Persona 3
Summary: Mitsuru could have just been less stubborn, Akihiko could have just been more honest. Perhaps their story would have been less painful, more definite.
Persona 3
Unseeing Eyes
By: Pretend.Existence
Amongst the darkness, in the midst of mystery, concealed beneath a fog of the unknown…
"Time never waits.
It delivers all equally to the same end.
You, who wish to safeguard the future, however limited it may be,
You will be given one year
Go forth without falter
With your heart as your guide"
A soft misty voice speaks; haunting… echoing… calling…
"No one can escape time
It delivers all to the same end
You can't plug your ears and cover your eyes…
And so it begins."
Chapter 1
The Shadows
The streets were crowded and the station was filled with laughter and chatter. The sky was fading from its warm orange color to a deep shade of violet, as time flew by to give way to the night. He walked on, uncaring of his surroundings. His ears were plugged by his headphones as he listened to the music blasting through his ears.
He stepped into the train and the doors closed behind him. A look out of the window and up the sky told him that it was getting dark. He would perhaps arrive at his destination by midnight, or so.
As the journey dragged on and his ears unhearing, he failed to notice the quickly fading light, the change in the atmosphere, the queer flow of time.
The clock struck midnight. The stoplights shut down, the streets became eerily silent and the sky seemed to take upon a somewhat greenish shade. The moon was high up in the sky, partly hidden by dark clouds and fog rose to surround him; the feeling was uncanny, and the sight was haunting.
"Huh…?" The music playing from his headphones stopped all of a sudden. Something was wrong. Very, very wrong.
Among the mist, in place of the people who had once crowded around him, were coffins – standing high and erect, like statues that cast ominous shadows upon the ground. No one was around. He was alone.
Finally, he arrived at his destination: a dormitory building built by a shrine, and a train away from his new school. Once he entered, he noticed that it was dark inside, and empty. There was something wrong… something strange about this whole thing…
"Who's there?!" it was a high-pitched voice. He jumped in surprise and turned towards the direction from which the voice came from. And there, standing by the shadows on the darker side of the hallway, was a brown-haired girl. Her knees were trembling in fear and her hand hovering over a strap around her thigh…a strap that encased a gun…
Her breathing was fast and came out in nervous pants. Her fingers brushed the handle of the gun before–
"Takeba, wait!" and at that, as if a spell had suddenly been broken, the lights turned on and the music from his headphones started again. He looked past the brunette and towards another girl who had stepped out of the shadows. His breath caught, as he found himself staring at a beautiful, radiant girl who emitted an indescribable aura… "I didn't think you'd arrive so late."
The girl had flowing crimson red hair that formed soft waves at the end. Her eyes were piercing, with a clear ruby color that appeared black from afar, and outlined by long dark eyelashes. And this girl, he realized with a start, was addressing him.
"My name is Mitsuru Kirijo. I'm one of the students who live in this dorm." Her voice was authoritative and firm, like a charismatic leader.
"Who's he?" asked the brunette, whose existence he momentarily forgot about.
"He's a transfer student. It was a last minute decision to assign him here. He'll eventually be moved to a room in the boy's dorm." She knew a lot, he decided.
"Is it okay for him to be here?"
"I guess we'll see…" she gestured towards the brunette. "This is Yukari Takeba. She'll be a junior this spring, just like you."
"Hey." Yukari greeted, as he wondered what year Mitsuru was in.
"Nice to meet you." He smiled at her, but his attention quickly turned back towards the redhead.
"Uh…y-yeah. Nice to meet you, too…"
"It's getting late, so you should get some rest. Your room is on the second floor at the end of the hallway. Your things should already be there." Mitsuru said.
"Oh… I'll show you the way. Follow me." Yukari offered, but he wished Mitsuru had gone instead. So she led him up the stairs to the second floor and down to the end of the hallway. They stopped in front of the last door. "This is it. Pretty easy to remember, huh? Since it's right at the end of the hall. Oh yeah, make sure you don't lose your key, or you'll never hear the end of it… so, any questions?"
He was about to ask why she had a gun with her or what year Mitsuru was in but…
"Um…can I ask you something?" it was Yukari who asked a question first. "On your way here from the station, was everything okay?"
He remembered the coffins, the mist and the greenish sky. But he replied, "Yeah…"
"I see… never mind, then. Well, I'd better get going…" she began to walk away. "Um… I'm sure you still have other questions but let's save them for later, okay? Good night."
oOo
Mitsuru Kirijo watched silently as Yukari Takeba accompanied the transfer student to school the following day. She was standing by the window until the two disappeared into the distance. "Hmmm… Shujinko Arisato, huh…" she mumbled the transfer student's name. "Is he really…?"
