Persona 3: Memories of You
Prologue and Chapter 001
Started Chapter: 29-June-2008
Finished Chapter: 02-July-2008
First Post: 19-March-2009
Last Edit:
Disclaimer:
All original materials belong to their respective owners. Shin Megami Tensei Persona 3 FES belongs to Atlus. No copyright infringement is intended.
This story ignores established rules from Persona Trinity Soul, but characters and several other rules from that story may appear.
Prologue
- Tartarus – Dark Hour -
- Wednesday November 11, 2009 -
My head hurt a lot. My body felt light and heavy at the same time. A very weird feeling if I must say. I tried to move, but found no control over both my hands and legs. I groaned in pain, wishing I could clutch my head, trying to ease the throbbing and the dizziness. My stomach flipped and I just wanted to throw up, but I managed to stop myself. It definitely sickened me to push the bile back through my throat, but I definitely did not want to threw up. Not while I could not move.
Soon I forced myself to open my eyes, while my eyelids seemed to be glued to each other. As I recovered my sight I found myself staring at the green sky and the bloody floors characteristic of the Dark Hour. In a sudden rush of panic, I glanced around noticing all my friends bounded in crosses. Each and every one of them... including her. All of them seemed to be in the same state of pain as me. Some seemed to have just woken up as well, while others still looked unconscious. I glanced towards my hands and feet and saw I was in the very same position as them. Bounded to a cross.
Confused I glanced downward and saw them. Upon seeing the smirk on his face, rage filled my body. That smirk only meant something, betrayal. That man... had betrayed us, and he was enjoying it. I cursed him on my mind, and decided to not voice my thoughts, for now, since I needed to think how to get away from this. This... the Dark Hour... it was supposed to end... and yet... it had not. Why did things turn out like this? Without intending to, I soon found myself reminiscing of what had transpired the last several months. It all began that fateful day in April...
Chapter 001
- Train in movement – Evening –
- Monday April 06, 2009 –
I sighed as I glanced through the window, observing as the sun went down. Hours had passed since I left Tokyo, and sincerely I never noticed when the streets became plains, when the buildings were replaced by trees, when instead of people living their lives you could only see a few animals roaming around. I guess I was just so deep in thought to notice this.
Removing my sight from the window I glanced at the empty seat before me, where my bag stood. I frowned, remembering my destination. Iwatodai, the place where my parents died that day ten years ago. Not that I remember anything about it. The doctors said the shock of the accident must have caused me to forget what happened back then, and sincerely, I do not think I would want to remember anyway. After their death I was sent to an orphanatory. Since no one adopted me, not that I tried to be adopted though, I centered my attention on my studies. After all, I had heard I could be sponsored by schools, and get to live in their dorms, if I had good grades. So when I got an offer to study at Gekkoukan High School, I did not think it twice. Although I did not expect it to be in Iwatodai of all places.
After finding out where the school was I sincerely doubted. Should I return to that place? At the end I did not think it over much. It was not like I would return to that place to investigate what happened that day. I mean... really... what help would it do? It is not like they were murdered or something... a car accident could happened to anyone, anywhere. And besides, Gekkoukan High seemed like a very good school. Its study program, extracurricular activities and dorms seemed to be very good after the research I made online, thus here I am, on my way back to the city where I once lived. My old house? Who cares about it. I think the government sold it to help maintain me the first years. The dorms were a better option.
Sighing I glanced towards the window once again, noticing that yet again I had been dreaming awake, and did not notice as the sun had gone down, effectively making it night. Glancing at my clock I saw it was already past ten, and cursed lightly. I was careless to not leave earlier, but I had some last minute business to attend to. Now I only wished I reached my destiny before midnight. Before 'that' time.
Upon reaching a city once again, more people started to enter the train, so I took hold of my bag, and moved my trusted headphones from my neck towards my ears. I pressed the start button, intending to tune out the chatter of the passengers, and was rewarded by the lyrics of one of the songs that currently held my total attention, 'Burn My Dread'.
The train soon came to a stop in my destination, Iwatodai Station. Gathering my things, I left the train and glanced at my wristwatch, ten minutes to midnight. Oh well, at least I was not in the train anymore, so I could walk towards the dorm, without being stuck in the train. Why is that? Because in just ten minutes 'that' time would arrive.
I walked outside the station and glanced around, seeing people without a care in the world walking around. I noticed a small plaza in front of the station, which seemed to have several food stores, not that they would be opened at this hour though. I took out a piece of paper from my bag, and glanced at it, reading the directions towards the dorm. It was just a few blocks away, probably no more than a five minute walk, but my clock already read 11:58, so I decided to not walk to the dorm yet, not until 'that' time ended.
I decided to walk in the opposite direction of the dorm, towards the bay, and while I did so, I glanced at my clock. I saw the seconds pass, and when it hit 11:59:59 PM, it did not turn into 12:00 AM, but instead it turned off. Likewise, my headphones died down, in the middle of the 'Memories of You' song. Damn, I like that song. Some years ago I would thought that the batteries had died down, but not anymore. Not when the sky had turned green, blood poured in the streets everywhere and coffins laid in the place where people once stood. It was 'that' time.
For several years now, everyday at midnight this happened. I must admit, at first I was scared, and could not understand anything. Not that I understand anything right now mind you. After the very first time I thought it had just been a bad dream, but when the event kept repeating everytime I was awake when midnight hit, I panicked. I once tried telling one of my teachers, but the way she saw me I thought she was considering sending me to see a psychologist. As subtlety as I could, I tried asking classmates about if they experienced it. And no one had. Soon, I just lived with it, deciding to ignore it, and slept through it, and hey... who could blame me... I welcomed the extra hour of sleep. The mysterious time took one hour to pass, as I once boringly decided to keep track of the minutes by counting myself, as every technology died down mysteriously during that time. Some time later I slapped myself, upon forgetting the existence of sand clocks and similar.
Anyway, soon I reached the bay, and immediately regretted coming here. How could I forget that blood not only magically appeared out of nowhere during this time, but that all the water turned to blood as well? Another of the mysteries of 'that' hour. I felt sick upon the sight of a blood red sea in front of me. So without thinking, I turned around, not even glancing towards the place that I had wanted to see. The Moonlight Bridge, the place of the accident.
I walked through the streets, wishing that my headphones were giving me the comfort of music, but as much as I wished it, it was not meant to be for now. Sighing I decided it was best for me to arrive at the dorm already. Hopefully they had received my message that I would be late, and I would be granted access without many delays, since I only wanted to sleep. Classes would be starting tomorrow after all. Thankfully Gekkoukan did not start its term at April 1st like most schools. Ignoring the coffins in the street, I soon found my destiny. The Kirijo Dorm.
- Kirijo Dorm – Evening –
- Monday April 06, 2009 –
The beautiful young woman sighed as she entered her room at the dorm. She had gotten back from Gekkoukan High, where she had went to try and ease some of her stress while practicing archery. Sitting on her bed, she kicked off her shoes, and started to remove her socks. Barefooted, she stood up and removed the red ribbon from her neck, and started to remove the zipper from her pink jacket when she glanced at it. The silver gun on her desk, mocking her.
- "Damn it... how did I get involved in this?" – The girl questioned herself for the hundredth time already. The gun in front of her was with no doubt, the reasons of her stress.
The girl walked towards her desk, and took hold of the gun, bringing it up to her eyes, to examine it yet again. It was very light, and it fit her hand with no problem, a fact that unnerved her. Without removing her sight from the gun, she walked towards the window of her dorm, and sat on the floor.
- "I... I can do it..." – She said as her hand rose, and pressed the head of the gun to her forehead. Tightly closing her eyes, she tried to press the trigger of her gun, but was unable to do so. She froze. A lonesome tear fell from her right eye, as she once again tried to press the trigger, but yet again, her hand froze.
- "Damn it... I... I... I can not..." – She said as she panted. Enraged, she stood up, and threw the gun over her bed. She glanced at the sun, as it went down, mocking her as she once again failed to press the trigger.
