Author's Note:

Prepare yourselves for a huge assembly of words! This right here has about a good 6000+ words and is worth a read!

I hope this much will make it worth your while, and I'll try to send in the next one soon despite my exams.

Enjoy!

Chapter 2

The First Day

Ah, it's a brand new day! It's beautiful too, what can possibly ruin this wonderful morning? One word: School

It wasn't that I hate going to school, but it's the homework that they keep giving us. Honestly, I'd be okay going to school and spend around six hours with my friends (well, not anymore), just don't give the overflowing homework.

I had to get dressed and quickly too if I want to make anything decent for breakfast besides instant noodles. Everybody in this dorm would gladly eat anything instant just so that they can get a few more hours of sleep, but what does it matter to wake up a few minutes earlier? We'll eventually regret nothing in the long run.

Okay, hair. Check. Pigtails. Check. Bag… It's downstairs probably. Journal… Now where did I put that?

I got dressed for school but unlike the others, I have my own version of the school's dress code. I wear the normal school uniform, just with a blue light jacket since I'll probably die from the cold. And as usual, I wear my scarf around my neck to cover my marks. The teachers don't mind the scarf and the jacket much, except for Mr. Okoda who believes that we should all wear the proper school uniform.

I went downstairs only to find Mitsuru, sitting down on the kitchen table all alone drinking a cup of tea. After the small argument last night, I tried to ignore her at first, but instead, she's the one who started the conversation.

"What do you think of Makoto?" she asked while sipping her cup of tea.

"What about him?" I said while making a sandwich. "He's just another junior just like me, and apparently, he has the ability to experience the Dark Hour. What else do you need to know?"

She stopped drinking and placed her cup onto the table. "Do you think he has the potential?"

I finished making two sandwiches for breakfast and moved on to the dining table. "We won't know for sure right? Ikutski doesn't have a Persona, but he can experience the Dark Hour. Same goes for your dad and mine. If he does, then good for him. If not, he can stay with me in the dorm while you guys go saving the world." I said jokingly.

I sat down on the opposite end of the table and began to eat my breakfast. Mitsuru didn't get up and leave yet. Instead, she put her hands together and thought to herself. She's a prodigy; thinking and formulating things were her strong points, which makes me wonder if there's anything she doesn't plan for.

"Are you going to spy on him?" I asked as I took a few bites out of my sandwich. I know about the cameras around the dorm, so I'm willing to bet that they'd use them for this occasion.

"We would have to observe him for the time being. If he doesn't have the potential, there's nothing we can do about it. However, it would be dangerous if he didn't stay with us. I would request the Chairman to let him stay with us until further notice." She replied. She was cool, calm, and collected, which is something not every leader can do. She stroked her crimson hair and it flowed perfectly down her shoulder. She thought for a moment and continued. "But if he does have the ability, then I would like to invite him to join SEES. That would bring the total amount of Persona users to five."

"Four." I interrupted. I finished my breakfast and decided to make my own lunch. Sure, the food in school's great and all, but nothing beats the food you make at home. "Stop trying to convince me to join. I said what I said already, and you can't change my mind."

"Then what can change your mind?" She asked.

I ignored her for a while just to tease her. "Is there any fish left? Don't tell me that we're out of rice too! I'd better go to the store tonight. Need anything that will suit your tastes, madam?"

She may not look like it, but she's getting annoyed. She finished her tea and left in on the counter. Slowly but surely, she approached me and asked again. "You haven't answered my question. Is there anything that can change your mind?"

I sighed because, well, there actually is a way to convince me to join SEES. Maybe two ways actually. I decided to let the heiress know my reasons why I don't want to going SEES, and how she can convince me to join. "All I need is the right reason to join. Once I know that, then I would join SEES and help you right the wrongs of the past. I can be motivated to do pretty much anything, even if my Persona can only support you guys." I looked at her straight in the eye where I can see her cold stare that can shatter any spirit. A chill went down my spine, and to me, that says something. "Answer me this: 'what is there to gain after we get rid of the Shadows?' It should be simple enough for you to answer."

