Shu Isamu - Warakuma Streets

Isamu blinked. That was a very intense reaction to learning of schedule slips. He was never one for a heavily regulated schedule - it was overly inflexible and if something came up, everything would stop working. Maybe that's why she was so sad. If she missed one thing, she would lose everything else. Hm, he could help her streamline her schedule or something? That was an idea. It wasn't like he had anything else to do and it could be fun!

He nodded to himself, already resolved to help out his upperclassman.

"Do you have your schedule on you?" he asked.

... It... was her...

Midori stared in shocked silence at the figure before her. Everything... everything about them was her. But... this couldn't be Midori. She was Midori! Shakily, the blonde girl raised her boxcutter. This was some kind of trick, and she knew it! ... But the doppleganger simply smiled, then looked away, examining her own boxcutter. She seemed entirely unconcerned with Midori... at least until she spoke.

"So... you're me? Hehehe..." the girl let out a soft giggle and stepped forward, lazily swaying her boxcutter from side to side. Midori took a step back. This was wrong, so wrong, but she didn't understand how this girl... could be her... And the other Midori simply continued. "It's sad... you've taken all the love you used to have for our sister... that left you so empty inside... and directed it at Akemi-sempai! And yet she still doesn't notice us, what a shame... Don't you want to be together with her?! And yet... you hold back! Oh, you could be so close... we could be so close to her if we just... cut... loose..."

Midori noticed something after her double said that. The other girl's boxcutter was stained with dried blood. "I know you're willing... so why not slaughter everyone in your way? Everyone who threatens your relationship with Akemi-sempai... All of them, dead! And then... then she's ours... forever..."

Midori opened her mouth, but words failed her. There was... a strange feeling inside. She looked down at the gleaming blade of her boxcutter, and it flashed as she gently turned it over in her hands. She... It's so easy to kill someone. So, so easy... That man in the alley, she'd almost killed him when he surprised her. He'd had her pushed up against the wall and the boxcutter came out and she slashed and slashed and he was bloody on the ground. But he was breathing. And she was gone. It... it would be so easy to do that to anyone else, wouldn't it... Not just if they got in the way, but to keep them from threatening her love... But... but...

"You're thinking about it? Hah, I thought you had a stronger will then that! But it's true, we could cut and cut and tear and cut and rip and slash... there would be no-one but us... And Akemi-sempai~" the other Midori let off a cheerful giggle.

"... I don't... need to..." Midori trailed off for a moment. The other Midori paused, looking perplexed. "... Akemi-sempai will love me... I'll kill anyone who threatens our love.... but... I don't need to kill anyone unless they're a threat!"

The other Midori cocked her head. "That's a lie, and you know it! We-"

"... You might be me... but I don't want to scare Akemi-sempai and kill people if I don't need to!"

"..."

The other Midori folded her arms.

"... So that's it, then."

With that, the other Midori cracked... and shattered, revealing a shape of a human in light. Midori took a step back in shock as the form grew... and suddenly she was holding a card in her free hand. What... was this...?

The card cracked now, as well, and as it splintered it revealed that the light had reformed. In its place was a tall figure, like Midori, but warped. Gray skin, orange hair and eyes... an immense scythe-drill weapon for one arm, and strange, spike-like feet...

Thou art I...
And I art thou.

I am Scarlet Babylon, the fallen symbol of love and lust.

Persona...

... What had transpired was a mystery to Midori. But she had reached an understanding. Of... this... Persona? Was that why she had thought such a thing? The blonde girl slide to her knees.

Oh yes, she had reached an understanding.

"Heh... hehehe..."

Midori clutched her boxcutter. Her hand was beginning to hurt, but that didn't matter.

"Hahahaha... haha..."

Akemi... she'd come back to her, and ensure that their love would never be broken. Nothing would stand in her way.

-Kaminari : Mirror World-
As the girl and Kato accepted their shadows, all that remained was the one disgruntled looking shadow. Kami puts a foot forward, before stopping himself from going any further, fearful of what was to come. As he steadly stays in place the reflection turns his head and begins walking toward Kami, with a contempt look on his face. The golden eyes pierce into Kami, keeping him frozen in place, seemingly unable to move even though every muscle is telling him to run... But...

"(I can't keep running forever... But, can I really hear what he has to say?)"

As he ponders over the thought, he glares downward, seemingly unwilling to accept the inevitable. The shadow kept steadily walking towards him, until he towered over him, enveloping him with his own hidden consciousness. Kami turns his head up and his eyes meet with those piercing golden eyes. As he stares him down, the shadow begins to pull something from behind it, but what? As it begins fiddling around, it begins speaking in a voice like Kamis, excepted its more warped and twisted then it should be.

"Heh, you don't even have the courage to face yourself, what a god damned coward... Then again you are me."

The shadow stares downward at Kami, seemingly depressed about something. Kami looks around, trying to look for the object of his malice, his sadness, his anger. Before long the shadow sighs, and whips out a pistol from behind it, brandishing it in front of Kami and the others. Kami could only glare at the pistol, worried that this thing might set it off on him, or worse - his friends. But what could he do about it?