- "I need a very long hot bath..." – The girl grumbled as she continued undressing.
- Kirijo Dorm – At the end of 'that' hour –
- Monday April 06, 2009 –
The young man walked towards the door, and pushed, hoping it was open, despite the hour. At first he did not expect it to be actually be open, but surprisingly it was. Sighing in relief, he walked inside, wondering if 'that' hour was to end soon. The teenager glanced at the lounge before him, and began to walks towards it, when a voice stopped him.
- "You are late... I have been waiting for you for a long time..." – The voice said, and the young man turned around, surprised, dropping his bag in the floor.
- "Who are you?" – The young man questioned. He was surprised to see someone during 'that' hour.
- "It matters not who I am. Not now at least. Now, if you wish to proceed, please sign your name here. It is a contract. Do not worry, the only thing it says is that you will take full responsibility for your actions. You know, the usual stuff." – The owner of the voice, a young boy, smiled.
- "Where... do I sign?" – The teenager answered automatically. He was confused at seeing the boy, but understood the terms. He was expecting something like that anyway, to be allowed to stay in the dorm. But why was a kid asking him to do so? Was he the son of the one in charge? And why was he not a coffin?
- "Sign here please..." – The boy said, as he opened a red notebook. The teenager nodded, and took hold of the offered pen, and signed his name. Arisato Minato.
- "No one can escape time... It delivers us all to the same end. You can not plug your ears and cover your eyes." – The boy smiled, and soon the book vanished, surprising the teenager. Before he could ask what was going on, the boy disappeared as well. – "And so... it begins."
Before Minato could react in any way, a new voice filled the lounge. – "Who is there??" – A female voice yelled. Minato turned around and glanced at a beautiful young woman who was walking towards him. Minato was surprised again, upon seeing someone else walking around 'that' hour, so he was momentarily speechless, which caused the young woman to glance at him with distrust. The girl's hand went immediately to her right thigh, taking hold of a gun. Not a lot of things fazed Minato, as he definitely ignored 'that' hour, but the sight of the gun definitely shocked him. Before the gun left its holster, a new voice filled the lounge.
- "Takeba! Wait!" – The new voice said, and soon, 'that' hour ended. 'Memories of You' hit Minato's ears, and he was momentarily blinded as all the lights in the lounge turned on. Without turning off his mp3 player, he took off the headphones, allowing them to fall besides his neck. And after a few seconds, his sight got accustomed to the sudden light. That is when he saw a second young woman approaching.
- "I got your message, stating you would be arriving a bit late, but I never expected you to arrive this late. My name is Kirijo Mitsuru. I am one of the students that live in this dorm." – The redhead, Mitsuru, presented herself. She was tall and beautiful. She had long red hair, which fell to the middle of her back. The air around her shouted one word: Noble.
- "Kirijo? The same as the dorm?" – Minato questioned.
- "Indeed. My family owns this building." – Mitsuru answered.
- "Who is he?" – The brunette girl, who had the gun on her thigh, asked.
- "He is a transfer student who will start Gekkoukan this year. It was a last minute decision to assign him to this dorm. He will eventually be moved to a room in the boy's dorm." – Mitsuru answered the question of the brunette.
- "Is it okay... for him to be here?" – The brunette questioned, while glancing at the young man, while biting her lower lip.
- "I guess we will see..." – Mitsuru answered the brunette, and turned towards Minato. – "This is Takeba Yukari, she will be a junior this year, just like you."
- "...hey..." – Yukari answered, reluctantly.
- "Oh... hey... hmmm... Nice to meet you. My name is Minato. Arisato Minato." – The blue haired young man said.
- "Uh... yeah... Nice to meet you too..." – Yukari bit her lower lip again. For the first time, Minato took the chance of seeing her. She had clear brown hair, which reached to her shoulders, and dark brown eyes, in which his own light blue eyes were currently centered. Both girls were wearing what it seemed to be their school uniforms, which made him wonder why they would be wearing them so late. And they had been awake during 'that' hour as well.
- "Uh... is this the girls dorm?" – Minato questioned. He decided to leave his other questions apart for now. Including the gun.
- "Huh? Oh no... it is not. But... hmm... how do I explain it?" – Yukari glanced at Mitsuru.
- "Unlike other dorms this one is co-ed. So it is not your typical dorm. I will explain it to you in more detail some other time, when I have the chance. Now, it is late, and I can guess you must be tired. Your room is on the second floor, at the end of the hallway. The things you sent in advance are already there." – Mitsuru told him.
- "I guess I will show you the way. Please follow me Arisato-san." – Yukari motioned him to follow, which he did.
Minato gave a last glance to Mitsuru and then towards the counter where the boy had mysteriously disappeared. He followed the other girl through the hall, and up the stairs. He saw a pair of sofa and tables upon reaching the second floor, and a pair of vending machines as well. He followed Yukari to the door he assumed was to be his room, and saw that only five doors stood on the hallway.
- (Strange... a co-ed dorm... and so few rooms... the building was not that tall either... how many floors did it had? Five? Four? I really did not pay attention... and that redhead said her family owned the place... guess it must be for elite or something... hence why she said I was here by mistake... Maybe I should not get that comfortable if I am moving anyway... so much for the first night...)
- "Uh... you okay?" – Yukari questioned, startling him.
- "Oh yeah... sorry... I was just thinking." – Minato answered.
- "Anyway... here is your key. It was on the door. Do not lose it, or you will never hear the end of it. Easy to remember right? The last one on the hallway. Do you... have any questions?" – Yukari asked.
- "Uh... who was that kid at the entrance? Is he a relative of Kirijo-san?" – Minato questioned.
- "Huh? What kid? There is no kid here... do not joke like that. It is not funny." – Yukari frowned, confusing Minato.
- (What? She does not know? Guess... I will check it later... not that I have not seen strange things before... like 'that' hour.) – "Oh nevermind then..." – Minato's sight betrayed him, and he nervously glanced at Yukari's leg, where the gun stood in its holster.
- "Hey! Where do you think you are looking?" – Yukari frowned.
- "Uhh... your... gun?" – Minato said lamely, although he was not lying. Secretly he also admired her legs, but he was not going to admit it.
- "Oh... uh... that... is not a real gun. It is sort of a hobby... no... not a hobby... it is for self-defense... you know how things can be this days... but do not worry! It is not real! It is just to scare away..." – Yukari nervously said, while avoiding his gaze, and scratching her neck, just above her collar, which Minato noticed looked like a small belt with a heart.
- "Oh I see..." – Minato answered. – (Suspicious...)
- "Hey... can I ask you something?" – Upon seeing him nod, she continued. – "Did... something strange happen while you walked here from the station?"
- "Strange?" – (Is she talking about 'that' hour...?) – "No... not really..." – Minato answered.
- "Oh... I see... never mind then." – (He definitely arrived during the Dark Hour... did he really see nothing...?) – "Well... I better get going... it is late after all... and we have classes tomorrow." – Yukari walked away, but came to a stop a few moments later. – "Oh... if you must address Senpai, do not call her Kirijo-san, she does not like it. Call her Senpai." – She paused. – "Um... I am sure you have more questions... but let us leave for some other time, okay? Good night."
- "Yeah... Good night Takeba-san."
Minato opened the door to his temporal room and glanced around. It looked comfortable. Too bad it was not permanent. He left his bag over his desk, and saw his boxes in one of the corners. He thanked himself for thinking of bringing his school uniform and several spares of clothing with him, as he was not in the mood to rummage through the boxes. He opened the bag, and taking out his night clothes, changed for the night. He took out an alarm clock, and after setting it, left it above the desk. Several minutes later he laid on bed, thinking.
- (What was that about? Who was that boy? And how come this two girls were wide awake during 'that' time...? First day here... and things are already interesting... I guess I will just see how things play out from here onwards...)
