caught with Sakamoto-kun but even Isamashi-kun."

"Do you know him?" Ren wondered.

"I do," Kawakami nodded. "I was his homeroom teacher when he was a Second-year. Strange though, it isn't like him to be late. He's a pretty diligent student and he was on the Volleyball team during his First and Second-years."

So, Senpai was on the Volleyball team, Ren deduced. I wonder what made him want to quit? It might've been Kamoshida's doing?

"Anyway, breaks almost over," Kawakami said. "Classes will end at 5th period today because of the subway accident. I'll have you introduce yourself when class resumes. Follow me."

"Lead the way," Ren answered.

Ren followed Kawakami to her classroom, 2-D. Like before, he heard students talking about him but found it best to just keep facing forward and following the teacher. When they got to the classroom, the bell rang for class to begin. Kawakami told Ren to stand beside her podium so he could introduce himself to the students. Among the students walking in, he saw Ann and wondered if he remembered him from this morning. She made eye contact with him but she frowned at him and faced away. Ren wondered if it had something to do with his record assuming she has heard of it.

"Being super late on his first day? Is he insane..."

"He looks normal though..."

"But he might slug us if we look him in the eye..."

"Settle down," Kawakami said to get everyone's attention bringing the whispers to a halt. "Well, I'd like to introduce a transfer student: Ren Amamiya. Today, we..." Kawakami started to think of the best way to try to give a reason why Ren wasn't here at School. "Had him attend from the afternoon on since he wasn't feeling well. Amamiya-kun, please say something to the class."

"I'm Ren Amamiya," Ren announced to everyone. "It's nice to meet you."

"He seems quiet... but I bet when he loses it..."

"I mean, he was arrested for assault, right..."

"Uh, so..." Kawakami started as she was trying to bring the attention back to her. "Your seat will be... hmm..." Kawakami surveyed the room until she spotted an open seat behind Ann. "Over there. The one that's open. Sorry, but can the people nearby share your textbooks with him for today?"

"This sucks..." a female student quietly muttered. A boy with blue-tinted hair with a mark under his eye, a band-aid, and another scratch below the band-aid grimaced. Ren noticed the boy had this scared and guilty look but didn't think much of it, put his hands in his pockets and made his way over to his appointed seat.

"Liar," he heard Takamaki say as he walked past her. "I saw you at the station." Ren turned around to look at her. She was right about the lie and probably figured that the school was saying to just save themselves as a new student arrived hours late on his first day.

"Nice to meet you, Takamaki-san," Ren said as he sat down in his seat, as he did a pair of girls in the row next to his began to talk.

"Did you catch that? do those two know each other? Does that mean he hit on her before transferring here?"

"That means she's cheating on him with Kamoshida. Then again, this is Takamaki-san we're talking about..."

"For real. That side of the room is awful."

Are those girls serious? Ren sighed inwardly. I get that they're freaked out about me with my record, but what do they have against Takamaki-san? What do they mean by 'cheating with Kamoshida'? Is she involved with him?

"Oh, right!" Kawakami said as if she remembered something important. "The volleyball rally's in two days. Everyone's just changed classes, so make sure you use that time to get to know each other. Well then, let's get class started. Who's on duty today?"

"Everyone, please rise..." said the blue-tinted haired boy as everyone stood along with him. After, Ms. Kawakami began her class lecture. Ren was paying attention but still, he disliked the fact that those girls were using him to make more rumors about Takamaki.


Date: 4/11/20XX

Day: Monday

Time of Day: After School

Weather: Sunny

Location: Shujin Academy, First floor

The final bell rang for school to let out. Hiro walked out of the classroom with his bag slung over his shoulder with a hand shoved in his pocket. If this were any normal day, he would've been paying attention to the lecture's but with what he saw today, how could he?

Still can't get that castle out of my head and that other Kamoshida, he pondered as he stopped walking. No matter how hard I try, I can't quit thinking about it all. Maybe Amamiya and Sakamoto can help make heads or tails of it. I'm sure it's on their mind, too. I'm sure Hamuko will be okay getting home on her own. She's done it before and has her phone to call either Dad or me if something happens. Okay so...

