Lowell was trying to make sense of what had happened. So were everyone else. Checking their phones for details. Zilch. Nothing on their phones.
"Waldo?" Waldo was using his knowledge to test through the magic. Even his knowledge was not enough.
"That's not a regular teleport spell."
"Astrovion?" A face appeared on Lowell's shadow.
"I cannot sense his presence. He's not in this world. It may be one of those... Situations that he found himself in during the past." Suddenly time froze for all of them. Finding themselves in the Realms In Between, where the others had been panicking just as bad. The Claws were crying, Risyn and the Gods of Eden were looking for answers. But so far nothing. None of them could fathom where Raven had gone.
"He's been dragged. To another world. I'm trying to get it sorted but it seems to be part of the causality nonsense. It's one where he has to handle himself. This may last for some time but, there's this." Vinter spoke as they see the TV screen get back to normal.
Seeing Raven's situation, including the screens of his choice. Being a debt ridden man who has to work in multiple jobs.
"What kind of world is this, Supreme One?"
"it's the world he hates the most." Everyone was trying to figure out an answer to that. Then a lightbulb literally appeared on Jersey's head.
"The hell is this? Why is there a light bulb on my head?" Jersey was poking it as some of her men began to panic. Seeing lightbulbs with a pull switch. Fiddling with it.
"Speak, Jersey."
"Out of every world he hates. It's the world of awkward situations and romances. Especially the self-fulfilling fantasy of the guy who is average as hell meeting with super famous people. Like artists, popstars, CEOs and all that."
"Oh." A shared Oh. It was something they all never knew but Jersey figured it out because of... Well seeing Raven read those books in his spare time and complaining about how the MC is denser than concrete.
"Why does he hate it? I thought he's romantic? Doesn't he enjoy it?" Risyn had a valid question to that matter as Yennifer wondered the same thing.
"He finds it comical when reading but if he's the one in it. He'll most likely play the role of the mysterious guy who just wants to get his debt cleared. If he's one track minded. He'll think the debt is the issue. But in reality in those stories. He has to play out all of the romances... Is this a sick joke?"
"One played by a certain God I slain. He warned me that causality will cause my Avatar to be in weird places... Let us hope he will be fine. The rest of you can watch his progress as time passes by on your phones." Vinter spoke as they see Raven preparing to find another job.
Meanwhile in an office.
Raven just sat there listening to the interviewers berate his resume. Insulting things to his face. Seeing the name 'Prydwen Enterprises' on the back with a logo of a steering wheel.
"I bet your parents never raised you right!" One of the interviewers shouted where Raven just let out a sigh.
"They did raise me right. But they're dead. Forget it, if you have other candidates. Let's not waste our time." Raven said and he grabbed his resume.
"Wait!" Raven stepped out of the door, going out as he lit a cigarette. Looking around for different jobs. He had debts to pay, even the money he earned last night had already been used up to send it to the debtors. The easier solution would be to kill them, but that would pose a lot of questions. So all he needs is to find a different job.
Walking on the street, when he heard a loud crash coming from above. That noise woke him up, whereby he could see a car that was on fire, immediately Raven ran straight into it. This may not be his world but he wasn't exactly just going to watch. Opening the door, seeing the woman in the business suit who was in unconscious, a quick eye on the back seat. There was nobody, so she was alone. A pocket knife to cut the seatbelt off, then bringing the woman out.
The ambulance came first rather than firefighters which wasn't that odd. Though the car? It wasn't going to be an easy repair. Hopefully she has good insurance over it.
"Are you related?"
"No. I'm n-" A tight grip over his wrist, the woman despite being unconscious seemed to have done that. Raven and the paramedics were trying to ease it off, but it ended up with Raven's wrist bleeding out from the woman's nails.
"Ah, sorry!" He was more focusing on finding her phone in the handbag, using her finger from her left hand to unlock it. Then searching for her recent contacts.
"Hello? Jane?"
"I don't know who Jane is, but the person who owns this number got into an accident. Can you contact her family? She's going to.." eyeing the paramedic as they got into the ambulance.
"All Blue Hospital."
"All Blue Hospital. Please contact her family. Thank you." When the ambulance moved that's when the grip loosened, with a paramedic preparing to help him but Raven just made sure they focused on the woman. He just took their disinfectant, applying it on. Sure it stung but... Raven's been through worse things. Sometimes having an iron nail stubbed into your toe makes your pain tolerance spike up.
Then slapping on a bandage, that was enough for him as he let out a sigh.
