I do not own Persona, just the OCs and the original plot.

Chapter 1: Prologue; Once Upon a Time...

-Date; April 6th Saturday, 2013, Afternoon-

It was a beautiful day, in a rural part of Japan, the fresh air filled the area and no traits of modern aspects. Except for two straight rails on the ground, connecting to a rural village and a small city. A cart train is seen heading towards a rural village.

Aboard in the vehicle, lies a single passenger sitting on one of the many empty seats, who happens to be a young boy of the age 11 with black hair and blue eyes, he wears a blue sleeve white shirt and navy pants, and his bag and suitcase were next to him. This boy's name is Seiya Teshima, and he is moving in with his maternal grandfather, who has taken custody of him, in a small quiet village.

Seiya looks outside through the window. The area is a fresh clean environment compared to what he sees in a city, despite seeing it so many times every time he visits. As he looked, Seiya pondered about how his new life in a rural area would turn out after leaving his old home. As he thought, he remembers an unforeseen event that occurred two months ago…

Car...

Truck...

Hospital...

Funeral...

His mind snapped back to reality when he noticed that he'd soon arrive at his destination; he always knew when he'd arrive since he got used to train rides from the city to his grandfather's hometown on his family's vacations.

After several minutes, the train arrived at the small train station, stopping its tracks. Seiya, with his bag on his back and holding his suitcase in hand, waited patiently in front of the doors until they opened, allowing the young boy to get off. As he got out of the cart, he looked around the area and figured that no one else was waiting for the train. Seeing no reason to stay any longer, Seiya moves away from the station, he was about to turn until he caught sight of someone, the person he was meeting with.

The person who has been on the side of the station is an elderly man in his mid-60s, with short-length gray hair and blue eyes, he wears a greyish green yukata with greyish pants.

Seiya opened his mouth and one word came out. "Grandpa."

Precisely, the elderly man is Seiya's grandfather, Takeru Miyazaki, and the one who's picking him up.

The elderly man smiled, walking towards his grandson. He came to a stop before he spoke. "Good to see you, Seiya. You've arrived sooner than on schedule, I was about to wait for your arrival. How was your ride?"

"Well, aside from being the only passenger on the train, it was okay. And I was looking at the scenery along the way." Seiya replied honestly.

"Really? Didn't you bring anything to occupy yourself? It must have been a boring ride, and I heard you have to use an express train first, before taking the small train." Takeru asked. While he may not know much about today's youth's hobbies, he's a bit surprised that his grandson has merely been watching the area from the window.

"It was no problem, the express train was fast enough that it only took an hour. And the one I took only took an hour as well. So, two hours." Seiya responded. In truth, he did feel a little bored but he did not let it bother him. "Plus, Mom and Dad always told me to look out the window and enjoy the view."

"Well, putting that aside, let's get moving. I parked my car nearby, and I just got out two minutes ago. I'll drive us home." Takeru chuckles, earning a chuckle from Seiya as well. The two went to the car in the parking lot nearby. Placing his bag and suitcase, Seiya sits beside his grandfather before the elder starts the engine.

The car moves and heads towards the village, Dōwa. As the car drove, Seiya looked through the window, looking at the village with houses and shops, and the boy felt nostalgic. He and his parents would visit his grandfather living in this village on their vacations for different occasions, he would often walk around the village visiting shops and discovering new places he hadn't seen before.

"I know you've already known this, but," Takeru says, gaining Seiya's attention. "This place used to be meant for you and your parents' holidays, but from here on this is your new home. Meaning, you can't act as if this is a vacation."

"I know." Seiya replied.

"And I know the village isn't like the city you lived in, there isn't that much here and you may get bored. But you may be able to go to Kataribe town." Kataribe is a small city close to Dōwa, people often visit between places via train which takes 25 minutes or car which takes an hour. Seiya and his parents would sometimes go there for a family dinner together with his grandfather, and they would also shop for what the village lacked. "Many youngsters often go to Kataribe by bike, or by train, so you have my permission to go on your own but only if you follow my conditions, understand?"

