CHAPTER FOUR

First Day of My Life

"Now I don't know where I am

I don't know where I've been

But I know where I want to go."

Bright Eyes

SUNDAY – 04/11/09

"…Very interesting."

Six strangers stood on the empty rooftop, keenly observing what ordinary people could not see. There had been a Shadow here a few nights ago. It had been destroyed violently, and without hesitation. This was the mark of true skill. And awful power. It made the strangers nervous just thinking about it.

"Kratos," said the tallest stranger – the boy who had observed Akihiko nights before. "What's your assessment?"

The boy named Kratos considered it in silence. "The target is a young girl. This was the first time her Persona awakened."

"Wait, what?" said another figure sharply, the tallest of the four girls. "You mean to say this was her first battle ever?"

"Correct, Aya-chan," said Kratos, in his smooth, flat voice. "It was also her brother's."

"Twin Persona-users…," muttered Noritaka, thoughtfully.

"And twin Personae," said Kratos. "Hers is Orpheus. His is Orpheus Adelphos – meaning 'brother of Orpheus.' It is as though the boy's persona exists only because his sister's does."

"Have you ever seen anything like it, Noritaka?" Aya asked the tall boy seriously. "In any of your aunt's research?"

"It's unusual," admitted Noritaka. "What's more unusual, though, is her Persona's gender. Typically, a user's Persona reflects his or her own gender. But Orpheus…"

"It's a dude's name, right?" asked a girl, fiddling with the ends of her long, pink pigtails.

"Eloquently put, Emi-chan," Kratos said, with a rare smile. "However, you are correct. In mythology, Orpheus is decidedly male."

"Then why is he attached to a girl?" asked Aya, frustrated. Noritaka shook his head.

"Your guess is as good as mine."

"Why does it matter?" asked the littlest figure, in a bored voice. "The point is there are other Persona-users out there. That means we'll need to be even more careful than before."

"Always the optimist, eh, Suri-chan?" said Emiko, ruffling Suri's pale blue hair. Little Suri ducked Emiko's hand, scowling.

"Don't treat me like a kid…," she muttered.

Noritaka tapped his chin thoughtfully with one finger. "In any case," he said seriously, "we'll need to monitor them for a while. Make sure they're not doing anything they shouldn't be."

"It's not a problem," said Aya. "I'll just come back here every night for a few weeks. You'll come with me, won't you, Nami?"

She turned to look at her younger sister. But the girl wasn't there. Aya scowled.

"Damn it, Manami!" she growled. "Where do you always run off to?"

Manami was, in fact, sitting on a bench at Port Island station, sipping morosely on a taro boba. It was her favorite, but somehow, it didn't taste as good as usual. Manami wondered if your taste buds could be killed by sheer boredom alone. She wondered if victims of Apathy Syndrome could taste anything at all.

"Meow."

Manami glanced down to see a huge, somewhat smug-looking ginger cat sitting at her feet, looking up at her. She smiled.

"Onekosama," she murmured, scratching the cat's fluffy head. "Long time, no see."

The cat leapt up and sat beside Manami, licking his paw. Manami stroked him absently, twirling his tufts of orange hair into tiny dreads.

"I wish they would open their minds," she said, finally vocalizing what had been bothering her, "but they just won't listen. They think anyone who isn't with us is against us, but who's to say that's true? Who's to say there aren't other Persona-users who want to help us? Who's to say Sanada –"

She caught herself, blushing. It wasn't appropriate to speak his name in public, especially since she didn't even know him.

Manami sighed, standing up. "Come on, Onekosama," she said, allowing the cat to lumber up onto her shoulders. "You're coming home with me tonight."

"Meow," said the cat smugly.

Manami marched away from the bench, fixated on Akihiko Sanada and these new twin Persona-users. She was so distracted, she did not notice the way Onekosama's yellow eyes were glued to a lone figure, leaning against a wall in a nearby alley. Onekosama readied himself. His muscles tensed. His tail flicked back and forth. His eyes narrowed. Then, when Manami brought him close enough…

"Ow! The fuck was that…?"

