“I’m home.”

I walk into the Sakura residence, placing my shoes on the floor as I walk upstairs. Passing Futaba’s room, I stop to knock on her door.

“Hey, Futaba? Just wanting to see how you’re doing?”

No answer, but my phone rings just a few seconds later.

I stare down at my messaging app, as a figure with a sharp mouth and a smirk answers my question.

“Of course, but refer to me as Alibaba,”

I sigh as my sister talks to me with her online handle, messaging her back.

“Have you left your room today, Alibaba? I know you feel weird about it, but I’m sure that Da-… Sojiro would like seeing you. I know I want to. Can’t you come out?”

She takes a moment to answer back.

“I… can’t Luke, I want to… but this place…”

My heart feels like it’s tearing apart at that.

The curse of my knowledge is that I know exactly what Futaba is going through, I even know how to help her.

But I’m not strong enough, I can’t help her yet, not until I grow my powers.

I notice she isn’t typing anymore. I place my hands on my phone, typing one last message.

“I don’t know what’s keeping you there Futaba, but I know this. One day, I’m going to take you to Akihabara, and we’re going to pick out some games. It may not be now, but… I’ll make it happen! Even if you feel trapped, I’m here, and I believe in you. So, don’t give up Futaba, and… even if you feel like I can’t help you, reach out to someone, anyone. Don’t. Give. Up.”

I put my phone away.

I walk down the hall, but not before I hear someone sniffling, and my ears make out something else.

“Someone… anyone… Free me from this tomb.”

I walk into my room.

I feel a visceral hate burn in my chest as I recall the people who turned my sister that way.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Just wait you basterds, once I take care of these crooked adults, and save Futuba, your next!

…

Sojiro’s got an angry look on his face as he approaches me, almost like he just drank some crappy coffee.

“Luke, what’s this I hear about you missing class? It’s bad enough I hear it from that other kid, but you know better than that.”

I stare at him with incredulity, “I never missed class Dad, the only time that came close was when I went to the bathroom that one time, and I explain it to Ms. Kawakami.”

“Wait, that sounds like… are you in a class with a kid named Ren Amamiya?”

Did Sojiro really not know?

“Yeah, sounds like the new transfer student.”

“I don’t want you making friends with troublemakers Luke, and he’s got problems up the pipe and back.”

Shaking my head, I speak to him like hes an idiot.

“Come on pops, I’ve seen the guy. Assaulting a woman? He never would, and I bet you know it too.”

“How did you… never mind, and that doesn’t matter. He’s got probation, and if he screws up by causing problems in school, it’s on his ass. I don’t want you caught in the crossfire.”

“So, I’m just supposed to let those guys call him names and get away with it? Do you know what they say behind his back?”

“That’s not your problem Luke!”

“That’s the same reason why Futaba’s stuck in her room, because we’re not taking it seriously enough to help, just because it’s not our problem! I’m done trying to hide while I see someone getting punished for something he didn’t even do. I want to help people! Dad you kn-,”

I’m caught off as Sojiro smacks me in the face, silencing me.

“Don’t you EVER talk about Futaba like that! You and I just need to be there for her! I won’t hear another word of this and if you start again, I will ground your ass, you hear me?!”

I growl, but nod at the man.

He seems like he regretted what he did right away.

“I’m sorry Luke, I didn’t…”

“I hate this Pop; I hate that we can’t help her and I hate that all I can do is wait and hope.”

I look into the old man’s eyes, “did you know that Ren’s trying to help some kids? He’s doing something to help around in school, and kids still treat him like a criminal.”

I stare at the floor, “I want to be like that, I want to start doing something to help, even if it isn’t popular. I want to point out the bad guys and call them on their shit Dad, I don’t want to hide and watch another victim get harmed.”

I gaze back, tears in my eyes, “I couldn’t help my own sister… and she’s stuck in that room like it’s the only place she can be in.”

“Oh, kid…”

I can’t stop the tears now, “why can’t I help her?”

Sojiro awkwardly hugs me, trying to console me while all the frustration from earlier lets out of me.

All these memories, all this knowledge, and I can’t even do anything to help these people.

I’m stuck here, waiting for something to happen. Is… that why I got this Persona? I wanted to reach the truth, to let them know about how my parents died, how Futaba’s mom was killed. All those people who were victims of that man’s lust for power.

And the basterd’s son who made it happen.

If… if I change things, could they be better? If I… try to use this, what if it becomes worse?

You promised to bring the Crow’s work to justice, will you simply lay down now?

NEVER! Even if I have to change how this plays out, I won’t let him get away with his crimes. I won’t let him be the one to win!

Then you have your answer.

I separate from the old man, nodding to him as I go to bed.

It’s time this ‘job’ got personal.

…