Chapter Two: Ain't Home here.

Disclaimer: I don't own Persona franchise.

Did you ever have a prophetic dream? Stupid question, of course you did. But! Was it ever something that scared you? Left you truly terrified? Yup, that one.

When I woke up, it felt like my brain was full of boiling water. Not only that, but when I tried to moan, to do anything, I realized one other thing. I couldn't feel my face. It was totally numb. Managing to lift my hand, I softly touched my cheek.

"Damn…" I whispered somehow. Totally numb. At least it was only the face. But what the hell is going on? I pinched my nose. It would be funny if it wasn't MY nose! Miraculously, it worked. With a wave of heat, feelings returned. Straightening up in the futon, I looked around. There was a clock, calendar, mirror, table from yesterday, and a picture of beasts. It consisted of two circles, with three animals on each. On the outer, there were a wolf, an eagle and a turtle, while on the inner, there were a snake, a small bird and a bear. Strange… Must be some kind of symbol.

Calendar and clock were pointing out time (duh) – 2015, 21 of March, Saturday, 6:53. Huh, even being so tired, I woke up before my usual time. But craaaap… Even though I already missed, like… An eternity of school, going there after a spring break ends would be a freaking torture! For exactly the same reason...

I deny all accusations of me being lazy.

Suddenly, I heard someone knocking at the door.

"Shiki-sama! Are you awake?" It was Anya. Looks like my life is going to be put on schedule from now on… Fortunately, it seems that my waking up is right on.

"Yes." I started standing up. What will my life be like? What screw ups will I make trying to adjust? Ah dang it. I should really cut out on pessimism…

"Shirabe-sama awaits you immediately after breakfast. Do you require directions?"

"No, I think I'll manage. Thank you." I was pretty sure I've seen dining room right after entering.

"Hai, Shiki-sama. Please don't take much time." I heard steps going away.

Sigh. For some reason, I feel very disturbed around people who are trying to seem emotionless. It just rubs me the wrong way…

Standing up, I put my clothes on and my player in pocket. I am not going to go to breakfast in headphones, of course. They are going right after the player. Just as I was exiting the room, it occurred to me that I didn't know where the bathroom was. So much for not needing the directions… Sheesh. Guess I'll just have to go like that.

Touching the doorknob, I threw last glance at the mirror. Looking me into the eyes was an interesting seventeen year old guy. Silver-white medium hair, gray eyes, pale face without any noticeable quirks. Seems too good, right? Okay. I am really not strong. Agile, yes. Enduring, maybe. Fast, hell yes. But if I try to punch you, you'll probably get a bruise. Don't make a mistake: I can bring you down. Even though I will need a good reason for that. There are people who are not into violence, you know! Not everyone has a bloody delinquent past with death and sacrifices involved... Although I might qualify for some of those.

Clothes? Nothing much – green snake-like jacket with black jeans. Silver and green are looking great together…

Finally getting out, I moved in a direction of a dining room. Looks like I really did notice it that night. Walking in, I accessed the situation.

There were five people. Three were sitting at the table, and two, in a maid clothing, were standing, Anya being one of the two. I noticed that there was no one at the front chair, where head of the family was supposed to sit. Two maids were female, while three sitting consisted of a woman, a man, and a boy.

"Ah, there you are, Shiki." Woman said. She looked like she was in her thirties, had long black hair, deep black eyes and at a first glance, seemed to be beautiful in all aspects, even though not very endowed. Yeah, I know, call me a pervert. See if I care about that one.

"Good morning." I said with a small smile, getting a friendly nod from blond man and neutral "Mornin'!" from similarly colored boy. Sitting next to the boy, I didn't do anything. Better safe than sorry. Additionally, it looks like no one has started eating yet, so I really should wait.

"Is anybody else going to come?" Was my question. Not really rude, but clear enough. Man grinned.

"Well, it looks like head won't honor us with his presence." At that, the other two people stared at him strangely. Not that "rightful anger for badmouthing the head", no. Something like wonder, amazement and surprise. After a moment, woman smiled.

"Indeed. Let us start." And they dug into the food. I was left wondering, but hunger got advantage over me.

Food was great, actually. Looks like there is a chef hired or, more likely, one of the maids can cook. Hiring chef seems strange with such a small number of people living in the mansion. I mean, they only mentioned the head being absent! If you count maids who probably live right here, that makes six! Not that big of a number.

Breakfast went in silence. Finally, with plates empty and carried away by the maids, man started speaking again.

"I guess introductions are in order. Name's Tenga Hireki. That ten-year old runt over there," He grinned, ignoring indignant "Hey!" shout from the latter. "Is Aibu." Gesturing to the woman, Hireki blown his grin into a smile. "While that beautiful m'lady," She giggled softly, covering her mouth. "Is named Shiri, and-" He clearly wanted to say something else, but was cut off by a sudden feeling of dread coming from the woman. It didn't help that he was sitting right next to her.

