Gnossienne

gnossienne - n. a moment of awareness that someone you’ve known for years still has a private and mysterious inner life, and somewhere in the hallways of their personality is a door locked from the inside, a stairway leading to a wing of the house that you’ve never fully explored—an unfinished attic that will remain maddeningly unknowable to you, because ultimately neither of you has a map, or a master key, or any way of knowing exactly where you stand.

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Chapter 1: 0

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"What are you doing?"
"Exactly what I appear to be doing."
"Why? Won't it be fine as it is?"
"On the whole, perhaps."
"... but?"
"They will still be in peril. I must act."
"They'll try to stop you."
"Yes."
"... how can I help?"

---

March 30th, 2006: Thursday

A dark haired human boy sat on a bus, his eyes a bit puffy. He wore a simple brown knit sweater and jeans, and held a large duffel in his lap. Beside him was a moderately sized rolling suitcase, propped against the seat cushion. It wasn't everything he owned, most of that had already been shipped through the mail by his parents. Nishimura Hiroyuki couldn't help but smile bitterly as he thought about the symmetry of it. He'd left this place, smiling and pretending to be ok as his heart broke inside. He'd waved goodbye to his childhood friends, and as soon as they were out of sight he'd cried until he thought he might never have tears again. Five years later, he found himself saying goodbye to his parents the same way. The moment the bus had begun to rumble along, he'd let it all out. Hiroyuki couldn't let them see him cry, this had been his decision. It felt wrong to let them see him sad today. Knowing that he wouldn't see them again until August at the earliest hurt more than he had expected, the realization had washed over him like a wave as soon as he'd sat down. He still wished he had hugged them both a bit longer, had more to say before stepping on board.

That had been almost an hour ago, and now he was nearing his destination. He had cried himself out and tried to look forward to what lay in store for him. He was going home, and everyone was waiting for him. Torahiko's phone number hadn't changed, and when Hiroyuki had told him the news he'd been absolutely ecstatic. His voice was deeper than Hiroyuki remembered. That was to be expected, but for some reason it had taken him off guard. How different would everyone be after five years? That had been almost a week ago, so by now the gregarious tiger had to have told the whole town. Would they be happy to see him? Nervousness and excitement warred with Hiroyuki's fading melancholy, making him feel a bit sick. Today was going to be exhausting no matter what happened.

---

Stepping off the bus and into Minasato was like being transported to another world, a place from a story that he once knew very well, but had left on the book shelf a bit too long. The smell was overwhelming, spring was in full bloom and the air was alive with it. Hiroyuki had never had allergies, but he wasn't used to this amount of pollen anymore. He sneezed a few times as the bus rolled away. The sound of the bushes rustling didn't catch his attention, so when an orange and brown blur jumped out in front of him he was taken totally by surprise.

"GUWAAAAAOOOOOooooo!"

A monster! Cruel fate had sent a monster to devour him! He screamed in fear, falling back and sending his suitcase skidding out into the road.

"Pff... Bwahahahaha!"

The monster laughed at him... wait no, that voice was familiar. He opened his eyes and focused on the source of his torment, a tiger beastman. Despite the somewhat chill weather he wore shorts and a t-shirt, stretched tight over well defined muscles. In spite of his impressive figure, Hiroyuki's eyes were drawn to the tiger's eyebrows. To call them bushy would be putting it mildly, they were nearly as thick and Hiroyuki's finger. Below those were stunningly blue eyes, like the sea reflecting the morning sun. He was tall too, Hiroyuki had to look up to see his face. The voice could only belong to Ooshima Torahiko, he was sure... but this body in front of him didn't match Hiroyuki's memory at all! His heart was beating fast, but he wasn't sure if it was because of shock anymore.

"What're you falling over for, your luggage-"

The tiger stopped short, his amusement shifting to concern as his eyes ran over Hiroyuki's face.

"Are you ok? You look..."

Oh, his eyes. Of course. But Hiroyuki didn't feel up to talking about his feelings right now, and not just because it would be embarrassing. He spouted out the first excuse that came to mind.

