Here you guys go, an update. Enjoy the story...
June 18th:
The Velvet Room was a strange place. This was where I met Elizabeth and Igor. Igor had told me that the room was a realm between dream and reality. Although the residents were cryptic, they provided me information and a contract to a power beyond my imagination.
I chooseth this fate of my own free will…
This place was truly a solstice of mysteries and answers. The song playing in the background resonated with the blue room. Nostalgia seeps in and brought back many memories…
"Ugh, my head…"
Who are you?!
There was an odd man slouching on a couch across from me. He had a fedora that obscures his face and a blue Armani suit that was sloppily donned. His tie was crooked and he had unkempt, short white hair.
"Of all days, you had to pick up the key now?" he groaned, "Well, give me a moment to compose myself."
The young man peered from the shadow that was cast by his fedora. His eyes were yellow and his hair was white which could mean that he was related to Margaret and Elizabeth. Compared to both of them though, he spoke less formal and seemed to be less dignifying.
"Hangovers are just the worst, am I right?" he smirked weakly.
He then grimaced when I didn't change my expression.
"All work and no play huh? Well then down to business I guess, I'm quite sure you have a lot of questions," he stated in a playful tone, "The name's William, an assistant of boss-man Igor and a resident of the Velvet Room. It's nice to make your acquaintance."
"I'm Minato Arisato," I said, "Can you tell me where is Igor?"
"He's busy with another guest and thus entrusted me with this task. Of course, Elizabeth wanted this job but she too has an important assignment. She'll probably be here, just not today."
He started stretching and relaxed his muscles. He then pulled a familiar piece of paper from his coat pocket. He handed it to me and I looked over it. It was the contract that I had signed as Makoto Yuuki. With this, this confirmed that Makoto Yuuki indeed existed at one point in time. I gave him back the contract and he continued.
"I know this is kind of hard to believe considering that you've been living on the science side but you have been reincarnated."
I wasn't sure how to reply to that since he blurted out so frankly. He wasn't cryptic or spoke in riddles. He just bluntly told me without any hesitation.
"Reincarnated?" I dumbly repeated.
"Yep, reincarnated, reborn, revived, etc. in other words, you came back from the dead and living the life that is known as Minato Arisato. I don't know how she did it, but she managed to remove your soul and you ended up here in this world."
"Can you give me proof?"
This was too hard to believe and I can't really trust the person before me. After all, I've been lied to by men wearing suits.
He held opened a book and flip through the pages. I loomed over to see and to my surprise the books were showing me the memories of Makoto Yuuki, my memories. He was showing me the [Persona Compendium].
"I'm sure that this is a lot to take in," he said.
"Does this mean everyone was incarnated and I had failed to stop the fall?"
"No, you created a seal. Your soul was extracted and return to the cycle of rebirth. The ones you know are not the ones from a previous life but in a parallel world."
"Parallel world…?"
"I'm sorry to be the one to break the bad news but there's no way for you to return to them without resorting to drastic measures…"
"Like…?"
"I'm not allowed to say that," he closed his eyes, "I'm sorry…"
I only looked at him with heavy eyes to which I rubbed tiredly. I can only feel frustration and my restrain from getting angry. I know that William is only doing his job and sincerely apologized. However, it wasn't easy for me to accept. I push the thought away and return my stoic façade.
"At least tell me this. Are they okay?"
"…They're living life to the fullest and they remember you fondly."
I was downcast that there was no real way for me to join my old friends but at least I know they were doing okay. That was at least enough for me. Although I would be lying if I said I wasn't saddened by the revelation that I will never meet them again…
"Anyways, I'm here to inform you to be very careful. There might be people who want you to join them or die."
I glanced up and continue to listen to him.
"I'm not sure what their motives are but because of your existence being quite unstable right now, caught a lot of attention. So on behalf of my boss, I'm here to be your support."
"…Can you tell me about my powers? Is it [Persona] or…?"
William interrupted me by putting his hand in front of my face.
"I know about the Power Curriculum Programs and Systems Scans…"
I looked at him with astonishment but he gave me a cocky smile.
"My role is a little different from Margaret, Elizabeth, Theo, and the other residents here. I'm kinda like an investigator or diplomat. I go explore other worlds and negotiate. It was kind of difficult but I managed to pull some strings. So long as I don't interfere into their affairs it's all good. Don't know about you though."
I have to ask myself now. Will I be alright with this person watching over me? He looks too unreliable and irresponsible. I can feel it, this journey, will be a pain.