"We are pathetic you know, always running away from the sight of danger. You say that we will help our friends, but in their time of need we do jack shit... We really do deserve her hatred, am I right? Of course I am, because I am you!" The voice screeches in anger at Kami, wailing in absolute pain. "We are fucking hypocrites you know, I mean, we didn't even listen to Sachikos problems when she feigned happiness and now your saying you'll listen to her? That's a ton of bullshit coming from the both of us, you know? You say you care and then you turn a blind eye, just like you did with Ayano, the girl your supposibly infatuated with?"

Kami could only stare, and mutter something quietly to the shadowy replicant. "Sh-shut up...."

"I'm so awful, how can I care for her when I'm like this... You know, I should run away and just die." The figure puts the gun up to his own head, his hand shivering. "I don't deserve to live, I should just end it all... I can't own up to my own actions... I'm afraid of losing my friends, yet I don't deserve them at all... I should just... Disappear." Kami could only stare stunned at him, falling onto his knees as the shadow began backing away.

"Shut up, y-you don't know what you're talking about..."

"Oh really, then why haven't you owned up to your parents, you know about possibly not being a detective. You know, how we don't feel like living up to our legacy? All of this liking detective stuff is a little facade. Why lie to yourself and run? Is it that hard to face the truth? You know, we really are pathetic.... We really should just die."

Kami turns his head upward, staring down the goldened eyed clone. "Shut up, that's not true, all of what you say is a lie! You, you are..."

"I mean its not like any of your friends would care... I still wonder why we didn't pull the trigger on that one day..."

---

"That's because I realised that a simple bullet wouldn't solve anything."

Kami pushes himself up, staring defiantly at the shadow self. He then begins walking over, and begins to pull the gun away from his head, and strangely enough the boy goes with it. He then takes the gun, and pistol whips the shadow self before discarding the false weapon. "Sorry, I did have to knock some sense into myself... You see, suicide isn't an answer to a temporary problem. I had courage on that one day to stand up to myself and stray from taking my own life. We need to stop looking back on the past and move forward, lest we will drown in our own sorrows, alright... Me?"

Kami stares at the golden eyed teen before smiling to him. That sad frown on the golden eyed boy begun froming into a small grin, before turning into a full on smile. As he smiles, he becomes enveloped in a blue aura that causes him to radiate with great energy, before dissolving into a form of a man in armor. As this happens, Kami utters something, smilling happily with sad eyes. "Thank you."

The man then transforms into a small tarrot card, one that could easily be crushed in his hand just as the others. He hesitates for a bit, staring at the card, before smiling confidently at it. It isn't long before it vanishes from sight, and into Kamis body.

"Come on, lets get out of here before anything else ha-"

---

Before he could finish speaking, a small sphere like object with a tongue rushed out of no where trying to attack him. He deftly side stepped the attack, countering the thing by pulling out his baton and smashing the thing with it. The blow hits, and Kami turns on the weapon with a sudden impulse, shocking it. The Slipping Halberie writhers in pain and begins to... Retreat? No its bring over eleven more of its buddies.

As the situation goes from bad to worse, Kami could only hold his ground and do his best to protect the ones he cared about... I mean, what else was there to do in a seemingly hopeless situation like this. Maybe if he bought them enough time...

---

-??? : Mirror World-
"Invoke the power of your personas!"

---

-Kaminari : Mirror World-
As Kaminari reflected on the situation, he heard a voice seemingly shout out from no where. "(What, invoke the power of my?...) As he thought, the same blue glow from earlier resonated above him, and began floating downwards. As he stared in wonder, all he could do was grin wildly. Kami began moving his hands into a fist like motion, but not before uttering one word.

"Persona!"

And then, with all the might in his body, he crushed the card, shattering it into a million pieces. He then was also enveloped in a strange aura as earlier as an armored form with a lightning spear appeared behind him. The form looked at the enemies, seemingly intimidating the timid shadows. As this happened, a voice echoed through the area around him.

"Thou Art I...
And I am thou..."

"From the center of the soul, I come... I am Zeus... Leader of the Gods, Harbringer of Friendship."

As the voice resonated in his head, the summoned persona dashed at one of the enemies as Kami followed in tow. A Halberie rushed at them, and Kami caught it out of the corner of his eye. Zeus turned his undivided attention to the enemy, and quickly impaled it with his lightning spear. He then threw the thing off the spear at one of the other halberies, having them crash into a stall. Kami, points at the place where they landed, uttering "Zeus."

As he points, a small streak of thunder strikes the stall, killing the two occupants in it. As he stares at what Zeus had done, he was cut off guard when one of those things slammed into his persona. As it hit Zeus, he felt a tightening pain in his chest as if he was hit by the Halberies ram. Kami then springs upward, and smashes the spherey assailant with his Baton, before beating it until it was nothing but a sloppy, gooey, black mess. "I won't let you harm any of them, you hear me!"

As he belows this, he begins dashing at the nearest Halberie who seems poised, ready to attack one of the others.

"I am no longer afraid!"

