Persona 4: The Golden Apostle

by sithlorde1988

Adaptation of Persona 4 Golden. Everyone knows the plot of Persona 4/Persona 4 Golden well, or at least the plot of CANON Persona 4/Persona 4 Golden. But what if there was an extra character added into the mix? How will the addition of an extra character to the mix change the plot of Persona 4 Golden? Better summary and more info in the first chapter! Read and enjoy!

2. Prologue part 2: The Next Generation

A/N: sithlorde1988 here, with another chapter of Persona 4- The Golden Apostle! Unlike Phantom Files, I won't break this story up into arcs, mostly because the arc splits (if they can even be called that) in Golden aren't as distinctive as the ones in Royal. Plus, there's a lot less arcs than Royal, despite having a similar amount of 'dungeons' (Golden's answer to the Palaces of Royal) involved. That said, I'll still probably try to stick distinctive titles to each chapter as they go up, so yeah there's that to consider! But before much else, let's take out the disclaimer, yeah?

Disclaimer: I, sithlorde1988, do not own the Persona series, in ANY way, shape, or form (excluding the OCs Hikari, Takeru, Rika, Koushiro, Yamato, Akira, and any other OCs that might appear in the story, as they are all made, and thus owned, by me, unless otherwise noted), and the actual ownership credit for the Persona series belongs to Sega, Atlus, and Koei Tecmo (mainly where the spinoff games, like Strikers, the 'Arena' games, the 'Dancing' games, and other games, like Phantom X and Tactica, are concerned), so all credit to them!

And with that disclaimer done and dusted, let's get on with the chapter, yeah? On with prologue chapter 2!

Prologue part 2: Setting the Stage! The Next Generation

(shortly after the end of Prologue part 1, in a train station in San Francisco)

"Where are they? Hikari told me she and her daughter would be here sometime today?" A dark-red haired woman said as she crossed her arms while waiting in the lobby of a train station for her cousin Hikari and her daughter, who was also named Hikari, to arrive on a train from Inaba. Not long after she grumbled, the train in question pulled into the station and came to a halt, after which the doors opened up and the passengers that were getting off started disembarking from the train.

After a bit, the last few passengers got off, and among them were a pair of strawberry-blonde haired females, who smiled at the woman that was waiting for them, after which the elder of the two females spoke up once the woman caught up to them.

"Sorry to put you out like this, Rosie. We had nowhere else to go after Ryuroni lost it and banished the both of us from both the house and from Japan. Luckily I remembered that you live in the States, so I was able to get us over here in order to stay with you. Thank you for letting us stay with you, by the way." The elder of the two strawberry-blonde women said as the now-named Rosie nodded and spoke up.

"Not a problem, Hikari. You know that family sticks together, even if that scumbag of a husband of yours isn't the best example of that. And I assume this lively young lady with you is your daughter?" Rosie asked the elder Hikari, who nodded and spoke up.

"Correct. Rosie, meet my daughter, Hikari Kusnagi the third. Why our family has that asinine tradition that we have to name our daughters for ourselves, I have no clue. You're lucky you live out here, so you don't have to abide by that rule. And I'm sure your daughter is grateful for it, too." the elder Hikari said as Rosie frowned and spoke up.

"I wouldn't know, unfortunately. Maria left home recently and hasn't said a word since." Rosie said curtly as the elder of the two Hikaris winced at her faux pas, but the younger of the two spoke up before she could say anything.

"Apologies for her outburst, cousin Rosie. She meant well. We had no idea that happened to you, though. Thank you for taking us in." the younger of the two Hikaris said, bowing politely for effect as Rosie chuckled and spoke up.

"It's quite all right, young one. I took no offense from your mother's words. But I like that you're so polite. That's a good trait to have, in my opinion. Also, umm, don't take this the wrong way or anything, but are you all right? You look a little queasy." Rosie said to the younger Hikari, who spoke up.

"I'm fine. Probably just a bit disoriented from the train ride over here." The younger Hikari said as her mother frowned and spoke up.

"Are you sure about that? After all, you did just hook up with that young man recently. Who's to say that your impulsive decision isn't having consequences on you?" The elder Hikari said as Rosie blinked and spoke up.

"Wait, do you think Hikari's-?" Rosie asked before the elder Hikari spoke up to cut her off.

"I don't know for sure yet. What I just said is only a guess. But I think to be safe, we should get her a test so she can find out for sure. After all, it'd be better to know about it sooner rather than later if she is with child, so we can take the proper steps to ensure she carries it to full term, if she so wishes it." the elder Hikari said as the younger Hikari blushed profusely and spoke up.

"MOM! Don't say that so loudly! And of course I'm going to keep it if I am expecting! I owe it to Ryo to make sure our child makes it into this world." The younger Hikari said firmly. Rosie smiled approvingly and spoke up.

"Well said, young lady. You'd be surprised how many girls nowadays just have their pregnancies aborted for the sake of not having to become a parent too soon. But you're not trying to go down that road, and I respect you for it. I'm guessing that this Ryo that you spoke of is the guy you hooked up with?" Rosie asked as the younger Hikari blushed on being caught out mentioning her short-lived hook-up and friendship with Ryotaro and spoke up with a shy nod.

"That's right. His full name is Ryotaro Dojima, and while our hook-up wasn't planned, I also don't regret it for an instant! He and I might only have known each other for a short time, but he's so kind and amazing. He even saved me from a nasty fall on the soccer field after some scumbag tripped me. I think Ryo called the guy who tripped me Morooka or something like that?" The younger Hikari said as her mother tutted and spoke up.

"Of course it'd be a Morooka. I've always said that family was full of no-good degenerates and judgmental scumbags. That said, it sounds like I owe this Ryotaro a debt of gratitude for saving you. Too bad he's from a rival clan to ours, or I'd have tried to bring him to the states with us so you two could be together. But I know it'd never work, if only because your father might try to have him killed." The elder Hikari said as the younger Hikari nodded and spoke up.

"That's fair, Mom. But at least you don't seem to be angry about my choice. And that makes me happy." the younger Hikari said as her mother smiled and spoke up.

"Of course I'm not! Unlike your father, I support your choices, whatever they may be. And if this one happens to give me a grandchild sooner than planned, so be it. Between myself and your cousin Rosie here, we'll do our best to help you handle motherhood as easily as possible." The elder Hikari said as the younger Hikari smiled and nodded before speaking up.

"Right. Thanks, Mother! I appreciate the support." The younger Hikari said, right as both of the Hikaris loaded their bags into the back of the car with Rosie's help. Once they were loaded up and on the road home, the younger Hikari stretched out across the back of the car to relax on the ride to Rosie's house. After pulling into the driveway of Rosie's house, which was a rather modest-looking two-story townhouse, Rosie smiled and spoke up while parking the car.

"Welcome to my humble abode, ladies. I know it's not much, but I hope you make yourselves at home." Rosie said to the two Hikaris, who smiled as they got out and grabbed their bags before walking up to the house. Once inside, they picked out their rooms and got comfortable as the elder Hikari went with Rosie to the store to get a test for the younger Hikari.

Once they got back, the elder Hikari helped her daughter to the bathroom, and showed her how to take the test before giving her privacy to do so. After a bit, a gasp was heard from the bathroom as a blushing Hikari came out and showed the test to her mother after the result popped up. The elder Hikari smiled at her daughter and spoke up.

"Congratulations, sweetheart. You're officially going to be a mom! Too bad we had to leave the likely father back in Japan, but there was no way to bring him here without triggering your father's wrath. But I'm sure if he was able to be here, he'd want to be by your side every step of the way. Despite what your father says, I have no hatred towards the Dojima family. So let's try and make sure you have the best possible chances of succeeding as a mother, yeah?" The elder Hikari said to her daughter, who nodded agreeably and hugged her mother while speaking up.

"Thank you for being so understanding, Mother." The younger Hikari said as her mom nodded and patted her daughter on the head as the two just hugged for a bit, after which they went to share the good news with Rosie...

(Time skip-around 8 to 9 months later. Current Day: 8/21/1994)

As the younger Hikari sat at the table with her mother and cousin, she smiled at a story that Rosie was relating about a time she went to a party and wound up hooking up with a rather cute girl, making both Hikaris blink in shock at the fact that Rosie was apparently into both genders, but neither judged her for it. As the two Hikaris giggled at the story, the younger Hikari suddenly grunted as she felt a light kick in her stomach, which had visibly swelled up from when she first had moved in with her cousin Rosie alongside her mom. The elder Hikari noticed this and spoke up.

"Was that a contraction?" The elder Hikari asked as the younger Hikari shook her head and spoke up.

"Not sure, but it was definitely something." The younger Hikari said as she looked down, seeing a small pool of liquid between her legs and blinking as she spoke up.

"Wait, doesn't that mean-?" The younger Hikari asked as her mom nodded her agreement, giving her a proud smile while she spoke up.

"Yes, that's right. Your water went and broke! We'll hurry and get you to the hospital!" The elder Hikari said as the younger Hikari nodded as she was helped into the back of the car and made comfortable as the trio made the trip to the hospital. A few hours later, the elder Hikari and Rosie were sitting in the waiting room after the younger Hikari was hustled into an open room to be prepped for birthing.

About a half an hour after that, the distinct sound of wailing could be heard in the nearby room, making the two smile as they knew that the younger Hikari had successfully given birth to her child. A short time later, the elder Hikari was shown into the room that her daughter was in by a smiling nurse, who spoke up as they entered the room.

"Well, congratulations, ma'am. You're a grandmother now." The nurse said to the elder Hikari, who smiled as she turned to her daughter, who was seen holding a blanket-wrapped bundle in her arms. As she noticed her mother, the younger Hikari smiled and spoke up.

"Ah, good timing, Mother. Come and say hello to your grandson, Gaignun Ryuro Kusanagi." The younger Hikari said as she gently handed the small bundle over to her mother, who smiled as she looked down at the newborn baby boy that was inside the bundle and smiled at her daughter before speaking up.

"Well done, my daughter. Motherhood agrees with you. And your son is adorable." The elder Hikari said as she handed the now-named Gaignun back to his mother, who smiled and spoke up.

"And I agree with it, truthfully. Hopefully I can give him a better life than what we had to live through under Father." The younger Hikari said solemnly. The elder Hikari nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. Don't worry, though. I'll do my best to help you achieve that goal, my daughter. Never doubt that both myself and cousin Rosie will always have your back, along with Gaignun's." The elder Hikari said as her daughter smiled and spoke up.

