Hey, UknownHero and welcome to another chapter of… I don't know yet! Because, I've been just organizing stories and ideas in my head and, well, let's just say I really need to write them down as soon as possible these days. I don't know, just writing these things before actually deciding what story I should do allows me to focus a little, then I change a little bit of it to make it seem like it was my intention to write (insert fic here). Like, sometimes I feel like doing my older stories that need an update like The Old Ways or Gamer Forever but when I go over to the file I just suddenly lose interest. Still, reviews can give me inspiration some times, as well as the music I listen to and what I watch and read. Hell, that's why The Gods Are Singing exists and I have a planned sequel involving Evangelion or No Game No Life. But oh well, those stories will come out some time.
Anyway, welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona! Hehe… Uh… Yeah…
I get really angry at Pokémon. Stupid Granbull goddamn using Roar when I WAS JUST ABOUT TO CAPTURE IT MOTHERFU-
Updated! On 2/8/2020!
Load Game… Start!
Chapter 5: Confrontations and Confidants
(4/11, Morning)
(Kamoshida's Castle of Lust)
"So, we're in a castle in a supernatural world with our gym teacher as its ruler, discovered modern ninjas exist and now we have the power to summon mythological or fictional characters by ripping off our masks while wearing stylish outfits that come out of nowhere and following a cartoon cat who can also summon a mythological/fictional character to the exit." Akira soon summarised as they followed said cartoon cat.
"Yeah, pretty much." Asuka replied. "Why are you telling us this?" She soon asked.
"Just to make sure I'm still not going crazy. Or somehow took drugs this morning." Akira answered before looking around. "...Yep. Still think I'm on drugs. I knew there was something in that curry..." He muttered to himself.
"But you're not crazy." Homura pointed out in a deadpan tone. "At least there's that." She then added.
"Are we seriously having a conversation while we're escaping for our lives!?" Ryuji exclaimed.
"In situations like this, it's important to stay calm." Morgana spoke up before smirking in amusement. "Good to see you guys have some nerve, unlike Blondie over there." It soon stated.
"I already told you before! It's Ryuji!" Said boy angrily declared.
"And didn't I say to keep quiet? There are still guards roaming around and I am not looking forward to another encounter." Morgana hissed before stopping. "But in case we do, have these." The cat then got out as it then pulled out a few painkillers and handed them to the girls.
"Where did you get these?" Homura asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You'd be surprised what this place just has lying around Lady Homura. I swear; it's almost if it's just there for us to take." Morgana replied. "But right now, we just need to get you out of here." It soon reminded, causing everyone to nod in agreement and continue their escape.
"Another drawbridge, up ahead." Akira announced.
"How many drawbridges does this guy need?" Asuka wondered.
"As much as he likes seeing his own face." Homura answered.
However as they were still moving, the blond of the group stopped. "Hold on a sec!" Ryuji called out as they all stopped running, right in front of a cell. He stepped forward for a closer look at the person inside it, who was struggling to stand up. "I feel like I've seen what this dude's wearin' before..." He soon revealed.
"That's odd. It looks like he's wearing a sports uniform..." Akira noted.
"Where have you seen it, Ryuji?" Homura questioned in a serious tone.
Ryuji in turn tried to think, only to shake his head. "Dammit! I'm too flustered!" He swore as he scratched his head. "I can't remember a damn thing!" He then got out.
"Maybe it's another one like us..." Asuka sadly guessed. "Someone who got trapped by the King here." She then added.
"Just ignore them. We can't leave if we keep making pit stops." Morgana informed. "Come on, let's go!" It then ordered.
"H-Hold on! We can't just leave him here!" Asuka got out in a shocked tone. "He can't even stand! He needs help!" She soon stated.
"Yeah, and who exactly are these guys?" Ryuji asked. "We've been seeing these guys everywhere. It doesn't make sense."
"Asuka, we need to leave." Homura slowly declared. "If you wanna save these people now, fine, but don't drag us down with you." She then added in a serious tone.
"But Homura-chan, we-" Asuka tried to convince her roommate only to be glared at.
"Think. Rationally." Homura growled out. "I get you wanna save everyone, but we're no condition after the shit we've been through. Even with this Persona thing, we will be overwhelmed, overpowered and killed." She then added in the same serious tone.
In response to that, Asuka just sighed and nodded. She knew it would probably be suicide if she did, but it didn't make her feel less guilty about leaving all these people to their fates.
"Besides," Morgana spoke up. "They're just-" It then started, however...
"OVER THERE!" The worryingly familiar distorted voice of a guard shouted out as the drawbridge lowered.
Everyone quickly went into battle stances as it approached.
"You should've listened to me...!" Morgana groaned.
"Heh. Guess we have no choice." Akira remarked as he smirked, his Phantom Suit appearing in a burst of flames. "Let's fight." He declared.
"...Okay." Asuka muttered as her uniform burst into flames, leaving her in her kimono.
"Persona!" Homura called out, having already summoned Wolverine to her side.
"I'm glad you guys stick to your guns." Morgana complimented just as the Knight let out its true form, two Beguiling Girls. "Looks like it's raring to go as well." The cat said as it pulled out its Scimitar. "Let's make this quick." He soon decided.
"Got it! Arsene!" Akira called out as he ripped his mask off his face. Before the enemy had even made its first attack, they had already killed them all. "That wasn't so bad." Akira commented as he retrieved the pitiful amount of cash.
"I think I'm getting better at this whole Persona thing." Asuka cheered out just as they went back to their Shujin Academy uniforms. "It's like I'm getting stronger with every fight!" She soon admitted.
