A/N: I apologize for the late update, I've been rather plagued with school projects lately. Fortunately I'm on break right now so I have some time to dedicate to this.

I realize that I've neglected to elaborate on Persona 3 since I had planned on explaining everything as I write that particular section. But, since there are others that know of it already, it seems unfair that I keep everyone in the dark about it. So if you wish to know more about what Persona 3 is, here is a brief summary:

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 is a game that was created by Atlus. The game starts off by introducing players to the silent protagonist. He arrives by train to the island of _ and heads off to the dorm. There he meets the other boarders and begins a dark journey into discovering the "truth".

He is faced with Tartarus– a complex structure that is actually the school during the daytime. In this place lies the answer to the mysteries, but it is overrun with creatures known as shadows. These are monsters that steal the essence of people and leave them to be hollow husks. The only things that can combat them are persona – summoned by select people under extreme conditions. However this all occurs at a specific time only once a day.

The Dark Hour. A time when people are "sleeping" and only a handful are aware of this hour's existence. The protagonist and his friends are the only one protecting humanity from the shadows with the power of their persona.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, Mai HiME and Persona 3 do not belong to me. The only thing I claim is mine is this fanfiction. Any similarities to other stories are pure coincidence.

--

Chapter 2: Arrival

All was silent aboard the train as it continued its trek to Fuuka and other locations nearby. In one compartment though, there was a quiet knock as an attendant attempted to get the attention of the passenger. A few more knocks were heard until the attendant gave up in his task and gently called towards the door:

"Miss, we have arrived at the Fuuka Station. This is your stop is it not? Please wake up," Hiroshi whispered quietly. As one of train attendants, it was his job to inform passengers of their stops. This allowed other guests that may be resting to remain undisturbed. A loud announcement over the intercom would ruin the calm ambience of the train.

He shuffled from one foot to the other as he waited a response. Hiroshi had learned early that it was the best idea to be patient rather than rush the passenger once more. The last time he did, it ended with him receiving a verbal thrashing from a rather grumpy older man.

"Urgh," Natsuki had fallen asleep not more than half an hour ago. She did not want to wake up right then.

"Miss?" asked the train attendant once more as he drew out the word. He definitely was not in the mood to face tired passengers who would turn what little energy they had into yelling at him.

"Yes, yes I'm awake" groaned the exhausted girl. "You can go; I'll be out in a minute."

Hiroshi let out a breath he had not realized he'd been holding. Thank god. I thought she was going to yell at me.

"Will do miss. When you exit your compartment, walk down the corridor on your left side." He shuffled away onto the next passenger on his list.

The girl muttered thanks as she slowly rose from her sleeping position. Great. I barely go to sleep and then I have to wake up. Hopefully none of my dorm mates will notice the bags that are probably under my eyes…

She sighed and began gathering her luggage. It turned out to have been a very good idea to ship her bulkier things to the dorms in advance. Once Natsuki had all of her bags securely on her back or in her hands she headed out of her home for the night.

The corridors were lit up by small lights lining the ground on both sides of the walkway. How convenient. She continued on her journey as she exited the train and entered the station. The bright lights nearly blinded her as her vision was engulfed by masses of white blotches. Damn, the electricity bills here must be insane.

Multiple clocks displaying the times of various locations were ticking away as she walked under the arch where they were situated. It's almost midnight. She idly noted.

I guess I should have gotten an earlier ticket. Natsuki had neglected to check the arrival time when she had ordered her ticket online. Oh well. I better hurry though, knowing my luck, the entire dorm is bound to be sleeping already. Sigh…

She never really had an issue with time since she always had extra.

Natsuki continued her trek out of the station and into the busy night life of the city. It was simply amazing. The lights were dim but shone brightly in the pitch black sky. The moon shone with a silver luminescence as it unveiled all of the scenes of the night.

Lovers were holding hands as they shambled about the town. Some were entering certain establishments, while seeming giddy with excitement.

Groups of teens – perhaps some breaking curfew laws – were loitering about in front of 24 hour convenience stores or blasting their music at the steps that led into the station.

Workers were commuting home from late night shifts while others were running to make them.

Natsuki was quite used to this kind of life as she had lived in Tokyo for many years now. Yet it still amazed her each time. Probably because she was usually never out past nine due to Yamada's strictness and had always ended up missing the true night rush.

This is exhilarating.

The life throbbing through the city continued as Natsuki strolled along the sidewalks illuminated by streetlights. She took out her map as she passed by even more groups of people. So, just a bit more and I'll be there.

The lone girl had attracted some unsightly attention however, due to her unearthly beauty.

"Hey baby! Wanna hang out with us, we'll definitely show you a good time."

"Damn! Would I like to hit that!"

"You lonely I bet, being all alone. Come with me and I'll give you a wild night."