"As for your [Invalid Entry], it's a weaker version of an [Auto-Skill] from another world, called [Battle Aura]. It's not really a spell or Esper ability but a special power only exclusive to you in this world due to the influence of the Universe Arcana. As for why the scans keep failing, I think that has to do what Elizabeth did."
This information caught my interest.
"What did she do?"
"Beats me…"
I only slouched in disappointment.
"Anyways let's put this to practice. Shoot me with an Agi spell."
I only blankly looked at him and wondering if he had lost his mind.
"I don't know how to summon a [Persona]," I casually stated, "So I am unable to use any skills."
"Don't worry. All you have to do is visualized a [Persona] with an [Agi] spell first…"
I thought about Orpheus, my first Persona I had used. This was a similar concept to Personal Reality. Whatever the world an esper perceives shall come to life, so to speak, and this is the source of all esper power. Yet, is this also where [Personas] come from as well?
"Good, now imagine flames coming from your [Persona] and into your hands."
Flames wrapped around my arm and I aimed it at William. I shot the flames at him and he took no damaged from the attack. It felt like a Level 2 attacks…
"Good, so long as you imagined/remember a [Persona] and visualized its skill, you are able to use it. However, you cannot use any higher level skill since you haven't been trained in it. You will strain yourself if you try to go any higher without proper training. Furthermore, it takes away your [Invalid Entry] ability. So be careful."
I only nodded at him and he presented a new contract. He longer held any childish tone or attitude anymore. It was replaced by a mystifying smile filled with ambiguity.
I chooseth this fate of my own free will…
"Please sign this, if you wish to know the true origins of your ability and so you may survive the upcoming events that are about to unfold…"
"…I thought you said you didn't know what Elizabeth did?"
"I don't know the method, but it doesn't mean I don't know what it is. I cannot divulge any more information than I already have. Otherwise it goes against my contract with a certain lightning-wielding, one-eyed women and my boss wouldn't be too happy…"
I hesitated for a moment but I know I had to accept the fact that I can no longer return to them anymore. I had died and they have finally moved on living their lives. If I return, they will by happy but it would only bring them more anxiousness. I shakily picked up the pen and signed my name as Minato Arisato.
That's right. I'm no longer Makoto Yuuki but now, I'm Minato Arisato. I was once Makoto and Makoto was me, but I'll live my life as my own alone. It's painful, I feel like shedding tears and I was disheartened. Regardless, I too have to move on and live my life.
I still like to believe, that no matter how far apart we are, our bonds, was still there.
"I wish you best of luck on your journey and pleasant dreams…"
My eyes closed and I slept.
June 19th:
My alarmed went off early morning and I got out of bed. I contemplated all that had transpired in the Velvet Room. It's as I thought, it was harder to get over them. Even though they were alive, it was still hard to move on…
I wondered if it really was a dream.
I sighed and started to walk to my closet when I heard my kitchen was being used by a young man. I turn my head quickly.
"You're up early~! Did you have a pleasant dream my young master~!"
It was William wearing his fedora which covered half his face but there were some horrific details in the mix. Other than his fedora, he was naked under his frilly apron.
My expression may remain disinterested but my eyes, my soul was in anguish in the dreadful scene before me, screaming in agony.
"I thought this was popular in Japan," William hummed, "Or did I get something off?"
It was beyond off! I'm not in the mood. I call upon thee, Satan!
"Black…"
"Hold on, it was a small joke! No need to blast me to—!"
"…Viper!"
I fired a powerful Almighty Skill which destroyed my kitchen and worn me out in the process. When the smoke cleared, William was gone.
"It seems when one undergoes great stress, or fear for one's life, they may obtain power during their time in need. In other words you were able to go beyond what you can currently do. Good job!"
William appeared behind me unscathed and fully clothed.
"What?" he asked, "I thought you wanted proof? Well, here I am~!"
I can only sighed heavily and wonder if I would be alright with this person as my support…
"Whatever," I stated, "I'm going to change and head off to school…"
"Okay, I'll repair the damages since it was partially my fault…"
I'm starting to regret undertaking this journey already. Please, Elizabeth, come back!
Later in the day, after school, I decided to get tested with my level again. This time however, instead of Yoshikawa-sensei, it was a familiar doctor I know, which for some reason reminds me of a certain amphibian. No offense though.
"If it isn't Arisato-kun, are you here for another scan?" he asked smiling.