Meanwhile, Yukari stood on the stairs to the third floor, thinking while holding her left hand to her face, and waiting for Mitsuru to ascend the stairs. A few minutes later she could hear the voice of Mitsuru, who was talking with someone else, a male voice. – (Akihiko-senpai must have arrived from his patrol... she should be coming here soon...) – Yukari ascended to the third floor, and sat in one of the chairs, waiting for the redhead.
- "Takeba? You still up?" – Mitsuru questioned.
- "Yeah... I wanted to ask... was a mistake really done? Or is he...?" – The brunette asked.
- "Yes. It was not a mistake. He has the potential. Although we are not sure he will awaken. You saw him walking around during the Dark Hour." – The redhead admitted.
- "But... is there a chance he is like the Chairman?" – Yukari asked.
- "Yes. That is why starting tomorrow we will be monitoring him. You and me." – Mitsuru answered.
- "I was afraid you were going to say that... oh well... I guess there is no other way..." – Yukari stood up.
- "Please take him to school tomorrow. Since he just arrived today, I do not wish for him to arrive late on his first day." – The older girl said.
- "Okay... good night Senpai..." – Yukari whispered.
- "Good night Takeba" – The redhead answered as she entered her own room.
Yukari walked with a pout on her face. She entered her room, and started undressing once again. Her skirt stuck on the holster in her leg, and she sighed. She took it off, and left it over her desk. She put on the top of her pajamas, and took off her bra under it. She was about to take the shorts of her nightclothes when she spotted a letter. His letter. Not caring that she was only in her panties, she took hold of it, and sat on her bed.
- (Daddy... I... I miss you so much... what should I do? What have I gotten myself into...?) – A few tears leaked from her eyes, which she cleaned fast, not wanting them to spill on the letter. His last letter.
- Arisato Minato's Room, Kirijo Dorm – Early Morning –
- Tuesday April 07, 2009 –
Minato stood in front of the small mirror in his room, as he tried to comb his hair. He was now sporting his new school uniform, which consisted of dark pants and a dark coat, with the school emblem on the left, and a white shirt, with a small black tie. He never really cared about ties, so he fidgeted with it, trying to loosen it. His loyal mp3 player and headphones rested on his neck. A few minutes later, he heard a knock on his door.
- "Yes?" – He questioned.
- "It is me. Yukari. Are you up?" – Yukari's voice was heard. Minato walked towards the door.
- "Yeah. I am. Have been for a while. Good morning." – Minato answered as he opened it.
- "Oh good morning. Senpai asked me to take you to school. Are you ready to leave?" – She smiled at him, as if the strange happenings of the previous night had not happened.
- "Sure. Just let me get my schoolbag." – Minato answered, and took the mentioned bag. He closed the door, and pocketed the key. The pair of teenagers walked downstairs, and then left the dorm, walking side by side, until they arrived to the station, in silence.
- "Be sure to take the train towards Port Island Station. The one on this side. The other side takes you to in the other direction, as you must know, since you took it to get here." – Yukari suggested.
- "Got it." – Minato answered. The pair soon found seats, and stood in silence again.
Yukari glanced at him, from the corner of her eyes, and noticed he seemed calm. Too calm even. She remembered when she transferred here, and she had been very nervous as hell. It seemed that Arisato was a very laid up boy, who took life serenely. She wished she could be like that. She then shook her head. How could she make such assumptions? She had only known him for a few hours... not even for a full day. Maybe this was the way he was nervous. She then noticed he was staring at her, with his left eyebrow rising.
- "Are you... okay?" – He questioned.
Caught red-handed, Yukari wondered how to get out of it, when she noticed her escape route. His tie was loosened. – "Oh... nothing... I just noticed your tie is not properly done... let me fix it for you." – She took hold of it, and started to place it in order.
- "Hey... do not worry about it... I... I am not used to wearing one and..." – Minato lightly blushed.
- "Oh... we can not have that... a teacher may scold you if it is not properly done. Do not worry... I will not make it too tight. I am just making it look okay." – She answered. – (Safe...)
- "Oh... thanks..." – Minato answered. Neither noticed the looks they were getting from other Gekkoukan students.
- "Oh... look through the window! There is the school. See it?" – Yukari told him.
- "I see it. It looks more impressive in real life. As expected from the Kirijo Group... wait..." – Minato glanced at Yukari.
- "Yeah... Senpai's family." – Yukari answered. They went back to their seats, and waited in silence, until the train stopped at Port Island Station.
- (Definitely elites... but Takeba-san is not that bad... Kirijo-san... err... Senpai looked unreachable yesterday...) – Minato thought, as he got off the train, alongside Yukari. He glanced around and noticing many students walking their same way. – (Well... what did I expect? It is the only school here... and unless they are driving over the Moonlight Bridge... the train is the only way to reach the Island... it may not be as big as the one in Kobe... but with the school, and that mall I read about, there must be a lot of people coming here everyday...)
Some minutes later, the pair arrived at the gates of the school, and he glanced at Yukari, who spoke to him. – "Well... this is it. We are here. Welcome to Gekkoukan High School. Hope you like it." – She smiled at him. Both entered the school, and looked for their shoe lockers. Minato got number 42, while Yukari's was number 25.
- "Well... you are okay from here on, right? You should go see your homeroom teacher first. You can reach the faculty room through the hall on the left. The first two doors to the left are the teacher's lounge." – She walked away. – "Do you have any more questions before I go?"
- "In what class are you?" – He blurted out.
- "Huh? I dunno... I have not seen the class assignments. It slipped my mind yesterday. I guess I will check it now." – Yukari turned around, but before walking, she said over her shoulder. – "Hey listen... do not tell anyone about what you saw yesterday, okay? See you later."
- (Is she talking about 'that' hour... or about her gun? Oh well... no matter... I guess I will check in with the teachers...) – Minato started to walk away. He noticed a guy in a sweatpants being scolded by a very tanned girl. He thought he heard the girl saying how the boy could already be wearing his sport clothes this early on the first day. Minato snorted at hearing this. Entering the hallway he saw a strange man, wearing a helmet, from the sengoku era probably, chatting with an obvious foreign student. Minato stared for a few seconds at the weird man, obviously a teacher. He looked towards the door that Yukari had pointed him towards, and saw another student, bowing to the door, probably saying goodbye to a teacher. The student held a yellow bandana on his left arm. He passed besides him without giving him a second glance. Minato shrugged, and opened the door.
Minato glanced around, and a teacher noticed him. – "Oh... are you the new student?" – The teacher spoke, and Minato nodded at her. – "Let me see..." – She pulled out a file from her folder. – "Arisato Minato... correct? You are 16... Wow... seems you have lived in many places..." – It was true. He had gotten offers in several schools through the years, Tokyo had been the last place where he had lived. – "Hmm... Let me see... 1999... that was ten years ago... your parents..." – She gasped – "I am so sorry... I have been so busy so I did not get a chance to read this beforehand... I am Toriumi-sensei, I teach composition. Err... Welcome to our school." – She finished a bit lamely.
Minato fought back his annoyance at the woman. – (Bad start...) – "Hmm... Nice to meet you."
- "Yeah well... have you seen the class assignments yet?" – Upon his negative, she continued. – "You are in Class 2-F, that is my class. But first, we have to go to the auditorium. The opening ceremony is about to begin. Follow me."
- (Oh great... very bad start... hope she has more tact from here onwards... not that I care... but at least read the damn file first...) – Minato grumbled in his mind, but remained emotionless in real life.
The ceremony began, and Minato soon found himself tuning out the words. He wished he could put on his headphones, but Toriumi-sensei would surely scold him if he did, so he decided to just glance around, at his new classmates. Suddenly he heard a student behind him, trying to gain his attention. He turned around, watching the classmate.
- "Hey... You came this morning to school with Yukari, right? I saw you walking together. I have a question... do you know if she has a boyfriend?" – The student questioned. Minato's left eyebrow rose, and he noticed several other students awaiting his answer.