Why does this shit always happen when I'm nearby? What the fuck!? He was cursing a thousand things in his head. Arriving at the hospital as he waited for whoever this woman's family supposed to be. If this plot is how it normally goes, he's expecting something ridiculous.
When the family came it was an uproar as hospital staff were bowing their heads to them the entire time. Escorted by bodyguards who had experience, with knives in their belts and pistols tucked away in the appendix carry.
Ah. So... A CEO Drama? So is she a super rich person or something? The elderly man glanced at him with a smile, but the bodyguards and the siblings darted glares at his direction.
"Who are you?"
"Just a passer by who pulled her out of the fire. Since you're all here. I'm going first." A bodyguard stood in front of Raven.
"Let him go."
"But sir, it could be a plot against Miss Jane?" Raven let out a sigh, this script was too familiar.
"I don't even know who you or who she is. Now, I'm going off. I need to find a job." Raven said.
"A job?" The old man raised an eyebrow but by the time he wanted to talk about it. Raven was long gone before those words reached his ears. He wasn't going to listen or be caught up in all of this. This time he got a call for a job that was to be a doorman at the museum tonight. A pay of 300. A bouncer and courtesy services.
Heading there on foot as they gave a uniform for him. Putting it on as Raven standby by the door. Greeting visitors with a bright smile, opening the doors for them. Hoping for a quiet night as he saw plenty of people in fancy clothes. A mix of simple and classy, some dresses with an air of elegance and a few that just... Made Raven question what makes up fashion. Plenty of fancy cars that could buy a few houses just roll on by. An observation as Raven noticed the security and bouncers eyeing the vehicles. He was just focused on his job. Get this done, and figure out his next step.
Causality can be a bitch but I'll just do what I can from here on out. Hopefully it's a quiet night. Those were his thoughts as he kept his face on. Guys were eyeballing him while ladies were busy glancing at his face.
Ugh. Stop staring ladies. Your man's going to be all up in my business. Last thing I want to do is break some guy's arm or something. An unexpected guest appeared, the old man from earlier who gave a nod to Raven. Ultimately drawing attention his way. The one thing he was avoiding. As curiosity built up with the others, Raven waited for his chance for a break. Going over to light a cigarette when the roar of gunshots stirred the air.
"Oh for crying out loud..." Heading into it, where he saw a downed guard who was bleeding. A group of armed men with firearms firing their guns at the guards. The crowd got on the floor but Raven dragged the guard aside.
"Keep pressure on this. I'm going to borrow your gun for a bit." Raven said as he pulled out the pistol, checking the magazine and single handedly doing a 'brass check'. That little shine was a good sign as Raven stood near a pillar. Pistol ready as he peeked out, seeing a masked gunman's head as he fired a shot.
The brief silence gave him a chance to take shots at the other gunmen, forcing them to hide. Firing shots near their positions to force them in hiding. A steady pace with a pistol that had 17 shots. Two spare mags but he can't keep them hiding forever.
"Fucking move them out of harm's way!? What are you idiots?!" Raven's cursing woke them up from their idleness, moving the civilians out of the way as Raven reloaded the pistol. Throwing a magazine into their direction. A stupid distraction but seeing how one of them jumped on it, thinking it was a grenade? Seizing the opportunity as the bullet found a home in the guy's neck. Moving to the right as he stepped on the shattered glass. Flanking them as one gunman's back was facing him while the other was busy eyeing for their target.
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Having one in a headlock, emptying the magazine into the other. A kick to the leg, forcing the gunman to lose his balance as Raven snapped his neck. Picking up their pistols and a few spare mags, Raven waited for the time. His heart was racing, he felt more naked than ever when he didn't have aura or mana to cover his ass. And not knowing how much pain this body can take.
Grinning as he liked the idea of being vulnerable. Being weak. Caution. Instinct. Creativity. The three things he had with him that supplemented his experiences as the many Personas.
"Mission's botched! We're leaving!" That was his cue, when the gunmen were turning their backs. Raven took the chance to empty his entire magazine into them. He got three but one was able to run away. Though not far since a bullet purchased a lot in the gap of his bulletproof vest.
The chaos subsided as sirens invaded the soundscape. Raven put the pistol down, then got on his knees as police officers stormed in. Hands placed behind his head as the officers calmly cuffed his hands. Whatever they were saying? Raven tuned them out. The scent of gunpowder that lingered, a bit of blood that made him remember his time in the past.
