Golden

Hello everybody ~ Shadowfox26 here and welcome to my newest story for Twenty-Fifteen (2015).

I know I talked about a Persona fanfic before and lots of people have tackled one… I think I would try my hand. This story came together with the help of Persona 4 Golden, Persona 4 the Animation/Golden Animation, Persona 3 FES/Persona 3 Portable/Persona 3 Movie #1 Spring Of Birth and Persona Q Shadows of the Labyrinth, (which I'm still trying to complete – it's a fan service story so I'm taking a bit more than just 'taking my time').

Moving on, for the title… I decided to do something simple, ('Golden' … It has a unique ring to it that I like)…

Honestly I felt bad for not updating Innocent Corruption in a long time, but yet, if you all saw my update 'chapter' then I am sure you guys understand. And, if you are totally new to me in general – it's another story I have that is currently in the works. If you want to check it out please head over to my story section and my bio to see what's going on with me. I hope everyone checks my bio once in a while to every blue moon because I do update there - if not a story or sometimes both.

I'm trying something new in a way so please be kind and patient with me. Thank you.

Moving on once more, I hope you guys enjoy this. Please leave feedback.

Anyway onto the summary;

Returning to normal life in the city wasn't that hard as Yu Narukami thought. It's only barely been a week since the craziness of the Midnight Channel of him, Rise and the rest of the investigation team - teaming up to dance their way through ending waves of shadows and down to the real cause of why people, once again, were going missing. However, now after finally settling back in his home, he faces challenges as a third-year, his unique and awkward family and the possibility of tragedy right around the corner – Yu Narukami is seemingly on his own as this new version of the 'Midnight Channel' has appeared in the real world. Will he rise up again to face this evil? Or shall the truth and destiny of all of man - doomed by shadows that plague his home?

Oh, as the story goes on – I shall update the summary, so try not to skim over it.

Next the keys or special notes you need to look out for within the story, so you all can understand.

Key:

No keys as of yet, shall be updated with time.

Reviews/Question:

(If I get any reviews I'll answer them here. Unless you don't want me to – just put in your review that you just want me to pm you back and that's fine as well.)

I don't really have too much to add but I would like to give thanks to the songs 'Connect' and 'Irony' by ClariS to finally help me figure out how my ideas of this story as they finally clicked together.

Nevertheless, let's jump right into the story!

In the height of dawn, the sun's rays were strong as it pierced the horizon with beautiful colors of warmth. The clouds - fluffy and white - merged together with the smog of the city streets, stretching out to create a clear image of a bird, a phoenix spreading its wings. This signal was a sign of a new day for a few, a new life for others and a new yet nostalgic feel for one specific person, who was too relaxed to simply get out of bed. A light breeze came in from the slightly cracked window in the large room as the curtains were rolled upwards to keep out the sun's rays, casting a dark gray within the room. Although in the distances soft chimes of bells could be heard from the streets below, a beautiful blue butterfly had slipped in and landed right on this tip of Yu Narukami's nose. The butterfly flapped its wings one before settling softly on top, moving inch by inch if trying to see something. Yet, it was short lived as the butterfly flew off and away as the door to Yu's room slammed opened followed by a loud shout of his name. What really woke Yu up was when his mother grabbed his blanket and flung it off somewhere in his room, before grabbing his hand and literally pulling him out of bed and onto his feet somewhat as they ran out from his room, through the hallway, past the kitchen and living area and out the front door and to the walkway of the high apartment building made for a nice earning family.

Still shaken by the whole thing, it took Yu a moment to focus in on the city street below them. Yet when hearing the sound of bells growing louder, the howls of people already dressed and on the sidewalks watching as a large parade went by. Women dress in pink kimonos with different flower patterns on each one threw pink and white cherry blossoms in the sky. Men walked in front pushing a large bell on wheels as a short man with a hammer slammed it into the bell making it ring once again until it died off. Yet on the main event float, a woman dressed in a white kimono with red trim sat in the middle of a silk seat which branched out like a tree as wind chimes and prayers and seals to wield off demons flowed down around her like a graceful mist. She was thin, yet Yu couldn't see her face was it was covered by a matching white and red fox mask with silver whiskers with her head somewhat down. Her hair was a long paper color white as the fox ears upon her head were a rich and crisp golden brown, which was the only thing that didn't match with her outfit.

"That's right… you don't know who she is… that is Priestess Jitsuko. Last year she came to take over her mother's place due to her passing." His mother explained as Yu turned his head to glance at her, "… Only the people who work at the temple –" His mother pointed over the building and two the small forest area that was left by the city as the main river from ancient times still flowed next to, "Are allowed to speak with her, but she's well loved by the people here. Honestly I think it's because they wish to see her super natural power."