"I'm fine, really- Allergies. Just allergies. Uhm. Are you Torahiko...?"

It felt so lame to ask that, but he still couldn't believe his eyes. The tiger's reaction made him feel somewhat guilty. His ears fell flat against his head and his tail drooped as he replied.

"What? Did you forget me already? We just talked on the phone the other day..."

"Oh, no. I'm sorry, just... you got huge man. Back then I was taller than you!"

That perked Torahiko up immediately. His posture straightened up and he looked even taller than before. Hiroyuki hoped the bitterness he felt didn't show on his face, he felt so short right now.

"Ah, I grew a lot after Junior high. Here, let me help you up."

Hiroyuki's hand was engulfed by Tora's, who effortlessly pulled him upright. He didn't quite catch his balance in time, and fell against Tora's chest. It rumbled pleasantly as Torahiko laughed, making Hiroyuki want to stay there a bit longer. Despite that he backed away, it would be inappropriate not to.

"Not great on your feet today are you? Maybe I should carry you today."

"Don't be dumb, I can walk just fine when you're not scaring the life out of me."

"Heheh, we'll see. Although-"

"Eh?"

"I'm not done with you yet. Come'ere!"

Torahiko swept Hiroyuki up into a firm hug, actually lifting him off the ground for a few seconds. So tight! He could hardly breathe.

"It's been forever! You didn't think you were getting away did you?"

Torahiko had always loved physical contact, Hiroyuki had almost forgotten. So much for appropriate. In that case... Hiroyuki hugged back. Normally he might have complained, but right now he secretly wanted some kind of comfort. The hug lasted a bit longer than was strictly normal. Hiroyuki started to let go first, his face a little hot. Tora was blushing too, but neither one of them would acknowledge it. Hiroyuki cleared his throat while scratching his cheek.

"We should get my stuff to my grandparents' place."

"Ah, yeah. Let me help you with that."

Torahiko picked up Hiroyuki's luggage for him, and the two started towards Hiroyuki's grandparents' home, where he would be staying. This much they had arranged in advance, over the phone. Hiroyuki was pretty certain that he still knew the way, but after five years it wasn't a bad idea to have someone to guide him around. Torahiko, as one of his best friends from back then, seemed an ideal choice. Hiroyuki hadn't expected for Torahiko to lug his things around for him, but he certainly wasn't going to complain.

"I hope you didn't have to wait long for me."

"Nah. The bus only comes three times a day, morning noon and night. You told me when you were leaving the city, so I knew you'd get here about now. I was only waiting for a little bit, don't worry.

"Everyone's been talking about you coming back, we're all really excited!"

That was a comfort, they remembered him then and were happy to see him too. Torahiko went on.

"We're having a welcoming party at Raimon's! We had to of course. We should get over there after this!"

Oh. That sounded great, but part of him really didn't want to go. That part wanted to slink into his Grandparents' place, pull out the futon and just lie down for the rest of the day. But another wanted nothing more than to go, to see everyone again and talk to them. It would be tiring, but it might do his heart good to be around friendly faces today. And anyway, they were expecting him. How could he refuse?

"Ok, I'll put my things away and talk to my grandparents, and then we'll go."

Tora looked back at him, and his expression made Hiroyuki think he'd said something wrong. That look of concern was back.

"Are you sure? You don't sound very excited..."

"What? Oh, yeah. I'm sorry, I guess I'm kind of tired... but I really do want to go!"

That seemed to satisfy him.

"Ok, I understand. Then we'll go after this! And I'll make sure no one bothers you too much."

"Ah, I didn't mean it like that."

"I know, but still. We're your friends, we understand that you're going through a lot today."

Was he that obvious? Well, Torahiko knew his situation, it would be obvious to anyone wouldn't it? Why was he trying to hide it? Still, he couldn't bear to acknowledge his feelings to someone else right now. Circumstance spared him having to say anything right away. They had reached the house.