Comments like these were thrown towards her, but the girl walked on as they had all been stunned by the icy glare that she had given them. It was as if they were hit by a blizzard as those eyes lay upon them. She chuckled however when she heard the astonished gasps and deer-in-the-headlights looks she received.

She pulled out her headphones when she deemed it safe to do so and began playing Redemption by Gackt. The sounds of the night disappeared as her ears were engulfed with her beats.

By doing this however, Natsuki neglected to hear the raucous city ending abruptly.

--

This neighborhood seems quaint. The buildings have an appealing design and this area seems to be more family oriented. Odd, I would think that a dorm would be in a busier location.

Natsuki continued the inspection of her new home as she neared her destination.

Oh wait. I see now. This place is located close to a shopping district, no wonder – easy access to late night snacks or supplies. Mmm, I know one snack I would like right now. (Can you guess?)

It had grown cooler by now as the temperature dropped a few degrees rather suddenly. However, it was of little consequence as the navy haired girl had arrived before the dorm. I still see a few lights. Hopefully that means someone is awake at the moment.

She paused before the stairs leading up to the building and took a deep breath. She adjusted her hold on her luggage and rearranged her clothing. It's now or never. Natsuki wrapped her hand around the doorknob and began turning.

--

Surprisingly the door had not been locked as the girl had previously thought but she wanted to try first anyways. She entered into the parlor of the dorms and examined the area.

It was a bit dark but she could still see from the light a nearby lamp was giving off.

Hmm, whoever designed this place has nice taste.

And indeed they did. The parlor was a mix of contemporary and classic styles. It was split into three sections by low walls. The first section was by the entrance and it was the lounge. Past it were the dining hall and kitchenette and to the left of both areas, a pathway towards the curved stairs located at the back.

Towards the center right of door was a living room with two sofas and two armchairs forming a rectangular shape with a coffee table in the center. The longer sofa laid against the wall and on both sides of it were end tables. A bookshelf laid a little ways past the longer sofa in the direction of the window by the entrance.

Past this section was a large conference/dining table that accommodated many people. The living and dining rooms were divided by low walls that stopped in the middle to provide a walkway. Part of the wall separating the living room from the other areas formed a corner and a T.V. was placed there above a stand. Beyond the table, all the way in the back was the kitchen. It was lined with connected granite topped counters that had barstools before it. The kitchen itself was behind the counters and consisted of – from what Natsuki could see – a stove, refrigerator, and other things that she did not recognize. Maybe it's a dishwasher, how convenient.

But back to the parlor now, towards the left of the door as one walked through was an area that was reminiscent of a hotel counter. It had a long wooden counter that extended for quite a bit and then curved where a small gate closed that section off. A door lay in the region behind the counter and there were cubby holes for mail perhaps (???) that truly reminded one of a hotel. There's even a little bell.

(A/N: I describe this place badly compared to how it actually looks. If you want to see what the lounge actually looks like please view some YouTube videos of the game.)

Being in a childish mood, Natsuki went up to the bell and rang it once. It had a clear a quiet tone and Natsuki smiled at the soothing sound.

"I've been waiting for you."

The girl whipped her head towards the direction of the voice and found herself facing a young girl with blonde hair that almost appeared white due to the lighting. It was weird, she hadn't heard the child nor had she seen her in her previous inspection of the first floor of her dorm.

"Who are you?" Natsuki asked apprehensively. This girl frightened her a bit, but she wasn't about to show it.

"Hmm, well…You'll know soon enough. But first off, will you sign this?" The girl pointed towards a red notebook by the bell.

Was that there before?

"Is this a...contract? What's it for?" Emerald eyes glanced towards the blonde with a querying look.

"It's for you to be fully responsible for your actions, nothing more, nothing less…" She smirked back at Natsuki. That vicious grin seemed impossible for such a childish face.

Natsuki continued to stare at the girl attempting to discern her true intentions. The terms seem to be fine…but, I can't shake the feeling that if I sign this something terribly wrong is going to happen. She glanced once more at the girl and sighed heavily. The girl was a frightening combination of innocence and something else.

I'm gonna get nowhere like this. The contract is probably just regulation for everyone living at the dorm. I'm thinking too hard on this.

"Fine."

In a neat scrawl, the navy haired girl proceeded to write two words down.

Kuga Natsuki.

Hmm, the deed is done. And so it begins.

Cerulean eyes took one last glance at the body leaning over the notebook before disappearing along with the contract.

"Who's there!"

Once more the navy haired girl whipped her head around.

Alarm ran through her as she found herself staring into the muzzle of a gun.

--

Short chapter but I'm working on the next part right now. Just felt that this was a nice *coughcliffhangercough* stopping point.

Drop a few reviews to let me know how this is so far and if I should devote more time into it.

It is a definite that Shizuru will be popping up next chapter. Sorry for lying .