-Monday, July 13th
The first thing I see waking up is the lights of a hospital room.
Yukari: Well look who's finally awake.
I look to my left to see Yukari sitting by me. She has a rather serious look on her face.
Yukari: You gave us quite a scare you know that? We've all been taking turns keeping an eye on you to make sure that you were ok.
Austin: Haha sorry about that, for how long was I out?
Yukari: You've been out for almost a week, the doctors had told us it was just exhaustion but we were still worried about you!
Austin: Ah… Sorry about that.
Yukari: There's no need to be sorry, you didn't really have much of a choice in that situation. To be honest I'm a bit of a mess as well.
Austin: Oh why is that?
Yukari: Well... a few days ago I called out Mitsuru during a meeting with Ikutsuki. It was about how she tricked all of us to clean up a mess done by her family.
Austin: A mess done by her family?
Yukari proceeds to explain everything that happened since I was out. How she had Fuuka look up on data to what happened 10 years ago, and how Mitsuru's grandfather tried to weaponize the shadows. Those shadows are the cause for the dark hour, Tartarus, the apathy syndrome cases, everything. The school becomes Tartarus because it use to be the facility that did all the research. She also explains how Ikutsuki told them that it's possible to stop the dark hour if we destroy all 12 large shadows.
Austin: … Huh I guess I slept through some pretty heavy stuff then didn't I?
Yukari: …Yeah.
Yukari seems to be lost in thought. She has a troubled look on her face.
Austin: What's wrong?
Yukari: To be honest I feel pretty bad about putting Mitsuru on the spot after everything was explained.
Austin: Haha well you could always apologize later. I'm sure she feels bad for keeping it from everyone as well.
Yukari: Yeah… maybe you're right.
Yukari still seems troubled.
Austin: Oh, I had been meaning to ask you if you'd like to go shopping with Mitsuru and I sometime?
Yukari: Huh?
Austin: Well, Mitsuru and I went shopping the other day and… well to be blunt her fashion sense is kinda horrendous so how about you help out?
Mitsuru: Well excuse me for my troubled fashion sense.
Mitsuru walks into the room, I start to feel a cold sweat. I scratch the back of my head in nervousness.
Austin: Haha… I guess you heard that…
Yukari rather quickly gets up.
Yukari: Oh I almost forgot the exams are tomorrow, I'm going back to the dorms to study.
Yukari runs off soon after. I let out a loud sigh.
Austin: Don't worry, Yukari explained everything to me. I'm sorry about everything that happened.
Mitsuru: There's no need for you to apologize. I should be the one apologizing, I'm sorry for forcing you into such a situation. if it weren't for me you wouldn't be in the hospital right now.
Mitsuru bows down to apologize. I let out a loud chuckle.
Austin: Haha lift your head up. I would have joined to help either way. That's just who I am, or well at least that's how the current me is. I can't really say much about the past me.
Mitsuru: Thank you.
Mitsuru raises he head with a warm smile on her face.
Austin: Well I hope I'm ok to get out now. I just heard Yukari say something about exams going on tomorrow.
Mitsuru lets out a slight chuckle while crossing her arms.
Mitsuru: yes they are and I'm hoping to see a good score from everyone.
I let out a loud sigh.
Austin: Yeah that might require a miracle. Not only did I get in late this semester but I couldn't even properly study due to my time passed out in here. For now I'll just hope for a passing grade.
Mitsuru lets out another chuckle.
Mitsuru: Oh so you plan on taking it tomorrow? Well I was going to ask the teacher if you could take some extra time due to your situation but seeing how excited you are to take it I'll allow you to attempt it.
Austin: Eh? …You were going to help me?
A cold sweat start to drip down my spine.
Mitsuru: Yes but now that you show some preparedness to take it head on I can use that time to better my fashion sense.
She gives off a calm aura but I can see the evil in her eyes. I guess I deserve that for my big mouth. I get out of bed, luckily the nurses didn't strip me.
Austin: Welp I guess there's no use complaining. I'm gonna go to the dorm and study.
Mitsuru: Good luck.
I exit the hospital and head back to the dorm quickly rushing to my room to go study.
-Tuesday, July 14th
Exams have started… They sucked.
- Saturday, July 18th
I hate exams, I can't help but feel like most of my answers were totally wrong. I lay my head on my desk in defeat.
Junpei: Haha seems like someone had it pretty rough.
I role my head to the side to see Junpei, Arisato, Yukari, and Fuuka walk in to my classroom.
Austin: I'm so doomed. Thanks to my week passed out I only had 2 weeks to learn a whole term of information, this is just unfair!
Arisato: Yeah, you must have had it pretty rough.
Yukari: Well at least we still have Yakushima.
Austin: Eh?
I look at Yukari in confusion.
Yukari: Oh I thought Mitsuru told you the other day. We're going to Yakushima this Monday.
Austin: WHAT!?
I jumping out of my desk.
Austin: She didn't tell me!
Yukari: Ah… that may have been payback from your mean comment she overheard.
I sit down on my desk and drop my head in defeat again.
Austin: …guess I deserved that one. I'm so unprepared. I need to go buy a swimsuit.
Yukari: Well we're all about to go shopping anyways so I'm sure you can find one while we're out.
Junpei: Oh does Yuka-tan and Fuuka-chan still need to go buy swimsuits?
Junpei gives a creepy grin towards Yukari and Fuuka.
Yukari: Nope, we already bought those.
Junpei: Aw man.
Junpei looks down with a face of defeat. We all laugh and start heading out of the school. Towards the exit we run into Akihiko.
Austin: Hey Akihiko what are you doing over here?
Hmm ah hey Austin how did you do on you exam?
Austin: Geh don't remind me.
I look down in defeat.
Akihiko: Haha don't worry, you're a pretty smart kid so I'm sure you passed.
Austin: God I hope so!
Everyone starts to laugh.
Austin: Well jokes aside, what are you doing over here Akihiko?
Akihiko: Oh I got a call from Ikutsuki, I think he wants to talk about a new candidate.
Yukari: Does that mean another person is going to join?
Akihiko: Maybe…
?: Fuuka!
An unfamiliar voice calls out behind us. I look behind me to see a girl with dark skin and orange hair. If I remember correctly her name was Natsuki? She runs towards us and nods hello to everyone.
Fuuka: What's wrong, Natsuki-chan? (called it)
Natsuki: Do you think you can stay in school with me for a mandatory study session? There's, like, no one—oh you're going back to your "home" home today, huh? Ok, then never mind.
Natsuki soon turns around to walk back into the school but Fuuka walks towards her.
Fuuka: Hey, wait. It's alright, let's go.
Natsuki smiles and nods at Fuuka. Fuuka then turns around towards us.
Fuuka: Sorry, I'll see you all later back at the dorm.
Fuuka heads back into the school with Natsuki
Junpei: I'm really surprised at how much she's changed.
Ikutsuki: Ah, friendship… how beautiful.
Ikutsuki walks towards us.
Ikutsuki: Adolescence is such a wonderful thing! So full of vibrancy!
Yukari: Mr. Chairman!
Ikutsuki: Oh, hello. I just stopped by to pick someone up. I might as well introduce you to him now.
Ikutsuki signals a little kid to walk towards us. Ken Amada
Ken: Hello.
Yukari: Oh, hi, Ken-kun what's up?
Akihiko looks at Yukari with a confused look.
Akihiko: You know him?
Ikutsuki: He doesn't leave during the break because of his… circumstances.
Yukari: Oh… I heard about that. Something about his parents…
Ken: It was only me and my mom, but she got in an accident, and she… she died. It happened two years ago.
Ikutsuki: … right now, one of his distant relatives is paying for his school expenses. But staying at the elementary school dorm is not proper for a boy his age. So, I decided to move him to your dorm for the summer.
Yukari looks at Ikutsuki in shock.
Yukari: To our dorm!? Do you really think that's a good idea?
Ikutsuki: Why, of course. He has the potential.
We all look at Ken in surprise.
Akihiko: So he's the new candidate?
Ikutsuki: Yes but as you can see he's just an elementary school student so that's only just an idea for now.
Akihiko gives a discouraged look. Ken walks towards him.
Ken: Are you Akihiko Sanada?
Akihiko: Um, yeah.
Ken: I've heard a lot about you, you haven't lost a single match yet.
Akihiko: Yeah… well it's nice to meet you.
Austin: Alrighty then, since you'll be living with us why not join us for some shopping? I'll buy you some snacks.
Ken: I'm not a kid, I don't need snacks.
Austin: Who said snacks are only for kids? Just look at Junpei, he's kind of a grown up but he's always eating snacks.
Junpei: Hey who are you calling kind of a grown up!?
I chuckle cynically towards Junpei then look back at Ken.
Austin: See, he doesn't disprove the snack part.
Junpei: Well… yeah who doesn't like snacks.
Junpei looks very proud of his statement.
