Chapter Four: Tartarus.
So apparently this Tartarus place is actually the home of the Shadows. Or more precisely, their nest. Akihiko and Yukari informed Junpei and I that this 'Tartarus' place might hold the answers to the Dark Hour and the reason why the Shadows are running around. I have to say, I was sold about charging into the stronghold. Junpei was just as excited as I was and had even already selected his weapon for later night. Care to guess... no? I'll give you a hint. I already use it. That's right, Junpei has chosen a Katana as his main weapon.
The problem? He's never used a sword before in his life. Which leave me up to training him, hehehe...
"HOLY SHIT!"
As you can probably tell from that, I'm not going easy on him. I swung my blade straight towards his throat while Junpei laid there looking at me bewildered and horrified to the fact he lost to me, the guy got a bit cocky once he started to get the exercise bit down and starting thinking he could take me. I just proved him wrong.
"The difference between you and me, Junpei is the fact I've been doing this for years." I told him bluntly, removing the blade from his throat straight back to my side. "Thinking that you can take me down just by mastering the basics is not only foolish, but VERY stupid." I narrowed my eyes. "That kind of thinking is how you get a team killed."
Junpei glared at me before pushing himself up. "Yeah, yeah I get it. Yesh-" He froze as I gave him a cold look.
"No." I disagreed frigidly. "You don't. You haven't fought those Shadow's Junpei, you have no idea what it's like. Yukari and I were corned, nearly getting ourselves killed. If I hadn't awakened my persona or knew how to use my sword the two of us would probably be dead right now."
His eyes widened a fraction, gulping at the thought of being dead. "S... seriously?"
"Would lie about something like that?"
His eyes lingered on mine for several minutes. "... No." He shook his head. "You're not the type to do that." I raised an eyebrow at that, he was just going-"I know we haven't know each other for long, but I dunno man... there's something about ya I can't point my finger on it, but I can trust ya with my life." He shook his head," Damn that sound mushy. Sorry about that!" He rubbed the back of his head grinning at me widely.
Crack... Crack... Crack.
'Thou art I... and I am thou... thou hast established a new bond...thou shall be blessed when creating a persona of the Magician Arcana'
What would you like at that, the creepy voices have appeared again? I've missed you creepy voices! A card once again appeared before my every eyes one that had two backgrounds, a dark blue in the very back with a lighter blue in the form of a flame in the front. Two hands on left and right hands sides held up the flame while a pair of eyes sat right underneath the infinity sign, the bottom middle of the card has the roman number for two on it. Then just like the Fool Card, it vanished quickly as it had appeared.
"Hey you okay man?" Junpei waved his hand in front of me. "You spaced out there for a bit."
I rubbed my heads and shook his head. "Sorry about that, lack of sleep I'm guessing." Had all that homework I had to catch up on, especially for Ekoda's class. Who's Ekoda? A prick ass teacher, whose has a pole so far up his ass it isn't funny. "Wanna take a break?"
"Sure." Junpei said as he took a seat beside me, crapping onto to his water bottle that I gave him. The two of us left pretty early, earlier then we usually do since I wanted to get him prepare for tonight. The Kendo Club hadn't started using the gym yet and the teacher didn't seem to have a problem with us using is; curtsy of Mitsuru. His fingers began to fiddle with the bottom hesitantly glancing at me like I was going to kill him if he asked what he was thinking. "Hey... can I ask ya something?" I looked over at him while drinking my own water. "What's it like"... you know," Waving his hand. "Killing Shadows?"
Ah. That question. Crushing the water bottle I folded my fingers to get. "Killing isn't easy Junpei, it never is. Regardless of the Shadows were human or not, it was easy. Too easy for my liking." I gave the guy a rather sharp look." I watched as their blood splashed against my own blade, seeing it go every direction. It wasn't a pleasant, no matter how necessary it is. Are they the enemy? I'd definitely say yes that doesn't make is any easier either." I sighed leaning back. "The ones I fought were way too weak and seemed like Foot Soldiers. We'll definitely end up facing stronger Shadows as we all go through this "Tartarus" place."
Junpei's face was pale and gulped. "W... was it really that bad?"
"Life is precious Junpei." I stood up and grabbed my bamboo sword. I gave him a very long look. "No matter what it is."