"Thank you, Mother. I'll remember that. And I'm sure Gaignun will too. Honestly, I'm not sure if this is just the new mother in me talking or what, but I feel like this little one will do great things in his life." The younger Hikari said proudly as she cradled her son in her arms lovingly as her mother nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. Though we can only hope that the fact that he has the last name Kusanagi won't end up turning out to hinder his prospects later in life, like it did for us." The elder Hikari said wisely as her daughter nodded, both agreeing to do their best to not let that happen. The camera then panned in to show a view of the round-faced and oblivious newborn who slept on, unaware of the goings-on around him...

(Time skip-15 and a half years later, in a TV studio in Burbank, California, with an older Gaignun)

"Yo, Gaignun! If you don't get a move on, we're gonna leave without you! So pick up the pace, man!" A voice could be heard calling out to an athletically built young man with short strawberry-blonde spiked hair, and piercing brown eyes, who frowned at the voice and spoke up.

"Yeah, yeah! I'm comin'! Hold your horses, Slim! You know it takes me a minute to get ready some days! Plus these chores aren't gonna do themselves!" The young man, who was named Gaignun, said to the voice, which had been revealed as belonging to a person called Slim. After finishing the aforementioned chores and getting dressed for the day in a form-fitting crimson muscle shirt and black shorts which he paired with black leather sandals, Gaignun finished his chores and ran out to meet the owner of the voice that had shouted at him, revealed as belonging to a similarly built young man to Gaignun, only this one was more stocky in build with large arms and narrowed grey eyes with sandy brown hair.

This young man wore a black T-shirt with a 'Led Zeppelin' logo on the front, dark grey cargo shorts, and a pair of black and yellow high-top sneakers that he paired with black crew socks. Gaignun scoffed at the young man and spoke up.

"Seriously? You yell at me about being careful about my appearance, and then you're going around dressed like a friggin' ragamuffin! At least the others seem to have gotten the memo, Slim." Gaignun teased the now-named Slim as the rest of their friends, two boys and two girls around their age, smirked at the well-placed roast as one of the girls giggled and spoke up, flipping her pink hair out of her face so that her blue eyes were visible while she spoke up in an amused yet vapid-sounding voice.

"Heh, you tell him, Gaignun! You're so funny." The girl said as Gaignun spoke up while fighting the sudden urge he had to roll his eyes at how vapid this girl sounded.

"Thank you, Sage. Nice to know you're as much of a simp as always." Gaignun said dryly, clearly used to being idolized by the now-named Sage. The other girl smirked at Sage and spoke up, her voice a stark contrast from Sage's with its musical yet lively sounding tones.

"Damn. Shot down again, eh Sage? When are you finally going to accept that Gaignun doesn't like you the same way that you might like him?" The other girl said, smirking as she tossed her dark red hair over her shoulder, her equally red eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and delight while Slim smirked at the other girl before he spoke up.

"Probably about the time you stop playing hard to get, if I had to guess. Or am I wrong when I say you're still also crushing on Gaignun, Lily? Even Ace can tell you two have no shot with him. I like that Gaignun's just too polite to shoot you down. Then again, I think it's because he's always been the voice of reason/guiding influence of our social group." Slim said in amusement as the now-named Lily stuck her tongue out childishly at Slim.

This decision by Lily had the result of making the other two guys laugh as the taller of the two, a lean but wiry young man with shoulder-length blonde hair that he kept pulled into a small ponytail to keep it out of his distinctive forest green eyes, laughed and tucked his hands into the pockets of his black leather vest that he wore open over his dark green muscle shirt that complimented his green camoflauge cargo shorts and dark green combat boots before speaking up.

"Take it easy on Lily, Slim. It's not her fault that Gaignun's too popular with the ladies for his own good half the damn time. I blame it on the fact his mother is also incredibly kind-hearted too. Honestly, I find it hard to believe that either Gaignun or his mom could have a mean bone in their bodies. Then again, Ace here would know all about that body, wouldn't he?

Or am I wrong to say I recall a time when he accidentally hit on Gaignun's mom a couple years ago, only to get gently rejected afterwards?" The taller of the two guys said as Gaignun winced at this and spoke up while glaring at the shorter of the two guys, a mousy-haired brunette with rust brown hair, hazel eyes, a wiry but athletic build, similar to a runner's, and well-toned legs. This young man was wearing a black leather vest worn open on top of a grey muscle shirt, red shorts, white ankle socks, and black steel-toed boots. As the young man winced, Gaignun spoke up.

"DUDE! Did you really have to bring that up again, Kusano? I know you find it amusing that Ace struck out with my mom, but that doesn't mean the rest of us want to hear about it! Besides, that IS my mom you're talking about. And there are just some things that aren't suitable for polite company. As far as Lily and Sage go, they're nice enough as ladies go, but I dunno, I just don't have any romantic interest in them.

But that might just be because I've known them for long enough I almost consider them to be like sisters to me. Of course, that could probably also be because they practically were raised by my mom after a certain point. And don't act like you're not completely relieved to hear that, either. I know for a fact that you're low-key interested in Lily anyways, Kusano. As for Sage, I'm fairly sure that I've seen Slim sneaking glances at her when he thought no one was looking.

Too bad for him I'm too observant to not see such things. So yeah, hopefully that sorts that out. Now, if you guys are done being idiots, I believe the director was waiting for us to get to the set for the next day of shooting." Gaignun said dryly, his icy blue eyes narrowing at the now-named Kusano, who flushed at being called out by Gaignun as both Sage and Lily blinked at being told that Slim and Kusano respectively had crushes on them while the guy Gaignun glared at previously, or Ace as his name happened to be, smirked at what Gaignun had said, but said nothing as the group started walking.

The friend group then headed to the set that Gaignun had mentioned, where a kindly-smiling man waited for them, his dark grey eyes lit up with excitement as he saw the gathered group. The man then spoke up.

"Excellent! You all made it. Good timing. We're about to start shooting. Except for you, Gaignun. Your agent told me to send you to his office once you got here. Something to do with a big opportunity or some such?" The man said as Gaignun nodded and spoke up.

"I see. Thank you for the heads-up, Director Amamiya. I'll head there immediately. Also, I do hope you didn't have to twist his arm too much for this, if you get my meaning." Gaignun said coyly as the now-identified Director Amamiya laughed and spoke up.

"Ha! That's a good one. But no, this is all on your own merits, Gaignun. Besides, you know full well that Emilio doesn't let himself be swayed by such things as favors. He's too honest and honorable for that. But that's just part of what drew me to him, I think." Director Amamiya said as Gaignun laughed and nodded as he spoke up.

"Right, my bad. Silly me. I guess I should be going." Gaignun said as he left the room, leaving the rest of his friends to stare wide-eyed after Gaignun, stunned by their friend's daring in making such a bold remark to the director. After a short walk, Gaignun found himself in front of a fancy looking door with a plaque on it reading 'Office of Emilio Narukami, Talent Agent' in distinctive gold lettering, making Gaignun shake his head fondly before knocking on the door. A few moments later, a deep voice spoke up.

"Yes? Who's there?" Gaignun heard from behind the door, making him smirk as he spoke up.

"It's Gaignun, sir. Director Jun told me you wanted to see me?" Gaignun said as the voice from before spoke up.

"Ah, so I did. Come on in." Gaignun heard as he walked inside after the door opened up, looking around the room, which was filled with many fancy trinkets and portraits, before turning his attention to the smirking silver-haired man sitting at the desk in the center of the room, having a seat in the chair provided as he spoke up.

"Sorry for staring, but you do keep a rather unique sense of decor, Mister Narukami. Not that that's a bad thing, mind you." Gaignun said as the now-identified Narukami spoke up.

"I don't mind, Gaignun. You're one of the few who doesn't judge me for my more unique lifestyle choices, you know. And I know for a fact that I've asked you before to call me Emilio." The now properly-named Emilio said as Gaignun nodded and spoke up.

"That's true, sir. You did. But we both know I was raised to be respectful of my elders, even if given permission to be on a first-name basis with them. But if you insist, I'll make a mental note to myself that you asked me to address you as Emilio. So what did you want to see me about?" Gaignun asked as Emilio spoke up.

"Ah yes, that. I was approached by a studio recently that was interested in casting you as the lead for some up-and-coming martial arts film they're working on. I think they called it 'Trial of the Dragon'? I thought that might be something that interested you, given your proclivity towards action films." Emilio said to Gaignun, who spoke up in surprise.

"Oh, you mean that movie that just opened up auditions? I had no idea they were looking at me as a possible candidate for the lead role. That's both flattering and surprising at the same time. I might give it a look, since if I can land that role, that could be the opportunity I've been looking for. Granted, I know Mom isn't happy that I've been neglecting my studies in favor of trying to pursue an acting career, but I can't help that I struggle with my studies.

I try to take my studies seriously, but I'm just not that academically-minded. I dunno why, but I'm not. Yet, I can nail acting no problem. Luckily for me, Mom was more than willing to sign off on my acting ambitions after she got together with Brie. That woman has been majorly useful in keeping Mom happy and thriving. And the fact that she has little Mari to care for helps too." Gaignun said, referring to Brie, or Briella as her full name happened to be, which was his mother Hikari's girlfriend, as well as his little sister Marisa, or Mari as he and his mom often call her for short. Emilio nodded and spoke up.

"Good point, Gaignun. At least you were blessed with natural acting talent, so that's something. I find it amusing how often you have to break ladies' hearts with your acting, but I trust you to know when the right one comes along." Emilio said as Gaignun nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. I know I'll meet the one for me someday, but I just haven't met her yet. But I can be patient, since I'm in no rush to get into a relationship. With all respect to Mom, she did that to a point, and she had me at a young age as a result. I love my mom, but I also think that she could've waited a bit longer to have me. Oh well, it is what it is." Gaignun said as Emilio nodded approvingly and spoke up.

"Well said. You know, for someone who often struggles in school, you're incredibly wise and mature, Gaignun. And I think you're one of the few people your own age that is as open-minded and tolerant as you are." Emilio said as Gaignun nodded and spoke up.

"True. But the way I see it, people are entitled to make whatever choices they want, as long as it makes them happy. I view it as stupid and a waste of time to try to judge people for the choices they make with their life. For example, if you want to take Director Amamiya out to a quiet spot and have your way with him, that's your choice. Just don't let anyone else see you two doing that, just to be on the safe side. After all, just because I have no issue with same-sex pairings doesn't mean that such a view is a popular one." Gaignun said wisely as Emilio smirked and spoke up after letting out an amused laugh at Gaignun's words.