"My little, pitiful relative…" At that, Hireki visibly shrunk... "Didn't I tell you… TO NEVER CALL ME THAT!" …And was comically punched right into the face. I assure you, comical it was. Even if painful for him…

"Let's go. You were summoned, right?" Shi… She humphed and turned to me. I slowly nodded, thinking: to be afraid, or not to be afraid? Nah… They seem like a good friends with a funny streak. Pointedly ignoring Hireki's leg, twitching under all the chairs… I wonder why the maids are not helping him? I guess that one is not the first time happening… What a frightening thought.

Anyway, making a "help me" face at the Aibu, I followed her, hearing his laugh and moans from Hireki.

We walked in silence, me still being weary from the incident.

"So… Had a good ride?" It looked like she cooled down and wanted to start talking.

"Yeah… I guess." After… Experiencing such an atmosphere, I started loosing up a bit. Won't harm.

"Erm… Aren't there more people in the mansion?" That was bothering me from the beginning. Seems really strange, if you ask me.

"Well, no. The thing is – practically no one but me really lives here. Every adult member of the family sends some money, and every month we get together and have a party." She giggled again. My opinion still stands – she is beautiful. Wait… Now I am starting to think it sounds wrong. A-anyway…

"Seems unusual for a large family that has a mansion. Very unusual."

"Well, the current head and the others before had a firm opinion that nothing good will come from seclusion. So, everyone is encouraged to have their own, semi-independent life, family and home. That way, they all don't have to depend on something, and get help at any moment. Following me on that?"

"I think I do… Everyone can help and be helped by someone, or everyone."

"Exactly, and we gather a lot of influence like that. Even when, say, female gets married out of the family, her children can still help us. And thus, we can get anyone out of trouble. Of course, we are no criminals. But we. Are. Legion." She turned around and made a SPOOKY face at me. Pause… And we both broke up laughing.

"I hear ya. Seems like a beautiful idea. And for how long was it working?" She frowned in thought and looked up to the ceiling.

"Hmmm… It all started, like, ten generations ago, so… Well, you can guess."

"Woah. Now I am starting to think if a mansion is too small for all those people."

"Nope. A lot of them just can't visit. So, we fit just right."

"Seems almost like utopia. Anyway… In that case, just interested – what's with Hireki and Aibu? You did say you live here alone…" Now that one was risky and could actually blow up in my face.

She stopped, and I felt softened up version of what occurred in the dining room. Now that was scary…

"I guess it's good that you asked me about that one, not someone else. But please don't ask anyone about that. It's not something concerning you, OK?" She turned around and I nodded.

"Understood." With that usual smile, she nodded in return and went on.

"He is my brother. Aibu is his son. Recently they had to move here. Home became just… Unbearable for them. Long story." Silence again. Finally, she stopped.

"Aaand here we are! Come in." She opened the door and walked in. Just like that. Realizing what was going on, I froze.

"Suddenly, I feel like an idiot." She turned around and rolled her eyes.

"Maybe it's justified?"

"I guess. So, to clear out all mistakes. May I know your name, milady?" I said with a slight, joking bow. She sat in the chair and smirked.

"My name is…" Dramatic pause… "Tenga Shirabe."

"Was that so hard to figure out?"

"Not really. After what happened in a dining room, my suspicions arose. I mean, what Hireki-san called you and those stares you gave him when he mentioned head being absent… What happened there?" At that she looked partially impressed, then laughed.

"Looks like he decided to play a joke on you. We went on with it." And test me for manners and attitude. But that one is better left unsaid. I smirked.

"I see. Now, on to with the subject, please?" Shirabe sighed and crossed her fingers.

"You're right. Well then… Obviously, I am aware about your… Situation, and I hope you'll manage to… Continue on with your life. We really should talk about this later. But, about your arrangements. You will live here. School is located nearby and should be marked on map given to you, like all the other important places. I noticed that your last school had lessons on Saturdays, but it's not the case here. So for the rest of a spring break you can familiarize yourself with the city. And at least once a week I'd like you to come here and have a talk with me about your experiences here. Please. So… Any questions?" She said cheerfully.

Everything that was said convinced me – she is worried. No, more like interested. Maybe she is bored, alone in this house and wants to have someone to talk to... Have a son? I have to admit, that thought screwed my mind a little.

"I… I think I understand. Only one question." And again, I couldn't help myself. "Isn't it lonely here alone?" I stared her in the eyes. For a moment, Shirabe looked startled, but then raised her eyebrow.

"Nope, not at all. There is a huuuge library here! And Kyrie, one of the maids here is a very good talking partner." She said cheerfully. Too cheerfully.

"I'll keep that in mind. Goodbye, Shirabe-san." I stood up and walked to the door.

"Oh, and Shiki? Welcome to the Kuwadorian." I turned my head at her, smiled, and nodded, walking out of the room.