---

The conversation with Hiroyuki's Grandparents had been brief. They were all too happy to have him here, and would hear none of his apologies for the imposition. He and Tora soon had Hiroyuki's things put away, and were off to Raimon's.

They talked idly about this and that as they headed for the center of town, and soon came upon Raimon's. Red paper lanterns decorated the restaurant's front, the place looked pretty cheap. That was ok with Hiroyuki though, he didn't need it to be impressive, the nostalgic memories of coming here with his friends and getting a quick bite was more than enough to make the aging bar-turned-restaurant feel inviting. The pair stepped in and exchanged greetings with the old man running the place.

"Ah, welcome. Escorting the guest of honor?"

Torahiko smiled broadly.

"Yup! Has anyone else come in?"

"Two are back there already, been waiting about two hours already."

"Hahaha, really? I wonder who? Let's go look now!"

"Ah, there's just a few things. Could I grab you for just a minute?"

"Oh, alright. Hiroyuki you go on ahead."

Hiroyuki nodded enthusiastically. Tora had said people were excited, but to get here that early... It made him feel really special. He had to learn exactly who had gone that far to make sure they would be here. Hiroyuki walked past the desk and to the back, where they would be seated. The restaurant was surprisingly empty, except for two figures seated at a large table- The other tables in the room were pushed back, and the chairs flipped up. There was only seating for nine today.

The first figure was a gray husky with long hair and carefully styled, spiked bangs. His face was cream colored, and his eyes gold. He wore jeans, a black tank top, mismatched arm bands and a necklace. The term "dog tag" came to mind, but wasn't that considered kind of bad to say? Well, he wouldn't focus on that for now. He also had a nice looking jacket hanging off the back of his chair, definitely higher quality than the rest of his outfit. There was no mistaking him for anyone else, that was Aotsuki Kouya, though like Tora he was much more muscular than Hiroyuki remembered him. Had everyone started working out since he left? He was starting to feel a little scrawny, and inadequate.

The second young man was a black furred cat, whose pink nose and white eyebrows stood out starkly. His eyes were pale yellow, and his gaze piercing. He was taller than Hiroyuki remembered, but only a little. Otherwise he looked about the same: Lithe, elegant, well dressed but still conservative. He wore a white dress shirt with a somewhat strange collar and cuffs, the former being taller than normal and the latter extending out to points. His gray slacks were understated, and shined black shoes completed the monochromatic look. That was definitely Kuroi Shin.

They looked like they had been in conversation before Hiroyuki arrived, but it ceased when he came into view. Two sets of eyes focused on Hiroyuki, and he couldn't help but smile. He hadn't expected it to be either of them, but it still felt good.

"Shin-kun, Kouya. It's been a while."

Kouya answered first, with a wink and an enthusiastic smile of his own.

"Yo, long time no see!"

Shin raised an eyebrow, and for a moment his expression made Hiroyuki think Shin would say something acerbic. However he surprised Hiroyuki with a gentle smile.

"Welcome back. It's nice to see you're in good health, Hiroyuki."

That was... not like the Shin he remembered. Had he mellowed over time? Or maybe he was being nice because- Hiroyuki pushed the thought away as he felt himself misting up a bit.

"Thanks. You're both looking good, too. I really like that coat, Kouya. Is it new?"

"Oh, yeah. Early birthday present."

"Really? Wow, who's it from? They must like you a lot, it looks expensive."

Shin dropped his eyes to the side and blushed a bit.

"Shin gave it to me-"

"Because they're in loooOOOoove~!"

Torahiko's raucous laughter filled the space as he walked over to the table. Shin massaged his temple while Kouya glared coldly. Shin answered matter of factly without making eye contact.

"If you think so, I'll have to remember not to get you anything when August rolls around."

"Ah-! I-I'm sorry! I'll stop!"

Hiroyuki had to stifle his own laugh. Tora had been pretty rude, and Shin's response was pretty cold... but it used to be like this all the time, and none of them were entirely serious he was sure. Still, this might be a bad time to laugh. He took this chance to ask a question that had been in the back of his mind since he'd stepped back here.