"I apologized," I somewhat smiled, "You and Yoshikawa-sensei are the only people who would do any scans for me…"
I became somewhat infamous among the researchers for my numerous failed scans and failed theories that they avoid me as much as possible. Only Yoshikawa-sensei or the doctor would see me. Even then, I know that they're busy which makes me feel somewhat apologetic.
"It's okay. You're one of my patients after all. Well then, shall we begin?"
I followed him and began many testing as well as examinations. Finally, the level scan from the machines but as usual, an error had occurred.
"So doctor," I sighed, "There was still an error?"
"Yes, and as usual, we don't know the cause. Yet, according to the other test, your [Invalid Entry] grew a bit stronger which may reduce or nullify an attack. The test makes me worry a bit…"
"Why's that?"
He paused and didn't look up from his clip board. He only sighed in relief as he finished looking over something.
"It doesn't look like you're taking that crystal since your health seems fine. Anyways your AIM field is quite strange and I wish to consult with an expert on this."
"Can tell me what your assumptions are then?"
"This is only basing off from what I know but it seems that your AIM Dispersion Field fluctuates too often that the scans cannot completely analyze your level properly thus causing errors in the system. It's almost like a contained RSPK Syndrome…"
RSPK Syndrome, Recurrent Spontaneous Psycho-Kinesis Syndrome, also known as Poltergeist, is when an esper loses control of themselves due to trauma or stress. They unconsciously released a burst of uncontrollable AIM Field. This results in poltergeist-like phenomenons to occur in certain areas.
Hold on, that sounds too similar to [Persona] or [Shadows]…
"It's odd though," the doctor continued, "We can't scan your level but we can scan your brain. However, I don't see that many abnormalities other than your AIM Field behaving as a barrier. In addition, I don't see normal symptoms of RSPK Syndrome in you. Be at ease though, there's nothing really wrong with you."
"Thank you for your time doctor," I said, "I guess I'm still a zero in the last life and to the next…"
The doctor only looked at me oddly not getting the reference I had made.
"Arisato-kun, I don't think you should put down yourself like that. Anyways, your [Invalid Entry] only halts any anticipated stimuli that you perceive but I want to ask you something…"
"Yes, what is it?"
"I know you're a smart kid but do you perform any calculations when being attacked?"
Now that I think of it, when I was in danger and saw an attack closing in on me, I managed to block it without thinking.
"No…" I stated bluntly.
"I see…"
"By the way doctor, there's one thing I like to clarify…"
"What is it?"
"The number zero has two meanings to it. The first is nothingness…"
"The second?" he asked curiously.
"…Unlimited potential," I smiled, "Thanks doctor for your hard work. I'll see you around, take care."
"Goodbye…"
As I left, I heard the doctor muttered one last thing…
"What a strange kid…"
Nevertheless, I get the feeling that he was smiling…
July 11th:
Several days have past and it seems that William was teaching me how to control my abilities but he made himself at home. He sleeps in the Velvet Room but he annoys me from time to time. The strangest thing however was that he was able to fix my kitchen in less than a day. Eventually, I got used to his existence.
It seems I'm able to use all passive skills and traits when changing but I'm unable to use anything above second tier abilities. I'm still not sure how I'm able to use these skills since they don't require any calculations and when I ask about the magic side to William, he said that [Persona] isn't really magic since its closer to espers abilities. My powers are strange and a complete mystery to me. William also said in due time I will find the answer.
As for how I'm personally doing, it's bizarre talking to people who are my friends but at the same time they are different indiviuals. Of course, I'm still a little down about not meeting my old friends but there wasn't anything I could do at the moment to change that. So I lived life as usual, going through the motions of my routine.
It was after school Friday and I was entering into a café by myself since I had nothing better to do. Yukari is out in a mixer party, Junpei is hanging out with Chidori, and I'm not really acquainted with Fuuka. I certainly don't want to hang out with the Delta Force because all they ever do is talk about their fetishes and I also got a menacing intuition from Tsuchimikado-san that I should stay away from him.
I walked into the restaurant and a waitress took me to a table. Nearby, I saw some girls talking about some rumors floating around. After that, I left and saw a familiar face, Akihiko Sanada. I noticed there was a Judgment band on his arm. It looked like he was running into a market frantically. I ended up following him.
"Everyone evacuate, this is Judgment! There has been a report of a bomb being here!"
Everyone ran out of the store while I remained. He looked all over and picked up a stuff animal.
"Huh? What's this doing here?"
The plush toy stated to vibrate and imploding itself. I got a bad feeling from that. So I ran as fast I could to get in front of him.