She continued to stare at me with more confidence than before. "If we get rid of the Shadows, then nobody will be experiencing the Apathy Syndrome. A lot less people will suffer than they are now. That is my goal."

"But to rid the world from suffering is impossible," I mentioned. "You can beat all the Shadows you want, you can donate to every single family a portion of the world's money, but to completely wipe out something that is inevitable is impossible."

This was a surprise to her. She most probably was not expecting an answer like that. "We may not be able to do that, but at least we can make people live happily in the mean time."

"This is the part where it gets interesting. Riddle me this Miss Heiress. As long a we live, we will experience everything life has to give to us. Its joy, happiness, and all the other good stuff. However, the unchangeable truth is that there will still be problems such as war, disease, death, and others. We can change all we want, but it is impossible to defeat the inevitable. Therefore, what is the purpose of living?" I finished making a small bento box and wrapped it around with cloth. I left Mitsuru standing in her original position while I went to the couch to find my bag and baton. After turning around, I saw that she didn't move from her spot, so I decided to wash her cup while she stood there speechless.

"How can you be so sure?" She said with a calm voice.

I was puzzled at her reply so I asked, "So sure of what?"

"How can you be so sure that we cannot change the inevitable? I may not have the answer to the meaning of life, but I truly believe that we can change the future of mankind." That was her stance, and I will respect that.

As for how I am so sure that we cannot change the inevitable…

A little girl told me.

A charming little girl with no face.

And it is all thanks to that one incident back then.

"There are many things that you don't know about me. I know that there's no changing the future. If the future won't come true, then it won't be called the 'future', won't it?"

I finished washing her cup, got my stuff, and approached her again. "By the way, you still didn't answer my question. Honestly, if you did, and if I am satisfied, then I would join SEES."

Mitsuru remained calm. She regained her composure and smiled.

Does she know the answer to my question? She just said that she didn't have an answer.

"Like I said earlier, I don't know the meaning of life, but I do know one thing. We live to find the meaning of life. That is my belief."

I sat down for a while and thought about her answer. So, in order to understand life, we first must live it? If so, then the simple act of living should be enough to count as the purpose of life. It was a strong answer. It doesn't have much basis or proof, but it was, indeed, a good answer.

She smiled. It's as if she believes that her answer would be enough to convince me to join. "By the way, you're still on the welcoming duty along with Yukari."

"Whaaaaat?!" I shouted. "What do you mean 'still on the welcoming duty'?"

"You will be giving Makoto a tour of the school. And as the Student Council President, I hope that you will say many great things about our school. Once he wakes up, you and Yukari will give him the tour." She was smiling now as if she's just using this to annoy me. She's having her fun now; I can at least tell that much.

But I want to have some fun as well…

"Do you want me to tell the both of them about the rich history of our school?" I said with a mischievous smile on my face. "I've heard many great things about this school from my father, and I know the school from the inside and out. I may not know everything that's in it, but I'm sure that they would be delighted to know about our school. Especially since the Kirijo Group made the island and has ties with our school. Won't that be great, Miss Student Council President?"

She's got a certain fire in her eyes. A fire that would burn her victims to the ground, and she was staring at me with those eyes. She paced herself towards me and whispered something into my ear just to make her point very, very, clear. "If you keep asking for trouble, then you just might get what you asked for." She got her things and left the dorm.

I just decided to follow the Heiress' orders. I left my stuff on the table and went to check if Yukari's up. If she's still asleep, then too bad, at the mood that I was in, I would have smashed through her door.

"Yukari?" I asked as I knocked on her door.

The door opened and there she was, all prepared for the first day of school. Her pink outfit really stood out amongst the school's normal uniform, and strangely enough, even Mr. Okoda approves of it. She smiled at me as she got her bag. "Good Morning! Ready for the first day of school?" she asked.