"This feels so odd...It feels so natural to use these things. . ," Homura commented before groaning. "Ugh...but my brain feels like it just got run over by a truck..." She then got out before holding her head.
"What?! You're already low on SP!?" Morgana exclaimed, surprised with how low the tan skinned girl's Spirit Point pool was. "You only did, like, one or two magical attacks back there!" It quickly reminded.
"Yeah, I feel fine." Akira spoke up. "Little winded but I'm cool." He revealed.
"Is there something wrong with Homura-chan?" Asuka asked with concern.
"Hmm, it looks like she doesn't have the necessary mental capacity to handle casting a lot of spells." Morgana stated. "But she'll get better at it the more she uses her Persona, don't worry. Let's just get away from here before more show up." It soon suggested.
"You guys are seriously gonna leave these guys here!?" Ryuji exclaimed. "They need help! They could die in here!" He declared.
"We should at least try..." Asuka muttered as the cat sighed.
"You really don't get it, do you?" Morgana said before sighing again. "Hrgh...There's no time to explain. Like Lady Homura said before, either go leave with your life or stay and die. Now let's go." It said before running off across the bridge.
"Dammit..." Ryuji swore. "Fine, I'm coming! God, I'm getting sick of this stupid effin' place..." He then grumbled.
"If we somehow end up back here, we'll try and save a few." Asuka tried to reassure the boy. "Now let's go." They then started running after Morgana across the bridge, hoping the cat wouldn't screw them over.
"The entrance hall is right above here!" Morgana informed the group as they ran up the stairs. "The exit's close...Keep it up!" It then ordered.
"Almost there...I wonder what Jii-chan will think about this..." Asuka thought out loud as they arrived at the entrance hall.
They had seen guards at the front entrance so they sneaked around them and into a nearby hallway. They guessed the rest of them were all in the dungeon either trying to free the King or searching for them there.
"We're here!" Morgana announced as they stopped.
"Well, never thought I'd be escaping from prison...But then again I never thought I'd be fighting monsters too..." Akira admitted.
"Finally! We're saved...!" Ryuji sighed in relief.
"We're out of that place...after all this time..." Asuka panted out. "If I see another cell, it would be too soon..." She soon added.
"Same here." Homura agreed with a nod. "Alright, where's the exit, Morgana?" She asked as the blond walked up to a door and tried to open it.
"What the-!? This not openin'!" Ryuji called out as the other boy tried to other door from right across.
"This one's locked too..." Akira informed the group.
"This isn't the exit!?" Asuka exclaimed as the tan skinned girl angrily lifted the cat off the ground and started shaking it.
"You stupid lying...!" Homura growled. "You tricked us didn't you!?" She soon accused in anger.
"H-Hey! Don't jump to conclusions so quickly!" Morgana got out as it managed to get out of the girl's grip. It then pulled out a hairpin, went over to the door Akira tried and quickly put the hairpin in the lock. After a few seconds, there was a click and Morgana turned the knob, letting the door swing open. "Over here." It soon informed.
"Oops! Sorry, Morgana-chan." Asuka apologized as she comforted the cat by hugging it. "Are you okay?" She soon asked in concern.
"Buh...Buh...Yes Lady Asuka..." Morgana sighed out in bliss and it rubbed its over-sized head in her chest as they walked into the room with the glasses wearing boy shutting the door behind them.
Homura meanwhile just frowned at the torches in the room, it's purple flames highlighting the ugliness of the flags hanging off it depicting everyone's least favourite person at the moment.
"Where are we supposed to get out from here?" Ryuji complained. "There aren't even any windows!" He soon added.
"But there is a vent." Homura pointed out as she pointed at the grate in the wall. She quickly ran over to it and crouched down. "I'll boost someone up there to open it up. Come on."
"I'll do it." Akira offered as he ran up to the tan skinned girl. After being helped up, he removed the grate and studied it a little. "It leads directly outside!" He informed as he jumped down, a relieved smile on his face.
"Oh thank god!" Asuka got out as she let out a sigh of relief while others began to relax a little.
"As I thought, you three seem to be a natural at this." Morgana complimented." Of course, it's only the basic of basics, but you managed to do it silently as well. It's like you've been doing this for years." It then added.
"You could say that again, Morgana-chan." Asuka replied with an awkward giggle.
"Yeah...A little..." Homura mumbled out a reply.
"Seriously, we're finally gettin' out of here!" Ryuji cheered out, happy they were finally about to leave.
"I wonder how we got here in the first place though..." Akira muttered. "I mean...we didn't do anything special...at least on purpose..." He soon added.
"You should wait on celebrating until you actually get out." Morgana stated. "Now, get going." It then ordered.
"You're not coming?" Homura asked.
"There's something I still have to do here." Morgana answered. "We're going our separate ways." It soon declared.
"Don't get caught again." Akira warned as he climbed up to the exit.
"Heh, you better be careful too." Morgana replied with a smirk.
"Are you sure? We can always help, if you want." Asuka offered.
"I am sorry, Lady Asuka, but it is a noble pursuit that I must partake by myself." Morgana said. "But just knowing you are safe will be enough to realize my goal here. I hope you understand, mademoiselle." It soon declared with a small bow.
"Cute..." Asuka drawled out before the tan skinned girl snapped her out of it.
"Well, good luck, I guess." Homura quickly got out as she rolled her eyes, having enough of the day and wanting to go home as soon as possible. "I hope your cat burglary goes well." She added just as quickly.
"I am not some lowly burglar." Morgana stated. "I am a gentleman thief, thank you very much." It soon declared with confidence.
"Right..." Ryuji deadpanned. "Let's just get out of here. Ladies first." He instructed.