- (She must be popular...) – "Why do you want to know? Why do you care?" – Minato answered with a pair of questions.
- "Huh? Well... just because. Hey... do not tell me you..." – He was interrupted by a teacher, who said he heard people speaking. Toriumi-sensei also scolded her students, having not noticed who had talked, saying she herself was going to be scolded if they did not shut up.
- (And I just wanted it to be a peaceful year... guess I was wrong...) – Minato sighed.
- Gekkoukan High School, 2-F Classroom – After School –
- Tuesday April 07, 2009 –
Minato sighed as classes ended. First days were always a pain, with the teachers explaining their year programs, and the expectations they had of the following school year. After the opening ceremony ended he was surprised upon seeing Yukari on the same class. She saw him, and gave him a small smile, and afterwards she sat on the empty desk in front of him.
During lunch he was surrounded by several students, who asked him from where he had transferred, how was his previous school, what was his birthday, and annoyingly, some even asked him about Yukari yet again. Excusing himself, saying he was hungry, he left the classroom, and went to buy some bread at the store in the entrance of the school. Not wanting to be bothered as he ate, Minato escaped to the roof, which to his relief was open to students, and empty at the moment. Glancing down he noticed a track field, and a pair of domes. Probably an inner pool and the gymnasium. Finishing his bread, he returned to the classroom, to yet more introductory classes.
He was about to leave that day, when another student approached him. He was glad that at least he was alone, and that he was not part of the group that had practically assaulted him at lunch. – "Yo! S'up dude? How is it goin?" – The boy asked.
- "Could be better... Who are you?" – Minato questioned.
- "Me? I am Iori Junpei. I transferred to a nearby junior high when I was in eight grade. So I know how though it is bein' the new kid... so I wanted to say... 'Hey'. See what a nice guy I am?" – He grinned. He was the student that sat to the right of Minato. He was wearing a blue cap, and sported a goatee on his chin.
Minato sweatdropped at Junpei's words. – (Well... he does not seem that bad... he is a bit weird though...) – Before he could answer, Yukari re-entered the class room and approached them.
- "Hey! If it is not Yuka-tan! I did not expect us to be in the same class again." – He grinned.
Yukari openly sighed at his words. – "Yeah I can see it..." – She grumbled. – "And you are at it again? I swear you would speak to rocks if they had ears... Did you ever think you may be bothering him?"
- "Wha? I was just being friendly..." – Junpei grumbled.
- "Whatever..." – She turned towards Minato. – "Anyway... it seems we are on the same class."
- "Well. Maybe it is fate." – He answered smoothly.
Yukari giggled at his words, not noticing her fellow students gaping at her. – "Fate? Yeah right... still, I was a little surprised."
- "Um... hello? I am here you know... do not ignore me... and you did not gave that reaction upon learning we are on the same class..." – Junpei said, annoying Yukari and making Minato sweatdrop again. – "Anyway... what is this I heard of you two arriving together to school? Come on... give me dirt!! Give me the juicy details!" – He grinned.
- "Wha.. what? What are you talking about!? We live on the same dorm!!" – Her words made people around whisper again, not that she noticed, but Minato did, and sweatdropped yet again. – "There is nothing going on, okay? Why are people even talking about that? Gimme a break..." – She turned towards Minato. – "Hey... you did not say anything to anyone about... you know..."
- (Do not ask me like that when people can hear... obviously they are going to misinterpret it...) – He sighed. – "No I did not."
- "Okay, good. Seriously... do not tell anyone about last night, okay?" – Yukari said, and Minato felt the urge to slap his forehead. Junpei's mouth opened wide, while other students eye's widened.
- "Wha... What?" – Yukari stared at Junpei.
- "La... last night...?" – He smiled pervertly.
- "Wa...wait!! Do not get the wrong idea damn it!! Listen! I just met him yesterday! And there is nothing going on!! Geez!!" – She grumbled. She tried to calm herself by breathing deeply. – "Anyway... I need to take care of something for the Kyudo (Archery) club. You better not start any rumors, okay???" – She glared at Junpei, and left without looking at Minato. After all, she did not want him to see her sudden blush.
- "Ah... who cares? It is not like people would take rumors seriously... they just like to gossip, and upon new juicy news they will move on. She is so paranoid." – He grumbled. – "But hey Minato... I can call you Minato right?" – At the nod, he grinned. – "Then call me Junpei as well! Anyway... as I was saying... It is your first day and people are already talking about you!"
- (Great...) – Minato thought.
- "Believe it or not, Yuka-tan is actually really popular. Many guys have the hots for her, but she just turns them all down. I reckon you are the only one ever who she has walked here with. You da man!!" – He said.
- (So? She was told to do so by Senpai. It does not mean a thing.) – Minato's inner voice said.
- "Anyway... I can feel this is going to be a fun year. I can feel it." – He grinned again. – "Anyway, I need to go. But maybe tomorrow we can hang out after classes? And I will show you around. Cya dude!" – And thus he left.
Not wanting to be the target of more questions, Minato took hold of his schoolbag, and left the classroom. Looking forward to get outside, and hoping things calmed down during the night.
- Kirijo Dorm – Evening –
- Tuesday April 07, 2009 –
Kirijo Mitsuru sat comfortably in one of the couches in the lounge of the dorm. Her eyes wandered over a magazine whose main theme was the business world. She heard the front door open, and she lifted her gaze for a few seconds. After greeting the new student, Arisato Minato, she returned her gaze towards the magazine. He looked tired, so she decided to not keep him from arriving to his room. A while later she greeted Yukari as well, who politely told her she was going to her room.
- (Oh well... the Chairman will not be coming until tomorrow, so I guess she needs to get a full night sleep today...)
- "Hey Mitsuru... I am going out for a bit" – A male voice said, and Mitsuru glanced at the owner of the voice. A senior like herself, who wore a red sweater over his white shirt. He had short white hair, and a white band-aid rested below his left eye. The school's boxing champion, Sanada Akihiko. – "Did you not see the latest news? A lot is going on."
- "I have. People have started to get acute cases of Apathy Syndrome. Supposed experts are blaming stress but..." – The redhead said.
- "Yeah right... like we would believe that. It must be them" – Akihiko answered.
- "Most probably... but will you be okay on your own? The chairman has asked me to see the new student... but if he comes here maybe I can..." – Mitsuru tried to reason.
- "Do not worry about me. I am just going to practice for a bit." – The whitehaired young man said as he left.
- "This is not a game Akihiko..." – The redhead grumbled. She left the magazine on the couch, and walked towards the stairs.
- Kirijo Dorm – Early Morning –
- Wednesday April 08, 2009 –
Minato sighed as he left the dorm in the morning. He had overslept, but still had enough time to arrive on time to the first class. Even so, he was a bit disappointed that he did not find neither Yukari nor any other student in the dorm. So now he had to walk towards the High School alone. Not that he minded, but he was expecting to talk to her a bit at least during their walk, since he still had several questions. He decided to ignore the fact that they left him behind, and put his headphones over his ears, welcoming his favorite music.
- Kirijo Dorm – Evening –
- Wednesday April 08, 2009 –
Minato yawned outside the dorm, and rubbed his eyes. The level of the classes in Gekkoukan High was definitely above his previous high school, but he still could not help wanting to sleep through classes, a luxury he could not afford, despite how boring the class was. Proof of it happened today, when Toriumi-sensei was speaking of her favorite authors, a waste of time in the eyes of Minato. Junpei on the other hand was definitely sleeping, and when Toriumi-sensei decided to test him, in order to have a reason to punish him, Minato's prompt help managed to save Junpei from a possible detention. After classes Junpei showed him around Paulownia Mall, while he kept thanking Minato for saving his ass in class.
- (Four floors... and if each has five rooms... does that mean that this whole building is just for twenty students? Definitely elite... and I kinda liked the room too...) – He sighed, and opened the door.