[Nine Enemies Remaining]

Rui Shinichi | Mirror World - Warakuma Amusement Park

"Persona", with no weapon in hand... No, rather he didn't need it, he was confident. As he uttered those words, he calmly crushed the card floating above his hand, the sound of shattering glass and ethereal blue shards followed with the card being crushed, along with blue flames that wreathed his figure, and behind him appeared his Persona, Askr, a brilliant white-coated figure with a long blade. Kami did a good job of keeping back the first wave, but the halberie that smashed into his Persona earlier made an opening for the rest. With a single slash, the halberies that made it through were cut down in a swathe of wind and blade. The rushing wind swept up Rui's uniform in a dramatic display. Wordlessly he made the order for his Persona to charge forward, and charge it did. It was fast, becoming a white blur as it shot forward, sweeping up wind around it, taking down yet another advancing swarm of halberies before retreating quickly to avoid unnecessary damage.

"Don't do everything on your own", he calmly said, directed at Kami. Hopefully everyone else was on the same page... Around two or so were lagging behind the rest of the group, after a moment they got close enough. There were three of them left now.

Sachiko was roused from her respite by the sudden activity around her. They were under attack. By extremely stupid looking creatures. Sachiko would've laughed if not for the situation they were in. She could at least appreciate the fact they were likely very dangerous. When one of the creatures launched itself at her, she managed to react quickly and gracefully avoided the attack. Mostly having reacted instinctually, she briefly considered the fact her dancing skills were probably saving her life in this situation. Then, a call rang out for them to use their personas. Sachiko didn't take long to think about this, as the creature was coming around for another attack. "You want some of this? Okay then. Persona!" Slamming her hands together, she engaged in the ritual that called forth the strange being that had appeared earlier. Dionysus unleashed a bolt of lightning that stopped the creature dead in it's tracks. "Hah! You want some more?" Sachiko was getting pumped, and immediately followed up with a sequence of bolts that pulverised the monster where it lay. In her eagerness to counter, however, one of the other things assaulted her from behind. She barely managed to react in time and was almost touched by it. "Not today, motherfucker...." She muttered. But instead of attacking, she stood still. The creature rallied for another charge, and made a beeline for Sachiko's face. Just a moment before it closed in, Sachiko unleashed a powerful bolt that split the thing in half and trailed on, singing one of the other creatures. "....it's official. I'm awesome." Wrapped up in her own world for the moment, Sachiko wasn't paying much mind to what was going on with the others. She was all too eager to keep zapping things, and would only stop when there were no creatures left to zap.

"Hehe... heh..."

These things... they were in the way... they were just in the way... They needed to die.

"Persona..."

She crushed the card once more, and once again called... Scarlet Babylon? The being she had called before. The orange-and-black figure with the immense, drill-scythe arm. She twisted, her eyes fixing on the strange rounded creatures with a smile. Midori raised her boxcutter, getting up off her knees. Scarlet Babylon raised her drill-scythe arm... and suddenly the Persona erupted forward. The smiling creature had little time to move before the scythe-tip sliced through its body and hooked into it from above, the drill portion beginning to rapidly spin and spatter black fluid across the ground, spraying from the wound she had left in the creature's body. Folding like an accordion, the drill bent downwards and sliced its way clear through the creature, spraying blackness onto the floor. Scarlet Babylon's orange gaze turned on another of the creatures, and flames erupted around it, setting it alight.

Only one remained.

Matt || Warakuma Shopping Complex food court
“eh?” when Matt finished his second bowl and looked up everyone had left or was in the process of walking away, it seemed everyone had somewhere else they wanted to be, Matt frowned for a moment before turning it upside down and ordering another bowl.
Just where did all that food go?
After Matt had eaten he decided he might as well look around and buy some books or something.... by the time he found his way around and bought what he wanted it he realized he would soon be running late for his part time job if he didn’t step on it, so he raced off for work…. this may be where all that food goes.

Matt raced out the shopping complex and bolted for his scooter,which he bought after coming over with money he earned from all his part time jobs back in Aus…. Oh and it totally didn’t shoot off faster than a normal one… definitely not tampered with whatsoever.
And so Matt sped off Outside of town to his job which would take 40 odd minutes to get to.

|| Part time job (farm)

Matt had found a new job not even a week ago just further than the outskirts of town on a local farm that supplied markets in town. Matt spends most his afternoon here sorting products or moving heavy objects, the job itself isn’t too hard and reminds him of home… Matt never really makes it clear whether that is a good thing or not though, but hey lets not dwell on that.
“OI MOVE THAT OVER HERE”
“These are duds”
the day consisted of a mixture of work related comments and other off topic subjects, to one who is used to labour the job is actually very Cruzy, a good way to pass time, keep fit and earn money. To put it all in one word it would be Simple, and if there was one thing Matt liked it was simple. No complications, just simple honest work.

And with that the day ticked away.

Mirror World - Warakuma Amusement Park

The final halberrie made a futile effort to fight back charging right at the party. An orange gash went straight through the poor shadow as it too turned to black ashe like it's brothers. The party with surprise began to turn towards the source of someone beginning to clap.

clap. clap. clap. clap.