Austin: Well there you have it, I'm sure Junpei would love to finally have someone to play video games with anyways, let's go!
I start heading out from the school and the others follow close behind. After spending some time at the store to buy what we need we head back to the dorms. Junpei and Ken instantly go upstairs to play some video games while taking most of the snacks with them… something tells me we're going to need more snacks for the trip to Yakushima. Well, that's a problem for another day for now I'm going to bed.
-Monday, July 20th
Today we'll be going to Yakushima, I get all my things and get ready to go. It didn't take long for us to make it to Yakushima and my god does it look beautiful! One big island with a giant volcano in the center and a forest covering between the beach and the volcano it's hard not to be excited about it.
Austin: Look, Look we're finally here!
Junpei and I lean on the edge of the boat seeing the island in a distance.
Junpei: Hahaaa! Awesome! Ya ku shi maaa!
Junpei and I turn around to see the others completely lost in thought and we let out a loud sigh. They seem to have heard since they all came back to their senses soon after and started enjoying the view. As soon as we make it to Yakushima we head to the Kirijo estate. Here I thought the shops in the town were massive but this place is fucking huge! I've never been to any place more fancy looking than this, my world included.
Fuuka: Wow…
Junpei: It's like we're in an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Fabulous…
Two maids walk towards us.
Maids: Welcome back, Milady.
The maids look back towards us.
Maid 1: And you must be her schoolmates, correct? Welcome to the Kirijo vacation home. Please follow me.
Yukari: Um, is this the right place?
Junpei: Dude, real-life maids…
Fuuka: I knew she was from an important family, but this definitely confirms it…
We begin to follow the maid and ahead of us we see a ruggedly impressive-looking man with an eye-patch standing in front of us. Takeharu Kirijo. The Maids bow towards him and he continues to walk passed us.
Mitsuru: It's good to see you.
Takeharu looks at her and continues walking away.
Fuuka: Was that…?
Yukari: …her father?
Junpei: Dude, talk about scary!
… Junpei isn't wrong but if I remember correctly in game he's actually a nice guy.
Junpei: He's not gonna make us walk the plank, is he?
Akihiko: Don't be stupid…
Mitsuru chuckles at everyone's remarks.
Mitsuru: We won't be here long, but make yourself at home.
Junpei: Sweet! This is gonna rock! Hey, wanna go to the beach? It's right there. Dude, this place rules! Come on, let's go!
Yukari: What, already? I mean, sure, but let me get changed first!
Junpei: Then, I'll see ya there. I'm not gonna waste a single minute!
As much as I'd like to go play I kinda want to talk to Takeharu about something.
Austin: I'll head down in a sec I'm gonna take a nap first.
Junpei: Really!? We go to a beach resort and the first thing you're going to do is take a nap?
I grin at Junpei.
Austin: Yup!
Junpei lets out a loud sigh.
Junpei: Ah man, well head down when you wake up!
I salute at Junpei.
Austin: Ay ay Captain!
Junpei enjoyed my remark and everyone heads out to their respective rooms to get changed. I wait until I know everyone leaves before I start to head out and look for Takeharu… I've come to realize I've never explored this place in game and got lost.
Austin: Now where the hell am I?
Takeharu: You seem to be a bit lost.
I turn around to see Takeharu. Thank you plot conveniences!
Takeharu: You're one of the new members correct? The amnesiac that can summon his persona in real life?
Austin: Yeah… about that can I speak with you about something?
Takeharu: I was planning to have a talk with all of you later tonight can it wait till then?
I give him a stern look. This is rather Important.
Austin: Sorry, but I'd rather the others not know about this.
Takeharu seems taken aback.
Takeharu: I'm a very busy man so I can't give you too much time will that be fine?
Austin: I'll try to be as quick as I can with this.
Takeharu agrees and he leads me to the meeting room where we'll all meet with him later today.
Takeharu: So… What is it that you want to say to me?
Austin: I'm going to be blunt with you Takeharu I don't really have amnesia.
Takeharu looks at me confused.
Austin: The reason I told the others about me having amnesia is because it's easier to explain than my real situation. I'm actually from an alternate world completely disconnected from this one.
Takeharu's eyes widen but he keeps quiet, he seems interested in what I have to say.
Austin: This world exists as a video game in my world A video game that I've played multiple times which means that I also know how this story will end.
Takeharu: How does this story end?
Austin: It ends well as long as we stick with the current formula. Aside from our leader, the others don't know about my secret. I worry that if I explain the story as I know it will give them an overconfidence that can get them killed.
Takeharu lets out a sigh of relief.
Takeharu: But then why do you tell me this?
Austin: In the original story there are… sacrifices. Certain people die in the story that I feel is an unnecessary situation, I want to stop that from happening.
Takeharu: And I'm guessing I'm one of those people?
Austin: …yes
Takeharu takes a deep breath and gives me a serious look.
Takeharu: How does Mitsuru take it?
Austin: She is crushed about it for a while, it takes the help of Yukari and the others to get her back into the swing of things.
Takeharu: … that's fine.
I look at Takeharu in confusion.
Takeharu: I don't mind being a sacrifice for the sake of saving this world.
I face palm.
Austin: … the hell is with all of these people acting like they deserve to die, I expect that from a teenager but to hear it from an adult...
Takeharu: You may be too young to understand but sometimes that is a necessity.
Austin: … Doubtful
Takeharu looks at me in confusion
Austin: Here's one of those hard to explain things. In my world it's already 2018 so my mental age is actually 9 years older than I look. I'm also a graduated Medical professional so I fully understand the importance of life. So do understand when I say you're full of shit.
Takeharu chuckles to himself.
Takeharu: Haha I never believed I'd be scolded by a kid.
Austin: Haha well on paper and birth age I'd still be the second youngest of the group, without adding Aigis and Koromaru.
Takeharu: Well it seems you already know about Aigis, but who is this Koromaru?
Austin: Ah, you'll figure it out in due time.
Takeharu: So, what is it that you want me to do?
Austin: I want you to be prepared on this specific day. Ikutsuki has told us that when we destroy all the large shadows the dark hour will end, that is a lie.
Takeharu looks at me in shock.
Austin: Ikutsuki is hiding something from us, I know what it is but the information to the matter itself isn't really important on this moment in time.
Takeharu: To think that he is playing all of us during all of this time..
Austin: That's fine, to be honest we can use it to our advantage.
Takeharu: ?
Austin: It'll take all day to explain everything and as you said you're busy. So, for now let's just focus on the task at hand.
Takeharu reluctantly agrees.
Austin: What I want is for you to continue on as always. Continue acting as if he has you played. We will fight the last shadow at November 3rd, after defeating it we will celebrate the day after. During that time Ikutsuki will take Aigis for maintenance but what he will truly do is install a control system on to her, he will use her to capture all of us. No need to worry though I'll take care of that. All I want for you to do is to bullet proof your suit that day. Your death is caused by a bullet wound to the chest after having a shootout with Ikutsuki and you will kill each other that night.
Takeharu: … there's so many questions I want to ask but I feel like you wont answer any of them will you?
I get up and get ready to head out.
Austin: I've already taken too much from your current schedule and I doubt all that what I know will be very important with all the meddling I'm doing. I hope you can respect the information I told you and keep my situation a secret.
Takeharu nods in agreement
Austin: The reason I told you this now is because this is the only chance I have to speak with you without the possibility of me being watched or questioned by him. Either way he's not wrong when he says that defeating all those large shadows will be required in ending the dark hour… there's just a step that was beyond his cognition.
After saying that I head back to my room to get ready to regroup with everyone… I hope to save everyone this time around. Shinjiro, Takeharu, and him. There's no need for any of them to die. I get it that in the game it's after their death that Akihiko, Ken, and Mitsuru evolve their personas, but to be honest I feel like their personas could evolve without losing them. They can grow passed their negative emotions without having to see someone die and I will prove it! I soon put on my swimsuit and go to the beach where everyone else is already playing around. It seems Junpei already had his creepy "fashion show" about the girls and their swimsuits. I play around with everyone for a couple hours until it gets dark and we all begin to head back to the estate. Arisato stops me for a second.
Arisato: So where did you actually disappear off to?
Austin: Simply put I was preparing to save a life from a later event.
Arisato looks at me in confusion
Austin: Also you don't have to worry about that feeling of being watched, she'll reveal herself sooner or later.
Arisato gives a worried face for a short second then regains his composer, we continue heading towards the estate. Good thing he's still as trusting as he was in the game or this would have been a lot more difficult. Once we make it to the estate we all go to our respective rooms and get dressed. If I remember correctly at around this time Mitsuru has a short talk with Takeharu where he tells her that there was no need keep secrets with any of us. He also asks her why she felt the need to hack the systems when all she needed to do was talk to him for any information she wanted. Soon after I hear a knocking on my door.
Mitsuru: Austin-kun are you inside?
Austin: I'm still getting dressed, what's going on?
