Disclaimer:

I do not own the story and the concepts represented in the fiction written. This fiction and all Persona-related fictions belong to Atlus, the fantastic company that created the games.

Author's Note:

As always, completing this chapter took longer than I would've preferred. You'll see that's a running theme here. For those still puzzled, this story will jump from the past and present at times. The past will have the dates to the left, while the present will feature periods centered and continue from Chapter one and five. Also, I'll be adding Comments to Reviewers below Author's Note from now on as a means to have more communication with you guys! Lastly, thank you to everyone who has reviewed, favorited, and liked my story.

Comments to Reviews:

Handsomistic1: Thank you for your reviews. Much appreciated! I agree with you that from everyone, Haru is the best in aspects: personality, figure, etc. Also, I see what you mean about Chapter five and the question about Haru saying her maid's name while being intimate. I had a few more lines of text to clarify her intentions. As you can see from this chapter, the maid makes an appearance and will make future ones as well. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Metal Vile: Thank you so much for your review. I started this story because I was so disappointed that Haru's character wasn't so fleshed out. Like you said, maybe they'll make a remake that addresses this.

rebfan90: Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy this chapter too!

Erelia: Thanks for the review. I'm glad you enjoy the flow and the pacing of their interactions. My goal is for the smooth transition of their relationship where it feels realistic.

prince of underbrush: Hey, thanks for supporting my story. It's a pleasure to continue writing if others enjoy it. I'm glad you liked the start of the social link. I kept re-writing the scene multiple times until it sounded right.

Akira, dubbed Joker, had no idea what was happening before him. Hesitantly, he took small steps back and watched the swirling black energy surrounding the shadow of Kamoshida until it became a giant pink demon.

Appearing on each side of the demon, Asmodeus, were many arms and legs, arms each in possession of golden eating utensils. As if to flaunt its existence, a crown was over the monstrosity's head – the treasure.

"Holy…shit," murmured Ryuji, dubbed Skull.

To Akira's left, Ann, dubbed Panther, expressed pure disgust. "That's so unnatural! I mean, look at its tongue!"

Leave it to Ann to point out such a thing. Right, though, the monster's tongue was downright vile. Perhaps Akira was subconsciously trying to omit that bit of information. Morgana – the small, eager cat – stood to the front of the group, scimitar ready.

"Hey, don't get cold feet now! Don't forget what's at stake!"

Akira nodded, steeling his nerves. At his side, Skull and Panther looked ready too.

"You brats think you can stop me!" Asmodeus roared. "I can do whatever pleases me!"

"Not for long," Akira countered, reaching for his mask.

The fight was on, proving to be a lengthy endeavor.

Before

5/2

Akira didn't know what to expect when he woke up disgruntled about his and Ryuji's expulsion due date. In truth, most of his unease was the rather sizeable feline snuggling on his chest. Since he'd taken the cat home, Morgana had fully integrated himself into Akira's living situation. Seriously, Morgana followed him to school, when he went out and when it was time for bed. The cat could be oddly persuasive about bedtime.

"Hey," Akira said, poking the cat slightly. It took two more of these for the feline's sharp eyes to flutter open.

"Argh, what is it?"

"School. I have to get ready."

"Argh."

Somehow, despite how much Akira was determined to deny it, he had gotten accustomed to the cat's presence in his life. In fact, he had become used to many things since coming to Tokyo. First was the Velvet Room premise, a prison where he sent aspects of personality to be guillotined to acquire more strength. It was by far the grisliest routine of his day.

Then there was his living situation. After cleaning up his room – attic – Akira found the small space to welcome relief from his day-to-day activities. Sojiro, while still treating him as an unpleasant apparition, made great curry and taught Akira a thing or two about coffee. It wasn't too bad.

On the other hand, Akira's social situation in school was a cluster of exasperation and negativity.

Akira was a serial killer, assaulter, arsonist, bank robber, and wife-stealing gangster, all rolled up into one with his record leaked. The rumors became more elaborate and unbelievable each day. The only solace the young man had was in the company of his companions, Ann and Ryuji. Oh, and Morgana, but he was always around.

On occasion, his mismatch of friends traveled into another reality to steal the demented desires of the school's volleyball coach. Akira had already given up making sense of the matter; his brain could not take another of Morgana's vague, complicated explanations.

