Persona 3: Memories of You
Chapter 002
Started Chapter: 06-July-2008
Finished Chapter: 26-July-2008
First Post: 17-April-2009
Last Edit: 10-May-2011
Disclaimer:
All original materials belong to their respective owners. Shin Megami Tensei Persona 3 FES belongs to Atlus. No copyright infringement is intended.
This story ignores established rules from Persona Trinity Soul, but characters and several other rules from that story may appear.
Chapter 002
- Gekkoukan High School, 2-F Classroom – After School –
- Saturday April 18, 2009 –
Yukari stretched her arms and stifled a yawn as Ono-sensei left the classroom, signaling the end of classes for the day. She started to arrange her books inside her bag when she felt someone approaching by her right side. Turning her head around she saw Junpei standing there, saluting her.
- "Yo, Yuka-tan!" – Junpei greeted.
- "What is it now Junpei? I am kinda in a hurry..." – Yukari answered.
- "I won' keep ya long. I jus' wanted to ask how Minato is doing." – Junpei stated.
- "You could have visited him you know?" – Yukari glared at him, making Junpei sweat in slight fear. – "But anyway... I will tell him you asked about him"
- "You mean?" – Junpei started to grin.
- "Yeah. He woke up yesterday. Akihiko-senpai and I are going to go pick him now actually. He told me at lunch he got a message stating Minato-kun was being released already." – Yukari explained.
- "I see. Dat is awesome..." – Junpei exclaimed. Before anything else could be said, the front door of the classroom was opened, and there stood Sanada Akihiko.
- "Hey Takeba, you ready?" – He said from the door, gaining the attention of the rest of the students, specially the female ones.
- "Yes Senpai. Just let me finish gathering my things." – Yukari answered as she finishing putting her things on her bag. Meanwhile, Junpei glanced around the classroom.
- (Damn it Yuka-tan... can you not see people misunderstanding everything here? First Minato... and now Akihiko-senpai?) – Junpei sighed. He nodded his head towards Akihiko, who saluted him back as he left the room with Yukari.
- "Hey Junpei! What was that about? I thought Yukari was going out with Arisato" – A classmate asked Junpei, who glanced at him.
- "Oh hey Kenji. Seriously... all ya people kno' to do is to gossip huh? For yer information... Akihiko-senpai and Yuka-tan went to pick up Minato. He woke up yesterday. Remember the three of em live on the same dorm, yeah?" – Junpei answered.
- "Ah! That explains it..." – Kenji punched his left hand. – "But man... wish I lived on a co-ed dorm..."
- "Thought ye liked older women..." – Junpei's left eyebrow rose.
- "I do, I do... but you can not deny Yukari and Kirijo-senpai are hot. I wished I lived in that dorm..." – He grinned.
- (If only ye knew heh...) –
- Tatsumi Memorial Hospital – After School –
- Saturday April 18, 2009 –
Minato sat on the hospital bed as he waited. He was already dressed up in casual clothes, ready to leave the hospital, but the doctor had insisted, on Mitsuru's orders, for him to not leave alone, despite his claims that he was feeling okay. He sighed once again replaying the events of last week on his mind. Persona... the manifestation of the soul. Before Minato could dwell more on his thoughts, he heard the door of the room opening. He glanced at the new arrivals.
- "Oh hey! You seem to be ready. We came to pick you up." – Yukari gestured behind her, and moved aside to allow Minato to see the short white-gray-haired student. – "This is Akihiko-senpai. I guess with all what happened you never did get a chance to meet him before.
- "Yo. How ya doing?" – Akihiko saluted with his uninjured arm. – "Ready to leave Arisato?"
- "Definitely. I really do not wish to stay here any longer." – He answered, as he stood up and took hold of his bag. – "Is your arm okay? Kirijo-senpai said you got hurt during the battle."
- "Yeah. I am fine. Mitsuru worries too much." – Akihiko answered. – "Need help with your bag?" – Minato shook his head. – "Oh well. So Mitsuru called you?"
- "She practically ordered me not to leave alone..." – Minato muttered and Akihiko laughed, but he also noticed Yukari frowning.
- "She is like that... anyway... when we get to the dorm we need to go the 4th floor. The Chairman and Mitsuru will be waiting for us then. We need to talk about that night." – Akihiko stated – "Just give me your bag when we are almost there. If she sees you carrying it she will probably end up lecturing us all."
- "How... nice..." – Minato winced as he nodded. As Akihiko walked to the counter at the entrance, in order to register his exit, he turned towards Yukari. – "Hey... are you okay?"
- "Huh? Yeah... I am... why do you ask?" – The girl was confused.
- "Well... it seemed like something is bothering you." – Minato said directly.
- "Oh... just a lot of things on my mind." – She answered him. The rest of their walk back to the door was spent on small chat, about the current events at school, like Mitsuru getting elected as council president, and how the sports clubs closed their memberships, fact that made Minato curse. He learnt that Yukari was part of the Kyudo club, while Akihiko was on the Boxing club.
- Outside Kirijo Dorm – Night –
- Saturday April 18, 2009 –
When the dorm came into view, Minato handed his bag to Akihiko as promised. He knew he was in good condition, with all that sleep, and that he really did not need the help, but the thought of unleashing Mitsuru's wrath made him comply. He really did not knew the red head, but he felt he could trust Akihiko's worries.
- "We should go directly to the 4th floor. I know you two must be hungry, for I am as well, but best not keep those two waiting. Hopefully Mitsuru arranged some food or something." – Akihiko said, and Minato's stomach grumbled loudly, making him blush, and Yukari giggle for the first time in the evening.
After dropping Minato's bag in his room, the three of them proceeded two floors up, and upon entering the control room they saw Mitsuru and Ikutsuki already sitting, waiting for them. Minato saluted them, without glancing at them, as his sight was centered on the tray of sandwiches in the table at the center.
- "I am glad you are okay. Please, have a seat. I am sorry for troubling you so soon after being discharged, but I need to talk to you. I suspected you all would be hungry, so I arranged this to be prepared." – The Chairman said, as the three teens sat down, and reached down for a sandwich.
The Chairman smiled at them, and glanced at Mitsuru who had a thoughtful face. He allowed them to eat for some minutes, as he left the room, returning some minutes later with some Cielo Mist soda cans. He passed one to each member of the present, who thanked him back. Ikutsuki opened his own can, and after a short sip, began talking. – "Now... let me start by asking this. Would you believe me if I said that a day consists of more than 24 hours?"
- "Sure. No problem." – Minato answered nonchalantly, making all glance at him. Ikutsuki particularly stopped midtalk, with his mouth open.
- "Excuse me?" – The Chairman as confused. – "Err... it does not surprise you? I mean... you did experience it but... how come you accept it so easily?"
- "Well... I have been experiencing that phenomenon for some years now." – He answered, as he emptied his Cielo Mist.
- "Several... years?" – Yukari's eyes widened. – (I just experienced it for the first time last spring...)
- "How many?" – Mitsuru asked, thinking over her own experience.
- "Who knows? I never noticed... one day, I was dared at the orphanatory to stay awake after midnight, when it happened. Sure, I was a little confused at first, but soon learnt to live with it. Specially if others did not knew about it, but some time later I stopped caring. Who knows? Maybe I experienced it before... but with the tight rules I had to sleep early." – Minato said, as he reached down for another sandwich.
- "I see... well... this facilitates things a bit. As you may be aware already, the Dark Hour, as we call it, strikes every night just before midnight, and ends up 'one minute' later... a minute that takes one whole hour to pass for those that experience it." – The man explained.
- "There are those who do not experience the Dark Hour as you must have noticed. They transmogrify into coffins during such time, fact that protects them." – Sanada said, and saw Minato nod in comprehension. – "Those who do not transform into a coffin get hunted by those creatures... the Shadows. Have you seen them before as well?"
- "No. First time I saw them was the night that big one attacked Yukari and me." – Minato answered.
- "How peculiar... you never used your Persona before that... and even though you have experienced the Dark Hour for years you never saw them... what could this mean?" – The man mumbled.
- "Maybe it has to do with the fact of what happened to Arisato's Persona. Anything you may want to say about what happened?" – Mitsuru glanced at the blue haired boy.
- "No. I am as confused as you." – He answered.
- "Anyway... as I was saying..." – Akihiko grumbled. – "The Shadows attack those who are not protected by a coffin... and it is our job to protect them. Exciting, is it not?" – He grinned.
- "Akihiko! Why must you be like this? You got hurt because of this recklessness!" – Mitsuru stood up, yelling.
Before Akihiko could retort back, the Chairman stood up, trying to calm them down. – "Now, now Mitsuru. He does his work well. Anyway... Arisato. Long story short... we are the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad... SEES for short. On paper we are a school club, me being its advisor. But in reality, the group is dedicated to defeat the Shadows."
- "You have seen the news lately right? About the phenomenon called Apathy Syndrome" – Mitsuru asked, and continued when she saw Minato nod. – "The Shadows are responsible for this. They feed on the mind of the victim, leaving them in dead-like state. A living corpse we could even go as far as say."
- "Let me guess... only those with the power of Persona can fight them off?" – Minato questioned, and both the Chairman and Mitsuru nodded in affirmation. – "I see... so the purpose of this meeting is to me to join you? Is it not?"
- "Correct. We Persona-users are the only ones that can stop the Shadows. Yukari, Akihiko and myself possess the potential to summon Persona. The Chairman here can walk around during the Dark Hour, but that as far as his potential can take him. He does not possess the ability to summon a Persona." – Mitsuru walked behind the sofa, and took hold of a grey suitcase. Walking towards the table, and moving the sandwich tray aside, she place it on the table, opened it, and revealed a silver gun. – "This is an Evoker. We use them to summon our Persona. If you accept to join us, this will be yours. Please, we need your help."
- "Hey! You can not ask him like that! How could he refuse it like that... I mean..." – Yukari bit her lower lip while glancing at Minato.
Minato remained thoughtful for a minute, glancing at each of the present. Yukari looked at him anxiously, and he could understand her words. Mitsuru was definitely pushing him into this, and speaking of her, she looked somewhat nervous and determined. Minato was sure that if he decided to refuse she would definitely push her ideals again. Akihiko, contrary to both women, looked calm, and he looked ready to accept whatever decision Minato made. Lastly, the Chairman looked cheerful. Scarily cheerful.
- "I will do it. I accept." – Minato declared. He could see both Yukari and Mitsuru sigh.
- "Thank you. Your presence will really be a great help for our cause." – Ikutsuki stood up, shook Minato's hand and walked towards the door. – "Oh! I almost forgot. About your room assignment... why do you not stay here? I do not know what was the holdup, but I guess it worked for the better in the end." – He said chuckling.
- "Holdup? Wait was that not... oh never mind." – Yukari sighed.
Minato grinned guessing what was on Yukari's mind. Holdup? Yeah right... Yukari had admitted to him, at the hospital, that she had read a file on him. Most probably Ikutsuki or Mitsuru owned that file, so it was no coincidence he arrived to the dorm. He stood up as he saw Mitsuru and Akihiko leave, and stretched his arms. He took hold of the suitcase when he felt a surge of energy, which made him stop on his place. A voice resonated on his mind, as a Tarot Card was visualized on his mind. – 'Thou shall have our blessing when thou choosest to create Persona of the Fool Arcana' – The voice resonated, confusing Minato for a second.
- "You okay?" – Yukari asked him. Minato blinked and saw her by his side.
- "...Yeah. I was just thinking about this." – Minato answered. In reality he was recalling the words of Igor, about the power of Social Links.
- "Oh I see. Anyway... I am glad you joined us. I was afraid you would say no... I mean... Senpai should not have asked you like that... placing pressure on you... the decision was yours and yours alone. Still, I am glad you did join us." – Yukari told him and then left, wishing him a good night.
- (The Fool Arcana... what does it mean?) –
- Arisato Minato's Room, Kirijo Dorm – Minutes before Dark Hour –
- Saturday April 18, 2009 –
Minato sat on his bed as he waited the transition between night and the Dark Hour. After the discussion on the Control Room he had returned to his room and started to unpack essentials, like clothes and other things he had not had chance to do before. As he saw the clock nearing midnight, he turned off the TV, not wanting it to turn on again once the mysterious hour ended. One thing he definitely hated of the Dark Hour was the inability to finish late night movies, since they always seemed to pause on the best part. That and the fact that he had fallen asleep many times, only to be awakened by the TV when it came back to life.
- (Might as well get some sleep... tomorrow is a Sunday... so I can finish unpacking during the day...) – Minato thought as he washed his teeth, while giving sideglances to the clock. He spit out the toothpasted water in time, before it turned into blood, which definitely would have been gross. – (I need to remember to do this earlier... that was close...)
Minato changed into his pajamas and rested on the bed. He laid thinking for a while, as his eyes started to drop. He was almost asleep when a voice woke him up suddenly.
- "Hi... how are you?" – The voice said. Minato sat and saw a boy. The same one from his first day on the dorm.
- "And who might you be?" – Minato asked casually, while inside wondering how the kid had gotten here without he noticing.
- "We have meet before. In fact... I am always with you." – The boy smiled. Minato noticed he was wearing white clothes with black stripes... or was it black clothes with white stripes? Either way, they looked like a prisoners outfit. The boy had deep dark hair and blue eyes which seemed to have two tones... dark blue on the inside and light blue on the outside.
- "What do you mean?" – Minato asked, but the boy ignored him.
- "The end is near... I remembered that. And I thought you needed to know, but I really do not know what it means." – The boy smiled. – "You seem to have awakened to your power... and a very unusual I must say. It may prove to be your salvation... or demise... whether how and where you use it..."
Minato was about to ask him what he meant when the boy disappeared from his place, only to reappear on the opposite side of the room. – "Remember when we met? I expect you to honor the contract... for now... good bye." – And he disappeared.
- (I repeat... I wanted a peaceful school year...) –
- Arisato Minato's Room, Kirijo Dorm – Daytime –
- Sunday April 19, 2009 –
Minato spent most of the morning arranging his new bedroom, placing the rest of his clothes on the closet, several books on the desk, several other Personal belongings around the room (while most none daily usable things staid on the boxes) and his shiny new laptop over the desk. He had to save money for several years to finally be able to afford one. He bought it just some weeks ago, and had not had time to fully enjoy it, specially with his transfer.
Minato prepared himself to access the Internet when an error screen appeared on his browser. After checking everything was okay with his laptop he decided to ask Kirijo-Senpai about the wireless connection. He returned some minutes later with a frown, as he had learnt that the Shadow that had attacked him had broken more than just the back door, and that they would not get the service repaired for several days. He sighed as he placed the computer on stand-by and turned on the TV. At least it was working.
After browsing through several programs, like Phoenix Ranger Featherman R (a live action superhero program), Tanaka's Amazing Commodities (a TV show who sold the most weird and useless things) and an Idol Show, which presented the new teen idol, a fourteen year old girl named Kujikawa Rise, Minato decided to just get out into the real world.
Minato walked towards Iwatodai Station, intending to go to Paulownia Mall when he remembered the small plaza where Wild-Duck Burger stood. Deciding to change his destination, specially since he was hungry, Minato crossed the street and glanced around. Besides the Burger establishment stood a small used book store, BookWorms, and to its other side, after the stairs, a Takoyaki Stand. Deciding to try it he went and bought half a dozen pieces, alongside a can of Cielo Mist, and sat to eat. Finishing his meal, he decided to check the BookWorms store, only to find it closed. Apparently it did not open on Sundays. Disappointed, Minato walked around for a bit more before returning to the Dorm, since he did not want to got to Paulownia Mall anymore.
He had just returned to the Dorm, when he met Yukari on the stairs. – "Oh good, you are back. I was looking for you." – She declared, and Minato nodded at her to continue. – "Akihiko-senpai apparently wants us to be at the Lounge in about an hour. Seems he wants to tell us something."
- "I see. Thanks for letting me know." – Minato answered. – "Guess I will wait downstairs, or else I may end up falling asleep in my room."
Yukari giggled at his words. – "Yeah... mind if I join you?" –
- "Sure" – He answered.
- "Good. Let me get my notes then." – The brunette turned around, going upstairs.
- "Notes?" – Minato questioned.
- "Yeah. We can use this time for you to check my school notes. Toriumi-sensei asked me to share them with you, for all the time you missed." – Yukari explained.
- "How... nice of her..." – Minato grimaced – (Oh well... better get that done... otherwise I will fall behind... but damn...)
The hour passed fast as the pair reviewed Yukari's notes. Minato had go to his room to retrieve his own schoolbag, and stood beside Yukari taking his own notes based on what the girl explained to him in some subjects, whether other's, like Edogawa's occult curse he just copied. He wondered for the 100th time why they gave that class, and why the School freak... err... nurse gave it.
- "Ah... you are both here already. Excellent." – The voice of Akihiko rang from the entrance, stopping Yukari and Minato from their work.
- "Yes Senpai. What is this about anyway?" – Yukari asked.
- "Should I call Kirijo-senpai?" – Minato asked.
- "Nah. Mitsuru already knows. And on to your question Takeba... there is someone I want you to meet." – He glanced at the door. – "Hey! Hurry up!"
- "Hold yer horses... This is freakin' heavy... a hand would be nice..." – The voice said.
- "No can do. Injured, remember?" – Akihiko winked at both teens. Yukari was both amused and confused. Minato grinned at the convenient use of words. Although, the voice sounded familiar.
Minato's familiarity with the voice became obvious when the door opened, and from it appeared none other than Iori Junpei, carrying with him several suitcases. – "Ju...Junpei? What are you doing here?" – Yukari questioned. – "Wait... do not tell me he..."
Before Yukari could continue, Akihiko interrupted her. – "I guess introductions are not necessary, after all he is on the same homeroom as both of you. As of today, Junpei will be staying with us. He has the potential."
- "Yo." – Junpei grinned at them.
- "YOU have the potential? For real?" – Yukari grimaced. – "You have to be kidding me..."
- "I found him the other day near the store. Seems he awakened to his potential just recently. After calming him down I told him about us, and he has agreed to help us." – Akihiko explained.
- "He found me cryin' like a baby near the convenience store, surrounded by a bunch of coffins. And my water turned to blood! Talk about shockers! I really do not remember much of it... but man... was it embarrassing... Senpai here says it is normal at first, not remembering much." – Junpei said.
- "Really? That did not happen to me." – Minato declared, making Junpei's left eyebrow rise. Yukari fought back a grin, since she could not say the same. She remembered being very scared her first night on the Dark Hour... the same day she received his last letter...