"No way! You'll see up my skirt!" Homura soon accused as the glasses-wearing boy entered the vent first, who decided not to mention the twenty-three and a half times (he counted) he got a glimpse of their panties. Seriously, they really needed to lower their skirt or something... "You go first." She soon ordered.
"I didn't mean..." Ryuji tried to defend himself before sighing and crawling through next.
As the two female roommates were left alone, they looked at each other with one of them having an awkward expression while the other had a serious expression.
"So...that talk..." Asuka nervously started.
The tan skinned girl merely sighed in response to this. "Save it for home. Just know that there is a possibility that we may not be on the same side." Homura declared before crawling through next.
Asuka gasped before wincing in pain before shaking her head and waved over to the cat before crawling through as well.
"Those four seem useful..." Morgana thought out loud. "Especially the frizzy-haired one and those girls if my judgment's right. I may need to contact them after I'm done here...Maybe they can help out with Mementos as well...Hmph! We'll see if they come back. I have a feeling this won't be the last time we see each other. Especially if they want to learn more about the power of Persona. . ," He then blushed and groaned. "And… I'm talking to myself. I've been in that dungeon for too long..." He grumbled out.
[Now exiting Kamoshida's Castle of Lust…]
(Aoyama-Itchome)
After they all ran away as fast as they could away from the cursed place, they stopped after what felt like several blocks to rest in the middle of the street. Ryuji felt tired but the Persona-users felt absolutely exhausted, both physically and mentally, and a little sick. "I can barely..." Asuka panted as she tried to catch her breath. "I can barely feel my legs..." She got out.
"You know, I think we should just skip school today..." Homura suggested.
"Yeah...Good idea..." Akira got out as his breathing went to normal. "It's not an option, but good idea." He admitted.
"What?" Ryuji asked before slapping his forehead. "Hey, uh...what time is it? Wait, did we even make it back!?" He soon added in confusion and concern.
Akira just pulled out his phone, only for his eyes to widen when he saw the mysterious app was open.
Asuka and Homura meanwhile quickly pulled their phones out as well, only to see that their version of the app was open as well.
[You have returned to the real world. Welcome back and have a nice day.] A voice from their phones said before closing simultaneously.
"Uh...okay?" Akira muttered before his phone away.
"Thank you, you piece of..." Homura grumbled.
"Huh? Returned...?" Ryuji repeated. "Does that mean we got away?" He then asked.
"Did...Did this app have to do with that castle?" Asuka thought before being snapped out of them.
"What was all that anyways...?" Ryuji asked. "That castle, and Kamoshida, and that weird cat! The hell's goin' on!?" He soon exclaimed in confusion.
"Hey, quiet down, idiot!" Homura whispered, only to groan when she saw police officers approaching them.
"What's with all that yelling?" One of the officers called out. "Are students of Shujin?" He soon questioned.
"Um...Yes...?" Asuka answered as the other girl just face palmed instinctively. "Is there something wrong?" She soon asked.
"Yes there is." The officer replied. "You're all cutting class." He then declared.
"Huh? No!" Ryuji tried to explain. "We were tryin' to get to school, and we ended up-" He started, however...
"Getting really, really lost!" Homura quickly interrupted while glaring at the blond. "We're all new students at Shuji Academy, and we just moved in to Toyko, and ended up taking the wrong train. You know with all the confusion with schedules due to all the accidents lately. Ended up on the other side of the city. Plus, we don't have the school's phone number yet so we couldn't contact them. We all decided to just get here by foot, which took forever and now we kinda realized we have no idea where the school is." She expertly lied.
The two officers looked at the tan-skinned girl, trying to see if she was lying or not but ultimately gave up.
"What are you-" Ryuji was about to ask, only for the other boy to subtly kick him in the shin. "Ow! Hey!" He got out.
"Sorry, my foot slipped." Akira whispered to the blond before speaking up. "So, officers, do you know where Shujin Academy is? I'm sure we're really late." He soon asked.
"We just passed by there. Only a few minutes down the road." The officer on the bike answered, guessing that these kids were telling the truth. "We won't report this in, but this is your last warning. If I catch you kids hanging around during school hours..." He soon advised.
"We promise we'll try and get to school on time. Don't worry officers." Asuka promised with a small bow. "We won't meet again." She quickly added.
"But what about-" Ryuji tried to speak again only to be interrupted once again.
"Our education and our future? Oh Sakamoto-kun, we'll worry about that once we're in school." Homura quickly got out as she not-so-subtly directed murderous intent in his direction.
Ryuji in response decided it would be a good idea to just shut up and head for school.
(4/11, Lunchtime)
(Shujin Academy, Front Gate)
"Is…Is this for real?" Ryuji got out, pretty much voicing everyone's thoughts as they stared up at the school, and not the Castle of Lust they just escaped from. "I'm sure we came the same way...What's goin' on here...?" He soon asked in confusion.
"Th-There was a castle right here." Asuka muttered. "We just left this place a few moments ago." She then reminded.
"Returned to the real world..." Akira mumbled with a frown.
"Let's just head in..." Homura groaned before going up the steps. "I just want this day to end already...!" She complained before wincing at the headache she had, only to be stopped by a rather unappealing hunk of meat in front of her.
"Well well well, look what we have here." Kamoshida said as he looked at the four. "You're all awfully late to school now. When Ms. Kawakami asked me to look out for all of you, I thought she was just worried over nothing."
"Kamoshida!" Ryuji growled. Then, just for a few seconds, the three Persona-users could only see the Mad King Kamoshida with his imposing castle behind him before snapping back to reality just to see Kamoshida the gym teacher with Shujin Academy behind him.
They all felt dizzy at that moment and stumbled back a bit.
