I apologize for the long wait. It was kind of hard for me to get motivated writing and I had some stuff to do. Please enjoy the story...
July 19th:
10:58 PM.
The girl in front of me shot a beam of light. Thanks to William's support and equipment, I drew my blade from the scabbard with quick precision. I slashed upwards and managed to slice the beam in half without any trouble. Fragments of lights dispersed into the air but the force of the blast was nerve-wracking and sudden nonetheless.
This wasn't a good situation for me since I'm using a sword specifically meant for Iaido. I only practiced Kendo at my grandfather's orders and my discretion when I needed training with the sword when exploring Tartarus. For that, I want to hit William for his hypocritical advice. Furthermore, I'm outnumbered by two Level 4s and one level 5…
"What the hell is that sword made of?" one of the girls muttered.
Out of all the espers, I could have run into, I had to run into the fourth strongest. The plan to retrieve data has turn into a catastrophe. All I wanted was some info but looking back, it was probably a bad idea to follow William's suggestion in the first place…
July 11th:
Akihiko Sanada-Senpai dragged me to the hospital despite my protest that I was going to be fine. Thanks to the power of [Persona] with its versatile passive skills, such as Regenerate 3 and Cool Breeze, I would recover without any problems. However, he was persistent and didn't give me much choice in the matter.
"I just saw you two weeks ago and now you've return. I hope this doesn't become a habit just like my other patient…"
[Heaven Canceller], the doctor that does my regular scans other than Yoshikawa-sensei, chided me lightly. He sighed and continued to look at my chart.
"While it is commendable that you would save someone from a graviton bomb, you should take care of yourself more vigilantly. I already have enough on my plates thanks to that bomber…"
Apparently, there was a mad bomber attacking bystander nearby but sadly there were no leads other than a suspected method. Graviton bombs are created by the acceleration of quantum particles found in gravity. Only espers with the [Synchrotron] ability may do so, however, since its speculation that's actually the method used, they still can't rule out that there was another method employed.
"Thanks to your unusual ability, [Invalid Entry], there doesn't seem to be any serious wounds or fractures, just some small scratches. You're free to leave anytime. If you excuse me now…"
He got up and quickly left and a nurse rushed up to him. It looks like he was busy with other patients. I got up as well and headed out the exit.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Akihiko-Senpai clenching his fist tightly, sitting in the lobby. He always hated seeing someone hurt in front of him, especially his friends. Not only that, it seems that a few of his co-workers were caught up in another explosion, and there was nothing he could do but search for the culprit. He then noticed me, so he got up and smiled.
"What did the doctor say? Are you alright, it's nothing serious is it?"
Although he smirked, there was no denying that there was a mixture of guilt and concern in his eyes. He was genuinely worried about me and felt bad that I saved him. This made me curious since I never really got to know Akihiko. For some reason, I was compelled to ask a certain question.
"Did you lose someone important before?"
He looked at me in surprised and I mentally face-palmed. I asked something I shouldn't have. I wasn't suppose to know anything if he had answered yes but I'm hoping he will say no. I was afraid that yes would mean that Shinjiro-Senpai…
My thoughts were then ceased as Akihiko answered my question.
"…A long time ago, my sister and I went through a horrible accident," Akihiko closed his eyes, "After that incident, I wanted to become stronger and not lose to anything that comes my way. I didn't want to feel that sense of hopelessness again but, I couldn't do anything when I saw my comrades injured and when you went and save me."
"Is your sister…?" I began to ask but he stopped me from finishing.
"She's comatose as of now but it was due to my sense of carelessness that made her that way. That's why I wanted to become stronger…"
Akihiko paused and I remained silent. I didn't know that Akihiko had a sister, which begs the question, how well did I know my fellow members in SEES? Even if the person in front of me is an alternate version of the person I once knew, it created a guilty feeling that I should've gotten to know them better…
"I don't know why, but I feel like I could talk to you easily. I'm Akihiko Sanada, how you doing?"
He extended his arm and stretched his fingers for a handshake. In turn, I did the same and shook his hand. It was odd considering our customs but nonetheless, I complied.
"Minato Arisato," I stated automatically, "About my wounds, I should be fine thanks to my ability. Sorry for bluntly asking you an uncomfortable question."
"No problems but since I'm off duty, let's go get some ramen. I know a great place and we can chat a bit about your ability. It's the least I can do since you helped me out."
"Ah, its okay, I didn't do it to be thanked," I bluntly answered.
"C'mon, no need to be reserved."
