---

OST: Tokyo Emergency

"An increase in theft related crime and extortion has led to the Shibuya district to impose a curfew upon nightlife goers. It will be enforced by police in the late hours, where those who are caught out at night will be escorted to a station or told to go home. These measures have been met with a great deal of backlash, but the Shibuya local council has stated that this is only temporary and is to minimize victims, and will be lifted as soon as the rampant crime wave has subsided. They have assured citizens that the police are hard at work. This large string of crimes has recently been identified to have been the work of an anonymous group, and is now beginning to involve specialists in organized crime. Today we do have a special speaker on this matter and..."

Shibuya, the bustling stylish center of youth culture and night life, like a juvenile version of Shinjuku, where one wears suits and accompany workmates, Shibuya is full of friends and strangers come together. The warm spring day brought in large crowds, undeterred by the increased crime, most people thought about it... "Just don't go out at night, no one would dare commit a crime out in broad daylight, with large crowds all around". This was true for the most part, but some select few knew why this was not truly the case. Either way, the crowds still came to see all the famous and iconic things about this place. From the most famous aspects, like the Hachiko statue, scramble crossing, the 109 shopping mall, and central street, to other more specialized reasons to be here which included the various shops like Tower Records and the Shounen Jump store, or the Starbucks that sat within a massive music and literature shop. There was even a newer attraction here too, a rooftop view of the Scramble that can be accessed from the same aforementioned building.

Still, today, there were a handful of people here not for sightseeing, but for extraordinary circumstances and reasons, to say it was simply business was not quite right, but also not wrong either. Was it duty? Was it self interest? Or perhaps just sheer boredom, that they decided to join with this particular individual. This same individual that approached each one of them separately, his own efforts in recruitment. And it was today that they received a message...



This was a message that Seiji had sent out that morning. Each individual member of the Liberation Brigade he had finally put together were finally about to meet all at once for the first time. It wasn't a secret to anyone that he had been recruiting people, always mentioning it every so often that he had found someone, and sometimes not at all. Even meeting prior to today on rare occasion. But still, he finally sent out a message to everyone, everyone who had yet to meet. This was going to be their first meeting, but also it seemed like he had something important.

At the time that was convenient for them in the afternoon, they were to simply enter the Metarealm through their app while standing in or around the Scramble. They would simply be transported to the mirror image of their world, and so the location was pretty easy to find. There was no time indicated, just the afternoon, so a little waiting was expected. There was a bluntness to the message too that made it feel urgent, and truthfully it was.

Still, Seiji was not already on site, and so whoever showed up would find themselves waiting around awkwardly with possibly complete strangers, connected only by having been recruited by Seiji.

Toma had no more classes today. Just the one in the morning. He liked to stack them—every other day if possible. It gave him space. For homework. For work. For life. For clarity.

He had received the message from Seiji and didn’t hesitate. No delay. No detour. Straight to Shibuya.

He entered the Starbucks overlooking the Scramble, ordered a trenta medium roast coffee, black. No cream, no sugar, no illusion. Only truth.

When the barista asked for his name, he gave it without pause.

“Seiji.”

He waited for the cup, then leaned in casually.

“Mind if I borrow your pen?” he asked, eyeing the Sharpie. “I just want to write an inside joke to my friend," his customer service voice bleeding through. "It's a gift!”

The barista beamed, then nodded.

Toma took the pen and, with deliberate strokes, exaggerated the crown printed on the ubiquitous emblem. He made it black. Larger. More visible. It stood out clearly against the white cup. A signal—not loud, not obvious, but unmistakable to those who knew.

He found the most noticeable spot in the café. A table near the window, where the Scramble pulsed below like a living question. He set the cup down—name and crown facing outward to the space.

Then—he waited. His eyes ever languidly scanning the patrons and passersby. Especially anyone who seemed to linger. He watched the room intently, not for danger... but for intent.

Every so often, he would take a sip. Mainly because he enjoyed the beverage. Though it helped sell the ruse. It was slightly uncomfortable having to veil his truth like this. Although, emblazoning it onto the cup so that the truth could be in plane view did help with the dissonance.

If any one was one of Seiji’s recruits, then the cup would be noticed. If not—he was just a guy enjoying coffee.

