A/N: Welcome new and old readers to the sequel fic of "Our Year Together"! If you're new, I strongly urge you to read that sometime soon. You won't need to read it before jumping into this for now, but I will give a warning later when things from that fic start to matter more here. And yes, the main pairing is Souji aka Yu/Yukiko, and it was the prominent pairing then and is still here, but over time, other characters will take the spotlight to flesh themselves out. Romance is a factor, but there will be other categories unveiled over time, such as family drama, action, and other smaller things. A warning for violence, some sexual themes(None explicit, but that can change over time), and some darker themes that will be warned as we get closer to them.) Regardless, I'm excited to finally unveil this sequel fanfic I've been brainstorming and refining for years! The usual disclaimer; I do not own Persona 4, its spinoffs, characters as they belong to Atlus and Sega. There is no profit gained here. All references of real properties, companies, & real locations mentioned here are for the purposes of parody and not meant to tarnish or slander. With all that said, here is the first chapter, but first, a question: Can we live a Real life? Or do we even know what that means? Can we live a real life between the Devil and the Digital Sea?

"Persona 4: A Real Life"

Chapter 1

3/21

The Morning Sun was bright; a blessing for the young man riding the Train back all the way to Tokyo, who felt the warmth from its rays. The morning was chilly after all, so it was much appreciated. Though it didn't match the warmth in his heart. Despite the tragedies and adversities the young man had faced with his friends… he was still grateful all the same.

Souji Seta, the "Big Shot City Boy", the "Heartbreaker", the "One who conquered the Amagi Challenge". He was known by many titles. But they never fully encapsulated who he was; a compassionate individual, one who sought the truth with his compatriots against all sorts of dangers, and a friend of great integrity… A proud Person. His time in the small town of Inaba was the most important of his life yet.

He was still holding onto the photograph he took a few days before. All of his friends smiled for the camera better than he could. They always were better at that than him. He could never forget them. Yosuke Hanamura with his witty quips and remarks. Kanji Tatsumi's kindness, despite what people believed about him based on his tough appearance. Teddie's blinding aura with his poorly understood, yet somewhat endearing worldview. Naoto Shirogane, the coolest Detective around who could keep calm and find the weak point in anything. Chie Satonaka's spunky, no nonsense attitude to help fire up the group for whatever it is that faced them. Rise Kujikawa's cheerful, bubbly personality that always strived to keep the positive vibes going and keeping no one left out of any activity. And then finally, Yukiko Amagi. She held the quietest, yet firmest resolve. Academically wise, socially inept, but she was getting there. She had more courage to speak her mind than many adults here. Her compassion for others was a treasure. And despite her elegant demeanor, she had the most eccentric laugh you could ever hear. Chie says it reminds her of those Hyenas from an animated movie they watched back when they were kids. She was more than just a friend. She was his beloved Girlfriend. He had started dating her on his birthday if you could believe that. And since then, they've only grown closer. Through life experiences, battle, and everything else in between, Souji learned a very important truth about life. The beauty of Joy. She alongside everyone else he met and befriended in Inaba taught him that in their own way. Alongside the fact that one should never shy away from the truth, to face yourself, and seek out bonds that last a lifetime.

Although he was leaving them, all was well. He was at peace now. After all, this isn't the end of their bond. They will see each other again someday.

With the photo still in his hand, he holds the ones he loves, now he walks forward to the cold, new dawn… To new horizons.

Back in Inaba, the group had dispersed, Naoto was picked up by Yakushiji, the others walked home, and the Dojima family had stopped by the Amagi Inn, parked for the moment as someone would leave from the rear door passenger's side.

"Thank you for the ride back, Dojima-san." Yukiko gave a polite bow, the door still open.

"It's no problem. Give my regards to your family if that's okay."

"Mm, I will."

"Goodbye, Big Sis!" Nanako called out, still in her seat, buckled in.

"Goodbye, Nanako-chan. I'll play again with you real soon!" To which Nanako nodded in such glee. As Yukiko was going to close the door…

"Oh, and… thanks for being there with Souji. It means a lot to us." Dojima was never good with this sentimental crap as he called it.