Closing his eyes in the backseat of the cop car as Raven found himself inside the castle of mirrors. The mirrors that he couldn't access, but he felt the experiences coming back to him. The rampage of Abyss Gaze, the genocide committed by the One Who Rips, the battles he fought when he was Scorpio of Valor, the Shady Enforcer's dealings, the Boss of Rose Garden's actions during a huge scale gang war that shook a city. All of those memories and Personas came to life through him.
Opening his eyes as he found himself in an interrogation room. Answering their questions with whatever he could remember. His memory wasn't hazy, but Raven's caution and instincts made him be wary of who he shares the information with. Judging by what they had on him, Raven wasn't 18 years old here. He was 24 years old.
Even then, the cops were not convinced. Not that Raven could blame them anyway, so he spent the night in a cell. There were a few people who made noises the entire night but that's not his problem. If he didn't hesitate, Raven would've done a whole lot better as a career criminal or an assassin. He'd be shit as a cop because he'd be the one people will complain about excessive force on. A lawyer? That's a horrible idea for a moron who could barely understand whatever jargon they use.
Sometimes you just play with the cards you have, even if those cards are the worst one has in their hands. The night just drifted away as Raven hummed a song he learned in the past. Drifting into sleep as the people in their cells were screaming their lungs out.
The next day, when Raven was released. He spent his time figuring out what other jobs to take. His phone notified that the museum compensated him an extra 700 for helping keep the people safe with a PS that the curator wanted to meet him. When he stepped out however, he found two people in front of him. The blonde from the club and the woman from the car crash. Just the sight of them alone had Raven smacking his head in disbelief.
THIS IS A FUCKING HAREM ONE ISN'T IT!? FOR FUCK'S SAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE! Raven's internal agony manifested as him crushing his phone upon seeing the pair. Which had them flinching.
"Sorry, I had 2 hours of sleep because of how noisy the cells were. Don't mind me."
"Wait, I haven't been able to thank you yet." the blonde spoke up.
"Did he save your life too?" The blonde's eyes lit up.
"Jane Prydwen. CEO of Prydwen Industries."
"Lizzie Gridern. I'm..."
"A Famous Internet Musician that hasn't signed a label yet." Jane hit it off with Lizzie quite well as they chatted up for a bit. They were easy on the eyes, like Raven could not take his eyes of both of them. A compulsion to keep looking at them. Though he did break it when he remembered his piling debt. No time for love when one is in debt.
"Raven Ashenworth. I'll be going now."
"Wait!" The two ladies chorused which Raven just groaned at the idea but he kept his mouth shut. Turning to them both.
"I heard you're looking for a job."
"I went to Prydwen before I found you. The interviewer insulted my family." Jane's face changed, lumps in her throat as she wanted to apologize but Raven shook his head.
"Don't overwork your staff. He might have problems with his family or financial burdens. Sometimes they just lash out unintentionally." Raven's words were a form of comfort.
"Is there anyway I can repay you?" Lizzie asked with a honeyed voice. Giving him the puppy eyes, and just pressing her index fingers against each other. Shaking her legs.
Is this a human being or a human bean or a puppy? Brain make up your mind already.
"No need. Things happen. Now I need to go get a new phone."
"I can buy you a phone. To repay you for what you did the other day."
"I can buy you a phone too!" Jane's calmness and Lizzie's bubbliness seemed to be like nails on a chalkboard to Raven but, if the rules apply. No matter what he did, he will be dragged into this.
"Fine." Jane then signaled her chauffeur, only for Raven to open the door for Jane and Lizzie to step in first. Then he saw something pop up before his eyes.
Affection!
Jane Prydwen +1/10 Lizzie Gridern +1/10
You still have multiple targets to look into.
GOOD LUCK!
Raven took his seat. He seemed calm on the surface? But inside of his head?
> WELCOME TO THE BRAIN OF RAVEN ASHENWORTH. EPISODE 1.
>
> Multiple Ravens were panicking. The faculties of his mind were losing themselves with the realization of what this was.
>
> The large monitor showed the words 'WE'RE IN HELL! WE'RE IN HELL!' One Raven was pulling files of documents. Digging deep as he threw out everything inside.
>
>
> "WE NEED AN EXCUSE TO GET OUT OF THIS!"
>
> Another was staring at his computer screen.
> "Come on! COME ON! WE NEED AN EXCUSE! ANY SORT OF BULLSHIT!" Then seeing the doors of multiple departments having some sort of chaos inside. Department of emotions that was literally on fire. Department of physiological that had explosions going off. Department of physical which was going fine.
>
> "CHECK DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL!" They rushed in to see the other Ravens just holding levers, gesturing to the sign.