"Heh, you are a bold one, aren't you? No wonder Jun personally scouted you for this agency. I thought he was just being a risk-taker, but I think he found a gem with you. Of course, I'm pretty sure you're also so okay with same-sex pairings because of your mom and her girlfriend." Emilio pointed out as Gaignun shrugged and spoke up.

"Eh, you're not wrong. So, when do they want me over at the set to audition?" Gaignun asked as Emilio spoke up.

"They mentioned something about it being sometime in the next couple of weeks? So I'd try to keep your schedule open as much as possible just in case." Emilio said as Gaignun nodded and spoke up.

"Fair enough. Well, if there's nothing else, I should get back to the others before I miss too much of the first day of shooting." Gaignun said as Emilio nodded and dismissed Gaignun, who headed back to the set. Once there, Gaignun hung around with his friends for a bit as they went through the first day of shooting...

(Time skip-two days before Gaignun's birthday, in an unknown location with Slim, Ace, Kusano, Sage, and Lily)

"Remind me again how we're managing to pull off this discreet meeting without Gaignun being any the wiser to what we're planning?" Kusano asked dryly. To Kusano's surprise, Sage giggled in response to Kusano's question and spoke up, a wry smile on her face while she spoke.

"That's easy. Lily here got the director to keep Gaignun busy. Something to do with a licensing test?" Sage said as Lily spoke up, her eyes seeming to light up slightly as she spoke.

"Technically, I had Director Jun take Gaignun to take his test to get licensed for the big present we're going in equal splitsies on for Gaignun's birthday. After all, since he's turning 16, it's only right that he has his own mode of transportation. Granted, it's just a motorcycle, but it's better than nothing, right?" Lily said as Slim spoke up.

"Well said, Lily. And not only that, but if I recall correctly, some of us were in charge of picking out an outfit for Gaignun to use while riding said motorcycle. After all, what's a motorcycle rider if they don't look badass?" Slim said as Ace spoke up.

"True that. Besides, Gaignun having a motorcycle is also good, since he can get to his mom quickly in a pinch if needed. And I'm sure he'd like to be able to easily drive to and from his house at will." Ace said as the others nodded. Sage then spoke up.

"That said, what are we gonna do for the birthday boy on his special day? It's not like we have a lot of money to spare, especially with most of our spare change going to our shared big gift for Gaignun. But I think we can figure something out." Sage said wisely as Lily nodded her agreement before speaking up.

"Right. Actually, if nothing else, didn't Emilio once mention a karaoke place nearby that is cheap? Maybe we can scrape together enough to rent that place out? Or failing that, maybe some of us can have Gaignun's mom and sister brought out and they can help us put some sort of surprise party together for Gaignun? Just thinking out loud at this point." Lily said as Kusano spoke up with a smirk.

"That's not a bad idea, Lily. And as I recall, Gaignun's mom did say she wanted to see this place previously. Also, I'm sure Gaignun would be thrilled to see his family for his birthday, so that could be a potentially viable birthday gift in and of itself." Kusano said as Slim smirked and spoke up.

"True. Luckily, I have Gaignun's home number saved, so I can call up his mom to get her input on things." Slim said as the others nodded their agreement as Slim dialed the number and put the call on speaker as the group waited for a few rings until a familiar voice spoke up.

"Hello? Kusanagi residence, Marisa speaking." The voice of Gaignun's younger sister Marisa, or Mari as most of the group called her for short, could be heard answering as Ace smirked and spoke up.

"Oh? Is that little Mari actually answering the phone like a big girl? Impressive. But anyways, is your mom home? We were hoping to get her opinion on a few things, mainly in regards to your brother's upcoming birthday." Ace said as Marisa smiled and spoke up.

"Hi, Ace! Um, she's actually not home right now. She had to go run an errand to the store and left me to watch the house. But I do know Mom mentioned something about surprising Gaignun for his birthday? So I think she might be making arrangements to come down to the studio for the day to surprise Gaignun. But you didn't hear that from me if Gaignun or my mom wanted to hear where you heard that from, right?" Marisa said meekly as Slim nodded and spoke up.

"Of course, of course. Our lips are sealed, Mari. Hard to believe you're already old enough to be home alone. It seemed like just yesterday that we had to come and help your brother watch you from time to time because your mom had to do a lot of errands. But that shows how much you've grown since we've known you." Slim said as Sage giggled and spoke up.

"Of course she's grown, Slim. If I recall correctly, she was around 2 years old when most of us met Gaignun, and she's I believe 10 or so now?" Sage said as Marisa spoke up.

"I'm 11, actually. But I can see how you'd make that mistake, Sage. And you'd be the expert on how long I've known you guys, given how much of that time you spent crushing on my brother." Marisa said with a wry smirk as Lily and Ace both laughed, the latter speaking up.

"Heh, get a load of the snark on Mari here. I'm impressed. But at the same time, I don't envy being Gaignun when Mari gets old enough to start dating and he has to play the combo overprotective big brother/father figure role. Sometimes I don't know how Gaignun manages being the man of his house, truth be told." Ace said as Lily spoke up.

"That's easy. He makes himself stay strong for his mom and Mari's sakes. Or am I the only one who remembers the time he chased that creeper off with a baseball bat when he was 10 and Mari was 6? I recall both Sage and I were laughing at how scared that guy was when Gaignun ran him off. Luckily for him, his mom wasn't home, so he didn't get in trouble for how profusely he was cussing the guy out. I think we can blame that on how much time he's spent hanging around both Slim and Ace's houses, since their dads are kinda low-key potty mouths." Lily said as Marisa spoke up.

"Oh, are you talking about the time that man was complimenting me and tried to get me to follow him to his truck for a treat? I remember that. I didn't get a very friendly vibe off of him, but I was raised to be polite, so I humored the guy to some extent. Luckily, Gaignun noticed that something untoward was going on and stepped in. And if I recall correctly, he didn't use a baseball bat, so much as he used a steak knife that he happened to see on a table nearby, because he wanted to scare the wits out of that guy.

Then again, my brother's always had a bit of a ruthless streak when it comes to protecting those closest to him. I seem to recall this one time that he got grounded because he got himself suspended from school for sticking some guy's head in a river when he tried to come on to Sage too strongly. Wait, was that the time I was thinking of? Or am I thinking of the time he got grounded for slamming a pie into Slim's face for calling Lily a 4 letter word that starts with 'S' that both Mom and Gaignun told me not to repeat when I asked them what it meant. I forget which it was." Marisa said as Lily frowned at Slim and spoke up.

"Wait, he did what!? I have never heard about that?" Lily asked as Sage giggled and spoke up.

"It was definitely the latter, Mari. But I think it was a wadded up gym sock, not a pie. I recall Slim gagging and saying that whatever Gaignun threw reeked like a dead body, but I think he was joking about that." Sage said as Marisa smiled and spoke up.

"Oh, that's right. It was a sock. I remember now that you said that, Sage. My bad. I think the only reason you're not dating him right now is because he sees both you and Lily as sisters, and therefore sees looking at either of you in a romantic way as being something akin to incest. Oh, but don't tell him I said that, yeah? For some reason, he gets embarrassed when I bring that up. But I guess I can tell Mom that you wanted to speak to her when she gets back?" Marisa said as the sound of a door opening was heard in the background and Marisa kept speaking.

"Oh, wait. Someone's here. That might be Mom now. Hold on." Marisa said as she went to see who'd come in. A short time later, the phone was picked back up as a different voice answered.

"Hello? Who's this?" A voice that the group recognized as Gaignun and Marisa's mother said. Slim spoke up.

"Ah, you're home. Sorry to call out of nowhere like this, Miss Kusanagi. But we were calling to get your opinions on how best to surprise Gaignun for his upcoming birthday the day after tomorrow." Slim said as Hikari spoke up.

"Ah, yes, I almost forgot about it almost being Gaignun's birthday. If I recall correctly, it's Gaignun's 16th birthday the day after tomorrow, isn't it? Between us, I'm trying to make arrangements so Mari and I can come stay at the studio for a couple nights to surprise Gaignun. But the proceedings on said plan are moving along very slowly, and the studio is somewhat dragging their feet. Maybe if all else fails, you guys can smuggle him this way and we can put you all up for a night or two, and then send you all back shortly after. How does that sound?" Hikari suggested. Lily smiled and spoke up.

"Ooh, spend time with you and Mari while celebrating our friend's birthday!? Sounds great. The fact that Sage and I would get some girl time with Mari is just icing on the cake." Lily said as Sage spoke up while arching an eyebrow at the almost overeager tone that had been in Lily's voice previously as she spoke.

"Age-appropriate girl time, mind you. She might be slightly mature for her age group, but Mari is still only 11." Sage pointed out as Kusano spoke up.

"Too true. Plus, it'd be funny to see Ace crash and burn again like he did when he accidentally hit on you when we were younger, Miss Kusanagi." Kusano said as Ace spoke up.

"HEY! Quit bringing that up, Kusano! I know Gaignun told you to knock that off! Also, Mari's listening still!" Ace pointed out as Marisa giggled in the background, confirming Ace's point as Hikari spoke up.

"Let's not do that, yeah? I'll admit that it was quite flattering to hear such sweet compliments from Ace. However, nice or not, there are no words that can change the fact that he's young enough to be my son, and I'm not trying to get a reputation for being both a cougar and cradle robber, especially since I still have to raise Mari." Hikari said as Slim spoke up.

"Good point. Besides, I'm pretty sure Gaignun would be quite livid if Ace actually put the moves on you. And that's not talking about how confused poor Mari would probably be." Slim said as Marisa grabbed the phone and spoke up.

"Yeah, I'd rather not have Ace hitting on my mom if possible. From what Gaignun said once, that guy is a notorious womanizer, and a certain other word I don't think I'm allowed to say since it might be counted as cussing if I do say it. Granted, in his defense, I don't think that Gaignun realized I was listening when he said it." Mari said as Hikari frowned and spoke up.

"Was your brother seriously swearing around you, Marisa? I told him not to do that. Ugh, I guess I can't be mad at him since he's basically the man of the house, but still. He really needs to try and set a better example for you as your big brother." Hikari said as Marisa spoke up again.