He dragged me out once again. It didn't look like there was any way around it. Of course, I was curious about something as well. Like where was Shinjiro, Ken, Koromaru, or how Mitsuru was doing. Did he even know where everyone was and how they are doing or did he not know them? He might even lead me to finding where Aegis is. Or help me find everyone...
July 18th:
3:15 PM.
The mad bomber was caught thanks to the [Railgun] according to Akihiko-Senpai. However, he wasn't as happy since he didn't resolve the incident himself and decided to create a training menu in order to get stronger. I ended up joining him…
I don't mind due to the fact that I don't have any clubs and my school work is caught up but I don't know how training our muscles helps us level up. Nonetheless, William urged me to go along with Akihiko and train.
Akihiko-Senpai goes to a different school but he is a Level 3 [Electro-master]. However he mainly focuses on electromagnetism, so his ability is a more deviated version. Time to time, we would hang out occasionally or exchange some information regarding on suspicious activity.
He did know Mitsuru but he only met her a few times when the Kirijou Group funded a tournament when he was in middle as a boxing star before he became an esper.
When I slipped up about Shinjiro, Akihiko asked if he was alright or if he was in any kind of trouble. Furthermore, he inquired how I know Shinjiro-Senpai. I told him, I met him when he saved me from a bunch of delinquents, which was true in a sense.
The topic was obviously sore for Akihiko but he went into it nonetheless.
Shinjiro was in Skill-out. A group of gangs comprised of Level 0s claiming to fight for the weak but became nothing more than a cluster of radical factions. For them, espers above Level 0 is the enemy but not everyone of them was like that. Akihiko met a man by the name Wataru Kurozuma which was an example of a good person who truly fought for justice. Or so I'm told.
Anyways, it's unknown what happened to Shinjiro but the way Akihiko acted, it seems he's been missing.
He didn't go into detail but it is quite obvious that the same events had occurred in this world just like with the other but with several key differences. The woman was not dead but she's in the hospital and the child was nowhere to be found.
This led me to believe that the same events will occur if I don't intervene…
Perhaps I should console with William? Yet, the very thought makes me hesitant. Nonetheless I obtained some valuable info that Mitsuru is fine but both Shinjiro and Ken are missing.
5:43 PM.
I parted ways with Akihiko and I found myself reluctant in returning to my dorm room these days…
"Hey Minato welcome back~!" the cheerful yet bothersome voice called out, "Do you mind if I remodeled the Velvet Room?"
"…Why do you want to remodel the room?" I sighed.
"It's missing something crucial…"
He glared at me with a serious expression and I saw one of his eyes peaked out. Maybe this was something very important…
"It… needs… a… bar!"
Nevermind…
"Do as you wish but I must inquire something. How are you going to do that? Isn't the Velvet Room apart of my conscious?"
"Don't worry, I already did it~!"
He directed me the blue glowing door and unveiled that he indeed, turn the Velvet Room into a bar. The proper machines and equipment was present. Many assortments of wine were neatly shelved and the placed was well furnished. A jazzy tune was playing in the background and William was dressed in a black and blue bartender outfit. He still kept that stupid fedora which still obscures half of his face.
"Well? What do you think?"
I sighed and turn around. I tried to walk out the door but he tackled my waist and wouldn't let go. I struggled to get him off but he held on tightly.
"C'mon! Give me something! I work hard on this! Especially the fact that I was running around all night getting rid of all those spells and machinery that were spying on us!"
That immediately caught my attention. I finally stopped moving and he looked up in curiosity. As soon as he lessened his grip I broke free and turn to him.
"What do you mean spying?"
"I know!" he stood up and nodded, "I may like being seen but I don't swing that way with guys if you catch my drift! I'm not going to give them a free show."
There goes my chance of getting a serious answer.
"Nevermind that. What do you mean spying?"
He let go of my waist and stood up, dusting himself off. He gave an ambiguous smile and peaked under from his fedora, revealing a glowing yellow eye that eerily pierce my soul.
"Remember how I told you that the circumstances that surrounding you is quite strange and your existence may appear perplexing to others?"
The farcical tone of his voice had vanished and replaced by a serious one. I nodded in response and he walked to the bar and opened a cabinet. He took a bottle and carefully poured himself a drink.
"As I said, there are people interested in you and wish to know what you are. Of course, they might also find your very existence as a threat…"
"What do you mean?"
"As you should know, magic exist right?"
I'm still skeptical about that but considering that I'm a reincarnated version of myself and the Velvet Room is unimaginable in the first place…
I just nodded and didn't want to dwell too deeply in this since I can't disprove it.