No I am not ready. No, it's pretty cold outside. No I would rather stay at home. Mitsuru will never end her pestering. The new kid's going to be observed from here on.

"Yeah, I'm ready. Mitsuru told me to accompany you and show Minato around the school. It's no big deal." I said while hiding my anger to myself.

Yukari noticed my tone and asked, "Did something happen? It is Mitsuru again? What did you do?"

I smiled at her. You'd rather not know, was the message that I wanted to convey, but for the sake of the first day of school, I had to cool off, fast. "Like I said, it's no big deal."

The both of us headed to Makoto's room which was locked. "Will you do the honors?" I asked Yukari. She smiled and shook her head, "Nah, let's both wake him up." I nodded and we proceeded to do the wake up call. Three knocks were given followed by a kick from me. "Rise and shine sleepy head!" I shouted.

There was no response, so I did the one thing that will get anyone to answer their door: The Eternal Knocking. I kept on knocking the door for a good five minutes and each knock gets louder as each minute passed by. Eventually, we heard the poor guy yield to the morning brigade. "I'm up! I'm up! Stop knocking already."

He opened his door, fully dressed with bag in hand, all ready for the first day of school. Both Yukari and I asked him why he didn't hear us in the first place. "I sleep with my earphones on." he said quietly. We both groaned. If Mitsuru asks me to wake this guy up everyday, I'd better be equipped with a stick of dynamite.

The three of us went downstairs to eat. I already ate, so I just waited for the two to finish their instant noodles. Honestly, I have nothing against having instant noodles for breakfast, but after being in the hospital for multiple… reasons… I learned to take better care for my health.

"You cold?" a quiet voice asked.

I realized that I was staring at the window, looking at the sunlight. I turned to see Minato sipping his soup while Yukari was already cleaning up. "It's not that cold at all. Why wear the scarf if you have a jacket?" Minato continued.

I picked up my bag and baton (heck, there was no way I'm leaving my favorite toy at home) and decided to give the new kid my answer. "Well, I might as well explain why I have this ridiculous getup. I don't know how I got it, but I am very weak to the cold. I easily get cold and freeze up when faced with the air-condition. My doctors say that I don't have any signs and symptoms of any disease, so I'm not sick from anything. If you want to see my at my worst, you should see me in the winter; I look like a stuffed up snowman." It wasn't the complete answer, but it will have to suffice.

"Oh, ok." he replied.

Not much to say, do you? I thought to myself. Conversing with the boy was definitely out of my limits.

The three of us left the dorm and headed for the station to board a train going to our school. I honestly like the scenic view of our school. I can see it's majesty, beauty, and magnificence. It's just sad to know what happened to our school a few years back. And what was unleashed.

We arrived on time, and we started to give Makoto the tour of our school. We pointed out its history with the Kirijo Group, and I didn't say anything that would disappoint Mitsuru. I noticed as we passed by, people were looking at us and started whispering to themselves and their friends. What could they be talking about?

We eventually finished giving Makoto the tour and I said, "Now it's time to find your homeroom. First, you're going to have to check the bulletin board for your class. It would be best if you also consult with your homeroom teacher. I'm sure you can do all of that easily. If you have any questions, you'd better ask them now." He shook his head, which was great because it meant that one, he can take it from here, and two, I can finally go on by myself. Yukari gave him a smile and concluded the tour, and the three of us said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.

I first had to go to the bathroom to take my medications. When I arrived, I locked myself in a cubicle, pulled out a bottle of water and a small bottle with little pills in it. "Let's see," I said to myself, "it's becoming more and more frequent now, so I guess doubling the normal dosage wouldbe enough." The normal and prescribed number of pills should be only one pill every week, but from the way my attacks have been occurring, I'm pretty sure that doubling the dosage would be more effective.

I got two pills into my mouth and chugged enough water to prevent the taste from remaining in my mouth. Although these pills are a life saver to me, (and trust me, they really are), dad still discourages me from taking them. He created these pills in the first place to help me, but after learning of the possible side effects, he shut down the production and tried to find another alternative for my "disease". Sad to say, he didn't find one.