- "Oh well... whatever. Anyway... I was shocked to learn about ye. I had no idea. I are glad I ain't the only one. Betcha guys are glad to have me on board as well." – Junpei grinned.
- "Uh... yeah..." – Yukari doubted. She glanced at Minato who only shrugged in response. Therefore, Yukari sighed.
- "Well, enough about this. I think we are ready now..." – Akihiko said, as he walked away.
- "Oh boy... we are doing something? Sweetness!" – Junpei declared.
- "Yes. I will speak with Mitsuru. With this many people we can explore that place..." – Akihiko answered.
- "You mean... Tartarus?" – Yukari looked nervous.
- "Tarta juat? It sounds like a toothpaste..." – Junpei said, making both Minato and Yukari sweatdrop.
- "Be ready tomorrow. The Chairman will explain it most probably." – He paused. – "We believe we may find the truth behind the Dark Hour there..." – He walked away.
- "Oh... how cool is that." – Junpei said excitedly. Yukari grumbled and walked away, signaling Minato to follow her. – "Hey! A little help woul' be nice..."
- "No can do Junpei." – Yukari answered before Minato could. – "Minato-kun needs to keep revising all the material he missed. Orders from Toriumi-sensei."
- "Oh man..." – Junpei grumbled. – "Unlucky you dude."
- (Am I? I mean... sure... school work on a Sunday is a pain... but those things do look heavy... just what did he bring? Rocks?) – Minato thought as he gave a last glance to Junpei, before following Yukari back to the couch where they left their schoolbags.
- Gekkoukan High School, School gate – Early Morning –
- Monday April 20, 2009 –
Minato walked alone, while listening to music on his headphones, towards the school. He could see people pointing and glancing at him, with no doubt talking about his accident, or about him and Yukari. Deciding it was not worth paying attention to them, he just focused on the rhythm on his ears. Just after passing the gate, a male student suddenly started to walk besides him, and seemed to be talking to him. Minato sighed, and paused his music.
- "Sorry. Did not hear you with the headphones." – Minato said.
- "No problem. I said 'Yo Arisato, good to see you back'." – The male student said.
- "And you are...?" – Minato wondered.
- "Oh, I guess we have not been introduced right? I am Tomochika Kenji. We are on the same homeroom. Pleased to meet you Arisato." – Kenji extended his hand, and Minato shook it.
- "Likewise." – Minato replied.
- "Junpei told me last Friday you woke up. You okay then?" – He received a nod in response. – "That is good. Hey, and I also know that Yukari-san visited you frequently... and that she went to pick you up." – He grinned. – "What's up with that? Are you that close?"
- (Oh great... not this again...) – "We only live on the same dorm. That is all." – Minato replied.
- "Really? Bah, that is boring. Well it does not matter anyway. I kinda like older girls myself..." – The teen, who had dark eyes and light brown hair, replied.
- (And what is the relevance of this?) – "I see" – Was Minato's only reply.
- "Anyway... I can not believe I am going to say this but... we should hurry to the classroom. If we are just a little bit late Toriumi-sensei will bite our heads off. Specially you, with the whole week you missed." – Kenji replied, and both students entered the high school.
- Gekkoukan High School, 2-F Classroom – Lunchtime –
- Monday April 20, 2009 –
Minato listened as Junpei rambled on how Ekoda's classes were the most boring on Gekkoukan. He could not disagree. He had to fight the urge to fall asleep several times through the class. When Yukari stood up yawning he knew he was not the only one.
- "I thought I was going to fall asleep there..." – She mumbled, as she rubbed her left eye.
- "You and the rest of the class here Yuka-tan" – Junpei grinned at her.
- "Hey guys, want to go fetch some bread?" – The voice of Kenji made Minato and Junpei glance at him.
- "Sure. Why not. Waddya say Minato?" – Junpei looked at him.
- "Why not?" – He glanced at Yukari. – "Want some Yukari?"
Yukari seemed to consider it for a bit, and then nodded. – "Sure." –
Minato stood up, but before any of them could walk towards the hallway, the door of the class opened, and they saw as Mitsuru entered their class. – "May I have a minute?" – She asked.
- "Oi Kenji... can ya go ahead? We will be ther' soon." – Junpei said, and Kenji seemed to frown a bit, but nodded and left.
- "What is it Senpai?" – Yukari asked.
- "Come to the lounge when you come back to the dorm. We shall talk there." – Mitsuru said, and left.
- "Wow... directly to the point..." – Junpei sweatdropped. – "Think we are having that talk?"
- "Well... she probably is busy with the Student Council... unlike us." – Yukari grumbled.
- "Ooh... do I sense some hostility?" – Junpei acted as he was surprised, clutching his heart.
- "Cut that out. Besides... what she say did not need to be hidden... now I feel bad about Tomochika" – She answered.
- "Indeed. I agree. Lets not keep him waiting any longer." – Minato said, and the other two agreed.
- Lounge, Kirijo Dorm – Evening –
- Monday April 20, 2009 -
After school had ended Minato and Junpei went to Paulownia Mall, where they spent a pair of hours at the Game Center. Initially Junpei had also invited Yukari, stating that if they where a team now they should spend more time together, but she refused, stating she had practice at the Kyudo Club, and she had to arrange some things for it afterwards. Junpei grumbled all the way back to the dorm, since he never got to defeat Minato on none of the games they played.
- "Seriously dude... behind yer calm face who could think ye are so good at games?" – Junpei pouted.
- "Beginner's luck. I had never played those games before." – Minato shrugged, not noticing Junpei's wide eyes and open mouth. Although he did hear him curse softly.
Both entered the dorm, and saw the group already assembled at the lounge. Yukari was already there as well, and Minato sat beside her on the couch. Junpei sat in front of them, on the other couch, besides Akihiko. Mitsuru stood on the one piece sofa at the end of the table, while the Chairman sat on the other one piece sofa, at the front of the table.
- "Okay. Now that we all are here let us begin. Akihiko consulted me about investigating Tartarus now that we have more members, and after considering it, I believe it is indeed time for us to do so. I wish for us to commence this operation today as well." – The Chairman said.
- "Uhh... excuse me. I asked this yesterday... but just what is Tertorus..." – Junpei asked.
- "You still have not seen it have you? And its name is Tartarus..." – Yukari spoke, gaining the attention of both new male members of SEES.
- "It is no surprise if you two have not seen it. After all... it only appears during the Dark Hour. Iori just awakened to his potential a few days ago, and even if Arisato has been aware for several years... he just arrived to the city." – Ikutsuki said, as he stood up.
- (Years? Whada...) – Junpei glanced at Minato, but decided to shrug the information. – "Only during the Dark Hour? How come?"
- "Indeed. It only appears during the Dark Hour... and when it does, you could say it is their nest. The Shadows nest. The perfect place for us to train as well. Interesting, is it not?" – Akihiko spoke.
Mitsuru was about to retort to Akihiko's words, but Junpei spoke first. Akihiko urged himself to hide his smirk. – "Whoa! Their nest? For real? Awesome..."
- "But Senpai... what about your injury?" – Yukari asked concerned, and this time Mitsuru did not allow others to beat her to the punch.
- "He will not go past the entrance. Not until he recovers anyway." – The redhead said with an air of finality, and Akihiko cursed.
- "Yeah, yeah... I know..." – He grumbled.
- "Well, so that is all. Do not go to far though. It is your first time there too." – Shuji said as he went to fix himself a cup of coffee.
- "I am not sure about this..." – Yukari grumbled as she stood up, following the others.
- "Relax! I got your backs!" – Junpei said grinning.
- "That does make me worry more..." – Yukari whispered to Minato, who chuckled.
- "Hey! I heard that!" – Junpei glared at them.
- Gekkoukan High School, School Gate – Just before the Dark Hour –
- Monday April 20, 2009 –
The group walked towards the high school, ironically still on their uniforms since they did not had time to change except for the addition of their SEES armbands. Akihiko motioned for the to stop in front of the gate.
- "Uh... so... why are we here?" – Junpei asked.
- "It is almost midnight. Just wait." – Akihiko answered. Minato noticed his serious demeanor, as well as Mitsuru's. Yukari on the other hand looked nervous as she bit her lower lip. Minato glanced as his wristwatch when he noticed Akihiko doing the same. Only a minute left until the Dark Hour began once again.
When the clock was about to hit midnight the dark night became green, and blood soon started to leak away everywhere, staining the night red. A loud rumble and the sudden movement of the land caught their attention. Junpei, unprepared, fell on his butt, while Yukari took hold of Minato's arm, in order to steady herself. Minato himself was surprised, but managed to keep himself, and Yukari, on their feet. Mitsuru and Akihiko were prepared, and stood their grounds. Although Minato did not have much time to dwell on this as he saw an impossibly constructed tower starting to ascend in the place where the school used to stand. It kept ascending until it reached an impressive height, impossible to calculate, specially without specialized equipment, which would not work in the Dark Hour anyway. Some of its areas seemed to be in extreme peril of falling, while others seemed to just be attached one to another the same way a kid would arrange lego blocks. Majestic figures, probably statues, could be seen in many of its areas, specially on the top. Or at least that is what Minato thought at his place on the floor. Soon the rumble stopped, and Tartarus stood in front of them in all its might.
- "Whoa! What the heck? Wheres da school?" – Junpei yelled from the floor, but Minato did not pay attention to him, as Yukari whispered her apologies to him, and he told her to not worry, that he did not minded.
- "This is Tartarus. The Labyrinth that reveals itself during the Dark Hour." – Mitsuru explained – When it ends, Tartarus disappears as well, and the school returns as if nothing had happened."
- "So dis is da nest... but why did da school turn into it?" – Junpei asked Akihiko, who helped him stand up. When he did not answer, Junpei glanced at Mitsuru, who noticed Minato and Yukari watching her as well. She did not answer either. – "You do not know then?" – Mitsuru shock her head.
- (I sincerely doubt that... but for now... I will play along...) – Yukari frowned. – "Who cares about that now? It must be complicated... and we are here to find that out, are we not?" – She sighed – "It is not like it would change our decision to fight..."
- "Correct. Mitsuru and myself have just taken a peek at it. This will be our first time exploring it for real. We might even find clues about the Dark Hour here." – Akihiko grinned.
- "Must I remind you that you can not enter past the entrance Akihiko?" – Mitsuru glanced at him.
- "I know I know! You do not have to repeat it every five minutes! Geez..." – Akihiko glared at her.
Junpei stood behind Yukari and Minato and grinning he just whispered one word to them. – "Wiped" – Both just sighed and walked away. – "Hey! Wait for me!" – He ran as he saw he was the only one left behind.
- "Whoa... awesome..." – Declared Junpei as he saw the first floor of Tartarus. A grandiose circular room with four enormous columns stood in front of the group. Its shiny marble floor only paled at the sight of the uneven floors and areas which floated on the background. In the center of the room stood a magnificent staircase which leaded to a doorway, which seemed to be floating in the middle of the room, just below a weird mechanism that resembled the gears of a clock. Yukari and Minato agreed to his words, but did not voice it.
- "It is beautiful... and creepy at the same time..." – Yukari added.
- "This is only the entrance. The labyrinth lays beyond that doorway." – Mitsuru pointed above the stairs.
- "Anyway, first we will have you three get a feel for this place. Why do you not go look around?" – Akihiko suggested.
- "By ourselves?" – Yukari grimaced.
- "You did not plan to go with us from the start, correct?" – Minato questioned.
- "Correct. But do not worry. You will not be going far. And I will be providing assistance from here." – Mitsuru answered.
- "Indeed. We are also appointing a leader to make important decisions." – Akihiko said, and immediately he saw the eager face of Junpei.
- "Oh! Me, me! Pick me!" – He jumped on his feet.
Akihiko decided to ignore him, and walked towards Minato. – "You are in charge. You okay with it?" – Minato nodded
- "Wha? Why him?" – Junpei grumbled. – "He doesn' look like a leader..."
- "Well... he has fought them before... the Shadows..." – Yukari said. – "If Minato-kun is okay with it, I agree with him being the leader."
- "Eh? Seriously?" – Junpei grumbled once more.
- "Correct. He has. But there is another reason." – Akihiko said, as he took hold of his Evoker. – "Do you have what it takes to press the trigger?"
- "Of.. of course I do!" – Junpei stuttered at first.
- "I... I think I can..." – Yukari said, unsure of herself.
- "We brought some weapons for you guys. We choose what we thought better suited you" – Mitsuru said, as he handed a Rapier to Minato, a ShortBow to Yukari and a LongSword to Junpei, who looked like Christmas had arrived early.
- "You have weapons to defend yourselves now... but remember... without your Persona you are screwed. The Shadows will not give you time to breathe." – Akihiko answered.
- "Yeah... I am aware of that..." – Yukari said, and Minato agreed with her. They could hear Junpei's giddy voice as he swinged the sword some steps away from them. Both sighed and the group of four sweatdropped at the sight.
- "Shall we?" – Yukari asked Minato, who nodded. They started to walk towards the stairs when a flash to the left stopped Minato. He could see a blue door, who had not been there before, attracting him. Excusing himself for a second, he went towards it. He could feel something hot on his pocket, and retrieving it, he noticed it was the key from his dream... the Velvet Key. He placed it on the door's handle, and it opened slowly.
- Velvet Room –Dark Hour –
- Monday April 20, 2009 –
Minato blinked upon passing through the Blue Door, and suddenly found himself sitting on the room he saw on his dreams, and in front of him stood Igor and Elizabeth. Both nodded at him in recognition, and Minato waited until one of them spoke.
- "So we finally meet face to face... I have been waiting." – Igor spoke in his calm and mysterious voice. – "The time for you to use your power has come... you are about to venture into a very mysterious place... one that came to be through an unknown way, one whose purpose remains unknown. For you to discover this, you must use your power."
- "My power?" – Minato questioned.
- "Yes. You see... your power is unique, it is the wild card. It is represented by the Fool Arcana... the number Zero... which can mean its empty, but at the same time it can also mean infinite possibilities... your power, my boy, is something to not take lightly. I could tell you more, but I believe it would be for the best for you to discover it by your own experience. Go back now, for your friends await. They can not see this room though, so for them you just dozed off. Be on your way, but do visit me once more when you desire, for you still need to hear what my role would be. My role to assist you that is." – Igor grinned as Minato once again blinked, finding himself out of the room.
- Tartarus, First Floor –Dark Hour –
- Monday April 20, 2009 –
Minato glanced around, noticing the sight of everyone upon him. – "You okay Minato-kun? You suddenly look pale... did you see something?" – Yukari asked.
- "Don' tell me you are having secon' thoughts..." – Junpei said, still a bit sour for not getting elected as leader.
- "No, it is nothing. Just thinking for a moment." – Minato answered. – "Let us go."
- "Alright..." – Yukari answered. The three walked up the marble stairs, and just before passing through the doorway they glanced down, and saw as Akihiko gave them a thumbs up, while Mitsuru remained motionless.
The three passed through the doorway and found themselves thrown into darkness. Just a few seconds later they emerged into a long hallway. Minato glanced around and saw that the floor was made of black and white tiles, while several marble columns and several other structures compromised the walls. He thought it somehow resembled several of the school's areas, and wondered if all Tartarus was like this. He could not dwell on this though as he heard Yukari gasp.
- "The door... its gone!" – She frantically said.
- "Whoa... what just happen?" – Junpei glanced around.
- "Do not let your guard down. We should move away from here, in case a Shadow decides to come." – Minato told the other two, who nodded. Before they could walk, though, they heard a voice directly to their minds.
- "Can you hear me?" – The voice of Mitsuru resonated.
- "Eh!" – Junpei jumped, and fell on his butt. – "Wha... Senpai?"
- "Relax. That is her power. Remember she said she was going to give us support?" – Yukari answered his unspoken question.
- "Loud and clear Senpai. The door is gone." – Minato answered.
- "That is unexpected. You will need to search for a way out then. If you find a staircase, do NOT go up. I repeat, do not go up. It would lead not another floor of Tartarus. For today I only want you to fight the Shadows on this floor. When we have a better grasp of what we will find, and have worked together, we will explore more. For now, if you encounter a Shadow I will scan it and provide you with information useful for their defeat" – Mitsuru answered.
- "Got it." – Minato answered.
- "Man... did she even breath upon saying all dat?" – Junpei was confused.
- "She can hear you, you know?" – Yukari told him.
- "Err... oopsy?" – Junpei said.
The group walked in silence, glancing around, both admiring the weird structure and a bit reluctant in the case of Yukari. Junpei kept grinning, as it was just a game. Minato motioned for them to stop, and he carefully gave a glance to the hallway which turned to the right. He spotted a small Shadow, which looked like a small black blob with a blue mask.
- "There is a Shadow just past the corner... it is glancing the other way... Yukari... think you can hit it with an arrow? We may get the upper hand if we hit it when it is facing the other way..." – Minato suggested, and Yukari looked nervous. Nevertheless, she nodded.
- "Attacking from behind? Dude... dat is so uncool..." – Junpei grumbled.
- "This is not about being cool. It is about surviving." – Minato answered. Before Junpei could retort, Mitsuru agreed.
- "Arisato is correct. Shadows will not give you a chance if they spot you. They will charge towards you, intending to suck your soul. The one you see is called Cowardly Maya... if you approach it I may be able to scan its weakness..." – Mitsuru instructed.
- "You can do it Yukari." – Minato encouraged and she nodded. Minato kneeled at the corner, while Yukari stood behind him. She took hold of an arrow, from the package on her back, and aimed. When Minato nodded at her, she fired, and the arrow struck the back of the Shadow, making it wail in pain.
- "Now!" – Minato said, as he ran towards the creature, followed by Junpei. Both slashed at it, making it fly towards a wall, where it laid unmoving.
- "Hell yeah! We came, me fought and we scored! Wohoo!" – Junpei celebrated, turning around.
- "Idiot! It is not gone yet!" – Yukari screamed, and Junpei cringed as he heard the cry of the Shadow, which had jumped towards him. Before he could react, he heard a gun being fired.
- "Orpheus!" – Minato called forth his Persona, who took hold of the massive harp on its back, and bashed the Shadow, which with a final cry of pain, vanished into dust.
- "Well done Arisato! I was not able to scan it in time, but your security comes first. Iori, I hope you learned a lesson... you can not give a Shadow time to react... never stop attacking it until it is gone." – Mitsuru scolded.
- "Yeah yeah..." – Junpei grumbled as he started to walk away. Minato and Yukari were about to follow when Minato's eyes fell to the floor, spotting something. He walked towards the place where the Shadow disappeared and kneeled. Yukari noticed this and walked towards him.