Mitsuru: My father wants to speak with everyone, we will all be joining up at the meeting room.
Austin: Alright.
I quickly get dressed and open the door.
Austin: Let's go.
Mitsuru takes all of us into the meeting room where Takeharu is waiting for us. He seems to be as composed as ever.
Takeharu: From what I understand, Mitsuru has already given you the short version.
We all nod in agreement.
Takeharu: Well, it's true… We adults are to blame. If I could've atoned for it with my life, I would have done so… Now, I have no choice but to rely on you. What my father wanted to create with those monsters' power was a time manipulation device.
Mitsuru: That's what he was trying to do?
Takeharu: Imagine if you could control the flow of time… eliminate unwanted events before they occur. With such a device, you could shape the future to your liking.
So Kinda like a corrupt version of what I'm doing right now…
Junpei: Damn, that's insane…
Takeharu: However, under my father's direction, the research began to stray from its original goal. In his later years, my father seemed to have only nihilism in his heart...Now that I think about it, his madness may have resulted from his struggle to break free from that. It's only natural that you want to know the truth… and it's my duty to tell you.
The room goes dark and he turns on a television playing a recording in what looks like a research facility.
Akihiko: What's this…?
Takeharu: This is the only existing footage of the accident. Recorded by a scientist who was at the scene.
A scientist is standing in front of the camera. Eiichiro Takeba.
Eiichiro: I pray that this recording reaches safe hands…
Yukari looks in shock.
Yukari: That voice…!?
Eiichiro: My employer has become obsessed with a loathsome idea. This experiment should have never even been conceived… I'm afraid what I've done will result in an unprecedented disaster… But if I hadn't, the entire world may have paid the price…
Fuuka: The entire world?
Eiichiro: Please, listen carefully… The Shadows that were amassed here have been dispersed as a result of the explosion. To end this nightmare, you must eliminate all of them! I am to blame for this. I knew the risks, but I was blinded by promise of success… And so, I didn't raise any objections… it is all my fault…
Yukari: …!?
Yukari stands in shock.
Yukari: …Dad…
We all look at her in shock.
Fuuka: You mean… that was…?
Yukari looks down.
Yukari: …
Mitsuru: Father…
Takeharu: His name was Eiichiro Takeba… He was the head researcher at the time, and a very talented man. But, we are the ones who are responsible. We pushed him to continue the research. The Kirijo group is to blame for his death.
Mitsuru: I… I can't believe it…
Yukari: So, that means… my dad caused it all…? The Dark Hour, Tartarus… The people who dies in that incident… It was all his fault…?
Akihiko: Y-You okay?
Yukari: So, that's why you were hiding this…? Because you felt sorry for me? Is that it!?
Mitsuru: No, Takeba, I…
Yukari looks angrily at Mitsuru.
Yukari: I don't need your pity!
Yukari runs off
Mitsuru: …
Mitsuru looks at Arisato
Mitsuru: Will you go…?
Arisato: …Sure.
Mitsuru: …Thank you.
Arisato stands and runs after Yukari.
Austin: No need to be so hard on yourself Mitsuru, this was all new information for you too.
Mitsuru looks lost in thought and gets up.
Mitsuru: I'm sorry but I'll be going to bed now.
Austin: … Alright.
I look at Junpei.
Austin: Ah I almost forgot. Hey Junpei go get Arisato and Yukari. It's almost the dark hour.
Junpei: Huh? Ah shit you're right. I'm on it.
Everyone aside from me and Takeharu gets up and goes to their own separate directions. Luckily things blow over fairly well after Arisato talks to her so we wont have anything to worry about tomorrow. I wait till it's just Takeharu and I.
Austin: Thanks for not telling them.
Takeharu: …Will things truly be alright?
Austin: As long as we keep going the way we are things will be going just fine, you can trust me on that.
I get up soon after and head to bed.
-Tuesday, July 21st
Today's the second day at Yakushima. Arisato, Junpei, Akihiko, and I go to the beach. The girls are probably going to be hiking the mountain and be away from Junpei due to how much of a pervert he was yesterday. They will also get informed about Aigis having been out and them having to find her. Well until they call us we'll enjoy our time at the beach. Junpei walks towards us with a note in hand.
Junpei: This says, "We've gone to see the Jyomon Cedar Tree."
Akihiko: It looks like Fuuka's handwriting…
Junpei: Aw man! We're at an island resort in the middle of summer! Why don't they go to the beach!? That's just not right!
Akihiko: Well, it is your fault.
Junpei: Whaddya mean? I-I just wanted to lighten up the mood…
Akihiko: I don't want to hear it.
Junpei: Well, it doesn't matter, anyway. We're on our own now, just the guys! If you're outta ammo, you pick it up on the battlefield! That's one of the most basic military tactics!
Junpei nods to himself and looks up with a large grin on his face.
Junpei: We'll call this operation Babe Hunt!
…oh god no
Akihiko: "Babe Hunt"? you mean, like, pick up girls…?
Junpei: Whaddya think, Akihiko-san? With you on the squad, we're guaranteed to succeed!
Akihiko seems hesitant, he looks at Arisato.
Akihiko: What do you think about this?
Arisato: Let's begin the operation.
Akihiko: Then I'm appointing him our leader, as usual.
Austin: … do I not have a say in this?
Junpei looks at Akihiko in shock.
Junpei: What!? WHY!?
Austin: um… are you guys listening to me?
Akihiko: You said yourself this is an operation.
Junpei: Aw, man, that's bullshit!
Junpei looks at Arisato
Junpei: You better take this seriously… it's an important operation.
Arisato nods and they start walking away. I turn around to walk away from this but both Junpei and Akihiko grab me by the shoulder.
Junpei: Oh no you don't, you're joining us too.
Akihiko: If most of us is doing it then all of us is doing it.
That's not even how the saying goes! I look nervously towards Arisato and he just nods in agreement, Junpei and Akihiko continue to push me down the beach.
Austin: Ok, ok I get it! But, I'll be the first to talk.
Junpei: … fine
Looking around I see a group of girls hanging out in the beach, there's four of them and they at least seem to be in their younger 20's… This could work.
Austin: Now you guys follow my lead ok.
We walk towards the girls.
Austin: the beach looks rather beautiful today doesn't it?
The girls look at our general direction.
Girl in green: Excuse me?
Austin: Haha well my friends and I just got here and we were hoping to make some friends to enjoy the waves in, I was curios if you'd like to join us?
Girl in yellow: Um, how old are you?
Austin: We're all 18
I can feel the stares of shock and confusion from the others behind me… come on guys, get in the program!
Girl in red: Haha I don't even think your friends believe you?
Austin: Nah they're just shy, they've never gone to the beach before so they're not very good when it comes to flirting.
Junpei: Hey! Stop making us look bad!
Austin: Haha I'm not wrong am I?
I turn around giving the guys an evil stare. They quickly calm down.
Austin: We are currently just on our first year of college so I cant say we're the most experienced in the beach scene. So, I was thinking maybe you gals can show us how it's done?
Girl in pink: Hmm
The girls give us the up down, checking us out.
Girl in red: How old do you think we are?
Austin: I'm guessing around early 20?
Girl in yellow: Haha that's so sweet, sorry but we're a bit older.
Austin: Really? Well you could have fooled me, you must take very good care of yourselves.
The girl in yellow blushes.
?: What the hell's going on here?
We turn around to see 4 muscular guys standing behind us… they don't look to happy.
Girl in green: Oh I guess we should tell you we came with our boyfriends. They get jealous pretty easily so this might be time to run for it.
Austin: Haha no need for running, I apologize for the misunderstand-
Everything goes dark for a while. I wake up with a throbbing pain on my right eye.
Junpei: Dude…
Akihiko: … Think of this as a lesson that it's not good to lie so bluntly.
Junpei: I don't think we'll have any luck with that black eye of yours. As punishment for lying we're going on ahead.
Arisato: The battle must go on.
Soon after they go on hitting on girls… they don't seem to be having any luck. First Junpei takes a swing at it and the girls walk away almost instantly. Akihiko goes next, they have a short talk but the girls walk away soon after. Yup this is as expected. They then swarm a lady who's by herself… they ran away from her. They walk back towards me with faces of defeat.
Junpei: This sucks… We're 0 for 4…
Akihiko lets out a loud sigh
Junpei: What's wrong? I thought you weren't interested in picking up chicks.
Akihiko: If I'm in a match, I want to win.
Akihiko glares at Junpei.
Akihiko: I know what our problem is… you can't control yourself.
Junpei: What!? Don't blame this on me!
Akihiko: I'm just stating the obvious.
Junpei: B-but, you haven't scored either!
Akihiko: What did you just say…?
Austin: Ok guys lets just calm down, getting shut down is just a thing that happens.
Junpei and Akihiko: We weren't talking to you!
Austin: …
Junpei and Akihiko continue to bicker… they then stare at Arisato, he steps back looking worried.
