Novels2Search

[To Tokyo, Forever]

[May 2020]

[Somewhere in the Outskirts of Japan]

[2:00 AM]

(In a small quiet and empty town with all the lights shut off. Lies a 2-story house in the neighborhood.....)

[Ren's Room, Amamiya Household]

(Ren is resting at the bed in his bedroom located upstairs of his family house.)

Ren: ......

(Ren is awake, eyes wide open as he stares at the ceiling.)

Ren: .....*sigh*

(Morgana (seen to be sleeping on the floor), awakens. He looks at Ren who is still awake.)

Morgana: H-hey....you're really up late...please get some sleep....

Ren: Sorry....can't...

Morgana: Hm?

(Morgana gets up, walks and jumps onto Ren's body.)

Morgana: Y'know if Sumire were here, she'd slap you back to sleep.

Ren: Yeah.....

Morgana: Mmhmm.......wait!- Is this why you're up? About her?

Ren: *sigh* Not just that, I'm thinking about my plan to move to Tokyo.

Morgana: Ohh, right! But....

Ren: I know, I might feel homesick about it. But Tokyo has been like my second home.

Morgana: Not going to disagree with you there, I really felt comfy here. Even your parents took a big liking of me, especially your mom.

Ren: Hah...

Morgana: Are you planning to take college there too?

Ren: Yeah.

(Ren grabs something from his pocket.....It's a heart-shaped pendant.)

(He opens it, revealing to be a picture of Ren and his girlfriend, Sumire.)

Ren: *sigh*....

Morgana: You too are reaaaally head over heels, I respect both of you two.....but there are a lot of people who disagree with this.

Ren: .....

I'm going to have to tell my parents about this.

Morgana: I'm really going to miss this place, but hey! The cafe isn't bad!

Ren: Heh....

Morgana: *yaaawn* Well come on, we need to get some rest.

(Morgana curls himself up around Ren's body and sleeps.)

Ren: ......

(Ren closes his eyes.....)

[A few days later]

[June 2020]

[9:39 AM]

(As Ren sits down on the chair near the dining table alongside his father (in his early 50's), his mother serves them a plate of curry [https://img.wattpad.com/32d625786edf5d113037288234b50eeb9c213e8f/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f5272734e6b734d315551436d52513d3d2d313038303037363731312e3136643564336533623530396439363136343031333730313134312e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

(As Ren sits down on the chair near the dining table alongside his father (in his early 50's), his mother serves them a plate of curry.)

Dad: mmm! It's smellin' good.

(His mother (in her late 40's) smiles, she takes a seat.)

Ren and Dad: Itadakimasu!

(They all eat the curry........but Ren.)

......

......

(Ren stares at the curry as they all continue eating, His mother notices.)

Mom: Hm? Ren, you haven't touched your food.

Ren: .....

(His father looks at him.)

Dad: Ren? Everything alright son?

Ren: I.....I have something to say.

Mom and Dad: Hm?

(Ren looks at his parents.)

Ren: I'm moving out.

(Both his parents' eyes slightly widened by his statement.)

Mom: W-where?

Ren: Tokyo. I wanted to live and study there.

Dad: Tokyo huh.....I guess we had this coming.

Ren: Yeah....

Mom: I mean.....you've been there during your vacations but I never expected you to move this early on.

Dad: And let me guess, you also wanted to live with.....uhm, what's her name again?

Mom: Yoshizawa?

(Ren nods.)

Dad: Yeah, her.

Mom: Well, she is a nice sweet lady. She seems to never get over you.

Ren: Yeah...hah...

Dad: Well, What is there to object? I approve of this, you've been there numerous of times so what's there to doubt?

Ren: Wait- really?!

Dad: Mmhmm

(His father nods with a smile, but his mother slightly frowns.)

Dad: What's wrong?

Mom: It's just....I-

Dad: Hey....he'll be alright. He's grown enough.

Mom: I know.....

Dad: To think this all started from his probation... Well, life gives us mysteries haha...

(Ren smiles, he starts eating his curry.)