Suddenly, on the edge of my hearing, I heard a strange crash-like sound behind me. Turning around, I looked at Shirabe. She was still sitting, nothing changed. She looked at me with confusion.

"Something wrong?"

"No, nothing. Hearing things, sorry…" With that, I closed the door.

On my way to the exit didn't meet anyone. Guess they went on a walk. Going out, I made a deep breath. Now, where do I go… School? Nah, I'll have plenty of time for that one. It must be closed anyway. Park? Nope, doesn't really count for "getting familiar with the city". Main square it is… Getting out my headphones, I turned player on.

((Katawa Shoujo - Stride.))

My opinion still stands. Daylight didn't make this town any worse, only better. Main square was just plain classic. Near café there were two girls chatting.

"Hey, you heard about sun eclipse yesterday?"

"There were an eclipse? Why didn't I see anything?"

"You couldn't see it from Japan. But, in one year there will be another, and we'll be able to see it! And total, to boot!"

"Cool!"

They never change...

Shops, clubs, arcade… The same as the other cities. Speaking of arcade…

"Oi! Hireki-san!" I shouted at the pair just walking into the arcade. Turning around, confusion evident on their faces, they noticed me.

"Shiki? What a coincidence. Are you going around the city?" Hireki smiled.

"Yes, something like that. Hey there, Aibu." I greeted the boy.

"'Ello…" He nodded shyly.

"What are you going to do now? Sorry, we are waiting for his girlfriend," Hireki grinned, again ignoring even louder than last time yell of "Hey!" from Aibu. "So four of us would make too big of a crowd. Alright?" - Hireki winked with a smile. I raised my eyebrow.

"No problem. I have quite a way ahead of myself, anyway. Good luck, Aibu." The latter groaned. I can see how it amuses his father… Just as I was walking away, I heard Aibu shout: "Suika-chan!", and looked back for a moment. There was a smiling girl the same age as Aibu, black hair tied in pigtails, running to the boy. They hugged, and went inside. Yup, good luck to you.

Well then, where to next? Shops? Come to think of it, I'll have to talk to Shirabe about my allowance… No shops for me right now. So, what else is here? Mall, shrine, asylum, park with a lake… Wait. Asylum? How the hell didn't I notice THAT first time? Okay, that one is not a really good object for sightseeing anyway. I'll go for the park.

Ah, so that's where all the good air comes from. I feel like I am on a sugar rush, for god's sake! Life is good, sun is blinding, birds are singing, a soul chilling howl from behind all the trees... Okay, that one's weird.

In a hindsight, I shouldn't have went off the path. I really shouldn't have. But, it's not like I had any choice in a matter.

...I think. On the other hand, it would have gone even worse further down the road.

I am not sure just for how long did I wander, but at some point it wasn't a mere park anymore. Sun could not get through all the trees. You know, I am fairly sure park zones inside cities are not supposed to look like that.

...Is that a moonlight I see? What the hell? It's, like, five in the evening! Universe does not work like that!

Understandably, I was freaked out something big and, when my eyes spied out a clearing, I abandoned all caution and ran there like man possessed.

As I literally fell out of a particularly nasty bush on that clearing, I managed to take a look on what transpired there.

…Moon was new just yesterday, and light was very weak. And yet that first picture, my very first encounter with nightmares of this accursed city, will forever be clear in my mind.

There stood two figures. One, shined upon by a pale light from the sky, was that of an adult woman, her black hair tied in a braid. Her slim figure was complimented by sharp features of her face. But, as an involuntary observer I could not possibly fail to notice woman's rigid posture, her stare affixed on one thing in front of her, katana in her hands pointed on it.

This… This thing, which stood there unashamed of it's wrongness, did not reflect light, but consumed it as a whole. Its features were that of a beast, a wild wolf, its eyes glowing with an eerie white light, fangs leaking with bloody blackness of a liquid, bared for the whole world to see… And be repulsed. And as I stared at it, my mind shying away from this horror, I knew one thing.

It did not, could not, must not belong. An alien being, for all the reality being a sacred duty to banish. How that woman could stand there, unflinching, I could not comprehend.

And yet, in the most terrifying realization of all, I knew.

As it stood there, the world itself was remade. Remade by its own image, descending into chaos….

And then they both looked at me.

Time stopped.

And that's how I ended up in this mess.

And so truly begins a story,

Of betrayal, death, faith,

Of a long path, obstacles broken and trials failed.

Of masks teared and new faces slipped.

…And butterflies.

Fucking butterflies.

Author's Note: If, by any chance, you are one of those who follow this story, you'll notice edited ending and next chapter's absence for a while.

The thing is, I started writing this less then an year ago with no clear path. That... Was obviously a mistake. Now, I have a much more clear path in mind. Let's hope it goes alright.

And hey, I would really love to hear your opinion. Tell me if there is something wrong with my writing.