"You do realize I'm old enough now to know not to repeat everything I hear, right? So cut Gaignun a break if he swears now and again. He's actually trying to not do that around me. So try to be patient with him, Mom. Besides, if I recall right, this was right after the day that Gaignun heard Ace complimenting me on my new outfit and mistook it for him hitting on me. He was just trying to be nice. And the compliment felt nice to hear." Marisa said, blushing slightly as Hikari sighed and spoke up.

"Of course you'd be flattered by a pick-up line, Marisa. Why am I not surprised? If it's not Gaignun getting in trouble for fighting people, it's you being too innocent and pure for your own good at times. Anyways, back on topic, I'll try to get the ball rolling on what we've discussed so far. And if I can't get the studio to get back to me in time about it, then I'll reach back out to you guys tomorrow so you can start planning how to smuggle Gaignun this way for a few days." Hikari said as Gaignun's friends nodded before Hikari hung up the phone and the group started planning out how to get Gaignun to his house for his birthday...

(Time skip-8/21/10, or Gaignun's 16th birthday)

As Gaignun woke up in his bed on the day of his birthday, he heard his phone going off, which had woken him up, and frowned as he answered it.

"What in the-? Who would be calling me this early?" Gaignun asked himself before he grabbed the phone and kept speaking after answering the call.

"Hello, Gaignun Kusanagi's phone, Gaignun speaking." Gaignun said professionally as the voice on the other end spoke up, making Gaignun smile as he recognized the voice on the other end.

"Oh good, you're awake! Happy 16th Birthday, big brother!" Gaignun heard what he realized was his little sister Marisa's voice on the other end say, making him smirk and speak up.

"Well, thank you very much for remembering, Marisa. Nice to hear your voice, little sis. How are you?" Gaignun asked Marisa, who giggled and spoke up.

"I'm doing well, big brother! Mom told me to call you and wish you a happy birthday since she won't likely have a chance to do so herself right away. Also, she said something about you needing to meet your friends at the studio? Something to do with a trip you guys are apparently taking? I didn't get any details. Just passing on what I heard." Marisa said as Gaignun nodded and spoke up.

"Oh, really? Is that so? I'll be sure to do that, little sis. Too bad I'm not able to see you and Mom for my birthday." Gaignun said as Marisa giggled and spoke up.

"Silly big bro. You know we're with you in spirit, even when we can't be there." Marisa said as Gaignun nodded and spoke up.

"Good point. When did you get so wise for your age, anyways? Last I checked, you were still just a precocious little irritating brat of a girl who used to be an annoyance. Now you're over here talking like a mature person. I'm legitimately impressed, little sis." Gaignun said as Marisa giggled and spoke up.

"Yes, well, need I remind you that you've been gone for like a year or so now at that acting gig you took off to pursue? And a lot can change in a year. Like how Mom's girlfriend left her out of nowhere for a guy, or like how I've gotten much bigger since you last saw me." Marisa said as Gaignun's eyes widened once Marisa's remark about their mother's girlfriend dumping her registered to him before Gaignun bit back a swear word and spoke up with a frown.

"Wait, WHAT!? What do you mean Brie left Mom!? Are you serious, Mari? Why'd she do that? I don't care if she did go straight, she could've at least TRIED to make it work with Mom. We both know Mom's not had an easy time of it since she's had us. Seriously though, can Mom ever catch a break?" Gaignun asked as Marisa shrugged and spoke up.

"No clue. Either way, I should probably let you go. Oh yeah, Slim told me to tell you that he and the other guys would be waiting for you outside the trailers when you were ready for the day, so you should go see what they want, Big Bro." Marisa said as Gaignun nodded and spoke up.

"Good point. I should go see what they want. Hopefully I'll see you and Mom around sometime, little sis. I miss you both." Gaignun said as Marisa spoke up.

"We miss you too, Big Bro. Well, gotta go! Bye-bye!" Marisa said as she hung up the phone, leaving a confused Gaignun to shrug and get dressed for the day, pulling on his preferred crimson muscle shirt, black leather vest, dark grey cargo shorts, black steel-toed combat boots, and black studded bracelets, which he topped off with a pair of crimson-framed sunglasses with black lenses that he put on after gently setting a backwards-facing crimson pro-fit hat with a big 'G' monogrammed on the front in black lettering and a black bill on his head.

It was this same hat which he slipped his favorite crimson-framed shades which had been a joint birthday present from his mother and Marisa for his 13th birthday, and thus making it special to him since it was one of the few times Marisa had been able to get him a gift for his birthday, on top of before heading out to see what the guys wanted after making sure he had his wallet on him, since he kept the key to his trailer on it, as well as his ID and other important cards. After heading outside, he found Slim, Ace, and Kusano waiting for him by a nearby bench, the latter waving Gaignun over as he spoke up.

"Yo, looks like the birthday boy's finally up and at 'em! Happy birthday, Gaignun!" Kusano said as Gaignun laughed and spoke up.

"Very funny, man. I think you can cut me a bit of slack for not expecting a wake-up call from Mari to start my day. But it's a good thing she did call, since my alarm didn't go off this morning and I might've overslept otherwise, which would've sucked." Gaignun said as Slim winced and spoke up sympathetically, even as he aimed a faux-glare at Kusano and Ace as he spoke.

"Oof, that would have sucked. And to be honest, I've been there, man. If I recall correctly, one of these two sons of bitches accidentally knocked my phone off the table once and turned my alarm off as a result, so I can relate to that struggle. But on the other hand, I bet that was a thrill for you, getting to hear your little sister's voice for the first time in a while." Slim said as Gaignun smiled and nodded before speaking up.

"That it was. Though, I don't know how to feel about Mari telling me that Mom's girlfriend dumped her for a guy. That seems rather out of nowhere, and more than a little fucked up, if I'm being honest." Gaignun said as Ace spoke up.

"Oh right, that. Apparently, it was some local stud that really turned Brie's head. But then again, I always thought Brie was just an opportunistic bitch looking for a chance to kick your mom to the curb. I didn't think she was committed to her, if I'm being honest. But that's Brie's loss. She doesn't know what she's missing by dumping your mom just to date a guy the way she is.

Your mom's such a nice person, probably nicer than either my mom, Slim's mom, or Kusano's mom. And your mom really doesn't deserve the crap she gets put through all the time. I might have been playing around and mock-flirting with your mom to make her feel better that one time, but I really do admire how she can keep a smile on her face despite all she's been through." Ace said as Gaignun scoffed and spoke up.

"Ohh, I see. Well, pardon my language here then, but if she's that much of a fickle friggin' bitch that she'd dump Mom on a dime like that? Well, then at that point, it's good riddance to trashy fucking hoes, I say." Gaignun said as Slim, Ace, and Kusano laughed at Gaignun's blunt response, the latter fist-bumping Gaignun and speaking up.

"Truer words have never been said, Gaignun. But never mind that. Me and the guys have a present for you that we'd like you to have now. So if you'll kindly follow us, and pull that hat over your eyes so you can't see." Kusano said as Gaignun frowned and spoke up.

"But if I do that, how am I supposed to know where to go?" Gaignun said as Slim spoke up with a laugh.

"That's easy. We'll guide you, and if you really need us to, we can have Ace hold your hand and guide you." Slim said as Gaignun playfully shoved Slim and spoke up.

"Shut up, dude. I don't mind being guided, but do I look like the hand-holding type to you, Slim? Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but is it not me who's been the only one of us to have ladies constantly falling all over themselves to hit on them?" Gaignun said dryly as Ace laughed and spoke up.

"Gaignun's got you there, Slim. He is kind of the biggest ladies' man of us all. Also, I'm pretty sure that Slim was joking about the hand-holding thing." Ace said as Gaignun nodded his understanding before he pulled his hat over his eyes and followed the guys, Slim and Ace guiding him so he went the same way they did, the foursome ignoring the confused looks they got from various passers-by as they led Gaignun back behind the trailers to where they'd parked their surprise for him. After the three guys had guided Gaignun to his surprise, Kusano spoke up.

"All right, we're here, Gaignun. Now hold out your hand." Kusano said as Gaignun did as asked, before frowning as he felt something small and metallic be placed into his palm, making him frown and speak up.

"Wait, hold up. Is this a key!?" Gaignun asked in confusion as Ace spoke up.

"Heh, it just might be, Gaignun. It just might be." Ace said before exchanging a look with Slim and Kusano, who nodded as Ace kept speaking.

"Time to find out, Gaignun. You can fix your hat back to how you had it and open your eyes now." Ace said as Gaignun did as told, gasping as he saw the gleaming crimson motorcycle parked in front of him, his jaw dropping in a mix of shock, disbelief, and awe. After a few moments, Gaignun finally found his voice and spoke up.

"No friggin' way! Is this for me!?" Gaignun said in shock as the guys nodded and Slim spoke up.

"Yep. The three of us, plus Sage and Lily, went in splitsies to buy this crimson-steel beauty for you, since we knew you were getting close to the correct age where you needed your own set of wheels. To be fair, I'm sure that you'd have preferred a car, but I feel like a motorcycle's just as good, yeah?" Slim said as Gaignun nodded and spoke up.

"Damn straight it is! I love it. I assume that's what this key goes to, then?" Gaignun asked, holding up the key that had been placed in his hand. Kusano nodded and spoke up.

"Precisely. However, before that, there's another gift over there on that table that goes with it you should open up now." Kusano said as Gaignun noted the wrapped present he'd overlooked before.

"You want me to open it now?" Gaignun asked as the guys nodded and Ace spoke up.

"There's actually two there, but one of them isn't wrapped since it's so big. Open the wrapped one first." Ace said as Gaignun nodded, carefully unwrapping the gift, and gasping in shock at the wrapped bundle of clothes inside, as it was a crimson leather biker jacket, a black muscle shirt, black finger-less driving gloves, and a black studded belt with dark grey leather jeans, topped off by a pair of black combat boots. Gaignun turned to face the guys and spoke up.

"Did you guys seriously get me a biker outfit to go with the motorcycle?" Gaignun asked as Slim laughed and spoke up.

"No. That part was actually Sage and Lily's contribution to the gift. The other gift underneath it is one your mom bought to go with it once we explained what we were planning." Slim said as Gaignun looked under the table and smirked as he found the dark red motorcycle helmet to complete the ensemble. Gaignun grinned and spoke up.

"Hell yeah, guys! This is so freaking badass right now! I assume you wanted me to open these so I could take my new hog out for a spin?" Gaignun asked as the guys nodded before Kusano spoke up.