A hand gently touched Hiro's shoulder causing him to turn around to find Makoto. He once he saw her expression, she looked disappointed but her eyes also showed she was searching for an answer from him as to why he was late. Hiro knew she would never believe him about the castle. He turned to face his childhood friend to try and explain himself.

"Mako, I can..." Hiro started Makoto put a hand up to stop him.

"Hold on, we can talk upstairs," Makoto said as she began walking. "I have to go to the council room."

Hiro noticed that she was calm. She didn't seem to be mad unless she was hiding the fact that she was. Makoto stopped as she turned to face Hiro with a hand on her school bag's strap.

"Are you coming...?" Makoto wondered.

"Yeah," Hiro nodded quickly. "Right behind you." he followed her up the stairs and knew some students were watching them as they walked past. They made it to the second floor as Makoto turned to face him.

"Listen, I can explain," Hiro said.

"Then explain, explain why you showed up late," Makoto stated crossing her arms over her chest. "You told me during our exchange of messages that you were on your way here. Also, did you even get the ones I sent to you after?"

"After?" Hiro repeated incredulously. "How many did you send?"

"About eighteen messages," Makoto mentioned in a nonchalant tone.

Hiro's eyes widened as he had just realized he hadn't even looked at his phone since it was out of service in that castle. He pulled it out and found exactly eighteen messages, all from Makoto N.

"Sorry, really, I didn't mean for any of this to happen," Hiro pleaded. "It won't happen again, I promise." he sighed putting his head down. "Please, stop being mad."

"Hiro, I never said I was mad," Makoto smiled shaking her head.

"What now?" Hiro brought his head up as his brows rose. "You're not? I honestly thought you'd be at least a little upset with me?"

"Well, before I was," Makoto admitted. "But I am actually more relieved than mad. Three students from Shujin go missing and make it to school at the end of lunchtime. I was worried something might've happened to you all."

"Really?" Hiro questioned scratching the back of his head. "Thanks for the concern

"I'm Student Council President, Hiro," Makoto reminded. "I have to make sure all students are safe and accounted for. I was told you were caught with Sakamoto-kun. That was peculiar to me since the two of you have barely interacted with one another."

We just kinda met up by chance this morning," Hiro explained. "He's a bit crass but he's not a bad guy."

"But you weren't just caught with him but also the transfer student," Makoto mentioned. "Ren Amamiya."

"I met him yesterday when I took Hamuko here to see you," Hiro said. "He's a bit quiet but nice from what I can tell."

"I see," Makoto said slowly. "Interesting." she placed a hand on her chin in thought.

"What do you mean?" Hiro wondering what she meant.

"It's nothing," Makoto shook her head. "Just don't be late to school again and..." she placed a hand on Hiro's shoulder. "Just be careful, okay?"

Hiro thought about making a joke at her but decided against. He figured Makoto was only showing genuine concern considering they pretty much grew up together and settled on only giving her a nod.

"Okay, I'll be careful," Hiro said with a smile.

"Good," Makoto smiled back. "I have to go to the Council Room. I'll talk to you later, yes?"

"For sure," Hiro nodded as Makoto went on her way. He let out a sigh as he put his hands in his pockets. At least she wasn't completely upset with him. She was more worried than angry, that's what Hiro was more relieved about.

Alright, now to talk to Amamiya and Sakamoto about that castle, Hiro thought.

Speaking of, Hiro found Ren walking out of his classroom. Though, after he did Ren grasped his head in pain which made Hiro wonder what was wrong. He was about to approach Ren until he saw Ms. Kawakami make her way up to him instead.

"Hm? What's wrong?" she asked.

"Is this a school?" Ren asked.

Hiro's eyes widened when he heard Ren mention that. Why would he ask that even though this is obviously the school? Was Ren still seeing the castle from before somehow? Even if that were possible, all Hiro could see was the same old hall of Shujin. Once he got a hold of Ren, he would ask but Ren seemed confused by it so he might not be able to give him an answer.