"You seemed to know a lot about her."

His mother gasped and blushed before shaking her head quickly in embarrassment. Her gray eyes shined brightly which Yu clearly recognized as his own, staring at him as his mother finally calmed down. Her dark brown hair which seemed to had fade over the years was pulled back into a nice and tight bun so it would be out of the way,

"O-oh, no. It's just… we got back home before you did and I saw her on the television. Somehow she agreed to do an interview with the major television station about her mother. It was very short. But, unlike her mother she is keeping her past a mystery… hmm…" His mother trailed off before looking down at her wristwatch and gasped, "OH! Yu! Hurry back inside and get ready, you have school today!" Once again his mother rushed him inside as he past his father as he came out side to greet them both only to get a big kiss from his wife as the two headed back inside as well.

After a quick shower and putting on his old school uniform which his mother was nice enough to get him a new one since he grew out of the old one, he made his way into the kitchen where his mother was heading out the door, waving to both men, calling out their goodbyes before being left alone. Steaming breakfast was waiting across from his father who was still reading the paper, yet dressed for work.

"Good morning," He told his father, who set the down the paper to give him a gentle smile, unlike his mother who they only shared one… two common features - if you include the upbeat attitude – he and his father shared the rest in looks and in speech as well.

"Good morning. Have a good day at school."

"I will, thank you." Yu replied back after taking a bite of his eggs as his father neatly wrapped up the paper and set it on the glass table before standing, picking up his cup of coffee with him. He shuffled his way over to the couch and picked up his work bag before setting the empty cup in the sink which he swallowed in three gulps. At the door he slipped on his shoes and headed out to work before Yu got to say goodbye. Setting down his fork, Yu held in a soft sigh, but pushed that old feeling aside and quickly finished his food before heading out himself, his bag at his side and his key in his pocket as he closed the door behind him, locking it. He would get home before any of his parents since they work until five, if they were lucky. They enjoyed their jobs, so of course they liked working there… though he wouldn't be scared to call them workaholics, (due to all the encouraging trials he had to face last year and even barely a week ago).

Shaking his head, Yu made it down the long flight of stairs until he reached the merging sidewalk and joined the everyday people – making their way to wherever since the parade was finally over. As he passed through the strip mall area, he bumped into someone,

"Oh!" Both Yu and the person gathered their balance before turning to face each other. The male had dark blue hair, blue eyes and a light build, being shorter than average as he was around five foot seven inches while Yu was standing about five foot eleven inches. He wore a light gray double-breasted jacket, dark pants, and a khaki turtleneck sweater, along with his earphones which hung over his shoulders, his shoes were boots. In his left hand was coffee he probably got to go.

"Excuse me," Yu told him as the shorter male studied him for a moment before saying,

"…It's fine. Be careful…" He walked away but only got about a good couple of inches away before saying, "Good luck on your first day." Yu eyes widen, taken back by this statement, yet a warm yet polite smile appeared on his lips,

"Thank you." Yu turned slowly, watching the male become out of sight before heading towards the way to school. He would have to talk to his mom about getting him a scooter since he still had his license, and it wouldn't be awhile until he had to renew it.

After what it seemed like forever, Yu made his way into the school doors as students were all around, making him feel a bit over whelmed with the amount of people – Yasogami High School wasn't nearly as big, however he did see familiar faces, yet it was clear when they saw him, they looked surprised or confused, if they had never seen him before but boy did his charm stuck a chord in the heart of females – (and a couple of males who thought he didn't see them but he clearly did) – as he made his way into the teacher's office, knocking twice before the sound of a clear, "Come in," Was heard.

"Oh! Mr. Narukami, welcome back to Ejjiu~ōtā·kurīku High School."

"Thank you sir." He told him, a gentle smile on his lips as his gaze rested upon his old teacher, although Yu felt himself very detached from the conversation which took placed after it. He knew that he didn't need too – however, being alone here (although in retrospect Yu always knows he's never alone) has caused him to retract from the person he can really be, the person he grew to be into while he was with his uncle, Nanako, and his friends.

"So this year you'll be in Mrs. Chino's classroom, that's room 3-A. I expect to see great things from you as always."

"Thank you." Yu said, bowing his head as the teacher gave him a small piece of paper with small note of his class and where the cafeteria was at and so forth before Yu took his leave bowing before closing the door in front. Taking a breath, Yu turned and made his way out of the dead end hallway and walked over and up the stairs which seemed to curl around in a circle, only branching off when reaching a new floor or to make another pathway, which was probably a short cut. Nevertheless, when reaching the third floor, he made his way over to the first classroom, with a small sign hanging next to the door read; '3-A'. He entered the classroom, Mrs. Chino was already in, or at least he assumed it was her, however no other students were. Yu found it slightly odd, yet he approached the woman, who stood taller than him because of her heels.