"Truth be told, we wanted you to open the motorcycle and biker gear now since your mom basically asked us to smuggle you over to your house for a few days for your birthday. Once we get there, supposedly your mom, Mari, Sage, and Lily have another surprise, or possibly even surprises, for you." Kusano said as Gaignun nodded before walking over to the motorcycle and taking a moment to look it over carefully, taking in the sleek metallic frame on the bike, along with the black leather seats, the gleaming black handlebars and grips, and the shiny platinum rims on the tires holding up the bike. Gaignun then smirked and spoke up.

"For real!? Heh, this is already shaping up to be one of the best birthdays I've had in a while. Lemme go get changed real quick and if you guys are ready, we can roll on out of here. We can face our punishment for slipping out like this when we return, I think." Gaignun said as Slim, Ace, and Kusano nodded agreement, after which Gaignun retreated to his trailer to change, walking back out in his biker outfit, which he'd topped off with a silver chain for some reason. When Ace gave Gaignun an appraising look, Gaignun spoke up while holding his helmet under one arm.

"It was a birthday present from Emilio and Shuji. Apparently, they figured I needed more bling for some reason? Either way, I love it." Gaignun said by way of explanation as he slid his helmet over his head after slipping his shades on. Once he slipped the visor up on the helmet so he could see, Gaignun got on his motorcycle, key in hand. Once the other guys got on their bikes, the foursome started up their motorcycles before driving off in a glorious cacophony of roaring engines, all of them driving down the road feeling like badasses.

After the group drove around for a while, eventually they reached a small, out-of-the-way little one-story house that was a little ways off the beaten path and out in the country. Once the four motorcycles pulled into the driveway, the riders got off and parked their rides, making sure they secured them with chains so no one could drive off with them. After taking their helmets off, the four guys set them on the table by the front door as Slim knocked on the front door. Not long after, a familiar voice answered the door.

"Yes? Who is it?" Marisa said from the other side of the door as Slim spoke up.

"It's Slim, Ace, and Kusano. We have the birthday boy with us." Slim said as Marisa blinked in surprise on the other side of the door before she spoke up.

"Oh. Wait, you said you have the birthday boy with you!? Shoot. Um, I'm sorry, but the surprise isn't quite ready yet. Let me go let the others know you're here, and then I'll come hang out with you guys outside until it's ready." Marisa said as Slim spoke up.

"Good plan, Mari. Good plan. I'll tell the guys to hold up then." Slim said as he walked over to Ace and Kusano and got their attention by speaking up.

"Wait, hold up! Where's Gaignun?" Slim asked as Ace spoke up.

"He's securing the bikes for us. Why?" Ace asked as Slim spoke up.

"Apparently we have to keep him out here still. Supposedly the girls aren't quite done with their end of things and need a bit more time. Mari said she'd come hang out with us in the meantime, though." Slim said as Ace and Kusano nodded, right as Gaignun walked over and spoke up.

"All right, they're all secure. So what's up now?" Gaignun asked as Kusano spoke up.

"Apparently we have to hang out outside for a little bit. But a certain someone said she'd come and join us once she lets the others know that we're here." Kusano said as Gaignun just nodded, a politely confused look on his face. After the guys all had a seat on the nearby bench to wait, the front door opened up and closed as a small little blur of strawberry-blonde and purple shot forward to dart into Gaignun's arms, hugging him eagerly as she spoke up.

"Big brother! You made it! Happy birthday." Marisa said as she rested her head on Gaignun's chest, only going up to just above Gaignun's stomach on him, being as she was only 11 to Gaignun's just-turned 16. Gaignun smiled as he looked down at the little girl hugging him and gently patted her on the head before smiling as he spoke up after looking her over, noting that her strawberry-blonde hair was cutely pulled into a loose ponytail behind her, letting her striking hazel eyes be on full display.

Gaignun also took in the cute purple shirt with pink roses on the front, the dark purple skirt, and the dark blue leggings that the little girl was wearing along with the cute black heels she had on, figuring that this girl had help from Sage and Lily with putting her wardrobe together, smiling at her while he spoke.

"Wow, is that really you, Mari? Look how big you've gotten in the past year, little sis. And how cute you're getting. Do I have to have the guys go with me to start getting the bats and/or shotguns now, in case we have to chase off any overly eager boys and/or girls from you, depending on if you're into guys, girls, or even both genders?" Gaignun teased, smirking at the mortified look on his little sister's face before patting her on the head reassuringly as he kept speaking while gently pulling her into a hug of his own, making Marisa blush a bit in embarrassment before she returned the hug while Gaignun spoke.

"Nah, just kidding. But in all seriousness? I'm so glad to see you, Marisa." Gaignun said as he looked into his little sister's eyes, gently scooping her up into his arms so he could properly hug her. After a bit, he sat her down next to him on the bench, the other three guys having sat across from Gaignun so his sister could sit with him, before Marisa smiled and spoke up.

"Silly big brother. Of course I'm into boys. While I don't judge Mom for liking women, I don't really see the appeal of it myself. Then again, I am still only 11. So maybe in a few years, I'll understand it better. Besides, I wouldn't want to give either you or Mom a heart attack by starting to date at too young of an age." Marisa said impishly as a gobsmacked Gaignun sputtered before speaking up.

"Wh-What? Dating!? You're only 11, Marisa! Not freaking 16 or 17! I wouldn't think you'd be ready for that for at least another 2-3 years? After all, I just turned 16 today, and I still haven't really gotten a girlfriend. So it's not necessarily a bad thing to wait for the right person to come along for you. Of course, if you find someone sooner than that, you know I trust and support you. I just want to make sure you're happy and watched out for above all else. After all, that IS my job as your older brother." Gaignun said fondly as he smiled at Marisa, who just huffed and spoke up.

"I realize that, Big Bro. But even so, you'll have to accept that I'm growing up sooner or later. Especially when I start turning into a woman. I won't stay a little girl forever, after all. I mean, I'm already blooming a bit, as it were. Look!" Marisa said as she briefly lifted her shirt up to show her brother her developing chest as Gaignun's eyes widened in shock at the bold display from his sister, after which he spoke up while quickly pulling his sister's shirt back down, briefly turning to see the other guys' reactions, but fortunately they were all as shocked as he was at Marisa's impulsive action.

"MARISA HIKARI KUSANAGI! Put your shirt down! Yes, I can see you're growing, but you don't need to be whipping those out around the others! You know Mom told you not to do that until you're old enough to start dating, and especially not to do that when we have guests over!

Besides, I'd rather not have to worry about needing to kick any of my friends' freakin' butts if they got the wrong ideas about you. I mean, yes, you're only a couple years younger than some of them, but even so, I'm not sure how I feel about any of them deciding to want to date you." Gaignun said with a frown, trying not to think about what his sister had just shown him, never mind the implications of her apparent early bloomer status, given the pair of twin small, but distinct, swells that were already prominently visible on Marisa's chest when she'd lifted her shirt up. Slim smirked at the mortified look on Gaignun's face and spoke up.

"Relax, Gaignun. Mari is cute and all, but she's like a little sister to all of us as well. Granted, Ace might make a pass or two at her in jest, but I don't even think he's stupid enough to try and make a serious play for little Mari's affections. Besides, I seem to recall his eyes are pretty firmly on a certain curvy red-head who just came to the studio and was put in as Lily's roommate." Slim said as Ace flushed and spoke up.

"HEY! Don't be saying that in front of Mari, Slim! I don't think we want Gaignun losing it if you keep giving his impressionable little sister ideas. Although, if we go by what we just saw, I think it's safe to say that little Mari might not be that little anymore, yeah?" Ace said, wincing as Gaignun lightly smacked his arm a moment later and spoke up while glaring at the now-wincing Ace.

"Can it, wise guy! That's still my little sister you're talking about, you know! Yes, I will concede that part of that comment is Marisa's fault for flashing us. But even then, you don't get to comment on what you saw so crassly, Ace." Gaignun rebuked Ace before turning a disappointed gaze onto a pouting Marisa as he spoke up.

"And YOU! Why would you lift your shirt up around my friends like that, Marisa!? I can't fathom what reasoning you could POSSIBLY have had to do that? I don't care if you were showing me how big you've gotten. There are just some things that a man doesn't need to see, and his 11-year-old little sister's bare chest is most definitely one of those things! Besides, we both know full well that Mom would've grounded you on the spot for quite a while had she seen that little display of yours just now.

That said, I will grudgingly admit that you're definitely maturing more than I'd have thought you would for only being 11. But even then, don't be flaunting your body in front of my friends. It'd be one thing if they were closer to your age, but the youngest of my friends is still almost three years older than you, so there's a distinct age gap there. Don't make me pull the 'overprotective big bro' card out, dang it!" Gaignun said as both Kusano and Slim burst out laughing at the hilarious dialogue between the two siblings as Marisa stuck her tongue out in a rare moment of childish immaturity and spoke up.

"Oh, can it with the overprotective bit, Gaignun! I don't care if it is your birthday, you don't get to have the first thing you do on seeing me for the first time in over a year be to lecture me just because I wanted to show my favorite brother how much I've changed. Besides, this is hardly the first time you've had a girl flash you, and you know it! Or do I need to bring up the wardrobe malfunction that happened a few years ago at Slim's birthday party with Lily and Sage?" Marisa said childishly as a stunned and slightly red-faced Gaignun huffed at Marisa bringing up the time he'd accidentally gotten glimpses of both Sage and Lily's chests at a party when he was younger while crossing his arms and speaking up as he gave Marisa a disappointed look.

"Behave, little sis! And that's irrelevant! Sage and Lily might be like sisters to me, but unlike you, they're not blood related to me. Also, they're not 11. And if you're gonna tell the story, tell it right! Don't leave out the part where I ended up dunking Slim's fool self under the water for being the one to cause that incident when he got a bit too grabby with the girls' bikini tops that day.

The fact that his actions resulted in an admittedly pleasant view is both irrelevant to the current discussion and frankly none of your business. Now stop trying to be a brat! I'd rather not have to spend the first bit of time I get to spend with you in about a year having to lecture you. I'd much rather spend it catching up with you, little sister." Gaignun said as Marisa cutely blushed in embarrassment but nodded as she spoke up.

"I'm sorry, you're right. That entire last line of commentary was uncalled for, much like me lifting my shirt up just now was uncalled for." Marisa said contritely before giggling as she kept speaking, not seeing Gaignun's eyes narrow dangerously at what she said next.