Manami gasped, twirling around to see that Onekosama had sailed several feet through the air and landed on a stranger's back. Onekosama clung to the stranger, his claws embedded deeply in the burgundy fabric of his long pea coat. The cat looked over his shoulder at Manami.

"Meow," he said, apparently very pleased with himself.

"No!" said Manami, horrified, hurrying to the stranger's aid. "We do notjump on people! Bad cat!"

"Get this thing off me!" growled Onekosama's victim. "Seriously, it's really starting to hurt!"

Deftly, Manami pried Onekosama's claws out of the boy's jacket, holding him tightly in her arms so he could not escape again.

"That's a bad cat, Onekosama," she scolded the cat. "That's a very. Bad. Cat."

"That's a cat?" said the boy in angry disbelief. "What does it weigh, fifty pounds?"

"Meow," said Onekosama indignantly.

"I'm really sorry," Manami told the boy earnestly. "Onekosama usually isn't like this. He's actually a really nice cat!"

"Guess I just bring out the bad in him," muttered the boy, turning to face Manami.

He was a very tall boy, strong in build with a hard jaw. His long, dark hair was covered with a black beanie, pulled so low over his eyes that Manami could not see them at first. After a second, though, when the boy adjusted his beanie and stared at her, she saw that they were a steely flint color. Manami suppressed a gasp.

He was a Persona-user.

There was no doubt about it. The moment their eyes met, a surge of power coursed from his mind to hers. It was faint, though, and slightly unstable. Like it was locked away, somewhere in the dark recesses of his mind.

"Hey, are you okay?"

Manami snapped to attention to see that the boy was looking very seriously at her. She tried very hard to look nonchalant.

"I'm fine," she told the boy evenly. "Why?"

"I dunno," said the boy, "you were staring at me for like a whole minute without saying anything…"

"Guess I just spaced out," said Manami brightly. "Thank you for your concern, though."

The boy scowled. "…Who said I was concerned?" he mumbled. "Look, I'm taking off, but lemme give you some advice: Learn to control your psycho cat."

"He's not mycat," said Manami. "He just lives with us sometimes. And he's not psycho, either," she added defensively.

"Well, whatever," growled the boy. He pushed past them, hands in pockets, and made for the street. But after he had gone about twenty paces, he halted, turned over his shoulder and said, almost unwillingly,

"You know, you really shouldn't be here by yourself so late at night. It's dangerous."

And with that, he stalked off into the night.

Manami stood still for a while after that, a smile lingering on her lips. Onekosama purred contentedly in her arms.

"You clever cat," Manami told him, patting his head. "You knew he was like me, didn't you? You know how lonely I am. You wanted me to meet him."

"Meow," said Onekosama, nuzzling her shoulder.

Manami's smile widened. So Noritaka and her sister would not allow her to contact Akihiko Sanada. Okay, fine. She would play good girl and abide by their rules. But they did not know about this new boy. Of that she was one hundred percent certain. He had masked his power so well, she doubted even Kratos could pick up on it. It was lucky, really, that she had caught that glimmer of his hidden spirit when he looked her in the eye.

But all of that was irrelevant. The important thing was that she recognized this boy's power. And now that she knew he existed, there was nothing to stop her from making contact with him.

Suddenly feeling much better than she had before, Manami stroked Onekosama's fur and started on the journey home.

"Good cat, Onekosama," she murmured as she went. "That's a very good cat."

Meanwhile, Shinjiro Aragaki sat alone in his apartment, staring at the wall.

He was rattled.

That girl in the alley… The way she had looked at him with those bright, discerning eyes… It was like she knew his deepest secrets. Like she could see each ugly detail of his soul.

Shinjiro shuddered. He hoped he never ran into her again.

Still, there was a twinge of nagging anxiety in the back of his mind that told him he had been wrong to leave her there. Cute little girl like her… they would tear her apart if they ever got a hold on her. It was irresponsible of him to assume she could fend for herself if she needed to. Maybe she was still there – His place was only a few blocks away from the station – Maybe if he went back and got her, he could –

But he shook himself, scowling. No. It was a mistake to get involved in other people's problems. Hell, he had enough problems of his own. Whatever happened to that girl and her stupid cat, it was none of his business.