.....

Dad: When are you leaving?

Ren: Well, I guess in a week.

Mom: You have enough money in you, do you?

Ren: I do, I've been saving up these past few months.

Dad: I'm assuming you'll be at Sojiro's place?

Ren: Mmhmm, right till I save up some more and find my place to stay.

Dad: That's good!

(His mom becomes slightly worried again.)

[Another few days later]

[Ren's Room]

[9:00 PM]

(Ren is looking at his almost-empty room for items to bring along to Tokyo.)

Ren: ......

(He goes to his wardrobe, and opens it. It shows that there are a few clothes left inside with some random items and souvenirs on top. He glances at it.)

Morgana: Hm? You still have something to keep?

Ren: Mmm

(Ren digs through his wardrobe......)

.....

Ren: Huh?

(It's his grappling hook, the one he used years ago during his days as a Phantom Thief....)

Ren: ........

Morgana: Huh?

(Morgana notices what Ren is holding....)

Morgana: Hey....I remember that.

(Ren takes it with him, he goes to a big box filled with a lot of his stuff and places the grappling hook there.)

Morgana: Wait? Why?

Ren: I don't know, I guess I'm keeping it for memories sake.

Morgana: Well....I can see why. It's been years since we've fought together.

Ren: Yeah.

(Ren closes the box, he then grabs a tape and tapes the box's opening shut.)

Ren: *phew*

Morgana: All set?

(Ren drops down to his bed.)

Ren: Yeaah-....ahhh...

(Morgana goes up onto Ren's bed.)

Morgana: Can't believe it, we're living in Tokyo.

Ren: Mmhmm....I say the same.

Morgana: I heard the rents are bad though....and the pay's not that good either.

Ren: What, do you wanna change the hearts of the government?

Morgana: Hahaha! That doesn't sound too bad......if only we still had the Metaverse though....

Ren: Well....let's just enjoy the peace we made.

Morgana: Yeah.

[The next day.]

[5:00 PM]

(Ren dresses himself up, he puts on his duffle bag.)

Ren: *pspspspsps* Come on.

(Morgana notices Ren by the sound.)

Morgana: Yeah yeah, I'm coming!

(Morgana jumps into the duffle bag.)

Morgana: I'm really gonna miss this place.

(Ren looks at his room one last time.....)

Ren: ......yeah. Goodbye, old friend.

(Ren smiles, he heads down.)

......

......

(As he heads to the open door, he sees his parents waiting by, he stops.)

Ren: Well.....this is it....

Mom: *sob* I'm gonna miss you

(His mother hugs him, Ren wraps his arms around her as she tears up.)

Ren: I know.....I'll miss you too...

Dad: Take care of yourself, You know how the mainland can be different than us. Well, I know you went there before but still!

Ren: Yeah, I know dad.

(Both stop hugging, she takes a look at Morgana one last time.)

Mom: And I'm gonna miss you too!

(She pinches Morgana's cheeks)

Morgana: (OW OW OWW!...YOU'RE AS WORSE AS FUTABA)

(She lets go, Ren then hugs his dad.)

Dad: Hehe, I'm gonna miss you. Old man.

(His dad pats Ren's back.)

Ren: Oh- you....

(They stopped hugging.)

Ren: Well...I should be heading now, I can't miss my train.

Mom: Be sure to contact us when you reach there!

Ren: Yeah, 'won't forget!..... Goodbye.

(Ren walks past the door....but turns around and briefly walks backwards, he waves his parents goodbye for one last time. He sees his mom sobbing up to his dad.)

......

......

......

(Ren turns back then heads to the train station, He manages to catch the train on time.)

[Train Station]

[5:20 PM]

Ren: *pant* *pant* pant*

(Ren is sprinting to his train, as Morgana clings his paws onto the zippers of his duffle bag.)

.....

......

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(Ren makes it inside to his train.)

Ren: *pant*....Made...*pant*.... it!

(Ren finds for an empty seat.)

......

......

(He sits down on one.)

Morgana: So.....ready to settle in for the city life?