"Are you sure you're OK?" Kawakami asked. "Also, it seems like people are already talking about you, but I'm not the one who told them." she sighed irritably. "I can't even catch a break... why do I have to deal with this? You should head straight home without stopping anywhere. Sakura-san sounded pretty angry."

"OK," Ren nodded. "I'll be sure to head home."

"Oh, about Sakamoto-kun," Kawakami brought up. "Don't get involved-" Ryuji walked up to Ren and Ms. Kawakami. "Speak of the devil..." she folded her arms. "What do you want? I heard the police caught you cutting classes today?"

"Ugh..." Ryuji groaned. "It was nothin'," he claimed as he rubbed the bottom of his nose.

"And you haven't dyed your hair back to black either..." she noted.

"Sorry 'bout that," Ryuji replied with a hint of sarcasm and then walked up to Ren. "I'll be waitin' on the rooftop." with that, Ryuji walked away from them toward the stairs.

"See?" Kawakami sighed for a second time as she frowned at Ren. "That's why I don't want you getting involved. Understood?" she shook her head as she walked away and as soon as she left, Hiro made his way up to Ren.

"Amamiya, hey," Hiro greeted him.

"Hi, Senpai," Ren said.

"Glad I found you," Hiro smiled. "So, how was the first day of school for you?"

"Eh, it was okay," Ren shrugged. "Although, I wasn't here for most of the day."

"Heh, same here," Hiro remarked as he and Ren shared a chuckle.

"I need to the rooftop," Ren mentioned. "Sakamoto-san is expecting me."

"About that, mind if I tag along?" Hiro asked. "I've been meaning to talk to you and Sakamoto once class ended."

"I'm sure he'd be okay with it if I brought you since you were there with us," Ren stated.

"Perfect," Hiro smiled. "Follow me, I know where the roof is." Hiro rolled his eyes. "Well, duh, I know where it is. It's the roof. Follow me." Hiro gestured for Ren to follow but they stopped as saw Kamoshida and Principal Kobayakawa.

"Why did you allow a student like him to transfer here?" Kamoshida argued. "He's already started associating with Sakamoto. Even Isamashi is now hanging around the likes of them. A student with a criminal record, the culprit of an assault case, and a student who used to be on MY volleyball team. At this rate, it'd be pointless how much I contribute to the school."

"Now, don't be like that..." Kobayakawa declared. "This school counts on you, Kamoshida-kun. You are our star. Still, a steady build-up is necessary behind such brilliance as well."

"Your troubles never seem to end, do they, Principal Kobayokawa?" Kamoshida said with a frown but grinned. "All right, I understand. I'll continue to do my best to answer your expectations of me. Oh, one more thing, sir? It's about Isamashi. With him being a former player on the team there's a chance he could talk about the practice..."

"No need to worry," Kobayakawa said. "If push comes to shove, I'll be sure to inform him of the consequences if he were ever to perform such an act."

"Thank you, Principal Kobayakawa," Kamoshida smiled proudly as he and the principal went their separate ways.

"So, they have a plan for me in case I say anything, huh?" Hiro mumbled to himself while folding his arms.

"Wow..." Ren mouthed.

"What is it?" Hiro asked.

"I just think it's funny that the Principal acts like he's got a man-crush on Kamoshida," Ren expressed twirling a lock of his hair as Hiro snickered at Ren's comment.

"Yeah, Kobayakawa is known to kiss his ass," Hiro remarked. "Here, let's head to the roof. We shouldn't keep Sakamoto waiting." he walked as Ren followed behind him. Hiro's head turned as he saw Yuuki Mishima just standing in the hall by himself and figured he should go speak to him. "Hold on a sec, Amamiya..." Hiro approached Mishima. "Mishima?" he said but didn't get an answer as the kid seemed to be spacing out. "Hey, Mishima?" Hiro this time had to snap his fingers to get his attention.

"Huh?" Mishima's eyes widened as he looked up noticing Hiro. "Oh, Isamashi-senpai!" Mishima's body straightened. "I'm sorry. I... I was spacing out, wasn't I?"

"It's okay," Hiro smiled with a shrug. "It happens. By the way, have you met Amamiya?"