While dad believes that he stopped the manufacturing of these pills, someone apparently found out about it and reopened it. He's my supplier now, and every month I'll have to meet him and pay him for the medicine that I need to survive. Is it so wrong for me to take something that will cure me from my pain?

I got out of the bathroom and proceeded to the bulletin board. It's my second year in Gekokan and seeing that I'm still alive to see this school for another year means a lot to me. After all, I got my "gift" from this place.

Let's see… Minamoto… Ah!

Looks like I'll be in 2-F for this school year. I wonder where Yukari and Makoto are? Upon closer inspection, I saw that they were also my classmates. Was it fate, was it destiny? I don't know, but I'm pretty sure she does.

I went upstairs and found my classroom. There, I saw that Yukari was talking with her friends and telling them about all of her fun experiences in life. Her friends, her happiness; they kinda make me jealous. I just sat down on my desk and waited for time to pass by.

Not even a minute passed by, and a familiar face happened to stop by.

"Hey'lo Reila! How's it going?"

"Everything's fine Junpei." I replied. Junpei wore his cap on his head and his ridiculously optimistic smile on his face. He approached me before, and I thought he was trying to hit on me, but I learned that he was an okay guy. "You seem happy to be back to school. What's with the smile?" I joked.

He ended up laughing at my joke and answered, "Oh man, that was a good one! Me happy about school? Anyway, I hear that there's a new student here and I want to welcome him. I know what it's like to be the newbie, so I guess it'll be okay if I'd be the one to approach him first."

"Well, you're a little too late for that one." I sinckered. "The new guy arrived in our dorm yesterday and he will be staying there until the school finds a proper dorm for him. Today, Mitsuru put me and Yukari in charge for touring him around the school."

This threw back Junpei a good two meters. With the surprise in his eyes, he looked like he couldn't believe that what I'm saying is true. "So you're saying… He's living with you, Yukari, and Mitsuru? Man, why do some people have all the luck in the world." He groaned.

"Hey, we still have Akihiko around. Plus, if it wasn't for him, it would be a dorm with three girls and one guy. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if we had more boys to even out our dorm." I said this because I knew what he would say next. This was just to cheer the poor guy up. After all, it probably hurt him to have to go to school again.

With his face lit up, he asked, "So… can I join you guys in your dorm?" He was smiling with all hope and optimism; these are one of the things that I don't have, but I wish I did.

I places my hand underneath me chin and pretended to think. "Hm… nope, sorry Junpei. I guess Makoto will be staying with three beautiful girls until he gets transferred. I'm sure he'll tell you all about it when the two of you become best friends."

The poor boy's smile quickly turned upside down. "Gee, you really know how to make a guy feel down, don't you?" I giggled to his response. "It's a gift I guess. Well, maybe a habit also." Junpei suddenly stood upright with his frown turned into a huge grin and said to the ceiling, "Well, Makoto Yu-something, I'm going to be your best bud, best wingman, and every other best you'll ever have. I'll be here for ya every step of the way!"

Foolishness was written all over his face. I don't see how he will keep his promises. The only promise I know of is death. I shook my head and wondered about Junpei's optimism. How can someone be so happy? It's just not logical nor possible.

He turned to me and asked, "Hey, you said that we'd be the best of friends. Are you sure about that?" I for one can't possibly know if that was going to be true or not. Only she knows. But, just for the sake of making the guy happy, I nodded.

Before he can react, there was an announcement saying that all students should head to the auditorium. I only reacted with a groan. The auditorium was COLD! Maybe I'll be seated away from the direction of the AC. "You heard them, we'll have to go to the auditorium." Junpei only whined and complained. "I'm willing to bet all my money that it's going to be a boring speech again." I smiled. "Well, then there wouldn't be much to bet then wouldn't it?"