"Thank you. It means a lot to hear you say that."

"No problem. Now, I gotta get back. Call us if you need anything, okay?"

"I will… Thanks again." With that said, she waved goodbye to Nanako and closed the door, the car leaving to return home seconds later.

Yukiko looked up at the blue sky, spots of white clouds sprinkled around. She can't help but wonder if he was seeing this same sky too… Well, time to go back. She had to continue to do her best for herself and everyone around her.

At the stop, where Souji was to transfer to a different train to actually reach Tokyo itself, he received a message as the doors closed. It was from his mother. This is unusual. She wasn't the type to worry. Did she expect him to be home sooner?

{Do not return home–

What!? He started reacting to the first part of the message. He could have stayed longer!? No, there's way more to this message.

–We will no longer be living there. Instead, we have a new apartment in Roppongi.-

Wait, Roppongi? Souji's eyes widened. Sure, he frequented the area a lot for his first year of high school. But the area was not meant for middle class white collar workers like his parents. He was only in the area due to his potential in the grades department.

–Enclosed will be directions towards our new home. If you do not have enough money for the fare, call for me.-

She had so many precautions and contingencies listed off. Way too many to read as none of them were happening to him. He has way more money than he should thanks to the TV World.

–I'll be waiting for you, son. Call if you need anything.}

The next text was the address and the way to the apartment complex, what to tell whoever was working the front desk how to get his key, how to get there right from the minute one would step off the train. So many details…

The address was in… Roppongi Hills? The Roppongi Hills? It wasn't Mori Tower, but the Residence Tower C building. That's still a very expensive location… his heart felt heavy from this revelation. Souji was flabbergasted.

He studied the directions as he reached Shibuya station, transferring over to his next stop, Aoyama-Itchome. The crowds were starting to gather as it was around the end of the lunch rush hour. It was now past 1PM as he pushed through, making his way to his final stop at Roppongi.

In the past he lived on the other section passed Shibuya and would take this same route to reach his school, so this was nothing new. His mother treated him like it was his first time in the city. Her overcomplicated ways of elaborating was a habit that would never die.

Minutes later, he would turn the corner and see it all… the Mori tower and both Residence buildings. They were even taller in person. How did they afford this? He has many questions for his parents. He wasn't looking forward to his father, and his mother… a little more tolerable with. But he had to face the music.

Entering the building, he wasted no time finding the front desk, and asking the clerk some questions.

"Excuse me, but this is the C building, right? I'm here to pick up my key."

"Name and identification?"

"Souji Seta." He brandished his wallet from his back pocket, pulling out his old high school's ID."

"...A little old looking, but I recognize the last name." The serious sounding, yet young and bright looking woman, turned to pull something out of a very small drawer. Turning back, she would place it in his hands. "Your room is Room 1004. You're on the 10th floor. Take any of those elevators down the hall. Feel free to come to us if you have any questions, Souji-san." She would offer a small bow.

"Thank you, Ma'am."

"Enjoy your new home, Seta-san. We've heard much about your family's success." What did she mean by that?

This might be tied into the circumstance as to why Souji was now here of all places. The Elevator climb was slow, at least…. It felt that way. The bag still on his shoulder felt even heavier as he reached the 10th floor. As he exited the elevator… The halls were unnaturally spacious. In fact, there were only a handful of apartment buildings here, it seems. But he spotted his room. Room 1004… holding the key in his right hand, he took a deep breath and began to open the door… to his new home. The new chapter in his life was about to begin.

Taking a few steps inside, he spotted a spiraling staircase in front, bathroom to his right… further on to the right is where the living room would be. But first, he had to take off his shoes. Where was the spot to put them in? There was a door on the other side partially slid open. And there were in there along with enough space to make into a makeshift closet! This is way more spacious and he's only taken the first steps… turning around, he heard footsteps come down the staircase.

"I'm home…?" As he said that, the figure would emerge from the stairs and come into proper view… And it was who he expected it to be.

"...Welcome home, son."