Another commitment he found himself liable for was to his upperclassmen, Haru, and her gardening club. Akira eyed the potted plant on the wall and assessed its growth. Since following his upperclassmen's advice, the only greenery in his room was tall, healthy, and, most importantly, alive.

The girl had a green thumb even when she wasn't around.

"It looks good," Morgana commented, following Akira's gaze. "Haru knows her stuff."

"Yeah," Akira agreed as he buttoned his black blazer.

"I mean, she so nice, and she's good with her hands. She knows just how to scratch my chin too."

Retrieving his schoolbag, Akira opened the flap for Morgana to jump in. "I thought you were obsessed with Ann."

"Obsessed!? Don't use such questionable words. We're in love…she doesn't see my charm yet." The cat growled in his bag. "It's that stupid Ryuji's fault, always badmouthing me."

"You badmouth each other," Akira pointed out. He traveled downstairs to the café section of Leblanc. There he found clear foiling over a plate of curry that had his name poorly written in marker on the closet booth; Sojiro wasn't anywhere in sight. Alongside his breakfast was a dish for Morgana with a letter stating, 'Take it upstairs!'

Akira returned to the attic with two plates in hand. He placed Morgana at his feet while he sat by his desk and began to eat.

"I do not badmouth him," Morgana said, continuing their conversation. "You know what I think? He's just jealous because he knows Lady Ann likes me more. Aw, Lady Ann, and all of her grace. While Haru knows how to pet me right, Lady Ann's beauty is unmatched!"

Akira's mind began to wonder at the mention of both young women. First, he thought about Ann and swallowed thickly. As much as he tried to deny it and maintain his objective manner of thinking, thoughts of Ann in her thief outfit surfaced to mind. Morgana was right. Of course, Morgana was right; it was apparent.

Ann was undeniably attractive. Then she donned her thief outfit, and even the most levelheaded person was awestruck. The red latex catsuit with a matching panther mask, thigh-high boots, and tail stunned Akira every time he witnessed her transformation. The additional cleavage cutout was overkilling his adolescent mind. If someone factored in Ann's personality – which most of the population didn't – then it was easy to see why Morgana was so lovestruck. Under the rumors and falsehoods people spread, Ann was just as beautiful inside as outside.

Akira's thoughts turned to his mentor, Haru, and he frowned. Maybe it was because Haru was someone with authority over him that prevented Akira from viewing her as nothing more than a friend. She was beautiful, that was obvious, but her beauty was conservative like a rare gem concealed by a thick cloth. Heck, Akira remembered Ryuji once saying – in his usual, unfiltered manner – underneath her pink cardigan, she had "one banging body!" whatever that meant. It was her demeanor, though, that Akira found truly beautiful.

His mentor was kind to everyone. Since he'd joined the gardening club, she had demonstrated the fact time and time again. Despite his initial concerns about the mentorship, Akira began to look forward to the two days together. The current novel for their book reading was something that interested him immensely: The Great Thief.

"Hey Akira," voiced Morgana, "Tell me what you think. Who do you like more? Lady Ann or Haru?"

Akira took another bite of curry and considered the question. A long silence filled the room as he slowly chewed his food and eventually said, "I like them both equally."

X

The soft, earthly tune from her alarm slowly eased her awake. Her eyes fluttered open, and Haru smiled as the sunlight shined on the sheer drape over her bed. Haru pulled the curtain back to squint at the morning sun, exposed over the Okumura estate landscape. Today was Friday, meaning she'd spend after school conducting her two favorite activities: spending time with Akira and her beloved garden.

At first, Haru was apprehensive about the mentorship situation. She doubted her ability to reasonably impact the young man's life. Those doubts had vanished within the third day they spent together. Akira, beyond the rumors and falsehoods, was an outstanding individual. She was reminded of this fact during each of their meetings.

Haru had discovered early in the mentorship that the young man possessed an above-average academic ability. In fact, if Haru had to estimate, she'd say he was capable of partaking in advanced classes readily. That surprised Haru because, unlike her, who was tutored extensively, Akira seemed to possess a natural affinity for learning.

Haru had discovered that study sessions and test preps would be unnecessary. Her next spark of inspiration for his rehabilitation was to find a suitable club or afterschool activity for him to join. Still, Akira had handled that matter on the first day by joining her in the gardening club. Haru's face brightened, remembering his sharp eyes and mischievous smile as he asked if he could join. Since then, the twosome had spent considerable time together after school, tending to her garden.