Eventually the two of us went straight to class where Yukari was awaiting us, all while glaring at us. Honestly, I really don't care what her problem is and I don't feel like dealing with it either. So Junpei and I sat down into our seats and pretty much sat through our classes until lunch.
Yukari yawned stretching her arms.. "Man, I thought I was gonna a sleep in there."
"So now your talking to us?" I responded rather dryly as I finished reading through my notes. I stood up grabbing my stuff. "You kept glaring at us through class, give me one good reason why we should be talking with you?" I gave her my best flat look.
She flustered. "Well... that's-...You two left without saying anything!"
Junpei looked at her. "What, that's it? That's why you kept glaring us? We didn't tell you where we were going?" Shaking his head and looking mildly frustrated. "Listen Yuka-tan, even I know it's important to let Mitsuru-senpai and Akihiko-senpai know where were going, and that's all who needs to know. Besides, it's not like we got kidnapped or anything!" He grinned good naturally at her. "See?"
"That's not that point Stupei, and you kno-" Yukari began ready to bitch at Junpei again. The doors slide open revealing Mitsuru. The girls that were standing by the door quickly moved towards the side as she made her way over towards the three of us.
"Can I have a minute?" Mitsuru requested sounding rather tired and distantly then she usually is. "Can you come to the lounge when you get back to the dorm. I have something to tell everyone."
"What's going on?" I asked with concern. "You're a bit..."
Mitsuru turned to me with a sober look. "I'm just tired, thank you for your concern." She then left abruptly.
"She didn't waste anytime leaving," Junpei remarked a bit taken back by Mitsuru's sudden leaving.
Yukari glared. "She's probably busy with things like Student Council!" God what is with you? I could tell she was about to make another bitchy remark so I grabbed Junpei by the arm.
"Sorry Yukari, just remembered I needed to tutor Junpei more in History, see ya!" I waved before making a mad dash out of the room dragging behind me a bewildered Junpei. To be honest I DID want to get to the Library anyway there was something I wanted to check out.
Junpei looked at me. "Damn dude, what was that for?"
"I can't stand Yukari when gets all bitchy." Granted, she's been through shit but then again so have I. I slide my hands into my pocket," And you seem to be her primary target." Junpei winced. "Sorry, but it's true Junpei. Besides I wanted to check out the library anyway."
"What for?"
I gave him a look. "You'll see."
The two us spent awhile in the library and I was keeping to my story with tutoring Junpei in History, he was pretty much all brawn. Not to say that Junpei was stupid, he just struggled with school not an uncommon thing. Every student struggles, hell I struggle with science! Thankfully we came across the very thing I was looking for.
Greek Myths, Legends and Heroes.
"Why were you even looking for this anyway?" Junpei questioned curiously looking at me perplexed as I began to open the book.
I looked at him long and hard. I saw a flame dancing above him a figure with giant rusted wings on it's arms while it's face wore a helmet with the same rusted color metal on the side of it's face, except they came off more like feathers rather then wings. It's body was pure black in clothing the only noticeable difference is the neck seeming from the throat straight underneath the armpits of the Persona, the legs were silver and resembled screws. I concentrated a bit closer and found the name
"Hermes, your Persona is Hermes. The Greek God of Travel and Messages." I stated and thoroughly enjoying the look on Junpei's face.
His mouth kept on opening and closing. "H-how... did you know that?"
"I don't know. I just knew some how." I answered truthfully as I flipped through the book. "Here, Hermes and my Persona is Orpheus, husband to Eurydice. Some say he is the Son of Apollo, one of the Olympian Gods while others say he's the son of Oeagrus, King of Thrace." I frowned heavily. "Seems both of our Personas came from Greek Mythology." But I already knew that. "Also Tartarus is also the equivalent of hell in Greek Mythology."
Junpei looked a bit surprised at that. "So what your saying is that this 'Tartarus' place may actually be hell?" That actually may not be too far off, actually. "Man, makes me wonder what Yuka-tan and the other two have." Junpei whistled looking up at the ceiling looking rather thoughtful as he lazily glanced at the clock. He gathered his stuff," Time to head back to class anyway..." Well you seem to have moved on rather quickly from the whole Tartarus subject, not that interested? Or are you just trying to act brave?
I looked at the book and back at Junpei, shrugging. "Sure." I got what I needed and we did what we had to do. "Let's go."