"Well done. Well done everyone... No sarcasm intended", coming from behind the group and emerging from what seemed to be the obscurity of the world, was a figure no taller than them, with features no older or younger than they were, yet his uniform was unlike their own. It belonged to the private school near the outer suburbs in Warakuma. The voice that came from this figure was immediately familiar... It was the voice they had heard. Standing proud behind this figure was a caped knight wielding a brilliant orange blade, the same orange that they saw claim the halberrie's life. As he stepped from the shadow, his features came into focus, fair hair and blue eyes, wearing a unique black coat, that honestly, seemed quite expensive, he held a kind of regal aura with every movement.

"Now before you get startled, allow me to introduce myself. I am Kazuki Morinaka. Let's just say I'm... Your senior in this world. Those beings you've summoned are Personas, and they allow you to fight these monsters called Shadows", he began.

"Hmmm... It might be best to get out of here first, before we discuss things, yes?", his decision was sound. Everyone nodded or made a gesture of agreement.

"Very good... Come with me", and with that he took the lead. He led them through the mirror world again, effectively a backtrack, but eventually they reached the town center... Or at least, it looked like it. Shards of the 'town center' like glass and mirror were scattered all over the place, floating in random places, and a large number of larger shards creating multiple paths from the center, where at the top was a stable platform, and atop it, a gigantic mirror. This honestly looked like a good marshalling ground...

"I am usually not alone here, but unfortunately my friends were busy on other... Duties", he said, he didn't seem pleased when he said 'duties', but no one paid mind.

"Anyways, onto and through this mirror...", he beckoned the team to follow as he took the first step through. Hesitant at first, the group made their way through too...

__________________________________________________

Warakuma - Abandoned Building

As the group took a step through the mirror, they entered what appeared to be a run down building, at least based on the faded and creaking wood. They seemed to be in a kind of hall, large, easily enough space to run laps around. This was the old warehouse right? Rui wouldn't know, but those who had been in Warakuma for a majority of their lives like Kami and Midori would. They took a quick look around, turning their eyes from corner to corner. One corner was cozy, lounge, coffee table, and what appeared to be snacks. Another corner was stacked with weapons, mostly primitive weapons, like blades and hammers. There were a couple of weapon stacks too, and very few firearms. Finally, spaced out from the rest like a centre was a computer setup. Very standard, an extra laptop and screen there too, and of course, scraps from snacks. There was obviously life here, but no one but them and this new kid Kazuki were here right now.

"So, how do you like it, this is my base", he said proudly. Walking forward, the party realized they had walked through a mirror that looked identical to the one they saw inside the mirror world.

"Me and my friends are working to discover more about the mirror world... Though they aren't here right now for their own reasons", honestly it seems a bit reckless to be going into the mirror world alone, Kazuki went in alone... That was beside the point though.

"I don't know what the mirror world is, but it is a dangerous place. Those friends I mentioned, I rescued them... It was all luck though, I happened to enter the mirror world first, and by pure accident. Because of that, I was able to mount rescues for them... That was almost a year ago though. All this time we've been rescuing other people from the mirror world, but none of them awakened to a Persona like you all... Which is why I want to ask you all to join me. The power of the Persona seems to be necessary to explore that world, not to mention those who did not awaken have no memories of it", he said.

"So, what'll it be?", he asked.

It was a very simple question, with a simple answer... Everyone had their own words for it. Midori spoke first, speaking from her passion from her aforementioned friend Akemi, and her sisterly love for her younger brother. Kato was next, he was concerned more like... Though he was hesitant, he accepted to join, out of feeling that since he has a Persona, this is something only he and a handful of others can do, he feels like he can make an impact. Sachiko's response was... Surprisingly, she wasn't as peppy as usual, she seemed to be legitimately concerned for this world, other people could be forced into there too.

"And what about you...?", Kazuki asked, turning to Rui.

"Yeah, I'll join...", Rui, honestly had no motivations behind it, like his comrades here... Rather, it was out of necessity. He felt there was a responsibility that came with being a Persona user. Understanding yourself, or something... He can't quite explain it right now. After that was Kami, and all was done.

"Very good! Well... Now that that's settled, I'll let you all know I'll be here every day. Let's exchange numbers before everyone leaves. I'll forward messages to you all if something important comes up... Like a new place, or if someone gets dragged into the mirror world", he was rather eager about all this, his phone was already out too. After some moments, everyone had shared numbers with Kazuki, and each other if they hadn't yet.

"I think it's almost dinner time... You all better get going. I'll stay here for a bit longer. I have some things to sort out... I'll see you all in the coming days yes?", with that, everyone but Kazuki left, saying their goodbyes before making their own ways home. It was only dinner time, but everyone was feeling incredibly exhausted... Not just in their bodies, but their heads too. Falling asleep became a simple task.

((Yo, mind editing me out of your statement, I kind of want to do my own thing... Also, after this post, new day.))

-Kaminari : Mirror World-
As his friends quickly dispatched each shadow one by one, different things rushed through Kamis mind. What was this strange place, and who created it? A sky filled with glowing crimson mirrors, and a bunch of strange sphere like creatures with tongues? However, that was for a later time as adrenaline filled every corner of his body, excluding himself from his own thoughts. He focused more on the threat and hand, and keeping each of his friends safe from harm, until finally... Just one remained.

"(Time to wrap things up here....)"