With the young man having demonstrated that academics and socializing were not an issue, the only thing Haru could honestly say they worked on was the read-along. Akira had chosen their current literature, The Great Thief, something Haru found to be an addictive page-turner. It became a pleasant and welcome addition to her life that Haru began to look forward to the time they spent together, counting down the days until their next meeting.

Three sharp, poise knocks on her bedroom door snapped Haru out of her internal musings. With the elegance of someone trained since they were young, Haru slipped out of her bed and opened the door. Standing outside, looking immaculate in her black and white maid outfit, was the head maid.

Akio-san was a slim woman in her mid-forties. She stood a bit taller than Haru and had long black hair, which she kept in a tight bun. Her facial features were very refined and beautiful. She had sharp eyes and a smile playing over her lips that seemed to withhold a secret.

"Good morning, mistress," said the older female, bowing slightly.

"Oh, none of that, Akio-san," Haru said, smiling. "You know there's never a need for formalities between us."

Despite her words, Akio-san maintained an aloof demeanor of respect and servitude. "Mistress…your father is present and waiting for you in the dining room for breakfast."

Haru's paled at the news and felt her stomach drop. Her father was rarely home and rarely called for her to join him for meals.

"I see," Haru said, leaning against the doorframe for comfort. "Did he give the reason for why?"

Akio-san shook her head. "None. He simply demanded your presence for this morning."

Haru's face twisted into a grimace. Oh, what a fantastic start to the day. "I understand," she said after a while. "I'll be ready immediately."

Akio-san bowed again, the beginnings of a strained smile on her face, as she turned away. Haru did as she said she would and prepared as quickly as possible. Haru estimated that she had thirty minutes with her father before being considered tardy. Hence, she forewent a few items of her daily preparation. She met her father in the dining room, sitting and sipping leisurely at the drink in his hand.

With his face buried in a newspaper and his nonchalance posture, Kunikazu Okumura was the spitting image of a wealthy company man. Haru took a seat across from him and cleared her throat.

"Father," she said softly. "You called me?"

The senior Okumura placed his paper down to peer at his daughter. "Ah…you're late."

Underneath the table, Haru's fist clenched. She swallowed before answering. "I- apologize, father. I came as quickly as I could."

"Of course you did." He reached into his pocket to produce his cell phone. "I called for you to inform you of multiple things. First, Mr. Fumihiro is no longer a potential suitor."

Oh no, Haru thought, feeling the unease building in her stomach. Her father wanted to discuss her different suitors. "M-Mr. Fumihiro," Haru repeated, unable to place a face to the name.

"Yes, yes," her father nodded. "You recall, don't you? He was the individual who visited perhaps a month ago. He is a well-known investment broker with connections to many banks."

No, Haru did not recall the man's occupation. She remembered him visiting under the pretense of talking business to her father. She'd only spared him a glance before retiring to her room; he was a tall man, pudgy, with – what Haru first assumed – a respectful demeanor.

Her father neglected to mention that the man was twice her age and married with kids. Haru swallowed the bile rising in her mouth.

"F-father…that gentleman was (old, disgusting, wrong!) married."

"Yes," her father agreed, nodding slowly. "At first, we agreed on him divorcing his current wife, but he recently tried to change the terms so that you'd be his mistress."

That was it. Haru stood, intent on reaching the closet bathroom. "E-excuse me. I need a moment."

"Sit," commanded her father, pinching his nose. "I'm almost done, and then I have duties to attend."

Slowly, and oh so weakly with wobbling legs, Haru sat down.

"After much contemplation, I have decided on your suitor." Her father smiled triumphantly like a man handed an award for the most significant thinker. "You've seen him a handful of times, the son of a compelling politician: Sugimura."

Her father continued to talk, talk, and talk. Haru didn't retain any of it, the inside of her mind buzzing like static from an old T.V.

If Mr. Fumihiro was disgusting, the great Sugimura was downright revolting with his leering glances and unwanted touches on her body.

Her father stopped talking, and Haru wordlessly stood and maneuvered to the bathroom below the staircase. She locked the door and lurched forward, heaving the contents of her stomach. Heaving years of solitude, disgust, and humiliation into the toilet.