She heard footsteps walking down the stairs and her heart suddenly galloped against her chest. "Mitsuru? You're still here?" a deep male voice said from behind her.
She didn't turn around to face the boy. "I was merely observing the new student. He arrived late last night…during the Dark Hour."
He didn't speak for a second, until, "…you're observing him?"
Mitsuru sighed and, without looking at him, she gathered her things. "Yes. You do realize that it's the reason he was moved to this dorm." And with that, she left.
The boy stared at the door that had closed in front of him. "…but you don't have to give him so much attention…"
oOo
The day flew by so quickly; perhaps too quickly. Before she knew it, it was dark already. Mitsuru was seated in one of the couches in the lounge, silently reading a book. Shujinko arrived at that moment, and she said distractedly, "Welcome back."
She didn't see the deep blush that had crept up the new student's pale cheeks since she was so absorbed in the book she was reading. He stared at her form, at her concentrated but beautiful face…
"What is it?" Mitsuru asked, turning her eyes towards him. "Is something wrong?"
Shujinko nervously dashed a hand through his soft dark hair, as the color on his usually pale skin deepened. "Ah…sorry, it's nothing."
"…if you say so." She turned back down on her book and he hesitantly left her alone to go back up to his room. A few minutes after he left her, another went down the staircase. Mitsuru did not notice until the boy passed directly in front of her.
"I'm going out for a bit." He said.
"Hm?" Mitsuru looked up again, only to meet eye to eye with a pair of fierce dark orbs that seemed to pierce right through to her heart. She never ceased to be amazed at how undeniably handsome this guy was. Creamy white skin, short silver hair that seemed so soft to touch…
"Didn't you see the newspaper?" he said, tearing his eyes off of hers. "There's a lot going on."
"I know…" she looked down at her book again, though she wasn't really reading anymore. His presence did not allow her to do so. "People who had no problems before are suddenly developing acute cases of Apathy Syndromes. I've seen them in the news quite often lately. They say it's due to stress, but…"
"Yeah, right," he slung his coat over his shoulder as he rolled his eyes. "It has to be them." He smirked. "Otherwise, it's not worth my time."
Mitsuru looked at him bemusedly. "You have a one-track mind. Will you be okay on your own? The chairman will be here for the next few days, but after that, I can…" I want to be with you.
He gave her a distracted smile. "Don't worry. I'm just getting a little practice." At that, he left the building.
Mitsuru sighed exasperatedly. "…this isn't a game, Akihiko."
oOo
The following night, the town seemed more ominous, as if there was a brooding menace at every corner.
There were no stars that glittered the sky, no clouds that covered the heavens.
But the moon was high, and perfectly visible to all who cared to look. The silver sphere was like a warning amongst the seemingly endless darkness that was the sky. A sign floating above all, a light alerting all those it hovers over.
The streets held a deafening silence that was quite unlike the usually busy commotion in town. The dormitory building by the Naganaki Shrine appeared dismal than most…
Into the hardwood entrance door, past the dimly lit lounge and dining hall, up 3 flights of stairs and unto the 4th floor, there were closed double doors that emitted an aura of secrecy and unwelcoming to those who had no right to enter. Inside was a lounge as big as the one on the first floor. However, there was a large screen on one side of the wall, along with computers and a wide array of various buttons and switches. On the screen showed Shujinko Arisato, fast asleep.
Mitsuru Kirijo and Yukari Takeba were seated in front of the screen, observing silently. "Working hard? So how's he doing?" a male voice piped in, as a man entered the room.
Mitsuru faced a middle aged man who had long brown hair and kind eyes that were framed by a pair of rectangular eyeglasses. "He went to bed a while ago. He's asleep now. Do you think he's…?"
"Well, let's wait and see… the Dark Hour is coming."
Then at exactly 12:00 midnight, a cold draft swept over the whole town and… everything was still. Too still. There was silence, and shadows and scattered coffins.
"The Dark Hour," the Chairman Shuji Ikutsuki started as he felt the change in the atmosphere. "…occurs everyday at twelve midnight. You could say it's a hidden hour. During this time, an ordinary person transmogrifies into a coffin and is oblivious to all that is happening around them."
Mitsuru turned to look at the screen. Shujinko was still fast asleep. "Then he must be…"
Shuji looked as well. "As you can see, he has maintained his human form. The only question left is if he has the potential. Although he must… or they would have preyed on him by now."