Ren: Yeah...*pant*...*pant*

.....

.....

(After minutes of waiting for the other passengers, the train departs.)

.....

Ren: I should text everyone that I'll be on my way.

(Ren then pulls out his phone and opens up the group chat)

Ren: "Well.....I finally made my decision."

Ryuji: "Wait don't tell me"

.......

Ryuji: "FOR REAL?!"

Ann: "YOOOOOO omgomgomgomgomg It's good to have you back here!"

.......

Ann: "But....sorry if I can't come by, Work is being a huge pain in my ASS!"

Makoto: "Same for me here, I'm about to take my last written exam before I can become a detective."

Ryuji: "Aww good for you both, WHILE IM STRUGGLING MY ASS HERE IN OSAKA!"

Haru: "Well for me here, I'm about to be the inheritor of a big company. And it's sure exhausting with all the tensions rising..... :| "

Ryuji: "To think we're gonna be friends with the CEO."

Haru: "Not yet!"

Ren: "Wait....@Makoto how does the force even accept someone like you to become a detective."

Makoto: "Well......Thanks to the prior experiences we all made together years back, I managed to do at least good on those tests. I'm nervous about the results but I didn't smooth-talk my way here like Akechi."

(The entire group chat stops for a bit)

Ren: "Hey where's Futaba?"

Yusuke: "She's coming back from her field trip in Iwatodai. Sorry for the late response I was busy refining my latest piece, Welcome back Ren."

Ren: "Thank you. Alright then, I'll notify you all once I get there. See ya!"

(Ren's phone vibrated, it shows a notification message from Sumire.)

Ren: !

(Ren quickly taps the notification, he switches into the private message chat with Sumire.)

Sumire: "I'm so excited! I can't even hardly stand in one place"

Ren: "I can say the same."

Sumire: "You know even if you've been to Tokyo a lot of times, Let's do a lot of things together!"

Ren: "Wanna hit up the batting center?"

Sumire: "It'll be lovely!"

.....

Sumire: "I can't wait to hug you once you arrive"

Ren: "Same"

......

Ren: "Well I gotta head out, I'm currently on the train to there so I'm gonna get myself some rest"

Sumire: "You better! You probably stood up late again."

Ren: "Yeah....sorry"

Sumire: "I'll see you later then <3"

(Ren shuts off his phone, He watches by the passing scenery.)

......

Ren: .....!!

(He suddenly gets a headache.)

Ren: Gaaaaah!-

(His vision slowly darkens and becomes slightly blue....he puts his hand onto his forehead.)

Morgana: O-oi! Ren! Are you okay?

(He puts his hand away.)

Ren: ....!?!?

(He notices both of his hands are being overlapped with another pair of hands that are red and have long metallic nails.)

Ren: (W-What the?!)

(The headache quickly stops, his vision goes to normal.)

Ren: *pant*....*pant*

Morgana: REN!

Ren: Yeah sorry.....

Morgana: You should really rest, all that running made you tired.

Ren: You're right.....we're still far anyway.

(Ren repositions himself......then falls asleep as Morgana watches by the passing scenery)

....

....

....

Ren: ......uhh....

(Ren wakes up.......he sees a blue ceiling.)

Ren: !!

(He sees himself lying down on a bed, he then quickly gets out from it...)

(As he stands, he sees blue walls.)

Ren: Wait....

(Ren looks at his hands [https://img.wattpad.com/7b2059305ab2bc55b34c5ce20443963d9906dad9/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f76564f6b36474d6b33445a5a7a513d3d2d313038303037363731312e313662363162323438616532313333343337343138383030383234342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

(Ren looks at his hands.)

Ren: !!

(He sees red gloves being worn onto his hands.....he looks at himself and sees that he is wearing his Metaverse suit.)

Ren: No.....it can't be-

???: Welcome......

Ren: !