"Yes grandpa." Seiya has no problem travelling to Kataribe, he has been there many times with his family, so he memorizes it. Though, he may not have to go to the city anytime soon.

After a few minutes of driving, the grandfather and grandson arrive at the house as the car parks. The place is a traditional two-story Japanese house, something you expect from a village in Japan. Seiya got out of the car and took his belongings, he turned his attention to his grandfather's house, he and his parents used to stay in for every visit as guests, but now this has become his new home.

Seiya and his grandpa went inside, took off their outdoor shoes and put on slippers, and walking down the house, the elder turned to his grandson.

"Your belongings have arrived and are already upstairs in the first room. That's where you'll be staying." Takeru instructed.

Understanding, Seiya moves towards the stairs. He reaches the door and slides open, seeing the inside, the room is simple and yet comfy. There is a study desk, a drawer, a small table, a full-body mirror, a closet and a rolled futon. In the center of the room resting on the floor are three big boxes.

Placing his bag and suitcase in the room, Seiya went downstairs and went to check on his grandfather. He glances through a big room that is a mix between a kitchen and a living room. The living room part has a tatami floor, a shōji up front, a big calligraphy portrait is hung on the wall on the left wall, in the middle there is a table, on the right corner is an old television and on the left side lies a kamidana. He saw his grandfather in the kitchen, in the process of brewing some tea, and the elderly man turned his attention towards Seiya.

"It must have been an exhausting trip for you, so rest up and take a breather. You can watch the television, while I'll make us some tea." He said.

"Thanks, Grandpa, but I'm not tired." Seiya said, he isn't a bit tired at all, he still has energy. "I'll unpack my stuff. I'll come for your tea once I'm done."

Hearing it brought a smile to Takeru's face, the young boy went back to his new room leaving the elder making tea. Takeru turns his attention to a kamidana in the living room. "It's only been a month, but he seems to be recovering despite what has happened. He takes it a lot from you, Akemi." He said softly with a hint of sadness.

With Seiya, the young boy has opened up the boxes and is unpacking his stuff, clothes, necessaries and among others. As he lay down his books, his eyes landed on one particular object. He picked it up and stared; it was a frame. In it was a photo of him and his parents, his father had black hair and green eyes and while his mother had long brown hair and blue eyes, taken in a cherry blossom viewing.

Looking at the photo made Seiya frown in sadness, reminding himself that he won't be seeing them again. After what happened two months ago...

(FLASHBACK)

One dark rainy night, a car was driving on the road. Inside are Seiya sitting at the back and his parents at the front. They were on their way home after eating dinner in a restaurant to celebrate his father's promotion.

"Boy, I'm stuffed, I could lay down and rest on the way home." Seiya patted his belly.

"You'll turn into a cow if you do." His mom joked and scolded him.

"Still, it's great that you've got a promotion, dad." Seiya said, ignoring his mother's scolding.

His dad chuckles at his son's praise. He replied. "Well, Seiya, it is the result of…"

Though the man kept his eyes on the road, unknown to the family, a bright light was coming at them. The next thing it happened, everything went dark.

Seiya was at the hospital, he had regained consciousness about an hour ago. A bandage wrapped around his head, and was given an IV while he sat on the hospital bed. A doctor was doing a check-up on him at the moment.

"Young man, it is a miracle that you've survived." The doctor said, holding a clipboard. Seiya learned that he and his parents were in an accident, a truck came straight at the car, he didn't get any serious injuries, only minor scratches, and one injury on the head.

But then the doctor wore a serious expression. "Though… I hate to be the bearer of bad news. While you are indeed alive, but as for your parents..."

A funeral is being held, and many attend to mourn and offer prayers for the deceased, and offering condolences to Seiya. It has been several weeks since the accident, while Seiya miraculously survived… his parents didn't.

Seiya was seated in his chair, his head hung slightly, with a melancholy expression. Learning of his parents' passing was devastating, spending a whole week in despair, after that, he calmed down but was devoid of all emotions, but through the help of his relatives and friends, he was able to recuperate, little by little.

As the boy sits alone, the mourners murmur among themselves, regarding Seiya.

"That boy is the only survivor from the accident."

"The poor dear."