Yukari shuddered. "Scary…"
All of a sudden, a loud beeping sound echoed throughout the room.
As a bad feeling washed over Mitsuru, her heart skipped a beat and she immediately opened the line. "Is that you, Akihiko?" she asked through the speaker.
"You're not gonna believe this!" his voice seemed strained. "This thing is huge! Unfortunately, I don't have time to talk…" he sounded so tired and hurt, as his voice gasped out, "It's chasing me… I wanted to let you guys know… I'm almost there…!"
The line was cut off. Yukari's eyes widened in disbelief. "Does that mean… he's bringing that thing here?!"
Mitsuru ignored the younger and abruptly turned towards Shuji. "Chairman, let's stop the observation for now. We must prepare for battle!"
"R-right! Be careful!"
oOo
Akihiko banged the door closed and collapsed against it. He gasped and panted, trying to regain back his breath. He heard the loud footsteps running down the stairs. His chest hurt as he sat there, waiting for his companions to arrive.
"Akihiko!" he smiled inwardly, as he heard the noticeable concern dripping from the beautiful redhead's voice as she ran to his side. If only hearing her voice could heal the wound he had right now…
He felt a hand on his shoulder and he flinched away in pain. "Argh!" he groaned out and Yukari gasped, quickly withdrawing her hand from her upperclassman's shoulder.
"I'm alright." He wheezed out. "Get ready to be surprised. It'll be here any second."
Mitsuru's displeasure was obvious on her face. "This is no time to joke around!" she snapped, but the deep concern in her eyes betrayed the annoyance she was showing.
"Is it them, Akihiko?" the Chairman asked.
"Yes but not the ordinary ones…"
Mitsuru masked her emotions and turned towards Takeba and the Chairman with a firm look on her face. "Chairman, please head for the command room. Takeba, go upstairs and wake Shujinko up–"
"What's this – you're on a first name basis now?!" the injured man cut in with an irritated tone.
She ignored him as Yukari asked, "But what about you two?"
"We'll stop it here." She looked at Akihiko sternly. "You led it to us, Akihiko, so I'm afraid you'll have to fight."
He glared fiercely at her. "Like I had a choice!" and to Yukari, "What are you waiting for?! GO!"
"R-right!" and the brunette rushed up the stairs to Shujinko Arisato's room. The Chairman left soon after.
There was silence between Mitsuru and Akihiko as they waited anxiously for the arrival of the monster. "…at this rate, I might not be able to go to school tomorrow." The silver-haired boy mumbled as he struggled to get up. Mitsuru watched him struggling, her emotions masked.
"Whose fault is that?"
"Mitsuru, stop–" Suddenly, there was a loud crash as the dormitory's front doors burst open, wrecking the wood apart. A large monster in the form of a shadow with long hands reaching out to them appeared amidst the wreckage. "Wait a sec… that's not the one I–"
Another crash resounded from behind them and a high-pitched squeal. Mitsuru spoke through a transistor, "Takeba, there appears to be two Shadows in the area. The one we're fighting right now is not the one Akihiko saw. Be on guard!"
"Mitsuru!" the next thing she knew, she had been tackled down by Akihiko unto the floor just as a long black hand punched past them. "Ah shit…!" he cried out in pain, as he collapsed on top of Mitsuru, clutching his chest area.
"A-Akihiko!"
"…damn it, Mitsuru, focus! I'm the one who's injured here…!"
"I…" the redhead grabbed unto a gun encased around her waist and pointed the barrel to her forehead. "Penthesileia!" she pulled the trigger. Out of nowhere, a phantom-like form appeared over the two entangled companions. The apparition looked like a lady knight in dark armor as it spread its arms towards the Shadow monster.
The monster became enclosed in ice, before finally shattering into pieces.
It was gone. Mitsuru sighed in relief and unconsciously placed a hand on top of Akihiko's head. He was still on top of her, with his face buried just by her neck. His breathing was slow and his shoulders seemed a little relaxed.
"…Aki? Are you alright?"
"Yes…" his voice was low and husky. "I just…" want to stay here. "…hurt a lot."
"It is your fault for plunging head on into the Dark Hour during the night of a full moon when the Shadows are abundant…" she said, slowly pushing herself to a sitting position. She heard Akihiko moan a little in pain as he got up along with her.