---

Hikari looked around the Shibuya Scramble, where Seiji had said to enter the Metarealm from.

There did not seem to be any sign of Seiji, so should she just enter the Metarealm on her own, Hikari wondered? She remembered Seiji mentioning that there would be other people he had recruited, though he didn't go into details about them.

She had just met Seiji yesterday, so she was a 'last-minute addition', so to speak, before whatever it was he had planned for today in the Metarealm.

Had they known each other? What sort of dynamic do they have? Those were the thoughts running through Hikari's mind before she shook her head. After awakening her Persona, she had decided not to worry so much about whether she fit in to the point that she was conforming to whatever would please the group.

Still, old habits were hard to get rid of, she supposed. Take, for example, her arrival. She did not know if there were others here, but she went to Shibuya Scramble as fast as she could, straight from school, still in her uniform. An 'afternoon' encompassed a huge window of time, so technically there was no need for her to be in such a hurry, but due to the habit she had built up to please people by 'making sure people never wait for her', she just felt anxious if she wasn't in the meeting place early. Though arriving early was probably one habit she should keep. It was just proper behaviour in a professional setting, so it was a habit that would serve her well once she started working.

She used to arrive thirty minutes early, but then she realised that only made people uncomfortable instead, so she eventually found the 'sweet spot' of arriving ten minutes early. Though, in this case, since there was never a specified time, she couldn't really be 'ten minutes early' in any case.

She took out her phone, about to give up finding Seiji or a member of his team and just enter the Metarealm, when she spotted a man seemingly a few years older than her, about college age, sipping a coffee of Starbucks with the word 'Seiji' and a familiar crown logo.

The man was not Seiji, but the words on the cup indicated that he seemed to be here for the same purpose as she was. It was too much of a coincidence otherwise.

Hikari pocketed her phone, deciding to talk to the man before entering the Metarealm. She entered the establishment before approaching the man.



"Pardon me, I'm sorry to bother you, but may I ask if you are acquainted with Seiji Minamoto?"
@Aurkanthis

@Randomguy

---

Toma took another sip, eyes still casually scanning the scene. He’d assumed this part might take time, and had settled in for the long haul. To his surprise, it didn’t seem like that would be the case.

A newcomer to the Scramble—a younger girl in a school uniform—caught his notice. She wasn’t just lost or looking for someone. She checked her phone. That, in itself, wasn’t uncommon. Especially here. But it was the kind of thing Toma was specifically watching for.
High school or college age. A phone fixation. And a general air of suspicion, curiosity, or perplexity.

This girl checked all the boxes.

Spotting her had been especially easy. His eyes had long since been trained to go straight to the uniform—he’d been surrounded by it for three years.

While he sat near his beacon of truth, she seemed to take notice and made her way toward him. As she drew nearer, he caught the double feathers of a second year.

“Pardon me,” she said politely. “I'm sorry to bother you, but may I ask if you are acquainted with Seiji Minamoto?”

There it is.

“Yes,” he said, tone low. He gestured toward the nearby chair in invitation. “I take it you also got the vague message?”

---

Hikari smiled, feeling glad that it didn't seem like she had to enter the Metarealm alone.



"I did, yes. That is, the message to enter the Metarealm this afternoon," she then took her seat across the man, as she introduced herself, "My name is Hikari Kasuga. I just met Minamoto-kun yesterday, so I'm still quite new to all this."

She then took a closer look at the man. As she thought, he seemed to be a couple of years older than her. From his clothing, it seemed he was more of a reserved sort. Not exactly unfashionable, but the brown blazer over a black shirt was something that gave off a more 'academic' sort of look than the more flashy outfits typically worn by people their age, especially in Shibuya.

She caught him looking at her when she entered, though it was more of a curious, almost evaluating look than the more leery looks she often received from guys when they thought she wouldn't notice. Not that it really bothered her, at this point, she was used to it. But it would be better not to have to worry about awkward situations that would arise from that if they were to work together.



She continued, "Can I ask if you have been working with Minamoto-kun long? And do you know the other members of the team?"

@Aurkanthis

"Your father is just worried about you, Ayo."