As she flushed the toilet and washed her face, she momentarily worried about her father's reaction to her sudden sickness. Haru opened the door, expecting him to eye her in confusion, only to find his seat vacant. Akio-san entered the room, with a tray and two plates on it, to the same sight.

She sighed, then turned to Haru. "Mistress - you don't appear well."

Haru just shook her head. "I - sorry. I don't think I'm in the mood for breakfast. Oh, and please…don't call me mistress anymore."

The head maid stared at her for a moment before bowing respectfully. "Understood…madam."

X

Haru was someone who knew she should be content and satisfied with life. Though she never asked for much, besides the occasional book and garden tool, Haru knew she could have anything she wanted of monetary value. She had learned early on – due to her father and his associates – that money was everything. Money was power; money was freedom; money was life.

So, she should've felt elevated at every curveball life threw her way, knowing she'd be financially wealthy. Even marrying the slime known as Sugimura should have thrilled her since it secured her financial freedom, but Haru wanted none of it.

If her wealth and prestige dictated her life partner, Haru would prefer to be average, prestige-less, and, most importantly, free. As she walked the paved road to her school, the young woman saw a mess of black locks, holding a bag with a curious black cat inside. Haru smiled at the sight and secretly thought she'd prefer him.

Luckily, today she'd spent time with Akira and her garden. Despite her horrific morning, Haru decided to push the negativity to the back of her mind. Today will be good, she told herself. Today I will be happy. She couldn't be more wrong. There was a tension that lingered in the air that the emotionally dazed young woman failed to notice.

Immediately, as the bell rang for the first period, her entire class was ushered to the auditorium in manic haste. Teachers stood alongside each other on the wall by the exit doors. The room was filled to the brim with students from every year lined up according to their classroom number.

Wedged too tightly between two other students, Haru found the entire ordeal worrisome. Everyone around her was murmuring, silently asking for information about the sudden assembly. The constant chatter was dark, needy, and ominous.

Then the principal began to speak, silencing the room and enlightening everyone about the second-year girl that attempted to take her life. Thankfully, she was alive and well, and though Haru didn't personally know the girl, she desperately wished for her wellbeing. Haru could not fathom what could drive the other young woman to such extremes.

The principal took a sharp intake of air. "Mr. Kamoshida, what's the –"

Haru could not see the school's volley coach from her position, but she could hear him. The man trudged to the podium and began to speak. The words that tumbled out of his mouth were venom, filth, and disgust.

"What I did to Shiho Suzui is unforgivable…."

And for the second time that day, Haru felt her insides drop.

The rest of the man's confession was of guilt and remorse. As he finished, falling to his knees and begging for punishment, teachers began walking through the aisle of students to dismiss them. There was a collective sense of shock and confusion among the students. They silently exited the auditorium and filed back into their classrooms.

Haru collapsed into her desk upon returning to her classroom. She mentally replayed the revelation she'd just learned in a daze and resisted the urge to recoil violently.

Such a disgusting and vile act was done to such an innocent young woman by someone she knew. By someone hailed and respected throughout the school.

Did everyone in a position of power torment those below them?

Haru grimaced, shutting her eyes and dismissing the thought. It was a dangerous thought because she'd have to wonder about her father. She'd had to wonder about the validity of the rumors surrounding him and the company's employees' cruel treatment.

The gossip began without warning.

"Oh my gosh, can you believe…"

"I know, right…."

"Disgusting…"

"That's why that girl jumped, huh?"

"Hey, remember that calling card thing…."

"Oh, yeah! From the Phantoms, right?"

And Haru did her best to tune it out.

The day continued with the entire school fixated on the P.E teacher's confession. Almost nonchalantly, the subject was discussed, names were mentioned, and insensitive comments were said. Haru sprung to her feet when the final bell for class rang, collecting her bag and speeding out of the room. She took quick steps to the female locker room, stripped off her uniform, and stepped into the shower.

On a typical day, she'd wait until after tending to her garden to shower since the room was usually jam-packed with others participating in afterschool activities. Surprisingly, the space was vacant, and she was its only occupant.

The warm water was a blessing to her mind and body. It soothed the abomination of a day she was having just a little.

It's ok, she told herself. School is over. This morning is over. I'll spend time with Akira and my garden and feel better.