"Despite what happened… he's stayed strong."

"Is he truly saddened? His expression…"

"Shame on you! He went through a whole week in despair! It may not show on his face but he is truly hurt on the inside."

Seiya didn't hear them, his mind avoided all sound. He slowly lifted his head, and his eyes laid on the two coffins with two frames. Every time he sees them, his chest tightens. He hung his head again, his eyes covered by the shadow of his hair, and a single tear rolled down his right cheek.

(END OF FLASHBACK)

"Mom… Dad..." Seiya muttered, closed his eyes and brought the frame closer to his chest. He wanted to remain strong for both their sake, but a part of him still missed them.

The two months after the incident was hard on a kid. A whole month in both despair and slowly recuperating, and going through a funeral. After the funeral, he spends the remaining month both recuperating and attending his last days at school. His friends, sympathetic classmates and teachers have given him their emotional support which was a great deal and he became stronger, though he felt bad for making them worried. He was able to go by and attend his 4th-grade graduation. It pains him to say goodbye to all of his friends and the people at school, but he knows that he can't attend the next grade at his old school since his grandfather took custody of him. It also pains him to leave the home where he was raised and lived with his parents.

After the funeral, his relatives discussed who will be Seiya's guardian. Alas, many have reasons and circumstances that they are unable to take in Seiya. That is where Takeru steps in and willingly becomes Seiya's guardian, and so everyone complies. When Seiya was told that, he accepted the conditions and willingly left home to move in with his grandfather. He was able to be given a chance to attend his last school days and graduation and say goodbye to the people close to him and his parents.

But despite everything that happened, Seiya determines to move on. Many may believe that it is too quick or heartless for a child to move on, but Seiya's parents were the kind of people who have put a positive effect on their child that he's able to lift his head, with the help of the people who encourage him. Many people would often say 'to live on for their sake' but Seiya didn't want people to remind him that, he knows that his parents want him to live on once they told him that, way before the incident. So it wasn't about moving on quickly, it was about fulfilling his parents' wish, and in doing so helped him go through.

But it still hurts inside.

After a moment, Seiya releases his embrace. He places the frame on the desk, looks at it gives Seiya a sad smile before going back to unboxing.

-Date; April 6th Saturday, 2013, Evening-

After hard work of unpacking and a good relaxing time drinking tea, the evening came, and it was time for dinner. Both Seiya and Takeru were at the small table in the living room part, sitting in seiza position.

"I bought these ingredients today for this occasion. Luckily the flounders and potatoes were on sale." Takeru said. The foods on the table are two plates of cooked flounders, two small bowls of simmered potatoes, seasoning steamed vegetables and two bowls of rice. The elder wore a disappointed expression. "But I couldn't make miso soup..."

"That's alright, Grandpa. This is more than enough." Seiya said, giving a smile to show his appreciation.

This brought a smile to Takeru's face, touched by his grandson's sincerity. He placed both hands together. "Well then..."

"Itadakimasu!" Both declare and begin to eat.

Seiya starts with the flounder, using his chopsticks to cut a piece before picking it and putting it in his mouth. The texture is soft and chewy, combined with the mixed flavours of light sweetness and bitterness. Delicious is what he described. He eats another piece, and after four chews he picks his bowl of rice and uses his chopstick to eat an amount. With both flounder and rice in his mouth, the flavours complement each other, enhancing the texture and unlocking the saltiness within the flounder. Now this combination is truly bliss.

"I've forgotten to mention it." Takeru said, gaining his grandson's attention. "Regarding the school, you'll be attending, it's in Kataribe Town."

"In Kataribe Town?" Seiya asked. He did not expect that his new school would be in a different place than Dōwa.

Takeru nodded before continuing. "I know this seems odd, but there was an incident with this village's school a few decades ago, and it was decided that children must attend Kyoiseiza Elementary School at Kataribe Town." He explained.

"An… incident?" Seiya repeated. This was the first time he heard it after all the times he visited Dōwa.

Seeing his grandson's surprised expression, he responded. "You don't need to worry about it. What happens in the past, stays in the past."