The sentiment may as well been another random voice in the Shibuya crowd for all the good it did. Ayo Suematsu was occupied on her phone, scrolling through an endless news page for no reason besides appearing busy - too busy to respond to whatever her bodyguard was saying.

"Your recent disappearances... any parent would be concerned by them." Junishika was a man who wouldn't register for most people as a guard. With his oversized suit and small stature (he barely had half a head over Ayo), you'd believe him to be a regular salaryman out with his daughter. "I can't keep reporting you missing with no explanation, after all."

"Then don't," Ayo said, "that'll solve both our problems." The first time she vanished was treated as an emergency, and she'd been grilled as soon as she popped back up, not that she answered any of her dad's questions. Each subsequent outing became less and less of a whole affair, but she still hated the song-and-dance of it.

Junishika sighed. "You know that's not possible."

It was always worth a shot.

The Scramble was busy, as it always was, especially at the hour of schools letting out. From what little that Seiji guy said it seemed like most of his recruits were Second or Third years like her, so this would be the likeliest time to meet. And the message was clear:

To meet in the Metarealm...

Junishika idly scanned the crowd for any rough or rowdy sorts, as was his duty, and his gaze lingered on a gaggle of loud schoolgirls exiting the underground walkway. It was brief, but just enough that when he looked back to where Ayo was he'd find the space empty.

He didn't panic, just let out another weary sigh and fished in his coat pocket for a phone. "Hello? Yes, Suematsu-sama, yes. No. It happened again. Yes, just now. I know, sir, I'll......"


In reality Ayo hadn't even left the spot. She was still there, eavesdropping on Junishika's phone conversation. There was just an entire dimension between them, so there wasn't much he could've done about it.

The Scramble was no less crowded in the Metarealm, save for a few random individuals that, frankly, Ayo hadn't cared to clock.

If it was going to be a problem, then let it.

Ayo stayed planted where she stood, even as her bodyguard wandered off in search of her. She was certain she'd spy some other Black Crown users, whether they were part of her new posse or not. Either way, Seiji was sure to be watching them, so she decided to bide her time, watching the world obliviously pass her by.

It was nice.

---

As Osamu got out of his final class of the day, he pulled out his phone to check his messages. He’d recalled it buzzing earlier, but he was in the middle of class at the time and had opted to wait. When he saw who’d sent it, and what it said, the gears in Osamu’s head started turning. He’d heard Seniji talk about putting together that team of his, but hadn’t actually met any of them yet. Maybe he’d finally found something worth calling everyone together for, maybe he just wanted to talk. Regardless of which, the young man needed to make a stop along the way. After all, if he was going to be meeting people he’d be fighting side-by-side with, a first impression was important.

Not far from the station, Osamu ducked into a side alley, and made his way down to a pair of trash cans that weren’t quite flush with the wall. Reaching past them, Osamu pulled out a small duffle bag he used to store just about anything he didn’t want his folks to take from between the cans and the wall. Like that cheap Kukri he’d bought. Or his smokes. Or his spray paint. Or the occasional beer. Or his jacket.

He tossed the Hane High uniform jacket into his bag, before producing something a little more… him. Osamu’s leather jacket was probably his favorite article of clothing, comfortable, suitable for most weather, and in his opinion, it just plain looked good. He sniffed it briefly, not finding anything more offensive than a whiff of cigarette smoke, and put it on before shouldering his bag and continuing on towards the station. He took a second to adjust his bag so a certain symbol was visible; a black crown, painted the light grey duffle with spray paint, complete with what looked like a thin black box around it from the stencil he used. It wasn’t the most subtle thing, but unless someone knew what it really meant, they'd likely think it was from a band or something. Then, without another word to anyone, he slipped into the Metaverse.

Ever since he found out about it, he figured it was the best way to travel. Or at least, to get around some of the more inconvenient things about commuting. Like worrying about ticket gates. Or lines. So long as he kept his distance from the shadows, and shifted back once he boarded the train, he didn’t mind using it as a little shortcut between dimensions.

With that, he was able to reach the Shibuya rather quickly, given that save a single train ride, he was on foot. When cars and other people appeared as shades that one could just pass through, congestion and traffic were a joke. As he made his way into the Scamble, he didn’t have to look very hard to find someone, at least, someone who wasn’t functionally intangible here. Seeing they weren’t dressed in any way that marked them as a threat, Osamu reached into his bag as he approached her, and pulled out a pack of cheap cigarettes.