"However, I know for a fact that I saw Slim staring at my chest briefly while my shirt was up, and I think Ace also tried to catch a glimpse too." Marisa said coyly as Gaignun frowned at the two named guys and spoke up.

"Slim and Ace did WHAT!? Dang it guys, what the heck!? Not only is she only 11, but she's my little sister! Not cool! Do I look like I'm in a hurry to see her have her first boyfriend, much less her first relationship!?" Gaignun rebuked Ace and Slim as Kusano laughed, especially when he saw the two girls walking over in time to hear Gaignun lighting into Ace and Slim. As they got close enough to hear what Gaignun was saying, the latter of the two girls giggled and spoke up.

"How cute. Even after being away from her for over a year, Gaignun still plays the protective big brother for little Mari to a T, doesn't he?" Lily said, smiling fondly at Gaignun as Sage spoke up.

"Of course he does, Lily. But is it really his fault? Mari's only 11, and she's already showing signs of having a figure to rival most 16 year old girls. She might not have the bust for it quite yet, but if what we all saw when Mari flashed Gaignun to flaunt her developing figure to him a little bit ago is any indicator, that will solve itself in time." Sage said slyly as Gaignun pouted and spoke up.

"Oh, come on! Were you two checking my sister out, too!? I didn't even think either of you two were into girls?" Gaignun said to Sage and Lily, the latter of which giggled again and spoke up.

"Silly Gaignun, of course we swing both ways! Or did you forget about that incident a couple months ago when we all walked in on Sage making out with her roommate with their shirts off and Sage going for-?" Lily said as both Gaignun and Sage spoke up in unison, the latter's face flushed crimson in embarrassment as she spoke.

"SHUT UP, LILY!" Gaignun and Sage rebuked Lily, the former continuing to speak.

"And don't you dare finish that story! Or do I need to remind you that there are impressionable young children with us right now!? I don't care if she is mature for her age, I'm not letting Mari hear a potentially adult-level story. So can it, Lily. The fact that we walked in on that is irrelevant. Besides, if I recall correctly, she did that on a dare that YOU gave her. And that only after you paid her roommate to purposely change in front of her to get her hot under the collar. So if you think about it, I'm pretty sure that means it was you who instigated that whole thing." Gaignun pointed out as Marisa giggled and spoke up.

"Oh, are you talking about that lesbian thing Lily told me about once where two girls can have very strong feelings for each other like a guy and a girl can, or like two guys can?" Marisa asked as Gaignun's jaw dropped before he rounded on a wincing Lily and spoke up.

"EXCUSE YOU!? What have you been telling my little sister, Lily!? Also, what part of 'Marisa is only 11' aren't you comprehending!?" Gaignun asked Lily, who blushed contritely and spoke up after cutely kissing Gaignun on the cheek by way of apology.

"Sorry, Gaignun. The way she acts, I don't think I can be blamed for forgetting that Mari is only 11. You yourself said that she's really mature for her age, though. So can you blame me for forgetting?" Lily asked shamefully as Gaignun sighed and spoke up.

"No, I suppose I can't." Gaignun said reluctantly before turning to face Marisa as he kept speaking.

"That said, you don't need to be repeating everything you hear and are told Marisa, least of all to Mom! After all, we both know who Mom will blame if you start talking about stuff that's not age-appropriate for you." Gaignun said to Marisa, who nodded and spoke up.

"Yes, Big Brother. I'll start exercising caution in what I do and don't say. After all, I know quite a few cusses you unintentionally taught me over the years." Marisa said coyly as Gaignun blushed in embarrassment at being reminded of all the times he'd forgotten and/or failed to censor himself around Mari over the years while he spoke up.

"Yes, well, that's besides the point. And I already told you not to repeat those words. Besides, that's just as much Slim and Kusano's fault as it is mine, since they have just as bad of potty mouths as I do." Gaignun said sheepishly as Slim and Kusano winced at being called out by Gaignun. At that same time, another voice spoke up with an amused chuckle.

"Oh, really? So it's just as much their fault as it is yours that your little sister knows so many bad words then, Gaignun?" Gaignun heard as he turned to face the speaker, a woman with similar strawberry-blonde hair to Marisa's, but with a similar facial structure to Gaignun, despite Gaignun being moreso the spitting image of his father, aside from the fact that he'd inherited the same strawberry-blonde hair color as both his mother and Marisa. Gaignun turned to face the speaker and spoke up in a sheepish-sounding voice.

"Yeah, that's our bad. Sorry about that, Mom." Gaignun said as he smiled before walking forward to hug his mom as he kept speaking, prompting Hikari to smile and speak up as she returned the hug from her eldest child.

"That said, great to see you again. I've missed you and Mari both." Gaignun said as Hikari smiled at her eldest child and spoke up after Gaignun stepped back to stand with Marisa.

"We've missed you too, Gaignun. I'm glad the others got you cleared to stay with us for a week or so for your birthday." Hikari said as Gaignun nodded and spoke up.

"Good point. I wasn't expecting that, but I'll take it. Then again, I also wasn't expecting to wake up to getting a brand-spankin' new motorcycle and biker outfit for my birthday either, so it's just been a banner day for surprises all around. What's next, Sage and/or Lily sneaking into my room to surprise me late at night?" Gaignun said, the smirk on his face making it clear he meant the last bit of his remark as a joke, despite the twin set of identical red faces it drew from the aforementioned girls as a result. Lily pouted and spoke up.

"And what're you gonna do if that does happen, pray tell? You know you're too damn handsome for your own good half the time, Gaignun. Yet, you always act shocked whenever a girl tells you she has a crush on you. It's both amusing and annoying at the same time. Hell, I bet Mari could waltz right up to you, kiss you on the lips, and you wouldn't think anything of it other than to figure that she was just being an adorable little sister." Lily said huffily, ignoring the identical gasps from Gaignun and Marisa as the former spoke up.

"First of all, RUDE! Second of all, I'll thank you not to insinuate that I'm either ignorant or a fool! I know that I have a lot of girls who like me. But how many of them like me for me, rather than just for my looks or my fame, or any other superficial reason that I could come up with? Also, how dare you use my little sister as an example like that, Lily!? Besides, Mom would probably throttle us both if Mari ever decided to kiss me in front of her. Also, oh no, did you hear that, Mari?" Gaignun said as Marisa giggled and spoke up.

"Yup, I sure did! Lily said two cusses just now!" Marisa said childishly. Lily stuck her tongue out childishly at Marisa as she spoke up.

"That is true. However, I don't have to pay for the cuss jar like you and Gaignun do, since I don't live here. So your point is moot, Mari. But I suppose we should quit teasing Gaignun for now, since it is his birthday and all." Lily said as Hikari frowned and spoke up with a sigh.

"Dang it! I knew I forgot something. Fine, you don't have to pay the cuss jar this time, Lily. But from here on, anyone who cusses pays the cuss jar, even if they're just a guest in this house." Hikari said firmly, getting nods of acknowledgement from all present. Marisa then giggled as she spoke up once more.

"Also, you have no room to talk about other girls noticing my big brother, when I know for a fact you have a huge crush of your own on him. Or was I imagining the wistful looks you were giving his picture earlier?" Marisa said teasingly as Lily blushed rather prettily and glared at Marisa before speaking up.

"Why, you little gossip! How dare you say that in front of Gaignun!?" Lily said, proceeding to chase Marisa around the yard afterwards, ignoring the laughs from Gaignun, Sage, Ace, Kusano, Slim, and Hikari behind Lily as she chased Marisa around. After a bit, Gaignun spoke up.

"Heh, despite all the teasing thrown at me, this has been a pretty great birthday so far." Gaignun said as as Hikari smiled and spoke up.

"Good, because it's about to get a lot better." Hikari said coyly as she pulled out a square box that Gaignun blinked at before speaking up.

"Huh? Is that for me?" Gaignun asked as Hikari nodded and spoke up.

"Yep. It's something I've been getting prepared for you, since you're now at the correct age to receive it. You might recall that I told you and Mari about it once. It's the Kusanagi family heirloom, and now it's being passed down to you." Hikari said as Gaignun carefully opened the box and gasped as his eyes widened considerably once he saw the gleaming platinum bangle inside, recognizing the jade-green dragon made of peridots with two onyx stones for the eyes engraved on the base. Gaignun then spoke up in a breathless voice.

"No way! Is this for real right now!? Isn't this the Kusanagi family crest?" Gaignun asked as Hikari nodded and spoke up.

"That's right, my son. And now it's yours to bear, as you've now attained the correct age to take up ownership of it." Hikari said as Gaignun smiled, carefully fitting the bangle to his left wrist, where it fit perfectly under his spiked wristband. Gaignun then hugged his mother as he spoke up.

"I love it, Mom! Thank you so much!" Gaignun said happily as Hikari smiled and spoke up.

"I'm glad you like it. Now let's take this party inside, shall we?" Hikari suggested as the group nodded and headed inside, Gaignun leading the way, with Marisa having snuck a piggyback ride on Gaignun's shoulders. Once inside, the group took seats in the living room and started watching TV, Marisa boldly taking a seat on the couch next to Gaignun, her head leaning contentedly into his chest, making Gaignun smile as he fondly patted his little sister on the head while speaking up.

"Sheesh, that eager to see me, eh Mari? Not that I can blame you, since you always did seem to enjoy my company a lot. And truth be told, I've missed having you practically glued to my side. So I don't mind if you stay glued to me, so to speak, for now. But I'm pretty sure we won't be able to stay like this for too long of a time." Gaignun said kindly, gently wrapping an arm happily around his sister's waist, making her give a soft 'mmhm' of agreement even as she spoke up.

"True. But still, being able to spend some time cuddling you like this is better than no time like this, big bro." Marisa said as Gaignun laughed and spoke up.

"Fair point. But maybe let's not make Sage and Lily too jealous of you, yeah? You might be my little sister and all, but that won't stop them from being jealous of us." Gaignun joked, ignoring the indignant huffs from the girls in mention behind him as Marisa smiled and spoke up.

"If that's true, then they should be the bold ones to try this themselves, rather than waiting for you to be the one to try it. After all, didn't Mom once tell us that closed mouths, or idle hands in this case, don't get fed?" Marisa said as Gaignun laughed and spoke up.

"Good point. But I think you mean, 'you won't know for sure until you try'. But that was a good try, Mari." Gaignun said as Marisa blinked at what Gaignun had said before smiling as she nodded and spoke up.