Kami poised himself at the ready, targeting the remaining Halberie. As it made its last stand, he rushed towards it, hoping to finish it off... However, something got in the way. Before he could end the little battle himself, someone else had already done the job by impaling the writhering sphere on a glorious looking orange sword. He flinched as he saw the blade popped in, and quickly withdrew as the shadow withered away into nothingness. He could only stare, the adrenline still pumping throughout his veins. Another figure present themselves, clapping constantly while approaching the group. He looked to be a handsome young man who bore a uniform of a prestigous private school near Warakuma, and had a seemingly regal aura surrounding him.

Kami didn't know what to do, but he felt it was best that he calmed himself and ask him questions so his own emotions wouldn't cloud his own judgement. As he breathed in and out, he dimissed his persona, and turned off his stun baton. He listened to the boy speak to them, and introduce himself to the group. However, while he was speaking to them, he could only wonder.

"(I wonder... Does this guy?... Maybe... Maybe not... Ugh, what do I do? I mean, he did sort of help us out with that remaining... Thing... Now that I think about it, do I keep this a secret, or do i report it to my father... No, who would believe such a whimsical and enthralling tale? Its insane... I guess we just have to handle it ourselves.)"

As Kami pondered to himself the boy offered to show the group a way out. He turned his head up, staring at the boy before anxiously deciding to folow him. There was a chance he knew a lot about this place, so he could help the group out of here. Whatever happened, Kami just nodded his head in agreement, and spoke to the guy.

"Alright Kazuki, we will follow you outa here... I mean, you must know this place a lot better than any one of us."

---

As he and his friends followed the regal boy, he talked about his friends and how they were busy with their duties... Duties? What did he mean by duties? He paid no mind to it at the moment as his head turned upwards to a larger than life mirror placed in front of them on a platform. The place looked like it could be a place where everyone could meet up and congregate around this area.

"(Interesting... Just interesting... I need to investigate this world a lot more... This could help me find out whats causing this cult stuff... Plus a place as dangerous as this must be contained, and or destroyed. I don't want anyone else getting involved in something dangerous as this... Especially her. Its bad enough Kato and Sachiko are involved, but if she was to get involved...)"

As he thought to himself, he almost didn't see that most of his friends were leaving through the mirror, and he quickly realized it as soon as the second to last person exited the world through the mirror. Kami quickly scrambled to catch up with them, and took his leave through the mirror himself.

"(Then again, what if its inevitable? What if she does step through into this strange and terrifying world... If so, I wish to be with her to help her and keep her safe... I promise... I won't abandon you this time.)"

---

-Kaminari : Abandoned Building-

As he made his way through the mirror, he came out into what looked like an abandoned building. The place looked run down, and diffrent parts of the building were deteriorating from the looks of it. He was surprised to find that this place was built like a lounge of sorts, as if it was some sort of hangout for a gang or team. As Kami looked around in wonder, he caught something out of the corner of his eye. In a corner, there where weapons stacked in the corner, along with a few guns there too. As his eyes gazed, and explored the place, his attention was soon returned to the very boy who brought them here.

Kaminari listened to the rest of the boys story, and felt a bit sympathetic for him. He helped his own friends out when they were at the mercy of the mirror world, and risked his own life to do so. How benevolent of him to rescue his friends. As he listened, all of his suspicions seemingly dissapated into thin air, and he almost trusted the boy... Almost.

"(So he wants us to join a team of sorts, huh? To protect others who were dragged into that world forcibly?.. I...)"

"Yes, I'll join you."

Kami answered it straight out as soon as he asked. He had is own reasons to do so. To defend his comrades from the deadly mirror world, and to investigate the mystery raveled in it. He didn't do it because of his own courage - he did it because he cares about the lives around him, and how important they are. Each of them have their own free will, and they shant be forcibly molded by the hands of the cult or the mirror world. He would do whatever it takes, even if it costed him his own life.

"As long as I'm around, I promise nothing will happen to you guys in that world. We will unravel the mysteries behind this perilous shadowy world... Right team?"

Kami felt renewed with vigor as he said that, and gave a small smile to each of the people inside of the warehouse. As he grinned, he took out his cellphone, and took a look at the time, and texts... And then all of the energy flowed out of him. His small grin suddenly turned into a small frown as he furrowed his eyebrows. He punched a something into the cellphone before putting it back into his pocket.

=Text=
To: Ayano
Sorry about that, something came up... Hey Ayano, do you mind meeting me at the park sometime this week? I need to talk to you about something."

"Well, I guess we should be going home... Well, g'night guys, see you tomorow!"

Kami slept soundly on that night, with no dreams of velvet rooms, nor any horrible, sorrowful dreams wormed his way into his head. He was at absolute peace.

---

@GM@

Everyone gets a good sleep with no dreams about a velvet room. I would recomend preparing yourself for school and tons of recruiting for different clubs. Prepare yourself! Anyways, time to prepare for the flood of posts.

Jace woke up the next morning tired but he slept better with each day in this strange place called Japan. Regardless of how hard it was getting adjusted to strange places he knew it would be different and was mentally prepared for the challenges that went along with it. But he knew he was a stranger and that didn't make the stress any easier to deal with. He got into the shower and quickly washed himself off not spending more time than he needed to but he forgot where he had placed some of his stuff and had to search around his room to find somethings but lucky for him his room was a room made for one person and was considerably easier than searching around a house for stuff.