I didn't really care much about the principal's speech. I was more focused on keeping myself warm. The blue light jacket that I wear keeps me warm, but when it's warm enough, I can take it off and still look refreshed. Unfortunately, it wasn't keeping me as warm as I hoped; I was underneath the AC. My scarf was warming my neck, my jacket was keeping my body warm (well, just a bit), but since the cold air was hitting my head, my body temperature was dropping.

"Please o God just end. Please o God just end. Please…" I repeated while my teeth were chattering.

"I hear talking. I believe it's someone in Ms. Toriumi's class…" Mr. Okoda said.

Well screw you! You didn't allow us to seat anywhere we want!

Ms. Toriumi came by and shushed me. "Be quiet! You're going to get me into trouble!" She's a nice teacher who always helps her students in times of trouble, but I personally believe that she needs to stand up against Mr. Okoda.

As the speech continued, I could hear some quiet whispering going around. I heard my name being mentioned a couple of times, but I wonder what they were talking about? Come to think of it, something like this happened earlier today…

We went back to our classrooms and I finally got my body temperature back to normal. If I didn't bring my scarf and jacket, I would have gotten sick or worse! I went back to my seat and touched the window. I could feel the heat from the sun's rays being transferred to my finger tips. It shows me that I can still feel; it shows me that I am still alive.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Junpei, Yukari, and Makoto talking to each other. I didn't want to join in, but apparently Yukari saw me. "Reila! Come over here!" I didn't move from my spot, but Yukari went out of her way and pulled me towards the boys. "You have to at least join Makoto and I in a conversation; you can afford to ignore Junpei if you want," she said.

"Hey! I resent that!" Junpei said in reply.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." she continued. "Now where were we?"

Junpei answered with a smile and said, "We were just talking about how my man Makoto over here was walking side by side with a couple of beauties like you two. The whole class was buzzing about it."

Give me the names and I'll talk to them. "Ugh, I can't stand rumors. Did you make them? 'Cause if you did, then you're about to lose one of your very, very, few friends that's a girl." I threatened.

"Yeah, I just can't stand them either." Yukari remarked. "I mean, I'm used to it, and I think Reila is too, but he just transferred here. At least give him some privacy."

Junpei looked like the whole world was against him, and to prevent himself from getting hurt, he had to either tell us the names or bring us to them. "Woah! Woah! Hold up! I didn't start this! I just heard it around the hallway. As for who started it, your guess is as good as mine! I'm innocent here!"

Makoto just gave a small smile after hearing all this fuss about rumors. "I don't mind the rumors. After all, I'll probably be known as the boy who's always next to two of the most popular girls in school."

I poked Minato with my baton just to make him shut up. Well, maybe it wasn't a soft poke; it was more like a jab. He kinda gave off a big wheeze after I "poked" him. "I'm not the most popular girl in school; that would be Yukari. As for me, if ever I'm popular, it's because I'm known for either my 'winter' clothes, or because I'm different from the rest."

"Or it's because you're pretty bea…" I wanted to hit Junpei on the head, but Yukari beat me to it. "That's enough. Look, just ignore the rumors and everything will be okay. I'm sure it will die down, right Junpei?"

"Hey, I already told you, I didn't start them! Sheesh." He was sincere when he said it, so that made me believe that he didn't start the rumors.

"Whatever Junpei," Yukari said while rolling her eyes. "Well, I have to go now. Just for some archery stuff. Reila, can you take Makoto home with you? He doesn't have a key to the dorm remember?"

I only gave out a sigh. "Do I have to? Can't we just leave him outside the dorm until the others get back? I have to get some groceries first before going back to the dorm." The guy can take care of himself. Then again, there's something about him that made me feel… uneasy.

"Well, if you won't bring him home then I guess he'll have to go with you to the mall!" She winked while flashing a wide grin.

It was a small tease, but I didn't want to go shopping with a boy who's only emotions are "happy" and "not happy". I weighed each choice and made my decision. "Fine, I'll take him home. I guess I'll have to go get the groceries later tonight."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the blue haired boy smile. He didn't say anything, but I believe that he was laughing inside. I got my stuff, tightened my scarf, and zipped my jacket just to prepare myself for the weather. "Come on new guy, let's bring you home."