(Ren looks in what's front of him) [https://img.wattpad.com/b504af7e7d45b549f5179e0ff57bb9d57004e3ac/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f366767536f5439485566594d5a513d3d2d313038303037363731312e313638353839623236386436356362323336323630393435303038342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

(Ren looks in what's front of him)

(Ren looks in what's front of him) [https://img.wattpad.com/11f42fe4e3a07d64ce9b57b34fe429752112c765/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f2d3652696e6673305964476a50413d3d2d313038303037363731312e313664356565333637383332306462643132343033303036383934312e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Igor: ......to the Velvet Room

[Velvet Room]

[?:?? ?M]

Lavenza: It is great to have you here again, But I do not know whether we must rejoice or bemoan this reunion....

Ren: Why.....

(Ren walks out from his jail cell.)

Ren: Why am I summoned?

...

...

Igor: This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter. It is a room that only those who are bound by a contract may enter.

Ren: (Bound by a contract....right.....I never thought that I'm still contracted to this, after all these years.)

Igor: It really has been a while, my fellow guest.

Ren: .....Yeah....sure is...

Igor: Tell me, do you still remember your name?

Ren: .....

(Ren shuts his eyes, he briefly looks down as he tries to remember.)

Ren: ......

.......

.......Amamiya.

(Ren looks back up as he opens his eyes.)

Ren: Ren Amamiya.

Lavenza: Very good.

Igor: The expression you have bears no sign of awareness once you were summoned.

So I have something to warn you about.

About a great danger that lies ahead of not just you but also involves the acquaintances you bonded on the way from your last journey.

Ren: W-....What?

Lavenza: We believe that it is a full-scale threat done by a returning god.....A god who was once sealed by one of our last guests and one of the women who take on my place. And it's pulling the strings of an unknown man who's setting your fate and the others in stone.

Igor: But that's not all. The world isn't what it used to be. Which is why, under the order of my master. I grant you these.

Ren: Wh-....What?

(Igor snaps his fingers)

(A blinding light flashes, Ren shields his eyes from it.)

Ren: .....W-What just happened?

Igor: The sins of the false distorting world has taken on to your world prior to our meeting, So I've given you the ability to use your Personas once more in your world.

Ren: Wait-....what?!

Lavenza: I'm sorry to say but yes....This phenomenon has been brought to our attention on an alarming scale.

(Ren briefly looks down as he tries to process what's happening.)

Igor: Time does not exist here, but I can say so myself that it has been a while since this happened. Your comrades who wielded Personas alongside you will take time for them to have theirs returned.

Lavenza: But do not worry. Any man who does not wield a Persona is not capable to see your Persona with their naked eye.

Ren: .....

(Ren looks back up.)

Lavenza: Soon your friends will encounter their fates done by the same man.

Igor: Should the world continue down its current path, all awaits you is chaos and despair.

So tell me my fellow guest, Do you have the resolve to defy you and your acquaintances' fate and face against the adversary that threatens your world?

Ren: ......

(Ren looks down again.)

Ren: I-......

Lavenza: We understand that it's sudden for you.

Ren: I guess I can still take it head on.

(Lavenza smiles.)

Lavenza: The spirit of the Trickster has never waned in you.

Igor: What awaits ahead of you, it may possibly pose more of a greater hardship than what you had before.

But do not forget, we are at your side.

(An alarm blares.)

Lavenza: The time has come.

Igor: Until we meet again.

Ren: ......

(Ren's vision starts to get blurry and then fades away.)

[7:30 PM]

Morgana: Hey!

(Morgana gently shakes Ren's head)

Morgana: OI!

(Morgana scratches Ren's cheeks)

Ren: GAH!-

(Ren's is awakened.)

Ren: Owww....What?

Morgana: We're here!

Ren: Oh-

(Ren briefly puts his hand on his forehead as he gets a slight headache, he then rushes his way out of the train into the train station)

(Ren briefly puts his hand on his forehead as he gets a slight headache, he then rushes his way out of the train into the train station) [https://img.wattpad.com/12a83adecc964c64c6b60ecdd932a4604849c974/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f44625256346278465676727a73673d3d2d313038303037363731312e313638356231633038643730656663373434323435333031373736312e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Morgana: Alright so you know your way out from this station now?