Sato Hashimoto // Hashimoto Residence
APRIL 6 2015, MONDAY
Morning

It wasn’t long before Sato had woken up to the birds flapping and chirping outside his second-floor window. Flopping over and stretching out on his bed, Sato groggily went over the events of yesterday in his mind. It had been a whirlwind of a day, and as soon as he remembered how he had acted he felt like hitting himself in the face. He had over-reacted in a childish way and it made him feel like trash.

He elected to forget it happened, and he proceeded with his regular morning rituals, with the additions of prepping for school as well. Shower, change into his uniform, eat breakfast, find school bag, take phone, and get out the door. The sequence of events was incredibly familiar and despite not having done it in weeks, it quickly felt normal to be in his school’s uniform again, walking down the wide roads to Warakuma Highschool. His second day of his third year already. The prospect of going to a university made him a bit nervous despite the fact that it was still a year away, and the fact that he was in his last year of secondary education. While deep-down he felt that making friends now would be a total waste, he knew now that he needed people he could lean on and just talk to instead of acting like he could tolerate them.

---

Sato Hashimoto // Warakuma High

It would be a while before classes would start, so Sato decided to wait for a while near the school’s gates, idly tapping a rhythm with his foot. He looked around for anyone he knew; Noboru, Teiji, Rui, maybe even Ryouta, any of his classmates. Unfortunately, those who he recognized immediately struck him as an undesirable companion at the moment, and Sato instead figured out that he wanted to talk to one of the guys he had met the last day. Particularly Noboru, since he knew him the most, but thinking thoughts like that bothered him some how and he instead just grinded his heel into the ground, trying to kill time before class.

Yamamoto Residence

The sun shone through on Noboru's face. Waking up, he took a long shower, trying to forget, or maybe remember, yesterday. Stepping out of the steam, he wrapped a towel around himself and went back to his room. He took a few practice punches at the punching bag, lightly tapping it with each fist. He stepped out of his towel and changed into his school uniform, rolling up the sleeves so his arms could breathe. He walked by his siblings' doors, not bothering to wake them up, a little revenge for yesterday.

---

Warakuma High

Noboru walked along the path to the school, looking down at his feet. His thoughts drifted towards her again, but he quickly shook them from his head, instead thinking about the excuses he could have for not learning the material he needed to. He reached the gates and waved towards Sato, who seemed to be standing there waiting.

Sato Hashimoto // Warakuma High – Gates

Seeing Noboru wave to him, Sato broke away from the gate and walked over, carrying his bag behind his waist with his thumb hooked into one of the belt loops on his pants. He waved back when he stopped a few feet away from the boy.

“Hey, Noboru,” Sato tried to smile energetically despite the overwhelming tiredness he felt from having to get up earlier for school. He felt almost relieved that he wouldn’t have to go to class alone, even if Noboru might not even be in the same class or even year as him. “How are you coping with the end of our break? I loathe waking up early every single morning, personally.” He couldn’t think of anything better to say, besides perhaps the clubs that were going to start advertising for new members some time within the month or the next.

“Are you interested in joining any of the clubs this year? The Archery team is looking for some new members since we’re a bit shorthanded this year, so if you’d like to try it I’d be glad to have you there.” That was his sales pitch for the team, which he had promised to one of his fellow members to give to anyone that might be interested in it. Friendly and nonchalant was the approach he decided to take on it. It was almost like a competition between members to see who could recruit the most students. Almost.

Warakuma High – Gates

Chiaki walked to school alone today. Her first day too. Unfortunately her cousin was sleeping in today, or at least that is what she assumed, as there was no answer to the knocks on her door. Thinking to herself she wondered what today would have install for her, perhaps she would join a club, maybe make one of her own... She thought about it a bit longer as she walked towards the school.

Getting closer she saw her new friend from yesterday, Noboru Yamamoto and another boy she didn't recognize. Before jogging up to meet the duo she began fixing up her uniform, making sure the ribbons were tied properly and that it all seemed in order. Jogging up to see the others she interjected into the conversation. "Good Morning Noboru-Kun and friend! I noticed you are talking about a club correct? I'm considering starting my own you know! Ahaha". Chiaki shook her head. "Goodness, I am so rude! Please forgive me!" Bowing, she began to introduce herself. "My name is Chiaki Nettu, quite the pleasure to meet you!"

If ever there was a time that Sachiko had hoped she had only just awoken from a dream, the time was now. But the cynic in her told her that yesterday was no dream. Heck, the cynic in her reminded her that the cynic in her had come out just that day. It made Sachiko wonder, was that shadow still around, watching her and judging her? Or had it retreated to some small part of her subconscious? Or was it now that "persona" thing? Thinking of the persona creature made Sachiko wonder more about that too. Did it live inside that card that always showed up when she needed it? Did it live in some strange dimension, having a normal life until Sachiko rudely slapped her hands together and brought it out? Or did have no life, and simply exist to be called upon whenever necessary?

"Sachiko! Are you still in there?"

It was her mum's voice calling. Despite her urgent tone, Sachiko didn't even notice. She was still thinking. She only became fully aware when her mum barged into her room, assumedly to check up on her.