"Hey I thought I told you to—!"
The doll exploded. Even though [Invalid Entry] reduced a lot of the damage, the heat and the debris were piercing my skin. The force of the explosion was pushing me back but if I had yielded to it, Akihiko would end up in the detonation. With determination, I shielded Akihiko to the best of my ability.
Smoke enveloped the whole area.
"Hey, are you okay!?"
I was standing straight up and smoke was engulfing my surroundings. My uniform was scorched and tattered. My skin felt a slight burning sensation and my head hurts from flying debris. I felt like I was body-slammed by a sumo wrestler but compared to the time I faced Elizabeth…
"I'm fine," I stated in a bored tone while dusting myself off, "this isn't the first time I was blown up."
I was speaking from experience from Tartarus, the Grim Reaper, Elizabeth, and STREGA but Akihiko just looked at me strangely. He then took my hand and pulled me away.
"C'mon, we need to get you treated!"
I kept telling him that I was fine but he was stubborn and dragged me to the hospital. I only sighed remembering Akihiko looking out for the team.
Even in this world he is still the same…
Date Unknown:
-Third Perspective-
In the Windowless Building resides Aleister Crowley, an androgynous man that's been put into a life support system. He is the superintendent and founder of Academy City. In addition, he is one of the most powerful mages alive and a crafty individual. He keeps his eyes on the city and his plans are unknown to most.
Motoharu Tsuchimikado walks in and reported back to Aleister about a blue haired young man.
"Ah, Tsuchimikado-san, are you here to report on [Invalid Entry]?"
"Yeah, there hasn't been anything significant with Ari-yan. He's kinda hard to get close to. If I had to say anything, the only note-worthy thing about him, is that he's got a strange ability and he's got a new roommate."
"Oh, is that so?"
"Sorry, his freeloader has the place on lockdown," Motoharu smiled, "He destroyed all of my magic talismans and all the cameras. I don't know what faction he's in but he's definitely good. In addition, getting close to Ari-yan is impossible since he's completely emotionless. His attitude kind of puts me off, y'know?"
"Hmm, I see, well then carry on to the best of your abilities…"
"Oi, Aleister, why are you so interested in Ari-yan? According to his profile, there wasn't anything significant to note. His parents died in an explosion when he was seven and moved to various places. The only thing that's off about him is his ability, [Invalid Entry]. If you compare him to Kami-yan, then he's not that interesting of a case…"
"Hmm, I can probably indulge your curiosity since I'm in a good mood. If my theory is correct, than [Invalid Entry] is an unpredictable factor. More so than [Imagine Breaker]."
Motoharu carefree smile faded away.
"What do you mean?"
"I got a report saying that he might theoretically be a Gemstone Esper and that his ability is growing stronger. Yet, the system scans cannot analyze his true ability or measure his true potential. By definition, an [Invalid Entry] is something that no system can recognize due to being an unknown variable. Thus he is an unpredictable element."
Motoharu frowned at his "employer" being vague but grinned at the prospect that Minato's existence is throwing a wrench in Aleister's plans. Even though he himself does not know what that plan is.
"There's still more info your holding out, aren't you? What is your theory on the matter?"
"…For now, he doesn't pose a threat but if he has a connection to the Collective Unconscious…. It would be interesting would it not?"
"The Akashic Records, all of humanity's thoughts…" Motoharu eyes widen at the revelation.
"It's only a theory and something that you don't really need to concern yourself. Please continue your job."
"… Whatever you say…"
To be continued…
Author's Note:
Lately this story is getting a lot of support!I decided to surprise everyone with William, an OC, here. Were you surprised? Anyways, since the Velvet Room siblings were named after characters from Frankenstein, I decided to name him after one of the characters and gave him a personality that was both strange but less formal/dignifying compared to the other siblings. However, I'm not sure if he will be well received since OC's seems to be hated quite often.
I gave quite a bit of information on Minato's ability but I'm not sure I did okay in explaining it. Hopefully I answered a lot of the questions being asked. As the the [Aero Hand] bit, I could've made a creative ability but it's quite common for espers to have the same abilities so I got lazy there. Plus it was the closes ability to Yukari that fitted. I've been told that what makes the To Aru series unique is how each of them use their abilities rather than the having the abilities themselves. For example I could have Yukari use her abilities to enhance her archery but I digress.
My main concern is characterization. I wasn't sure if i portrayed the characters very well and wanted to get some feedback on this.
Thank you for reading!
TheCipher...