So Shinjiro stood up, showered, lie down in bed and promised himself not to think of the girl and her cat again.

Which, of course, meant he spent the entire night thinking about them.

FRIDAY – 04/17/09

"Master Hamuko. It's so nice to see you again."

Hamuko found herself in the Velvet Room once more. This time, however, she was certain that this was much more than a dream. With that knowledge, it was a completely different experience from before. She felt wholly at ease with her surroundings. She watched Igor calmly from across the room.

"I'm unconscious, aren't I?" she asked him. He nodded.

"Correct. You passed out shortly after awakening to your power," said Igor. "It's nothing to worry about, though, so you can relax."

Nodding, Hamuko sank into an armchair across from Igor. He laced his fingers together under his chin, scrutinizing her.

"By the way," he said at length, "I see that it was Orpheus who heeded your call."

"Yes," said Hamuko. "Does he – er – she have anything to do with my special power?"

"You might as well know now," said Igor. "Orpheus isyour special power."

"What do you mean?" asked Hamuko, her brow furrowed.

"Orpheus is a Persona," said Igor. "A manifestation of your psyche."

Hamuko shook her head. "I don't understand."

"It may take you a while to fully comprehend," said Igor. "A Persona is a facet of your personality that surfaces as you react to external stimuli. You can think of it as a mask that protects you as you brave many hardships."

"Sorry," said Hamuko, "but I'm still lost."

Igor chuckled. "You will understand in time, Young Master. You have already grown so much. That being said, your power is still weak…"

"What d'you mean, weak?" said Hamuko defensively. "Minato and I destroyed that giant monster, didn't we?"

"Maybe so, but you are not nearly as strong as you could be," said Igor. "You see, Young Master, when you use your Persona ability, you must channel your inner strength. The ability evolves as you develop your emotional ties with others. The stronger your relationships, the more powerful your Persona ability. Please remember that."

"Hang on," said Hamuko, thoroughly nonplussed. "So you're telling me I can become stronger just by making friends?"

"Correct," said Igor.

Hamuko sank back in her seat, bewildered. It soundedsimple, sure. But making friends was a lot easier said than done. Especially when you were the new kid in a big-city private school.

"Now, then...," said Igor, with a backward glance at the giant clock. "Time marches on in your world. I shouldn't keep you here any longer. Next time we meet, you will come here of your own accord. Until then... Farewell."

And everything dissolved into darkness.

"Minato… Minato…"

Minatopaused, one foot on the pedal of his tricycle, and glanced over his shoulder. Mommy was standing on the front steps of their house, her hands on her hips.

"What are you doing, silly boy?" she chastised Minato fondly. "You know you aren't allowed to ride your bike without Mommy or Daddy to help you."

"I'm right here, Hinako."

Daddy stepped out so Mommy could see him and waved at her, grinning brilliantly. She threw up her hands in exasperation.

"Well, for heaven's sake, Benjirou! At least let me know you're there so I'm not worried!"

"Sorry, dear," Daddy chuckled. "But hey, with a bit of practice, our little Mina might be able to ride all by himself soon. Isn't that right, Mina?"

"You bet!" said Minato fiercely. "I'ma be the best tricycle rider in the neighborhood!"

Daddy laughed, a deep, rolling laugh that shook his chest. "Come here, you little wild thing," he growled, scooping Minato in his arms and spinning him in the air. Minato giggled, kicking his short little legs and waving his fat little hands over his head.

"Mommy, look!" he cried jubilantly. "I'm flying!"

"So you are!" said Mommy, with a musical laugh. "My little astronaut."

Daddy sighed, hugging Minato tightly to his chest. "Mommy and I love you very much, son," he murmured, patting Minato's head. "Your sister, too."

"I know," said Minato, who wanted very much to get back to playing. Daddy held him at arms' length, smiling.

"As long as we have each other, nothing bad will ever happen to us. Because we're a family. And in a family, everyone does their equal share in protecting each other. Always remember that, son."

Minatostared back into his father's eyes, wide and blue like his own. He nodded.