"Sachiko, what are you doing? You'll be late if you don't get up now."

"Ah, right...." She was talking about school. Sachiko had forgotten about school. Who could think of school after having a wacky adventure in a bizarre new world? She hadn't breathed a word of this to her parents when she came home, and retreated to her room as soon as possible. She got up and made for the door.

"What is with you lately?" Her mum was still talking. "The day before yesterday, you come home and storm up to your room without a word. And then you do the same thing last night. And now, you're sleeping in! You never sleep in! I was shocked I woke up to something other than you banging around in the morning for once! There's something going on with you, isn't there? Please tell me."

"It's nothing." Sachiko replied curtly. But she knew that wouldn't satisfy her. "It's just some silly drama with friends. It'll blow over." She followed up quickly, before her mum could get angry over her initial short reply.

"It's not that police boy again, is it?" That was her dad. Sachiko and her mum had made it to the dining room by now. "That kid would cry if he stood on a cockroach."

"He's tougher than you think he is. Don't talk about him that way." Sachiko told him. Her dad looked back at her, seemingly shocked. "Such a direct reply! The Sachiko I know would be more like "Oh, maybe, but Kami's a nice guy, so you shouldn't say such things~"." She chuckled slightly at his impression of her. "It's official, Aki; the snatchers have replaced our daughter. Where did you guys put the real thing?"

"Very funny, dad."

"I'll bet. But seriously, what's with the attitude? Your mum's right, you've been in a funk for a while now."

"I..." She really did want to open up to her parents. But she was smart enough to know that telling them the truth would never work. "I already told you. Just drama. I need to get ready for school." She quickly left the room. "But you didn't even eat breakfast!" Her mum called after her. "Leave her be. Sachiko always bounces back, you know that. She'll have that dopey smile back on her mug by tomorrow." Her dad's words didn't do a lot to placate her mum, but she did agree that their daughter would likely come around.

Sachiko was less sure than they were. Getting changed hurriedly, she was out on the street before she knew it. She really didn't want to face any more probing questions, from her parents or anyone. She needed to question herself before she could feel comfortable answering others. What was she going to say about all this? When the strange man from last night calls her and the others, what would they be doing? If they had to fight more of those stupid tongue creatures, how would that affect her life? In spite of all these questions mulling about her brain, she knew one thing for sure; she wasn't going to ignore this problem. Something serious was going on, and she might be one of the few that could do something about it.

Warakuma High

Noboru laughed at the idea of him joining archery. "Sorry Sato, I can't really accept. Anything that involves finesse or aiming of anything besides my fists and i'll screw it up every way possible. I was thinking of joining the boxing club because what else am I really gonna use these arms for?" He flexed his arms to show Sato, although it seemed a little bit like bragging so he quickly put them back down. "Good luck finding others though, as it seems like you really enjoy it."

He turned towards Chiaki, and introduced her to Sato. "Chiaki, this is Sato, I met him just two days ago. Apparently he thinks enough of me as a friend to consider inviting me, a man who has no talent in such things, to his club. I'm very well honored. Also, what's this about starting a new club? Seems interesting." Noboru was intrigued about her 'new club'

Akane Hanezawa // Hanezawa Residence

Waking up in her spacious apartment, Akane let out a sigh. "Another new school year." My new life as a 2nd year, eh? Rolling to her side, she glances at a picture with a group of people on the nightstand. "Well senpais, looks like this is the year your beloved club finally meets it's end." she said rubbing her eyes. That club being the Manga Research Club. The club wasn't able to recruit any new members last year aside from Akane and the club was stuck with nothing but 3rd years, thus if the club doesn't gather a few more members it'll be dissolved.

Though, it's not like Akane is particularly worried about getting new members. It's not like she needs club status to read and/or create manga. If it goes, it goes. That's all there is to it. So don't expect her to be out recruiting for members. Finally getting up, she heads off to the shower. Getting changed, she then goes into the kitchen and prepares some breakfest. A nice big bowl of cereal. Yum. Considering she lives alone and doesn't like cooking, it was one of the few options for her in the morning. Not like it bothered her in the least. She happened to like cereal.

Taking out a brush, she readied herself in the mirror before straightening out her uniform. Well, time to head off.
Closing and locking the door, she heads off to school

---

Akane Hanezawa // Warakuma High Gates

As she approached the high school gates, she could see a first year bowing and being loud. With a laugh, she proceeded through the gates and headed towards the school building. There's still time before class, I think I'll head to the roof and get some reading done. With that, she stops by her shoe locker. Locking up, she heads up the stairs and opens the door to the roof. Normally students shouldn't be up here, but honestly....who cares? She wanted some peace and quiet. She then sets her bag down and sits along the wall. Taking out something from her bag, Now....for the latest Shut Hell. With a wide grin, she begins reading.

Warakuma High – Gates

Continuing the conversation, Chiaki began to talk. "Aww Noboru-Kun you shouldn't put yourself down like that! But anybody who has become your friend must indeed be a good person." She placed her hands together and laughed "Ahehe, I'm sure you're a fine young man Sato-san". She placed her left hand on her right elbow and began resting her chin upon her right hand. She began to gossip a little. "Truth be told I only actually met Noboru yesterday! He's abit of a charmer huh? Ahaha! Infact, I've only been in Warakuma for a few days now, about three if I'm correct. This is my first day at this school, starting fresh as a first year, I hope to accel in my studies and daily activities along with you Sato-Senpai. Perhaps you can show me around some fun spots?"