"It's kind of empty back here, is this place normally so empty...?"

Tora, glad for the reprieve, answered quickly.

"N-no! We, uh, we rented the place out today, together. We've got it all to ourselves."

"The whole restaurant? Wow... That must have cost a lot. I kind of feel a little bad, making you go out of your way like that."

"Ah, it's no problem! Everyone was happy to pitch in once we learned you were coming back. No need to apologize."

Kouya smirked as he put in:

"That's right, nothing to apologize to Torahiko about."

"... Whaddaya mean by that?"

"Just what I said."

The two glared at each other, and Hiroyuki couldn't help but wince. So much for diffusing things. He wasn't sure he could take them fighting right now. But what could he say? Luckily, a small and cheerful voice trilling out from behind them: "Hello! Woof! It's Hiroyuki-san!"

Did he just-? Yes, he just definitely barked. It was a bit childish, something Hiroyuki wouldn't have thought twice about five years ago... He turned to take in the next friend to arrive, and was shocked to find someone who didn't seem to have aged a day. Kodori Shun, a short brown wolf beastman. His eyes were blue like the sky, and his beaming face as warm as the sun. He had a messy mop of brown hair on his head, with a curiously long cow-lick sticking out of his bangs. If this were a manga Hiroyuki would call it an ahoge, but that felt uncharitable. He wore buckled red shoes, tan pants and a black coat over a light blue hoodie with white hood and stripes on the arms. He'd always had a curious habit of wearing that hoodie instead of a normal shirt, and Hiroyuki felt a sense of unreality looking at him now. From memory, he had to be sixteen now but he still looked eleven. Did his friend somehow travel through time and not experience the five years that had been between them?

"It's been so long! Uhm, are you alright? You look a little funny."

Well, of course he hadn't actually leapt through time. Maybe he just wasn't remembering things properly? Either way, he should answer Shun-kun.

"I'm fine, honest. And yeah, it's been a long time. Have you been a good boy?"

He stepped closer and ruffled Shun's hair, feeling a little awkward as he did. He hadn't really thought about that just now, just acted on instinct. He was treating Shun-kun like a small child instead of his peer... but it was hard not to, strange as this might be he was kind of adorable. Shun-kun didn't seem to mind overly, laughing and wagging his tail.

"Please stop, that's embarrassing!"

Well, perhaps he minded a little. Hiroyuki stopped, smiling broadly. Just then, before they could speak any further, another young man entered. He was a labrador beastman, tall and athletic, yellow furred with orange marks around his eyes and matching ears. His neat black hair looked almost out of place next to it, but beastmen tended have strange color patterns that way. He wore simple black jeans, a white button up shirt, and was just removing a comfortable looking dark green light jacket. Takahara Kyouji, he wasn't wearing the school uniform exactly, but it was close. That suited him. Even when they were younger he'd thought of him as "Kyouji-sempai," ever the good student and responsible one in their group. His voice was calm, gentle, but still quietly masculine.

"Oh, Hiroyuki. How have you been doing? I wondered if you were coming today."

"It's been a long time Kyouji-senpai. I'm doing well. You were worried I wouldn't show up?"

"I'm not sure I would put it that way, but I was concerned that you might be too tired from moving to manage today. However, Torahiko insisted that you were sure to come."

"Oh, I see."

Hiroyuki glanced at Torahiko, who was pointedly not making eye contact, playing with his chopsticks. Ooh, that tiger. Still, could he really be mad? It seemed that Tora knew him pretty well. He chuckled and went on.

"Well, it all worked out anyway. And I'm really grateful to you all, really. That's almost everyone here now."

"Yes. Tatsuki went to get Juuichi, and... well, I'm sure Kounosuke won't be too far behind."

That was... diplomatically stated, but the implication was clear. Kounosuke apparently hadn't gotten any more punctual over the course of five years. Although something bothered him...

"Juuichi needs to be picked up? Is he not in the village today?"

"Ah, he is. It's... I'm not sure I should say yet, it may be nothing."

A very deep voice growled from the doorway.