"Excuse me, but are you Mrs. Chino?" The woman snapped her head over to him almost as quickly as he said those words. Mrs. Chino was pretty for her age, of which Yu guessed around her late twenty/early thirties. Her dark hair was wavy and fell around her face to give it the perfect heart shaped look, and her amber eyes were flat – yet pierced Yu's very soul – or at least it felt like it to him, if she was trying to judge first hand wither or not of he was a good student or a bad one.

"I am. What business do you have with me before class Mr. ….?"

"Narukami, Mrs. Chino. And, I was told to come introduce myself to you since I am a new student." Suddenly, she shifted her weight, let out a heavy sigh as she rolled her eye before replying with,

"… Right… but I heard you were here before."

"I was, however I had to move away because of my parents work."

"Oh… so you're one of those kids…" She muttered as Yu heard every word. A brow rose on Yu's face as he couldn't stop the frown that tugged on the edges of his lips. What did she mean by, 'one of those kids'? Yu was pretty sure he didn't want to find out, let alone get on this woman's bad side on the first day – although King Moron came to mind when she sneered at him, "Look pretty boy, I don't care what your past is, I don't care for your sad story of not being here for about whatever amount of time. In my short period of being here, I've rose faster and faster under the favor of the principle and I won't have anyone mess that up… even if you are the favorite among the other teachers. If you do anything to cross me, I'll have your ass halt out and into another school faster than you can bat your eyes." Yu gulped down that bitter taste of irritation for the female as she wasn't a King Moron, oh no, Mrs. Chino was on a whole new level. "Oh, and don't expect any light weight work from me – I hope that school you went to taught you something useful… you're going to have to use that thing inside your skull to pass my class and not that look you call, 'charm'." Yu now wanted to snap back at the female but bit his tongue and braved on a smile, which happen to catch her off guard. In a gentle tone he told her (while loosening his teeth on his tongue),

"I understand…" She stared at him as he felt a pang of blood roll to the back of his throat as she looked around at papers which was tossed all over her desk, which was clearly unorganized. Yet she finally found her seating chart. He reached for a pencil which was placed in a mug along with other types of pens and such, before making a quick change, before pointing to the back.

"I didn't plan for you…. But no matter, I'll just sit you in the fifth row, next to the window, so I won't have to look at you all the time."

"…Thank you." He bowed to her as the bell rung, making his way to his seat, there was one more row after that one as someone sat behind him. Yu wondered if he was placed in this row because Mrs. Chino didn't fully hate him… just yet.

Yu could only hope that his other classmates knew what they were getting into. Unlike Yasogami, this school had many teachers, so if Yu wanted – he could get a transfer, but then again, he would still have to take her class at one point or another. Another thing about this school then Yasogami, he could pick and choose his classes and Yu was pretty lucky at this hand. Yet this time, unlike his other classmates, Yu unfortunately got the last little scraps of the lineup – not that he minded. Setting his bag next to the wall – the students came in and stood in the back, as Mrs. Chino suddenly cleaned her mess into a pill and stood, smiling at the class as she swayed her hips right over to the podium to address everyone.

"Hello everyone! Welcome to the classroom 3-A, the best among the best of third years. My name is Mrs. Chino and I shall be your main teacher for this year." Yu turned his head slightly to see the excited male and a few female students as Yu couldn't believe this sudden change in Mrs. Chino… but then again, he could – her putting on two personalities. One in front of the crowd and the other in one on one - both was very real or very fake. This seemed normal to Yu compared to last year's case and school year. "As I call out your name please make your way up to the front starting from the left and let's keep going until we all fill up each seat…" One by one she called out students name as soon the compacted back of the room became no existence by the time she was done. "I just want you all to know that I'm very grateful for you all for signing up for my class, I'm sure the other students will be sad that they only have me as a minor teacher then a main one… anyway, now knowing that everyone is hear let me introduce you to my very special friend." Mrs. Chino did a pose before branching her arm out towards Yu, pointing at him as his eyes widen. The spotlight was on him, not that he minded. Yu stood up and bowed towards the teacher in respect before saying to the class, meeting there curious gaze,

"My name is Yu Narukami, it's nice to meet you all."