Ren: It'll all come back to me

(After minutes of Ren navigating through the entire station, he finally manages to get out.)

[Yongen-Jaya]

[7:53 PM]

(Ren walks ahead onto the neighborhood of Yongen-Jaya [https://img.wattpad.com/c4e036f0830e288ff31e1e028c976dd23d3a8ebd/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f466e31436d387268554234642d673d3d2d313038303037363731312e313664356566626662313734626137623839313739363037323935392e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

(Ren walks ahead onto the neighborhood of Yongen-Jaya.)

Ren: Boy....even if I have been there like numerous times, it still feels new. It always gets nostalgic being here.

Morgana: Well not anymore since you'll be seeing it everyday from now on...

Ren: You're right heh.....

(As Ren continues to walk on ahead, he turns left into an alleyway and walks there.)

......

......

(He stops, and looks at his left.)

Ren: Here we are.....

(He looks up and reads the sign.)

"coffee&curry

LeBlanc"

(They have arrived at LeBlanc Cafe, the place where Ren used to stay during his probation.)

Ren: Well.....let's give the old man a surprise visit.

[LeBlanc Cafe]

[7:50 PM]

(The door of LeBlanc opens, with the bells ringing) [https://img.wattpad.com/1e53a165005c499501c52aa64b3e05e2d2127f8b/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f465465496e4f555a454c666453513d3d2d313038303037363731312e313638353836663338393534343166663837363239323130343431342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

(The door of LeBlanc opens, with the bells ringing)

Sojiro: Welcome-

(Sojiro looks at his left, he sees Ren.)

Sojiro: !

Ren: Hello Sakura-san!

Sojiro: Ren....come here you-

(Sojiro exits his workplace as Ren walks in and closes the door, they hug each other.)

Sojiro: Come on go put your stuffs upstairs, I'll make you a cup of coffee once you come back down.

Ren: Thanks.

(Ren goes upstairs to the attic of LeBlanc, which is his personalized room during his probation years back)

[Ren's Room]

Ren: We meet again, old friend [https://img.wattpad.com/1a5cb0c244fa03e9c547379ad1a86baf4e0007b0/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f5836686b6e4377734e51766c35673d3d2d313038303037363731312e313638356166646235306531333261313930333933393233373838322e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Ren: We meet again, old friend.

Morgana: *cough* That's a lot of dust!

Ren: Not as bad as I first came here.

(Ren removes the duffle bag and places it on his bed as Morgana gets out, they both come down)

(Ren then sits on the counter with his coffee readily made by Sojiro)

Sojiro: So how long you'll be here?

Ren: Well, I'm.....considering staying here in Tokyo.

Sojiro: Huh?! Well will you look at that, The country-boy got married with the city life.

Ren: Hehe yeah....I'll be staying here for a bit until I find myself a place.

Sojiro: Well then, Want to work part-time here again?

Ren: That's what I'm about to ask, yes. I just hope all my brewing skills come back to me.

Sojiro: Oh it better be.

(Ren sips his coffee)

(A door opens with the bells ringing)

Ren: hm?

(It's Futaba, having retuned from her field trip.)

Futaba: *big gasp* REN!

(Futaba runs to him and gives a big and really tight hug)

Ren: OW OW OW....H-heey- L-long time no see F-Futaba!

Futaba: Oh and you toooo you-

(Futaba pinches Morgana's cheeks)

Morgana: (OWOWOWOWOW OKAY LET GOOO)

Futaba: I heard the news! Are you really staying here?!

Ren: Yeah.

Futaba: Oh boy! Guess I'll be seeing you everyday from now on, POGGERS!

Ren: Eheh......

(Ren notices what Futaba is wearing, which is the Shujin uniform.)

Ren: Wow, it's sometimes odd to see you wearing that.

Futaba: My uniform? Oh well- yeah. I just came back from a field trip in Iwatodai.

Ren: I heard.

Sojiro: It's so nice to see the both of you again, really.

Futaba: Hehe....