Akihiko: Enough already! Leader, whose fault do you think it is?
Arisato: It's both your fault.
Akihiko: I wont accept a stalemate! It's either him or me!
Junpei: Yeah! This is serious… now, tell us… who's
Junpei's vision starts to wander passed Arisato.
Akihiko: What's the matter?... You see something?
We all look behind Arisato to see a beautiful blond woman in a blue dress staring off into the ocean. Aigis. The guys proceed to hide me behind a rock with them while they give Aigis googly eyes.
Junpei: Whoa… Talk about saving the best for last…! Now that's what I'm talkin' about! Man, she's cute…
Akihiko: I agree…
All the boys seem to have hearts fluttering over their heads.
Austin: So, who's going to talk to her first?
Junpei: Obviously not you! You have a black eye.
Austin: This? Oh that's an easy fix.
I glow a card on my hand.
Austin: Kaneki Ken
I crush the card and my hair turns white while the bruise on my eye disappears. I deactivate it soon after.
Junpei: … lucky bastard. Well whatever this is our last chance to make up for our failures… let's do it one-on-one this time to lessen the chance for failure.
Akihiko: Sounds like a good plan.
Junpei: Alright, then let's decide the order! We'll go clockwise, starting with the winner. Ready…? Rock, paper, scissors!
Junpei wins first. The others looks down in defeat.
Junpei: Yeah, I win! Okay, I'll go first, Akihiko-san will go second, Austin third, and you'll go last. I'm up! Wish me luck!
Junpei walks up to Aigis, we can't hear what he's saying from where we're at, he turns around rather quickly with a face of defeat.
Akihiko: Wow, he got shot down faster than I expected…
Junpei walks back to us with a face of defeat.
Junpei: Sh-She's a tough one, Senpai…
Akihiko: Heh… Don't worry about me.
Akihiko goes next, he's talking for longer than Junpei
Junpei: Wow, he's actually having a conversation with her! Although, something's not right…
Aigis shuts him down not long after Junpei says that. Akihiko walks back to us while giving Junpei a smug smile.
Akihiko: Heh, I won… I talked to her longer than you did.
Junpei: It doesn't matter how long you talked to her!
Junpei looks down in defeat.
Junpei: This sucks
Akihiko: Hey, stop crying! You're making me feel bad…
I stand up.
Austin: Alrighty, my turn.
Akihiko: Try not to get punched again.
Austin: Hey, it was going well before that happened.
I start to walk towards Aigis. To be honest I don't really care for this situation, especially since I know that all that she cares about right now is finding Arisato. But, I could have some fun with this.
Austin: Hello there!
Aigis turns around.
Aigis: Hello, do I know you?
Austin: Haha not at all.
Aigis: I sense a power the same as the human I'm looking for, but you're not him at the same time.
Austin: Haha yeah I feel like we can help each other out with that.
Aigis: You can help me find the human I'm looking for?
Austin: Yes I can. There's just something I'll need you to do for me.
Aigis: And what is that?
I hand her a sheet of paper and a pen.
Austin: Just write down a random phone number on this piece of paper, give me a hug and I'll go bring him.
Aigis: … I don't see how this will help in finding the human I'm looking for.
Austin: Honestly it's more just to mess with my friends, But one of those in my group is the man you're looking for.
Aigis: … very well
Aigis proceeds to write a random jumble of numbers below her name and hands that over to me. She then gives me a hug.
Austin: Haha alright I'll go get him for you now, Just wait right here.
Aigis: Thank you.
I turn around to see all three of them with a face of complete shock and Arisato with a face of defeat. I head back to their general direction.
Junpei: Dude… you are the man!
Akihiko: How did you do that? So, are you going to see her later?
Austin: Haha nah I totally struck out.
Junpei and Akihiko: What!?
Junpei: But, we saw her give you her phone number.
Austin: Haha yeah that was to mess with you guys, but in her words I wasn't the human she was looking for.
Junpei: yeah she said that to me too.
Austin: Well either way I seem to be in the lead having been given a hug and phone number.
Junpei: Sh-Shut up! That doesn't count if it was just for joke purposes.
Junpei and Akihiko then look at Arisato.
Junpei: Ok it's your turn now, you're our last hope.
Akihiko: We're down to our last man… good luck.
Arisato then walks towards Aigis. She turns round and give's Arisato a face of complete shock.
Junpei: I couldn't hear what he said… But she looks surprised… We should go over there.
Junpei and Akihiko then run towards Arisato's direction… I walk behind them. Aigis Runs away after spotting them.
Junpei: Hey, what did you say to make her run away like that? Well, what're you waiting for? Go after her!
Arisato: Yeah, good idea.
Junpei: Go tell her you're sorry! If you don't, we'll all be in trouble! Go on, man. You can catch her if you hurry!
Arisato runs off after her. I catch up to smack both Junpei and Akihiko in the back of the head.
Junpei: The hell was that for?!
Austin: You dumbasses, she ran off because she saw you two running towards her not because of whatever Arisato said.
Junpei: That's bullshit and you know it!
Austin: If you were to have payed attention, she didn't start running until she looked at your general direction. Who wouldn't run if they noticed two of the guys she shut down running towards her.
Both Junpei and Akihiko look down in defeat.
Austin: Yeah now we're going to follow Arisato and you're both going to apologize to them!
Akihiko: But…
I give them a serious look.
Austin: You're both going to apologize. Right?
Junpei and Akihiko get a nervous look on their face and run off after Arisato. I follow behind while holding back my laughter. On the way down we see Aigis leaning her head on Arisato's chest.
Aigis: I have been searching for you. My highest priority is to be with you!
At that point we catch up to Arisato. Junpei and Akihiko seem to show a face of shock, I begin to laugh uncontrollably.
Austin: HAHA you got quite the silver tongue there Arisato.
Junpei: WHAT!? I can't believe this!
Akihiko: What's going on…!? He didn't even say anything to her!
My sides hurt I can't stop laughing.
Austin: Sorry guys but it seems Arisato is the superior flirt out of all of us.
Yukari: There you guys are!
We turn around to see Yukari, Mitsuru, and Fuuka walking towards us.
Yukari: What are you doing here!? We've been looking all over for you!
Fuuka: Um… What're you doing in the middle of the woods, in your swimsuits…?
Yukari: You have no idea what we've… huh?
Yukari notices Aigis still laying her head on Arisato's chest. She runs up to break it up.
Yukari: Who's this?
Mitsuru: Listen, we've encountered a problem. I'm sorry to interrupt your vacation, but I need you all to go back to the house and prepare for battle.
Arisato, Junpei, Akihiko, And I look at Mitsuru in confusion.
Ikutsuki: That won't be necessary we've found what we were looking for.
Ikutsuki walks towards us while we look at him with a confused look on our faces.
Yukari: What do you mean?
Ikutsuki then walks towards Aigis.
Ikutsuki: You had me worried. You don't have permission to leave the lab on your own, Aigis.
Aigis looks trouble and we all head back to the estate lounge. We all get dressed before meeting up with Ikutsuki.
Ikutsuki: I apologize for all the trouble. Everything is under control now.
Fuuka: So, what happened to capturing the tank?
Ikutsuki: Oh, that's been taken care of. Come here Aigis.
Ikutsuki turns around and Aigis walks towards us without her dress on. Without the dress we see that her body is completely robotic.
Ikutsuki: This is Aigis. As you can see, she's a "mechanical maiden."
Aigis: I am Aigis. My mission is to destroy shadows. I have been assigned to SEES, effective immediately.
Yukari: No way… It's like she's… alive.
Akihiko: This is unbelievable…
Junpei: She's so cute, but… she's a robot…
Both Junpei and Akihiko look at each other and then down in disappointment.
Ikutsuki: Anti-Shadow weapons were created ten years ago to combat uncontrollable shadows. Aigis was the last to be made… and she's the only one that still remains today.
Mitsuru: An anti-shadow weapon… Does that mean she…?
Aigis: Yes, I am capable of operating the Persona "Palladion."
Everyone seems shocked with the fact that a robot can summon a persona. They'll be even more shocked later when they find out how this is possible.
Ikutsuki: She suffered major damage in combat and has remained in the lab ever since. It's still unclear as to why she suddenly reactivated herself this morning…
I tap Arisato's shoulder. And whisper to him.
Austin: It wasn't this morning, every time you felt like you were being watched yesterday was because she was stalking you.
Arisato shudders, and I let out a small chuckle.
Ikutsuki: Well, I hope you will all get along.
I whisper to Arisato again.
Austin: Expect many more inconveniences.
Fuuka then walks up to Aigis.
Fuuka: An anti-shadow weapon with a will of her own… This is amazing!
Yukari: Um… By the way… When I saw you earlier, It seemed like you knew Arisato…
Aigis nods to Yukari.
Aigis: Yes, it is very important for me to be by his side.
Yukari groans to herself while everyone else just looks at Aigis confused.