"I'll remember, Daddy."

Minato jerked awake, blinking blearily. He felt like he had been asleep forever. Sitting up, he glanced around to realize he had no idea where he was or how he had gotten there. He frowned, rubbed his eyes – and started slightly when he realized they were wet.

"You're awake!"

At the sound of Yukari's voice in the doorway, Minato hastily wiped his eyes with the corner of his sheet. Yukari hurried to his bedside, clutching two Cielo Mists. She looked both elated and on the verge of tears.

"Yukari-san…," said Minato, his voice cracked and hoarse. Yukari smiled.

"How do you feel?" she asked.

"Alright," said Minato. "A little tired, but I'm always tired. Where are we?"

"Tatsumi Memorial Hospital," said Yukari. "You may have seen it before; it's a short walk from the station."

"Oh…," was all Minato could manage to say.

"Thank goodness you're awake," said Yukari, sinking down into the chair next to him. She scowled suddenly. "How much sleep do you need, anyway? It's been a whole week!"

"A week?" said Minato incredulously. "Really?"

"Really!" said Yukari. "I was so worried about you…"

Minato felt his cheeks glowing.

"Have you been here the whole time, Yukari-san…?" he asked her shyly.

It was Yukari's turn to blush.

"W-well, you saved my life," she mumbled. "I couldn't just leave you here alone…"

"Speaking of which," said Minato, his shyness forgotten, "what happened to Hamuko?"

"She's fine," said Yukari. "She actually woke up yesterday. She's getting lunch right now with Misuru-senpai."

Minato breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank God."

"The doctors couldn't find anything wrong with either of you," said Yukari. "They said you were both just exhausted. But you just kept sleeping and sleeping. I thought you'd never wake up. Do you know how worried I was?"

"You may've mentioned it," said Minato, smiling slightly.

Suddenly, Yukari looked solemn. "Um… I'm sorry about before."

"Sorry?" said Minato, blinking confusedly. "What for?"

"I couldn't do anything," said Yukari, staring hard at her knees. "Even though I was supposed to protect you, I…"

Minato reached out, touching her wrist lightly. She looked up at him, startled.

"Don't worry about it," he told her quietly. "Honestly, you have nothing to be sorry for."

Yukari smiled tremulously. "Thank you," she said.

"You're welcome," said Minato, returning her smile.

Yukari seemed to have perked up considerably. "But your power," she said to Minato, radiating enthusiasm. "It was amazing! Even the Chairman said he's never seen anything like it before!"

"What'd we even do?" asked Minato.

"The power you guys used? It's called 'Persona'," explained Yukari. "We use it to defeat the Shadows – our enemies."

That power… Minato wondered suddenly if it had anything to do with his sister's strange dream.

"We'll explain it in detail later," said Yukari. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. I – uh- I hope you, Hamuko-san and I can be friends."

"Okay," said Minato. "I'd like that."

"Great," said Yukari. "Because – Well, I already told Hamuko-san this, but – I'm sorta like you."

Minato frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

Yukari fidgeted, unwilling to meet Minato's gaze. "Well… My dad died in an accident when I was little... And my mom and I aren't exactly on good terms…"

"I'm sorry…," said Minato, because he did not know what else to say." Yukari nodded.

"You and Hamuko-san are all alone too, right?" she asked. "To be honest, I already know about your past. But it didn't seem fair, so I wanted you to know about mine. It happened in 1999. There was a big explosion in the area. Supposedly, my dad died in the blast, but…Well, nobody really knows what happened. He was working in a lab run by the Kirijo Group."

"I see…," said Minato. "Is that why you're here, Yukari-san?"

"Sort of," admitted Yukari. "I guess I'm hoping that if I stick around long enough, I'll find something out about my dad. That's why I'm going to Gekkoukan High, and why I was there when this happened to you. Of course, I panicked," she added bitterly, "so I wasn't much help. It was my first time fighting them, too."

Yukari sighed heavily. "I'm sorry," she told Minato again. "You wouldn't have to go through all this if I wasn't such a coward."