"Ugh...My head..." Asuka moaned. "S-Sorry, but...I'm not feeling too hot right now..." She then groaned out.
"Don't vomit...Don't vomit..." Homura meanwhile mumbled out.
"Yeah..." Akira admitted. He felt really sweaty and his vision blurred if he didn't consciously keep his focus. Hell, he was barely standing up right now. He could hear echoes of Arsene's voice in his head, trying to ease the pain of his mind. It was helping but he still felt sick.
Kamoshida frowned at their states before sighing. "Alright, I'll overlook this since you three are new. But Sakamoto, you're going to the counselor's office. There's no excuse to why you're this late. I have no choice but to assume that you're cutting class."
"It's such a shame, you weren't like this when you were still doing morning practice, you know."
"That's only because-!" Ryuji started to shout out only to force it down. He knew he was baiting him, and getting angry was just gonna lead to more trouble. He just sighed and walked up the steps, but not before glaring at the gym teacher. "Pervy-ass bastard..." Ryuji thought as he gritted his teeth.
"Now, why don't you all head over to the Nurse's Office for a few minutes? I'll inform Kawakami that you arrived." Kamoshida advised as he gave them a winning smile.
Akira, Homura and Asuka however almost hurled at the sight. After their experience at the castle, they could only see Kamoshida in just Speedos, a cape and crown.
"Thank you." Asuka got out before they all started walking up the steps. Just as Kamoshida thought the girls were out of hearing range, he spoke to Akira.
"Hey...Have we met somewhere?" Kamoshida asked.
Akira in response only looked at the Mad King and frowned. "No." He stated coldly before walking away without another word.
Kamoshida just frowned before shaking his head. He didn't care; as long as he knew his place...preferably expelled from the school like all of the other scum he had to deal with.
(Faculty Office)
They all felt a little better after lying down in the Nurse's Office but it didn't mean everything was fine. Akira could still hear gossip from other students passing by. Talking about him almost killing someone, being a dangerous person to be around or secretly having a knife on him at all times.
Okay, maybe that last one was true but that was only recently. Plus, he knew a girl that had and could wield six goddamn katanas on her with a million different ways to kill so his assault record kinda paled in comparison to that.
Akira however frown at the whispers. He remembered his parents telling him no one but his teachers and principal would know about his criminal record and it was against the law to reveal that type of information, which was pretty much the only he had going for him when he moved here. But now it was out in the open, with all its bullshit and lies.
So already, his life sucked not even three days since he arrived. Whoop-dee-fucking-doo.
Meanwhile, Asuka nervously gulped as she opened the door into the faculty office. Their homeroom teacher would've definitely called Jii-chan and there was no way she could explain what happened earlier. God, even shinobi have their limits in what they can believe.
"Would you two hurry up and get in? You've been standing here for three minutes already." Homura snapped as she shoved past the two, wanting to get this over with. Suzune was not going to like she was late to school without excuses.
Akira and Asuka quickly shook their heads and headed in as well, spotting a very annoyed and tired-looking Kawakami.
"Unbelievable." Their homeroom teacher sighed out as she saw the three transfer approach her. "All of you being over half a day late on your first day? Can you all explain yourselves?" She soon questioned.
"We got lost super hard. Ended up across town by accident." Akira groaned out.
"Yeah…" Asuka mumbled out.
"This entire day is a train wreck…" Homura sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"How can all of you be lost for so long? Did you run across the city?" Kawakami got out in disbelief.
"Yes." The three bluntly replied in unison.
The teacher blinked at that, noticing their rather disheveled appearances and tired looks. "I didn't mean it literally…Still, with all the accidents lately, I won't blame you for going on foot." Kawakami muttered out. "And you three are probably not used to the area…but you're still way too late." She then stated.
"Sorry, Kawakami-sensei…" Asuka apologized as she bowed.
"At least you're here." Kawakami sighed. "Just make sure to not get lost next time. You have your phones after all. At the very least call the school to inform them you'll be late." She then suggested.
"We promise." Homura replied as she stepped towards the door, only to be stopped.
"By the way," Kawakami began as she gave the three a disapproving look. "I heard that you were caught along with that Sakamoto-kun?"
"Ryuji-kun?" Asuka got out with a raised eyebrow, causing Kawakami to sigh.
"Yes. Don't get involved with him, okay?" Their homeroom advised. "He's nothing but trouble." She then added before sighing once again. "He wasn't like this when he was devoting himself to track and field…" She quietly mumbled under her breath, though the three caught it.
The King – no, wait – Kamoshida mentioned that before.
That was odd. Ryuji did not have the stamina of an athlete back at the castle…
"Anyways," Kawakami spoke up, snapping the three out of their thoughts. "Breaks almost over. Classes will end after the fifth period today because of the subway accident. I'll have you all introduce yourselves once class resumes." She soon stated. "Follow me." She then ordered.
"Hai." The three replied with a nod as they followed the teacher out of the office.
(Classroom)
"By the way, when you're introducing yourselves...Be serious about it even if you're lying to the class, okay? Do not say anything unnecessary." Kawakami warned as they arrived at the classroom: Class 2-D.
"Like why my record's out in the open even though it's against the law that should've been protecting me in the first place." Akira grumbled softly, causing the teacher to gasp slightly, showing that she didn't know that before she then groaned when she realized it was just gonna create more work for her to deal with. "But yeah, I'll be good." He then informed.
"Huh?" Asuka spoke up. "What was that?" She soon asked.
"I knew something was wrong..." Homura muttered, remembering students consciously avoiding them. And the whispers...This day was just worse and worse by the minute. Anyway, they arrived right outside the classroom.