Seiya sat still for a moment before nodding, but then he asked one confused question. "But why isn't it rebuilt after all of this time?" He finds it odd that the school hasn't been rebuilt after a few decades.

"For some reason, they couldn't due..." Takeru then refrains before choosing the right words. "But it has become accustomed to the village to have children attend school at another location. In addition, there are middle and high schools at Kataribe, so why bother waiting years to go."

Dōwa village does not have middle and high schools, so the older students attend them in Kataribe Town.

"And like I said; what happens in the past, stays in the past." Takeru said with a firm look.

Seeing the look on his grandfather's face when he said it, Seiya nodded. He knew that his grandfather could be strict at times whenever he repeated his words with a firm expression and put little emphasis. The two went back to enjoy dinner, with Seiya doing combinations of potatoes and steamed vegetables.

After dinner, Seiya took a bath, soaking in the hot and quiet water is what he needed after a long day, and he went back to his new room. He was laying on his futon, even though tomorrow is Sunday, which means the weekend, he has no real reason to sleep early but he does feel tired after the trip.

"What will I do tomorrow…?" He wondered out loud since he has no real plans. "Might as well figure it out later."

He closed the light and went to bed, he already said good night to his grandfather. He lay down on the bed, the sleepiness caught up to him as he closed his eyes before falling asleep.

Seiya began to open his eyes and woke up, he expected that morning had come but what caught him by surprise was that he was in a different place, making him fully awake.

The whole place appears to be some sort of library with all the bookshelves filled with books, oddly the bookshelves are all sticking together, forming walls with no way out. On top of all, the whole place is coloured in all shapes of blue, that includes the books.

Seiya wasn't alone though, in the center of the room two people were facing him. One man was sitting on a chair with his elbows resting on a desk with his hands crossed, he was bold with the only hair he had on his sides, and he had a long nose. The person next to him is a young teenage girl with silver blond hair, styled in a braid bun, and golden eyes, she wears what looked like Victorian librarian clothes coloured in blue.

The man opened his eyes, revealed blood shots, and smiled.

"Welcome to the Velvet Room."

-Cue Aria of the Soul-

Seiya could still not understand what was going on here and the man gives him the creeps, almost giving him the jump scare.

"Do not be alarmed, you are fast asleep in the real world." The man said, reassuring the young boy.

This made Seiya calm, and yet confused. Assume that the whole place and the bizarre-looking man are all just a dream.

"My name is Igor… I am delighted to make your acquaintance." The man, known as Igor, introduced. "This place exists between dreams and reality, mind and matter… It is a place that only those who are bound by a 'contract' may enter."

"Contract?" Seiya repeated in confusion. Surely, he doesn't remember any contract, and he knows better than signing a contract without knowing equal major issues if it's with shady people. Overall, he decided to hear the man out.

"This is certainly rare… this is the first time we have a guest such as you. Our previous guests were much more prime." Igor chuckles, leaving Seiya confused. "Nevertheless, it seems faith has brought us together, and with an interesting destiny upon you."

Seiya raises an eyebrow as Igor continues. "I'm talking about what awaits in your path as you move forward. It appears that you'll be shouldering a responsibility, thus you will acquire my help."

This just makes more and more confusion, Seiya still does not know what he means.

Igor then gestures to the girl next to him. "Where are my manners; this is Elsa, a resident like myself."

The girl, Elsa, introduced. "My name is Elsa, it is a pleasure. I'm the assistant of my master of the Velvet Room. I am looking forward to the day that I'll offer my assistance."

Seiya stares at the teenage girl before returning the greeting with a nod.

"I know you have questions, but you shall soon understand in the coming days." Igor responded as if he read through Seiya's mind. "For now, rest, and we shall soon meet again."

All of sudden, everything has gone black for Seiya as if he was falling asleep.

-Date; April 7th Sunday 2013, Early morning-

Seiya wakes up and he looks around to see that he was indeed in the room of his grandfather's house, his room.

"So… the whole thing was a dream?" Seiya asked, running his hand through his hair. It felt like a dream but at the same time real. Between dreams and reality? It truly is confusing.

Shaking his head to leave the thought aside, he got off the bed and went to the drawer to change clothes.