Now to answer Noborus' question. Chiaki turned a little to Noboru, "Yes! Well I came up with the idea this morning..." Chiaki began to replay the events of this morning over in her mind. After waking up due to the sun shining down on her face because she forgot to pull the blinds across. Chiaki woke up early than expected, which meant she was able to get the first shower with the bliss full hot water. The feeling was absolutely gorgeous, as the water ran down her long hair she dozed off a little in the shower, but quickly regained consciousness before tipping over. She went and knocked one Ayanos' door but got no response. "Aya-chan, I hope you get up soon, or I'll have to leave without you... I don't wish to be late on my first day... Aya-chan..? Are you awake? ... Best not to disturb her much longer..."
Joining the rest of the family downstairs she ate some honey toast and watched the morning television. It was the weather station until Yakudatsu changed it to a music channel that was doing a special report on a certain group of pop idols who had formed a school idol club.

"And so you see, I decided on the way over here... Perhaps I should start a School Idol Club! Just for fun of course, ahehe, what do you guys think?" Chiaki looked at the two boys with expecting eyes, glimmering with hope.

Leiko Hamada- Hamada Residence

Emerald green eyes fluttered awake to the sound of a shrill alarm clock, a girl's hand reaching out from the covers and slamming it shut with a distinct air of annoyance.

God, she hated Mondays.

Leiko Hamada rose out of bed, stretching and clicking all her joints with a shudder. Well, at least she had gone back to forgetting about her dreams. The last one was just too creepy, even for her. With a loud yawn, Leiko moved on to the usual rituals of the morning.

Bathroom- brush teeth, shower. Check.
Breakfast- A steaming Miso Soup swimming with wakame seaweed and deep fried tofu. A delicious check.

Next was her uniform. She zipped her black uniform skirt into place, followed by solid black stockings that rode up to just to the hem of her skirt. A friend had told her that it helped make her legs look longer, so it was a personal touch that Leiko decided to keep. The stockings were followed by black leather shoes, and her white school collared shirt.

She roamed her expansive cupboard with a click of her tongue, her brow furrowed as her fingers skimmed past the school jacket. Personally, she found the thing hardly insulating on a cool Spring day. Ah, here it was.

She rose her arms up and pulled an apricot angora sweater over her head, the feeling of warmth and comfort immediately enveloping her body. Like most of her clothes, this sweater was customized to her size, so it felt snug in all the right places.

She left the school jacket and ribbon behind as she reached her vanity table and started the process of her preening. She picked up her straightening tongs, and ironed out every unruly strand of her naturally wavy auburn hair until it fell loose and tame on her shoulder. Tying it in a side ponytail out of the way, she added the finishing touches of her appearance; mascara, lip gloss, blush. Nothing overtly noticeable, but just enough to look presentable.

With a finishing spritz of her rosewater perfume, Leiko was set.

---

Living in the upper suburbs of Warakuma, Leiko didn't have anyone to walk to school with typically. Last year, she had a personal chauffeur to take her by car, but after she started to tip the scales a little too much for her liking, she preferred taking a brisk walk instead. Her parents had suggested for a chauffeur to walk with her instead, but Leiko took offense to that. She was not a princess in need of protection.

With her school bag slung over her shoulder, and a large wad of fliers tucked safely under her arm, Leiko walked to school with a notable bounce to her step. Today was the day that clubs started their recruitment pitches, and as the new club president of Drama Club, it was Leiko's duty to draw in some fresh blood. Too many seniors had left last year, leaving the club bereft of a handful of members. And that would simply not do.

As Leiko mulled over who she would approach first, she was a moment too slow to realise that a distracted brunette girl had just appeared from her blind spot and-

BAM!

Flyers scattered everywhere as Leiko reeled backwards, tripping over a crack in the ground until she fell into a rather unceremonious slump on the ground.

"Owww..." She gritted her teeth, the pain mild but the shock still prevalent as her eyes opened in horror at the flyers scattered around her. "Ahh! My flyers!"

Warakuma High – Gates

It took him longer to get to school than he would have liked but hey he was here at the very least. After the walk here he'd come to the conclusion if he had to join a club he'd join the baseball club if there was no baseball club, why wouldn't there be though the f'ing Japanese LOVE the game, than he supposed he'd try out for whatever he came up with. As he walked however he was reading up on the legend of Sir Gawain of Arthur's Court and read about his journey and all the temptations he'd been through. He was determined to live in a similar way to avoid shit that so many of his American classmates fell victim to like drugs, and debauchery. It was...easy so far and he figured that his class didn't care for their own lives back home. I mean who willingly drinks alcohol and beer knowing it kills their BRAIN CELLS that's like willingly picking out how much dumber you'd like to be by the pint. No wonder there were no more vikings around. As he walked through the gate he pushed past a smaller kid, must've been from the younger grades, and he went into the courtyard determined to finish his story before class started.