Crack... Crack... Crack.
Again?
'Thou shalt hast our blessing when creating a Persona of the Magician Arcana'
Execute the shiny-shiny!
"Your spacing out again!" Junpei teased grinning widely.
"Whatever man," I replied grinning back at him.
The rest of the day once again turned out to be rather uneventful. Not that I mind, I honestly hope that the school remains utterly normal... well, normal as you can get anyway. Mitsuru wanted Junpei and I home rather earl, though we ended up taking the long way home through Iwatodai.
I yawned. "Man, that was a boring day."
"Well at least we have tonight to excite us!" Junpei pumped his arm grinning widely as he usually did. "I can't wait for tonight!" Turning to me," Aren't excited?"
"I'm absolutely thrilled," I answered dryly. "Love the fact we're nearly going to get ourselves killed tonight."
Junpei pouted. "That's just being pessimistic, man. Lighten up!" He draped his arm over my shoulder. "Besides, you got me with ya-"
"And Yukari." I added once again trying to be nice.
Junpei nodded. "And Yukari."
The two of us continued to walk in silence, heading towards the train station. A large crash had been heard as we walked past of the stores, right on the side of the building a group of pre-teens were surrounding this kid. I was able to get a closer look.
It was that kid. The one from the airport, me being whom I was decided to help the kid out.
"What are you doing Gaijin? Think you come in and act like your one of us?" One boy snarled pushing the kid to the wall.
The second laughed. "Gaijin! Gaijin!"
...What? Did these two lack intelligent?
The third and fourth also began to laugh obnoxiously while pointing at the kid, covering his blooded nose. The kid looked at them rather coldly," What is that all you can say? Gaijin, Gaijin? I guess your guess genetics still haven't evolved past the Gorilla." Standing up looking at them darkly.
Hmm... could have said something better kid.
"But then again, judging by your looks a rock has a higher IQ." The boy continued.
Insulting their intelligent AND looks? Just upping it higher kiddo.
The first boy glared at him. "What was that Gaijin? Did you just insult us?"
"Nah, I insulted a herd of Neanderthals." The boy replied without missing a beat.
The second one tapped the first boy's shoulder. "Umm Boss, I think he insulted us..."
"I KNOW that you imbecile!" The first one snarled back at the second one. Turning his attention on the kid cracking his knuckles," Time to teach you a lesson you'll never forget Gaijin."
Aaaaand NOW's my cue.
"You know what I really hate Junpei?" I asked as I stepped into the shadow's causing all the Pre-teens to look at me, I could already feel my eyes lacking empathy.
Junpei didn't even bother looking at me and followed along. "What do you hate?" His tone just as dark as mine.
"Bullies. And racist ones at that."
The first one stared bewildered. "...Back up!"
"Get lost." I order calmly. "Or else I'll have to get serious."
The third and fourth ones seemed to have hesitated while the First one pointed at Junpei and me. "GET THEM!"
I raised an eyebrow as the Second one charged straight towards me, grabbing the snot nosed little brat and twisted his arm before throwing him straight to the side. Junpei took care of the third and fourth ones by himself by kicking one straight in the stomach and pushing the fourth one to the floor. I could tell that Junpei regretted hurting them while at the same time looking somewhat happy he was able a kid out, the little ringer leader looked in shock at his followers being beaten to a pummel as the both of stood together.
"So got anymore for us to beat up?" I asked smirking as the ring leader stared at us before slipping to the ground backwards then high tailing out to the other direction. "Knew it."
Junpei sighed shaking his head. "Man, and here I thought they wouldda put up more of a fight."
I snorted. "A fight? Please. Their pre-teens, the only thing going through those nimrods heads are showing off their lack of intelligent." Shrugging as I looked over towards the kid, staring at us indecisively. Not trusting us kid? Good. Not everyone in this world is good. "So you alright kid?"
He seemed to stare at me. A pair of green pools that reflected lightning. "Yes... thanks. I appreciate the help."
"No problems kiddo!" Junpei beamed happy to get some gratitude. Damn, was Junpei really that badly discarded?
The kid smiled. Slightly. "Anyway, I should get going." Bowing to the both of us," See you around Onii-san-tachi." For that moment the wind blew slightly making the dark bangs hover in the air allowing a glimpse of red to reach my eyes as the kid walked away in the distance.