"Remember, don't do anything unnecessary." Kawakami warned before they all entered the classroom. In an instant, the students in the room either turned quiet or started whispering. They could all clearly hear their whispers, it was like their words were grating against their brains.
"Why are those girls with someone like him?"
"Did they just get here? On their first day? What the Hell..."
"Hmph! I heard the guy beat someone to near death, and it wasn't even the first time he done it..."
"I tell you, he'll explode if you piss him off. I bet 1000 yen he punches you in the face. 2000 if he hits you in the balls."
"What the fuck? What are those girls eating? I want some of that!"
"I bet those are his whores or something. I tell you, no one with those bodies would be virgins..."
"Now I face out! I hold out! I Reach Out to the Truth and blah blah something something something, something about our souls..."
"Wow, hot."
"Which one?"
"All of them."
The tanned girl's eye immediately began to twitch after hearing the whispers. "Urge to kill... rising...rising...falling...rising...!" Homura thought as the comments got more and more idiotic.
"I miss Hanzō Academy...!" Asuka cried internally to all the comments about her.
"Sojiro is so going to kill me when I get home..." Akira thought, trying to ignore everything.
"Settle down..." Kawakami sighed out, barely making an effort. "...Well, I'd like to introduce a few of our new transfer students: Akira Kurusu, Asuka Shirokage and Homura Shinkukage. They were all sick earlier today so they spent some time in the nurse's office to recover. Please, say something to the class." She soon revealed without much of a care.
"U-Um...Hello everyone...uh...please take care of me!" Asuka stuttered out as she quickly bowed.
"I hope we all get along!" Homura replied with a fake sweet tone and smile. This had to be a new record, she already hated everyone here.
Meanwhile, Akira just cleared his throat. "My name is Akira Kurusu. Nice to meet you all." Akira greeted...right before pulling out a stereo from out of nowhere, placing it on the floor before turning it on as Last Surprise blasted out. "And this...will be my best dance yet!" Akira called out, his clothes burning away in blue flames, revealing a stylish outfit as lights sprouted from the ground and-
(Fast Forward)
"That didn't happen." Sae deadpanned.
"I wish it did...Probably would've left a better impression." Akira grumbled out. "Anyway..." He continued.
(Rewind)
"My name is Akira Kurusu. Nice to meet you all." Akira greeted as he flashed a peace sign. He held back a groan when all he heard was more whispers about him.
"...Uhh, so...Your seats will be...Hmm..." Kawakami awkwardly started as she looked around for available seats. "Over there." Conveniently, there were three seats open right next to each other. Two behind a familiar looking girl and one just on the right of the last one. "Sorry, but can the people nearby please share your textbooks with them for today?" She then requested.
They all walked over to their seats, ignoring more whispers and other mean comments as they passed by, noting that there was even more added to the mix directed at the foreign-looking girl.
Asuka's eyebrow rose when she saw a rather beaten-looking student wince as they passed by him. She gave him a worried look before continuing on. She chose the last seat next to the window, Homura took the one next to her and Akira decided on the seat right behind the familiar-looking girl and in front of Asuka.
"...Lies." The flashy female student quietly growled under her breath just loud enough for them to hear.
"Wait...aren't you..." Homura started before groaning at the headache. She just shook her head and went to her seat as Asuka stared at Akira, just wondering who he really was.
"Oh, right! The volleyball rally's in two days..." Kawakami remembered. "Everyone's just changed classes, so make sure you use that time to get to know each other. Well then, let's get class started. Who's on duty today?" She then questioned.
It was the beat-up student who rose up and sighed. "Everyone, please rise..." He instructed.
(4/11, After School)
(Hallway)
"Only a few more minutes, Homura-chan...Only a few more minutes before we can go home..." Asuka mumbled out.
Kawakami had asked the three to step outside after class was over, and as much as they wanted to bitch and moan, they didn't really have a choice considering the amount of trouble they were definitely in.
Homura was about to say something else when they saw the hallway turn into part of the castle again. It was really starting to mess with their heads now. They were barely lucid.
"Hm? What's wrong?" Kawakami asked in concern as she walked out to meet them.
"What is this place?" Asuka groaned out.
"Is it really just a school?" Homura muttered.
"Or is this a castle?" Akira finished as they all shook their heads.
Kawakami in response to the questions gave them looks of worry. "Hm, maybe I should've sent you all home instead..." She muttered. "It seems people are talking about you, but I'm not the one who told them." She soon informed.
"Should we tell the principal? This is a clear case of defamation and it should cause some concern." Homura suggested.
"I wouldn't try it. We don't know who started it and Principal Kobayakawa is rather busy with other things that he really doesn't have the time for...or the heart...or the brains..." Kawakami advised, silently adding the last part. "Maybe you should bring it up to Niijima-san. She could deal with your problems." She then sighed. "I can't even catch a break...Why do I have to deal with three different transfer students?" She then grumbled out.
"Looks like we're all pretty unlucky today, huh...?" Asuka spoke up as everyone sighed simultaneously.
"Kurusu-kun, you should probably head straight home without stopping by anywhere." Kawakami suggested. "Sakura-san sounded pretty mad." She then informed.
"Yeah, I was expecting that." Akira mumbled out as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Uh…did you call our guardians?" Homura soon asked as she scratched the back of her head.
"Yes, but they weren't picking up." Kawakami answered. "And sending a letter is too much of a bother. I trust that you'll them yourselves."
"Hai." Asuka replied with a nod.
"We will…" Homura muttered out.
Kawakami knew they weren't going to say anything…but she didn't have the energy to care.
Just then, the four spotted Ryuji walking up to them, hands in his pockets with a pissed off look on his face.