With those thoughts in mind, Haru smiled and dressed quickly in her gym clothes. She almost raced up the stairs to the third floor, ready to reach out for the door, when she heard multiple voices.

"…threatened Kamoshida with something."

"W-What! That's not true!?"

"It does sound more believable than Phantom Thieves." That was Akira's voice.

Phantom Thieves, Haru thought.

The chatter beyond the door continued for a few more moments until Haru gathered the courage to make her presence known. A silence immediately permeated the roof, the three individuals, one being Akira, staring at her.

Haru's eyes scanned the other people and instantly recognized the blond-haired young man leaning dangerously close to her potted plants. She'd have to mention that soon.

The other individual – Haru's eyes widened marginally. The other individual was beauty personified. She was a slim young woman with ash blonde wavy hair styled in pigtails and blue eyes like the sky on a cloudless, sunny day. Her school uniform, modified to her tastes, included a varsity-like hoodie that fit snuggly around her torso like a tight T-shirt.

Seeing such a beautiful girl around Akira stirred something ugly in Haru's chest.

"Hey, you doin', ok?" It was the blond-haired young man who said this.

"Leave," Haru murmured.

"Huh, what was that?"

"I'd like you to leave, please."

Again, silence enveloped the rooftop. After a few moments, the female gestured to the other male.

"Hey, um, we should go, Ryuji."

The blond youth – identified as Ryuji – bristled in his seat, giving the other young woman a confused look. Oh no, Haru thought. Ryuji's elbow came close to knocking over her plant, if not for Akira's quick reflexes, catching his arm.

"Ann…Ryuji, why don't you guys go on ahead? I'll catch you guys later."

With promises to message each other, the twosome departed, and Haru realized she was alone with Akira – and Morgana. She also realized how insulting she'd been to his friends.

The two stared at each other: warm, soft brown staring at cold, hard gray.

Haru opened her mouth, prepared to apologize or explain, when Akira stood from his position, collected his bag, and walked past her to the door. Haru was stunned, rooted in place.

Oh no, what have I done?

A million thoughts swirled in her mind, but the most prominent was that she messed up. With one misguided act, she had pushed her only companion in the school away.

Were friendships that fragile?

The idea of Akira hating her made the floor underneath her feet sway. Haru turned sharply, raced to the door, then crashed into somebody.

"Woah, careful there."

Haru looked at Akira; two packaged pieces of sweet bread were in his hands. With a smile, the raven-haired youth handed her one.

"No offense, but you look starved."

A black feline meowed in his bag.

"Morgana agrees," Akira said. "I got these from my friend Ann. They're a bit sweet but –"

"I'm sorry!"

"Hmm?"

Haru adverted her gaze from his. "I…was very rude to your friends. I apologize…it's just that –"

"You wanted to be alone in a place that's special to you."

"Yes!" Haru couldn't help the smile across her face from his understanding. "Today, I truly wanted solace (I wanted to be with just you) because…."

"This morning?" Akira inquired.

That and so much more, Haru thought. To Akira, she nodded.

Haru saw the young man's expression sour before he maneuvered to the desks lying around. Haru trailed behind him, absent-mindedly picking at the bread's packaging.

"I'm sorry, too," Akira said suddenly.

Now, it was Haru's turn to be confused.

Akira continued: "I shouldn't have brought my friends here without mentioning it to you first. After the assembly, we needed somewhere nice and peaceful. This place fits the bill."

"That's understandable," Haru agreed. "I-It was a stressful event for everyone. If you could, please send your friends my apology. I should've been more welcoming."

"It's ok." The raven-haired youth smiled. "I'll make sure they get your message."

The twosome began to eat in companionable silence. While average to anyone else, the small treat and, more importantly, the company was priceless to Haru. Hungrier than she realized, she devoured the bread.

"I left my toolkit in my locker," she said. "I'll go get it."

"Ok…and Haru?"

Inches from the door, the upperclassmen turned around. "Yes?"

"My friends and I were talking about things that might've sounded weird to anyone else. We didn't say anything strange, did we?"

What a peculiar question, Haru thought. But as she considered Akira's attempt to find out about her eavesdropping, Haru thought about what she had heard. She remembered someone say threatening the P.E teacher and Phantom thieves; it didn't seem relevant.

Finally, Haru shook her head. "No, I didn't hear anything strange. Why?"

Akira smiled, then shook his head. "It's nothing. Just…curious."