Ikutsuki: Hmm… Perhaps her Identification system is malfunctioning… Or maybe she's still half asleep… This is quite interesting… Hmm…
We all give a worried look, Ikutsuki can fall into tangents really easily, especially when it's about something that's interesting to him…
Ikutsuki: Well, I can ponder this later. Oh, I forgot to tell you all… You can participate in a wide range of recreational activities here. There's a tennis court, a pool table.. even a karaoke machine. Would you care to hear me sing?
We all decide to disagree by walking away from Ikutsuki.
Austin: Hey Aigis want to play some tennis with me?
Aigis: Will Arisato-kun be joining us? I wish to go where he goes.
Arisato gives me a worried look.
Austin: Well he is now.
I put my arm around Arisato.
Austin: Alright let's go!
Akihiko: I'll be in Austin's team, we wont lose.
When we make it to the tennis court Aigis just completely destroys us. Every time Akihiko and I think we'll have gotten a point Aigis just counters it back towards us no matter where she is in the court. The first game goes to Arisato and Aigis. Akihiko and I are already gasping for breath trying to counter Aigis's brutally fast shots.
Akihiko: Man, this is just way too one-sided.
Austin: I dunno, I think we may still have a fighting chance.
I then summon a burning tarot card.
Austin: Barbatos.
I then crush the card and on my hand is Barbatos's sword. Akihiko has a worried look on his face.
Akihiko: … Do I even have to ask?
Austin: Just trust me on this.
It's Aigis's serve and I counter the shot while holding the sword on my other hand. I've been wanting to test this ability out since that large shadow. Seems that when I arm myself with my personas weapons I gain some of their strength and abilities as well. This evens the game against Aigis… for a short while. We're on our last serve.
Austin: Game Point!
I raise the ball to take a shot. Arisato and Aigis are ready to counter. I take the shot, Aigis launches it back, Akihiko manages to launch the ball up allowing me a perfect shot to score, I jump and prepare the shot, but before I hit the ball my sword disappears making me miss. The ball falls into the court and I barely land on my feet. I'm gasping for breath and my body aches everywhere.
Akihiko: Hey, are you ok?
Austin: Haha I think I may have overdone it. I can barely move a muscle.
I fall over and Akihiko helps me back up.
Akihiko: I think we'll have to call it for tonight. I'll help Austin back to his room.
Arisato and Aigis agree. Akihiko helps me to the door for my room.
Austin: Thanks Akihiko.
Akihiko: What even was that? It's as if you partially fused with your persona.
Austin: Haha yeah I learned it when fighting that large shadow the other day.
Akihiko: … I recommend you don't use that ability during battle, the strength you gain from it seems to be outweighed by the short time and heavy strain it gives to your body.
I look at the floor disappointed.
Austin: …Yeah I understand.
Akihiko: At least don't use it until you've trained your body to better utilize it.
Austin: Aye sir!
After that I enter my room and get to bed.
-Wednesday, July 22nd
I woke up a bit later in the day than usual, it seems the strain from using that form really takes a lot out of me. I'll have to find a way to properly control that form. It seems like a very useful ability if used right. Today's the third and last full day of our stay here in Yakushima, I better take full advantage of this. I head down to the beach to see everyone already playing in the beach. I run down to meet with everyone.
Austin: Hey! Sorry I'm late, I literally just woke up.
Yukari: You were the first one in bed how were you the last one up?
Austin: Sleep beckoned me and I answered it's call
Yukari face-palms.
Yukari: … oh brother
Akihiko: Austin tried to show off his new power and it took the best of him. He over powered Aigis for a short while though.
Aigis: Although he gained the ability to overpower me it seems as if it only lasts for a short while so I recommend you don't utilize it in battle.
Austin: Don't worry Aigis I understand, I'll make sure to have better control of it before I actually use it in combat.
Mitsuru: Well at least you know not to do anything risky.
Austin: Haha yeah you have nothing to worry about, but dang does it feel awesome when I have it activated. I feel almost like a real life super hero!
Junpei: …
Junpei seems a little bothered about this conversation.
Austin: Haha well it's not like it'll be useful in battle though since it only really lasts for a few minutes and then my body just shuts down after that.
Aigis: … It reminds me almost like my orgia mode.
Junpei: Hey are we going to waste our vacation just chatting or are we actually going to have fun!? We'll worry about all the random tidbits when we're back at the dorm!
Junpei's right, we should enjoy ourselves while we're here. We cant let a second of this go to waste. I then pick up the inflatable donut and fling it towards Junpei.
Austin: Well when you're right, you're right.
I then splash the girls and start swimming further off. Today was a lot of fun all in all. We played in the beach until it got dark and then we sang karaoke. After that we all went to our respective rooms and went to bed. At night when the dark hour appears I went out for a walk. I decided to train this new ability, I feel like the more I use it the longer I'll be able to handle it. After some training I go straight to bed.
-Thursday, July 23rd
We start heading back to the dorm… to be honest I feel more exhausted than I am rested, this new power takes a heavy toll to the body. Junpei seems rather bummed out about us leaving as well. Hmm we haven't gotten anything for Ken and Shinjiro yet. I go to a nearby shop and get some Yakushima region chips for Ken and a spatula for Shinjiro.
Junpei: …Um what's with the spatula?
Austin: Haha it's a gift for Shinjiro since he couldn't join us I thought I could get him a souvenir, and the chips are for Ken don't touch them.
I smack Junpei's hand away from the chips.
Austin: If you want some you can ask Ken when we get back to the dorm.
Junpei: Aw man but I already ate all of mine!
Austin: Not my problem!
The rest of the ride back goes along smoothly, we make it back to the dorm in the middle of the evening. We are welcomed by Ken who's just in the living room watching TV. I give him the bag of chips and he seems rather happy about being given the gift. Junpei instantly asks if he could have some and they go to his room to play video games. Shinjiro doesn't seem to be inside right now… I guess I could go stretch my legs and walk around. When walking around I make it to the alleyway where I first met Shinjiro. I walk in on him talking to Strega. Takaya the leader has long white hair, tattoos on both shoulders and a gun holstered on the front of his jeans. Jin has short blue hair, a green jacked, and a large metal briefcase in hand that tends to hold an assortment of grenades and medicine that they use. Chidori has long red hair, a white Gothic Lolita style dress, and an ax with a long chain around her wrist this was supposed to be the time where he tells them our plan to destroy the dark hour by defeating all the large shadows but something seems off. I get closer to listen a little better.
Shinjiro: I told you I will no longer need the medication, I've decided to move back into the dorms with SEES.
Takaya: Ah so I see you've decided to join those fools. Well I still wont allow it, we need your information to forward our cause.
Takaya point his gun at Shinjiro. Shinjiro doesn't even flinch… This is bad, I got to do something! I rush out throwing the spatula hitting Takaya on the wrist making him drop his gun. I then get between them and Shinjiro.
Austin: Hey are you ok?
Shinjiro: Huh, what are you doing here? Get away, this is my battle.
Takaya: How… How dare you!
Takaya rushes to grab his gun but I summon my persona Kaneki Ken and use one of its tendrils to push the gun away. Shinjiro, Takaya and his group look at me in shock.
Takaya: How… How is this possible!? It isn't even the dark hour, how can you summon your persona!?
Shinjiro: Unbelievable, so this kind of power exists too.
Austin: Whether it's possible or not is not up to you now back off and walk away before I beat the living daylight out of you!
I get into a defensive stance with Kaneki Ken prepared behind me. Jin grabs Takaya's shoulder.
Jin: Takaya we need to go, we're heavily disadvantaged here.
Takaya: … Very well. Let's go.
Jin: Rest assured, we will meet again.
Jin drops a flash grenade blinding us as they escape. I deactivate my persona and look back towards Shinjiro.
Austin: Hey, are you ok?
Shinjiro: What was that just now… You can summon your persona in the real world?
Austin: Oh, yeah it seems I can.
Shinjiro: How is that even possible?
Austin: To be honest I'm not entirely certain.
Shinjiro: Well I'm glad you're in Aki's side, he can use the extra help.
Austin: Yeah I get that.
I then head to where the spatula fell on and pick it up to hand it to Shinjiro.
Austin: Here, a souvenir from Yakushima. I had gotten chips for Ken but I'm fairly certain he's already eaten his.
Shinjiro looks at it in confusion.
Shinjiro: How did you know that I knew how to cook? I don't recall ever telling you about it.
Austin: Um…
Shinjiro: Actually thinking about it now, how did you know that those people were persona users?
Austin: Um… well…
Shinjiro: Something's not right here, spit it out.
Shinjiro reaches into his pocket. I sit on the floor and let out a loud sigh.
Austin: Well... shit, there goes the amnesia plan.
Shinjiro: Amnesia plan? Spit it. What's going on here?
Austin: I've been lying about having amnesia because it's easier to explain than my actual situation.