Junpei grabbed me by the shoulder. "Hey, you okay man?"
"... I'm fine." I answered him after a beat, my eyes staring firm in the same direction. The kid just now, he was...
Junpei and I ended up heading straight to the lounge once we arrived back to the Dorm, there awaiting our arrival was Ikutsuki-san along with Mitsuru, of course and on the opposing side to, Akihiko. Yukari was sitting in the seat had been the previous night. Her face seemed rather nervous as she glanced at Ikutsuki, probably worried about to night or something.
"Yo, sorry we're late." I waved my hand lazily into the air as I sat in between Akihiko and Junpei. "We ended up get distracted."
Mitsuru seemed to accepted this as answer thankfully.
Ikutsuki nodded, smiling. "Okay, everybody's here. I'd like your undivided attention." Don't you already have it? "For a long time, Mitsuru and Akihiko were the only Persona-users we had. But, the number has recently jumped to five." Wait JUST five? There's no way it could just be the five of us, and why isn't he included himself? "Therefore," he began gather giddy," starting tonight 12AM I'd like to commence the exploration of Tartarus."
I raised my hand," Akihiko and Yukari told Junpei and I that Tartarus is the nest of the Shadows, but what and where exactly is it?"
"Huh...?" Yukari pipped up looking confused. "You mean you've never seen it?"
I frowned. "What do you mean by that Takeba-san?" Yes, I AM still addressing Yukari by her surname rather then common name.
"Tartarus appears during the Dark Hour." Mitsuru informed the entire group gazing at us intensely.
Akihiko sent Junpei and I an arrogant smirk. "Just like the Shadows." The smirk became somewhat obsessive, kinda creepy actually. "We believe we can find the reason for the Dark Hour there. It's full of Shadows too, make it the perfect place to train. Think of it like a Shadow Nest."
"Just like you told us the other day," Junpei commented, smiling slightly.
Yukari looked at Akihiko worryingly. "Senpai... what about your injury?" She had a point while it didn't look the bad, trying to use when it's still in the recover stage could learn to future hindrance and damage later on in life.
"Since Akihiko hasn't fully recovered yet," Mitsuru added sounding VERY annoyed while shooting the guy a death glare. "He'll only come as far as the entrance." Umm... am I missing something here?
Said guy sighed heavily, totally dejected. "Yeah, I know..."
"If it makes you feel better Akihiko, Junpei and I will take out one for ya!"
The guy quickly bounced back. "What? You think you can take one?"
"Definitely." I answered firmly swinging my bag over my shoulder, already standing up. "I'll bring back the head, just in case."
The boxer snorted. "I'll believe it when I see it."
"ANYWAY!" Yukari butted in cutting me off from my next epic line. "I think it's about that time we get going, right senpai?" Her question directed more towards Akihiko rather then Mitsuru. Man, was their seriously not one person in this room she DIDN'T dislike?
Junpei looked at Ikutsuki as we all gathered our stuff together. "What about you Ikutsuki-san, aren't you coming with us?"
"I can't summon a Persona," Ikutsuki answered rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
"But.. if you can't summon a Persona how is it your able to walk around during the Dark Hour?" I asked him seriously not like where this was going. To my surprise Ikutsuki AND Mitsuru ended up flinching rather visibly, before I could question more Akihiko ended up grabbing me by my arm and dragging me out the door.
There was something else that was going on here, and I fully intended to find out.
Junpei stared flabbergasted. "This it it? THIS is the place?"
"Why do I have a feeling I'm not going to like this?" I murmured to myself absolutely ignoring the look I was getting from Yukari. Oh god, please don't let fall for me, let some new transfer student come and her fall for him! I noticed that Yukari had her Archer set with her again, with her SEES band wrapped around her arm and wore the holster for her Evoker. Mitsuru carried a saber around her leg along with her Evoker and Akihiko... well, he had these badassary gloves with knives attached to them.
"Why HERE?" Junpei asked with a sharp squeak, clearing not understanding.
Akihiko shot him a look. "Just wait a few minutes... it's almost midnight."