- "What is it Minato-kun? Found something?" – She asked.
- "Uh... yeah. This." – He showed her a card.
- "A card? What is that doing here? And what strange figure... it looks like some kind if Hindu woman, because of the jewel in her forehead..." – Yukari mentioned.
- "Except about the blue skin... I will take it along to show Senpai." – Minato suggested and Yukari nodded. – (And I also feel something strange emanating from this thing...) – He thought as he placed the card on the front pocket of his shirt, under his coat. – "Junpei we should move and... Junpei?"
- "Oh no! I can not believe that idiot! Senpai!" – Yukari shouted.
- "Sorry... I got distracted while scanning for Shadows... I will contact Junpei. Please, do not get separated you two." – Mitsuru answered.
- "So much for sticking together... I guess Senpai can not see it all, even with her power..." – Yukari grumbled.
- "Well... she did say she was scanning ahead..." – Minato said.
Some halls ahead walked Junpei. He had seen a bigger room, and walked into it, marveling at the infinite sight of the roof, where tons of other floors could be seen. Gigantic faces stood in several places instead of more floors, and thankfully none were facing towards him. – "Check it out... so awesome... and that stair over there must be the one Senpai mentioned..."
- "Iori!" – Mitsuru yelled, making him jump. – "What are you doing? I said to stick together!"
- "Ah come on... I learned my lesson back there... I can take care of myself too." – Junpei grumbled.
- "Must I repeat this is NOT a game? Be prudent! Shadows may... damn it! Two shadows approaching Junpei! You will have to fight alone for now! I will guide the others here! Be careful... they are Hand Types! Unlike the Maya, they are fast and cunning!"
- "I know! I know! Just trust me!" – He said, but in fact he was shacking. One of the Shadows ran towards him, using its fingers as its legs, and jumped straight at him. He smirked and prepared to use his sword as a baseball bat. The heavy slash passed through the Shadow as a hot knife on butter, making it wail in pain as it disappeared. – "Yeah! Home run!"
The Second Shadow took its chance and jumped at Junpei, who had to roll away, trying to evade it. But his roll made him loss the grip on the LongSword, who now laid forgotten, behind the Shadow who walked towards him slowly. – "Tch... do not think that is all I got!" – He yelled as he took out the Silver Gun from the holster inside his jacket. He pressed it into his temple and intended to press the trigger, but he froze at the last second. Seeing his hesitation, the Hand Shadow jumped at him, missing his head by far, as Junpei side stepped. – "Come on! Damn it!" – He pressed the trigger.
- "Hermes!" – The name appeared on his mind as he pushed the trigger. A black being emerged from within Junpei's soul. Its body seemed mechanic, and its head was protected by a thick matter with resembled a helmet. A majestic golden helmet. In retrospective, it looked like a knight from the era of King Arthur. On its arms stood two massive golden object which could be mistaken as wings, but where in fact deadly blades. – "Oh yeah! Now we are talking! I knew I could do it!" – Junpei grinned at the Shadow. – "Now what to do... oh yeah... AGI!" – He shouted as he could feel the power soaring through his body. His connection with his Persona seemed to give him the needed words to active a spell, a Fire Spell. He saw in fascination as the Shadow burned to dust. Seconds later his Persona vanished, leaving him a bit tired. – "Nice..."
- "Good job Iori... but I must urge you to find the others. You should be feeling tired now... for using a Persona for the first time can be straining..." – Mitsuru ordered.
- "Got it... phew... that was intense..." – He took hold of his LongSword when he heard steps.
- "There you are! Geez! Could you please not do that again?" – Yukari glared at him.
- "Hey Yuka-tan... guess what? I summoned my Persona! Wait till you see it! Its da bomb! Its name is Hermes!" – Junpei was beaming.
- "You... were able to summon it?" – Yukari somehow seemed ashamed, as Minato noticed.
Junpei continued grinning as he glanced up. Flying at top speed towards them was a flying Shadow. His grin vanished as he saw it in direct course towards Yukari. – "Yuka-tan!" – His voice was lost as a pained grunt was heard. And Minato fell.
Yukari stood with her mouth wide open as she saw him on the floor bleeding, a deep gash on his back, with blood slowly dripping out. It happened too fast. One moment she was glaring at Junpei, and the next one Minato was pushing her out of the way of a flying Shadow. It cut him. It hurt him. And he fell. – "No... not again..." – She whispered.
- "Takeba! Get a hold of yourself! The Shadow is coming back! Its an Eagle Type!" – Mitsuru yelled.
- "Minato... he is..." – Junpei was frozen upon the sight of the blood. He cursed as he heard the Shadow roar. – "Yuka-tan!"
- "I did it again... no... not anymore... I... I can do it too!" – She discarded her ShortBow and took the gun from her thigh. She pressed the cool cannon of the gun to her forehead, and she glared at the Shadow. – "I.. will not... be scared anymore!" – And she pressed the trigger for the first time.
- "Io!" – A girl with skin dark as night, golden hair and a pink dress materialized. She was chained into a massive chair, which looked like a horned animal's head. The eyes of both girl and chair stood closed. Slowly the eyes of the girl opened as Yukari's mind registered the name of a spell. – "GARU!" – A torrent of wind emerged from Io, as it blasted towards the Eagle Shadow, ripping it into shreds.
- "Wow..." – Junpei managed to say as the Shadow died. He saw as Yukari fell on her knees in front of Minato, who laid unmoving, and tears started to leak from her eyes. – "Hey! We need to move! Minato needs to see a doctor... Senpai we need assistance!"
- "I know. It is an emergency... so Akihiko is preparing to enter..." – Mitsuru answered.
- "Minato-kun... please... please..." – Yukari cried harder. A new spell suddenly materialized on her mind, and she called it automatically. – "Dia..." – She whispered. Io started to glow, and blue spheres emerged from it, and advanced towards Minato's back. Upon contact, the blue spheres burst, as if they were bubbles, and Minato's injury started to disappear slowly.
- "Oh holy heck..." – Junpei cursed. He heard Mitsuru, through the connection, telling Akihiko to wait. – "Yuka-tan... you just..."
Minato sat surprised. One minute he was on the floor with so much pain he could not move, nor register what was going on. The next moment he could feel warmth passing though his body as the pain faded away. Yukari saw him with tears on her eyes, and a surprised expression.
- "This... is my... ability..." – She whispered. – "Dia... healing spells..."
- "Thank you." – Minato told her, and she shocked her head.
- "No... I am who needs to thank you... you saved me again..." – Yukari cleaned her tears with the handkerchief Minato offered her.
- "Dude... that was intense... glad you are okay... hmm?" – Junpei said, but then sounded confused, gaining the attention of the other two.
- "What is it? More enemies?" – Yukari whispered.
- "Err no... just a strange card..." – Junpei said as he took hold of it. He showed it to the other two.
- "A fairy?" – Yukari wondered. – "What are this cards? Minato-kun found one too..."
- "Really? Then you keep it." – Junpei handed it, and Minato nodded. Once again he felt a surge of power.
- "Did you feel that?" – Minato asked.
- "Feel what?" – Junpei questioned.
- "Uh... never mind... can you help me stand up please?" – He asked, and Junpei complied.
- "I believe that should be enough for tonight... search for a green device surrounded by a golden structure... I have determined it will help you get back..." – Mitsuru ordered and the group nodded.
As they walked, Minato could see Yukari was still a bit shaken. – "Relax... I am okay now, thanks to you." – He tried to reassure her.
- "You would not have been injured if it was not for me in the first place..." – She whispered.
- "Yukari... entering here was already a risk. One I accepted... and if by getting hurt I can protect you, I will gladly do it..." – Minato said. He missed her blush as he walked towards Junpei, who called him over.
- "I see the device over there... shall we make a run for it?" – Junpei suggested.
- "Better be careful... we can not know if more of those damn creatures will appear..." – Minato said, and Junpei nodded.
- "Got it dude." – Junpei answered. After what he saw he decided to drop the subject of being better suited as leader.
The three teens walked with caution through the hallway. Some other paths converged on theirs, so they could not just run blindly as Junpei had initially suggested. The three of them had their weapons ready. They were just a few steps away from the device Mitsuru mentioned when a shadow started to grow under them. Acting on reflex, the three jumped away as the owner of the shadow fell... a Shadow which curiously enough resembled a table... a red table with a blue face and a ball of fire on top. A table indeed.
- "Be careful! That one is a Table Type!" – Mitsuru said through their connection.
- (Orly...?) – Junpei thought as he sweatdropped. He guessed the other two were thinking something similar, as their faces seemed annoyed. He chuckled as he imagined Mitsuru answering him 'Yarly'.
- (Thank you Obvious-Senpai...) – Yukari glared at the Shadow.
- (Was it necessary to say it?) – Minato sighed. – "Okay... we may have been separated, but we are surrounding it as well. Do not stop moving, do not give it the chance to attack. Slash or pierce at it whenever it shows its back to any of you." – He ordered.
- "Oraa!" – Junpei yelled as he tried to slash the creature once it set its sight on Minato. The Shadow, sensing the attack, bent its four legs, which caused Junpei to swing only the air, and the momentum of the slash made him spin on his feet, falling to the ground. The Shadow screeched at it, and suddenly knives, forks and... plates... started to spin around the fire above it, intending to attack Junpei.
- "Oh no you do not..." – Yukari said as she shot an arrow, which crashed the plates on top of the Shadow. The loss of an item made the creature lose control of the other objects temporarily, and Junpei took his chance to roll away.
- "Orpheus!" – Minato called as he shot himself with the Evoker. The Persona appeared, and Minato could hear the words for an spell on his mind. – "AGI!" – Orpheus complied to the order, and a ball of fire shot at the Shadow. Unfortunately the impact did not cause damage... in fact... somehow the plate repaired.
- "Whatda? No fair! Fire heals it?" – Junpei was incredulous as he ran besides Minato.
- "And physical attacks seem to not cause enough damage..." – Yukari panted, as she stood beside Minato as well.
- "Think you can cast that Wind Spell again?" – Minato asked Yukari, but she shook her head.
- "I am sorry... I am too tired..." – Yukari barely was able to keep standing.
- "She did use two spells... Senpai said dat the first usage of a Persona is difficult... no wonder they wanted us to just explore a bit today..." – Junpei suggested. He was sweating and felt his arms protesting in pain.
- "You need to escape... you are tired and the Shadow seems to be in perfect condition after absorbing the fire... if only one of you could cast a Bufu... an ice spell..." – Mitsuru said.
- "Escape? But Senpai... the thing you told us to seek... it is behind it... if we retreat there is a chance we encounter more enemies..." – Yukari said nervously as she fired another arrow, which completely missed. The Shadow stood on its place, calculating its next move. – "And this damn things seems to be mocking us!"
- (An Ice spell... Bufu... huh?) – Minato felt heat crawling through his body. He felt the origin of it on the pocket of his shirt, and two names came into his mind. – (No way... could it be...?) – "Stand back..."
- "Huh? Minato-kun? Wait... what are you doing?" – Yukari asked as she lowered her bow.
- "Dude?" – Junpei glanced at him.
Minato felt the surge of power passing through his veins as he called forth one of the names his mind registered. – "Apsaras!" – And a new Persona emerged from him. The very same blue skin woman who resembled an Hindu girl.
- "WHAT?" – Junpei yelled. Yukari stood shocked, and Mitsuru even fell to the floor surprised. Of course, she threatened Akihiko with execution if he ever told anyone this.
The blue skinned Apsaras stood in all its glory behind Minato. It smiled at him, as he glanced above his shoulder towards it. He nodded, and turned towards the Shadow. – "BUFU!" – A chunk of ice materialized from thin air, crashing into the Shadow, making it scream in pain, falling to the floor. The flame of the creature started to diminish, and before it could even attempt to strike back, Minato sent another Bufu spell towards it, erasing it from existence.
As Apsaras vanished, Minato glanced towards the other two, who walked to his side, wide eyed. – "Err... I think we can go back now..."
- "Minato-kun... that... that was..." – Yukari began.
- "That was AWESOME!" – Junpei yelled besides Yukari startling her. She got mad and slapped him behind the head.
- "As I was saying before the idiot here decided to break my ears... that was the same girl from the card we found earlier... was it not?" – Yukari asked.
- "Yes... I kind of felt a surge of power when I touched it... but I was not sure. When Junpei gave me the second one I felt another surge." – Minato answered.
- "So that is why you asked dat..." – Junpei grumbled as he massaged behind his head.
- "Can you try it with the other one...?" – Yukari asked and Minato nodded.
Placing the cannon of the gun to his head he concentrated on the second card, and the other name which had appeared on his mind previously. – "Pixie..." – He called as he pressed the trigger. A new Persona emerged, this time a very small one. It did look like a fairy, like Yukari had originally suggested.
- "Apsaras had Bufu... Ice. What does Pixie have?" – Yukari asked.
- "It seems to possess Healing..." – Minato said and he could see Yukari's face falling. – "I do not really understand it... but somehow I feel its capability is lower than Io's." – That made the trick, as Yukari seemed interested.
- "I get it... your Agi skill did not seem as powerful as mine... and mind you I am not gloating!" – Junpei smirked.
- (He is...) – Thought both Yukari and Minato as they rolled their eyes.
- "What does that mean?" – Yukari questioned as she glared at Junpei.
- "I really do not understand why I can summon this other Persona... but maybe it has to do with what happened at the roof..." – Minato said, and Yukari shuddered remembering the terrifying black Persona shredding the Shadow. – "Here... try summon them." – He handed down one card to each, but they could not do so. – "See? I think somehow my Ability is the usage of more than one Persona... but because of that maybe my skills are dulled down compared to an specialized one..."
- "As enlightening this conversation is... I suggest you to return. The Dark Hour is almost over. We can continue discussing this at the Dorm tomorrow... we have classes as well, remember?" – Mitsuru said and the three groaned.
The three walked in silence, contemplating what happened. They touched the device Mitsuru had mentioned and a flash of light blinded them for a moment. When the opened their eyes, they were back in the entrance.
No words were exchanged between the three as they returned to the Dorm, using the train when the Dark Hour finished. Minato yawned as he saw Junpei dozing off. Mitsuru and Akihiko discussed in low voices. Yukari held her arms, trying to heat herself, as the cold night continued. He took off his coat and put it over her shoulders. She was startled at first, but accepted it, thanking him. And now he was cold. But he could endure it. At least that is what he kept saying on his mind to reassure himself.
- Gekkoukan High School, 2-F Classroom – Morning –
- Tuesday April 21, 2009 –
The Gekkoukan students returned to their classrooms after the assembly where Mitsuru gave her official first speech as Student Council President. The speech had taken the place of the first period and now everybody had to return to their own homerooms, so they could continue with their days activities. Junpei lagged a bit behind, almost walking asleep.
- "Man... how can she speak so much? And on top of that... how can she look so fresh? I'm dead tired man..." – Junpei grumbled.
- "Well... she is the most popular girl in school... she needed to..." – Yukari stopped to yawn – "...look good in her new position..."
- "She does have somekind of aura around her... but anyway... can ya explain me what was dat about? I mean... I did not understand one word of it..." – Junpei exclaimed.
- "Do not look at me... I was busy not falling asleep..." – Minato answered and Yukari just shrugged.
- "Did anyone listened or understand?" – Junpei questioned out loud.
- "Do not look at me Junpei... I WAS asleep..." – Kenji snickered.
- "If you ask me... I would have preferred to run around the school..." – A boy in sports clothes spoke.
- "I can see that dude... do you ever wear your school uniform Kazushi?" – Kenji questioned the other boy, named Kazushi.
- "Uh yeah... I have wore it... once..." – He whispered.
- "Uh guys... where is Minato-kun?" – Yukari suddenly stopped. Junpei, Kenji and Kazushi glanced her way and started to look around.
- "Was he not following us?" – Kenji said.
- "Lemme check around the corner..." – Junpei said as he walked away. Two minutes later he returned with Minato following him. – "Dude... how can ya fall asleep while standing on the stairs?" – The other boys snickered as Minato shrugged. Yukari just sighed and entered the classroom, seeing that Miss Miyahara, the math professor, was walking their way.
- Gekkoukan High School, 2-F Classroom – Lunchtime
- Tuesday April 21, 2009 –
Minato talked with Junpei and Kenji when the boy wearing sports clothes, Kazushi, approached them. He sat besides the other three and addressed Minato.
- "Hey Arisato... we have not been introduced right? The name's Miyamoto Kazushi. Call me Kazushi." – Kazushi said. He has dark eyes and dark hair. He is a bit taller than the other three boys present, and is currently wearing his sports pants.
- "Minato is fine." – The blue haired teen answered.
- "Great. Now that that is outta way... I heard you wanted to join a sport, but could not do so because you were absent during that week." – Kazushi said.
- "Do not remind me." – Minato grumbled.
- "Hey! Easy dude. You can join Kenji and me on the 'Go-home-after-school' club." – Junpei said, and Kenji high-fived with him.
- "Geez... you are so lazy Stupei. Minato-kun obviously is not like you guys." – Yukari said as she approached them, having heard their words.
- "Hey! Doncha call me dat!" – Junpei grumbled.
- "Stupei huh... I like that name." – Kenji snickered.
- "Dude!" – Junpei pouted and everybody laughed.
- "Toriumi-sensei will get on your case if you both are not in any club." – Kazushi stated.
- "Nah... do not worry about me. Sports may be not my thing, but I am on the Drama Club." – Kenji said, and everybody watched him with open mouths. – "Hey! Do not look me like that! I like acting! I mean... I prefer comedy... but Drama was the only thing available."
- "You just betrayed me man..."- Junpei faked tears.
- "Tch... guess Toriumi-sensei will be on my case then..." – Minato said.
- "Actually, that is why I am here." – Kazuhi said, and the guys and Yukari glanced at him. – "Toriumi-sensei spoke with Coach Shidoh. She saw in your file you practiced Kendo on your last school, and we ended with some free spots after recruitment. What do you say? You in?"
- "Can I?" – Minato grinned.
- "Of course! We would be happy to have you on the team!" – Kazushi grinned.
- "So you are leaving me alone Minato? How cruel!" – Junpei faked more tears, but everybody ignored him, even Kenji.
- "What must I do?" – Minato asked.
- "Well, we should go speak with the Coach, so you can sign the inscription. Come on, lets go... we can grab a bite afterwards." – Kazushi motioned for him to follow. – "Trainings are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays"
- "Hey guys, wait for me." – Yukari say as she ran for a bit, to walk besides Minato.