Shinjiro: And what is this actual situation?
I rummage through my pockets to pull out 2 pens I put them directly next to each other on the ground.
Austin: Now Imagine this as your world and the dark hour.
Shinjiro: Ok…
I then proceed to throw a rock far away.
Austin: Now my world was that rock.
Shinjiro: … I don't understand.
Austin: … Simply put I'm from an alternative world completely disconnected from this one and I have no Idea how I got here. To make it more confusing this very world is based off of as a video game I played a lot of in my world.
Shinjiro: …what?
Austin: Yeah none of it makes any sense, I don't really know how or why I'm here. I'm thinking my being from another world may also be why I can summon my persona in the real world too.
Shinjiro: So you are pretty much not from around here and you're just getting by with what you got?
Austin: Yup, pretty much.
Shinjiro starts to break out laughing.
Shinjiro: And here I thought the dark hour was confusing enough as it is, now we also got dimensional jumping people who don't even know how they did it.
Austin: Yeah, but I am trying to change some things from the original story. I want a complete happy ending for everyone.
Shinjiro: What do you mean?
Austin: well there are three people who have a death flag over them and I want to change it.
Shinjiro: Death flag?
Austin: yeah… and you're one of those people
Shinjiro's face starts to go pale.
Austin: In a few months you will be killed by Takaya in Strega after Ken takes you away from one of our missions... to kill you himself for killing his mom.
Shinjiro regains his composer and sits down by me
Shinjiro: Well, I guess that would be fine. Actually a rather fitting end for me.
Austin: No not fine! That would put your blood on Kens hands!
Shinjiro: … so then what do you have in mind?
Austin: Well for one thing it would be good if you wear some protection under your coat at least something to lessen the damage from a gun like Takaya's. Also it would be good if you just joined us for the fight.
Shinjiro: I've told you about this I'm not fighting!
Austin: Dude you're going to get guilt tripped into it when Ken joins us anyways.
Shinjiro: …
Austin: Exactly! So you may as well do it now so you get a better chance of surviving. Also I'd recommend if Ken does still takes you aside to get you killed to take your gear with you! It'll give us time to go save you. You wouldn't like it if Akihiko or Ken were to die so don't think they'll be happy about you passing!
Shinjiro then lets out a sigh of defeat.
Shinjiro: … Fine. I'll join you all.
Austin: Ok well for now lets go home and call it a night, I'm rather exhausted. I did just come here from a trip.
Shinjiro agrees and we start to head back to the dorm.
Shinjiro: So none of the others really know about your situation then?
Austin: Not right now and I highly recommend you don't tell them either. It's too much of a headache to explain and it wont really help much with our situation anyways.
Shinjiro: …Ok I'll respect your decision.
After making it back to the dorm we run into Arisato. I tell him how Shinjiro also knows about my situation and will be joining us. Arisato is glad to have a new member in the team. I head to my room and get ready to call it a night… I'm a bit worried! I've been placing too many changes too soon, I really hope I haven't caused any bad changes for this world. For now I close my eyes and fall asleep.
-Friday, July 24th
I woke up to the image of that black mask today, I don't really get what's going on with it. I feel like it's trying to tell me something but the sound is so muffled that I can't understand what it's saying. I get ready for the day and I hear arguing just out of my door. I look out to see Yukari and Aigis Arguing by Arisato's open door, Aigis must have started breaking in to his room… I'll just leave them alone. On the way down I run into the others having some coffee down stairs. I tell them about Shinjiro deciding to join us again. Akihiko seems the happiest about this news. I request to see if we can go to the dark hour today so we can figure out a new formation for everyone now that we have a new member and everyone agrees.
Later during the dark hour we head into Tartarus. Shinjiro's fighting style is rather intense. He swings around a large ax bashing at enemies and then his persona Castor, Like my personas, specializes more in close range combat and physical attacks. Castor also comes with a minor healing factor allowing him to fight while self-healing over time. I feel that if he keeps this up and learns to control his persona he'll be able to recover his body from the damage he got from the medicine. Aigis fights in a much more mobile style. She runs around the enemy keeping a certain distance while shooting at the shadows with the guns on the end of her fingertips. She then uses her persona Palladion to charge at the enemy and land close range attacks as well as giving buffs to the others.
On the 85th floor we run into the mini boss called Fanatic Tower, this shadow is capable of repelling most attacks aside from wind and slash. A perfect time to test it out. I deactivate my persona and reach out my hand holding a tarot card.
Akihiko: Hey what are you doing!?
Austin: Sorry but do you mind if I test this out?
Shinjiro: what's he doing?
Akihiko: He's been working on a new ability. What do you say leader?
Arisato: That's fine, we'll give him support.
Akihiko: Now you heard the guy just don't overdo it now!
Austin: Got it!
I then crush the card summoning Barbatos's sword and I charge towards the Fanatic Tower. I can only hold it for 5 minutes so I better make it count! Fanatic Tower then tries to bombard me with Mazionga. I just manage to dodge its attacks and land minor slashes to the opponent. It seems this thing has an ability to dodge most slash attacks but not all of them! I continue moving around the opponents Mazionga and damaging it little by little I should be almost there. I rush straight towards the Fanatic Tower and slice it in two. I deactivate my sword soon after as the others rush towards me.
Arisato: How do you feel?
Austin: Better than how I felt when I first used it, that must mean I'm getting better at controlling the power.
We continue moving forward up Tartarus. It didn't take long for us to push our way up to the 89th floor where we get blocked off by another impenetrable wall. It seems all we need to do now is wait for the next full moon event. This will be easy! After everything was done we make it back to the dorm.
-Wednesday, July 29th
Today wasn't too crazy, I just hung out at the dorm with Shinjiro and then had a coffee at my usual café. On the way back I run into Fuuka holding some groceries.
Austin: Hey! Planning to work on your cooking today?
Fuuka: Oh, hey Austin-kun. Yes I was hoping to work on a new dish I read.
Austin: Alright, mind if I join you?
Fuuka: Sure!
Fuuka and I head back into the dorm and head towards the kitchen. Inside we see Shinjiro rather quickly hiding an apron behind him.
Austin: Hey Shinjiro, what are you up to?
Shinjiro: N-Nothing, I was just looking around!
Austin: Well perfect timing, Fuuka was just about to cook something maybe you can help us out.
Shinjiro reluctantly agree and we start prepping the ingredients, Fuuka has already started cooking some of the food.
Shinjiro: Hey what are you doing!?
Fuuka: Um I was starting to cook the ingredients…
Shinjiro: Idiot, you're supposed to prep all of the ingredients first!
Shinjiro then proceeds to show Fuuka how to prep all the food and give her some cooking pointers.
Fuuka: You really like cooking don't you?
Shinjiro: ...It's a slight hobby of mine.
Fuuka: That's amazing! We should all cook for everyone sometime!
Shinjiro blushes and agrees to the idea, we continue cooking… The food was really good thanks to Shinjiro doing most of the actual cooking. Fuuka looks a little disappointed.
Austin: What's wrong?
Fuuka: Well I was planning to cook myself but it seems that I'm just no good at it. Shinjiro kept needing to help me.
Shinjiro tries to hide a smile while eating his food.
Shinjiro: This isn't something you'll learn overnight. It takes lots of practice.
Austin: Why don't you help her Shinji?
Shinjiro: Shinji?
Austin: Haha well we're all friends now so there's no need to be overly polite.
Fuuka: I promise to do the best I can Shinji!
Shinji continues eating his food. He's blushing.
Shinji: I will be rough with you about it, is that ok.
Fuuka has a big smile on her face.
Fuuka: I'll do my best!
We finish our food and go our separate ways. I feel good about this. The day passed and I went to bed. During the dark hour we get woken up by Fuuka.
Fuuka: Sorry to wake you! I detect a shadow! Please hurry to the 4th floor!
I quickly get up and rush to the meeting room with everyone else.
Junpei: What's going on!?
Mitsuru: There's a shadow in the city. Yamagishi found it by chance.
Yukari: But… the moon isn't full yet…
Fuuka: Actually, it seems to be just a normal shadow. However, it is outside of Tartarus…
Mitsuru: It's near Naganaki Shrine. Akihiko and Shinjiro went ahead since they were in the vicinity. I'm sure they can handle it, but let's get ready just in case.
Junpei: Gotcha!
Fuuka focuses on the coms.
Fuuka: Yes this is Fuuka.
Akihiko: We're here. Sorry, but I think you guys better come, right away.
Mitsuru: What's wrong? Is it a powerful one!?
Akihiko: No, the shadow's been defeated. In fact, it was already defeated when we got here.
Mitsuru and Fuuka have a confused look on their faces.
Mitsuru: What happened?
Akihiko: The little fella's been injured… I wanna save him if we can.
Yukari: "little fella"? who's he talking about?
Austin: I dunno but I'm sure we're going to find out.
Mitsuru: Alright everyone, let's go.