"Only a select few within the science side knows the existence of magic. However, the two sides have been building tension for awhile now. I'm going to save you the politics and whatnot but basically they've been at odds and resorted to spying on one another. Poor Thomas Aquinas, it seems like faith and logic cannot coexist here…"
"So what you're saying here is that I'm in the middle of a cold war?"
"That's exactly it but that's not important."
Then what is?
"The main point is that they may want to know if you are a mage or an esper but the problem is that your power isn't really magic or science. Regardless, you may end up as an experiment or a prisoner if you're not careful. Hell, it could be worse~!"
Great, in other words, I might get dissected or something more terrible will happen if I'm don't start being discreet in my search for what I am…
"You have to live," William spoke in a serious manner, "Training your body and soul is the best way to increase your survival rate."
"Then is there a way to summon any of my [Personas]?"
"…There is but only if certain conditions are met. Until then you should investigate the popular rumors that's been going around…"
"You mean the esper that nullifies other abilities? That's Touma. Or is it Komoe-sensei? I didn't know that you're a lolicon…"
"No, it isn't your friend or your teacher. You should investigate the [Level Upper] rumor and the [Imaginary Number District]. The information regarding them will help you find the answer you're looking for. That is, the answer to your existence."
He didn't deny that he was a lolicon…
William headed out the door and stopped. His eye peered from under his hat and had a conceited smile…
"Of course, would you like to try an alternative option?"
Normally, I would answer immediately but I get the feeling something terrible will happen if I choose to listen and go through whatever he is suggesting. It reminded me of the feeling of Fuuka's home-cooking…
…
No, that's a bit of an exaggeration.
"What do you have in mind?"
His smile grew crazily and he gave a sniggered under his breath.
It was creepy.
"We're gonna hack and steal~!"
"…What?"
July 19th:
10:13 PM.
It was night already and I was standing outside of a lab that's been walled off.
I was outfitted with my summer uniform from school and a dark blue hooded jacket. William insisted that I wear it, but it was hot and so I didn't zip up the zipper. I was standing in front of a fenced off building that appears to be a lab. I held a strange sword and wore a headset asking myself why was I going along with this...
"Testing, can you hear me?" William talked through the headset.
"Loud and clear…"
"Good. Just to go over things, I used my ability to loop the cameras for a bit but I can't stop security robots or scientists wandering the night. That is why I provided you with some modified clothing as armor and a sword. The scabbard is made of a tougher material than lacquer, so rest assure, you can knock someone out with it but in worst case scenario… Well, let's hope it doesn't come to that."
"Question..."
"Yes?"
"What am I fighting that I need a sword for? Isn't easier that I use a gun instead?"
"It's better to use something that you're familiar with. Besides, using a gun with or without a silencer will only make the punishment worse if you're caught. Although I'll be nearby, this operation could go horribly awry at any point~!"
That doesn't fill me with confidence and why do I think that he's only making things more complicated than it has to be…?
"That's why I gave you equipment that gives you protection as well as acquiring data."
I get the feeling that I should've just talk to Akihiko, Junpei, or Yukari in the long run. Even the Delta Force would've been easier to ask about the ongoing rumors. Infiltrating a lab takes a lot more work than necessary. Whining now is pointless however since I'm here and I've been given equipment free of charge. I guess this is the consequences of picking the easy way out.
"Remember, load the data into the USB and get out. Then load it to a personal computer and you'll have a piece of a big puzzle. I'll provide you the same support as your Priestess Arcana did."
"You have the same powers as Fuuka?"
"Not exactly but it's sufficient enough to work. My [Persona] is at least better than most when it comes to gathering info. I don't get how you guys managed with only one support."
"Residents of the Velvet Room have their own [Persona]?"
"As far as I know, Elizabeth and I are the only ones but enough about me let's start the operation."
I only sighed and walked inside.
10:23 PM.
I walked through the empty corridors and found that something felt off. There was no one around. Usually, most researchers stay up in the middle of the night conducting experiments or doing further research but today, there was no one around. It was too deserted and the security was way too lax. I walked inside and found myself easily walking through the corridors without an access pass. According to William, he was the one opening the doors for me. It was incredibly easy but I still have a bad precognition.
I reached to the designated location but unfortunately, someone was still inside the office. I peered through the narrow window and spotted a woman in her twenties. She was typing away into the night with bags under her eyes but despite her drowsiness, she remained meticulous. It was admirable and it made me curious what she was desperately working on but her being there made my objective harder.
"She's a real beauty~! I wonder if she's single~!"