Ren: Just like old times.

(Ren finishes sipping his coffee.)

Ren: Ahhh- Thanks for the coffee!

(Sojiro nods while smiling.)

Futaba: Well I'll be heading back home, I'll see you later!

Ren: Yeah same, I really need some rest.

Sojiro: Best if you do, you'll start here the day after tomorrow. Go get yourself a breather.

Ren: Thanks.

(Futaba leaves the cafe and goes back home.)

[Ren's room]

(Ren heads upstairs, then lies down to his bed)

Ren: Ahhh I missed this bed.

Morgana: Well since you're tired, best if you get some sleep.

Ren: Yeah yeah you don't have to enforce me as usual, Let me just text my parents that I'm here.

Morgana: Sorry, it's just a force of habit...

(Ren texted his parents.)

.....

....

(He closes his phone......)

...

...

Ren: (To think, I have been summoned into the Velvet Room, once more. The distorted world taking in to our world? Fullscale threat from a returning god? My Persona returning? I'm really confused right now, I need some answers!...)

....

(His eyes feel heavy......he falls asleep....)

[8:00 AM]

(Ren wakes up [https://img.wattpad.com/d29f99dfbfd75b9e805a1fcdadce65cbc6d4fc06/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6e362d4337766c695f4d5f3148673d3d2d313038303037363731312e313638356166663862643363353938353231353738373235333632322e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

(Ren wakes up.)

Ren: ..........

(No luck, I didn't end up in the Velvet Room.)

.......

(He dresses up to his casual clothes and heads downstairs, He sees Sojiro who just finished preparing curry by the counter.)

Sojiro: Perfect timing, I was about to call you down.

Ren: Ah thanks........

(Ren notices the curry.)

Ren: Hey this reminds me about my first day to Shujin.

Sojiro: Heh, come on eat up.

(Ren sits down and looks at the TV)

News Reporter: "-sudden rising amounts of murders and disturbance of peace in all throughout Tokyo. The reason behind these occurrences is still unknown."

Sojiro: Tch!......'the hell's going on around the world?

News Reporter: "Another breaking news is the continuing resurface of the Apathy Syndrome. Although the number of infections are still low, The Ministry of Health fears that it'll tandem with the COVID-19 Pandemic and advices people to stay safe out there and keep yourself distanced from others."

[12 Minutes later]

(Ren heads down with Morgana on his duffle bag.)

Ren: Thanks for the meal! I'll be heading out

Sojiro: Sure, Go get the feel of the city again. Just make sure you have your face mask on.

Ren: Yep, I have it with me.

(Ren exits LeBlanc)

Ren: Well, first things first. I should text Sumire that I'll be visiting her, then to the batting center.

(Ren pulls out his phone and texts Sumire.)

......

......

......

(Two minutes have passed, she has made no response.)

Ren: Huh? I guess her phone's acting up. Guess I'll visit her place.

(Ren then walks to Sumire's house)

[Yoshizawa House.]

[8:28 AM]

(Ren knocks on the door.)

(The door opens, Sumire's father "Shinichi" appears in front of him.)

Shinichi: Oh hello, Amamiya-san

Ren: *gulp* Hello Mr. Yoshizawa, Does Sumire happen to be around?

Shinichi: Uhmm...No, She said that she went out to go with you.

Ren: Oh? I guess the message didn't came by. Well thank you Mr. Yoshizawa.

Shinichi: Anytime

(Ren then walks around hoping for Sumire to message, hours pass by.)

[5:22 PM]

[5:22 PM] [https://img.wattpad.com/6d86c4801f835de48204ba932b7e8b488dabcbb4/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f785f4a7a776c506a5748715058773d3d2d313038303037363731312e313638353939313939353737623565613931383835333735313430392e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

....

....

....

Ren: Still no response, I'll try bugging her.

(Ren constantly sends random messages to Sumire)

Ren: This should do it.

.......

.......

.......

(Many minutes pass by, she still hasn't made a response.)

Ren: Not a response, she didn't even see the messages.

Morgana: Something smells fishy here.....