Homare Seta, two years older than her brother. Silver colored hair that was all natural, shoulder length and very even, alongside silver eyes. His mother was shorter than him, but nearly the same height as Yukiko. She was dressed in a white button-up with long sleeves and long black slacks, purely for what she insists is 'Casual' wear. "Are you well?"

"I'm fine, mother. I do have questions for you-"

"I expected you to. I have already anticipated about a dozen questions from you and have answers ready. But first…" She would be a poor mother if she didn't hug her son. After all, it's been a year, and her coworkers mentioned that's what a good mother should do. He wasn't as keen on the idea, but he accepted her embrace reluctantly.

"Thank you, Mother."

"I have many questions for you as well, my son. Come. Let's go inside. You do need to adapt to our new environment." She would waste no time in bringing him past the stairs and into the kitchen. There was barely anything inside. The living room echoed with their voices. The kitchen thankfully came with a refrigerator, a dishwasher, and an oven! The opposite end had a modest dining table. Well, modest for this type of luxury apartment. There were papers on the table already, either stacked evenly or spread into a small mess.

The two each sat on the adjacent edge as she immediately placed a paper or the layout of their apartment before him.

"Here we are on the first floor; there's actually an alternate entrance exactly one floor above our current entrance. So we occupy both the 10th and 11th floors. Here is your father and I's room, and you are free to choose any of these two bedrooms. Before you ask, this four bedroom apartment was the only kind of apartment available to accommodate us in this sector of Roppongi. So your father and I have reached consensus on turning this smaller bedroom below us into a study. And you are free to choose one of the remaining rooms as yours. The last one will be a guest room in case we have any company companions over as your father inferred… but I am well with the idea of a compatriot of yours visiting if things are calm and we are not too busy." Here she goes… this was her problem. She never stops talking. Not because she loves the sound of her own voice or anything… but because she is very thorough in explaining and breaking down things, no matter how trivial. She's the type who would break something into smaller pieces just to explain the significance of each. She could fill your head for hours on information and trivia, then sort that information just to make it stay in your head. "I think you will find this place quite accommodating. We have a Spa on the third to fifth floors which also houses fitness, recreational swimming, and of course physical treatment such as massages. Feel free to go down and access it. You won't need to pay directly. Simply refer to our family and room number and we will pay for it for you. There's also a restaurant on the second floor, but you will have to pay for it then and there; but considering your skill in cooking, I do not anticipate you to be going there often." She smiled, she was in the zone right now. You couldn't stop her if you tried. "In the forty-second and third floors, there is the Sky lounge. Perhaps you could bring friends there to enjoy the view and chat. It could even be reserved for a small party, but your father may use that option instead. And lastly, there is a health consultation firm here thanks to the University nearby. It's a convenient option to have, so use it if necessary. Any questions, son?"

"I… have many more now, but I think I should save those for another time." He didn't want her to keep going, truth be told. She got worse than when she did this last year. Homare made Naoto look like a silent JRPG Protagonist.

"I see. And I assume your other questions still need answering?"

"...Yes. Would you mind telling me why we're here of all places? You two didn't make this much money when you left." His eyes looked a bit skeptical, still processing that this is their new home.

"Oh, that's quite simple. Your father and I got promoted. He's now the newest member on the Board within the Kirijo Group itself."

"What? How? When? And what about you?" Her answers only spawned more questions.

"You're much more talkative than before, you know-?"

"Just tell me."

"Very well. How he was promoted was from securing multiple new long term deals with companies in both Korea and the United States. We spent time in both countries. He got promoted in January. I was promoted during the Summer to Treasurer." It's not hard to figure out why given how well she is at tracking things always on the move and preparing for many outcomes. "I had planned to inform you and your Uncle during July, but… your Father insisted we keep this to ourselves for the time being."

"This is… a lot to take in…" He was glad to be sitting down already, otherwise he might have some trouble standing. He did not expect this kind of a whiplash when he boarded the train this morning. Sure, he had a lot of money on his own person, but that involved fighting borderline ethereal monsters, a wannabe serial killer, a deranged delivery man, the actual serial killer of Inaba, and a literal Shinto Goddess; twice for that cool one million yen he had on him; half of it remained in Inaba, anyway; though he had to trust Dojima would not find it. It would be bad if the Detective tried to theorize where he acquired it and most likely get the wrong idea.