>
> "Pressure RISING RAPIDLY!" They began to scream even louder.
>
> "HOLD STRONG MY BROTHERS! WE MUST ENSURE THAT RAVEN'S LIBIDO DOESN'T TAKE OVER HIS MIND AND CLOUD HIS JUDGEMENT!"
"So Raven.. What are your experiences in your past jobs?"
"I didn't take any formal education beyond high school if that's what you're wondering. So I mainly do odd jobs.It's the only way I get by these days."
"Why is that?"
"Family and friends died in an apartment fire. Most of their relatives refused to handle the burial matters so I got the debt." Raven's words invoked silence. He's hoping that if he plays it gloomy enough. It would be enough to get them to back off. Yet. Somehow. For. Some. Odd. God. Forsaken. Reason.
Affection!
Jane Prydwen +2/10 Lizzie Gridern +2/10
What the hell? Is this what they call the pity points? Reality had sunken in Raven was trapped here and he's going to be trapped here for some time. He doesn't know how much time will pass. Nor will he be able to understand or figure out how or where will these things roll out.
If he's going to be in this hell. He might as well be himself.
"Don't worry about it. It's just an old wound." Call it a spade as a spade.
"Erm... Er.." The two ladies had some struggles to change the topic.
"What's your next job?" Lizzie blurted out, though Jane nudged her, thinking it was a sore spot.
"Nothing. I'll have to figure it out when I get my phone." Raven said as they arrived at the shopping mall. Stepping out as Raven offered his hand to both of them. Ignoring the ping from the notification that stated he earned points from them. Going over to look at phones, Raven was focusing on his budget. Something that was bang for buck. He didn't need it to be fancy, just useable.
"I can afford to spend the money for this, Raven. Why not this? Latest new model. 14 GB of RAM and 64 GB of memory with two memory sticks?"
"It's not just about buying, Jane. It's about making sure if things happen to it. I can afford repairs." Raven just got a phone that was a little pricey for his taste, but he could make due with it. 120 dollars. Taking out the SIM of his old phone and the memory stick. Putting it in and checking the details. Lizzie was eyeing a phone but she seemed to know that plan was shot down.
"I appreciate the gesture, but I still got some pride in me."
"But... How can I repay you then?"
"I just saved your lives because I'd rather not someone die in front of me. Somethings can be that simple." Another ping, seems like they understood his answer. Though it was odd that he got the ping that added more points rather than deduct them. They looked dejected, where Raven just let out the deepest sigh he had.
"Why don't we buy you some shirts?" Lizzie suggested and just as Raven was about to agree to it. There was a commotion.
Maybe Jersey's right. I AM A TROUBLE MAGNET. FUCKING BULLSHIT.
"Let go of me!" A woman in a dress was being held by a man. Dropping her handbag and shopping bags. Raven wasn't thinking about intervening but the moment the man raised his hand, igniting a reason for Raven to go in. Bolting fast as he blocked the hand, then a strike to the neck as the man was on the ground. When the man tried to stand up, Raven just pushed the man down. Keeping his head lowered as his knee pinned the man down on the floor.
"You bastard. You must be some guy this wh-" Raven slammed his head to the ground. He might've broken the guy's nose or something but he doesn't exactly give a fuck about it. Like what else can happen? Raven goes to prison? Not exactly a bad thing for his case.
"If you say that about a lady again. I'll make sure to rip your teeth out with my bare hands. Be a good boy, shut the fuck up and keep your head down until security comes over." Her hand's were shaking, as security came over to bring the man away. Raven grabbed a chair from a restaurant, putting it behind her.
"Sit down." She sat down, her legs were trembling. Accelerated heart rate? Check. Breathing going too fast? Check. Her eyes glanced at Raven who just instructed her on deep breathing techniques. Inhaling through the nose, exhaling through the mouth. Alternating her breathing from 7, 8, 9 and 10 seconds. Her trembling stopped but she was still in distress.
"Close your eyes." Following his instructions. Raven focused on grounding her to where she was. Smells, sights and what can she feel. Then someone else walked on over to help her, Raven took his chance to leave. Meeting up with Jane and Lizzie as they decided buying clothes. Jane was trying to get Raven to a fancy boutique but Raven decided to just go to a nearby shop that sells ready to made products. He can tailor it on his own, so why bother? The pair had brought clothes to Raven in the changing room.
Another 'PING' from the notification, their affection just went up three times. He is not going to keep track of that. Trying to get these two out of his hair will be taking some time.