I ignored him and pondered on my next course of action. Lying and negotiating might work but it's too bothersome to come up with a believable story. I could go for the easiest route of using violence but I don't want to alert security and I don't like hitting girls unless justified. I sighed and decided…
"William," I whispered, "Is there another way to find an access point for collecting data or is there a way for you to get her out?"
"I can't drive her out but I could go scan for another plug-in but it'll probably be further inside the lab."
"Okay, I'll go hide in the bathroom until you give me the coordinates."
I headed inside a nearby restroom and hid in one of the stalls, waiting for further instructions.
"Okay, done. Head out and keep going right until you find a big green door. It'll lead you to the basement with a large computer sitting there, and from there I'll be able to pull some data. It'll take more time but there's no helping it."
I got of a stall and saw a researcher washing his hands and he turn around in astonishment.
"W-Who are you? You're not supposed to be here!"
I changed into Jack Frost and I pulled back my arm on instinct. My fist flared a green light and I throw a punch into the air. The green light collided into the scientist face and the force made him slam into the wall. He was on the ground not moving. I realized I used Sonic Punch on a normal person and went to check on him. He was breathing but out cold.
"Is it safe to use this on normal people?"
"Other than the fact that this skill has a ridiculous high rate of knocking out things, Sonic Punch is a weak [Persona] Skill, so he should be okay. I'm more surprised at the lack of sympathy."
I thought for a moment and I realized something.
"He looked like a certain scientist that tried to end the world and had delusions of grandeur. Of course, granted that this person isn't him, so he didn't deserve that," I stated monotonously, "He surprised me out of nowhere though."
I looked down at the researcher and picked him up and put him in a sitting position on the toilet lid. I closed the stall and in my mind, I apologize for hitting him. However, I pressed on for my search.
I found the door and continued to walk down the steps. I then saw a lone computer console with a few blinking lights on with old machinery parts scattered around it.
"Okay, plug it in for five minutes and we're done~!"
After I plugged it in, I decided to keep changing [Persona] out of pure boredom. As I keep changing out [Personas], it made me think, how many [Personas] can I hold? Wasn't my limit twelve and why is my power so weirdly formatted? I guess the only real thing to do is go along with William's shenanigans and see if this data will answer something. A strange sound broke my thoughts which made me stop at Jikokuten. It was the sound of toilet flushing in my headset.
"…What'd I miss?"
"Did you just go to the bathroom in the middle of an operation?"
"Well, what do you want me to do? Pee off the roof? Pretty sure it'll give away my position."
I only sighed at his remark and asked if the data was loaded.
"It's finish loading. Now the exit is—!"
The alarms went off. I asked if William what happened however he said that we weren't the ones that triggered the alarm.
"I don't know why but someone also infiltrated this lab. Regardless, get out of there quickly. Three espers are heading your way."
I put my hood on and retrieve the data. I ran through the stairway heading to a storage room. I saw the back exit but when I did someone was waiting for me. It was a girl with short black hair wearing a pink tracksuit. She had a sleepy look to her but I get a bad vibe from her.
"Hello, are you STREGA?" she calmly asked.
I was shocked at the revelation that STREGA existed in this world as well. Yet, I had to focus that I needed to escape. Behind me, two more people appeared and I found myself in a tight situation.
11:11 PM.
Thus lead me to my current situation and when I didn't provide an answer, the leader of the three opened fired.
"Looks like you're meeting ITEM," said William.
The sound quality however seemed to have dropped and I was hearing explosions on the other line. I ignored it for now and focus on the situation in front of me.
"ITEM…?"
"Welcome to the dark side of the city. They're a group hired to suppress anyone from gaining too much power. I don't know why they're here though but to think you're going to fight [Meltdowner], tough break, dude…"
"Hey, blue riding hood," one of the girls sardonically smiled at me, "Are you STREGA? I guess that doesn't matter since your intruding anyways."
I paused for a moment and decided to indulge her to buy some time.
"…I know who they are but I'm not one of them," I boringly stated, "Their ideals conflicts with mine. You could say we're natural enemies."
"And you expect me to believe that?"
"Believe what you want, but on separate occasion they have tried to kill me."
I really didn't want to fight them and was I looking for an escape route.
"It doesn't look like your lying but I have to take you in for some questioning. After all, you're trespassing."
"…Get into the room to your right and go through the window," William instructed.
"Unfortunately, I have to decline."
She smiled at me and fired a green blast of light towards me. I immediately used Zan-ei to slash a door to my right and jump on an opened, large window ledge. I balanced myself and ran as fast as I could. An explosion could be heard from the distance.
"…Three electron beam particles heading towards your six."