"What do you want?" Kawakami asked, her tone a little bit more hostile. "I heard from Mr. Kamoshida that you were cutting class today." She soon accused.
"Ugh...it was nothin'." Ryuji casually replied as he rubbed his nose.
"And you haven't dyed your hair back to black either..." Kawakami noted.
"Sorry 'bout that." Ryuji apologized sarcastically. He then started to walk away, but not before glancing towards the glasses-wearing boy. "I'll be waiting at the rooftop. Bring the girls along with you." He whispered before walking away.
"Hm?" Akira got out before seeing part of the castle again. "Well...One pit stop won't hurt..." He thought as the teacher sighed once again.
"See? That's why I don't want any of you getting involved." Kawakami warned as she started to walk away. "Understood?" She then asked.
"Yes, ma'am." The three replied.
The three soon remained in the hallway as they looked at one another after the teacher had left. "...We're so gonna get involved with him, huh?" Homura deadpanned her question.
"Yep." Akira flatly replied. "Most definitely." He soon added.
"But...Ryuji-kun was so nice back in the castle..." Asuka stated. "Why would Ms. Kawakami tell us..." She however trailed off once she saw Kamoshida and the principal walk up the stairs and conversed right in front of them.
"Why did you allow a student like him to transfer here?" Kamoshida asked. "He's already associating himself with Sakamoto, a student with a criminal record and the culprit of an assault case. And those girls already seem to be friends with both of them. At this rate, it's be pointless how much I contribute to the school." He then informed.
"Now, don't be like that..." The principal said. "This school counts on you, Kamoshida-kun. You are our star." He then declared.
The three meanwhile held back grunts of disgust, the memories of the castle resurfacing again.
"Still, a steady build up is necessary behind such brilliance as well." The principal soon informed.
"...Your troubles never seem to end, do they, Principal Kobayakawa." Kamoshida replied with a sigh. "Alright, I understand. I'll continue to do my best to answer your expectations of me." He stated before they both walked away.
"This school's really relying on him, huh?" Akira noted. "Shujin's reputation isn't that bad...is it?" He then asked.
"Considered one of the worst schools in the state." Homura said, recalling her research.
"Oh..." Asuka winced at the statement. "That sounds bad." She then admitted.
"At least the uniforms are nice." Akira said. "Come on, Sakamoto's waiting on the rooftop. I'm guessing he's eager to talk about something..." He then informed.
"But...isn't the roof closed off to students?" Asuka pointed out.
"I'm guessing it's unlocked then." Homura muttered. "Come on, we don't want to keep that numbskull waiting too long." She then remarked.
(Rooftop)
They all entered the rooftop and looked around. A high chain-link fencing to stop students accidentally falling off the place, a few air conditioner units and spare or old school desks and fold-out chairs littered the area, with Ryuji sitting on one waiting for them.
"...There you guys are." Ryuji greeted. "Sorry for callin' you all up here like this." He soon apologized.
"We don't mind, Ryuji-kun." Asuka spoke up.
"Yeah, it's nice to get away from all those people." Homura admitted as she stretched her arms and enjoyed the fresh air. "Fucking assholes..." She then grumbled in annoyance.
"Kawakami told us you were trouble, you know?" Akira got out as he sat down. "Sure, you look like a delinquent with the hair and all, but you seem like a nice guy. You know, with slight anger problems." He then added.
"Thanks man." Ryuji replied with a slight smile. "Heh, we're pretty much on the same boat." He joked as he then turned to the girls. "And you two don't exactly have the best reputation right now." He soon informed.
"We figured." Homura deadpanned while her roommate blushed in embarrassment from remembering the comments made.
"Mostly by association though." Ryuji revealed as he leaned in. "I heard Akira here has a criminal record. Everyone's talkin' about it. No wonder you were so gutsy." He then informed.
"Yeah, we're gonna talk to the Student Council President about it. See if they could track down who did it so we could charge them for defamation." Asuka spoke up as they all took a seat.
"Don't bother. The President's useless. Nothing more than the principal's lap dog." Ryuji pointed out with a slight edge to his tone.
"It wouldn't hurt to try." Akira replied with a shrug with the girls nodding in agreement.
"...So, you're really ninja girls, huh?" Ryuji once more stated as he blinked.
"Yes, and it would be better if you didn't say that out loud." Homura growled with narrow eyes. "Someone could be listening." She quickly whispered.
"S-Sorry!" Ryuji quickly apologized. "What I mean is, can't you just use your...uh...special skills to try and track down whoever started it?" He soon asked.
"Sorry, but information gathering isn't exactly my forte." Homura admitted. "And I'm pretty sure Big Tits here would get herself caught in an instant." She then added while pointing a thumb at her roommate.
"Mooooh...don't be mean Homura-chan..." Asuka let out as an imaginary rain cloud formed over her head. Sure, she wasn't the best at stealth but she usually didn't get caught until after she got the objective.
"But yours are big too..." Akira thought with a sweatdrop. He would've said it out loud but he liked to enjoy his hobby of living to see tomorrow.
"Plus, we have more important things to worry about...Like that castle that should be right here." Homura started.
"Yeah, what was all that that happened?" Ryuji wondered out loud. "You know, how we all almost got killed back there...It wasn't a dream...right? You guys remember it too, yeah?" He then asked.
"If it was a dream, I wouldn't have this." Akira stated as he flashed the knife under his blazer.
"And you wouldn't know we were shinobi in the first place." Asuka pointed out.
"Yeah, you're right." Ryuji sighed out. "But just 'cause we remember, it doesn't mean much though...I mean, even if it was a dream, you guys still saved me from Kamoshida. So yeah...Thanks, guys." He soon added.