"It IS nothing. We were both just in time. Greetings Nishimura."

Kyouji turned with a frown. Behind him were a huge brown bear and an even bigger green dragon. Mikazuki Juuichi, the former, was broad as well as tall, very muscular and also had a bit of a belly. He wore a dark blue jersey jacket with black detailing open, a white shirt and dark blue sweats. He was scowling, making it hard to meet his gaze... except no one else was having the same issue. Did that mean this was... normal? The dragon, Midoriya Tatsuki, was both taller and wider. His horns had grown in nicely since they were children, and his penchant for not wearing a shirt didn't seem to have gone away. He was wearing an open blue work vest with a black collar, as well as work uniform brown pants socks and sandals. He looked like he should be cold in the breezy march weather this way, but he gave no indication of it.

"Yooo! Hiroyuki! I've missed you so much! Look at you! I see you haven't gotten any taller. Have you been eating right? Gahahahaha!"

Tatsuki certainly didn't see put off by Juuichi's mood. Maybe there was something he just wasn't getting. But before that-

"I eat just fine. And I have gotten taller, just... not much."

He looked around the room. Tora, Tatsuki, Kyouji, Juuichi, Kouya... They had all outgrown him, by at least a little bit. He wasn't the shortest here, but he was definitely on the lower end. How disheartening. Life wasn't fair sometimes.

"That looks like a work uniform. Do you have a job now?"

"Yes! I just started recently, this month in fact. I'm an apprentice at home now. I could have started earlier, after Junior High, but I wanted to finish High School."

"Wow, that's great Tatsu-nii, an apprentice carpenter. That sounds great. Juuichi, are you still doing Judo? Your arms definitely look like you've kept at it."

"Yes."

He didn't elaborate. Hiroyuki had kind of expected more. He decided to press a bit more, his face betraying his unease.

"Anything new happening for you?"

Juuichi's brows knitted and his shoulders drooped a bit, but his face otherwise didn't change in any obvious way.

"No, not really."

"Oh."

Someone coughed in the awkward silence that followed. Tatsuki spoke up first.

"Anyway, is everyone here? ... He's not late again, is he?"

Tora sighed from where he was sitting, running a hand over the top of his head.

"He is, of course."

Shin pulled a watch from his pocket.

"He's a half hour late, now."

Kyouji shrugged.

"I wasn't really expecting him to get here early."

A half hour late? Did that make Juuichi and Tatsuki late as well? Hiroyuki didn't have the best grasp of time, but surely it had to be one or the other...

"Hellooo! Everyone got here early, didn't they? Oh, Hiroyuki is that you? Long time no see!"

A tanuki had just skidding in, coming to a halt in front of the table. He was about Hiroyuki's own height, had amber eyes and eyebrows to rival Tora's for sheer size. He was the only person in the group with glasses, thin frames that didn't cover the top of the lenses. There were no arms on them, they seemed to just balance on his snout. He wore a thick orange down coat open over a white t-shirt, blue jeans and sneakers. He was the only one who struck Hiroyuki as possibly dressing warmer than was necessary. Kuri Kounosuke, the perennially late guy. Hiroyuki remembered he always had a good time when he was around, though. Everyone had since seated themselves and a few baleful looks were thrown Kounosuke's way. Tora spoke up first while Kounosuke made his way to the table.

"We've already been here a while, Kounosuke..."

"Ah, really? Sorry. I thought I was right on time, but I guess not?"

There were still some hard looks, called out to save him.

"Well... All that matters it that you tried."

"Uh huh. But more importantly, Hiroyuki! What's it like living in the city? I'm so jealous, you city dweller- uh. city... why is everyone looking at me like that?"

The mood had changed dramatically, the room felt cold from the chilly glares being thrown at Kounosuke. His fur actually puffed up as he looked from person to person. Hiroyuki understood why, but this wasn't necessary.

"I just... what's with you guys? S-stop that."

Tora opened his mouth, but Hiroyuki beat him to it.