We all head down to the steps by the Naganaki Shrine to see a white Shiba-inu bloodied on the floor next to Akihiko and Shinji. Koromaru. Fuuka shows a face of shock.
Fuuka: Koro-chan!
Fuuka and Yukari lean near Koromaru.
Fuuka: Are you ok Koro-chan!?
Mitsuru: You know this dog?
Yukari: Yeah, everyone around here does… We have to help him!
Mitsuru: First we must stop the Bleeding.
Austin: Hey Yukari, do you think Dia would be able to help close the wound?
Yukari: I'll try. Io!
Yukari summons her persona and uses Diarama to stop the bleeding.
Akihiko: Man… He's one tough fighter. He defeated the shadow all by himself.
Junpei then looks at us with surprise.
Junpei: Wait, does that mean… this dog's a persona user!?
Aigis: He says, "This is a place of peace, so I protected it."
We look by the steps to see a bouquet of flowers.
Fuuka: Those flowers… they must be for the priest who died in the accident.
Yukari: So, he really was guarding the place…
Fuuka and Yukari proceed to pet Koromaru.
Junpei: Uh, Aigis? Don't tell me you can translate dog language too…
Aigis: Canines do not have their own language. However. Speech is not the only means of communication.
Akihiko: This fella really is a rare breed.
Aigis: Confirmed.
Junpei: …He's not the only one.
Mitsuru: Alright, let's report to the Chairman, so we can conclude this mission. I believe I'll be able to arrange a vet at this time to make sure he doesn't have any permanent damages.
Yukari: Good job, boy. You're one amazing dog…
Koromaru starts wagging his tail, he seems to be feeling a little better now. I carry him to the dorm where Shinji makes him something to eat. After eating his food we waited for the dark hour to pass and Mitsuru calls for a vet to check on him. According to him he's going to be ok and that there weren't any visible damages, the Diarama worked! After hearing the good news we all go to bed.
-Thursday, August 6th
I had the same dream this morning, that black mask appearing and mumbling towards me. I did manage to understand a small portion this time. "I will return and presume to what I failed to do in the past." I'm not entirely certain as to what that means just yet but I'm certain as long as we stick to my basic understanding of the story, we should be fine. We even got Shinji helping us this time so we'll have one more person than what we should have originally. I've spent these last couple weeks training and improving on how long I can use my new power. I can hold it for a solid 10 minutes before my body shuts down, this should prove useful when fighting the large shadow tonight! After school I run into Arisato towards the exit.
Austin: Hey, Arisato! You heading back to the dorm?
Arisato: Hello, yeah I'll be heading there now.
Austin: Alright, I'll go with you.
Arisato and I begin to head towards the dorm.
Austin: I heard you ran the track meet a while back, how did that go?
Arisato: I got second place, beat by this really fast runner. The guy completely flew by me.
Austin: Huh, interesting… Didn't think there would be people that could keep up with us, especially with all the training we do.
Arisato: Haha yeah I thought so too. I guess without our powers we really are just human.
Austin: Haha or more alien in my case.
We joke around a bit till he make it back to the dorm, we get ourselves ready to gear up for tonight. When the dark hour appeared we all joined up in the meeting room. Fuuka starts to use her persona to look for the Shadow.
Ikutsuki: Well, it's a full moon once again.
Mitsuru: Any luck, Yamagishi?
Fuuka: Yes, I've located it… and this time, it's not just an ordinary one.
Akihiko: Now, that's more like it.
Akihiko shows a face of excitement, and Shinji smacks him in the back of the head.
Shinji: That's a bad thing Aki, lets be prepared for the worst.
Fuuka: It's by the deserted houses in the northern part of Iwatodai. But, there is one thing that's strange… it seems like it's underground… almost 10 meters.
Yukari: It must be in some kind of basement…
Aigis: According to my records, there is no structure in the area that matches those criteria. However, in the past there was an underground facility that was used by the military.
Yukari: The military? …is that true?
Ikutsuki: Well, the architectural and geographic data for the area were uploaded into her memory bank. Then again, the information hasn't been updated in a decade.
Aigis: That is correct.
Junpei: Uh, wouldn't that be a good idea?
Akihiko: So how should we interpret this?
Fuuka: There's no way of knowing without actually going there…
Mitsuru: It seems war's scars may be deeper than we think… The situation is still unclear at this time. We'll prepare a strategy once at the location.
Akihiko: Agreed.
Aigis: Understood.
Mitsuru: Then, let's go
We head out to the Iwatodai northern harbor, once we're there we make it into an abandoned underground military facility. We walk deeper and deeper down the facility, when we look around us we see lots of old abandoned military equipment as well as the skeletons of abandoned soldiers… I don't know if this is an effect of the dark hour of if they were truly abandoned. I don't see why the bodies would be abandoned though. I feel like this equipment would have been important back then too… I may just be overthinking it, we continue walking until we find ourselves in a large room.
Fuuka: The target should be around here…
We look around us but don't see anything.
Takaya: Well done…
We look behind us to see Takaya and Jin.
Takaya: Well, it's nice to see you again.
The others look at me in confusion.
Yukari: Do you know this person.
Austin: We met the other day, they seem to know quite a bit about us.
Fuuka: Who are these guys? Lucia didn't sense a thing 'til now!
Austin: Their names are Takaya and Jin, they like to call themselves Strega, and they've been spying on us for a while.
Yukari: That's rather creepy.
Takaya: Why thank you for remembering us. From what we hear, you've undertaken a "righteous" battle to save the world. But, we've come here tonight to put an end to that dream.
Everyone starts to get in a defensive stance.
Takaya: You've gained new allies, yet this land still crawls with sin. Tartarus is towering as beautifully as always…
Junpei: But, why the hell would you wanna stop us!?
Jin: Simple. If the shadows and the Dark Hour disappear. Then we will lose the use of our power, and we can't let that happen now can we?
Mitsuru: Power…? Don't tell me you're persona-users as well!
Takaya: Why don't you use that pretty little head of yours for a change? Only a select few wield the power of a Persona and the dark hour is a frontier that is ours alone to explore… just like the tower of demise…
Yukari: That's your reason!? …Are you crazy!? There's no telling what will happen if we don't do something about the Shadows!
Takaya: What difference does it make…? There will always be disasters. Whether they are caused by shadows or arise from human folly. No one can predict the future, anyway. But, that is all beside the point. Surely you will acknowledge the sense of significance the dark hour has given you.
Yukari: You think I like this!?
Takaya: Is it not so? How about the rest of you? Do you also wish to return to your pathetic, ordinary lives?
Junpei starts to look at Takaya with rage.
Junpei: …Huh?
Fuuka: I don't enjoy this one single bit.
Jin: You've each got your own reason for fighting. "Justice" is only an excuse, and that makes you all hypocrites! So I say, to hell with you!
Jin then proceeds to close the large doors behind us.
Jin: Have fun in there.
Akihiko runs towards the door trying to open it but it was no use, we're stuck in here.
Akihiko: Dammit
Aigis: We will be alright. Rather than waste our energy, I suggest we deal with the Shadow first.
Yukari: You're right. If we lose our cool, they win.
Fuuka then shows a face of shock.
Fuuka: The Shadow's moving! I think it's noticed us!
Mitsuru: Alright, let's concentrate on our original goal. We can look for a way out after we've won. Everyone, prepare for battle.
Everyone: Alright!
We continue heading down towards the shadow, on the way down we begin to see tread marks.
Fuuka: There are tread marks here… it's heading the same direction as the Shadow… Let's follow the trail, it may show us the shadows location.
We continue following the tread marks till we enter into a large room. In front of us we see a tank standing on four legs shaped like tank treads, the top of the cannon has a large mask with angel wings, Chariot and Justice.
Arisato: Everyone, prepare for combat!
Fuuka: The enemy is using the tank as armor!
Everyone begins to surround it but the shadow manages to dodge us… the thing is quicker than it looks.
Fuuka: Its arcana is Justice… Wait, it's Chariot? What the-
Austin: It's two enemies working together, stay on guard!
Fuuka: Give me a sec; I'll scan the target.
Aigis, Shinjiro, And Akihiko rush towards the enemy to deal damage. Junpei, Mitsuru, and Yukari start using magic to hit it from a distance. The others keep it occupied while Arisato and I try to get behind it.
Akihiko: Tch. We're not even denting it!
Fuuka: I can't get a good reading of the shadow. What is going on here!?
Aigis: All attacks are causing no damage, the shell is too tough for us!
Yukari: None of our magic seems to be doing anything either! What's going on!?
Mitsuru: Just keep at it! We'll figure something out!
Everyone continues attacking but it doesn't seem to be taking any damage, what's going on here? I remember this boss being rather easy in game. Arisato and I begin attacking the shadow from behind but with no luck. Upon close inspection I see a dark aura seeping out or the parts between the tank and cannon. Just what is that? After noticing it I cant help but to remember my dreams from the last couple night. That mask keeps popping in my head, why am I thinking of that now? The shadow begins to attack, it swings its front arms knocking Akihiko back.