"Hmm? Uh..." Mishima turned to Ren as his eyes went wide as face went to one of visible shame which didn't go unnoticed by Hiro. Mishima was a quiet guy, but he was one of the more formal students from Shujin that didn't go around blurting out rumors which is why Hiro liked Mishima.

"He's in my class," Ren confirmed.

"You don't say?" Hiro said.

"Senpai...?" Mishima spoke up. "Is it really true you're not coming back to the volleyball team?"

"I'm not," Hiro nodded. "I'm focusing on my final year here to get into college."

"I see..." Mishima said. "Is there anything else you wanted to ask me?"

"Nah, we're just headed to the roof," Hiro stated.

"But, nobody's allowed up there..." Mishima mentioned.

"True," Hiro agreed. "The only one's allowed up there is the Gardening Club."

"We're meeting Sakamoto-san there," Ren admitted.

"Oh, okay..." Mishima said. "Just head up the stairs and you'll get there."

"That's right," Hiro smiled. "See you later, Mishima. Take care of yourself."

"Sure, senpai. Thanks." Mishima nodded as Ren and Hiro left for the stairs to get to the roof.


Ren followed Hiro up the third floor and couldn't help but stare about. He was mostly checking to see if he saw the school's hall revert to the castle earlier when his head started hurting for a second when Ms. Kawakami checked on him. The teacher must've thought he sounded insane when he asked her if this was a school, luckily she brushed it off. Ren heard people talking about him as he walked by, just the occasional mentioning of his criminal record and thinking he's some kind of thug who carries a knife but he can ignore those. Ren saw plenty of students and teachers about in the halls, in front of the stairs he and Hiro were heading toward there was a floofy, auburn-haired girl in a pink sweater speaking to a female teacher as he overheard their conversation.

"By the way, thank you for volunteering to take care of the planters."

"Oh, it's no trouble," the girl said. "I'm not sure I'm up to the task though..."

"Don't worry. You're being a huge help. Oh, and I'll make sure the roof is unlocked for you... I imagine it's going to be a lot of work, but I'm sure you can handle it."

"Alright, I'll do my best!" the girl smiled. "I'll go take a look at them later."

"Hey, dude," Hiro's voice called to Ren who was partway up the steps. "You coming?"

"Yeah," Ren said and followed Hiro to the roof as the entrance was unlocked. Ren took in the sights while on the school roof. It wasn't anything special but he did notice the plants in the corner which was probably what that student and teacher were talking about. Waiting on the roof was Ryuji, who was leaning back in a chair and turned his head once he saw them approach.

"There you are," he said to Ren. "Sorry for callin' you here like this. I see you brought senpai along, too."

"Yeah, bumped into him earlier," Ren mentioned.

I wanted to talk about the castle," Hiro said. "So, I came along with Amamiya. Is that alright?"

Yeah, it's fine," Ryuji nodded. "Oh, yeah? About Kawakami?" he questioned Ren. "Bet she told you stuff like 'Don't get involved with Sakamoto', huh?"

"How did you know?" Ren asked and then shrugged. "Well, all she said was that you're trouble."

"Figured as much," Ryuji sighed. "Then again, we're in the same boat. I heard you got a criminal record. Everyone's talking about it. No wonder you were so gutsy."

"Anyway," Hiro coughed in his fist. "Can we talk about the castle? I can't stop thinking about it."

"Right?" Ryuji agreed. "What was all that happened? You know, how we almost got killed at a castle... It wasn't a dream, right? You guys remember it too, yeah?"

"It couldn't have been a dream..." Hiro mentioned folding his arms. "Most dreams can never feel that real."

"Yeah," Ren agreed as he leaned against a desk. What senpai just said was true. What happened in that castle can't have been a dream and they couldn't have been dreaming at the same time since that wasn't possible.

"Well, just 'cause we all remember it doesn't mean much though," Ryuji frowned. "I mean, even if it was a dream, you saved me from Kamoshida." he grinned in appreciation. "So yeah... Thanks, Amamiya."

"You saved me, too," Hiro smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Amamiya."

"It's no problem, guys," Ren said. "It was nothing. Anyone would've done the same."