"Understandable."

"If I had to guess… the rent must cost us a few million yen."

"Impressive as always, son. That's correct. You're close to the total. But we can cover the charges and then some."

"And my old school? Will I still be going there?"

"Mhm. The Uniforms got an updated design so you'll need to get some new ones. They will be here in the coming days."

"Alright then. Well, can you show me the upstairs area?"

"Sure. Come with me." She sighed, then rose up, taking Souji up the spiraling staircase and into the second floor. Turning right towards the closest door, Souji recalled the layout of this room standing out to him as it possessed a bathroom directly attached to the small space adjacent to the closet. It wasn't the 2nd biggest room, but it will work just fine.

"I'll take this room."

"Excellent. I have an extra futon in the closet in my room you can use for now. I have a mattress coming up tomorrow, so I hope you're ready to work."

"What about our furniture from our old apartment?"

"Most of that is being shipped to us. I had it in storage so you could help me with getting it all unpacked." Clever woman; she was definitely fit for the cutthroat world of business.

"Very well. But what about Father? Is he not coming home tonight?"

"I'm afraid not. The other day, he got asked to go back to Korea. He won't be back for some time."

"I see... That's unfortunate." He didn't mean that at all. Maybe this was Izanami's blessing for him.

"Indeed. It shortens up our manpower for getting this place ready to greet any guests, boosting both our social clout and status in our workplace."

"...And our reunion as a family?"

"Of course. That was obvious, was it not?"

"I suppose so."

DING-DONG*

The doorbell sounded off around the apartment, pressed by someone and its noise quickly cut their conversation short.

"Are those your things or mine?" She asked, yet didn't stick around for an answer. She wastes no time and heads out his room, goes down the stairs with some haste, her son following with less of that drive she had.

When she opened the door downstairs, it was a delivery man with some boxes on a moving cart.

"Seta Residence?"

"Yes, sir. You can set them right here."

The gruff looking man nodded and placed the three boxes on the side where the shoe boxes were. After placing the last one, he politely tips his cap and thanks them for using their services, finally leaving.

"Are these yours, son? These look different from what I shipped."

"Yes, they're mine. I'll take them up myself. You can settle down for a bit. I'll get dinner ready for the two of us later."

Despite her insistence, he would rather do it himself this time. He wanted to get familiar with the new kitchen, after all.

Hours later, with the food made and consumed, he retired to his room. When he finally pulled out his phone after keeping it tucked away since he arrived, the time was now about nearly 8PM. And there were a couple messages in his Inbox. The first was from Yosuke.

{Dude, how's Tokyo? Call me tomorrow when you get the chance. And send a pic of where you're at!}

The second message was sent before his. A couple hours ago actually.

{Hey. You home yet? Let me know when you get home safely.}

It was Yukiko. She must have sent this in a hurry given how blunt the writing was structured.

{I got home a few hours ago. Sorry about making you wait. I'm free now if you want to talk.}

He didn't snap his phone shut, just in case she had called right away. His room was mostly devoid of furniture or personal belongings. His clothes were put in his standard American sized looking closet. And he did bring some of his figures over. One of his favorite mecha models, Black Frost, and King Frost. The rest stayed at the Dojima Residence. He needed some shelves or something of the sort to place them on. In fact, he needed a few things. A TV, a seat of some kind, a desk to study on… This room was so spacious. There was no way he could fill it up with everything he needed… or even wanted. At least his outside balcony had a chair outside to relax on while enjoying this view of Tokyo. It wasn't that high up, but still was pretty exquisite to look at... a one hundred thousand Yen view. As he looked through the glass door, his phone vibrated in his hand. He answered without even reading the number, yet tried to act as cool as he always sounded.

"Seta speaking."

"I miss you, too, you know." It was pretty clear who it was.