"No worries." Asuka replied. "But...it was only because of those things we had...our Personas..." She informed.
"No, it was all you all along. We just gave you a means to an end." A voice in her head stated, causing Asuka to look around to see who said that but shook her head.
"What exactly was all that anyway?" Homura had to ask. "Oh, I tell myself my life is shit and I should do something about it, and now I have a goddamn wolf at my beck and call. That doesn't make sense. I'm thankful for it making me realize some things I should've but it's just... what the hell?" She grumbled out.
"I'm a wolverine! Get your animals right!" A voice in her head called out.
"Yeah, whatever." Homura said off-handedly before pausing. "Wait, did any of you hear that?" She then vocally asked.
"Hear what?" Ryuji asked back with a raised eyebrow.
"Nothing..." Homura groaned out. "Just...who are you...?" She mentally asked.
"I am thou, thou art I." Wolverine simply stated.
"Thank you, that's helpful." Homura muttered sarcastically.
"Yeah, those Persona things...those were actually pretty cool all things considered." Ryuji admitted. "But man, that Kamoshida we saw back there..." He got out.
"That wasn't like the Kamoshida we met." Asuka said.
"Really? Because the asshole in the castle full of himself and the ripped mophead here are actually pretty effin' similar." Ryuji stated. "Get this. You prolly don't know about it yet, but there are some rumors about him. Screams comin' from his office, stuff about the volleyball team, getting rid of anything he doesn't like..." He informed in a serious tone.
"That sounds horrible!" Asuka gasped.
"But they're just rumors." Homura pointed out. "But then again, they don't seem too out there with that prick..." She remarked.
"Yeah, and no one says anything against him 'cause he's some medalist who took the volleyball team to nationals!" Ryuji continued. "The way Kamoshida was king of that castle felt crazy real 'cause of that..." He then added.
"So...do you think the Kamoshida here is connected to the Kamoshida who rules the castle?" Akira guessed. "Because he didn't recognize me this morn-er, noon." He soon stated.
"It has to be, I mean why would the King be Kamoshida in the first place?" Homura pointed out with a frown. "If we could only get back to that castle...find that cat again...maybe we'll get some answers then." She soon suggested.
"Yeah..." Asuka got out before taking out her phone, spotting the app that wouldn't stay deleted. "I wonder..." She was about to open the app but...
Ryuji suddenly let out a frustrated noise. "Ugh, forget it!" He decided. "I don't care if it was a dream, or if it was real! I just hope I never end up in a place like that again!" He then sighed and stood up. "Sorry to drag you guys out here like this. That's all I had to say." He apologized once more.
"It's okay Ryuji-kun, that place was pretty bizarre..." Asuka replied as her roommate looked at the time.
"Asuka, our train's gonna leave soon. We better go." Homura stated as she got up.
"Um...you go ahead. I need to take care of a few things." Asuka got out as Akira and Ryuji continued to talk. "I'll see you at home."
"...Alright." Homura replied, her eyes narrowing a little before she and the blond haired boy left.
"What were you guys talking about?" Asuka had to ask out of curiosity.
"...Being troublemakers." Akira replied while smiling a little. "You?" He then asked.
"Secret stuff." Asuka answered before looking down at the ground. "You know that castle...it was real, right?" She once more asked.
"Yeah." Akira replied while imagining red gloves on his hands. "It was." He added.
"And if it was a dream...There was still something there I needed to find out." Asuka admitted as she swallowed some saliva. "I realize now just...just how set my life was from the beginning. Like, I was trapped in some fancy cage that I never noticed was around me this entire time. My friends were only my friends out of circumstance, though they are still some of my best friends I care for, meanwhile the people around me expect me to live up to something I only made my goal because I had no choice...it really just got to me how pathetic my life really is." She admitted as she then let out a humorless chuckle.
"You aren't pathetic." Akira stated firmly. "Far from it. You're a good person, no matter who you are." He complemented.
"Yeah...I just wish that...I wasn't the person standing here now..." Asuka admitted before clenching her fists. "Akira-kun...What do you think I am?" She suddenly asked.
"Huh?" Akira let out. He only thought of three options.
A badass bitch.
Asuka Shirokage.
It isn't that simple.
"...It isn't that simple." Akira admitted with a sigh.
"But I really wish it was..." Asuka muttered. "But I think I needed that. I guess...I just need more time to think about it. Would you mind...helping me with that?" She soon requested.
"I'd be happy to." Akira replied.
"Thanks." Asuka giggled out.
(Fast Forward)
"I've been looking in the school files, you know." Sae stated as she opened up a folder. Akira did his best to hold back a curse as he saw it was two of his most trusted confidants. "I've been trying to find possible accomplices and possible suspects, starting with Shujin students. These two girls look familiar? Transferred in the same time as you and into the same class. Funny thing about them, I looked up these two and found a few interesting things. One, I have evidence that Asuka Shirokage did attend Hanzō National Academy, but her records were wiped clean. However Homura Shinkukage…she didn't exist prior to attending Shujin." She then informed.
"What are you trying to say?" Akira questioned with his eyes narrowing. "I don't know who these girls are." He then lied.
"But you had some connection with them, right? Are they also these Persona-users you were referring to?" Sae asked before she leaned in. "Tell me...who are they?" She then questioned in a serious tone.
(Rewind)
SHATTER!
I am thou, thou art I…
Thou hast acquired a new now.
It shall becomethe wings of rebellion
that breakeththy chains of captivity.
With the birthof the Happy Squirrel Persona
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
shall lead to freedomand new power...
RANK 1
Unlocked Baton Pass!