"Maybe," Hiro shrugged. "But you're being too modest. Just face it, you know you're the one that gave us a chance to escape."

"You're right," Ren smirked as he pushed up his glasses. "What would you guys have done without me?" Hiro and Ren chuckled in agreement toward Ren's small jest.

"But man, that Kamoshida we saw there..." Ryuji brought up. "You prolly don't know about it, but there are some rumors about him." Ren noticed Isamashi-senpai put his head down as his face lowered into a glower.

"Kamoshida is that guy we met earlier, right?" Ren asked.

"Yeah, the ripped mophead," Ryuji growled. "That asshole who was all full of himself at the castle. No one says anything against him 'cause he's some medalist who took the volleyball team to nationals. The way Kamoshida was king of that castle felt crazy real 'cause of that... I wonder if we can go back to that castle again..."

"Maybe...?" Hiro seemed to ponder the thought.

"Ugh, forget it!" Ryuji groaned standing up. "Must've all been a dream! It has to be!"

"It sure was a very realistic dream," Ren noted.

"'Realistic', yeah," Ryuji said. "But it couldn't have all been real."

"It is hard not to think about it," Hiro stated. "But we should stop thinking about it for now. Trying to figure out something you don't understand will give you a headache."

"Probably..." Ryuji sighed. "Anyway, sorry to drag you guys up here like this. That's all I had to say." he looked at Ren. "Ya know, we might be pretty similar. I have a feeling we'll get along just fine as 'troublemakers'." Ryuji commented with a grin.

"Who are you calling a troublemaker?" Hiro asked raising an eyebrow.

"I mean, you're pretty much in the same boat, right senpai?" Ryuji said. "I hear some members of the volleyball team and students are avoidin' you since you quit the team, huh?

"Like the plague," Hiro sighed crossing his arms. "By the way, is that rumor for real?" Ryuji wondered. "The one where it says you and Kamoshida were close to beating the shit out of each other?"

"We were not close to beating each other up, though the arguement did get a little heated..." Hiro informed. "You know how rumors are, especially at this school."

"Yeah, for real," Ryuji agreed. "Though, that was pretty badass when you punched that other Kamoshida down," Ryuji smirked. "Gotta give you some points for that."

"Oh, thanks," Hiro smiled as he clutched his scarf. "It was nothing special. Felt good though."

"Hahaha! Anyway, I'll come talk if I see you guys around," Ryuji said. "Don't ignore me, all right?"

"You got it," Ren nodded.

"Seeya," Ryuji said and then took his leave which left Hiro and Ren on the roof.

"We should start heading home too, huh?" Hiro said. "You wanna walk to the station together?"

"Sure," Ren said with a smile.

"Okay, let's get out of here," Hiro suggested.


Hiro and Ren walked to the train station together, naturally, they both talked along the way there. Hiro asked Ren about his glasses since he remembered when he picked them up back in that dungeon, he noticed they were fake.

"My parents sort of insisted on it," Ren informed. "Saying they would make me less... intimidating, I guess."

"Oh, I see," Hiro replied. "They look good. You pull them off pretty well."

"Think so?" Ren questioned. "I doubt they're even working since the others at school are giving me wary looks."

Ren didn't seem like someone who would have a criminal record to Hiro. He wouldn't think any different of him if he had heard of it before. Besides, they didn't know Ren, then again, neither did Hiro but he knew Ren was a good guy especially since he managed to save him and Sakamoto.

"People can make whatever rumors they want," Hiro shook his head. "Listen, just don't worry about them."

"I'm not," Ren said. They arrived at the station and waited along with other patrons for the train to show up.

"So, where's your stop?" Hiro asked.

"Yongen-Jaya," Ren mentioned.

"Yongen, eh?" Hiro repeated. "That's after my stop. It must be tough moving to a new place huh?"

"Yeah," Ren nodded. "I mean, I've always wanted to go visit the big city, although, I didn't think it would take my current circumstance to achieve that." Hiro noticed Ren's thoughtful expression directed at the ground. He thought he might've asked the wrong thing, feeling to have offended Amamiya since he probably didn't want to remember what brought him here.

"Sorry," Hiro apologized as he clutched his scarf.