"It's fine, really. I don't mind answering a few questions. Just... that was a little tactless, Kounosuke, don't you think?"

"What? Why would it be?"

"... because I just moved here?"

"Whaaaa?! I- I thought you were just visiting."

All eyes turned to Torahiko.

"... Hey, don't look at me. I told him, it's not my fault he wasn't paying attention."

All eyes were back on Kounosuke.

"I... oh. Well, I mean I'm sorry. But, I still don't understand why this is such a big deal right now...?"

"Because his parents moved somewhere else, and we were all trying not to point it out today."

It had been Shin's voice, speaking softly. He wasn't looking at anything in particular as he spoke. Everyone was plainly in high foul mood now. Hiroyuki sighed, they were going way too far now. Kounosuke did this kind of thing sometimes, and as much as he didn't want to talk about this Hiroyuki also wasn't made of glass. Kounosuke was plainly mortified, you'd think he'd just stabbed someone, rather than putting his foot in his mouth.

"Guys. ... Kounosuke, it's ok. Sit down. I'll answer any questions you have tomorrow, ok?"

"I... thanks. I'm sorry."

"It's alright, really. Hey, if you feel really bad about it, you can buy me lunch some time!"

Kounosuke managed to smile a little and took his seat. Still, things were awkward. Was no one going to help him fix the mood? Shin was still giving Kounosuke an icy look. Kouya seemed very interested in the room's side wall. Tora gripping the bridge of his nose. Tatsuki... actually looked nervous, huh. Juuichi was still scowling, the same as before, and making Hiroyuki wonder if maybe that was just his resting face these days. Shun was looking around helplessly. Kyouji... was looking right at Hiroyuki. At the moment that made him the closest thing he had to a volunteer.

"Kyouji-sempai, did you come hungry? I remember you were always a light eater."

"Ah, yes. Where is the food and drinks, anyway? Tora, weren't you in charge of ordering?"

"O-oh! Sorry, I was supposed to come back with everyone's drink order and I kinda forgot."

Shin's voice icily cut across Tora. "Tea, please."

Tora winced and, taking the hint, quickly got everyone's order. He went off to relay it. Conversation started to flow again, Hiroyuki breathed a sigh of releif. Kyouji covertly gave him a little thumbs up, and Hiroyuki nodded appreciatively. The rest of the welcoming party went more smoothly, although Tatsuki got drunk and started hugging everyone excessively. It was starting to feel like home again, although there was a nagging feeling that something was wrong here. Several of his friends had changed in ways he didn't understand. He felt like he didn't really know them anymore. He would have to change that as soon as possible.

---

The party eventually ended. Tatsuki wasn't sober yet by the time they were leaving, so Juuichi agreed to help him get home. Shin had left alone after a very brief farewell. Shun had left with Kouya and Kyouji, and Kounosuke stayed behind to apologize one more time. Hiroyuki seemed to appreciate it, and they shook hands before parting ways. That left him with Tora, who offered to walk him home one more time. They talked about nothing in particular while they were still near the center of town.

Torahiko was kind of worried about him. Things hadn't exactly gone the way he'd wanted, Kounosuke was so hopeless sometimes! Being late today was bad enough, but that question was completely out of line! He should have known when Kounosuke had rushed through that conversation yesterday that he hadn't really gotten the message. He couldn't dwell on that right now, though. Hiroyuki had just asked a question...

"Tora?"

"Hm? Sorry, sorry. What were you asking?"

"When does school start again?"

"Oh, the 4th. Guess my mind wandered a little."

"It's ok. Tora... Thanks, for today. I really appre-"

His voice broke. Hiroyuki took a shuddering breath and stopped walking.

"Hiroyuki?"

"I- sorry. I need a min- minute."

He sobbed once, and then he couldn't hold it back anymore. Today had just been a little too hard. Tora put his arms around him, and they stayed that way for some time. Eventually Hiroyuki was able to speak again.

"Tora... did I make a mistake?"

"No. Of course not. What happened isn't your fault."

"What- no! No, Not at Raimon's."