- "Whats up?" – Minato asked.
- "Oh, nothing really. I need to see my own Coach, so I decided to tag along." – Yukari answered.
- "Oh right. You are on the Kyudo Club, right?" – Minato stated.
- "Dude... you do not know? She is not only on the Club... she is our Ace in Kyudo! She is not the Captain just because she is a Junior. Next year Takeba will probably be named Captain." – Kazushi excitedly stated.
- "I see. Well I can say first hand I understand that. You really are good in Kyudo." – Minato said as they walked through the hall leading to the gymnasium. He saw a strange tree, but dismissed it as something not important.
- "Ah... no... its just luck. I mean... I do like the sport. It helps me calm down. But anyway... speak for yourself Miyamoto! You are also the next captain in line for the Kendo Team." – Yukari said. They arrived to the gymnasium offices and Yukari walked away. Kazushi presented Minato to his coach, and waited as Minato signed the papers.
- "Next captain... can I do it with..." – Kazushi whispered.
- Gekkoukan High School, 2-F Classroom – After School –
- Tuesday April 21, 2009 –
Minato sat outside the School's entrance listening to his MP3 player. He waited for Junpei and Kenji to arrive, since they were going to get some Ramen at a establishment both told him was very good. It was already past 5pm, so Kenji must have already been dismissed from the Drama Club, thus Junpei went to search for him. He saw other students pass, leaving for home, when he saw Akihiko exit the school. As soon as he stepped outside, three female students approached him, trying to get his attention. Minato thought he saw him sighing. He lowered his headphones as he saw Junpei approach.
- "Where is Kenji?" – Minato asked.
- "Meh... Toriumi-sensei called him over as we where walking here. He was skipping on the classroom cleaning, so she was very mad at him. He told me that we should go on ahead to Paulownia, that he would seek us there and then we could go eat." – Junpei said and Minato nodded. He then turned his attention to Akihiko. – "Can you believe that? Those girls are practically over him... and I've seen even more doing so... geez... can ya believe how a chick magnet he is? I mean... I know he is the Captain of the Boxing Team... but get real... Anyway... now that we all are part of the same team I have an excuse to talk to him... maybe I can keep one of those kittens... if you catch my drift." – He snickered and Minato just sighed.
- "Hey, you two." – Akihiko yelled at them, ignoring the girls around him. – "Are you free now?"
Before Junpei could jump at his 'golden chance', Minato answered. – "We were heading to Paulownia Mall." – Junpei looked crestfallen. Minato wondered if he believed Akihiko was to invite them to spend time with those girls.
- "Excellent. I was going to tell you to go there myself. Lets go." – He walked towards them, and Junpei looked in heaven. That is... until he noticed Akihiko told the girls to go away.
- "Whoa! Are your friends not going?" – Junpei asked.
- "Who? This girls? I do not even know their names. They are just annoying." – Sanada Akihiko stated, Minato laughed and Junpei cried rivers of tears.
- "So... what is it Senpai?" – Minato asked.
- "We are going to the Police Station." – The Boxing champion said.
- "What? Why?" – The slacker looked surprised.
- "Indeed. Why are we going there?" – The newest member, at least in paper, of the Kendo team questioned.
- "I want you to meet Officer Kurosawa. He knows about us. He helps us with information, about Apathy Syndrome victims, not released to the public. He also provides us with weaponry like the one we gave you yesterday at Tartarus." – Akihiko answered.
- "Does he have the potential? Or does he just walk around the Dark Hour like Ikutsuki-san?" – Minato asked. He had to restrain the urge of punching Junpei, who kept moping about leaving those girls behind.
- "Neither. He does not possess the potential." – Sanada answered.
- "Then how does he believe us?" – Arisato wondered.
- "Good question. Mitsuru provided him with substantial proof... information and... well... we kinda summoned our Persona in front of him. Do not be surprised if he asks you to see your Personae." – Akihiko answered and Minato nodded.
- (Good thing I did not bring my Evoker...) – Minato thought. About an hour later they exit the Police Station. Kurosawa was an interesting adult, and one that seemed to trust them into protecting the town, since he was not able to do so. Minato bought a new sword, in order to have a spare just in case. Kurosawa promised him to deliver it to their dorm, so he did not look suspicious carrying a sword through town. Akihiko left afterwards, saying he had things to do. Junpei was in a foul mood, since he still wanted to spend time with those girls. He left telling Minato he was not hungry anymore.
- (Wonder if Kenji will get here soon? I want to eat already...) – Minato's stomach grumbled. He glanced around and saw several Gekkoukan students hanging around. Paulownia was a popular place for them to hang around, since it was near. He saw the guy he had seen exiting the Teacher's Office his first day at school, chatting with a brown-haired boy wearing glasses. He kept looking around and saw some girls from his class pointing at him. He ignored them and continued looking around and saw a somewhat fat... scratch that... a very fat boy eating away a monstrous meal. His stomach grumbled again. Deciding to go buy himself a can of Cielo Mist he entered the hallway that directed to the bathrooms, where a Soda machine stood. Before he could reach the machine he stopped, feeling a familiar presence. He walked towards it and found a blue door... an exact replica of the one in Tartarus. A door to the Velvet Room. He took out the key and opened it.
- Velvet Room – After School –
- Tuesday April 21, 2009 –
Minato opened his eyes and found himself sitting in front of Igor and Elizabeth once again. After witnessing for many strange things in the last days, and knowing about the Dark Hour for years, this really did not surprise him anymore. Apparently the door would take him to this room no matter where he opened.
- "Greetings. I see you have discovered your abilities. You wield the power to use multiple Persona. Quite something if I must say." – Igor said.
- "I take by your words that you already knew." – Minato said, and Igor nodded. – "Very well. I will not ask how you knew. But since I am already here, I wish to know what you meant last time. About your role to assist me."
- "I was waiting for you to ask. You see... I hold the power to combine your Persona. Orpheus is your main Persona, but its strength will not grow much... its power shall depend on how you handle your other Persona. And that is my role. By strengthening your Persona, Orpheus will gradually grow, until it reaches its true power. And for you to be able to create even stronger Persona, and by proxy empowering Orpheus, you must establish and maintain your Social Links. I sense you have established one already." – Igor talked.
- "I have?" – Minato was confused.
- "Did you not see the Fool Arcana Card manifest in your mind?" – He questioned and Minato nodded. – "That is the proof of a Social Link. You have established the Fool Social Link... your own Arcana... and it has been established with your teammates."
- "I see... so you say that if I keep hanging around my friends, the Persona will be stronger?" – Minato asked.
- "Correct. Now... I see you have acquired two extra Persona... Apsaras and Pixie. Would you care trying to fuse them?" – Igor asked and Minato considered it.
- "Will I lose the ability to use them if you fuse the cards?" – Minato asked.
- "That is correct. If you do not possess their cards you will not be able to use them again. But never fear... you can acquire it back at Tartarus... or you can ask Elizabeth here for a copy of the card. For a small sum that is." – He grinned.
- (Figures...) – Minato sweatdropped.
- "Mind you... not all Persona can be found or acquired through Tartarus. Some are only available through fusion... and in some special cases, you will need to possess a special item to be able to fuse them. But that is a matter for another time. Now... shall we proceed?" –
- "Okay. Let us see what we get. And depending on the result I may end up asking you to make me a copy of Apsaras. Bufu was very helpful last time." – Minato said and he handed down the cards to Elizabeth, who placed them on the table.
Igor whispered a few words that Minato was unable to hear. He saw as both cards started to float, ascending several meters, and for the first time Minato noticed how high the room was. The cards suddenly crashed into one another, and after a flash of light, a new card fell towards him. He caught the card and glanced at it. It featured what it seemed to be an adult cat girl with a black mask over its mouth. – "Nekomata..." – He whispered upon feeling its presence on his mind.
- "Ah... a Magician..." – Igor said, and Minato glanced as if asking him to elaborate. – "Each of the Personae you acquire will have a certain affinity to an Arcana. That is why Social Links strengthen them. Apsaras was of the Priestess Arcana while Pixie was of the Lovers Arcana. This Nekomata was not born more powerful because you have not established the Magician Social Link as of yet. Now... if you wish to poses Apsaras again, do talk with my assistant.
- "Yes. I will take her back." – Minato said as he pocketed Nekomata. He did not think he would need Pixie again, for now, since Yukari had better healing abilities. After paying several yen for Apsaras, he left the Velvet Room, returning to the real world.
- Paulownia Mall – After School –
- Tuesday April 21, 2009 –
Minato sat on one of the benches, drinking his Cielo Mist, when Kenji arrived gasping for air. Minato guessed he must have ran after leaving the school grounds so, taking pity on him, he bought him a can of Cielo Mist. After gulping the whole can in one gulp Kenji sighed in contempt.
- "Thanks dude. Needed that. Hey, where is Junpei?" – Kenji asked.
- "He... uhh... remembered he had something to do and left saying to tell you sorry." – Minato lied.
- "Oh. Then let us go. I know you will like Hagakure. Its on the Strip Mall at Iwatodai." – Kenji informed.
- "Ah... the Strip Mall. I have eaten twice there... but I had not been to Hagakure yet." – Minato said.
- "Believe me. After today you will return many more times." – He grinned.
About twenty minutes later both guys sat on the counter of Hagakure, snapping their chopsticks, ready to dig on the Ramen. Minato slurped the noodles and found himself impressed. The taste was very unique, which was saying a lot, since he had eaten in many Ramen places before. Hagakure easily stole first place.
- "Ah! Now we are talking" – Kenji grinned in comptempt. – "Was I right or no? It tastes great!" – He received a nod in response, making him grin. – "I bet they use some special ingredient to give this unique flavor. Some secret spice... Oh! Sorry. I get all geeked up whenever I eat here."
- "Do not worry. I do agree with you. This tastes amazing." – Minato answered.
- "Yeah! I knew you would be able to appreciate the subtle yet distinct flavor!" – He slurped the soup of his noodles. – "Lets not allow the noodles to get soggy... so... lets dig!"
After a while both paid for their meals and walked outside. Kenji and Minato stood by the rail of the second floor, watching the people passing by. Kenji then started to talk. – "Hey dude... what is really going between you and Takeba?"
- "Like I said before... we just live in the same dorm. There is nothing going on between us. We are just friends." – Minato answered. This time he did not feel annoyed by the question, since he felt Kenji was becoming a good friend.
- "Oh. But do you not like her?" – Kenji questioned.
- "Dunno... I mean. She is very attractive... I can see that. But we just meet... so... I can not really say." – Minato answered. He could not deny he felt somewhat attracted to the girl, but time would tell if something else was to develop or not.
- "I see. Anyway... it is getting late. I should be going home. Next time we hang together I will tell you about my secret plan."- Kenji grinned.
Minato just glanced at him when a familiar surge of power passed through his body. In his mind a new card manifested and started to spin. When it stopped it presented him the Magician Arcana and a voice spoke: 'Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to create a Persona of the Magician Arcana...'
- "You okay dude?" – Kenji questioned as he saw Minato stop.
- "I am fine. I will see you tomorrow." – He said and waved goodbye. Kenji nodded and left. – (The Magician Arcana huh? Wonder what would have changed if this Social Link had been established before I fused Nekomata earlier?)
- Lounge, Kirijo Dorm – Evening –
- Tuesday April 21, 2009 –
The five SEES members and Ikutsuki sat around the table in the lounge. Mitsuru had already informed Ikutsuki about the events of the previous night, and the man was absolutely fascinated. He kept firing questions upon what Minato felt upon touching the cards and about if he could feel the diverse presences within his mind.
- "Can you show me the Cards?" – Ikutsuki asked.
- "Here you go..." – Minato said as he handed Apsaras. He guessed it was now or never.
- "I see... so this is Apsaras... can I see the other one? Pixie?" – Ikutsuki asked.
- "Sorry. I can not. I do not have her anymore." – His words shocked the group.
- "Wha?" – Junpei – "What do you mean?" – Akihiko – "Explain!" – Mitsuru – "Eh?" – Yukari – All spoke at the same time, making Minato a bit dizzy. When everybody calmed down, a bit, Ikutsuki spoke. – "Care to elaborate?"
- (They can not see the Velvet Room's Door... so I guess I will have to... lie a bit...) – "Today I felt a new surge of power from the cards... it seems they reacted to be together. When I checked Pixie was gone, and on its place this card remained..." – He placed the card on the table. – "Nekomata".
- "Fascinating..." – Ikutsuki said as he took hold of the card.
- "As far as I can tell... Nekomata has Agi abilities... so I guess I was lucky Apsaras did not disappear alongside Pixie" – (Smooth Arisato... Smooth...) – He failed to see the relieved face of Yukari and Junpei's pout.
- "Can I take this for a few hours? I wish to examine them... I will leave them here later today." – Ikutsuki asked and Minato nodded. – "Now... on to the other matter of this meeting. You three did very good for your first visit to Tartarus. I believe that after a good rest you will be able to return there and fight for a longer time."
- "Since we can not know when a powerful Shadow, like the one that Arisato fought, will appear, we believe it is imperative for you to train in Tartarus at least once a week. Arisato will stay as leader and will decide when to go. Just do not slack away. Once I heal, I shall join you." – Akihiko said. He saw Minato nod and Junpei grumble, thus he sighed.
- "While we were there I sensed some sort of barricade some floors above. Our first mission, next time we go, will be to reach it." – Mitsuru stated. – "For now, go get some rest. – She said as she stood up. Ikutsuki followed afterwards, taking the cards with him. The rest of the group staid on the Lounge watching TV for a while before going to sleep.
- Area assigned for the Kendo Club, Gekkoukan Gymnasium – After School –
- Wednesday April 22, 2009 –
After classes ended Minato walked with Kazushi and Yukari towards the Gymnasium. Upon arriving Yukari waved goodbye, as she entered the female lockers, to change into her Kyudo uniform. Minato followed Kazushi into the male locker, and waited until he emerged in the Kendo uniform. He still did not have his own uniform, as he had just signed the previous day, so he guessed today he was just going to be presented to the team. As soon as both entered the gymnasium the Coach waved for him to approach.
- "Team. If I may have your attention?" – He called, and everybody assembled. – "This is Arisato Minato. As of today he will join the team. Before anyone asks, there were special circumstances of why he could not sign to the team before, but I am sure he would have joined us anyway if he had been able to."
After the team exclaimed, in one voice, that they were pleased to meet him, the Coach addressed a girl to approach. – "This is Yuko. She is the team manager. If you have any inquiries please address them with her."
- "Nice to meet you. I am Nishiwaki Yuko." – The tanned girl said. She had dark grey hair and brown eyes. Her lips looked white contrary to her heavy tan. Her appearance screamed 'Ganguro'. Minato briefly recalled seeing her on the first day of classes scolding none other than Kazushi, now that he thought about it. He bit back a grin as he also remembered the reason for the scolding... for Kazushi was already wearing his sports pants... much like Kenji hinted the other day.
- "Pleased to meet you." – Minato answered.
- "Hey Kazushi! Get over here!" – The Coach called. – "Since you both are in the same class I am leaving him under your wing. Let him know what we have been doing for the past weeks."
- "Yes sir. Welcome aboard Minato. Do not expect me to be light on you." – Kazushi grinned.
- "I would not expect you to Kazushi." – Minato answered back. He felt a sudden charge of power, and once more a card manifested on his mind. When it stopped spinning it revealed itself to be the Chariot Arcana, a the voice spoke: 'Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to create a Persona of the Chariot Arcana...' – (A new Social Link huh? Wonder if it always will be this easy?)
- "Okay. That is enough introductions. All you guys get training now. Arisato-kun, come with me." – Yuko motioned the new member to follow her. Minato nodded at Kazushi, who took hold of his Bokuto and waved him goodbye.
Minato followed Yuko, who was wearing red and grey sports pants, much like the same Kazushi wore daily. She took out a measure tape and approached him. – "Since this is your first time here I need to take your measurements, so I can prepare a uniform for your next practice. Now, please open your arms." – She instructed and he complied. After several minutes of measuring him and taking notes, she stopped. – "Done. That is everything. With that out of the way, just look around for a while and you can call it a day. You will join the team in their practice next time. Now, if you excuse me..." – She said as she was about to leave, but Minato's voice stopped her.
- "I have my own Bokuto back at the Dorm. Can I use it on practice? Or must I use the Schools?" – He said.
- "Hmm. I do not see why you can not. Do bring it next time, although expect the Coach to check it first." – This time Yuko did left.
Minato saw his teammates practice for a while, but as much as he loved Kendo, he got bored standing on the sidelines. When Kazushi stopped for a moment, Minato told him he was leaving and his classmate just nodded. Instead of exiting the gymnasium through the door that leaded back to the School, he went to the door that leaded outside, to the other training camps. As he walked outside the gym, he saw other sports clubs, like volleyball, judo and even the Boxing club, who had a massive ring at their disposal. He saw as Akihiko barked orders to his teammates, without taking part of practice himself, due to his still injured arm. Sanada saw Minato glancing at them and nodded at him.
Outside he saw several other training camps, like baseball, soccer and even tennis. Minato once more was amazed at how many different sports clubs the high school held, and at the number of students taking part in them. He got curious to see the other SEES members on their own clubs. He had already seen Akihiko and Mitsuru inside the gym. While Yuko had been measuring him he was able to see the fencing club at the other side of the massive gym, practicing, with Mitsuru moving gracefully. Looking around Minato spot the training area of the Kyudo club, which was in a corner somewhat away from the rest of the clubs, due to the risk of an accidental stray arrow.
Minato glanced at the Kyudo club members who were positioned in front of their designated targets. Some of the students sat on the floor, awaiting their turn, and one of them was Yukari. She was wearing a white short sleeved Keiko-gi and a black Hakama. She also was wearing a protective leather on her chest, the Muneate. And finally, on her right hand she wore the standard protective glove, a Yugake, although at the distance he could not identify what type it was. When it was Yukari's turn to shot Minato noticed every other club member stopped and glanced her way. He remembered Kazushi's words, stating she was the School's Ace in Kyudo. Placing herself in position, Yukari glanced at the target, and without much thought, she rose the bow and shot almost instantly, without delay. Minato joined the club members who started clapping as they all saw another bullseyes. He could understand why she would wield a bow in Tartarus. She was very good at it, and if she had missed some shots the other day it was because she was facing a moving target and she was tired. Most of the time she did not miss, and she had also shot almost immediately, just like some moments ago, which was something admirable against the erratic movement of the Shadows.