After those words left his mouth I could practically feel the Dark Hour settling in as the world was covered by the dark green and yellow lights, the moon shining that malicious color. Unfortunately, that wasn't the only thing that had changed. Gekkoukan High, My school... no, OUR school began to change forming into a obelisk tower, sprouting out parts much like a plant. It resembled like a clock tower, like Big Ben except malicious and filled with sinister motives. It was disturbing, and extremely cool, in a twisted sorta away. The most disturbing part of all this?
Our school was Tartarus. The question was, why?
"This is Tartarus." Mitsuru announced. "The Labyrinth that reveals it's self during the Dark Hour." Gee Mitsuru, why don't you add some emotion for DRAMATIC EFFECT!
"Labrinynth?" Junpei repeated.
"A maze," I answered him.
"What are you talking about?" Seems Junpei didn't hear me, not that I can blame him. Hell, I'm a bit freaked out and heavily confused by all this. "What happened to our school?"
Mitsuru looked at him," Once the Dark Hour passes, everything returns to normal."
"That's not what he was asking Mitsuru." I told him eyeing her warily.
She stared at me, pausing. "I know, It's been this way for a long time. Only us, SEES, have been aware of this place and the Dark Hour as you know. I can assure you that there are no side effects reach out in our School during the daytime."
I'm guess by that she means tests have been done. "I see," Not entirely convinced or impressed by her words. "So... this is the "Nest" then."
Junpei shook his head," But why?... why did our school turn into a giant tower?" Silence had be fallen us as Mitsuru looked away. "... You don't know, either?"
"...No."
Bull. Note to self, Hack into the mainframe.
"Who cares anyway?" Yukari said. I certainly do, knowledge is power. "It's not like it would change our minds about fighting anyway." ...point on that one there.
"Alright, are we going to stand here all night or are we going in?" I asked lazily, my finger tapping the end of my sword.
"Not bad," I commented looking around at the giant staircase. Once again there was a clock leading straight into Tartarus while another cuckoo-clock. On the far right side was a strange green plate form that remained lightless judging by the lights on each end of the machine, it was definitely not human made and far too advanced.
Junpei whistled. "Whoa... it's just as cool on the inside as it is on the outside."
"But it sure is creepy," Yukari stated looking around the place rather nervously.
"This is only the entrance." Mitsuru informed the three of us as she stood in front of us, Akihiko hanging right by Yukari on the right. "The Labyrinth lies beyond the doorway at the top of the stairs."
Akihiko took over from there. "First, we'll get you three get a feel of this place. Why don't you go and a look around?"
Seriously? Awesome.
"What..." Yukari's eyes bugged out staring at Akihiko like he just grew another head. "By ourselves?"
"We're not asking you to go in very far." Mitsuru reassured Yukari. "And I'll be feeding you information from here."
"Feeding us information?" I asked. "But electronics don't..." I stop for a minute as I recalled the headset Yukari had been wearing the night of the attack, before slapping my forehead. "You have technology that can function during the Dark Hour."
Mitsuru smirked. "Exactly. As you can see," gesturing over towards the bike that I just happened to notice. Right THERE and THEN. "I brought one for all of us."
"It always come to be prepared,"I said with a shrug.
Junpei frowned, obviously understanding what Mitsuru had just said. "So, you two didn't plan on coming in the first place?" He had an underlying tone of suspicion, not entirely sure if he had hit on the nail. Damn, did you not have any confidence?
"Since Akihiko-senpai is injured and Mitsuru-senpai is feeding us the information from here, I thought that would be obvious." Yukari stated dryly eyeing Junpei like he was an idiot.
I glared at her and was about to make comment, but halted when I received a warning look from Akihiko. "That's right. We're also going to appoint a leader to make any necessary decisions."
"Really? For real... one of us?" Junpei awed in disbelief, then instantly face faulted turning towards me. "Guess that means your the leader, Bro."
I blinked. "Wait what?" NO! NO! NO! NO! Damn it, I don't want to be the leader!
"We'll he has fought them before," Yukari added looking like she agreed with Junpei.
GODDAMN YUKARI!
"It's decided then," Akihiko nodded with approval looking over towards me. "You're the leader."