"Not five seconds in and you're already trying to get a reaction out of me? You're so…"

"Endearing? Is that the word you're looking for?" Yukiko was playing with her hair as she tried to mess with her boyfriend through the phone.

"Bratty. I think that word is more fitting." He dropped the act, laughing to himself as she followed suit.

"Heehee… you're quite the smug type yourself, sometimes, Souji-kun." She giggled, the Wild Card sliding the door open and stepping outside.

"How's Inaba now that I'm gone?"

"Burning. We're all struggling without our Leader." She giggled at her own slightly morbid joke. She does have a dark side after all.

"You want me back that badly that you would start Japan's biggest arson incident?"

"...Would it work–"

"Yukiko."

"I know, I'm kidding."

"Well… how are you?" He asked as he took a seat on his personal balcony.

"I'm doing fine now. I didn't want to cry when you left, but… I caved in."

"It's okay. I'm really happy that our year together meant so much to you." His eyes closed as he exhaled a pleased sigh. "It meant so much to me."

"I know we'll see each other again soon in two months… but it feels so far away. And it won't be for long." She can tell she's going to be waiting in line for a chance to spend time with him. There's a long list of people who want a piece of him.

"True, but there is summer vacation as well." The bright lights of the Tokyo nightline felt nostalgic in a sense… but the ambience of Inaba was what he felt he was longing for. "I can spend way more time with you by then."

"Hm… as much time as I want?" There was some mischief in her playful tone.

"As much as I'd love that… I think everyone and Nanako would get in the way of any serious alone time. In fact, if I had to guess… Nanako is already wanting to spend time playing with you."

"How did you know?" He's her Big Bro. And as the little girl understood, Big Bro knows everything. Including her habits and interests. "Well, she did say she wants to play with me again soon. I think she would try to get us all to play with her." She had to wave the white flag for now. Getting a chance for some serious alone time looks difficult right now.

"Don't worry. We'll figure it out. We always do."

"Yeah… so where are you in Tokyo? Truth be told, I'm not so familiar with all the major areas." City life never interested her.

"Well…" Where would he even begin? "Have you ever heard of Roppongi?"

"Not too much. I do know it houses most of the foreigners in Tokyo. And that a lot of businesses are holed up there."

"Yeah; it's also got the Mori tower, and plenty of western things. I read that Japan's biggest Junes is here."

"Oh, wow… maybe you'll find Teddie waiting for you there."

"Haha… now that would be a sight for sore eyes." He shrugged in amusement. "Anyway, let's just say things are not what I'm used to here."

"Oh? Why's that?"

"We're not from here. I mean, my old High School is here, but I didn't live here initially. I lived in a more quiet residential district."

"I see… is this a small apartment?"

"No… it's a 4 bedroom luxury apartment worth about three million a month."

"Um… you're kidding, right?"

"No; I wish I was kidding, but it's real. I've got my own balcony. Can't you tell I'm outside? I'm on the tenth floor."

"Tenth floor? Out of how many stories?"

"...about forty floors, give or take."

"F-Forty….!? Souji-kun, that's absurdly expensive for you!" Now that got her attention.

"Yep. Well, have I got a story for you." He delivered an abridged version of what his mom shared. She kept up well, but he sensed she wanted to ask many things along the way. The super promotions, going on an international trip around this side of the hemisphere… and more.

"...So while we started dating, they both shot up the corporate ladder?"

"Basically, yeah. I'm still shocked, but Mother assured this was well within range. We even got our own laundry room, a few extra closets, three restrooms and both a bath and shower room. It's big, and we're getting furniture delivered to us tomorrow… so I'm going to be busy for the next few days."

"It's a good thing that I have you all to myself tonight then, huh?"

"Oh yeah… I'm not sure Yosuke is going to get the same luxury you're getting." Of course he isn't. Yukiko could talk his ear off and Souji would still thank her.

"No, he won't." She giggled. "He wants details too?"

"Yeah… you probably handled this better than everyone else will, I think… except maybe Naoto."

"I can imagine it already. Kanji and Yosuke would absolutely lose it… and Chie…!" She tried so hard to hold her laugh back, but it broke free. "Bahahahaha!"