"Oh no," Ren shook his head. "You didn't need to be sorry at all, senpai."

"Well, I do hope the rumors about haven't been getting on your nerves," Hiro said as the train halted at the station as he and Ren boarded it.

"I've been managing," Ren shrugged. "Those rumors are only exaggerations but it's nothing to write home or cry about."

"Still, it must become tiresome to hear all that," Hiro said. "But I'm glad you aren't bothered by what people say." as the train zoomed down the tracks, it halted where Hiro's stop was. "This is me," Hiro stepped off the train. "Good talking to you, Amamiya. See ya tomorrow, yeah? Let's try to head to school without any detours tomorrow morning."

"Haha, yeah," Ren smiled. "See you tomorrow."

"Later," Hiro stepped off the train and headed back to his home for the day. Hiro unlocked the front door with his house key and stepped inside. He took his shoes off at the front door and noticed Hamuko's shoe's there, too. Hiro was thankful she managed to make it home safely and with no trouble or else she wouldn't have texted him.

"Hamuko!" he called. "I'm home!"

"Welcome back!" Hamuko called back from the kitchen. Hiro tossed his school bag over his shoulder and stepped inside. He saw Hamuko making her way to the dinner table and set two bowls of food on the table.

"Hey, bro," Hamuko greeted with a wave. "I thought I heat up the dinner before you got back. It's the Katsudon Dad made the other night."

"Thanks, kiddo," Hiro smiled. "Appreciate it. You do your homework yet?"

"Mmhm!" the young girl hummed. "Oh, and Dad called and said you weren't at school for most of the day. What happened?"

Hiro's face paled as his kid sister asked him about today. Hamuko's a smart child so she definitely wouldn't believe him about the castle. Right, the castle. Hiro wondered if it was possible to go back to it. He turned to Hamuko and decided to give her a half-truth.

"Just took a little bit of a detour," he wasn't entirely wrong.

"I bet Mako-san was mad that you were late," Hamuko mentioned with a smile.

"She was... something," Hiro said with a small chuckle. "Though, she was more relieved that I was okay. Speaking of, was Dad mad when he called?"

"No," Hamuko shook her head. "He didn't seem like it. He also wants you to call him right when you got back."

"Okay, I'll call him now," Hiro nodded.

"Hurry back," Hamuko expressed. "The food will get cold."

"I will," Hiro smiled and walked up to his bedroom.

Hiro opened the door to his bedroom and stepped in. There was a shelf stacked with old sports trophies as he played a lot growing up, a couple of movie posters on the wall beside his bed, including an old Featherman Poster he never bothered to take down from childhood, a closet with his clothes hung from hangers, a small shelf stacked with books and a desk he uses for studying as well as his computer. Beside his computer is a picture taken from a different time. It was a family photo from when he and his family had an outing at Inokashira Park. It was done around the time when Hiro's mother, Junko was alive. She was a beautiful woman, with brown eyes and silvery-white hair as she was who Hiro inherited it from. She smiled brightly at the camera holding and holding a two-year-old Hamuko, Akitoshi was smiling with an arm around Junko and had his hand on a 10-year-old Hiro's shoulder with Hiro grinning and holding up a peace sign. Hiro walked up to his desk and set his school bag on the chair in front of his desk. He looked at the photo and smiled and sighed.

That feels like a lifetime ago... he thought.

Hiro removed his blazer and dress shirt leaving him in his t-shit. He pulled out his phone from his pocket called his Dad's number as it rang a few times until his father answered.

"Hello, Dad?" Hiro spoke first.

"Hiro..." Akitoshi said. "Would you care to explain to me why you were late to school today?"

"Oh, so you heard, huh?" Hiro said as he could hear the slight disappointment in his father's voice.

"Of course I heard," Akitoshi sighed. "Shujin called the station. When I heard my son and a couple of other students were late I thought 'arriving at school ate doesn't seem like something Hiro would do'?"

"Yeah, okay, Dad," Hiro said. "I promise I won't be late for school. It won't happen again."

"I hope not," Akitoshi added.