"I told you," said Minato, "you have nothing to be sorry for. And you are nota coward, Yukari-san. When that Shadow showed up, I was terrified, too."

Yukari finally looked up, her eyes alight with hope. "Really?"

"Really," said Minato.

Yukari chuckled sheepishly. "And here I am, telling you all of this the second you wake up," she said. "It's just… While I was waiting, I thought to myself, 'I've been hiding so many things from him... As soon as he wakes up, I'll tell him the truth.' So… thanks for listening. I've wanted to share that story with someone for a long time."

Minato really felt for her. Yukari must really trust him to tell him such a personal story…

"Alright," said Yukari abruptly, "I'm gonna get going. I'll let the others know you woke up. Take it easy, okay? Be a good patient! And don't hesitate to call the nurse. I'm sure she'll take good care of you."

And with that, she left the room. Minato yawned and sunk back into the bed, shutting his eyes. After all, he had already slept a week…what could a couple more hours hurt?

MONDAY – 04/20/09

The first day back at school was looking to be a very good one.

At least, that's what Hamuko and Minato thought when they stepped off the light rail. Maybe it was due to prolonged absence. But Gekkoukan looked more beautiful than ever, gleaming in the April sun.

…Then again, Minato thought, maybe it had something to do with the fact that they had recently been awakened to incredible superpowers.

He and Hamuko barely made it five steps down the walkway when someone snatched them both by their shoulder bags, yanking them gracelessly backward. It was Junpei Iori. And he looked torn between excitement and extreme concern.

"Yo!" he said indignantly. "Where the hell've you two been?"

"In the hospital," said Minato, readjusting his book bag. Junpei's eyes widened.

"In the hospital?" he repeated, turning his gaze to the heavens. "You mean you were both in the hospital, and neither of you thought to drop your ol' pal Junpei a line? I was worried sick about you two!"

"Sorry, Junpei-kun," said Hamuko, bemused. "I didn't realize you cared so much!"

"Well, 'course I care!" said Junpei, clapping Hamuko and Minato on their shoulders. "I'm your buddy, aren't I? Anyway," he added smugly, lowering his voice, "there's something I gotta tell ya."

"What's up?"asked Minato.

Junpei bit his lower lip, grinning mischievously. "Actually… I'm not s'posed to say anything! Sorry, bros!"

And he burst into a fit of giggles. At that moment, Yukari came up alongside them, rolling her eyes.

"Someone's full of energy today," she said crabbily. "I could hear you from all the way over there."

"Hey, Yuka-tan!" said Junpei, still giggling. "You three live in the same dorm, but you came separately today. Why's that, hm? You afraid of starting more rumors?"

"No," said Yukari flatly. "I just left a little late, that's all. And anyway, I came over here because I need to talk to them. In private. So buh-bye, Junpei."

"Alright, alright," said Junpei. And he walked away, the sound of his giggles growing fainter and fainter with each step he took.

"What's with him?" asked Hamuko. "He seems awfully giddy today."

"Well… It is4/20…," said Minato with a shrug.

"He's hopeless, that's what's up with him," said Yukari. "But what about you two? Are you feeling better?"

"Loads," said Hamuko. "Thank you, Yukari-san."

Yukari turned to Minato. "And… what about you… Minato-kun?" she asked, her cheeks flushing as she spoke his name.

Minato blinked. "Er – I feel great, Yukari-san," he said, somewhat bashfully. She smiled in relief.

"That's good…"

They smiled shyly at each other for several uninterrupted seconds. Finally, Hamuko cleared her throat.

"So what is it you wanted to tell us, Yukari-san?" she asked pointedly.

"Oh – right!" said Yukari, looking embarrassed. "Um… Sorry to hit you with this first thing in the morning, but Ikutsuki-san wants to talk to you today."

"The Chairman?" said Hamuko. "What for?"

"Sorry, but I can't say anything else," said Yukari. "Just come to the fourth floor of the dorm after school today, okay? Don't forget!"

And with a wave, she hurried off to the archery club room. Minato watched her run away, a smile still on his lips. Hamuko nudged him to attention.

"C'mon, Romeo," she said exasperatedly. "We're gonna be late for class."