When Yukari turned around, to walk back to her seat, she saw Minato giving her a thumbs up. She smiled at him as she sat down. Some of her teammates saw the exchange and smiled, knowing that Yukari tended to be a loner most of the time. When practice ended, Minato entered the grounds of the club, and offered Yukari a towel – "You really are incredible, you know?"
- "Ah thanks." – She said, both for the towel and compliment. – "Did you leave early from the Kendo Club?"
- "Well, they said I would start next session, after they give me my uniform, so they allowed me to go earlier. I decided to check the other clubs. Akihiko-senpai is a slave driver with his club members." – He chuckled – "I also saw a bit of Kirijo-Senpai's club while they took my measurements for the club. I must say Gekkoukan has once more impressed me. The number of clubs, the grounds assigned for them and the number of students participating is overwhelming."
- "Yeah." – She smiled. – "Gekkoukan has the belief that good students should not just be mentally prepared, but also physically. They do offer other things in case you do not like sports. Most of the students are enrolled in sports or artistic activities. Some even both. But... we do have cases who take neither."
- "Like Junpei." – The both said at the same time. – "Anyway... I need to go take a bath. I will see you back at the dorm Minato-kun."
- "Want me to wait for you?" – He asked.
- "Well... I am seeing some friends after this, so no thank you. Maybe some other time. Thanks for the offer though." – She said as she walked away.
- "Okay. No problem." – Minato answered, then walked away as well. He glanced at his watch and decided to go grab something to eat at the Strip Mall before returning to the dorm. Seems tonight was going to be a study night.
- Arisato Minato's Room, Kirijo Dorm – Evening –
- Thursday April 23, 2009 –
Minato stretched in his chair as he closed down his books, finishing his homework. The day had passed without much worth remembering. He felt he already got hang out of the classes, despite missing the first weeks, thanks to Yukari's notes. Minato thought he should try and repay her somehow later on. After classes the guys had told him about a new Action Movie named Digital Devil Saga, which depicted a war between tribes that could shape shift into demons, and the four of them had gone to see it.
After arriving back to the Dorm, Minato excused himself and returned to his dorm. After closing his books he stood up and opened his closet, taking out a long object wrapped in a protective cloth. Opening it, he slid down the cloth revealing a shiny black Bokuto. A family heirloom he believed. One of the sole things saved from the accident. Maybe he did not remember anything about his parents nor their relatives, but if that particular blurry memory was to be believed, his father had been very fond of it. The Bokuto was definitely old, but it had persevered through the years, thanks to the wood from which it was made. When he began practicing Kendo in Junior High he had used this very same weapon, and thus, he hoped Coach Shidoh would allow him to continue doing so in Gekkoukan.
Glancing at the clock, Minato noted it was still a bit early, but decided to sleep anyway. Better be prepared, for they planned to visit Tartarus once more in two days, in Saturday's night.
- Area assigned for the Kendo Club, Gekkoukan Gymnasium – After School –
- Friday April 24, 2009 –
Minato had arrived early to the Gymnasium, in order to speak with the Coach and to retrieve his new uniform from Yuko. Shidoh had been awed with the quality of Minato's Bokuto, and had seen no problem in him using it. He was now wearing the dark blue Keiko-gi and the black Hakama. He had not put on the Bogu armor yet, as he preferred not using it until it was time for practice.
Deciding to practice a few old moves before the team arrived, Minato walked inside the court and started to practice several Kata. He was so absorbed into them he did not notice as other students stopped, in their way to their own club's designated area, to glance at him. After finishing a set of Kata's he stopped and heard clapping.
- "Looking good Minato." – Akihiko spoke, as people parted to let him pass.
- "Akihiko-Senpai... uh... what's with all this people?" – He glanced around.
- "So you did not notice huh? You must have been very concentrated... guess you are a fine addition to the Kendo Team. Better for us, since our teams are getting stronger." – Akihiko said. – "Right Komamura?"
- "Indeed. We already have an Ace in Miyamoto, but after what I just saw, I believe Arisato will be another Ace under our sleeve. The Nationals this year will be definitely ours with those two." – Another student spoke. He was the Kendo Club's current captain.
- "We still need to beat Hayase Mamoru, remember Senpai? I bet he has gotten better this past months." – Kazushi said as he approached. – "Good moves Minato. Do you mind if I look at your Bokuto? Yuko told me you were brining your own." – He asked, and Minato allowed him to take it.
- "Well, I better go. My own team is waiting. Cya at the Dorm Minato." – Akihiko waved as he left. Minato saw several girls blushing as they saw Akihiko leave. Some others watched Komamura and Miyamoto. Ironically, he missed those watching him.
- "Okay. Enough chat. We should being our own training as well. Miyamoto, I trust you told Arisato what we did before right?" – He received a nod for answer. – "Good. We will practice several advanced Kata's today..."
As the practice came to an end Coach Shidoh approached Yuko, who had stood by the sidelines all the practice. He whispered something to the girl, who nodded and walked towards Komamura, to inform him the Coach's suggestion. – "Hey Senpai... Coach Shidoh asked me to tell you he wants to see Kazu and Arisato-kun have a practice match."
- "He did?" – He glanced at the Coach and after seeing him, nodded. – "Very well. Guess we can finish the practice with this. People, gather up. To end today's practice I want to arrange a practice match. Miyamoto, Arisato, you guys up for it?"
- "Sure. Why not?" – Minato shrugged, meanwhile Kazushi was grinning.
- "Absolutely." – Kazushi was excited, for he had also seen Minato's Kata before practice, and believed he could be a worthwhile opponent.
The excited murmur of their teammates, as they entered the court, soon attracted the attention of the rest of the clubs. It was almost 5pm, so club activities had stopped and soon a crowd started to gather. Those from the external clubs glanced their way as they entered and, curious, joined the crowd already gathered.
- "Alright people. We will have a standard 3 point match. First to score two points win. Standard time of five minutes will be used." – Komamura said as Minato and Kazushi bowed as per protocol.
- "Senpai." – Kazuhi called. Komamura prompted him to speak. – "Persimmon to have unlimited time match."
- "Reasons?" – Komamura was interested on why Kazushi asked so.
- "I believe five minutes will not be enough for either of us, do you not agree Minato?" – Kazushi glanced at his friend.
- "I do. Two points win is better. Without time limits." – Minato answered.
- "Very well. No time limit will be placed. All usual rules still apply." – He announced to the crowd. He saw as Akihiko took a place at the front. The red haired student council president was besides him. – "HAJIME!"
As soon as Komamura yelled for them to begin, both combatants took a step forward intending to hit their opponent with their Bokuto, which crashed against each other with an unexpected force. They tried to push each other for a few seconds, when both pulled back, stepping back. They started to circle each other, trying to taunt the other into an opening, but neither of them wasted much movements. Kazushi slashed, intending to get a MEN point, but Minato stopped his attack with a fast upwards strike, going himself, after the counter, for a TSUKI point, but Kazushi side stepped it, going for a KOTE, missing in the last second. Both stepped back, and started to circle each other again.
Three minutes passed already and neither had scored their first point. The crowd cheered for both. Komamura grinned at the display of both of his Kouhai. Akihiko was grinning upon the sight and Mitsuru looked interested, although she did not cheer like the rest. The crowd went wild when the first point was awarded. Minato and Kazushi had exchanged blow after blow, blocking each other, when Kazushi had tried to get a DO point, which ended parried by Minato, who without losing any second made his Bokuto fall into Kazushi's head, scoring a MEN.
- "Huh? What is with this crowd?" – Mitsuru heard the voice of Yukari. The abilities of her own Persona, Penthesilea, had made her more aware of her surroundings, and thus she was able to hear the girl even among the loud cheers. She told Akihiko and he nodded, walking through the crowd, who opened a path for him.
- "Oi Takeba! Over here!" – He called.
- "Senpai? What is going on?" – She asked him.
- "Minato is having a match, come on! He is already up by a point." – Akihiko signaled her to approach.
- "Minato-kun is?" – She followed him, being careful to not hit anyone with her sheathed Bow.
When both arrived besides Mitsuru the crowd went wild again. Yukari saw as both combatants stepped back, waiting for Komamura to allow them to continue after calling a YUKO DATOTSU in favor of Kazushi. Mitsuru explained them that Kazushi had tried once again to hit Minato in the DO point, but this time he was ready to parry Minato's counter, making the blue-haired boy to miss, then striking the throat, earning a TSUKI.
- "Wow... so fast..." – Yukari said. She had seen Kazushi fight before, in the previous year nationals. Back then, before joining SEES, the only thing that had kept her mind away from her problems had been Kyudo, and being the top member of their club, she was taken to the nationals, where she scored victory for Gekkoukan. At that time she was able to witness the matches of her Senpai, now dormmates, on their own sports, as well as many other classmates.
- "With this two, Hayase will not be able to defeat us this year." – Yuko said as she walked besides Yukari.
- "Hey Yuko. So I see. I honestly did not expect Minato-kun to be this good." – Yukari answered.
- "He definitely is giving Kaz a run for his money." – Yuko answered. – (Minato-kun huh? So I guess the rumor of those two may be true after all...)
Minato slashed at Kazushi, who in turn parried the attack, and started to push. Minato stepped back and with an impressive speed slashed again for three consecutive times. Kazushi was able to parry all attacks, but each strike made him walk back a step. Seeing himself in danger of stepping outside the court, Kazushi allowed Minato to keep striking, while he did his best to keep his ground. Minato was overwhelming him, and he needed to make his move fast, or else face the consequences. Instead of parrying the next move, Kazushi when to intercept it with his own slash, making the crash of the Bokuto sound in all the Gymnasium. Both combatants had tuned down the noise of the gathered crowd as they tried to push each other again.
Seven minutes have passed already and Komamura was glad he had accepted the no time limit request. He himself always had trouble when he fought Kazushi, losing about nine out of ten matches. Seeing Minato's skill he wondered if he would be able to defeat the newcomer.
Kazushi and Minato walked back, both panting for air, and started to circle each other once more. Both shot forward, and their Bokuto meet once more. They once more started to try overpowering the other, pushing with all their might when suddenly Kazushi felt a sharp pain, making him twitch, losing his balance for a second. A critical second which Minato used on his advantage as he parried Kazushi's Bokuto, making him stumble, and Minato hit him on the head, earning a MEN, and thus ending the match.
The crowd exploded in cheers as Minato took off his Bogu armor, panting and covered in sweat. Kazushi sat in the floor, also panting, as he too took off his Bogu armor. – "Great match dude..." – Kazushi said.
- "Wow... now that was a very good match indeed..." – Minato said.
- "Seriously... you totally destroyed me. Man... I need to train harder. Next time I will defeat you!" – Kazushi grinned.
- "Another match would be nice." – Minato grinned.
- "Both of you, great work!" – Coach Shidoh said as he walked towards them. – "With both of you with us, Gekkoukan shall win the Kendo competition this time! Komamura, better take good care of them you hear?" –
- "Here Kaz" – Yuko said, as she kneeled besides Kazushi, handing him a towel.
- "Thanks. Give one to Minato as well." – Kazushi said as he buried his face on the towel, drying it from the sweat.
- "No need. He is getting one now." – She answered and Kazushi glanced at him. Minato was indeed cleaning his face with a towel, handed down by none other than Yukari, who was besides him alongside Akihiko and Mitsuru.
- "I see. Geez... those four are a force to be reckon..." – Kazushi grinned. Inside he was worried about the pang he felt before losing the match. – (Damn it... why did it had to hurt again?)
- Train Route from Port Island to Iwatodai – After School -
- Monday April 27, 2009 –
Minato sighed as he sat, while listening to his MP3 player. He had hoped that the hype about his match with Kazushi had died down after Sunday, but he was disappointed when it did not. Saturday had found him been greeted by most of the students as he passed through the halls. Many had witnessed his match, but definitely not all the school. Trust the rumors to fly. Add the fact that someone had taken video of the match and uploaded to the school server. It was definitely chaos for him.
Wanting nothing more than rest for a few hours, since he planned to visit Tartarus that night, Minato left early. He text messaged the others, letting them know he wanted to visit Tartarus, so they would arrive early to the dorm, so they could rest for a while before adventuring to the tower.
That night they were able to explore ten levels before their stamina started to run out. As soon as they reached the fourtteenth level Mitsuru stopped them, announcing she detected a strong presence nearby. Not on the same level as the Shadow that attacked the dorm, but definitely above all those they had fought previously. Junpei had wanted to take it on, but Minato refused to, while Yukari agreed with him. Mitsuru told them, through her connection, that a device, resembling the one in the entrance, stood in front of them. They used it to transport back, and found, surprised, that the device would allow them to return to the previous floor. Mitsuru and Akihiko deduced it was due to it was an exact copy of the one in the entrance. Logic aside, they choose to believe on the magical properties of Tartarus.
Prior to leaving, Minato had been able to use Nekomata, who in all was better handling Agi spells than Orpheus, but her power was still below Junpei's Hermes. Physically speaking Orpheus was superior, by far, to Nekomata. To Minato's disappointment, he did not acquire new Personae during their time on Tartarus.
Sunday found Minato very tired, so he spent most of the day asleep on the Lounge's couch, with the TV on. At some point Akihiko joined him to watch the sports news, and Minato did not mind letting him change the channel. Junpei had wanted to go to the arcade at Paulownia, but Minato politely refused to go, saying he was too tired. He had decided to sleep early that day.
Monday was hell once more, as students still went out of their way to greet him. It was not as bad as it had been on Saturday, but Minato had hoped to have some free time. During Kendo practice Yuko had to scare away those that had congregated around the club. At one point Komamura got mad and started to yell, until the students, who were not part of any sports club, finally left.
As Minato was exiting the School he saw Yuko, who looked a bit angry, staring at her shoe locker. He greeted her and she hastily masked her previous annoyance. He had asked if she was okay and she had politely answered she was. Minato guessed something was bothering her and he offered to walk together, but she smiled at him and told him that maybe they could do so other time, since she still had some business to attend at the school.
Minato exited the train, still listening to his music, when he glanced at the Strip Mall. – "Hmm... I guess something to eat would be nice... and a Wild-Duck burger does sound very good right now..." – He walked towards the fast food restaurant when he saw some Gekkoukan students walking outside. Not wanting to be seen, he walked towards the left, showing his back to the students, as he tried to look as he was browsing through the books.
- (Books... the used books store! Bookworms! How could I have forgotten I wanted to visit this place? Maybe I can find some good novel half-price... like Romance of the Three Kingdoms or even Lord of the Rings...) – Minato thought as he entered the shop, only to see a pair of old people, probably a married couple, behind the counter.
- "Welcome, Welcome! What would you like today? We have fresh mackerel!" – The old man said and Minato sweatdropped.
- (Huh?) – Minato was speechless.
- "Dear... we do not sell fish, remember?" – The old woman scolded, lightly, the old man. – "Welcome to out store, is there anything in particular you are looking for?"
- "Uh yes... I was wondering if you had any copies of Romance of the Three Kingdoms or even Lord of the Rings." – Minato said.
- "Ah yes... I believe we have them somewhere around the second shelf... dear, be so kind to help the young man find them." – The woman spoke.
- "Sure dear." – The man walked besides Minato and started browsing through the books. After finding them, Minato took hold of them and paid for them. – "By the way... your uniform is from Gekkoukan High, correct?"
- "It is. Why the question? I mean... surely you get visited by many students." – Minato asked.
- "Not many seem to be interested in books nowadays dear. Not with those vidimades..." – The woman said.
- "Videogems dear." – The man answered, and Minato sweatdropped again. – "Anyway... have you seen a Persimmon Tree there?"
- "A Persimmon tree? Never heard of it..." – Minato answered truthfully.
- "Are you serious? You do not know about it? No single day passes without us thinking about it!" – The old man rambled.
- "Forgive his rambling. The tree was planted in the hallway that leaded to the gym I believe... or was it to the labs?" – The old woman spoke.
- (Can it be that lonesome tree? Hmm... I think I left one of its leaves here in my Math book...) – Minato had indeed taken a leaf from the ground, finding its shape very interesting. He had started to use the leaf as a page separator. – "Is this a leaf of that tree?" – He asked.
- "Oh! It is! And look at the shape! It must have grown a lot to produce so magnificent leaves!" – The man grinned.
- "You can keep if you want." – Minato offered.
- "You are very kind my boy." – The man smiled, showing he was missing some teeth. He gave the leaf to the old woman, who looked very happy and held some tears on her eyes.
- "Allow me to present myself, I am Bunkichi and this is my wife Mitsuko. May I ask your name?" – Bunkichi asked.
- "It is Minato. Arisato Minato." – He answered.
- "Well Minato-chan, I thank you for giving me this. I have been meaning to visit the tree, but my old bones have been a pain lately. Thank you very much." – The old couple smiled.
- "You are welcome." – (Minato-chan? Thankfully no one is around to hear THAT one) –
- "Please do visit us again to talk Minato-chan. You do not have to purchase more books, just coming here to chat would be lovely." – Mitsuko stated, and Minato smiled at her. He always had a soft spot and respect for older people.
A sudden surge of power suddenly made Minato halt, and his eyes widened slightly. A new card emerged in his mind, revealing itself as the Hierophant: 'Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to create a Persona of the Hierophant Arcana...'
Minato said goodbye to the old couple and left the shop. He walked inside Wild-Duck burger and ordered his meal, all the time wondering how the hell he managed to establish a social link with an old couple. Sure, they looked like nice people, but he never expected a social link to be born like that. Things did not look so easy anymore for Minato. At least he now had another new Social Link.
- Gekkoukan High School, 2-F Classroom – After School –
- Tuesday April 28, 2009 –
Tuesday came and found Minato in a better mood. The day began with an unscheduled assembly where the Principal spoke to the student body. Minato barely listened to the man the whole time, but later on the day he heard people saying the man had been jealous of Mitsuru's speech the previous Tuesday, not that he could agree or disagree, since he had been busy trying not to fall sleep back then. But the assembly ended favoring him, since the students had switched from talking about his match to the Principal's jealously. It was just like Junpei had said some weeks ago, people liked to gossip and any new event / rumor took the spotlight shadowing the previous one.
During Lunch, just before he left the classroom, Mitsuru had called his name. He stopped and glanced at the red haired woman as she approached. She told him to wait for her after school, as he wanted to talk to him about something important. He had accepted obviously, and thus he was currently waiting for the older teen.