I groaned gripping my face before resigning to my fate. "Fine, but I'm appointing Junpei as my Co-Leader. If anything happens to me, Junpei is to take leadership over the group." I had four sets of eyes on me staring in disbelief. The reasons were obvious; One Mitsuru knew fully well what was going on except she had to remain here acting as mission control, the second reason being Akihiko's injury and his obsession with fighting. Not saying that fighting and wanting to get stronger is a bad thing, it's just I have a bad feeling it's going to catch up to him.. or us in some manner. As for Yukari... I don't trust her enough to lead everyone to safety. Plus, Junpei needed a confidence boost anyway.
"Seriously man?" Junpei asked his eyes shining with admiration.
I looked at him and gripped his shoulder. "I trust you with my life."
"... I won't let you down, man." Junpei said firmly.
"I know you won't!"
I could have laughed at Yukari's face, but it was best to keep my mouth shut.
"There's also another reason why," Akihiko quickly interrupted the two of us. His face dead serious as he pulled out his Evoker glaring darkly at the other two. "Can you took summon your Persona without any difficulties like he can?" Plus don't make it a giant production Akihiko, thanks. Speaking of which I concentrated on him and felt a thunderous charge jolt through my body, only to see a white cladded man with long hair hovering above him, it's arm was a giant drill of some sort; it's name was Polydeuces of the Emperor and Star Arcanas.
Wait, TWO Arcana's? Why does Junpei have one then?
'That is something you'll discover in due time.' I heard Orpheus' voice flow through me.
I blinked. 'Orpheus how-?'
'I can only talk to you during the Dark Hour... for now,' The Persona whispered to me. 'Once you grow stronger, perhaps then you'll be able to communicate with me outside the Dark Hour. Now then, turn to your left.'
"...huh?" I utterly ignored Yukari's and Junpei's discussion about Persona's summoning from Akihiko, and heard the shattering sounds enter my ears once again. A blue door was sitting there, silently with no one else but myself looking towards it. My body began to move on my own...
I felt a bright light bathe over me for several moments only to find myself entering the Velvet Room.
"I've been waiting for you." Igor greeted me rather warmly, still wearing that creepy smile on his face. "The time has come for you to wield your power. The tower that you are about to venture into..." He folded his fingers as he looked deep into my eyes. "How did it come to be? For what purpose does it exist?" Shaking his head. "Regrettably, you are not yet capable of answering those questions. That is why you must be made aware of the nature of your power."
"The nature of my power...?" I repeated slowly, my thoughts drifting towards that black obelisk of a Persona and the Jailbait kid that appeared. "Is it connected to the kid and that Persona?"
Igor smiled. "That, my young friend, I cannot say." Damn it. "Your power is unique," He added. Okay, I understand that part. "It's like the number zero... it's empty. BUT!" He emphasizes giddily. "At the same time, holds infinite possibilities. You, my boy," He sounded with thrill,"Are able to posses multiple Persona, and summon as needed."
"What about Orpheus? Isn't he my Persona?" I question, though having multiple Persona's would definitely be a greater advantage.
Igor nodded. "Out of all Persona's, Orpheus is yours down to a nail. Just like Hermes belongs to your friend Junpei." Pausing," When you defeat your enemies, you will see the faces of possibility before you. There may be times when they are difficult to grasp... But, do not fear. Seize what you have earned."
"Right." Not sure what he exactly means by that, whatever. I'll figure it out.
Igor nodded. "My spare time will soon become scarce, but please come again at your own accord. I'll tell you then of my true role...in the manner in which I can best assist you. Until then, farewell."
"Farewell Igor," I gave him a wave and stepped into the blinding white.
"Hey, you alright?"
Hmmm...? I blinked my eyes rapidly.
Junpei slapped my back. "Yeah, whats up? You look like a zombie."
"Later, Junpei." I answered him briskly. I wasn't too keen on sharing vital information like this yet, I know eventually I'm probably going to have too until then I plan on keeping it to myself. I dropped my bag onto the ground as the three of ascended up the stairs and headed straight for the first floor of Tartarus.
And just like Mitsuru had said; it was a giant labyrinth inside. Staring before us was a giant long hallway that splitting into different directions with blood stains all over the floor and walls, it looked like a battle had occurred here not to long ago. Or, maybe it had always been there.
Junpei looked around," So this it is, huh...?"
"I hope I don't get lost," Yukari remarked looking around with awe.
I stepped forward past her, sending her a smirk. "Don't worry, if you get lost then Junpei or I will come to save you."