After a change of clothes, Seiya arrived at the kitchen and noticed his grandfather preparing breakfast.

"Good morning." Seiya greeted him.

The elder man turned his attention to his grandson and greeted him. "Good morning Seiya. Breakfast will be ready soon, why not help set the table."

Seiya nodded and went to set the table. After a few minutes, breakfast was ready and placed on the table. Grilled fishes, steamed rice bowls, vegetable side dishes and pickled radish, there's even a plate of tamagoyaki. The boy and the elder sit down and commence.

"Itadakimasu."

They ate for about two minutes until Takeru brought up the subject.

"That's right, I've neglected to say this: you and your parents went to Kataribe Town a couple of times, correct?"

"Yes." Seiya nodded.

"You may be familiarized with the directions to go and a few streets, but you'll need to familiarize yourself with the direction to your new school." Takeru explained. He had a point, Seiya did move here and was unfamiliar with the way the village does. "So, today I'll drive us to Kataribe, so you can learn the directions."

"No, that's okay, you don't have to do that, grandpa." Seiya rejected. He didn't want to bother his grandfather.

"Nonsense. Anything for my grandson. And I don't have anything to do today." Takeru insisted.

"Okay."

An hour has passed since the two left to go to Kataribe, and the elder drives them to the city where the boy recognizes it. Seiya looks at the familiar stores, streets and tall (but smaller) buildings, he remembers that this town has a western café, a trattoria, fast food restaurants, an arcade, parks, and many more that Dōwa lacks. As Takeru drives, Seiya recognizes the routes but then he's looking at the new routes that he has not been there before. He paid close attention to the routes and listened to his grandfather's explanation.

"After you turn left, walk straight ahead, and you reach here." Takeru finished explaining, they had arrived at the school.

Seiya takes a closer look at the school. Even with the gates, he can see the tall part of the building, if he would have to guess it's around three stories tall and see a light blue roof and other linings. On the left, he spotted a second building, but smaller than the school, definitely the gym. He spotted a big plate on the wall that said 'Kyoiseiza Elementary School'. He then spotted a sign decorated with flowers that said 'Welcome Students', most likely going to be use for the entrance ceremony.

"What do you think?" Takeru asked.

"It looks nice." Seiya replied.

"Well, I don't have to explain to you how to get back home. Considering you'll take the same route backwards." The elderly man chuckled. "Though I'll drive on a different route, you don't have to memorize that if you don't have to."

They left and Takeru drove home. As he turned right, they spotted an ambulance parked near an apartment complex, with people on both sides, the elder stopped at the red light.

Seiya watched the crowd on the sides, he could hear some murmurs but had a hard time listening. He sees ambulance men carrying a woman in a roller, but before he could see anything the light turned green and they moved.

As the grandfather and grandson left, in the crowd, two people talked.

"I heard that she couldn't wake up no matter how the landlord does." One woman said. "And there were no signs of breaking and entering that would lead someone to do something to her."

"It couldn't be an attempting suicide, could it?" The second woman wondered.

"Not really. They found her on her bed like what any person would do: sleeping. No signs of overdose nor chemicals mixing." The first woman replied.

"Then this must be like the other cases, Deep Sleep State. Oh my, this is the fourth this week now." The other woman said in worry. "Just how many does it make?"

"This is starting to be like an epidemic." The woman stated.

-Date; April 7th Sunday 2013, Daytime-

The grandfather and grandson return to the Miyazaki Residence after their trip to Kataribe Town. Thanks to his grandfather for showing him the roads, Seiya would have no problem travelling toward his new school.

At the moment, the two are in the living/dining room. The elder was seated in seiza, reading today's newspaper, and the boy was at the opened shōji, seated on the walkway, and looking at the sky. It was dull but peaceful and quiet in the house.

Takeru pulls his attention away from the paper towards his grandson's back, he wonders if he has anything to do besides looking at the garden or sky. There, he spoke. "Seiya." The grandson turns his attention to his grandfather. "If you're tired, you can sleep some more."

"No, I'm not tired Grandpa. I'm quite awake." Seiya replied.