- "Hey, he is here..." – The voice of Yukari greeted him. He removed the headphones from his ears. He left them on most of the time, even when he had his mp3 player off, like it was currently.
- "So this is our new guest..." – A brown haired sophisticated man said. He was wearing a brown suit and glasses. His hair was long, and fell behind his shoulders.
- (From where did they got this guy out? From a seventies show?) – Minato thought. – "Uh... pleased to meet you... I am Arisato Minato."
- "Please have a seat. My name is Ikutsuki Shuji. I am the chairman of the board from your school. My name is hard to say, is it not? Even I get tongue tied... so I do not like presenting myself." – He chuckled. Both Minato and Yukari sweatdropped. – "Anyway... I must apologize for the confusion regarding your accommodation. Sadly things will take a while to get sorted, so I must apologize once again. For now you will stay here. Apart from you there are other three students currently living here. You have already met Yukari and Mitsuru, and then there is also a senior named Sanada Akihiko. Oh by the way... where is Mitsuru anyway, Yukari?"
- "Oh... she is upstairs. She said she had something to care of." – The girl answered.
- "As diligent as always... although it would not hurt is she came down to say hello." – The chairman sighed. – "Anyway... I have some things to do. I hope you have a successful school year. You must be tired, go get some rest. As they say... 'The early bird gets the bookworm'... please forgive the bad pun." – He chuckled.
After he was out of their sight, Yukari groaned. – "Ugh... sorry about that. You will get used to his lame jokes."
- "I hope so... he does not seem to be a bad man... but yes... that was lame..." – Minato said, and Yukari giggled.
- "Well... I am off to bed... sweat dreams Arisato-kun..." – Yukari said, and turned around to go.
- Kirijo Dorm, Control Room – Just before the Dark Hour begins –
- Wednesday April 08, 2009 –
Ikutsuki enters the room, and sees Yukari and Mitsuru working in front of a big screen. On a closer inspection, he could see Minato on screen, sleeping on his bed. He adjusted his glasses, and approached the girls.
- "Working hard I see. How is he doing?" – He asked, and both girls glanced at him.
- "He went to sleep some time ago. Just a while after he entered the room. Chairman... do you really think he...?" – Mitsuru spoke.
- "Well... he definitely has the potential... he did arrive at the dorm during the Dark Hour after all. Still, we need to monitor him to see how he reacts during that time." – The man said.
The three of them glanced at the clock on the screen. The seconds passed one after another, until the clock read 11:59:59, and then the Dark Hour began once again.
- "Every day at night... at midnight, the Dark Hour takes place. Normal people get transmogrify... that is... they get turned into coffins. As we see, he has retained his human form. So he definitely has the potential. If he had not... they would have preyed on him by now...
- "Scary..." – Yukari mumbled.
- "In any case, we should continue monitoring him like this for a few days. To see if he can awaken..." – Ikutsuki said.
- "I feel kinda bad... spying on him like this..." – Yukari said. – "Hey Chairman... I was meaning to ask... if all the technology dies down during the Dark Hour... how come this equipment works?"
- "The Kirijo Group developed it. It is special." – Mitsuru answered.
- (Ugh... that does not answer anything...) – Yukari groaned in her mind.
- The Velvet Room, DreamWorld – Dark Hour –
- Wednesday April 08, 2009 -
Minato opened his eyes and found himself in a weird blue room. He glanced around and spotted a huge clock above, with its hands moving without restraint, at ridiculous speeds. Behind it, the shadows of other places passed one after another, giving the impression that the room where he stood was moving as well. He glanced in front of him and saw a white table, and behind it, two people stood. A long nosed man who was sitting, and a white haired woman, dressed in blue, standing besides him.
- "Welcome to the Velvet Room, my dear young man. My name is Igor... I am delighted to make your acquaintance. This is Elizabeth, she is a resident here, like myself." – Igor said.
- "Pleased to meet you." – Elizabeth answered.
- "Uhh... pleased to meet you... I think... am I dreaming?" – Minato was confused.
- "Indeed you are. You are fast asleep in the real world as we speak. However, you will come to this room of your own accord, sooner or later. This place exists between dream and reality... mind and matter." – He explained. – "It has also been a long time since our last guest... so we are very excited to have you here..."
Igor waved his hands over the table, and a red notebook appeared. The very same one Minato had signed the day he arrived to the dorm – "Only those that have signed this contract can enter this room. Thus, you are welcome here whenever you desire to visit. After all, you will be honing an unique ability, and you will need my assistance to perfect it. The only thing I ask in return... is for you to abide by the contract, and take responsibility for the choices you make..."
- "O-kay... I think..." – Minato said.
- "You will understand the next time you come here. Like I said, you will come by your own accord. Now take this... it is the key to this room. You will know where to use it. Now... till me meet again..." – Igor and the room vanished.
- Kirijo Dorm, Minato's Room – Early Morning –
- Thursday April 09, 2009 –
Minato sat on his bed, clutching his head. He had just had the weirdest dream ever. Why had he dreamt with such strange people? He decided to not eat one of those Wild-Duck Burger Surprise Special for dinner again. He suddenly felt something weird on his hand, and lifted it. Upon closer inspection he noticed it was a key.
- (What the? Where did this come from...? Okay... I have seen weird things before... specially with 'that' hour... but this?) – He thought. He then glanced at the clock and cursed. – (Damn it... I overslept again... I will worry about this later... I need to go...)
Throughout the day Minato could not take his mind away from the mysterious key and the weird dream. Class today was specially boring, and he could not help falling asleep for a few minutes during the Classic Literature class. Luckily for him, Junpei woke him up before Ekoda-sensei noticed. Once again, upon arriving at the dorm, he decided to go straight to bed. He reasoned that the trip must have been more tiring than he thought.
- Kirijo Dorm, Control Room – Dark Hour –
- Thursday April 09, 2009 –
For second night in a row, Yukari and Mitsuru stood in front of the monitor, watching Minato sleep. The Chairman entered the room, and walked towards the girls. Adjusting his glasses he watched the screen, and saw the young man sleeping peacefully, despite the Dark Hour.
- "How is he?" – He questioned.
- "Same as last night. No reaction to the Dark Hour." – Mitsuru answered.
- "Hmm... very interesting... even those with true potential tend to be unstable at first... memory loss... disorientation and the like. Yet this subject is certainly unique. It is very interesting that he has not shown any of the common symptoms." – Ikutsuki mumbled.
- "I feel like we are treating him like a guinea pig..." – Yukari complained.
- "I understand your concern... but it is imperative we recruit new members. I heard he is your classmate... would you not be more comfortable working with someone from your own grade?" – The chairman asked.
- "Well yeah... but still..." – Yukari said. – (I still feel bad... but I do wonder why he does not react... unless... has he experienced it before? It could explain why he looked so calm when he arrived... maybe I should tell the chairman...)
Before Yukari could voice her thoughts an alarm went off on the panel. Yukari glanced towards Mitsuru, who was fast typing in the keyboard, and several minutes opened a voice channel.
- "Control Room... what is it Akihiko?" – Mitsuru spoke.
- "You are not going to believe this... this thing is huge! It is chasing me... I do not have time to explain... just wanted to let you know I am almost there..." – The voice of Akihiko explained.
- "What? He is bringing that thing here???" – Yukari panicked.
- "Chairman! Let us suspend this for now. We must get ready for battle!!" – Mitsuru said, as she walked away.
- "Yes... do be careful, both of you" – The Chairman glanced towards the screen.
- Kirijo Dorm, Lounge – Dark Hour –
- Thursday April 09, 2009 –
Akihiko panted as he crashed on the door of the dorm. Clutching his injured right arm, he opened the door with a bit of difficulty. Feeling safe inside, for the moment, he fell on the floor, with his back to the door. He suppressed a groan of pain, as the blood dripped from the deep gash on his arm.
- "Akihiko!!" – Mitsuru screamed his name upon seeing him.
- "Senpai? Are you okay? I mean... do you have any other injuries?" – Yukari was worried.