"...huh what?" Her face flamed for a minute before disappearing and being replaced with an angry look. "What's that supposed to mean, like I can't take care of myself?"
"That's not what I meant Takeba." I commented. What crawled up your ass and died?
'Can you all hear me?' A voice entered into our microphones.
"Loud and clear, Mitsuru-senpai." I answered still looking around the place, whistling.
"Whoa! You can see us from here Senpai?" Junpei questioned quite astounded by that.
I could practically hear Mitsuru's smile. "It's my Persona's ability. "I'd like to join you, but the structure of Tartarus changes day by day. That is why outside support is imperative."
"Makes sense I guess, besides seeing us what else can your Persona do?" I questioned curiously as I cautiously took a step forward. Didn't want what happened last time to repeat it's self, besides that suck if the three of us got cornered while being on our first mission.
"I could identify and sense the enemies weaknesses and strength," She replied simply. "However, my powers limit me to using my 'Gaze' ability at you."
"Huh... Gaze?" Yukari repeated with interest. "What's Gaze?"
"It means I can 'see' what happens via the microphones that I gave you. My Persona Ability allows me to 'encode' my DNA into an object and be able to see through that. This power alone will allow me to aid you in combat." Mitsuru told us. "Each Persona has it's own unique ability, for example Akihiko's Persona Ability is 'Transfer'. He can absorb electricity into his body and release it onto an enemy."
"Cooool!" Junpei said energetically. "So can you tell us what our abilities are?"
Yukari sent him a look. "She just said that she can't use her powers on us, only the Shadows Junpei. And besides, I think we have to discover our Abilities on our own." Seriously Yukari, you REALLY starting to piss me off. "Anything else we should know Senpai?"
"In terms of combat there are two different groupings; Weaponry and Magic. Some Shadows have a weakness to both a Weaponry attack and a magic attack; for Weaponry there are three different types of attack; strike, pierce, and slash attacks." Mitsuru answered before continuing. "Magic are just as it says, magic. Agi deals out Fire magic while Bufu is Ice. Zio is a Thunder attack, while Garu is a Wind type. There is also Mudo and Hama, Darkness and Light spells respectively. However, be forewarned that Mudo and Hama skills are instant death skills."
Good to know.
"Heeeey guys, It looks like we have company!" Junpei announced holding his sword up eyeing the enemy carefully. "We can take it!"
Yukari didn't look as confident as she held out her bow. "A... alright. I'm ready."
I pointed my blade at the Shadows. "Alright here we go!" I lunged forward closely followed behind by Junpei and Yukari, with the three of us we were able to surrounded the Shadows. Oddly, they resembled the ones from the rooftop. "You guys ready?"
The first Shadow slid forward with it's arms stretching out readying to grab Junpei, however the guy was able to jumped backwards before slash it's arms off as Yukari followed up by sending her arrow to pierce the Shadow's head, causing it to dissipate.
"YUKARI!"
The girl turned around sharply as the second Shadow charged forward checking her off guard.
"HERMES!"
A giant ball of fire consumed the Shadow, making shriek wildly before it shriveled away into dust, leaving no trace of it other then the black stain on the floor. "You alright Yuka-tan?" Junpei asked removing the Evoker from the side of his head.
Yukari slowly nodded, fidgeting. "Y... yeah, thanks."
I felt my mind become black only seeing a clear blue wall in front of me, a card appeared in front of me with a blue Hindu looking woman whom looked like she dancing.
'You have awakened Apsaras into your heart'
Cool.
'I'm glad that you think so,' A female voice entered my head, whom I'm assuming is Apsaras. 'Correct. I look forward to working with you.'
"Is there anymore Shadows?" Junpei asked looking away with his sword pointed to the ground.
Mitsuru paused for a moment. "Yes... on the other side of the floor right by the stairs."
"Stairs?"
"Yes. However please keep in mind that this as far we can go today, but remember the stairs for next time." Thank you Mission Control! "The Shadows you've encountered are called Cowardly Mayas, as you have just witnessed they have a weakness for fire."
"Excellent. Orpheus has that skill." I commented my thumbs glazing over my Evoker as we approached to the other Cowardly Mayas. "Yukari would you like to do the honors?"
"Huh...?" She was a bit taken back, before a smile formed. "My pleasure!" Readying her bow, she pulled back on the string before releasing it as the arrow flew through the air and went through the Shadow's head. Unfortunately, it didn't kill it. "Damn."