- (Wonder where she is? Kenji already left for the Drama Club, while Kazushi and Junpei left home...) – Minato sighed as he glanced around the room, seeing other students still lingering behind, working on their schoolwork, or just chatting with their friends. He glanced towards the door as he heard it open, and saw as Mitsuru walked towards him, effectively gaining the attention of those that remained in the floor.
- "Sorry for the wait Arisato." – She said as she stopped in front of him.
- "No problem Senpai. What is it that you needed?" – Minato asked. He also motioned for her to sit, but she politely refused.
- "Long story short, I want to ask you to join the Student Council" – She went straight to the point.
- "Me? Why me?" – Minato was sincerely surprised.
- "Because you have leadership qualities. Being the Student Council President is very time consuming, and I would like to have as much additional help as I could get in case of any emergency. I know you already have a lot in your shoulders with the Kendo Club and... the extracurricular club..." – Mitsuru paused.
- "Hmmm... sure... why not? It would be interesting to help... and it can help my scholarship as well." – Minato answered.
- "Thank you very much Arisato, I knew I could count with you. Student Council meets twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, at 5pm just after Clubs end, so it should not pose a problem with Kendo practice in your case." – She told him and Minato nodded. – "Even though I want you to join, you still need to speak with your faculty advisor... that is Toriumi-sensei. Just tell her you want to join and have already spoken with me"
- "Got it. I will do so right now since we do not have classes tomorrow." – Minato answered.
- "Please do Arisato. I will be expecting you in Thursday's meeting. Now I must go, I shall see you back at the dorm." – She walked away.
Minato stood up, taking hold of his bag, and walked towards the door sighing as he heard his classmates beginning to gossip once more – (Can they not give me a damn minute? I just hope this does not overtake the Principal's jealously as the current gossip topic...)
- Lounge, Kirijo Dorm – Evening –
- Tuesday April 28, 2009 –
After fixing himself a pair of sandwiches Minato sat at the lounge, joining Akihiko and Junpei. The white-haired teen was watching an action movie where super natural phenomenon raged over the planet. Minato remembered seeing it on TV some time ago, but nevertheless decided to see it again. Junpei was busy playing the night away on his PlayStation Portable, with headphones on, so to not disturb the others.
Some time later Mitsuru entered the dorm and nodded at the three men. She was leaving when she stopped, drawing their attention and of Yukari, who by this moment had been having dinner, while reading a fashion magazine, at the table in the dining area of the lounge. – "Before I forget... since the Internet company never came to repair the equipment that was broken by that Shadow some weeks ago, I decided to cancel the service. I also called another ISP and had a new wireless connection installed earlier today, while we were at school. The service should be up and running already."
- "About time... we did not have service for about 10 days..." – Akihiko stated.
- "Awesome! I can surf the net now! Here I go baby!" – Junpei grinned.
- "Are you borrowing a computer from the Control Room? I do not remember you having a computer Junpei..." – Yukari questioned.
- "I do not, but I do have this beauty. This tiny console allows me to surf... I left my old computer back at home." – He answered.
- "Well, that is all I needed to say. Good night." – Mitsuru left.
- "Uh... was she not in the mood or sumtin?" – Junpei wondered.
- "Well, she has always been a busy person. Add the fact that she is the President of the Student Council..." – Akihiko suggested.
- "Oh" – Junpei said.
- "She asked me to join the Student Council earlier today." – Minato shared.
- "For real man? You are not doing it... r ya?" – Junpei questioned.
- "I did accept actually." – Minato answered.
- "How come?" – Yukari was the one to question.
- "Well... I think it may be interesting. Besides, I still need to think about my scholarship. This will be good for it." – Minato answered.
- "Ah right. Well, Good Luck then." – Yukari said as she walked away.
- "Just do not over do it Minato." – Akihiko suggested as he returned his attention to the TV.
- "Man... live a little would ya? All work and no play can make ya grumpy..." – Junpei shuddered and Minato fought the urge to roll his eyes. – "I know! Do ya like videogames dude?"
- "Of course... I never have owned a console though. But I do go to the arcade once in a while." – The blue haired teen answered.
- "I got this software with me, which you can play in yer laptop. I brought it with me when I moved in, but I really can not use it without a computer. I will give it to ya if you play it once in a while. It is called Innocent Sin Online." – Junpei said.
- "I think I have heard of it before... you sure I can have it?" – Minato questioned.
- "Sure dude! What r friends for? I will give it to you later. And you can even try it tomorrow that we have a free day!" – Junpei grinned.
- "Hey you two... I do agree you need to lighten up once in a while and all that, but will you shut up already? This is the good part of the movie!" – Akihiko growled.
- Arisato Minato's Room, Kirijo Dorm – Morning –
- Wednesday April 29, 2009 –
Showa Day arrived with Minato sleeping late. One thing Minato liked to do on most holidays was to lie-in, so he did so. After finally getting out of bed Minato went to the roof to practice a few Kata, since Kendo Practice was obviously cancelled as well. After taking a bath and having a late breakfast Minato browsed the net for a while, checking his email account for the first time in weeks (since he did not felt like logging at school or to search for a cybercafé) and reading the current news.
After a while he got bored and was about to shut off the laptop when he remembered Junpei's game. Taking hold of the disc, he placed it on his DVD drive starting the installation. About twenty minutes later he entered the online world of Innocent Sin, after paying for a subscription that is.
- Spring, the year 20XX, Reality is just a series of events and players acting out what they believe is real. When we accept the fact, our world becomes "reality". Reality is but a reflection of our thoughts and expectations. But... what if we were merely reflections in another's mirror? Are you prepared to look through that mirror to discover the truth? Welcome to Innocent Sin... – Philemon –
Minato grinned at the sight of the message. The plot surely looked interesting. He entered the character customization menu, but seeing as he was already anxious to begin, he only adjusted the basics, leaving the rest for later.
- Lunarvale Hospital –
Minato's character appeared, glancing at the surrounding areas. The graphics were not that impressive, compared to the current videogames, but they were enough to give a unique and epic feeling. He saw that there were not many players in there, and he remembered Junpei said something about the game losing players lately. He saw as a group left, leaving him and another player alone. Such player began walking his way.
- 'Sup xD! Sims its just u and me here! Oh wait... wow, ur char is not even finished o_O, r u a nub? Welcome to teh game! Good thing I'm using my low level char! But I am surprised for u to be newb! This place is getting deader daily!' – The girl character spoke.
- (Internet slang... wow... she must use it a lot...) – 'Uh yeah. I just got this game from a friend yesterday and I thought about trying it. Although now I see why the subscription was so low. They must be trying to gather new players.' – Minato typed.
- 'Yeah! It is cheap. I luv that! *-*' – The girl danced – 'Ne way... what r ya calling ur char?'
- 'Haven't decided. Got any suggestions?' – He typed
- 'Hmmm... I know! Bout u call urself Tatsuya? If u do, I change my name to Maya!' – The girl said as she changed her screen-name to Maya.
- 'Why not? I remember that game. It was very good one.' – Minato typed, then he named the character Tatsuya.
- 'U played it? Kyahaha! That is great! IMO it was an awesome game. I used to play it daily at college!' – Maya answered.
- 'I never got to finish it though. I was playing with a friend, but school kinda became my own priority' – Tatsuya explained.
- 'If u want, I can tell u what happened at the end sum other time =D' – Maya added him to her friend list. – 'ROFL! I can even help u lvl up if u want! I r usually here idling on my free days. How bout it? Finish ur char and I can explain you a bit of the game =D' – Maya offered and Tatsuya nodded.
Minato returned to customize the character, as Maya suggested things for him to add, armor wise, looks wise and stat wise. He was about to finish when a familiar surge of power passed through his body. – (Huh? You must be joking...) –
A new card materialized on Minato's mind, the Hermit Arcana: 'Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to create a Persona of the Hermit Arcana'. – (An online social link... guess I owe this one to Junpei...) – Minato finished the character and went with Maya to a dungeon. After a few hours playing he logged off, promising to look for her some Sunday, as she stated she was always online those days.
Glancing at the clock, Minato decided to have a late lunch/early dinner as he somehow had lost track of time while playing. After that, he decided to just call it a day, watching TV from his bed, until he fell asleep.
- Outside Student Council Room, Gekkoukan High School – After School –
- Thursday April 30, 2009 –
Minato knocked the door to the Student Council. One minute later the door opened, revealing a familiar student. He had not meet him before, but he had seen him around the school before. He had dark grey hair which was a bit long, reaching his neck. The yellow band on his arm read Disciplinary Committee.
- "Can I help you?" – The teen asked.
- "Kirijo-Senpai is expecting me. I am Arisato Minato." – Minato answered.
- "Ah! The new member! Senpai has told us about you. Please do come in." – The teen grinned. Both entered the room and Mitsuru glanced at them from her desk.
- "So you have arrived Arisato. Thank you for being here." – She said as she walked towards him. – "Everybody, please gather up, I want to present you our new member."
The group gathered in front of Mitsuru and Minato. The boy that had opened the door had walked to the others, joining them in front of the President. – "This is Arisato Minato, and from today on he will be joining us. He is a Junior and just transferred here this year. I am pretty sure most of you may already know about him, thanks to his match with Miyamoto last week." – The group murmured.
- (Senpai... did you have to remind them?) – Minato sighed.
- "Oh yeah... I think I remember hearing about that..." – The teen that had opened the door said and Minato blinked.
- "Geez Odagiri... how could you not remember? It was very flashy news." – Another boy said.
- "Well excuse me, but I had other things to think about." – The boy, now identified as Odagiri, said.
- "Anyway. Let me introduce you to the rest of the group Arisato. This is Fukuda Toshirou, the Vice-President." – She signaled to the boy who had spoken with Odagiri. – "Next to him is Odagiri Hidetoshi, the Disciplinary Committee Representative." – Odagiri saluted. – "Then we have Fushimi Chihiro, she is a Freshman and Treasurer. Next to her we have Saeki Kyoko and Hiromi Rika, who are in charge of Charity and Fundraising. Last, but not least, we have our Secretary, Tohno Daisuke."
- "Please to meet you all" – Minato saluted.
- "Now, for your position. I wish you to work with Odagiri on the Disciplinary Committee. I know he is capable of doing it himself, but there is a ton of work coming for us in the upcoming weeks, so I want you to provide him with all the help he may need for now. Is that fine with you two?" – She asked.
- "Fine by me. Welcome on board Arisato." – Hidetoshi grinned. He motioned for him to follow him to his desk, while the others returned to their labors.
- "I expect a lot of you Arisato. The President hand-picked you after all. By the way, you had a great match last Friday." – He grinned.
- "I thought you did not knew about that." – Minato's left eyebrow rose.
- "How could I not? I was returning from Football (Soccer) Practice and managed to see most of it." – Hidetoshi grinned again – "But it does not really take it to be a genius to see you are not that comfortable with the gossip that followed, so I pretended to not know so Fukuda dropped the subject."
Minato laughed lightly. – "Thanks." –
- "No problem. We are working together from now on, so I prefer if we work without being uncomfortable. Now... about our job. Do not worry about doing rounds at the school, I will handle that myself. But I do need you to be on alert if you see anything out of rules. If possible do stop the incident, and if you are unable come here. We may have meetings just Monday and Thursday's, but there will always be someone here the rest of the week. We can work on our reports here after the meetings. Any questions?" – Hidetoshi said.
- "None for now. This seems interesting as I expected Odagiri-san." – Minato replied.
- "Please call me Hidetoshi. All this 'san' thing makes me feel older." – He laughed.
- "Sure. Call me Minato as well." – The blue haired answered. He paused for a bit as yet another surge of power reached his veins. A new card materialized in his mind, the Emperor Card: 'Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to create a Persona of the Emperor Arcana'.
The meeting continued for a while until it was time to leave. Minato asked Mitsuru if she wanted for him to wait for her, but she dismissed him, saying she still needed to attend to other business. Thus, Minato left alone. Covering his ears with his trusted Headphones Minato walked outside the school. As he was reaching the gate he felt a palm pressing on his shoulder. He glanced back and saw Kenji.
- "Hey dude... wazzup?" – Kenji asked.
- "Just leaving the Student Council. Did your club not end about one hour ago?" – Minato questioned.
- "Whoa! You joined? What position?" – Kenji questioned.
- "Seems for now I will help the Disciplinary Committee. Now, about my question?" – He waited.
- "Cool dude. I know you will be fair. Anyway... I was kinda uh... you know... talking with the advisor." – He blushed.
- (Is he blushing? No freaking way...) – "Uh... does this advisor happen to be female?" – Arisato asked.
- "Huh? Oh yeah... why?" – Kenji was confused.
- "No reason... I would have been worried if it had been a male though." – Minato grinned and Kenji went wide-eyed.
- "Damn! That was low man!" – Kenji grumbled.
- "Does this have to do with the secret plan you mentioned before?" – Minato asked as both entered the train.
- "You are very perceptive man... remind me to not try and hide anything from you. Yes. It is... I do like her. She is part of the reason I joined the Drama Club. I mean... I do love acting, but like I said before I prefer comedy. I have liked her since last year, and I been trying to get the guts to ask her out. Although since she is a teacher people would surely begin to talk... and you know how rumors fly at Gekkoukan." – Kenji admitted.
- "Tell me about it..." – The blue haired teen grumbled. – "So I take you like older women then."
- "Well... there are many hot girls at our school... I will not deny it. But she looks so mature, yet so pure at the same time... she captivated me." – He blushed. – "So... well, I think she is the only one for me. Wait a moment... you said you were helping the disciplinary committee? You are not bailing me, are you?"
- "Of course not idiot. You just need to keep it low though. You may never know who would want to cause trouble. Have you told this to anyone else?" – Minato questioned.
- "Not a soul. Not even Junpei. He is my friend, but I really would not trust this secret with him. Dunno if he could keep it." – Kenji sighed.
- (I think he can... or so I hope...) – "Well, I can only wish you luck then. Now... how bout if we go to Hagakure again?" – Minato suggested.
- "Now that is an awesome idea! I am in!" – Kenji grinned.
- Tartarus Fourteenth Floor, Thebel – Dark Hour –
- Saturday May 02, 2009 –
Friday came and went by with no major events going on. Classes passed on as usual as well as Kendo practice, although Minato could swear Kazushi was a bit sloppy, compared to his usual rhythm. Before returning to the Dorm, Minato stopped at a nearby Shrine, where he made a prayer for his deceased parents and another one hoping to have a good year, scholarly speaking. As he left he saw a little girl playing with a light grey dog.
Saturday rolled fast and the SEES team, upon Junpei's insistence, shared a meal at a restaurant on the Strip Mall. Nothing too fancy, in favor of their pockets, nor too cheap and mundane, in favor of the refined Mitsuru. After the meal they decided to return to the Dorm, to relax for a while, and maybe have a nap, in order to be fresh for the night. They were visiting Tartarus again after all.
- "All right you three. I hope you are ready. Last time I detected a strong Shadow on the fifth floor. Thankfully for us, the transporter, as Akihiko and I have dubbed it, can take you back to the fourteenth floor without having to fight your way through again. Please do be extremely careful, for we really can not know what to expect from this enemy." – Mitsuru stated.
- "Got it" – The three chorused.
- "I think it will be wise for use to try and surround this enemy. We need to overwhelm it from the sides, impending it from attacking the others." – Minato suggested. – "Yukari, your fast use of the bow will be needed to stop the Shadow in its tracks in case it goes after Junpei or me. Junpei, please to be ready to strike the shadow with Agi, in case it goes for Yukari. Leave the brute strength for when we attack it directly. In my case, since I have a lighter weapon, I will try to attack the Shadow physically. Your magic spells are stronger than mine, so I will need them."
- "Got it dude." – Junpei could not help feeling impressed.
- "You have thought about this, have you not, Minato-kun?" – Yukari was also impressed.
- "Just trying to get around the flaws from our last visits. That is all. It is nothing special." – Minato shrugged.
- (And so he says... geez...) – Akihiko could not help but grin.
About ten minutes later the three teens stood surrounding their enemy. It was a Maya type, but its size was about double of the normal ones. It was not as terrifying as the Shadow that had appeared on the Dorm, but it definitely held a slight resemblance to it, except for the number of arms and the knives of course.
- "I have finished analyzing the Shadow, but I have bad news. I can not identify its weakness, only its name. Indolent Maya. This has not happen before, for that I am sorry." – Mitsuru said through their connection.
- (Great... seems were are alone in this...) – "Junpei, Yukari, on three we all attack with magic spells. After that Yukari shot an arrow, Junpei and I will slash it afterwards." – Minato ordered.
- "AGI!" – Junpei casted.
- "GARU!" – Yukari followed.
- "BUFU!" – Minato finished summoning Apsaras.
The three spells hit its mark, making the Shadow twitch a bit. Minato signaled Yukari to shot, and as soon as the arrow impacted, he ran towards the creature. Both Junpei and he hit at the same time, but they both screamed in pain as the Shadow slashed at them, making them fly backwards. Junpei stood up and spat some blood. He had a gash on his chest, while Minato grumbled as he stood up, holding a wound on his shoulder.
- "What da hell? It was not damaged! And it attacked instantly!" – Junpei growled as he felt light envelop him. Yukari had casted Dia on him. As the spell ended, she casted one on Minato. Junpei had to cast a rapid Agi in order to stop the Shadow from reaching Yukari, who after finishing the second spell, ran towards Junpei, who was nearer. Their formation was broken.
- "Tch... I did not expect this thing to be immune to physical attacks..." – Minato frowned.
- "That is not quite correct Arisato. Takeba's arrow did damage it... but I still can not determine why. Your slashes did went through though, as if you had passed your swords over mud." – Mitsuru explained.
- (The arrow hurt it?) – "Yukari! Shot it again!" – Minato yelled and the girl complied immediately, hitting the Shadow, making it growl in pain. – "You hurt it!"
- "Wha? How come?" – Junpei was confused.
- "Piercing? Does piercing cause damage?" – Yukari suggested. – "Alongside magic spells that is..." – She shot again, but the Shadow moved from the arrow's path. It scratched its side, but the creature did not mind.
- "No... it is not that... its the mask! This thing is immune to strikes, except on the mask! Aim at it!" – Minato yelled again. Yukari shot three consecutive arrows, yet none were able to reach its mark, annoying the girl. The creature moved so erratically that not even shooting so fast was she able to hit.
- "Damn thing! Hermes!" – Junpei invoked his Persona and ordered it to hit the Shadow. Hermes was able to slash at it, but the Indolent Maya received the blow with its black mass, nullifying the damage.