- "No time for that... be prepared to be surprised. That thing is nothing like we have seen before... it is very powerful." – Akihiko explained.
- "This is no time for jokes!!" – Mitsuru scolded him.
- "Believe me... I wish I was..." – Akihiko almost yelled.
- "Did you say it was different?" – Ikutsuki questioned.
- "Yes... like I said... it is nothing like we have seen before..." – He groaned in pain as Mitsuru hastily bandaged his arm.
- "This is the best I can do this soon. We will have to treat it later. For now... we must get ready. Chairman... please go to the control room and lock yourself in. Takeba, go wake him up, and run through the back." – Mitsuru ordered.
- "Senpai..." – Yukari was about to protest, but the building suddenly shook. – "What the?"
- "Go Takeba!" – Mitsuru ordered. – "I know you have not used it yet, but we are trusting you to protect him. Here, take this spare sword of mine and give it to him. Tell him it is for self defense just in case."
- "Ye...yeah... I... I will do that..." – Yukari answered – (She does not trust me...)
- "Go Takeba! Now!" – Mitsuru yelled.
Yukari walked several steps backwards, and then turned around and ran. She stopped by the stairs and yelled. – "What about you two?" – She said as she saw the Chairman pass besides her.
- "We will stop if here for now." – Mitsuru answered, and then glanced at Akihiko. – "I am sorry. I know you are injured, but you brought it here. You will fight it with me."
- "Like I had a choice!" – Akihiko answered. – "What are you waiting for Takeba? Go!"
- "Yes!" – She ran upstairs.
- Outside Kirijo Dorm – Dark Hour –
- Thursday April 09, 2009 –
Akihiko and Mitsuru stood by the door, guarding it, awaiting for their enemy. Blood drenched the hastily prepared bandage on Akihiko's arm who held a silver gun on his uninjured arm. Mitsuru held a silver gun with one hand, while balancing a small sword in front of her eyes.
- "Damn it... Mitsuru... this could be a problem..." – He said.
- "What do you mean?" – The redhead asked, while glancing forward.
- "Those are not the ones I saw..." – He answered.
- Kirijo Dorm, Minato's Room – Dark Hour –
- Thursday April 09, 2009 –
Minato sat in his bed, once again clutching his head. Sleepily he glanced around, and noticed the green atmosphere of 'that' hour. He groaned, wishing he could drink some water, but since it was 'that' hour, he would not be able to do so, since all the water had turned into blood. He stood up, and glanced at himself, noticing he was still wearing his school pants and shirt. Yesterday he had been so tired that he had forgotten to change. Upon arriving to his room, he had laid on bed, intending to rest for a while, before changing, and had fallen completely asleep. A sudden rumble put him on guard.
- (What the? What is going on...?) – He thought. A knock on his door gained his attention.
- "Hey! Wake up!" – Yukari's frantic voice could be heard. A new rumble shook the building. – "Sorry, I am coming in!!" – She opened the door.
- "What is going on?" – Minato said, as he put on his shoes.
- "No time to explain! We need to get out of here! Follow me!" – She said as she took hold of his wrist, and started dragging him. They ran through the hallway, and down the stairs. – "We need to get out through the back door..." – She suddenly stopped. – "Oh yeah right... here... take this... just in case..."
- "A... short sword? What the?" – Minato looked at the weapon with interest.
- "Like I said... no time to explain..." – Yukari said. Before they could move, they heard a voice directly on their minds.
- "Can you hear me?" – The voice of Mitsuru resonated on their minds.
- (What the???) – Minato's eyes widened a bit, but Yukari did not notice this. In fact, she was not surprised at the voice.
- "Loud and clear Senpai... what is the status?" – Yukari questioned.
- "Be careful... there are more enemies that the one that Akihiko saw... in fact... we have not seen it..." – Mitsuru explained.
- "What!?" – Before Yukari could ask anything, several strong crashes were heard outside. The door started to crack upon the punishment it was receiving. – "Oh damn!! Lets pull back!!" – She gasped and took hold of Minato's hand this time, dragging him once again.
- "Can you tell me what is going on??" – Minato questioned. Both teenagers heard the distinctive noise of the back door breaking, crashing when it fell on the floor.
- "Oh no! They are downstairs!! Do we have no choice to go further up?" – She nervously glanced around.
- "Whatever it is happening... why do we not hide in one of the rooms?" – Minato suggested.
- "No! It is too risky! If they find us we would be trapped! Come on! Let us go to the roof!!" – She said, not once letting go of his hand. Minato was actually surprised at her strong grip. She being panicked surely helped her grip.
As they ran up, the building kept shaking. – "Damn, damn, damn!! It is getting closer! Hurry!" – She yelled as they finally reached the top floor, where they opened the door to the roof, and closed it behind them. They ran towards the center of the roof, where they stopped.
- "I... think... we may be... safe... for now..." – Yukari panted as she cleaned the sweat from her forehead.
- "Can you now tell me what is going on?" – Minato questioned yet again, while moving his fingers, who were free from Yukari's panicked grip.
- "Well you see..." – Yukari was interrupted by a noise behind her. She glanced towards the side of the building and blanched upon seeing the creature emerge. The light from the dark green full moon, that fell unto the creature, created a terrifying image.
A black mass with multiple limbs climbed the roof. One of the hands held a blue mask, which resembled a face. Upon seeing the two teens, the creature took out multiple knives, and moved slowly towards its prey. Yukari gulped, and glanced towards Minato, who saw the creature with shocked eyes. She remembered the words of her Senpai, that his safety was her responsibility. She slid her hand in her thigh, and took hold of the silver gun on it.
- "I guess... it must have passed through one of the windows below... I was careless..." – She told Minato. – "This creatures... we call them Shadows..." – She pressed the head of the gun to her forehead, and glared at the creature. – "I... I will protect you..."
Yukari was about to press the trigger on the gun, when one of the limbs of the creature extended, and shot towards her. She screamed in pain as the blade crashed with her gun, and she fell backwards. The gun fell from her grasp, and spun in the floor towards Minato. A faint line of blood fell from her hand. Her injury was superficial, but she had lost the gun.
Minato was about to ran towards her when he stopped. The boy from before stood by his side, and he only whispered a few words. – "Go on. You know what to do." - Minato glanced towards the gun, kneeled, and took hold of it.
- "Wait! That is not a real gun!" – Yukari tried to tell him, but was surprised to see Minato raise the gun towards his temple.
Below, on the control room, Akihiko and Mitsuru panted as they entered the room. The Chairman stood watching the scene through the monitor. Both Senior students were about to run towards the roof, but Ikutsuki told them to wait. He wanted to see what would happen. Akihiko complained while Mitsuru remained in silence, but before he could leave, it began.
- "Arisato-kun?" – Yukari asked. He seemed to be in trance, and the weird shadow had its sight on him, without moving, as if it was calculating its next move.
- "Per...so...na..." – Minato mumbled and pushed the trigger. Light suddenly emerged above Minato, and a strange shape formed behind him. Yukari watch with wide eyes as a figure manifested.
- "Thou art I... and I am thou... From the sea of thy soul... I cometh... I am Orpheus... master of strings..." – The creature, which identified itself as Orpheus, spoke. It resembled a human with a dark face with white hair. Its body was green, while its white arms and legs appeared to be somewhat robotic. A massive harp stood on its back.
- "Amazing... he does have the true potential..." – Yukari said.
Below, on the control room, the three watching the monitor stood speechless. – "As we expected... he has the true potential... no matter... that shadow is too strong for his first battle... Akihiko, let us go!" – Mitsuru ordered, but before they could move, yet another surprising event took place.
Orpheus suddenly started to convulse. It moved in weird patterns, while Minato clutched his head, the silver gun still on his right hand, while the short sword laid forgotten at his feet. Orpheus started to make a gagging sound, and soon fingers could be seen appearing through its mouth. A mighty roar could be heard as Orpheus was ripped from the inside. A new creature appeared on its place. A monstrous white mask stood over a deadly black body, with strange objects, which resembled coffins, floating behind it. The new creature roared mightily.