I swung my sword down. "Hey, Junpei? You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Hell yeah!"
Without any warning the two of us leaped forward with our swords in hand, dragging out swords on the ground creating an echo through the hall before raising the blades slowly into the air. "CROSS SLASH!" Our swords slashed in an 'X' motion finishing off the Cowardly Maya before turning to the last two.
"IO!"
A small tunnel of wind formed underneath a Shadow sending it straight into the air before it came crashing down onto the other Shadow. Yukari's Persona resembled a woman being chained to a cow like head, to be honest I REALLY don't like what that implies. Also Io is apart of the Lovers Arcana.
"My turn!" Junpei announced happily. "HERMES!"
Once again, Hermes appeared releasing a ball of fire burning the Shadow into pure ash.
"One more to go. ORPHEUS!" I shouted by snapping my Evoke to my forehead and felt the strange feeling go through my head, the shattering glass and blue energy formed below me, bringing forth Orpheus whom played his lyre; burning the final Shadow. "That it?"
"It appears so..." Mitsuru began as her voice got caught off once again I was created by strange cards; one was a pure haired girl with wings while the other two were both cups. I felt myself reaching out and touching one of them revealing it to be the purple haired girl.
'You have welcomed the Persona Fairy into your heart.'
Awesome, another Persona.
'Glad you think so!' A cheerful voice chirped.
Just the buzz was heard over the microphone. "Hey," Junpei? "I found some weird Gem things."
"And I found some medicine too," Yukari's voice followed after.
"Oh... alright, let's regroup." What did we split up? Had I been spacing out for that long?
Eventually the three of us returned to the bottom floor where Mitsuru and Akihiko were awaiting. We used the Access Point, similar to the machine on the bottom floor to get back. For some odd reason once we entered the floor the doorway had vanished.
"Welcome back." Mitsuru greeted with a smile. "So how was it?"
"It was amazing," I answered. However my body felt like a tone and I was barely keeping my eyes open any more. "I'm exhausted too though."
"You must've hit you all at once," Mitsuru commented amused.
Junpei looked as about as I did," Man..." he commented though his voice was filled with energy. "I never knew I had that kind a power...but damn..." He yawned tiredly. "I'm beat."
"That's because you were bouncin' around like a kid," Yukari stated.
I raised an eyebrow. "You don't look great either Takeba, so I shouldn't talk."
Yukari blinked at me, grinning sheepishly. "I'm still trying to catch my breath actually..."
Mitsuru nodded. "That's the effect of the Dark Hour; you'll become fatigued more easily."
"Makes sense. Our bodies haven't been adjusted enough to be use to it like you and Akihiko," I said moving my arms around and trying to loosen them up. It felt like I had just go through the rinse cycle before getting stretched out by clip hangers.
"You'll get use to it." I hope so Mitsuru, I hope so. "But I'm surprise... you all did much better then I expected." Thanks for the vote of faith. "At this rate, they'll catch up to you in no time Akihiko."
He smirked in response. "Hn. We'll see about that."
Crack... Crack...Crack.
'Thou shalt have our blessings when thou choosest to make a Persona of the Fool Arcana'
That makes what, Fool and Magician to level two now? Anyway I'm heading to bed. Good night folks.
Chapter Four-End.
I wanted the cover the Tartarus Exploration for this chapter rather then leaving it for the next one. As you can see, yes Junpei is the Magician Social Link. Why? Honestly I felt that you never got a chance to make good friends with the guys during Minato's run through so I decided to change it a bit. And let me say this; Magician's Social Link isn't the only one that has changed. Also, can any guess the kid Yamato keeps on seeing?
Knightblazer85: Thanks! I'm glad that you enjoyed the fic.
MagnusRagnar: I sincerely hope that this chapter did it justice, and met your approval.
DiLost: Thanks, I appreciate it. Their the many reasons why I started this fic, and pretty much everything even THE ANSWER (Yes I'm including it) has been planned out. Hope you'll continue reading straight to the end.
Clawclap: Thanks, I realize that my grammar needs some brushing up. LOL!
ZidanReign: Yeah, they seem to be appearing everywhere these days; not that it's bad thing or anything. Getting from either of them would definitely be a wise idea. Good luck on it!