Thanks to Auto-Sukukaja, I dodged the attack easily but I lost balance as a result. As I was falling, I switched to Fortuna and used a Garula skill. The wind veiled my body and rotated me into a midair summersault. I landed on one knee and my foot but there was another adversary waiting for me.
"Our employers said there were three people who called themselves STREGA and hired us to deal with them. However, there was a super-additional order to apprehend a person in a blue hooded jacket."
It was a different girl with an orange hood. She lounged at me at incredible speed but at the last second I pulled my sheathed blade. Masakado appeared in my psyche and as I blocked her punch, she sent me flying into a wall.
"That sword and scabbard is super durable. I thought for sure I would shatter it."
Thanks to Masakado's traits, coupled with his Arms Master skill, I was able to intercept the attack. Yet, something was off about her. I shouldn't have taken damage but I did. For a second, I thought that her hand didn't touch my sheath.
"William," I muttered, "Can you give me a scan?"
Instead of a reply, there was only static on the other side of the line. I sighed wondering if someone was attacking him as well.
Ares came to mind. I got out of the wall and draw my blade. I unleashed the skill, Getsu-ei, which sends an arc-shaped shockwave towards the girl. The attack nudged her back a bit but she stood her ground. There was white mist shrouding her shoulder which meant that she had some sort of barrier.
"My [Offense Armor] cannot be broken by super weak air currents. Assuming that you're a Level 3 esper…"
The orange hooded girl charge forward and unfortunately for me, Sukukaja worn out already. I aimed my sword towards the ground and used Gale Slash to attack from all sides. I noticed that the force of my attack sent her back a bit. I switch to Fortuna and used Garula to push her back. Surprisingly, it was effective against her.
All of a sudden three balls of light exploded beneath my footing and dust blanketed the area. I was tackled from behind and retrained by the orange hooded girl. Her allies walked up to us as I struggle to break free but to no avail.
"You gave us a lot of trouble…" said the leader of ITEM, "Takitsubo, something wrong?"
"…Mugino, this person is eerie."
"What do you mean?"
"…My [AIM Stalker] can't record his AIM dispersion field. It's like looking at several people but they're not really there. It's kind of like looking at an apparition. It's creepy."
I'm still here y'know…
"Is that so?" said the one restraining me, "He feels super tangible right now."
Just then all the streets lights and buildings blacked out.
"A black out…?"
I then took the opportunity and changed into Sati. I used Trafuri and I teleported away from them. I cast Sukukaja and ran at top speed. I eventually lost sight of them and stopped to catch my breath.
There were many thoughts going through my head. That girl sensed something off about me and said that there were multiple entities within me. Not only that, but STREGA exist which may cause more problems in the future. A lot things transpired tonight that it was too much for me to process.
From now on, I better avoid ITEM and get home since it looks like I'm on their list. I tried calling for William but there was no answer. I sighed and felt fatigued. I trudged warily to my dorm room feeling tired from using too many abilities. Especially a second-tier ability was unlocked due to my desperate attempt of running away.
July 20th:
Summer has finally started but I feel horrible and exhausted. The alarm clock was ringing but I just didn't want to get out of bed. It was thanks to the blackout that I was able to escape ITEM but the Air Conditioner isn't working today as a result. I don't know why there was a sudden blackout but it was a mix blessing. For the exchange of my escape, I have to suffer in the blazing heat.
I retrieved the data but I didn't want to examine it yet. I was too demotivated from doing anything right now. I decided to paint in order to change my mood. That is, until I heard a growl from my neighbor's veranda. I peaked from the side on the balcony since the sound was incredibly loud.
"Touma-san, did you forget to buy groceries or are you out of food again?"
I saw a confused Touma-san and a nun resting on the railings. He and the white nun both looked at me. The nun held a befuddled expression while Touma-san had a flustered one. I scratched my and head sighed.
The nun's stomach growled once more.
"I'm hungry…"
To be continued…
Author's Notes: Hello and sorry it took awhile for me to update. It's sort of hard to write a story when your demotivated. As for pacing, I'm not sure if the pacing is great in this story but I'll try and not fill the story with too many fillers. I can't promise too much since my writing skills are not that great to begin with. So please bare with it as I try to improve. Anyways, if you guys have any suggestions on improving please give me some specific advice. Now to try something new.
Question time~!
1: Should Minato prevent some deaths that will occur since in the original story of Index, some people died, or should he leave it to fate?
2: Who should he team up with? (Don't worry, SEES members will have a bigger role)
3: This for fun but I'm curious to know what you guys think William's voice would sound like? It's been bothering me for some odd reason.
Thank you for reading.