“You here for Seniji, or are you just some poor sap who got lost?” He asked, as he offered her the pack.

---

@TruthHurts

@Randomguy

---

Toma gave a small nod, letting her words settle.

“Not long,” he said. “I met him a few weeks ago. Enough to know he’s deliberate—but not exactly forthcoming.”

He glanced down at the cup, twisting it to reveal the crown and name before setting it out again for others to see. Then his gaze returned to the Scramble, scanning once more before settling back on her.

“As for the others—you’re the only one I’ve met. Or even heard of.”

He paused. “Glad I wasn’t the only one who thought better of jumping in without a second thought.”

He surveyed the chaos once more, hoping to spot another like his new ally before giving up.

“I’m Toma Ishikawa,” he said with a slight bow of the head. “Senior at Kengen U. I attended Hane High as well. Good to meet a fellow student of my old alma mater.”

---

"I see, a senior...that would mean you've graduated for a while when I was a first year. I suppose that makes sense, since I don’t remember ever seeing you before. It’s good to meet you, Ishikawa-senpai,” Hikari replied, returning Toma’s slight bow with her own.

It would seem that, like her, Toma also had only recently met Seiji—albeit having been involved with the Metarealm a bit longer than herself—and, regrettably, it seemed as if Toma also had no idea who the other members were.

In retrospect, if he had known other members, he probably would not have done his scheme of drawing Seiji's name and the app's logo on his coffee cup.

She wondered why Seiji seemed so secretive, as even Toma, who had been involved for some weeks, was pretty in the dark almost as much as she was.



She sighed, "It seems like that Minamoto-kun hasn't told you much, either, has he, Senpai? He only told me the basics, such as how certain people—such as ourselves—have an 'authority' that we could access through the Black Crown App. And that, the app also gave us the ability to summon a 'persona' and access to the metarealm where creatures known as 'shadows' dwell. I've tried to read up a bit, but it all seems very Jungian, doesn't it? 'Persona' and 'Shadow' are terms from Jungian Analytical Psychology. Well...in any case, how long do you think we should wait for other possible members of the team before entering the Metarealm?"

@Aurkanthis

@Bacon

It wasn't hard to notice the guy walking up to her with purpose, set apart from the murky Shibuya-goers that didn't pass either of them even a glance. Osamu's cool, casual approach was dulled by the fact that Ayo fixed him with a heavy stare the moment she realized he was there. The whole walk to her where she just glared at him. Her eyes flicked down at the offered cigarettes, and shifted her schoolbag on her shoulder.

"You're either stupid or think I'm stupid if you expect me to take that," she said. "Or you're trying to look cool right now. Smoking in public is on the out right now, you know that right? It's less popular than ever, you're only going to make people think you're an addict."

With that little 'hello' out of the way, Ayo broke her gaze from him and went back to scrutinizing their surroundings. Her shoulders relaxed, at least, so the ice was broken in some regard. "You're not in some weird mask trying to attack me right now, which is better than most guys I met here before. So yeah, I'm waiting for Seiji." She gave a half shrug, noncommittal. "You could get his name right at the very least."

Osamu wasn’t perturbed by how she just stared him down as he approached, though it did diminish the impact he was going for. He remained unperturbed though, as he figured the worst she’d say is ‘no’ to his offer and attempt at breaking the ice.

It wasn’t.

The young man froze in pure shock as she spoke, proceeding to dismantle his entire approach in seconds. What’s more, he must’ve misheard Seiji when he first introduced himself properly, or something. He couldn’t do much other than stand there, nearly letting the pack fall out of his hand before he was able to gather himself.

“And people call me an asshole. Bet you're real fun at parties.” He muttered, turning away slightly in what was undeniably a huff as he pulled a cigarette out of the pack, putting the pack away and pulling out a plastic lighter. He didn’t even especially want one at the moment, but he felt he needed to or else he’d manage to make himself look even more like an idiot. A part of him was sorely tempted towards violence, but he abstained for two reasons. The first being that Seiji probably wouldn’t appreciate him getting into it with someone else he’d recruited in under five minutes.

The other reason being that he’d be proving her right.