- (Should I risk it...? Here goes nothing...) – "Junpei! Cover me! Distract it with Hermes!" – Junpei glanced at him and nodded. – "Be ready Yukari!" – Minato ran. He jumped and summoned Orpheus, ordering it to bash in the place he was falling. He allowed his Persona to impact its harp over the handle of his sword, impaling it into the floor, over the Shadow, effectively stopping it for a second. Yukari and Junpei gasped at what he did, specially since he was almost hit by his own Persona.
- "Junpei! Make Hermes hit the creature with Agi! Yukari, shot afterwards!" – He ordered. Hermes casted fire over the creature, making it twitch in pain as the impaled blade got hot inside its body. Yukari took her chance and shot and arrow through the center of the mask, shattering it in half. As the mask fell to the floor, the Shadow gave a last moan of pain as it vanished. A second later only Minato's sword remained, or at least what used to be his sword. It had been ruined by the Bash and Agi.
- "Tch... thankfully I bought another one..." – He said.
- "Dude! That was awesome!" – Junpei ran towards him.
- "Yes! But please do not risk yourself like that again! You almost gave me a heart attack, geez!" – Yukari pouted, but smiled afterwards.
- "It was thanks to all of us. Do remember that. We managed to defeat it thanks to teamwork." – Minato sighed. He felt light over him as Yukari healed his new injures. – "Thanks"
- "You three did well. Akihiko sends his congratulations. Now, please proceed to the next floor. I detect small number of Shadows, so I believe it will not be a problem if Arisato has not his weapon with him. Please find the barricade I told you before." – Mitsuru said.
The three continued their path and, as Mitsuru had said, few shadows roamed the following floors. They managed to defeat them with no problem, and soon they reached the sixteenth floor, where a barricade stopped their patch. Junpei tried to hit it, but only managed to slightly damage his sword. He grumbled upon this. Yukari glanced around and spotted some paper. She kneeled and took them. The information on it did not make sense to her, but she took it anyway. She saw as Minato examined another transporter.
- "Minato-kun, Junpei. Look, I found this files." – Yukari called.
- "Are they in sum kinda weird alien language?" – Junpei grinned.
- "Actually... they are in English... although I really can not totally understand what it means. It is somewhat cryptic." – She answered.
- "We should take them. Maybe we can find something else later on, giving sense to this." – Minato suggested.
- "Dude... I hate English..." – Junpei stated, making the other two sigh.
- "I agree with Arisato. Bring the file here. Akihiko and I desire to read it. Now, please return with the new transporter. The Dark Hour is almost over." - Mitsuru ordered and the three teens complied.
- Arisato Minato's Room, Kirijo Dorm – Nighttime after Dark Hour –
- Sunday May 03, 2009 -
Minato sighed as he fell on his bed. It was almost 2AM since they have been discussing the Old Document they had found at Tartarus. They had it translated into Japanese, so they would not miss anything, and in favor of Junpei who did not understand a thing, though he did not understand any better in Japanese.
The inscription on the Old Document danced in Minato's mind, giving him a headache. 'The electricity's hooked up. But why do they need so much? There's only a school on this island.' The document obviously referred to Gekkoukan, but why was it on Tartarus? They discussed maybe some files of the school got dragged inside during the transformation, but they also did not desert the idea that this was not the case.
Shacking his head, Minato pressed his arm over his eyes, trying to conceal sleep. He felt he had barely closed his eyes when sudden movement on his bed woke him up. Minato opened his eyes and saw the mysterious boy, sitting on the edge of his bed, once again.
- "Hi, how have you been?" – The boy said with a melodic voice. – "It has been a while since we last talked."
- "Why are you here... and who are you?" – Minato asked. He gave a side glance to his clock and saw it was almost 4AM.
- "I have come to warn you. In one week... during the full moon... a new ordeal shall appear. You must be prepared. For them may appear." – The boy smiled.
- "What do you mean? And I repeat... who are you?" – Minato sat.
- "I will see you again when the ordeal is over. Farewell." – The boy disappeared and Minato cursed. He allowed his body to fall back on the bed, cursing as new ideas danced around his head.
- Gekkoukan High School, Infirmary – After School –
- Wednesday May 06, 2009 -
Golden Week came giving Monday and Tuesday free for the students of Gekkoukan. On Sunday Minato decided to just relax after their journey through Tartarus the previous night, leaving the old document's text in the back of his mind. He had logged into Innocent Sin Online for a bit, but did not meet Maya, despite she telling him she usually logged on Sundays. She was probably away due to the long weekend. Afterwards he joined Junpei out, going to spend some time at Paulownia Mall in the Arcade and Music Store.
Taking advantage of the free Monday, the SEES decided to visit Tartarus once more that night, but found themselves unable to overcome the barrier they had found, last Saturday, in the same floor they acquired the Old Document. Discouraged the team left Tartarus earlier, discussing a way to deal with the barrier.
Tuesday found Minato having a last study session with Yukari where they covered the last of the classes he had missed. Both chuckled at the horrified face Junpei made when he saw them studying. He had ran away when Minato told him he should join them.
Wednesday finally arrived with the students returning to the School's halls to resume their studies. He spent lunch talking with Kenji and Kazushi, who somehow looked distracted. When classes ended, Minato went to Kendo practice where everything practically went to hell. While the team practiced several advanced Kata, Kazushi suddenly fell to the floor. Komamura was instantly by his side and after a minute he asked Minato to help him taking Kazushi to the Infirmary. As they left he ordered the rest of the team to keep practicing and to not slack off, asking Yuko to watch over them.
- "Tired huh?" – Komamura looked at Kazushi at the infirmary.
- "Yes... please do not worry Senpai... I just uh... did not sleep last night." – Kazushi answered.
- "Fine... do not push yourself to hard okay? We are counting with you this year... and remember you are expected to be my replacement as captain." – Komamura said. – "Arisato, please take him home okay? Both of you do not need to return to Practice today." – He left.
- "Alright... spill it." – Minato said as Komamura left.
- "Huh? What do you mean Minato?" – Kazushi looked worried.
- "I know it is not that simple. I have seen you distracted lately, worried even." – Minato said.
- "Honest! It is just I am tired and..." – Kazushi stopped seeing Minato's glare. – "Argh! I can not lie to you damn it. Since when did I start trusting you so much? Damn... ok, ok. For several weeks now I have felt pain on my right knee... Even if I massage it or put on ointment the pain will not go away... as the weeks have passed I have started to feel it more and more..."
- "Kazushi... this could be serious... why are you keeping it quiet?" – Minato asked.
- "I... I have my reasons man... I can not stop my training. Not now. Please... you must keep this a secret... if Komamura or even Yuko get hold of this they will not stop pestering me about it." – Kazushi asked.
- "I... do not know Kazushi." – Minato doubted.
- "Please man... do me this favor." – Kazushi practically begged and Minato sighed.
- "Okay, okay... I will not tell them. But I assure you... if this gets worse I will stop you personally." – Minato gave his ultimatum.
- "Thanks man. I knew I was right trusting you... I am fine now. I can go home on my own, do not worry for me." – Kazushi said as he left the room. Minato sighed once more and returned to the boy's lockers, intending to have a fast shower and to change his clothes.
As Minato walked through the school entrance he saw Yuko changing her shoes at the lockers. She saw him and walked towards him. Minato removed his headphones, pressing the pause button on the mp3 player.
- "Hey Arisato-kun, where is Kaz? I thought Komamura-Senpai asked you to take him home." – Yuko asked.
- "He kept insisting he was fine and that he could go on his own. Did I mess up?" – Minato asked.
- "Ugh... no you did not. I know Kaz, if he got on that plan nothing can make him change his mind." – Yuko sighed.
- "Well... even so, maybe I should have said something else instead of relenting. Anyway... I will see you on Friday's practice." – Minato said as he started to walk away, missing Yuko's slight disappointed face.
- (Get a grip girl... you expected for him to ask to walk you again? You missed your chance last time... build up that courage and ask him yourself this time!) – Yuko pumped a fist in front of her face and took a long breath to calm herself – "Neh... Arisato-kun?"
- "Hmm? Yes?" – He stopped as he was about to place the headphones back on his ears.
- "I was thinking... we are both in the same club... but apart from there we have not really spoken much... and I thought maybe... you know... maybe we could spend some time... err... I mean... maybe we could walk together so we could get to know each other better! Yes, that's it." – Yuko said and Minato raised one eyebrow.
- "Sure. Why not? We can walk to the station together." – He offered, clueless.
- (Yes! I mean...) – "Actually... I was thinking maybe we could go somewhere..." – Yuko balanced on her feet. – "I know this good coffee shop at Paulownia Mall..."
- "I think I have seen it before, but I have not tried it. Sure. I could use a cup of Moka right now." – Minato answered. They walked together, talking about trivial things, like Kendo movements, how was Minato's previous school, about how long Yuko had known Kazushi and eventually about Minato's status as an orphan. Yuko apologized for having no tact and asking him about his parents, but he dismissed it, saying she could not know and to not worry about it. Finally they arrived at the coffee shop where Minato ordered a Moka while Yuko ordered French Vanilla. As they sat together, their conversations switched back to the Kendo Team.
- "You know? It is though being the team manager of the Kendo Team. The guys, not counting you, Kaz or Komamura-Senpai, are always acting like little kids and show me no respect." – She sighed. – "They keep asking me to find their things, to get them things and to fix things for them. I am not their mother." – She pouted.
- "Hmmm, but I guess that despite those problems, you really enjoy being the Team Manager, do you not? I mean, I have seen you giving your all for the sake of the team. Despite the kids I mean." – They both chuckled.
- "Yeah. You are right. I love being a Team Manager. I have been one since I was in Junior High. There I helped the Soccer team, but ever since I entered Gekkoukan I have helped the Kendo Team." – She admitted finishing her Vanilla. – "Despite what I said about the others acting like immature kids, do not let it stop you from asking help from me Minato-kun... I mean! Arisato-kun! It slipped..." – She blushed.
- "Do not worry. We are friends right? I prefer that my friends call me by my name." – Minato acted cool, but he mistook her blush for one caused by a mistake.
- "Ah... okay, Minato-kun. Do use my name as well, okay?" – She smiled.
- "Sure, Yuko." – Minato answered and he paused as he felt the familiar surge of power yet again. - 'Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to create a Persona of the Strength Arcana'. – The mysterious voice said as the Strength Arcana Card materialized on Minato's mind.
- "Shall we go? There is this show I wanted to see on TV today." – Yuko suggested and Minato nodded. They walked together to the train station, still talking trivialities, until they separated as their train stopped at Iwatodai Station.
- Tatsumi Memorial Hospital – After School –
- Saturday May 09, 2009 -
Minato, Yukari and Junpei walked together towards the Hospital. After classes had ended Junpei had announced Akihiko had asked him to bring him something at the hospital, where he was having a checkup once again, due to the injury he had received on his arm almost a month earlier. About two weeks ago the Doctor had detected he also had a slight injury on his ribcage, so he was forced to rest more time to his displeasure. As they walked Minato reflected on the past days.
Thursday had passed smoothly with him attending his second session of the Student Council. After the meeting Hidetoshi had asked him his opinion about a certain campaign some students were proposing. It seemed they wanted to abolish the school uniform. Minato had told him that even though he could understand them that it was not plausible and that they should spent their time on more important things. This brought a smirk to Hidetoshi's face, stating he agreed with him since the uniform helped to create discipline early in life.
Friday came with nothing really going on. Minato kept glancing at Kazushi who two or three times made a grimace after a Kata. Minato knew the boy was still having pangs on his knee, but he was trying his best not to show it. After practice he left with Akihiko, who had approached after his own practice ended, with him not being able to participate again.
- "I meant to ask this before... but what is it that Senpai asked you to deliver?" – Yukari questioned, bringing Minato back from his thoughts.
- "Oh... the class roster of 2-E." – Junpei answered.
- "Why would he need that?" – Minato wondered.
- "Beats me. He just said he wanted me to bring it. He trusts me after all." – Junpei grinned.
- "More like he knew you never do anything after classes." – Yukari teased, Minato laughed and Junpei frowned.
When they arrived to the hospital Yukari asked the nurse where they conducted the checkups. The nurse directed them towards a room at the end of the hall of the second floor. As they entered they did not saw neither Akihiko nor the doctor, but a though looking teen wearing a long red coat, despite the temperature was rising due it being almost the middle of may, and a black cap over his head.
- "Uh... is Akihiko-Senpai not here?" – Yukari asked, but the teen ignored her.
- "Dude... he looks like someone to not mess wid..." – Junpei whispered to Minato who wished Junpei would shut up, as the older teen glared at them.
- "Hey... how come you all are here?" – A voice said making them turn around, Akihiko stood there, watching them.
- "Oh... we decided to tag along with Junpei. Are you okay Senpai?" – Yukari asked.
- "I am fine. Doctor says that soon I will be able to pick up my training again. I just need to take care for now." – Akihiko said relieved. He could not stand not training.
- "So that is all Aki?" – The older teen said as he stood up.
- "Yes. Thanks for coming Shinji." – Akihiko answered as the other teen, identified as Shinji, passed around them.
- "Tch... I do not have time for this shit." – The teen left. Junpei had to move out of his way, nervously.
- "Who... who was dat?" – Junpei stuttered.
- "A friend of mine. Shinji... Shinjiro actually. But anyway... did you bring what I asked for?" – Akihiko asked Junpei.
- "Sure Senpai! Here ya go!" – He took out the list from his bag.
- "Why do you need this Senpai? If I may ask that is." – Minato questioned.
- "Oh... I have my reasons. I will tell you some other time. Lets go. Nothing else to do here." – He said and the others followed. As they walked outside, Akihiko talked. – "Just a little more time and I will be able to join you again... believe me... its hell not being able to train."
- "Spoken like a true captain of the Boxing team." – Minato said.
- "Maybe. I must admit I did not begin Boxing because I liked the sport, but because I wanted to learn to fight. To not feel powerless. It grew on me as time passed though. I want to know how powerful I can get... It is like a game where I compete with myself." – Akihiko said.
- "That is a cool way of looking at it. Hell yeah... I like games too." – Junpei made a cool pose.
- "Yeah... videogames." – Yukari frowned.
- "Hey! There are good for hand eye coordination!" – Junpei defended.
- "I do not say they are bad. But you spend way too much on them. You are the only one on the dorm who is not on any kind of club!" – Yukari argued.
- "Whatever... I have my reasons..." – Junpei answered bitterly confusing the other three as he walked ahead.
- "Did I say something wrong...?" – Yukari questioned.
- "I can not say. Maybe we should drop the subject." – Minato suggested and Yukari nodded. Akihiko looked thoughtful.
- Kirijo Dorm, Control Room – Dark Hour –
- Saturday May 09, 2009 –
Akihiko entered the Control Room to see Mitsuru working on the console in front of her yet again. Daily during the Dark Hour she stood there scanning the city, looking for Shadows. Mitsuru's power to scan Shadows outside Tartarus was very dulled so they depended on the equipment they had on their disposition to be ready.
- "Again at it Mitsuru? You should rest you know? I can work on it in your place." – Akihiko said.
- "Thanks, but no thanks. I can do this, and it is my duty." – Mitsuru said.
- "You are taking too much on your shoulders Mitsuru... you know nothing of this is..." – He was interrupted by her.
- "Akihiko... to be honest... I lack power. I need to do whatever I can since my Persona's gathering skills are limited. The power of Persona is more broader than I expected. Look at Arisato for example... he can even control multiple Personae..." – Mitsuru said.
- "I admit I was surprised too. His ability is totally unexpected, something I never imagined possible. And it is up to him to reach his true potential. So do not change the topic. We are talking about you." – Akihiko argued.
- "What you said also applies to me, you know? It is up to me to reach my true potential, so I need to do this." – She answered.
- "Do not twist my words! One thing is work hard to reach our true potential and another to overwork yourself." – He spat. – "Nothing good will come if you keep this pace. Remember... what happened was not..." – Yet again, he was interrupted.
- "I got a signal... a Shadow..." – Mitsuru said surprised.
- "What? You actually found one? Where?" – Akihiko walked towards her, to glance at the screen of the console.
- "Wait... this reading... it can not be right... it is too big... no... It can not be..." – Mitsuru muttered.
- "You mean... its like the one that attacked the dorm?" – Akihiko received a nod in response. – "I will wake up the others..." – He pressed a red button on the console and an alarm started. About ten minutes later Yukari, Minato and Junpei arrived, all wearing their school uniforms. Why though? Simply because they were warm enough for the cold night.
- "We are here!" – Yukari announced.
- "Did you find something Senpai?" – Minato asked.
- "Wher is it? I'll rip it a new one!" – Junpei started to punch the air.
- "I have found a Shadow outside Tartarus. We can not be sure, but we suspect it is a powerful one, like the one that appeared in our dorm last month. We need to defeat it as soon as possible. Normal people are not aware of the Shadows, since they mostly stay in Tartarus, but any damage to the city will surely rise panic." – Mitsuru paced in front of the three teens.
- "That means we get to kick some ass! Hell yeah... count me in!" – Junpei grinned.
- "Ugh... Idiot..." – Yukari muttered.
- "Calm down..." – Minato whispered to Yukari.
- "Akihiko, please wait here for the Chairman. I have informed him already." – Mitsuru said.
- "What? You must be joking. I am going as well!" – Akihiko argued.
- "Absolutely not. You are still injured and will only be a hindrance." – Mitsuru harshly stated making Akihiko glare at her. Minato, Yukari and Junpei wisely decided to stay out of that argument.
- "They are ready Akihiko. Trust in them. I need you here, for you to inform the situation to the Chairman." – The red haired tried to calm the white haired teen.
- "Whatever..." – Akihiko grumbled. – "Minato, you are in charge."
- "Again?" – Junpei whined.
- "You know he is the best for the job Junpei. Stop acting like that." – Akihiko said. – "Yukari, do be ready to use your healing abilities. We can not expect Minato's mystery Persona to appear to destroy the Shadow again." – He said. No one really knew when it happened, but Akihiko had started to call the three teens by their first names, instead of their last names, for a while now. Minato guessed it was a sign of their friendship.
- "You should let them go first Mitsuru." – Akihiko turned to the red haired. – "If you are providing back up outside Tartarus you will need time to prepare, am I right?" –
- "Correct. Meet me in Iwatodai Station. The Shadow will be near there, but do not search for it until I arrive." – Mitsuru said and walked away.
- "Ok. Lets go guys." – Yukari told the other two, who nodded in response.