Makoto only nodded, got his things, and left with me. I saw Yukari waving her hand at me and Makoto while Junpei was giving him a thumbs up. As we passed by, many students saw the both of us and started talking to each other. Well, gossiping was the more correct word.

"You know, I could go to the mall with you." Makoto offered. He was getting his earphones from his pocket and putting them in his ear.

"Not in your life!" I rejected. "It would just be embarrassing to go out with someone who I barely know! Plus, let's not forget that there's a huge gossip going around the school. Look, I'll just bring you home, then I'd have to go get the groceries. I'm sure you can- HEY! Are you listening!?"

Makoto had a blank expression on his face and he didn't look like he was bothered by anything. I'm guessing that he's listening to music at max volume. I honestly tried to resist the temptation to hit him on the head with my baton, but I just couldn't help myself.

THWACK!

From school to our dorm, we had to take the train again. Cool breeze blew on us and I was feeling it's cold touch on my exposed face. What's wrong with me? I honestly have no idea, yet I always ask myself that question over and over again. Maybe it's because I'm not normal? After the incident, life became… different.

Eventually, we got back to our dorm and it was getting quite late. I checked if Makoto was behind me because he's my responsibility for today. I turned around and saw the boy looking around the street with his earphones on. It's a good thing he had his eyes open, at least one of his senses was active.

We approached the dorm and I unlocked the main door. "Well, here you are! Now step right in, enjoy the place, do homework, have fun or whatever boys do while I go to the store and ge-" I suddenly felt a drop of water on my head, and that single tiny drop of cold water made me tense up a bit. I looked up to the sky and saw that clouds were forming, the rainy kind.

Makoto, acting all gentleman-like, opened the door for me. "After you?" At this point, I was fuming out of irritation. "Shut up!" I said as I stormed into the dorm.

In the dorm, I saw the Heiress sitting on the couch reading a book. She noticed our presence and greeted us. "Welcome back." Makoto didn't say anything but waved, while all I did was dump my stuff on the couch and sat down, twirling my baton. At times like these, it can be a real stress reliever.

"By the way, where's Yukari?" Mitsuru asked. I was about to answer, but Makoto beat me to it. "She's probably on her way back."

Mitsuru nodded, "So Makoto, how was your first day in school? As the student council president, I would like to know if you have any issues you'd like to discuss."

Please mention the rumors. Please mention the rumors.

"There's nothing wrong at the moment." Makoto said with a hint of happiness; he was looking at me when he said this.

Oh you son of a...

"Good, I am glad to hear that. Are you tired? I would suggest that you would get a good night's rest." Mitsuru at this point was looking at me and giving me the cold stare. I decided to send her my own message. What? You think that I'm going to tell him about the cameras? I don't do these things! Specifically, I don't want to change what's eventually going to happen. If it's going to happen, then I'll let it be.

Makoto only nodded and went upstairs, leaving me with the Icy Empress down below.

I kept on twirling my baton while waiting and hoping for the rain to stop. All Mitsuru was doing was reading her book in silence. I ignored her and decided to list down the things we need from the store.

Yukari arrived with an umbrella in hand. She wasn't soaked or anything, but just tired from the walk home. "Hello!" She greeted. Mitsuru managed to reply a simply "welcome" while I just said hi. "It looks like the rain's going to stop, but it'll be midnight in an hour," she said, "oh that's right! Reila, you're going to the store right? Can you get me a few things?"

"Aww, why should I? I mean, you can get them yourself." I replied. Yukari rolled her eyes, "Because you're going there anyway! Look, it's just some small things. I'll get a piece of paper." She checked her bag and pulled out a pad of paper. She then scribbled some items on the list and handed them over to me." I checked the list and decided to get the items. If things happen, they happen.