Hiroyuki pulled away a little, and though his face was a mess he managed to look serious.

"Not Kounosuke. Please don't be mad at him for that. No, I mean coming here. Not going with my parents. Not going to Tokyo."

Tora felt a little ashamed. Not only by the admonition, but that it hadn't at all occured to him that Hiroyuki might still be uncertain about his decision. He'd come this far... but he'd had very little time to make it. He'd also had no time to rest and recover since he arrived. He'd pushed Hiroyuki to celebrate without thinking about how he might feel. He didn't have time to get caught up in that, though. Hiroyuki needed an answer. Except... how could he possibly give him one?

"I... don't know. I'm sorry, Hiroyuki. B-but we're all real happy you're here! Even Juuichi, I know it's hard to tell but he was really excited you came. I wish I had a better answer."

Hiroyuki hugged Tora this time.

"It's ok. That helps, really."

"I'm glad."

They held the embrace a while longer, and eventually Hiroyuki recovered. They parted ways where the path to Hiroyuki's grandparents' house broke off from the main road, and wished each other a good night.

That night, after a fast shower, Hiroyuki thanked his grandparents one more time and then flopped onto his futon. He fell asleep almost immediately.

---

Hiroyuki found himself standing in a strange place. It resembled the village temple, as he recalled it from his childhood. He was in the doorway now, and inside sat someone he barely recognized. He looked familiar, but Hiroyuki simply couldn't place him. He was young, a beastman... but every time he tried to pick out a specific feature it felt like it changed somehow. The voice at least was steady, childish and friendly. He would have struggled to call it high or low or average in pitch, though.

"Hello there, please sit."

A low seat was available in front of the vague figure. A table was between them. There was what looked like a document folder and a pen waiting on top of it. It felt natural to sit down opposite this person, comfortable. He did. The document folder opened, revealing a single sheet of paper. A contract. A line near the bottom where he could write his name, a wax seal... He felt the presence of text on the page, finely written and greatly expressive language, but couldn't quite see it. It felt as though if he tried, he could read it. He was forestalled by his host speaking to him however.

"It's a contract, yes. It says the usual stuff... That you'll accept responsibility, for your actions and your future. You do know what you're getting into, right?"

Somehow... he did. He felt like he'd had this conversation before, though he couldn't remember when. Still, his mind was made up.

"Alright then. Just sign you name and we can begin."

He did, quickly and cleanly. "Nishimura Hiroyuki." It was done, no going back now.

"No, indeed. Alright friend. Hang on tight, you've got some learning to do. I'm sorry that there isn't a better way to do this."

Hiroyuki found himself somewhere else quite suddenly. He was surrounded by enemies, terrifying things. He picked found a spear near him, and without questioning it he stabbed at them. Still, more came. A human woman appeared behind him, and laid her hand on his shoulder. She looked like she was made of marble, though her body moved easily and her hair flowed in an unfelt breeze. She felt familiar. He couldn't speak, but he felt she could hear him anyway. She smiled gently, and spoke in a voice that rang like a bell.

"I am thou, and thou art I. From the sea of thy Soul have I come forth."

He knew immediately that what she had said was very literally true. She was, in a very real sense, him. And he was her. Her name was Pandora, she was the face of his soul.

Through Pandora, he put the remaining enemies to the torch. Fire flowed from her, and so from him. With this power, 'Persona' a voice spoke in his mind, he was strong. He could do this. He could save-

---

Hiroyuki started awake. It was morning... still early, the birds were singing but the light was low, and it was chilly in his room. What a strange dream, and how vivid. Especially that woman. Pandora. Wasn't that a name he'd heard before? Maybe during class. It felt so very real, scarily real. But it was impossible of course. Still, he felt like he could feel her still. Silent, but gently reassuring him from within. Lending him a little extra strength. How strange.

It was still too early, but he was awake and felt very energetic. He didn't want to wake his grandparents by moving about the house, so he got up and began to unpack his clothes instead. He could do that quietly for a while, and it would be good to get that done while he felt good. This was his room now, he should start settling in.