"I see…" Takeru then felt embarrassed for suggesting that, he treated Seiya like he was still in kindergarten. He thought of another. "Well then… if you're bored, how about walking around the village? It is a beautiful day after all."

Seiya thought for a moment before he replied. "Yeah. You're right, it would be a waste not to enjoy this beautiful day."

Seiya gets up and walks off the shōji as he heads towards the entrance.

"But be sure to come back for lunch. We're having ginger pork." Takeru said after hearing his grandson's reply.

The elder hopes that his grandson will be alright. Walking around in the village surrounded by nature may help him to ease his mind so he may be mentally ready for tomorrow. And he also hopes that he could make friends with the children of the village along the way.

Taking his grandfather's suggestion, Seiya ventures around the village of Dōwa as he walks through the neighbourhood. He takes his time to walk while looking at the cherry blossom trees, admiring the beauty of the flowers all the while petals floating down

After a while, he arrived at the shopping district, to him it was a familiar sight. He would often come with his parents, his grandparents, or by himself to go to all kinds of shops. Some may say that Dōwa is another country bumpkin village, with a population of around 3700, but it was big enough and has interesting shops that are worth shopping for. He remembers how nice and pleasant the atmosphere was in both the cafe and teahouse, the restaurants have excellent food, a traditional sweet shop that makes Japanese sweets, and they even have a sushi restaurant. Best of all, the owners are pretty nice people.

Dōwa also has a local bathhouse that uses natural hot spring water that is said to possess all-natural minerals for health purposes, some say that is magical with how well people recover. The traditional Inn also uses the same water, attracting guests to try to take a tip for the sole purpose.

Dōwa is also one of the villages for, not only growing rice and beans but also growing all-natural apples, oranges and peaches, selling them to Kataribe and other local stores. His grandfather happens to be an employee at the peach field, but oftentimes he would give a helping hand to other fields. Seiya has tried their products and he finds them delicious, even the local shops use those fruits as ingredients. He considered stopping by the grocery store to buy one of the fruits.

Leaving the shopping district and continuing his walk, Seiya spotted something that caught his eye:

Floating around in the middle of the road is a blue butterfly.

He has no idea why but seeing it makes him think that it looks mystic, and couldn't help but be mesmerized.

The butterfly starts to move forward. Seiya, who has been fixating on it, starts to follow it. The boy follows the butterfly at a normal pace and keeps his eyes on it. Normally boys wouldn't be so interested in butterflies, other than beetles, but there was something about that butterfly that made Seiya think otherwise and wanted to follow it. As he follows the butterfly, he turns in different directions every time the butterfly turns in different directions, but despite that butterflies normally fly past a normal human's walk, the blue butterfly was slower and kept its pace as Seiya followed it.

Almost as if the butterfly was guiding him.

Seiya follows the butterfly for a good 5 minutes, until the little blue beauty stops and rests on a rod. Seiya comes to a stop, and he turns his attention toward what's in front; what he's seeing is an old building. The place looks ruined with traces that there was a fire, and with vegetation being covered in few places indicating that it has been years, maybe decades. What separates Seiya from the building was a chain link fence, it too is old evidenced by the rust on the metal. He then saw a sign hanging on the chain that said 'Off Limits. Do Not Enter.' Seiya took another look at the school and noticed a sign beside the entrance, the words had faded but he could read 'Elementary School.'

"This must be the old school that Grandpa talked about," Seiya said in realization. Seeing the building before him, it does look like it had gone through an incident. "But… what happened here?"

"What are you doing?"

Startled, Seiya turned around and saw a middle-aged man who wore a frown.

"You and the other kids should know that you're not allowed to go to that building." The man scolded.

"Oh. Sorry, I didn't know that." Seiya responded walking a few feet away from the fence.

"Didn't know? Didn't your parents tell you about it?"

"I just moved here yesterday and am living with my grandfather." Seiya explained. A feeling of displeasure at the mention of his parents.

The man moved closer and narrowed his eyes, looking at Seiya. His eyes widened. "Oh, you're right. Your face is new here. Sorry." He apologized.