He sighed, finding her laughing something he would actually miss now that he was gone. He had to let her calm down a bit before their conversation could continue.

"Heehee… I'm alright. So um, what's your room like?"

"It's pretty big. Big as our rooms put together, actually… and I have my own shower and restroom."

"And that's on top of having your own balcony… are you okay? You sound way too calm about this, you know."

"Hehe… yeah, I'm better now. Mother told me this while I was sitting. I felt my legs go limp when she told me the details."

"I hope I can see it one day."

"I'd rather see you instead." He would gladly give this up just to see Yukiko for a week.

"You think you're so smooth."

"Of course… I did win the Challenge, did I not?"

"Oh, not that again…" She shook her head in disappointment.

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself."

"If you take too long to return, I'll have to make you retake it again…" He could hear the pout in her tone.

"That right? Well, make it actually a challenge for me this time." He retorted her playful remark.

"...I'll make you work for it."

"Then that means it's worth it." She cracked.

"Fine… you win." Her eyes close slowly, recalling the day he truly "won" that so-called challenge.

"So, what are you doing?" He shifted gears to something more light.

"I just finished work for the day. I was going to take a bath, but now I have to wait for my turn. I'm still in my Kimono." She realized upon glancing at the clock. Time was moving too fast…

"I'm not apologizing for that." He was being selfish, wanting to enjoy every second of time he had with her… unfortunate that it wasn't in person.

"I don't want you to. I'm fine with this." Considering the circumstances as they are… the phone will do. They both let go of each other for now, but they vowed to see one another someday. That was a promise after all.

"...As am I." Another sigh left his lips, his body more slumped into his chair. "I wish you could see what I'm seeing right now… I think it would set the mood well."

"Keep talking like this and I'll book a train tomorrow morning."

"Oh, I'd love that so much…" He was going to remind her of what he realized yesterday, but she cut him off.

"I know. We have to continue with our lives as they are for now." Her monotone delivery sounded so bittersweet.

"Yeah. Our lives aren't just for us… but for everyone else."

"Mm…" She knew that all too well. It was that revelation that made her realize why the Inn meant so much to her. Compassion is what helps make life worth living. And it's a fundamental piece in her own life goal. "...I had a daydream today about you while working."

"Tell me."

"It was you and I… dressed up greeting all our friends years from now. Everyone we know would be our guests. And we would all enjoy ourselves playing games, eating good food, enjoying the Spring, and maybe sharing some Sake. But I always think back on greeting them first. It feels so…" She trailed off, not thinking of the right word. Her mind was flailing looking for the right piece of the puzzle. Souji sighed, and then stood from his chair and cleared his throat.

"WEEEEEEELLLLLLLCOOOOOME!" It might be a noise complaint later, but it would be worth it.

Yukiko didn't expect that from him at all!

"Hehe! That might be how they do it at Junes, but that's no way to greet people at an Inn. You have to bow gracefully…" She made a gesture with her hand, waving in a low crescent shape, even though he couldn't see it. After a second of silence, she sighs. "...No fair. Now I can't get the sound of you shouting that out of my head."

"Then it's like we're saying it together… Don't you think?"

"Mm." She felt more at ease. "I was afraid you would think that's a little weird to be thinking things like that… especially since we're still so young."

"This isn't the first time you told me one of those. And I'm not complaining in the slightest."

"Souji-kun…" Now she was glad he wasn't here. Her face was melting from his acceptance of her admittedly somewhat selfish daydream.

"Yukiko… I'm really glad you care for me so."

"I should be saying that to you."

"Well, let's call it at both of us needing to say that more."

"Mm… that's a fine compromise." She nodded. The Wild Card himself sat down in his chair once more.

"That's what relationships are, are they not?"

"Yeah… we all have things that make us different."

"People think we're dating because we're so similar." In regards to their quiet temperaments. "But we're different and have some contrasting tastes, interests, and opinions."

"Yeah… Chie and Yosuke-kun as well. They bicker a lot, but they do care for each other."

The two's conversation would jump from topic to topic. Anything to still be able to hear their own voices. But as the hour waned, Yukiko was reminded once more of what she has to do with herself.