So, he distracted himself by attempting to casually go into his contacts, confirm that yes, he was wrong, and corrected how he'd spelled Seiji's name in his phone.

---

@TruthHurts

@Randomguy

---

Toma listened, gaze steady.

“Jungian, yes,” he said, mildly though genuinely impressed with her knowledge and insight.

“Minamoto mentioned that briefly as well. Persona, Shadow, Authority. All masks and truths. All reflections of something deeper.”

He tapped the rim of his cup once, a quiet punctuation.

“I’ve been trying to map it out. But Seiji doesn’t offer much. Just enough to keep you curious. Just enough to make you step forward.”

He glanced toward the Scramble again, then back to her.

“As for waiting…” He considered. “A few more minutes. If no one else shows, we go. Better to enter together than stall alone."

---

Shirona took a sip of her coffee as she took in the sight of Shibuya in the Metaverse. Lately the sights of the Metaverse starts to feel a little stale, heading to the Shibuya Scramble showed her that she isn’t seeing everything yet. It still held its distinct look but now bizarre colors filled the skies and the walls turning the street into a coliseum that is also the canvas of an eccentric artist. Chaotic colors filled the buildings while aimless contrast filled the streets.

Of course she hasn't bothered to show herself to the other people yet, opting to watch them using her binoculars like a nosy reporter shooting for a scandalous photo. She was pretty sure that gathering of people is his doing but the opportunity to observe them without being seen is very, very tempting and useful.

By Daji, she is really letting her intrusive thoughts win.

Shirona laughed a little bit as she continued her observation of what might be her future co-workers or potential trappers.

---

"Well...the message never did specify a time, only afternoon. So I suppose there is no harm in waiting,” Hikari said, before glancing at the cup Toma was holding. Hopefully that more would see the cup and join the two of them.

As a slightly awkward silence befell the two of them, either due to habit or merely being polite, Hikari decided to make some small talk,



“What are you studying in university, Senpai? As I recall…many of Hane High alumni go to Kengen, don’t they?” she asked with a polite smile.

It wasn’t her first choice, but given that the two of them had about the same level of understanding regarding the Metaverse, shadows, and persona, further talks at this juncture would only be the two of them talking in circles.

Field of study seemed to be a ‘safe’ enough topic that might open up other conversations regarding said field of study. While Hikari had not known Toma well, to her eyes, he seemed to be someone who would enjoy talking about his field of expertise, that is, his current field of study at university.

@Aurkanthis

@Randomguy

---

Toma gave a quiet hum of agreement, eyes flicking once more to the cup—its crown and name still visible, still waiting.

“Philosophy,” he said. “As well as Classics.”

His tone was even, devoid of any pride or arrogance. Spoken not with flourish, but simply with precision. Like a truth he’d already tested.

“Kengen draws a lot from Hane, yeah. I initially followed the usual path. But I stayed for the questions.” He glanced toward her, tone still measured. “Most people study to find answers. They don’t usually seek the right questions first.”

He looked about the space again. Still keeping an eye out for others.

“I’ll follow your lead,” he said, gradually returning his gaze to hers. “I have been here for a little while. When you feel like you have waited enough, let me know and we can transition into that other space.”

He took a longer pull on the medium roast, savoring it a while, holding the cup on subtle display as a final attempt to catch the notice of any others like themselves who may be about the area.

“Unless,” he said. Slowly rising to his feet. Epiphany settling over his face.

I've been here for a while... his thoughts echoed. I have been here...

“What do you say about taking a stroll?" He asked, turning his head down to her. "Maybe someone else will see our little message if we take it to them?”

Perhaps that was the right question.

@Bacon@Digmata

"...ugh, I don't like this."

After letting the awkward silence continue on, Ayo broke it, using her own phone to navigate the app. "We're just standing out here, exposed, and he isn't even around yet. I'm going to go up to a rooftop to get a better vantage point."

A moment of tapping away later, she paused, and turned her head to look at Osamu. "What about you?" She seemed to chew on something in her eye, fixing him with a searching look, before she let out a small breath she'd held. "I don't like to bring it up but since we're apparently going to be on some sort of team in a minute here... my name is Ayo." There was a beat. "Suematsu." Before he had a chance to claim recognition, she continued, "which I'm only admitting to stay ahead of whatever Seiji plans to say about me. I don't really act like myself when I'm in here-" Ayo made a vague circular gesture with her phone, "-which so far only he is aware of. So keep that in mind if you know what's good for you."