"Not only is he smart but he's extra polite and look at that charm, be careful ladies – he looks like the type that bites behind closed doors." She winked at the females who she bunched up near the door as they looked at their new teacher in surprise, along with Yu as the females blushed and muttered among themselves, giggling and Mrs. Chino added her 'cute'(though more like sly) giggle along with the group. She did a rude hand motion for Yu to sit, and he complied – slowly.

"Since it's the first day, we really can't get into anything but tomorrow will be packed full of wonderful and exciting text of History and the day after will be English… I'm already excited!" Some student agreed to this by voicing their answers to her or by simply nodding and what not. "Well, how about we go around the room and tell everyone a bit about themselves? Sounds good? Great! Let's start way in the back on the right…" However, before Yu knew it – it was his turn to speak, yet at the same time, the day flew past and sooner then said possible, the bell rung.

Getting home, Yu was welcomed to an empty house as he made his way to his room, opening up the windows, letting in the rays of orange sunlight and the soft breeze of the city air. He didn't have any homework, not that he minded, as he changed into his pajamas before grabbing the remote to the television to his room and pressing the button, clicking it on as the news flashed up on the screen. Yu didn't pay too much attention to it as it really was just noise as he made his way to the kitchen and made a spicy chicken bento box for tomorrow's lunch, before wrapping it up and putting it away. He went back to his room and saw a blue butterfly on his pillow. Yu wasn't sure what to make of it as he slowly made his way over to look at the beautiful winged creature. It didn't seemed scared of him, in fact when he reached out towards it, the butterfly flatted it's wings to allow Yu to gently glide his fingertips over the smooth and feather material of which were the wings of the butterfly.

"…. I-I've seen you before somewhere…." Yu muttered after he pulled his hand back, however the harder Yu tried to think of where he seen this butterfly the more his mind went blank. With a heavy sigh, he gave up. "… I'm not sure how you got inside, it's probably better for you to be outside, don't you think?" He asked it, as he held out his hand as the butterfly walked into it as he carried it to his window, opening up the screen and slipped out his hand as carefully as he could, just enough for the butterfly to fly out from. "… Come back and visit one day… I would like that." Yu told the butterfly as it flew away, fading into the city sky. Yu pulled his hand back in and fixed the screen, before turning towards the television, sinking low on his desk as the news reporter was standing next to Priestess Jitsuko in a special interview – however, just like this morning, the female hadn't changed, and she didn't even take off her mask.

"Priestess Jitsuko – the parade was a huge success, what do you think about that?"

"I'm very proud that everyone this morning came out to welcome me once again into the city. I can't thank everyone enough. It took hard work, dedication and planning to pull all of that off really, I am in debt to this town and the people who work at the shrine." Yu was slightly surprised he thought that he wouldn't be able to hear her clearly behind the mask, but her voice was muffled to hide her voice to a point, although you could hear her unique crisp sound of her voice… although Yu probably thought it was just the television.

"And we, the city, thank you as well. Although, I've heard a humor that you will be taking in people to give special readings… is that true?" Priestess Jitsuko shook her head, before saying,

"As far as special readings… no. However we are allowing people to have a tour of the shrine at certain times with a few restrictions so everyone can a little bit of a taste of how wonderful and beautiful the shrine is – and hopefully learn from of the history behind it as well."

"When will this be and will it be a one day event?"

"This will be a one day event and this will take place on Friday."

"Oh so we only have one day to come prepared…? Since tomorrow is Thursday after all." The new reporter laughed as a small chuckle left the Priestess's lips.

"I would say even less than a day." Yet did a simple – yet surprisingly graceful movement of waving her hand to dismiss that current topic before moving on, "On Friday between eight A.M. and ten A.M., will be open for elders. At eleven A.M. to two P.M., shall be for the people for get off work early. From four P.M. to seven P.M. shall be for students who are in high school or have extra after school actives. And from seven P.M. to ten P.M., will be for the adults who don't get off work until late."

"Will you be greeting anyone on Friday?"

"I'm afraid not since I have prayers… however people probably catch a glimpse of me praying or walking through the shrine as I work."

"One more question,"

"Of course."

"What about us who work in the new station and came people come back after visiting once." Priestess Jitsuko chuckled, her shoulders raising and falling as the afternoon rays made her fox ears glow.

"As for you, who work at any news station either it be television, newspaper or via radio you can come at eleven. And, after you visit one you cannot visit again at a later time, so please make sure you bring everyone you want to come with you during these set times."