"I know," Hiro said. "And it doesn't look good for a Third-Year to be late. Don't worry, I will not be late to school ever again."

"Good," Akitoshi sighed relievingly. "I was honestly worried something had happened to you."

"Heh, Makoto said the same thing," Hiro remarked.

"So you did talk to her," Akitoshi said as he was seemingly smiling through the phone.

"Yeah, spoke to her the morning you suggested it," Hiro noted. "I even took Hamuko to see her last Sunday. Talking to Mako again feels... nice."

"Nice to see to you two can still spend time together again after a few years," Akitoshi said. "You should see if you can bring her by sometime. Huh, what?" Hiro heard someone talking to his father on the other line. "I gotta go. I'm gonna be coming home late for a few nights so you and Hamuko will have to finish off the leftovers. Once those run out, go ahead and order food."

"Okay," Hiro nodded. "We'll be fine, Dad. Be careful."

"Same to you, son," Akitoshi said. "Good night."

"Night," Hiro said as he hung up. Hiro sighed again as he placed his phone on the desk. He heard his door creak a little and figured someone was behind it.

"Hamuko, I know it's you," Hiro figured. "Come in." sure enough, Hamuko opened the door. She had bashful look on her face, holding her hands in front of her as her eyes were pointed at the ground.

"Was Dad mad at you?" Hamuko questioned

"Nah, he wasn't," Hiro smiled. "He seemed more relieved than angry with me."

"Okay," Hamuko nodded. "I'm glad Dad wasn't mad at you."

"Everything's fine," Hiro commented. "Dad's only trying to look out for us and try to protect everyone in Tokyo."

"Yeah!" Hamuko giggled. "Dad's cool."

"That's true," Hiro grinned. "Coolest Dad around. What's say we go eat, huh? Because I'm honestly starving."

"Let's go," Hamuko said as she walked off. "So, why were you late? Did you get into a fight before going to school?"

"Not exactly," Hiro chuckled. "It's a long story but you could say I had a 'part-normal school day'."


Day: Monday

Date: 4/11/20XX

Time of Day: Evening

Weather: Cloudy

Location: Leblanc

Ren walked into Leblanc with his hands in his pockets. He assumed that Sakura-san wouldn't just let him pass by without saying something about him being late to school today. As Ren had figured the older turned to face Ren with a disapproving glare.

"Hey, I got an interesting call from the school ," Sojiro said. "I hear you ditched a day on your first of school."

Ren knew it would be pretty stupid of him to mention anything about the castle to Sakura. He'd probably just give him a funny look like he was crazy. So the best thing for him to say was to apologize.

"It was an accident," Ren stated. "All I can say is that I'm sorry." Ren rubbed the back of his neck.

Sojiro only sighed in irritation while pushing his glasses up. "Look, just behave yourself. One wrong step and your life is over. You do know what probation means, right?"

"I do," Ren nodded. "OK then," Sojior sighed and at that time his cell phone rang in his pocket and he answered it. "Hey, what's up? Yeah, I just closed up shop. I'll be there in half an hour." he said with a smile until he noticed Ren was still standing in the same place. "Hey, what're you standing around for? Go hurry on up to bed." Sojiro put his phone back on his ear. "No, I just hired a part-timer. Don't forget to lock the door and turn all the lights off, OK?" Ren only gave the older man a nod and started walking upstairs. "Yup, I'm leaving now," Sojiro reassured who was talking to on hsi phone. "I told you, he's a part-timer."

Ren went upstairs to the attic and decided to turn in for the night. Ren never felt so tired in his life, he figured the exhaustion he was feeling must have been from all that happened today. With the school turning into a giant castle and his awakening to that power.

Persona... Ren thought about the word he uttered to bring out that power, Persona.

He was still confused about how he was able to even do that. He wondered if he could talk to Igor and those twin wardens again? Maybe they would have some answers to what that all was about. Ren decided not to think on it anymore and get some sleep, getting into his covers and beginning his slumber.


[Velvet Room]

Ren's eyes snapped open and found himself in the jail cell in the Velvet Room. He sat and felt his head and also noticed he was wearing the same prison garb as before.