"Oh, yeah. Now that I think about it, you're right, Gaignun. That's what it was. I knew it was something like that. Although there is that small detail that Mom might take issue with it if they started cuddling you while in this house. I dunno, maybe it's just the part of her that doesn't want to think of either of us dating? Maybe it's something I'll understand when I'm older." Marisa said wisely as Ace laughed and spoke up, having walked in as Marisa mentioned cuddling.

"I'm guessing you mean Sage and Lily with that comment, little one? If so, I think it's more the fact that your mom might be wary of how big the crushes those two have on your big brother are. She might not want to consider the idea of them fighting over who gets him, or even the idea of them both agreeing to share him in some sort of three-way relationship." Ace said with a smirk as two sets of identical horrified expressions were directed at Ace as Gaignun spoke up, his face slightly red.

"Wh-What!? Ace, you're like a brother to me, and I have a lot of respect for you. But that being said, do not even joke about something like that! First of all, you seem to have forgotten about the impressionable little girl in the room with us. Also, I've already said multiple times now that I see Lily and Sage both as being like sisters to me.

Besides, as I recall, Kusano and Slim both have crushes on them anyways, and I'm not the type to break the bro code on my bros like that. However, I also won't deny that Sage and Lily are both very pretty." Gaignun said, turning to give a coy wink to the now-blushing girls in question, ignoring the twin cries of 'SHUT UP, GAIGNUN!' from the next room over, where both Kusano and Slim had heard Gaignun's joking remark.

Surprisingly, Sage actually had a pensive look on her face, possibly giving serious thought to the idea of her and Slim as a couple. As for Lily, she smirked and spoke up.

"Well, to be fair, Kusano is pretty charming and funny when he wants to be, but I dunno. I kinda feel like dating him would be like if I had a brother and dated them. But maybe it could happen? We'll see." Lily said fairly before giggling at Ace as he spoke up.

"Oho, is that right? So it seems like Kusano has a shot with you after all, then." Ace said as Sage spoke up teasingly.

"Mm-hmm, just like you have a good shot at scoring with my roommate Rose. And don't deny it, Sage and I both saw you gaping at her like a fool the day she smiled at you while walking by." Sage said teasingly as Ace blushed and spoke up.

"H-Hey! No fair bringing that up now, of all times!" Ace said as Gaignun spoke up.

"Technically, all is fair and love and war, or so they say. But really!? Both of you need to knock off the scoring talk around my little sister!" Gaignun rebuked Sage and Ace, who gave him contrite looks before apologizing. Afterwards, Lily and Hikari brought out the cake as the group sang 'Happy Birthday' to Gaignun, who smirked as he made a wish and blew out all sixteen of the candles at once, after which Hikari sliced up the cake and Gaignun spoke up.

"So, is everyone getting a slice? Or are there some of us who cannot handle that much sugar?" Gaignun asked Hikari, who smiled and spoke up.

"This is a special occasion, so all of us are having a slice, even Marisa. But if she gets into too much of the cake, I'll just let you handle the ensuing sugar rush, Gaignun." Hikari said coyly as Gaignun groaned and spoke up.

"That figures you'd stick me with a hyper Mari if she ends up on a sugar rush. Somehow, I think I set myself up for that one. Oh well, I guess it'll be worth it just to make Mari happy, I suppose." Gaignun said, smiling as he and Mari were handed slices of cake, which the siblings eagerly dug into. After the cake was consumed, the group watched more TV together, before Hikari blinked and spoke up.

"Oh, right. Almost forgot the other surprise we have for Gaignun." Hikari said as Ace nodded and brought out another wrapped box, this one a lot bigger than the last. Once the box was set down next to him, a confused Gaignun blinked at the box and spoke up.

"What's that supposed to be?" Gaignun asked as Hikari smirked and spoke up.

"You have to open it to find out, Gaignun." Hikari said as Marisa giggled and spoke up from her spot on Gaignun's lap.

"Yeah! Open it, big bro!" Marisa said as Gaignun shrugged but did as he was told, his jaw dropping as he saw the gaming console that was revealed. He then spoke up.

"No freakin' way! Not only did I get a brand-spankin' new motorcycle, but I also got a frickin' Wii for my birthday!? Nice! And I see that it even came with some games." Gaignun said, smirking as he saw copies of 'Wii Sports' and 'Wii Play' included with the system. Hikari flushed in embarrassment as she spoke up.

"I'm sorry it's only those two games for now, but it's a start, right? You can always build up a collection of your own later on." Hikari said as Gaignun nodded and spoke up after giving a surprised Hikari a grateful hug, making her smile as she returned the hug while Gaignun spoke.

"It's fine, Mom. Really. I love it! Thank you so much." Gaignun said as Marisa spoke up.

"Ooh, can we hook it up and try it out in the living room?" Marisa asked hopefully. Gaignun thought about it and spoke up.

"Well, that's up to both Mom and to our guests, since the front room isn't usually a gaming room that I can recall." Gaignun said as Hikari smiled and spoke up.

"True, but it's also your birthday, so I can allow it. Besides, I know you want to try your new game system out." Hikari said as Gaignun nodded and spoke up.

"Fair point. Well, I suppose if someone wants to help me hook it up and get it out of the box, we can break this bad boy in together. I'm not sure if Marisa's old enough to play it or not, but I figure that 11's probably old enough? Also, how are we going to figure out who gets to play? I'm pretty sure there's only 4 players allowed at a time on most Wii games that I can recall." Gaignun said as Hikari spoke up.

"That's also up to whether Marisa wants to play at all. But if she does, I suppose I can allow it since it's a special occasion. As for how to sort out who gets to play? Obviously you get one of the spots on the first play, since it's your console and it's your birthday. Past that, I think your friends can sort out the other 3 spots on their own." Hikari said as Marisa's eyes seemed to light up at the mention of trying out the new game console before she spoke up.

"Ooh, can I try? These games look fun." Marisa said as Gaignun spoke up after mulling Marisa's question over briefly in his head.

"Hm. Maybe not in the first round? But you can watch in the meantime if you like, so you can hopefully get an idea of how they work. How does that sound, Mari?" Gaignun said as Marisa smiled and spoke up.

"Hmm. Okay! I call dibs on sitting in Big Bro's lap to watch!" Marisa said excitedly, making Sage and Lily giggle at Marisa's eagerness as the latter spoke up.

"I don't think anyone's going to deny you that, Marisa. As for who plays first with Gaignun, how about myself, Slim, and Ace go first, and then whichever one of us ends up the winner gets the right to stay at their controller, while the losers have to swap out with Kusano, Marisa, and Sage?" Lily suggested with a sly smile, smirking at the very subtle, if a bit subconscious, hint of pink on Gaignun's face at the idea of playing a game with Lily, Slim, and Ace. After a bit, everyone involved nodded their agreement as the Wii was set up and Wii Sports was loaded into the system, as the group had unanimously decided to start out with some bowling.

After everyone had made Mii characters for themselves, Gaignun loaded up 'Wii Sports', passing out the extra 3 Wiimotes to Lily, Slim, and Ace, the former of which smiled as she accepted her controller from Gaignun, not seeing the amused giggle from Marisa, who'd seen the almost-invisible hint of pink on her cheeks as her hand briefly brushed over Gaignun's while taking her Wiimote from him. Once everyone had chosen their Miis and set up the settings, the game started.

As the game went on, it became quite readily apparent that Ace had little to no skill at bowling, as he quickly fell far behind the others, with the gap between him and 3rd place, which in this case was Slim, only being close because Slim was kind of bad at bowling as well. However, it turned out both Gaignun and Lily were quite skilled at it, given the two of them kept a neck-and-neck pace with one another.

Eventually, things worked themselves out so that in the end, the final score came down to a matter of single digit points separating 1st and 2nd place. Not surprisingly, Ace finished last by about 50 points, and with around a 100 point gap between him and the top 2. As for Slim, he took 3rd, finishing ahead of Ace by around 50 points, and behind Gaignun and Lily by around 25 points.

However, where it came to 1st and 2nd place, despite it being his birthday, Gaignun managed to be outscored by 5 points by Lily, who took 1st. The final scores went as thus: Lily took 1st with 180 points, Gaignun took 2nd with 175 points, Slim took 3rd with 125 points, and Ace took 4th with only 75 points. Lily giggled and spoke up.

"Not a bad result. Despite Gaignun's best efforts to prevent it, it looks like I won! Guess that means Gaignun, Ace, and Slim have to give their controllers up for Marisa, Sage, and Kusano." Lily said as the aforementioned guys nodded, Slim and Ace pouting slightly at their underwhelming performances as they handed their Wiimotes over to Sage and Kusano respectively. As for Gaignun, he smiled at his little sister before handing the Wiimote over to her, speaking up as he did so.

"Here you go, Marisa. I hope you were paying attention to that game just now? I apologize for not thinking to give you pointers as I played, but when I get into a game, sometimes I hard-focus it as a result. But I can help you with your turns if you like." Gaignun said as Marisa smiled happily and spoke up.

"Yeah, I'd like that, big brother. But yes, I'm ready." Marisa said as Gaignun spoke up.

"Good. Actually, why don't we move down to the floor and let Slim and Ace have the couch for now so you can actually point the Wiimote at the TV? Also, you'll have to stand up for your turn, so maybe let's get that open spot by the table so you can move next to me and stand up for your turn?" Gaignun suggested as Marisa smiled and spoke up.

"Good thinking, big bro!" Marisa said as they did just that, letting Ace and Slim take over the couch. After Lily helped Sage, Kusano, and Marisa swap over to their Miis, the second game began. As the game played out, it became rather readily apparent that even in spite of Gaignun coaching her, Marisa was naturally gifted at bowling, much as Sage was. Unfortunately for Kusano, while he was good, he just wasn't in the same league as the girls.

Needless to say, at the end of the game, it shocked no one when Kusano came in 4th despite getting a respectable 125 points. However, what was a slight surprise was Lily only getting 3rd on the second game with 140 points. Meanwhile, much like before, a matter of about 15 points separated 1st and 2nd place. However, in this case, it would be Sage who got 2nd, having only managed about 195 points. As for Marisa, she did defy a lot of expectations when she finished with an impressive 210 points and took 1st place as a result. Marisa cheered as she saw the results before high-fiving Gaignun as she spoke up.

"Woohoo! I did it, big brother! I avenged your honor by defeating Lily!" Marisa said happily as Gaignun chuckled fondly, ruffling his sister's hair fondly as he spoke up.