Akihiko: ugh, what power!
Mitsuru: Akihiko! Are you ok?
Akihiko: Yeah I'm fine…
Akihiko is holding on to his shoulder, it must be hurting pretty bad. The shadow then takes a shot towards Mitsuru launching her back towards Akihiko. They get up quickly but the Shadow rushes towards them launching them at the wall knocking them out.
Yukari: Mitsuru, Akihiko!
Junpei: You bastard!
Junpei then rushes towards the Shadows.
Arisato: Junpei no!
Ah hell well this is the best time as any! I arm myself with Allen Walkers claw to guard the Shadows attack before it hits Junpei, the force knocks me towards Junpei knocking us down.
Junpei: Ok that hurt.
Austin: Dumbass, keep your cool before you get yourself killed!
Junpei: S-Sorry.
Arisato: Junpei, Yukari you two help me cover for Shinjiro, Austin and Aigis! Aigis use Orgia mode!
Aigis: Okay! Initiating orgia mode!
Blue energy starts to expel from Aigis as she starts to rush towards the shadow. The others magic keeps the enemy occupied while Aigis and I start to put some damage on the enemy.
Fuuka: The enemy is starting to take damage, keep it up everyone!
Alright! If this keeps up we should be able to win this! I switch to Barbatos's spear tip mace and charge towards the enemy but before I land a hit the shadow splits in two, the dark aura that was hiding between them releases a force launching me back. When I look up I start to break in a cold sweat, how is this real? In front of me is a humanoid body of dark aura wearing the same black mask I saw in my dreams. Before I could say anything the body splits in two and fuses with the two shadows their masks then morph into the same shape as the black mask.
Fuuka: Everyone get back! The shadow seems to be getting stronger!
Junpei: What the hell!? We were having a hard time as it is.
Before Shinji could do anything the tank body launches him towards the wall, he uses his persona to soften the blow but the force was too much for him and he falls unconscious.
Austin: Shinji!
Junpei: Damn it! This cant be happening! AHHHHHH!
Junpei then begins to swarm the cannon shadow with a flurry of Agi attacks.
Yukari: Junpei no! you don't have enough magic to keep this up!
Soon after Junpei starts to go down on a knee gasping for breath.
Junpei: *Gasp* damn it *Gasp*
The cannon shadow lands a shot on Junpei, He uses his persona to guard him but the force of the blast knocks him out.
Austin: Damn it! We're dropping like flies.
I rush towards the cannon knocking it back towards the tank. Aigis then smashes the tank with the cannon Shadow.
Aigis: I have reached my limit.
Aigis's body starts to spark and she falls on her knees, her orgia mode has reached its limit. The tank tries to land a swing towards Aigis.
Yukari: No! Aigis!
Yukari uses her persona to carry Aigis out of the way. But the cannon shots at Yukari, I jump in to guard her and then the tanks rams in and hits me on the side launching me towards the wall.
Arisato: Austin!
Arisato uses his persona to hold back the shadows while Yukari heals my injuries.
Austin: Thanks Yukari.
I get up and charge towards the Shadow but, before I land a hit my weapon reverts back into my bo staff and the tank body launches me back, I manage to regain my footing but the cannon gets ready to take a shot on me.
Austin: Shit, I cant dodge this.
I brace for impact from the attack but Arisato runs in front of me taking the hit.
Yukari: Arisato!
With Yukari's attention on Arisato the tank lands a solid hit on her, knocking her out… shit, what are we going to do? Most of us are incapacitated and I'm barely even able to stand. The two shadows are rushing towards me… is this really it? Is this really all I can do? Just what the hell is that thing that fused into them? What even is that mask? Damn so many things I want answered but I guess they just never will… I'm tired. Is it ok if I just sleep now? My eyes are getting heavy and begin to close. I cant help but think about the two masks that have been haunting me, a black and a white mask. The white mask of Philemon and the black mask… the mask of… Nyar… Nyarlathotep… no.
I open my eyes and release a force that pushes the two shadows back. I once again get surrounded by a blue flame.
Austin: I won't die like this. WE won't die like this!
The others start to regain cautiousness barely able to look up they see me with shock and worry on their faces.
Austin: I am thou…
I burning blue tarot card appears in front of me.
Austin: Thou art I
My persona Barbatos appears behind me engulfed in the same blue flames.
Austin: Thou will bring an end to this chapter!
A large magic circle appears behind Barbatos… the fusion magic circle.
Austin: Give me your power as I call thy name!
A spear tipped chain comes out of the magic circle impaling both me and Barbatos in the chest. Barbatos's chest begins to open sideways like a large mouth.
Arisato: Austin!
I begin to cough up blood, this pain is unbearable. But, I know what I must do. I reach my hand towards the card.
Austin: Persona Armament.
I crush the card and after doing so I get pulled back into Barbatos and then pulled into the magic circle… everything goes dark for a second… when I open my eyes I feel a surge of power, I look down to see myself wearing a Blue and white armor with red shoulder guards. On my hand I see a spear-tipped mace. I look at the enemy full of energy and ready for battle.
Austin: Persona Armament Barbatos Lupis!
I let out a blood curdling scream, War Cry. When doing so an aura surrounds the others recovering all of their health. Everyone begins to get up. I rush towards the cannon forcing it into the top of the tank body reverting it back into a four legged tank.
Austin: Everyone! Keep it occupied with magic! Aigis can you activate Orgia mode one more time?
Aigis: Affirmative. Initiating Orgia Mode!
Aigis starts expelling blue energy again and rushes towards the shadow.
Austin: Alright, help me launching that thing in the air! The bottom of the tank is its weak point.
Aigis and I then flip the tank in the air. I jump back readying my spear tipped mace, and throw it at the belly of the tank leaving a large dent in the body. I then rush in punching the spear tip of the mace deeper into the body. I pull the trigger on the mace forcing out a javelin piercing through the body of the tank destroying it, Guard Shatter. Soon after my spear tipped mace disappears. The cannon starts flying around dodging the others attacks. I follow after it.
Arisato: everyone control it's flight pattern with your magic, lead it towards Aigis!
Everyone: on it!
The other use their magic leading the cannon to fly towards Aigis. She quickly jumps up and punches the cannon stopping it in its tracks.
Arisato: DO IT AUSTIN!
Austin: Take this!
I reach back summoning a bulky sword and I swing down cutting the cannon in half destroying it. The two destroyed shadows dissipate into nothingness soon after. Junpei leaps for joy.
Junpei: Alright we did it!
Akihiko: I'd say we just barely survived.
Akihiko lets out a loud sigh.
Mitsuru: It seems he's gained yet another new power...
My armament then deactivates and I get down on my knees while gasping for breath and a throbbing pain on my chest. The pain of being impaled is still there. I look under my clothes to see a large scar on the same location that I got impaled but none of my clothes show any signs of damage. Arisato walks towards me.
Arisato: You're not going to pass out again are you?
I look up to see Arisato giving me a hand to get up.
Austin: Haha no I think I'll be fine this time.
I grab Arisato's hand and he helps me get back up.
Junpei: Dude that was amazing! How did you do that!?
Austin: I'm not entirely sure. It was almost as if my body was moving on its own.
Mitsuru: Interesting… When you can you should get yourself checked just in case.
Austin: Haha good idea. But, maybe for now we should find a way to get out of here.
Mitsuru: Good Idea, I'll give Ikutsuki-san a call. Maybe he'll be able to help us.
Mitsuru begins to use her persona to try to communicate with Ikutsuki.
Arisato: I'm also curious about that black masked Shadow. It looks almost as if it made the other two even stronger. Fuuka did you manage to sense it at all?
Fuuka: I only sensed the two larger shadows I didn't even notice the third shadow until it was too late.
A sense of discomfort engulfs us. I don't think this will be the last time we see that thing.
Mitsuru: I managed to contact Ikutsuki. He's on his way to let us out now.
Junpei: Alright lets head down to the exit while we can!
Akihiko: Good idea, let's go.
Everyone begins to head down towards the exit. Shinji and Arisato help me towards the exit. They both start to whisper at me.
Arisato: What was that third shadow? Do you know anything about it?
Austin: Sadly that thing was new to me too.
Shinji: ...So that thing is something different to what you remember?
Austin: Exactly that... I dunno, I feel like I'm missing something... Maybe after some rest I'll remember.
We all proceed to walk towards the exit where Ikutsuki has opened the gate for us, we head down back to the dorms. I walk to bed soon after. While I lay in bed I think about what happened recently. That dark mask… I know for a fact that thing was not from this game originally, that thing was from something different… Nyarlathotep huh? From where do I remember that name?... I'm too exhausted to think about it right now. I fall asleep soon after. This is the first time in a while that I didn't have a dream about that mask.