The shadow, sensing danger, sent all of its arms towards Minato, who was protected by the new creature. It ripped one of the arms of the shadow, and used the stolen blade to cut the shadow's mask in two. It twitched in pain, and tried to escape, but the white masked creature did not allow it, as it took hold of its limbs, and started to rip them out, one by one, until nothing was left. Each ripped limb would dissolve into nothingness under the hands of the creature, who upon a final mighty roar, disappeared, leaving Orpheus behind.
Surprise was everything that registered on the minds of the four witnesses. Below on the control room, Akihiko voiced his thoughts. – "What the fuck was that??"
- "I... do not believe this..." – Mitsuru was speechless.
- "Move you two... there may be more shadows out there..:" – Ikutsuki ordered. He glanced at the screen, wondering what was that they witnessed.
On the roof, Yukari glanced towards Minato and the creature floating behind him, Orpheus, which vanished suddenly. – "Is it... over?" – She asked, but received no answer as Minato started to fall backwards. Without doubting, she ran towards him, and caught him as he fell.
- "Hey! Are you okay? Please say something!!" – She said as she lowered his body, allowing his head to rest on her lap.
- "Hey!! You okay??" – Akihiko questioned, as he ran through the door, with Mitsuru behind him.
Yukari ignored them, and centered her attention on Minato – "Hey! Can you hear me! Please! Answer me!!!"
- Velvet Room, DreamWorld – Dark Hour –
- Thursday April 09, 2009 –
Minato groaned as he opened his eyes. His head hurt and was spinning. Glancing forward he saw the serene face of Elizabeth, and the smirking one of Igor. He was about to speak, when the voice of the long nosed man filled the blue room.
- "Good to see you again. You lost consciousness after awakening to your 'power'. Do not worry about it, nothing is wrong with you. Just relax. By the way, I am quite surprised that it was Orpheus the one that heeded your call... one of the Fool Arcana. This power, we call it Persona, as you may have deduced already. It is a manifestation of your psyche." – Igor explained, without pausing.
Minato tried to process the information on his mind, but he still found hard to concentrate, so he just spat the first thing that came to his mind. "I do not understand..."
- "In time you will. Your power is currently weak... but it will grow to be great. A Persona is a part of your Personality that evolves according to external stimuli... In time you shall understand. It will depend on how you relate to other people. Please remember that. Now... I believe time still marches in your world. So I should not keep you here any longer. The next time we meet, you will arrive here by your own feet. Best of luck. Farewell." – Igor said, and Minato's vision started to blur.
- Gekkoukan High, Outside Faculty Room – Early Morning –
- Friday April 10, 2009 –
Yukari sighed as she waited outside the faculty room. Yesterday's events still roaming in her mind. She could be dead, if it had not been for him. She was alive thanks to Minato. And he currently laid on a bed at Tatsumi Memorial Hospital. After he fell unconscious on her lap, she freaked out. She barely remembered as some doctors came soon after and took him away from her. Her senpai had to stop her from trying to stop the doctors. She calmed down when they told her they were going to the hospital as well.
The Chairman took her and Mitsuru towards the hospital, as Akihiko had left with the ambulance due to the heavy injury on his arm. About an hour later the doctor informed them that Minato was just exhausted for having used his Persona for the first time, and that he had overdone it. Upon her confused face, the Chairman explained to her that the doctors here were aware of them, and that they could keep a secret. She sighed in relief upon learning he was going to be okay.
Yukari tried to cover her yawn when she heard the door to the faculty room open, and from it she saw the person she was looking for, Toriumi-sensei. The professor saw her, and her eyebrows rose. – "Takeba-san?"
- "Uh... Sensei... I wanted to speak with you before classes began..." – Yukari said.
- "What is it? Can it not wait?" – The professor questioned.
- "No... in fact it can not." – She answered, gaining the attention of the woman. – "Senpai asked me to tell you, since she was busy at the hospital and could not come earlier..."
- "Hospital? And why does it concern me? Why not speak with Kirijo-san's homeroom teacher?" – She questioned.
- "The thing is... she is at the hospital arranging things for Arisato-kun." – Yukari admitted.
- "What? What happened? Is he okay?" – The professor was shocked.
- "He had an accident. He... uh... tripped and hit his head." – She started to tell the story the Chairman and Mitsuru had created. – "The doctors say he is okay, but that he most probably will stay unconscious for a few days, specially since he seemed to be exhausted. They think the transfer may have tired him more than normal."
- "I see... he did seem very tired since he arrived... but you say he is okay then?" – Toriumi-sensei asked.
- "Yes. But he will be missing some days of school." – The girl answered.
- "Very well. I will keep it in mind, so his absence does not affect his record. May I ask you, since you live in the same dorm, to gather notes to share with him when he returns?" – The teacher asked.
- "Yes. No problem." – Yukari said.
- "Very well. Then let us go to the classroom, or we will both be late."
- Kirijo Dorm – Early Morning –
- Sunday April 12, 2009 –
Yukari walked outside her room wearing a one piece winter pink dress and winter brown boots. After locking the door she walked towards Mitsuru's door and knocked, receiving no answer she walked towards the stairs, and went up, towards the control room. She entered the room without even knocking.
- "Senpai, I am going to the hospital to visit Arisato-kun and... Senpai?" - Yukari grumbled seeing she was not here either. - "Where did she go? Ugh..."
Yukari was about to leave when something caught her sight. Several documents which laid scrambled over the table in the center of the room. Her curiosity won over her, and she walked towards them. Taking the files on her hands, she gasped.
- (Arisato-kun's file...? Was the information on this file what made them transfer him here?) - She started to read the file, and her eyes widened. - (His parents died... ten years ago? Same as Dad... and no one ever adopted him?... I can somehow understand... we both have been alone for years... yet he looks so strong and calm... maybe that is the way he confronts life...)
Yukari sighed and stood up, leaving the file behind. - (Anyway... I better get going... hopefully he will awaken soon...)
- Kirijo Dorm – Late Night –
- Thursday April 16, 2009 –
Akihiko sat in one of the sofas in the Lounge with his eyes set on the TV, yet his mind was not paying attention to it. A week had passed already since that strange shadow had appeared and injured him. One week since Minato had used his Persona for the since time, and week since the new Persona-user had fallen unconscious.
- (Damn it... just what the hell was that with his Persona? Why did it change suddenly? I have never seen or heard of something like that before) – Akihiko thought with a frown. – (And I can not believe how useless I was in the fight... no... I got careless because I got overconfident... I guess I overestimated my own abilities... I need more training... and yet... Mitsuru would not allow me... not with my arm like this...) – He glanced at his injured arm, which stood in a sling.
Grumbling, Akihiko stood up and walked towards the entrance, not bothering to turn off the TV. He took his jacket, from where he had discarded it earlier, and opened the door, only to be stopped by Mitsuru's voice. – "And where do you think you are going? You have not healed"
- "Relax... I am only going to the store..." – Akihiko answered.
- "This late? It soon will be the Dark Hour... do you think you can fool me?" – Mitsuru glared at him.
- "Like I said. I am only going to the store. I will not take long. And if the Dark Hour starts before I come back I will just have to be careful." – He answered without turning around.
- "Akihiko! You need to take this seriously, this is NOT a game" – She scolded.
- "You think I do not know that? Do you think a damn game took Miki away?! Give me a break Mitsuru! I just need fresh air!" – He yelled at her. – "I told you, I will be careful" – He left without a second glance, not noticing the stunned expression in Mitsuru's face.
- "Damn it Akihiko..." – Mitsuru grumbled.
- Paulownia Mall – Late Night –
- Thursday April 16, 2009 –
Junpei grumbled as he walked towards the Mall. He sat heavily on one of the benches around the fountain in the center of the small Mall, without taking out his hands from the pockets of his jacket. His sad expression turned into a frown as he recalled the events of the day.