"Heh, you didn't have to do that for me, Mari. But I appreciate that you did. Good job, little sis. You won fair and square." Gaignun said, smirking as he pulled his little sister gently into a hug, smirking at the shocked look on her face, and ignoring the near-unified cries of 'aww' from Hikari, Sage, and Lily nearby as the group smirked before Slim spoke up.

"OK, so that means that Lily, Kusano, and Sage have to tag out for myself, Ace, and Gaignun then?" Slim said as Gaignun shook his head and spoke up, having heard a poorly-disguised yawn from the visibly tired girl that was currently in his arms while he'd hugged her, making him smirk as he spoke.

"Not quite, Slim. We are tagging in. But I think I need to put a certain someone down for a nap before we keep going. We can let Sage stay in as the 4th player since she got 2nd, in place of Mari." Gaignun said as Marisa pouted and spoke up.

"Nuh-uh! I'm not tired! I can still play just fine." Marisa pouted, proving herself wrong by cutely yawning mid-sentence as Gaignun smirked and spoke up.

"Mm-hm, sure you're not. And the fact you just yawned mid-sentence doesn't help prove your point any, little sis. Just admit that you're tired. I can go tuck you in if you like." Gaignun said as Marisa sighed and spoke up.

"Fiiiine, you got me, Gaignun. Yes, it's my naptime." Marisa reluctantly said as she handed Gaignun her Wiimote, while Sage kept hers and both Lily and Kusano handed their controllers over to Slim and Ace respectively. Afterwards, Gaignun set his Wiimote on the table before carrying a pouting Marisa to his room, surprising her when he tucked her into his own bed. Marisa frowned and spoke up.

"Why am I being tucked into your bed, Big Brother?" Marisa asked, her head adorably tilted to the side in confusion. Gaignun smiled and spoke up.

"Truth be told, with me and my friends all likely staying here for a week, we're gonna have to re-arrange the sleeping arrangements, and I figured you'd rather share a bed with me than having to share with Lily and Sage. Unless you'd rather share with the girls? I understand, if so." Gaignun said as Marisa smiled and spoke up.

"No, that's fine. I don't mind sharing a bed with you, big bro. I'm guessing that the other guys will sleep in the living room?" Marisa asked as Gaignun spoke up.

"Close, but no. Most likely Ace and Kusano will have the sofas while we make up a cot in here for Slim, since I think I trust him more than I trust either Kusano or Ace to share a room with us and not take advantage of having you in the room." Gaignun said with a smirk as Marisa giggled and nodded before speaking up.

"Good point. If it'd been one of the other two, they might try to get me to share a bed with them instead. Then again, I think they're too busy crushing on Rose, if that's Lily's roommate's name, and Lily respectively to really pay me much attention." Marisa said, surprising Gaignun by pouting slightly as she spoke, making Gaignun groan as he spoke up.

"Son of a-! Don't tell me. Do you actually have a crush on one of my friends, little sis?" Gaignun asked as Marisa blinked and spoke up.

"N-No. Just jealous that all of you have potential relationship prospects while I don't." Marisa said as Gaignun chuckled and spoke up.

"I see. First of all, you're only 11, so you've still got plenty of time to find your own eventual relationship prospects. Secondly, you know full well that both Mom and I won't let you date anyone until you're at least 14 to 15, preferably 15 or 16, since you'll probably be more emotionally and physically ready for it then. So don't be in a hurry to grow up, Marisa.

Enjoy being young, adorable and innocent while you can. Soon enough, you'll be at that difficult age where you might not want to spend as much time with me and Mom. And to tell you the truth, Mari? I'd honestly rather enjoy having you be an innocent little cuddle-bug for a while longer if possible." Gaignun said as he gently tucked in Marisa, smiling as he leaned down and gently pressed a kiss to his sister's forehead and one to her cheek as he spoke up, smirking at the distinctly visible smile of contentment on Marisa's face as she laid her head on the pillow given to her.

"Now sleep well, little sis. We'll still be here when you get up. I love you." Gaignun said as he turned to leave, chuckling as he heard a sleepy mumble of 'love you too' from Marisa as she fell asleep, carefully pulling the door closed most of the way as he went out to join the others in the living room for more bowling. After another game or two, Gaignun smirked as the group got comfortable to watch some TV, all planning on making the most of Gaignun's week with his mom and sister...

END OF CHAPTER

A/N: And boom, another chapter done and dusted! Not as long as most of the chapters in Phantom Files, I know, but these first couple of chapters are 'prologue' chapters that will set the stage for both Gaignun and Yu's sides of the plot, since the main story will likely flip back and forth between the two intermittently until such point as the two stories converge at a later point for reasons that I'll keep to myself for now to avoid excessive spoilers. But just know there are plans in play for when the two stories converge on one another.

Since we're still currently on Gaignun's side of things, I've been thinking about it, and in case anyone was curious about it? If I were to cast VAs for each of the OCs that have popped up thus far in the story, the potential casting would look like this:

CAST LIST FOR ALL CURRENTLY-INTRODUCED OCs in PERSONA 4: THE GOLDEN APOSTLE (listed in order of appearance)

Ryuroni Kusanagi- Christopher Corey Smith (aka the VA for Kunikazu Okumura from Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal and Lord Arundel/Thales in Fire Emblem: Three Houses)

Miku- Kate Higgina (aka the VA of Chrom's younger sister Lissa from Fire Emblem: Awakening)

Hikari Kusanagi III - Michelle Ruff ((aka the VA of both Yukari from Persona 3/Persona 3 FES/Persona 3 Portable/Persona 4 Arena/Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (younger Hikari) and of Kawakami from Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal (post-timeskip Hikari), along with the antique shop owner in Persona 3 Reload))

Kimiko Amagi - Erica Lindbeck (aka the VA of Futaba/Oracle from Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal/Persona 5 Strikers/Persona 5 Tactica and any other titles with the Phantom thieves in them, as well as of Celica in the Fire Emblem series)

Yamato Tatsumi - Troy Baker (aka the VA of Kanji from Persona 4/Persona 4 Golden)

Koushiro Satonaka - Joe Zieja (aka the VA of Claude from Fire Emblem: Three Houses/Three Hopes)

Takeru Kujikawa - Lucien Dodge (aka the VA of Felix from Fire Emblem: Three Houses/Three Hopes and of Akinari, the Sun social link in Persona 3 Reload)

Akira Nagase- Ben Diskin (aka the VA of both Lorenz and Caspar from Fire Emblem: Three Houses/Three Hopes)

Rika Ebihara- Salli Saffioli (aka the VA of Hilda in Fire Emblem: Three Houses/Three Hopes)

Chisato Matsunaga- Eden Riegel (aka the VA for both Marie in Persona 4 Golden and Hifumi Togo in Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal)

Hikari Kusanagi II- Kim Rhodes (aka the VA for Mariko Hyodo in Persona 5 Strikers)

Rosie Kusanagi - Cindy Robinson (aka the VA for both Labrys and Ken Amada in Persona 4 Arena/Arena Ultimax)

Gaignun Kusanagi - Grant George (aka the VA for Shinjiro 'Shinji' Aragaki from Persona 3/Persona 3 FES/Persona 3 Portable and Inoue from Persona 4/Persona 4 Golden, as well as Kouta Hirose from Digimon World: Next Order, among other roles he's done)

Solomon 'Slim' Morales - Max Mittleman (aka the VA for Ryuji/Skull from Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal/Persona 5 Strikers/Persona 5 Tactica and any other titles that have the Phantom Thieves in them)

Sage Toriumi - Erica Harlacher (aka the VA for Panther/Ann from Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal/Persona 5 Strikers/Persona 5 Tactica and any other titles that have the Phantom Thieves in them)

Lily Varley - Allegra Clark (aka the VA for both Dorothea and Shamir in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, and of Mitsuru Kirijo in Persona 3 Reload)

Kusano Damon - Matt Mercer (aka the VA for both Chrom from Fire Emblem: Awakening and Yusuke/Fox from Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal/Persona 5 Strikers/Persona 5 Tactica and any other titles with the Phantom Thieves in them)

Aston 'Ace' Riegan - Joe Brogie (aka the VA for Sylvain from Fire Emblem: Three Houses)

Jun Amamiya - Sam Riegel ((aka the VA for Donnel from Fire Emblem: Awakening, Donatello from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003), and Teddie from Persona 4/Persona 4 Golden, among others))

Emilio Narukami - Xander Mobus (aka the VA for both Ren/Joker and Arsene from Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal/Persona 5 Strikers/Persona 5 Tactica and any other titles that have the Phantom Thieves in them)

Marisa 'Mari' Kusanagi - Erica Mendez (aka the VA for Bernadetta from Fire Emblem: Three Houses)

And that's it for now. I might go back and do a casting list for the OC's introduced in the next chapter, but we'll see. Let me know in a review your thoughts on my ideas for casting choices for the OCs listed above, or you can PM them to me instead if you don't feel comfortable leaving them in a review.

Also, before I get a lot of comments about how there's minimal Persona relevance in these first couple chapters, the prologues thus far have been setting the stage for Gaignun's side of the plot. And the next chapter, in all likelihood, will be a prologue to touch on Yu's side of the plot.

And YES, I'm using the default name of Yu Narukami for the player character in this story, since it makes sense from both a logistical and story-telling standpoint, and is easier than using a customized name for him. (EDIT: Technically Yu has TWO default names, but one is his Japanese name, and Arena/Arena Ultimax both make Yu Narukami his canon default name, so my original point that I'm about to make down below this edit about him only having one default still somewhat stands, even if that default is different for people who play Persona 4/Persona 4 Golden in Japanese.)

Thankfully Yu only has the one default name, unlike the protagonists of Persona 3 and Persona 5. (EDIT 2: Despite the arguments over which of Joker's two defaults is the 'canon' default, many different voice actor listings for the character list his default as 'Ren Amamiya' rather than 'Akira Kurusu', lending credence to Ren being the 'canon' default name for Joker, so that's a neat little bit I figured I'd share because I can.)

So yeah, hopefully people are excited to see the rest of this story unfold, since I know I am! And in all seriousness, thanks to those who support my stories, whether that support be in the form of favoriting/following the stories in question, or even just following me and/or adding me to their Favorite Writers list.

Or even those who leave reviews and/or PM me with their feedback/opinions/constructive criticism/thoughts on my work, as the input is not only greatly appreciated, but is very helpful in letting me make my stories even better in response to said feedback! So yeah, keep on showing my stories a lot of support! And until the next chapter, sithlorde1988 out!