"You know – this is the first time the shrine has done something like this – despite your mother holding her yearly ball at the shrine, along with feeding the homeless, are you trying to break the barrier between humans who live and those of the spirit world?" Yu clearly thought this news reporter was losing their mind, yet Priestess Jitsuko acted calmly as replied with a gentle shake of her head no,

"My mother was a respected individual and when she died the city had a great lost. I just want to build a good relationship with the city like my mother has, not only that – hopefully the people who are weary of my presences despite being the child of my mother – I wish to create a bond with this city that can never be broken." Yu nearly choked on air after hearing that last part. It reminded him of when he completed a bond with one of his friends and family to the point where he could even tell with just a simple look what was going on and what he had to do as friend or a family member to comfort them to help them. It was really a worth wild feeling and even know – being so far away from his friends, he could feel it… feel them, the connect, the bond of what his trip what and how they made him whole.

"I see! That's wonderful! Well, thank you Priestess Jitsuko for a moment of your time. My name is Gene Becker with the Channel Four News – back to you Harrold, Ferris." When the screen made the sudden switch the sound of the front door started to open and close with a sudden rush,

"I'm home! Your Father will be in soon."

"Welcome home, and okay!" Yu called, getting up from the spot as he found himself numb before making his way towards the living room where his mother had sat down on the couch and stretch.

"Did you eat yet?" She asked when catching sight of him, although the question made him stop in his tracks,

"Oh, no." He told her as he glanced around the room looking for a clock. Yu wondered what time it was anyway, as she stretched once again as Yu heard her bones pop,

"I'll order take out. Pizza or Chinese food?"

"Um… whichever is fine?" He told him, unable to keep the questioning tone out of his mouth, not that his mother seemed to notice as she nodded as she stood up, pulling out her phone as she walked back into her and her husband's room,

"You're father expressed to me during lunch that he wanted to have Chinese and order their new dish – so let's make your father happy and do that… okay?!" She yelled at the end, just to make sure Yu heard her,

"O-okay!" Yu called, watching her left before closing the door to the room as Yu went and sat down on the couch, quite away from the spot. Rubbing the back of his head, he was left out there alone for a long time even when his father came home, and the had a short greeting as well before he threw his work bag by the end of the couch, which slumped over from the sudden impact then his father made his way into to the room as well. Yu waited a while longer to see if they were going to come out but they didn't so he went into his room, practically throwing himself on the bed, gripping the sheets tightly, "…. It's just like before…" Yu didn't know who long he laid like that but he showed signs of 'life' when his mother called him to eat diner. The food smelt delicious, there was no denying it, but as Yu sat down his parents had already had made their plates and headed back into their room, "W-wait…! Aren't we all going to eat together?" Yu called out as his parents turned to him, looking confused before looking at each other then back to him. His mother, however, was the one to speak up,

"… Yu… aren't you a bit too old for that? Study show that more teens your age want more independence and how I know this, is because I work right in the heart of figuring out what you teens want and what you guys are craving next. However, with that said, if you want all of us to eat – we both have nothing against it. We can eat with you tomorrow, but not tonight. You're father has to wake up early for a meeting and I still have to finish up paperwork. You understand, don't you? My brother was probably never eat dinner with you and Nanako that much either. Becoming a detective… what was he thinking… anyway, good night Yu."

"Good night Yu."

"…. Good night." He told them as they went in there room and closed the door behind them, Yu didn't feel hungry after that anymore, yet he eat anyway just so he won't be extra hungry tomorrow.

Around ten-thirty, Yu was in bed, in complete and total darkness as the television was turned off and window and blinds were closed. He could feel a wave of tiredness wash over him as he closed his eyes. A year ago staying up until midnight was a breeze, yet now… pushing the thought of the Midnight Channel out of his mind, soon sleep caught him, his eyes closing – Yu welcomed the night.

When Yu opened his eyes once more, he stood in a sea of fog surrounding him as he heard steps walk towards him. His heart rose quickly as he ready himself for battle despite being weaponless and armor-less, could he even summon his persona at this point? Yu wasn't the one to think negatively when his life was on the line – yet with all of that, in a single sentence his worries washed away,

"Please don't be alarmed, I not here to harm you."

"…Margaret…" Yu muttered, talking a step closer as she finally appeared into his field of vision and out of the fog. She hadn't change much in compared to him, but it was nice. She gave him her usual welcoming smiled as her warm yellow eyes stared into his, while her white blond hair still had this same style which complemented her unique aura about her. She held onto her book which help aid, when finding Marie and helping cheek tracks of his many persona's, and harm him, when she asked for a battle between the both of them, to in the end which he had won – although all his work lead up to that and he and she were both proud of it. Opening her mouth, her voice soothed him calm before the storm hit.

"Hello again, Yu…"

And, that's it for this chapter. Thank you again for reading, please review, share with your friends, etc. and so forth. I'll see you guys back again in chapter two~! Bye!