- Iwatodai Station – Dark Hour –
- Saturday May 09, 2009 –
The three teens sat on the stairs outside Iwatodai Station, patiently waiting for Mitsuru to arrive. Yukari stood up and started to walk in circles, while Junpei took sips of a Cielo Mist can. Minato just sighed as he glanced towards the enormous full moon which shined in the green night.
- "Ugh... where is she?" – Yukari grumbled.
- "She sure is taking a while..." – Junpei took another sip of his Cielo Mist. – "Man... this Cielo Mist tastes different... it has a nice new flavor... wonder if they changed the formula..."
Minato and Yukari both blinked at him, as if noticing, for the first time, that Junpei was drinking from a can of soda. Minato was the one that spoke. – "Uh... Junpei... you are aware that water turns into blood during the Dark Hour... right?"
- "Hard to miss." – Junpei took another sip.
- "Soda has water in it..." – Yukari sighed.
Junpei stopped in the middle of a long gulp, with widened eyes. He suddenly spat the soda on his mouth towards the stairs, and started coughing trying to get rid of the taste. There was no new formula... just a 'different' source for the ingredients.
- "Damn it!" – Junpei cursed as he threw the can away.
- "Hey! Do not litter!" – Yukari complained. Minato took hold of the can and threw it into a trashcan.
- "Dude... thats gross..." – Junpei ignored them both as he continued spitting.
The roar of an engine made the three stand in guard, but they rested in ease as they saw who it was. Mitsuru had arrived on a white motorcycle, who seemed to have some sort of special equipment attached to its back.
- "Sorry for keeping you waiting. I am ready to provide assistance from here. The Shadow is on the monorail right now. You will need to reach it by walking through the rails." – Mitsuru informed.
- "Wait... isn't dat dangerous?" – Junpei questioned.
- "Do not worry. No electronic equipment works during the Dark Hour, so you should be safe." – Mitsuru answered. – "Now, move. We must destroy the Shadow before it can cause damage."
The three teens walked towards the place where they usually waited for the train to arrive. Junpei jumped on the tracks followed by Minato, who helped Yukari down. The three nodded at each other and they walked towards the direction Mitsuru had pointed out. She had said they would have to walk about 200 meters before reaching their destination, so they ran, not too hard though so they would not get tired.
- "Hey... wait a minute..." – Junpei said as they ran.
- "What is it?" – Minato questioned.
- "She said no electronic equipment works on the Dark Hour... then what about her bike? And the console on the control room? And how the heck did she call the Chairman?" – Junpei said and Minato had to blink. It was a very good question.
- "Do try not thinking about it... it will only distract you. But I will tell you this... I have asked her before and the only answer I have gotten from her is: 'It is special'. Ugh..." – Yukari grumbled.
- "You serious? Man... what a letdown..." – Junpei pouted.
- "But why would she keep that as a secret?" – Minato questioned.
- "Beats me..." – Yukari sighed. – "Look... there is the train..."
- "Can you all hear me?" – Mitsuru said through the recently established connection.
- "Loud and clear Senpai. We just arrived to the train. Everything seems calm though." – Yukari answered.
- "The readings are coming from inside the train. Enter it and investigate. Please do be careful." – Mitsuru ordered.
- "Got it." – The three chorused.
Yukari walked towards the train and started to walk up, using the emergency stairs. Midway she stopped, wide-eyed, and pressed her left hand towards her skirt. – "Do not look up!" – She yelled and glared at both boys, who had to glance away, trying to not meet her glare.
- (Pink...) – Minato blushed as he glanced at the moon trying to save what he saw on his brain. He sideglanced at Junpei who was drooling and had the sudden urge to slap him behind the head. And so he did. Junpei glared at him.
- "What are you two waiting for? Get over here!" – Yukari was definitely mad as she yelled at them.
Once inside the three teens saw several coffins through the car. Junpei examined them, while muttering about poor bastards with bad luck. Minato examined the car finding no threat on it. He was about to proceed when Yukari voiced her new found worry.
- "Hey... why was the door open anyway? We are not on the station..." – Yukari said and both boys cringed.
- "Oh crap..." – Junpei said as he walked towards the door, which in turn closed on him, barely missing his arm. – "Yeouch! My fingers!"
- "Damn... its closed..." – Minato cursed.
- "What happened? What is going on?" – Mitsuru questioned through the connection.
- "The doors are sealed tight!" – Yukari answered.
- "The Shadow must be aware you are in the train. That must be its work. Go ahead to the next car, be careful." – Mitsuru stated.
- "Ro...roger..." – Yukari trembled.
The three walked towards the next car but found it empty as well. No sign of Shadows anywhere. – "This is creeping me out..." – Yukari mumbled.
- "There!" – Junpei suddenly yelled, scaring Yukari who jumped on her place. Minato glanced towards where Junpei was pointing out. A Shadow stood its ground there. A Relic Type. The Shadow glanced at them but did not attack. Instead, it turned around and walked inside the next car. – "Its escaping! Come on!"
- "Wait! It is behaving strangely! Do not proceed in haste!" – Mitsuru said.
- "But it will escape! We need to destroy it!" – Junpei whined.
- "She is right. We can not act rashly. We need to move carefully. Who knows what they are planning." – Minato stated.
- "Give me a break! What can those mindless things plan! Ugh... whatever! Who needs your advice? I'll take it on myself!" – Junpei ran away.
- "Wait! Junpei!" – Yukari yelled at him. She glanced at Minato, who was grumbling. Both were about to follow him, when two Shadows, a Hand Type and a Relic Type jumped inside from the windows. – "Ugh! Damn it Stupei! You fell in their trap! We are now separated!"
- "Calm down Yukari... we need to destroy this ones before we can follow him." – Minato tried to calm her down, as well as himself.
- "Got it Minato-kun..." – Yukari breathed. She glared at the Shadows and shot an arrow.
The Shadow on the left, the Hand Type, jumped out of the way of the arrow, but was unable to escape Minato's slash, who had predicted where the creature would jump if it evaded the arrow. It was easy to guess with the limited space inside the train. The second Shadow, the Relic Type, casted an Agi spell over Minato, who cried in pain as the fire impacted his left arm. Before the Shadow could attack once more, it disappeared into dust as an arrow struck its forehead.
- "Minato-kun!" – Yukari kneeled besides the boy and casted Dia on his arm. The spell eased the pain, but the skin remained red.
- "Damn... that hurt... I did not know they could cast spells as well... none had done so on Tartarus..." – Minato sighed as he saw his ruined jacket and shirt. Thankfully he had more uniforms, but this was definitely done for.
- "We were right on being careful... but Stupei had to be a clown and go ahead alone..." – Yukari grumbled.
- "Come one... we should catch up with him..." – Minato told her, receiving a nod for response.
- "Correct. You have no choice now. I will try to scan ahead, on the outside as well, to find more hidden Shadows. As far as I can tell none are on the next car. Iori seems to be several cars ahead though." – Mitsuru answered.
- "Got it..." – Both muttered and ran towards the next car where they did not find any Shadow. As soon as they entered the next one Mitsuru sent them a timed warning and both received the Table Type shadow with simultaneous spells. Yukari casted a Garu while Minato used Bufu. The Table Type had no chance.
As they entered the next car, Yukari sighed. – "He is not here either... damn it... what is his problem? Why is he acting like this... I though he had learned his lesson after what happened our first time at Tartarus..."
- "I do not know. Sometimes he looks normal... but some other times he looks bitter..." – Minato told her. Yukari just pouted.
They finally catched up to Junpei on the next car. He was fighting four Maya Type shadow simultaneously. They had him surrounded, but the restricted space worked on his favor, as the Shadows bumped into each other. Yukari and Minato wasted no time and ran towards them. Yukari dispatched one of the Shadows at the end of the car, behind Junpei, with a well aimed arrow, as Minato slashed both Shadows on the other side of Junpei, who finished off the remaining Shadow by piercing it with his longsword.
- "See what happened when you do not listen!" – Yukari scolded, then sighed. – "Are you okay?"
- "Of course I'm ok! Why did ya have to interfere! I was doing jus' fine!" – Junpei spat.
- "Excuse me!" – Yukari got enraged, but Minato took hold of her shoulder. She glanced at him and Minato shook his head. Yukari grumbled and breathed, trying to calm herself.
- "Iori. You and I are having a long chat after this. For now, do not get separated. I do not detect more Shadows for now, but you must be on guard." – Mitsuru said. Any response she could have gotten was drown as the three suddenly had to take hold of whatever they could in order to not fall. In Junpei's case he took hold of a seat, while Minato took hold a bar besides a door with Yukari taking hold of his arm. The sudden movement was explained as they saw the train advancing.
- "Whatda? We r moving?" – Junpei said, forgetting his rage.
- "This does not look good..." – Minato said as Yukari gave him an apologetic smile, for tugging his previously burned arm. He told her it was fine, that he was fine, while trying to not show the sudden pain on the limb.
- "It seems the train is under the enemy's control..." – Mitsuru muttered through the connection. – "Oh no... move out immediately. If you can not stop the Shadow in less than 15 minutes, the train will crash with the next one ahead!"
- "What? But... why? The trains have enough distance between... oh... the other one is not moving... oh god..." – Yukari trembled.
- "I have found the strong Shadow! It is on the last car, two cars ahead. Move out!" – Mitsuru stated.
- "Figures it had to be on the last car... lets go!" – Minato roared. The three wasted no time and ran to the next car, where they encountered three Hand Type Shadows, who were practically obliterated on the combined force of a Bufu, Agi and Garu. They finally reached the last car, the conductor's car, where a massive Shadow stood.
The Shadow resembled a giant woman, who stood sitting since she did not fit on the train. The left half of its body was white, while the right half was black. A long white skirt covered her legs while her upper body stood out in the open. Two grey letters could be read on top of the Shadows breasts, a B on the right, and an I in the left. A red mask, resembling those of a carnival, stood over its face. Its hair seemed to be made of thick strands of wire, half of it black on the left, and the other half white, on the right. The hair stood connected to the train's walls. The three guessed it was the source of her... was it even a she?... the source of the Shadow's control.
- "Whoa... what the heck is dat? Is this a Shadow?" – Junpei was wide-eyed.
- "Stop ogling and fight it!" – Yukari scolded. – "Men..." – She shot an arrow immediately.
- "Bufu!" – Minato casted, but his spell did not cause damage, so he switched back to Orpheus on his mind.
- "Whatever... AGI!" – Junpei shouted, and the Shadow got enraged. It raised its arms and from them smoke appeared. It took form, materializing in two Relic Type Shadows.
- "It can create Shadows?" – Yukari was surprised.
- "I have never seen something like this... a Shadow creating other Shadows? No... it summoned them... Anyway... no time to ponder on it. You got less than 10 minutes left, hurry!" – Mitsuru yelled.
- "Cleave!" – Junpei shot himself with the Evoker, making Hermes materialize and attack the Relic Types with its razors. One of them fell, while the other casted Dia over the big Shadow. – "Wha? Dude! That is unfair!"
- "Destroy the small ones first! If we allow it to heal the boss we will lose!" – Minato roared as he made Orpheus bash the Shadow, who escaped the attack, only to be destroyed by a Garu from Yukari.
- "I have finished scanning. The Shadow is only identified as 'The Priestess'. It seems to have a slight weakness to fire! Take this to your advantage!" – Mitsuru informed.
- (The Priestess? Like an Arcana? Why?) – "Agi!" – Minato thought while calling forth Orpheus. – "Junpei! You heard her! Burn it to ashes!"
- "You got it! Agi!" – Junpei called forth Hermes.
The Priestess summoned more Relic Types, and the trio switched their attention towards them, finishing them off before they could cast Dia on the boss, which turned to be out a grave mistake, as it gathered power on its hands. With a sickly grave voice, the Shadow suddenly called forth a spell. – "Mabufu..."
The three teens cried out in pain as shards of ice crashed into the three of them at the same time, throwing them back. A big shard stood stuck on Junpei's left leg, which bleed freely. Yukari's forehead bleed, as well as her right shoulder, where a small shard had pierced. Minato's injured arm was killing him, burning this time from the cold attack. A pair of shards were stuck on said arm, as he had instinctively protected his face with it.
- "Bloody hell! Wha was dat!" – Junpei cringed in pain.
- "A multi-target spell? Ow... damn... I... I can not move..." – Yukari said and Junpei found himself on the same position.
- "You have been frozen! This is bad! Only 4 minutes left! Hurry!" – Mitsuru was frantic.
- (Ugh... now what do we do? I can barely stand up... damn... if I had more power...) – Minato fought with himself in order to stand up. The pain was killing him, but if he did not act soon, the three of them would not have to worry about the pain, since they would be dead. He suddenly felt a warm feeling coming over from his Personae. Mentally glancing at them, he saw as Orpheus and Apsaras stood side by side, willing him to call them forth. – (Both? Can I do it?... No... I must not question myself... I can definitely do it...)
Minato stood, panting and breathing hard. He saw as Yukari and Junpei glanced his way, as he pressed the Evoker to his temple. – "Orpheus! Apsaras!" – He summoned two Personae at the same time, confusing the three other SEES members. – "CADENZA!" – He yelled, and a warm surge of power flooded the three fighting the Shadow. Their frozen limbs recovered, the shards shattered, and their injuries healed completely. Even Minato's previously burned arm had no proof of having been damaged. He fell on his knee.
- "Attack it now! I... I can not move... finish it off!" – Minato yelled. Wasting no time, Yukari and Junpei casted spells over the Shadow, who roared in madness. Minato saw it move its face away from one of Junpei's Agi spells, giving him an idea. – "Yukari! Shot an arrow to the mask! If its anything like that Maya at Tartarus, that must be a weak spot!"
Yukari glanced at him and nodded. She saw as Junpei sent Hermes towards the Shadow, distracting it, and she took her chance. She fired her arrow almost immediately after placing it on the bow. The arrow flew towards the creature, impaling it over the mask, shattering it and making the Shadow cry in pain, as it raised its hands towards it. Junpei took his chance and jumped over, using its legs as stairs, and slashed it through the neck, decapitating it. Seconds later the Shadow became dust.
- "Whoa... that was intense..." – Junpei panted on the floor.
- "Yeah... Minato-kun... what was that spell you used... I mean... two Personae?" – Yukari glanced at him.
- "I really do not know... I just pictured those two on my mind... and I knew what to do. But this is surely a last resort... I feel drained of all my energy... it feels like if I am unable to cast more spells until I have rested..." – Minato explained.
- "Stop losing time! The train is still in movement! You are going to crash in less than 2 minutes!" – Mitsuru yelled, and the three for the first time noticed the train was still moving.
- "Oh hell... what do we do!" – Junpei yelled.
- "We need to use the emergency brakes! We were going to fast for the train to stop immediately!" – Yukari yelled as well.
Minato willed himself to run towards the Control Panel of the train, which was revealed as The Priestess was destroyed. He glanced around and saw a sign that warned to not touch unless in case of emergency. He broke the glass with his sword, and lowered the lever of the emergency brakes. The three of them fell forward due to the sudden force the train applied to stop. Minato bumped his forehead on the control panel, and it started to bleed. Soon, the train stopped, and they found themselves saved.
- "Did... did we stop...?" – Junpei questioned.
- "I... I think we did..." – Yukari trembled.
- "Are you okay? You stopped just in time...the other trains is barely twenty meters ahead..." – Mitsuru explained.
- "Talk about close encounters... Dude... I am drenched in sweat!" – Junpei sighed.
- "Hehe... my knees can not stop shaking..." – Yukari said as she kneeled besides Minato, who was resting with his back towards the control panel. Yukari casted Dia on his forehead, and he thanked her.
- Kirijo Dorm, Control Room – Dark Hour –
- Saturday May 09, 2009 –
Akihiko paced in front of the console while Ikutsuki glanced at it deep in thought. They had not received any more information from Mitsuru for the past 20 minutes. The last report she had given them stated the train had been taken over by the Shadow, making it move. A sudden beep on the console caught their attention.
- "Mitsuru speaking. The mission has been a success. The Shadow has been exterminated. I have many more things to report, but I want to discuss it more deeply back at the dorm. I will say this in advance though... Arisato summoned two Personae at the same time, casting a very powerful healing spell." – Mitsuru informed.
- "He did what? Damn... Minato is full of surprises..." – Akihiko said.
- "Well done Mitsuru. I will expect more information as you all get back." – Ikutsuki said.
- "The train in which they were stopped very far away. The Dark Hour is almost ending, so I will contact Officer Kurosawa to give them a ride back. I do not think they would appreciate returning in the train right now. I am on my way back now." – Mitsuru said.
- "Very well. We will meet later then." – Ikutsuki said, ending the call.
- "So... what do you think Chairman?" – Akihiko asked.
- "I do not know. Arisato-kun is surely full of surprises, but I will leave that matter to later. It worries me that the Shadow acted like that. Also, this one is the second one we have encountered with power out of the chart... I will have Mitsuru sketch me its looks as well..." – Ikutsuki said as he touched his back. – "Ow..."
- "You okay? Wait a moment... how did you get here anyway? Do not tell me..." – Akihiko glanced at him in surprise.
- "I came here on a bike... ow ow ow... I am definitely feeling that in the morning..." –
- Outside the next station – Just after Dark Hour –
- Sunday May 10, 2009 –
The three teens sat outside the station while hiding their weapons on the dark night. Several adults gave them disappointed glances, seeing them outside at such late hour. What could they say in their defense though? So they just shrugged them off. Yukari rested her back on Minato's back, while panting, her knees no longer shacking. Junpei did not care about the looks he was getting, as he simply laid on the floor.
- "What a sight we are, huh?" – Minato chuckled.
- "Let them think whatever they want... I am so tired I can care less about what some adults say..." – Yukari whispered.
- "Yeah dude... we just saved some of their asses... if they do not appreciate it, even if they do not know, then screw em..." – Junpei stated. – "I am so hungry... whacha say? You guys upto some late night Pizza?"
- "Count me in. I am starving..." – Minato said.
- "Me too. I can use some food and a Cielo Mist..." – Yukari sighed.
- "Ugh... I think I will have a Mad Bull... I do not think I can have a Cielo Mist for a while..." – Junpei said, making Minato and Yukari laugh, hard. He soon join them laughing. The three teens definitely did not care about the looks they were getting. Some minutes later Officer Kurosawa arrived, and picked them up. Bystanders thought it was about time, but they ignored the Policeman was there to thank them for their hard work, and to take them home, with a slight detour for Pizza.