Chapter 1: Reminisce

"Souji, Breakfast!" The first words of the day. I slowly crawled out of bed, throwing my legs over the side only to realize my back was sore from work last night. "Ow, why'd Onimatsu leave me to take care for the kids' area?" I asked myself seriously as I worked the kinks out of my back and shoulders.. Shinji Onimatsu was the son of my employer, and also a very lazy man who pawns off all his work on me. His father Kenshiro is a kind and giving man. He even gave me the job without looking at my previous experience. I started this job slightly after I returned from Inaba as a way to try to take my mind off how much I miss Naoto and the others.

After the incident with Izanami, my powers were sealed within me. I could still feel Izanagi and the others through my bonds with the others, but still I somewhat miss fighting alongside them. I gradually worm my way to my dresser and pull open the top left drawer. The first thing I notice is my school uniform from my year in Inaba. Next to it was the picture we all took together. Everyone including Nanako and her father were smiling brightly. I could not hold back a smile of my own when my eyes trace over a familiar blue-haired girl.

Over the last year Naoto and I have kept in contact, and even met up at a cafe. We went to a karaoke place called Shine On, and she thoroughly thrashed me. I was shocked speechless, until I realized that I might have a crush on the so-called "Detective Prince." She was the only one able to get into the city though the others were in constant phone contact. Apparently Chie had finally given in and started dating Yosuke after much pestering. Yukiko was working hard at the Amagi in, and sometimes threatened to take off and stay at my place. Kanji was trying to open up more, so he joined the drama club. Yumi who was now heading said club was near the end of her rope until Kanji learned the art of quiet rage.

Nanako as always was very excited to hear from me. Even going as far as to yell at her dad to let her stay up and talk to me. She was just starting second grade, and was making many new friends. Detective Dojima, on the other hand was still trying to balance his daughter and job. He was spending more time with Nanako and was planning a trip to see mom and me. I looked to the time and nearly fell over. "Holy crap I'm gonna be late!" I quickly threw myself together, and ran downstairs. Mom was looking at me as if I had just burned the house down. I grabbed a piece of toast and quickly headed out the door toward my high school. I grabbed my bike and proceeded to high tail it toward the school, nearly running over several people in my wake.

I arrived at school just as the gate was closing. I squeezed through and quickly parked my bike at the rack. I turned toward the classroom building when a mop of black hair attacked from behind me. "Yo, dude, what's up?" spoke the mop. "Not today Ken." I muttered darkly as I turned to face my attacker. Ken Owatsu is a friend I made after I came beck. from Inaba. Along with his girlfriend they are known as the "Fun Police". They try to make everything fun, including belly dancing during a lecture in Biology. It was funny seeing security chase them around the dorms like an old Benny Hill gag. "Kasumi and I are totally ditching class and going out to the mall, wanna come?" I contemplated this idea but politely declined. "Alright, I'll bring you something from the dirty bookstore." He said with a wink. I shuttered and the waved goodbye as I hurried to class.

Two Hours Later

"Can't..go..on." I whispered hoarsely after the mother of all lectures by a man that made Mr. Morooka also known as "King Moron" look like a patron saint. Seriously, Who rambles on and on about their rather sad love life, and then promptly telling us all to Not "get involved" till age 26? I stumble out of class to lunch where I hoped I would be left in peace. "Souji-kun!" It's official god hates me. I turned around to see a rather tall girl with ample breasts running towards me. Knowing how this would end I tried to brace myself, only to be thrown to the ground by the force of her body against mine.

"Oww! Hi, Kana-chan." The girl got over the shock and adjusted her glasses. "Sorry Souji-kun I didn't think you were that close." As always her depth perception was hit and miss. I slowly got to my feet and offered a hand. "Yeah, I get that a lot." I said with a stunned expression. She took my hand and we walked to the cafeteria. "So Souji-kun, I've been wondering where you got those glasses? They look so cool.!" I sighed and told her that they were custom imports from a dear friend. "Really? Can he make me a pair too in purple?" I shrugged and tried to break away from her. After twenty minutes of talking about her new dog I was free to try to finish lunch. Pork Ginger was on the menu for me since I made some at home last night. I grabbed my chopsticks and with a silent thanks began to destroy my creation.

After lunch my day was going quite well until I found my bike had a flat tire. "Again?" I yelled out in anger. Everyone around me was staring so I decided to just walk home. After a half an hour of continuous walking I arrived home. I decided to check the mail since neither mom nor dad would be home for a few hours. I reached the mailbox and found only a single letter with the name Souji. I went to my room and opened the letter. it read...

Dear, Wielder of the Wild Card

Do not disregard this letter, if you do your friends will pay the price. I know of your power and wish to warn you of a threat that will soon befall you. Negara will soon be resurrected by your kind. If you wish to stop it I suggest you awaken the god of light. To do this you must find the truth hidden within the past. Do this and you may live to see the next spring. Fail and you will suffer a fate worse than any you could imagine. I expect great things out of you.

Sol

Note that the corridor of Time requires a vast offering. Fortunes will be lost and gained throughout the ages.

"Damn!" I muttered. "I can't believe that this is happening again." I had already worked once to save this world. I was hoping for more of a break this time. I slowly picked up my phone and dialed a familiar number. "Naoto, I think we have a case..."

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A/N: Hello all, this is my first MegaTen work, and I happen to think this will be a better one for me to try to express myself more. This is intended to be a rather long series, but I need your feedback. I will try to respond to any questions and concerns you may have. After all, without you I wouldn't be writing anything. so please R&R. As always I hope you enjoyed this!