"...I talked with Mother about what to do after High school. I don't think I'm ready for the Inn. I want to study and enjoy life a little bit before that."

"I can understand. You technically don't have to go to college, but I can see why that might make you feel unprepared."

"Mhm. I'll have to think about it. But I'll know what to do by then."

"Yeah. I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet." It was a bit surprising to see the Leader be uncertain with what to do with his life.

"It's okay. We have a lot of time to help you figure that out. There's no rush."

"Thank you. I'll figure it out one day."

"I know you will." Ding! The clock on the wall indicated the next hour had begun. "I… think I should get going. I need to prepare for tomorrow." She spoke with such reluctance.

"...You're right. I need to sleep soon anyway. I'm going to be decorating this big apartment with Mother. I don't know when I'll be able to leave this place."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I wish I could help you, but…"

"It's fine. I appreciate the sentiment."

"Mm. Well, good night, Souji-kun. 'Love you."

"I love you too, Yukiko." With their parting words said, their phones would close shut. They had to return to their lives. But this small escape was worth it. Fighting for their future was worth it, and the echoes they created from those series of actions will be felt for years to come. But the future will come in due time. For now, Souji needed to go back to everyday tasks; he needed to try out this new shower for one thing. And then sleep early. Yukiko on her end was already making her way to the Spring as it was now the Women's hour. Yesterday they fought a literal god, died for it, came back, and bested her with the power of their bonds. And now they're just living simple lives. Real lives. What tonal whiplash. Regardless of how he may feel, life goes on; the wheels of time always continue to grind forward, no matter what. And tomorrow is a new day. Best get ready for it while they still can.

A/N: How was this chapter? This is merely the prologue, as over time, new conflicts will begin to make their way to the forefront. I just wanted to use this as a way to shock you all into Souji's strange new circumstance. His parents were busy, after all! His Father won't appear for a while, but for now his Mother is eccentric enough for you all to enjoy, I hope. I will say her personality is inspired by Tech from Star Wars The Bad Batch. She can fill your head for hours on business, strategy, and can break down situations, aspects, and elaborate on her opinion to the letter. Talking a lot is her thing, and it's part of why Souji himself wasn't much a chatterbox back then. She did it all for him. Also, note her words in this chapter. I hope someone catches something she's doing wrong. A certain other character will one day in the future, but that's for you all to find out if you haven't noticed on your own. For fun, I thought of who I would feel voice her if this was a real thing, and I would have her portrayed by Allegra Clark, as her deadpan delivery of Shamir from FE3H is spot on, and she can definitely add a great blend of rigidity and sealed motherly tones for Homare Seta. Speaking of inspirations, I once again must give a tip of the cap to Vocarin, and his SouYuki fic, Continuance. I still haven't made it past Chapter 23, but I'll make time one day. His work is amazing. While I have some scenes inspired from his, you'll all quickly see mine will deviate far more in the long run. Especially because I'm incorporating P4 Arena's events in this story.

For those who are new, most of my Chapter titles are going to reference real music from our world. Today's is "I'm Here", the main theme from Sonic Frontiers. Feels very fitting for Souji returning to Tokyo, his views shifted now thanks to his year in Inaba. And for the title of the fanfic itself, "A Real Life" is from Greek Fire. If you watch SAO Abridged from SomethingWitty Entertainment, then you've heard this song before. I feel it fits all the major players of this fic in a way. But you can figure that out on your own. I can at least tell you for Souji and Yukiko when the time is right.

So, these chapters are more challenging, but that's a good thing. Going off my own is fine, but I still have to make things happening here feel reasonable and the characters reactions to them as genuine as possible. Next time, we have more of Souji settling in to his new home, but we're also introducing the other main characters of this fic. Well, almost all of them, anyway.

Fun little fact, today of debuting the story is April 27th, Naoto's birthday so there's a fun bit of trivia for this fic!

Here's some good news for the first few readers! If you're reading this chapter day 1, Chapter 2 will be out in about an hour or so after this one! Do stay tuned until then!