- "Stupid old man... getting drunk... with cooking wine of all things..." – He took out his left hand, and hit the bench. – "And I am just bein' pathetic... rushing out like this every day... man... I suck... jus'... wha am I suppos' to do?"
A white dog with red eyes suddenly walked besides Junpei, and it lifted its gaze towards the sad boy. – "Hey... hiya there pooch... 'sup? Here to join ma club? The 'Nowhere to go' one?" – The dog just barked at him.
- "Heh... sorry dude... I ain't having no food... Y´know... have I not seen you before around here? Ye live around?" – He pat the dog's head, who in turned moved its head, intending for Junpei to scratch its ears. – "Hoh... smart are ya?"
- "Hey! If it is not Junpei!" – A voice said. Junpei lifted his gaze and saw two old classmates approaching.
- "Huh? Oh... heya guys..." – He said.
- "What is with the long face? Are you sad we are not in the same homeroom this year?" – The boy on the left joked.
- "Yeah right... ye wish. Hey... is it not pas' yer curfew already? How come you out of ye dorms?" – Junpei questioned.
- "Well... we are juniors now. So we get to learn about the secret exit. Hey... we are going to the Escapade Club, want to join us? I am taking Shiro here to drown his sorrows over a girl" – He grinned.
- "Damn it Kentarou! I said that is not the case!!" – The second boy, Shiro, complained.
- "Su-re... It is all written on your face. It is your fault for trying to go after someone like Takeba Yukari. She is way out of your league. Although I must admit I was kinda surprised she would hook with the new student of all. Guess she must like the Dark types." – Kentarou said.
- "Dark? He seems like a regular dude to me..." – Junpei said, giving his two cents to the conversation.
- "No, I am serious. This kid, Arisato, rumor says both his parents died when he was little... and that no one ever adopted him. Someone peeked at his file when Toriumi-sensei left it lying around." – Kentarou gossiped.
- "Man... you'll believe anything... thos' kinda things only happen on soap operas..." – Junpei answered back.
- "Hey... I said it was a rumor. Now come on! Join us! Let us go! You know... no snooze, no booze!!" – He grinned.
- "Booze? Nah... I think I will pass..." – Junpei continued patting the dog's head.
- "Oh come on! Live a little, join us!" – Kentarou insisted.
- "I said I was gonna pass damn it!" – He yelled. – "Sorry... I am just not in the mood..." – Junpei stood up, and walked away.
- "Geez... what is his problem... Well Shiro, seems only I can help you drown your sorrows!" – He said.
- "I said it was not like that damn it!!" – Kentarou answered.
Junpei never turned around to see them. The dog walked besides him, whining sensing Junpei's sour mood. – "Sorry little dude... it is just... I am pathetic..." – He kneeled in front of the dog, who licked his face. – "Heh... you trying to cheer me up? Thankya little dude..." – The dog barked, as if smiling, and then left running. – "Oh well... I am thirsty... I guess I'll go get som' water at the store..."
- Tatsumi Memorial Hospital - After School -
- Friday April 17, 2009 -
Yukari walked inside Minato's room and glanced sadly at him. Eight days had passed already and he still had not woken up. She walked towards the window, and slightly closed the curtains, intending to stop the sun from falling on his face. Afterwards she sat besides his bed and took out her things from her schoolbag, intending to advance on her homework. The past few days this had been her routine. She wanted to be by his side once he woken up. She wanted to tell him many things.
Some time later Yukari sighs, and starts gathering her things into her schoolbag. She was about to stand up, when a groan from Minato stopped her. She sees as he slowly opened his eyes. – "Ah!! You are awake Arisato-kun!!"
- "Water..." – He groaned. Yukari stood up and filled up a glass of water, from a jar left earlier by a nurse. She walked towards Minato, and helped him drink the water, by gently pressing the glass on his lips.
- "Easy there... I know you are thirsty... but we do not want you choking..." – She said.
After he drank the water, Minato tried to sat, and only managed to do so when Yukari helped him out. – "Take it easy... you may still be weak... although after all that sleep..." – She sighed – "Thank goodness you finally came to... I was so worried about you..."
- "Where... am I?" – Minato questioned, glancing around.
- "Tatsumi Memorial Hospital. It is near the dorm. Senpai arranged for you to be attended here... Today is April the 17th... it has been eight days since you fell unconscious." – Yukari explained, while Minato nodded.
- "Why are you here...?" – Minato asked. He was not used to have people watching over him... neither worrying.
- "You saved my life... How could I leave you here alone?" – She turned around, hiding a faint blush. – "Anyway... the doctor said you were just exhausted... although we never thought you would sleep for this long. Do not worry about school, I already talked with Toriumi-sensei... if she ask you anything, just tell her you uh... missed a step or something... we told her you had fallen and hit your head. It was our Senpai's idea actually."
- "I will have that in mind." – Minato answered. – "What... was that thing?"
- "It was a Shadow... they roam around during the Dark Hour... there are a lot of things you need to know, but I guess we should wait until you get back to the Dorm. The Chairman and our Senpai will be able to explain it better." – She said, and after a short pause apologized. – "I am sorry..."
- "Huh? Why are you apologizing?" – Minato asked.
- "I was supposed to protect you... yet you were the one to protect me... I... I was very scared... it was also my first fight against them... and I have not even summoned my Persona once before... even though we know I have the true potential..." – Upon mistaking his thoughtful face for a confused one, she continued. – "That thing you summoned... Orpheus... it is called Persona. Only those with true potential can call them forth... those of us who can walk around during the Dark Hour..."
- "Persona..." – He remembered the dream he had, the words Igor told him. Part of himself... a part that will evolve according to his relationships.
- "Sorry for not telling you before... and uh... one more thing... I wanted you to know we are kinda alike..." – She whispered.
- "What do you mean?" – Minato blinked.
- "My Dad died when I was little in an accident... and after that, my Mum and I had a fallout... we are not in good terms and have not seen each other in years... so... we are similar that way. You are alone too... to be honest... I already know about your past, sorry for prying into things like that... It was private and yet I read about your past... so it did not seem fair to me, so I wanted you to know about my own past too." – Yukari explained, and Minato nodded at her to continue.
- "It was back in 1999... curious is it not...? The same year as your parents... My Dad worked in one of the Kirijo Group's Labs... and there was this explosion... They said Dad died in the explosion, but no one knows the truth. That is why I moved here one year ago... believing I may be able to find anything... that is why I enrolled in Gekkoukan High... and why I was there in the dorm when this happened to you. You must think I am coward... for it is my fault that happened to you..." – Some tears threatened to fall from her eyes.
- "You are no coward... in fact... I am thankful for you being here..." – Minato reassured her.
- "Thanks... but still... here I am saying all these things the minute you wake up. It is just that... while I was here watching you I thought 'I have been hiding so many things from him, I want to tell him the truth... As soon as he wakes up, I want to tell him'. So... thanks for listening to me. Actually, I have wanted to share this story with someone for a long time..." – She admitted.
- "What about Kirijo-senpai?" – He questioned.
- "Senpai is... nevermind." – She stopped herself, confusing Minato. – "I need to go... I promised our Senpai to tell them when you woke up. Do not worry about going to school tomorrow. You need to rest. We will probably come to get you tomorrow after school, to take you back to the Dorm. For now, be a good patient and rest. Do not hesitate to call the nurse either." – She said, and Minato nodded.
- "Good night, Arisato-kun" – She said at the door, but was stopped by his voice.
- "Minato." – He said.
- "Huh?" – Yukari, confused, glanced at him.
- "Please call me Minato." – He asked.
Yukari glanced at him, a bit surprised, and smiled sweetly at him. – "Sure... Minato-kun. Then call me Yukari as well."
- "Sure, Yukari." – He smiled as well. – "Good night."
- "Good night." – And she left, leaving Minato to this thoughts.
- "Persona, huh?"