Osamu glanced back over when the other lady broke the silence. He felt as though he’d heard that last name somewhere before, but she brushed past that before he could ask any questions about it. And like it or not, she did have a point; they were supposed to be on a team once Seiji showed up. He considered remaining silent for about a second, before deciding against it. Between the shadows and the other black crown users that were… less than friendly… he decided against spite. At the moment. There’d be time for that later.

“Ayo-san. Alright, I'll try to remember that." Osamu remarked casually, before turning back to face her. "Don’t really know who you are outside of here, and I don't really give a shit, either. As for me, the name’s Osamu Ichikawa.” He said, introducing himself before looking around for a brief moment, taking a moment to remember the area as best he could. She was right about that, getting a better vantage wouldn't hurt. “And that’s not the worst idea.” He said, walking over towards a nearby alley. “There’s a fire escape back here. Trust me or don’t, but it’ll be faster than going inside to a locked door on the roof.” He said, before ducking into the side alley in question.

---

@TruthHurts @Digmata

@TruthHurts@Bacon

---

Shirona watched with interest as the two began talking to each other despite her binoculars and knowledge on reading lips she cannot parse the entire conversation. What she could do however is to focus on certain words and get their name.

"Osamu Ishikawa and Ayo Suematsu, the latter seemed familiar..." Shirona thought until she remembered where she heard the name; the school's gossip circle and the periodic news at the television.

"I must say Senji, you knew how to pick people." Shirona said as she opened the app transforming her from plain clothings to the robes what appears to be a Chinese Imperial Warrior Princess. Her ornate pattterns and flowing sleeves served as a match to Daji, a masked fox woman sitting on what only be described as a combination of a furnace and throne.

At her command Daji unleashed black flames at the top the building serving as a signal to her audience as she prepares herself. They now knew where she is, all that's left is to wait.

---

"Philosophy...that's not a common field of study. Not that there is anything wrong with it. I wouldn't go as far as calling myself a student of philosophy, but I like reading in general, so on occasion, I do encounter texts or references to philosophy. I watched an interesting video on Cicero recently. Though I suppose we can talk more about it another time—only if you wanted to, Senpai—when we’re ‘off-duty’ so to speak,” Hikari replied, as she pondered Toma’s words.

‘Most people study to find answers. They don’t usually seek the right questions first…’

She supposed there was some truth in that. There was a reason why, for so many people—even herself, as much as she tried not to—ended up treating academics only as rote memorisation, something forgotten after all the tests and graduation. It was probably because they weren’t ‘asking the right question’ as in a focused and practical question regarding the subject, of what, beyond all the formulas, dates, terminologies, and other trivia lay at the core of it.

Or something along those lines.

Her train of thought was interrupted as Toma said that he would follow her lead on how long they would wait.



“Eh? My lead…? Well, if you’re sure, Senpai,”

Hikari resisted frowning. She was used to being the one who followed the lead of others, befitting of a consummate people pleaser and all. Still…she supposed, since she had resolved herself to stop being such a people pleaser, taking the lead would probably be something she should start doing more often.

And so, when Toma asked if they should take a stroll, Hikari nodded,



“That sounds about right. While we’re on it…perhaps we should also shift to the Metarealm during the stroll. The others could have gone directly there without having the chance to pass by.”

@Aurkanthis

@Randomguy

---

“That sounds about right. While we’re on it… perhaps we should also shift to the Metarealm during the stroll. The others could have gone directly there without having the chance to pass by.”

Toma looked from her, to the coffee, to the Scramble. He would’ve preferred to sit and chat about the ol’ chickpea with a curious mind, but Kasuga was probably right. Caution had its uses—but sometimes, you had to go for it. Perhaps the others were already assembling, quietly, just beyond the veil.

“Alright,” he said at last, a soft smile forming. “We’ll follow your lead, then.”

He took a final pull on the coffee, rising with it in hand and eyeing a nearby trash receptacle.

“Where should we head towards to make the transition?”