(Ren keeps walking as he texts the others about Sumire)

Ann: "No....I never heard about her since that last message she sent here."

Ryuji: "The last time I saw her was like....before the Pandemic came around."

Ann: "We all did Ryuji!"

Yusuke: "It's odd for her to not respond. I feel uneasy about this..."

Futaba: "Well I'll try my best to backtrack things to where she was last seen. But you should keep looking for her Ren."

Ren: "Yeah, Thanks for all the help guys."

(Almost everyone in this group chat heart-reacted his message.)

Ren: Hmmm....The last place where Sumire would usually be at is......

......Kicihijoji!

Morgana: Yeah you're right! Good idea, Lets move!

(Ren takes the train)

(Ren takes the train) [https://img.wattpad.com/f03dc0f4d61beb987be2a2d711be7d88be6dafca/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6c70466c4e4e666d4434635434673d3d2d313038303037363731312e313638356162633138646563633331633137363934383836373834312e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

[Kichijoji]

[7:50 PM]

(Many minutes were spent on finding Sumire, wandering through back alleys and asking people)

(Ren then checks the last alley, With no sign of Sumire's presence)

Ren: Damn!

Morgana: Well.....we tried

Ren: *sigh* Let's just head back, We'll have to think about this tomorrow. I'm beat!

(Ren walks to exit the alley)

(But before he reaches it, He was stopped by a thug who's holding a knife.)

Thug: Hey fella.....If you don't mind......Hand over your bread, NOW!

Morgana: Uh-oh.

Ren: .......

(Ren's vision suddenly darkens and turns blue again as his pupils turn blue, he sees the thug in an indicated Red Aura.)

Ren: (!.....Not again!)

Thug (in a distored, demonic-like voice): I said hand it over, NOW!

Ren: (Wait....his voice....is that......a Shadow?)

Thug: You asked for it!

(The Thug charges for Ren to stab him)

Ren: !!

Morgana: REN!

(Ren eyes suddenly widened, everything slows down as he notices a blue butterfly flying around.)

Ren: What the?......

(Shards of a red humanoid wearing 19th century clothing and a long top hat appear slowly around Ren's body.)

???: I am thou....thou art I.....Thou has returned in a time of need.

Ren: !

???: I am here to help you slay your adversaries. Once again,

My name is "Arsène", The pillager of twilight.

(His vision returns to normal as everything becomes fast, The thug nears to Ren with his knife.)

Ren: !!

(The knife is about to make contact to Ren body.)

Arsène: HMPH!

(Arsène disarms the Thug's knife by grabbing his wrist and yanking the knife away followed by kicking him, flying him into the distance)

Ren: What the-?!

Thug: GUH-

(The Thug hits the ground.....then gets back up.)

Thug: URGH-......YoooouuUUU!

(The Thug makes a demonic-like scream.)

(Blue flames slowly wrap around Ren......as they go away, it reveals into him wearing his Metaverse attire.)

Morgana: Is that.....a shadow?, He screams like one-

(Morgana notices Ren's clothes.)

Morgana: What the?!

(Joker places down his bag to the ground.)

Joker: (Wait is this what Igor said about Personas being used in the real world.....?)

Thug: I'LL KILL YOU!!

Joker: Tch

(Both the Thug and Joker run for each other)

(Joker makes a fake haymaker, Pulls out Arsène for an instant gut punch.)

Arsène: SHAH!

Thug: UGAHH!

(The Thug is left staggered)

Joker: *pant.....pant*

(The Thug suddenly turns pale with the pupils disappearing, As if his soul is being taken. He then drops to his knees)

Joker: W-What the?

...

...

Joker: (Wait.....that couldn't be....

The Apathy Syndrome?)

(Joker is switched back to his casual attire)

Morgana: What.....just happened?

Ren: ......we need to head back. I'll try to explain to you what's happening.

(Ren pulls out the pendant, he looks at the picture of him and Sumire together.)

Ren: ........Where are you?

[END OF CHAPTER, TO BE COUNTINUED.]