"What the..." Akira let out as a card trapped in chains appeared in front of him. It depicted a smiling creature with a bushy tail perched on a tree throwing nuts at an old wise man, annoying him greatly. "L' Écureuil Heureux..." He mumbled out. Just as he was about to grab it, Akira opened his eyes to see Asuka snapping her fingers in front of him.
"Uh...you kind of spaced out for a second there." Asuka said. "You okay?" She soon asked.
"Yeah. I-I'm fine." Akira answered, despite feeling confused. "...I'm gonna go home." He informed.
"Sure, see you later Akira-kun!" Asuka said before they left the rooftop. As she headed for the exit, Asuka was just wondering what was going to happen once she got home.
(4/11, Evening)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
Asuka however really didn't expect her roommate to place a sword to her neck once she got home. "Wh-Wh-Wh-What!?" She exclaimed.
"Tell your friends to back down, and I won't hurt you." Homura threatened.
"Wh-What friends!? I don't have friends!? I'm a complete loser at school!" Asuka pointed out. "I mean, neither of us really have friends, but then again Ryuji-kun and Akira-kun could be considered our friends after that whole thing at the castle but we only just met them and Akira-kun has that Persona thing like us. What was it called, um...Archie? Arcana? Anthrax?" She got out.
"I meant your Good Shinobi friends, call them off." Homura ordered before she sighed. "And it's Arsene, by the way." She then corrected.
"But I'm all alone Homura-chan! Please, put the sword down and we'll talk! I won't hurt you even if you hurt me!" Asuka tried to reason. "Come on! Try! See what happens! I won't fight you!" She revealed.
Homura proceeded to press her sword closer to the girl's neck, getting ready for the kill...before sighing and calling back the katana.
"Thank you." Asuka sighed out in relief.
"It was nothing..." Homura mumbled out before going into the bedroom. "Just...It's complicated alright. After what happened and what I've been through...you kind of stop trusting a lot of people." She admitted.
This in turn confused the other girl, but it also concerned her as she entered the apartment, closed the door before locking it and entering the bedroom as well. "Homura-chan... what... happened to you exactly?" Asuka asked.
"..." Homura said nothing as she looked at the floor as they sat on their futons.
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to..." Asuka then got out.
The tan skinned girl in turn sighed as she looked at her roommate. "No Asuka...you should know since we're gonna be living together for the year and for the fact that we both know about that world." She started as she took in a deep breath. "Well to start with...I was originally from a clan of Good Shinobis...training to become one just like the rest of my family, who all had high expectations from me." She started.
To hearing that, Asuka blinked a couple of times, surprised to hearing that as she felt like it was similar to her own situation. "Really? But you-" She started.
"However I was later disowned and exiled while I was in middle school for an...incident..." Homura then interrupted in a hesitant manner as she lowered her head and balled her hands into fists. "Asuka...I...I've killed someone..." She then revealed. "It was an accident at the time...but I murdered someone..." She stated.
Asuka's eyes then widened to that. "Homura-chan..." She got out in shock.
Homura then narrowed her eyes in anger. "I was stupid at the time...I trusted a teacher I got to close too much because there was a lot of pressure on me from my family back in middle school and he revealed himself to be an evil shinobi who wanted to get my family's secrets after I revealed my own identity before he tried to kill me...and I killed him out of anger..." She spat out.
Asuka however shook her head to that. "No Homura-chan!" She declared in a loud manner as she grabbed the other girl's shoulders, shocking her slightly from the sudden contact. "You killed him out of self defense! It wasn't your fault! He tricked and deceived you!" She responded.
For a moment, the tan skinned girl was shocked at the response her roommate gave her before she downtrodden her head. "It didn't matter either way in the end...I broke the Good Shinobi law, was disowned by my own family and exiled from my chance of being able to go to a normal high school for good shinobis..." Homura declared as she turned her head towards a sheathed nodachi. "The only thing I have left from my family is Engetsuka, my family's heirloom, and I can't even properly use it." She then revealed before narrowing her eyes. "I guess that's one of the reasons I was offered to go into Hebijo...God I feel like such a dumbass for not realizing...I practically gave them access to my family's power..." She then got out, unaware that tears were started to form from her eyes.
Asuka however noticed this as she narrowed her eyes after hearing roommate's story and what happened to her. "That's...that's not fair...Homura-chan was tricked..." She thought to herself as she realized one important fact. "The Good Shinobi rules...they're too harsh...it's not fair..." She then added in her head.
"It's funny though..." Homura quietly started, gaining the other girl's attention. "It took hundreds of accidents, some sort of supernatural world, unlocking this...power I never thought I had and...and meeting you, I guess. But without all of that stuff happening, I never would've gotten a clear head to figure all these things out. So...I guess I should say thanks...Asuka." She soon got out in a slightly grateful tone.
"You're...You're welcome." Asuka gasped, slightly taken aback by the statement before smiling. "So...what do we do now?" She then asked.
"I'm not sure." Homura admitted. "I mean, we should be enemies, but after everything in that castle...I need time to think. But for now, we'll just be roommates. Nothing more, nothing less." She decided.
"Okay, I understand Homura-chan." Asuka replied before yawning. "Ugh...I think that whole Persona thing drained me..." She got out.
"Yeah, let's just turn in for the night." Homura suggested. After a quick dinner and shower, they hopped into their futons with little to no other words between them. "Good night, Asuka." She called out.
"Good night, Homura-chan." Asuka replied back before closing her eyes, wondering what would tomorrow bring.
Save Game… Quit!
Whew! Done! Goddammit that took a bit. Proud of it nonetheless.
UknownHero signing off, my friends!