"About time you've come to," said the commanding voice of Caroline. "On your feet, inmate!" she ordered striking the cell door with her stun baton.

"Our Master wishes to speak with you," Justine informed in her more polite tone. "It's for your sake that you take his word to heart." Ren walked closer to the cell door and grabbed hold of the bars so he could listen to what Igor has to say.

"First off, let us celebrate our reunion," Igor said in his calm and deep voice. "Oh...? You have awakened to your powers. And special ones at that. Your rehabilitation can finally begin."

"Now can you tell me what you mean by 'rehabilitation'?" Ren asked. Trying to see if he can get an answer from Igor so he can understand.

"There's is no need to understand it all for the time being," Igor explained. "You will be training the power of Persona, which you have awakened to."

"Yeah, about that...?" Ren inquired. "I don't really understand it. But what is 'Persona'? Because that's what I was hoping to ask you."

"Personas are, in other words, a 'mask'-an armor of the heart when confronting worldly matters. I have high expectations for you."

Ren blinked with a look of confusion. "What do you mean by that?"

"There is no need to worry," Igor stated. "You will learn when the time comes. By the by... have you come to appreciate the Metaverse Navigator?"

"Metaverse Navigator?" Ren repeated.

"Using it will allow you to come and go between Palaces," Igor described.

"Palaces?" Ren repeated once more. He was hearing a lot of new information from Igor even though it was taking a little bit to process it all.

"I bestowed it to you as a means to train you as a thief," Igor said.

"The Metaverse Navigator is a gift from our master!" Caroline added. "You better take care in using it, Inmate!"

"Devote yourself to your training so that you may become a fine thief," Justine said.

"It must be disheartening to make use of the Metaverse Navigator alone," Igor mentioned. "Should there be others who would prove beneficial to you, I will grant it to them as well. This is all for you to grow as a most excellent thief..." The loud bell rang signaling that Ren's time in the Velvet Room was up.

"Hmph, it's time..." Caroline scoffed. "Go back and enjoy whatever rest you might have."


Originally, this chapter was going to be a long one. We're talking over 14,000 words. But I cut it in half since I'm trying to pace the story a little better. Nothing really exciting happened, so this is more of a relaxing chapter from all the craziness back at Kamoshida's castle.

Reviews...

zack25king: Glad you're enjoying it. Something I want to try doing for the fights in this story is making the fights more free-flowing instead of just making the fights similar to how they look in the game. I'm especially going do it like that for when the characters have their awakenings and boss fights. Free-flowing.

As for pairings, I honestly might pair Ren and Ann together. I'll also most likely do the same for Ren and give him a second girlfriend. He is the protagonist. You gotta give him special perks XD

Clarent excalibur: Yeah, I may be leaning more towards Makoto for Hiro's pairing. Even though, they are only friends at this point. But who knows what I have in mind for them later.

Never thought about Hiro being apart of Operation maidwatch. If he is going to apart of it, that's exactly what he'd be thinking.

ShadowUzumaki55: I'll be keeping Hiro's second girlfriend a secret for now, but people are free to make their assumptions on who it's going to be.

ReallyLazyReader: That's another thing I'm trying to do. I'm trying to approve the writing and make it a bit better than the previous story. I also felt the other story was kind of all over the place when it came to pacing. I hope the pacing is a little better here.

GreenD109: It's a surprise, isn't it? It's because I wrote chapters out before I started posting this, so I could know what direction I want to take with this story.

I thought about this and decided that Yasuhiro's Japanese voice actor is Kensho Ono. He voices Giorno Giovanna from Golden Wind.

Naruto RWBY: Hey, if Hiro's going to work with Ren and Ryuji, then he's definitely going to try and stop him, he'll totally want to take him down after what he does to a certain character.

Alright, that's all I got for this one. Hope you come back to read the next one.

Update:

I have removed Kaede from the story because I realized she didn't fit(especially for a certain segment later on. No spoilers for those who might not have reached that point). Her story was that she was one of Haru's maids and works at the Okumura residence. And yes, she also would have become a love interest for Hiro's father but I'm trying some new things here, especially with Hiro's father.

I'll see you guys next time!

Later!