"Stop… stop scolding me, will ya? Gimme a break sometime…" he mumbled. He cringed again, clutching his chest. "Damn… I think I broke my ribs…"
And again, there was that concern that flashed within Mitsuru's eyes. "Come on, I'll help you."
oOo
Meanwhile, a battle was ongoing on the rooftop. Two monsters, a panic-stricken Takeba and Shujinko Arisato staring at the gun that Yukari had dropped. It was a silver handgun with the letters S.E.E.S. engraved on one side. As Shujinko's clear blue eyes stared at the gun, a voice seemed to call out to him…
…to pick up that gun… to awaken to his powers…
"And so it begins…"
oOo
In the command room, Mitsuru and Akihiko had just arrived. "…there are two Shadows with them?! I have to–" the redhead started, but the Chairman stopped her as he watched the screen that showed what was happening on the rooftop.
"No, wait…"
Silently, the three watched on as Shujinko picked up the gun, the so-called Evoker that helped summon an apparition that represented the user's inner self.
A Persona.
Slowly, a manic smile spread across Shujinko's lips as he pointed the gun right at his forehead. "Orpheus!" he cried out, pulling the trigger. A bright light surrounded him as an apparition soared from within him and hovered over them like a majestic king.
Then it transformed into a more menacing form, one that looked as if it was Death itself; dreadful and murderous, wielding a blade that easily killed the monsters at its presence. In a flash, the Shadows dissolved into a pool of blood and into nothingness, just as the phantom called Orpheus disappeared into Shujinko Arisato.
"…what the heck was that?" Akihiko mumbled. And the Dark Hour was over, as the atmosphere reverted back to its earthly feel. From the screen, they saw Shujinko collapse unto the ground. "Mitsuru, you should help them out…"
The redhead turned towards him. "I'm sure Takeba can handle him. You need help, too."
"What…!" She went to his side and helped him up, leaning him against her shoulders. "You might miss school if you stay up too late…"
Mitsuru sighed. "School is not as important to me as you are…" then realizing what she just said, she turned away with a deep blush. "Ah, my apologies. That did not come out right."
"…It sounded completely right, to me."
They remained silent as they walked all the way down to the 2nd floor, where Akihiko's room was located. It was a simple room, except for a whole shelf filled with golden awards and trophies of his triumphs in the Boxing ring. He was a Champion, an unbeatable adversary to all those who dared oppose him.
But at that moment, in the presence of Mitsuru Kirijou, he was but an ordinary young man with broken ribs and a somewhat immature stubbornness. Mitsuru turned on the lights and Akihiko sat down on the bed. She sat down by him.
No one spoke, no words were said. The silence was enough. They understood each other; they trusted one another more than anything else. And so, Mitsuru gently slipped off his shirt to examine his wounds. Her nimble hands worked on treating the bruises and scratches, careful not to hurt the man before her.
"…you should go to the doctor as soon as possible. I may accompany you to the hospital…"
"Don't, Mitsuru. You're the Student Council President; don't go bailing out on your duties just to help me. Besides, I can't afford to lose a day of training in the Boxing club…"
His heart skipped a beat when he felt her warm palms on his back, and her forehead resting softly on his nape. "But I can't afford to lose y – we can't afford to lose another member of S.E.E.S., and that will surely happen if you don't get treated right away."
He sighed. "…fine. But I can go by myself. You attend to your duties in school."
"…thank you."
Akihiko raised his eyebrows. "Huh? Why?"
"For being smart, for once." She mumbled playfully, as she pulled away.
He glared at her when she gently pulled him down to lie on the bed. He cringed and moaned a little: the pain was unfamiliar and unpleasant. Akihiko didn't know that this was what if felt to have broken bones – he only ever broke someone else's bones.
"Anyway, rest for now. I'm going to go check on Arisato." She stood up and turned to leave.
She had moved too quickly – Akihiko was not able to catch her hand before she left. Before he knew it, he was already alone in his room. The door had closed behind Mitsuru Kirijou's back.
Again.
And the shadows enveloped the room in darkness, as Akihiko was left alone, staring at the closed door.
Author's Note: As you may have noticed, it follows almost exactly what went on in the game. The events in this story would be very close to that of the game, but more emphasis on Mitsuru and Akihiko's relationship, and a tad more spice and interactions. You see, I love the game's storyline, and this would be like an in-depth look at the thoughts and feelings of these two particular characters. I'm sorry if the long, lecturing lines from the game annoyed you. ;
AkihikoxMitsuru
Eventual ShujinkoxYukari
I hope you enjoyed it! XP More to come soon... if I get enough reviews, that is. -wink wink, nudge nudge- Button's just down there. :)