"Even with a handful of children here, it is easy to memorize their faces. I've scolded you like you're one of the children of Dōwa. You lived with your grandfather?" Seiya nodded. "Then I'm sure he must have told you about that building."

"He only told me that there was an incident a few decades ago."

The man nodded. "That's right. There was a fire that burned the place."

Seiya's eyes widened by the truth.

"Shocking, right? They said it was a gas pipe that blew up or a bad prank that went wrong." The man explained, looking back at the school. "But ever since then, there have been rumours going on that lead it to shut down and cancel the rebuilding project."

"Rumors?" Seiya repeated.

"Just some supernatural-related stuff." The man turns his attention to Seiya, with a firm expression. "A word of advice: don't go there for any reason, it is not safe there." The man advised. "Understand?"

"Yes, sir." Seiya nodded.

"Good. Now, go home and stay out of trouble." The man starts to walk away.

Seiya looks back at the school, he then looks where the butterfly was resting only to see it gone. It must have flown away, that's what he thought. He then walks away and decides to go back to his grandfather's place.

-Date; April 7th Sunday 2013, evening-

After Seiya came back and ate lunch that his grandfather made, he spent the rest of the day inside, occupied himself with whatever a kid his age does. And then evening came.

Seiya and Takeru were in the living-dining room, watching TV as they had tea.

"...tomorrow will be a bright sunny day all day. Perfect for students to start their first day of school tomorrow." the weather reporter announced enthusiastically.

The elderly and youth listen to the weather report. Seiya thought he was lucky that tomorrow will be a bright day to start school.

"Now onto the news report." the announcer exclaimed. The screen shows a neighbourhood with an ambulance in front of the apartment. "This morning, a young woman in her 20s, who was unable to wake up, was brought into the Kataribe East Hospital. The landlord explains that he went to tell her that she was late for her job, and as soon as he entered her apartment, he found her still asleep. The woman could not wake up no matter how hard the landlord tried, desperate he called the ambulance. According to the ambulance men, the woman was in a coma-like state, indicating that she is, yet another victim of Deep Sleep State, and was brought to the Kataribe South Hospital. This makes the fourth this week, adding the total of 56 victims who are hospitalized. Experts still have yet to find the true cause of this Deep Sleep State, while some theorized that it is due to stress."

Seiya listens to the news report with full attention. People falling into a coma-like state that they can't wake up? Who knew something like that would happen in a smaller city like Kataribe?

"Another one, huh? There has been a lot these days." Takeru said before he changed the channel.

Seiya felt like he did not have the courage to ask his grandfather about the subject, so he decided to stay quiet.

After taking a bath, Seiya went back to his room. He lies down on his futon as he looks at the ceiling. He was thinking about tomorrow, it's going to be a new start for him and wondering if it'll be different from his old school.

"Whatever." Seiya got up and went towards the light switch. He decides not to think about it and heads to sleep. Switching off the light, Seiya went to his futon.

"I hope I won't get that weird dream again." He said, before falling asleep.

Seiya opened his eyes again and saw everything around him look like a distorted space.

"What…" Seiya uttered. He looked around at the distorted space, wondering where he was or whatever this place was.

He then spotted something visible, but barely, was human-shape and around Seiya's height, but everything else was blurry that he couldn't make out what the entity was.

And yet, Seiya felt some sort of connection to it that he instinctively reaches his hand and so does the entity.

"I Am Thou…"

Seiya hears the entity's voice. It was like his own but deeper and more mature.

"Thou Art I…"

"Thy journey shall soon begin…" The entity spoke before the exhaustion caught on Seiya as his eyes close, putting the young boy to sleep.

That's a wrap! Started to kicking up the New Year by officially publish my Persona story with an original plot. But I'll be working on something else.

So, as you can see, judging by our protagonist in the chapter, this story will involve Elementary School kids. Yes, it seems too much, but we have Ken from P3, and let's not forget SMT's spinoff games; Devil Children, with kid characters. And besides; we already have stories of games and anime that involved kids risk it all.

Of course, I'm limiting the age of the cast children, 10 to 12, of course there will be one middle school freshman to the mix.

See you next time.