"That reminds me. Reila, can you also get some groceries for me?" Mitsuru asked for the list and wrote down some additional items. When I got it back, I just realized that not only do I need to get the list for these two, but also for myself and for the whole dorm. If things happen, they happen.

Minutes later, a familiar figured appeared in front of us. He had grey hair and wore the senior's red uniform. "I'm going out for a bit."

"Akihiko, it's late you don't need to go out." Mitsuru said. I only sighed after her remark. She shows concern for Akihiko, who's a much better fighter than me, but believes that I can go out by myself?

"Don't worry. I'm just getting a little practice." He said with a grin on his face. As he passed by, he noticed my list and asked, "Hey, you going to the store?"

I just gave up, gave him the list and pen, and waited for it to come back.

Sure Reila, just simply accept whatever comes your way. Look what's happened now?

From the dorm to the store, it's a good fifteen minute journey. While there were a lot of items on the list, they were the small and light kind of groceries. I found all of them and headed towards the fish section. All kinds of fish were displayed, but since it was late at night, there wasn't a good selection of tuna left. However, I managed to spot a nice piece of tuna. The others looked good, but not as good as the one I saw. I reached out to grab it, only to find out that someone had the same idea.

Another hand came out of nowhere and got the tuna. I turned and saw a figure a few inches taller than me with dark grayish hair covered by a beanie. He looked very scary, but personally, he didn't scare me… much.

"Hm? You getting this?" He asked.

I only nodded. I couldn't say anything in fear that he'd attacked me for trying to get the fish back.

He inspected the tuna, placed it in a plastic bag, and handed it over to me. "You've got a good eye." He said. After that, he turned and left.

Who was that guy? And what kind of a reply was that?

I checked my watch and it was almost midnight. Will it happen tonight? I paid for the groceries and ran back to the dorm as fast as I could while carrying them. While I was running, I encountered a familiar pain on my neck.

Dammit! Not now!

I got back to the dorm and thankfully, nobody was in the lobby. I placed all the groceries on the kitchen table and headed towards my room. Step by step, as I was going to my room, the feeling of pain slowly increased around my neck. I doubled the dosage. I DOUBLED IT! And it's still not disappearing!

I entered my room, locked the door, pulled out a small envelope from my desk and waited. Midnight was like a minute away, and in my hands, I hold my last will, just in case if this is my last moment on this world. I unwrapped my scarf and prepared for the worse.

The Dark Hour came and everything happened as usual. Things looked green, lights were flickering, and coffins could be seen outside. There was something new though. Well, not really. It's nothing new to me.

My Persona awoke by herself and stared into my eyes. Mercuria showed her blue, mesmerising eyes at me while gently stroking my face. I was scared and she knew it. She held my hand, feeling it tremble beneath her presence. She had no mouth, but I believe that she was smiling, smiling with sharp teeth and an evil grin.

Almost at once, her eyes turned red and she dropped her giant injection. She lashed out to me and grabbed my neck. I didn't struggle nor fight against my Persona. Trust me, I've tried fighting her before, but she was as hard as diamond! I let Mercuria strangle me because there was nothing I could do to stop her. I wanted to scream, scream to the whole group, and pray that they would stop Mercuria from strangling me, but she didn't want that to happen. Mercuria tilted her heard and looked at me with her dark, crimson eyes. Her eyes were like fire and they stared deep into my soul, sensing all my fears, and all my thoughts. Will I die today? Only she knew the answer.

The next part was the last one for Mercuria's nightly "performance". She kept her hands around my neck and started to apply more pressure around it. She didn't want to make it a quick event; she'd rather make it a slow and painful one. As I was almost running out of air, she brought me close to her face and we met eye to eye. Those eyes were the last things I saw until I passed out.

Blue hair. Fallen girl. Swords and hands. A Harp. A monster with coffins.

Death.

P.S. I'm still trying to find a way to do a double space here. If nothing else comes up, then I hope that you all will be able to understand the story still.

If you have anything to say, just get 'em going my way!