After school, Minato and Hamuko returned to the dorms and climbed to the fourth floor. There was only one room there; assuming they were meant to go inside, Hamuko and Minato entered without knocking. They found the Chairman on the other side, sitting with Mitsuru, Yukari, and a handsome boy whom Hamuko and Minato had never met. The Chairman grinned broadly at the twins as they came forward.

"Ah, there you are," he said. "I'm glad you're both okay. I didn't think I'd ever forgive myself if something happened to you two."

"Oh – er – thank you, Ikutsuki-san," said Hamuko, taken aback by this display of paternal affection.

"Not at all," said the Chairman warmly. "Now, let's get down to business… The reason I asked you to come here is because I need to talk to you both about a job."

"A job?" echoed Minato. "Like work study?"

The unfamiliar boy chuckled. "Not exactly…"

"I'll explain everything in detail," said the Chairman. "Please, have a seat."

Minato and Hamuko did as instructed, waiting patiently for an explanation.

"Now, for starters," said the Chairman, "I believe I mentioned him earlier, but you've never met him. This is Akihiko Sanada."

"How ya doin'?" asked Akihiko, smiling directly at Hamuko. For a split second, she was slightly stunned.

"I'm super," she said dreamily. "Thanks for asking."

Minato narrowed his eyes. Great. As if he didn't have enough trouble on his hands, here was this Don Juan living under the same roof as his sister.

"Don't worry," Yukari muttered in Minato's ear, apparently picking up on his wariness. "Senpai is good-looking, but once you get to know him, he's painfully awkward. I don't think Hamuko-san will be interested."

"Okay," said the Chairman. "Now that the introductions are taken care of, let me ask you this: Would either of you believe me if I told you a day consists of more than just twenty-four hours?"

"At this point, Ikutsuki-san," said Minato flatly, "I think we're willing to believe anything."

Everyone laughed.

"I have to say, I'm surprised by your reaction," said Mitsuru, smiling. "Although I suppose you have experienced the truth first-hand."

"You're talking about the first night we came here, aren't you?" said Hamuko. "The coffins… the blood on the streets… the green moon…"

"The streetlights went out, too," added Minato. "And nothing was working. It felt like… like…"

"Like we were in a different time," Hamuko finished for him.

"Yes," said Mitsuru. "These are all signs of the Dark Hour, a time period hidden between one day and the next."

"Hidden?" said Minato, a slight crease forming between his brows.

"Most people aren't aware of it when it happens," said the Chairman. "However, the Dark Hour does exist. And it does happen, every night at midnight."

"Wow…," murmured Hamuko. "How come they've never said anything about this on the news?"

"Because they have no clue it's going on," said Akihiko. "Normal people can't experience the Dark Hour. Once midnight strikes, they're Transmogrified into coffins and they sleep through the whole thing without realizing it. But," he added, smirking, "that's not even the interesting part."

"And… what isthe interesting part?" asked Minato. Akihiko's smirk turned into a full-blown, ravenous grin.

"You saw those creatures," he said. "Shadows, as we call them. They only appear during the Dark Hour, and they attack any poor sap that hasn't been Transmogrified. But that's where we come in. As Persona-users, it's our job to defeat the Shadows! Pretty exciting, huh?"

Minato had to admit, it didsound exciting. But Mitsuru did not look at all pleased.

"Akihiko!" she barked. "Why are you always like this? You just got injured the other day, and yet you still insist on treating this like some stupid children's game!"

"Now, now!" interjected the Chairman, as Akihiko readied a retort. "He does his work well."

Behind the Chairman's back, Akihiko stuck his tongue out at Mitsuru. Mitsuru looked like she might strangle him.

"Long story short," the Chairman went on, oblivious to the hostility, "we call ourselves the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad – or, for short, S.E.E.S. On paper, we're classified as a school club, but in reality, this group is dedicated to the extermination of the Shadows. Mitsuru is the leader; I'm club advisor."

"Shadows, you see, don't kill people," Mitsuru cut in. "They feed on the minds of their prey, turning them into a living corpse."

"So they're like Dementors," said Minato.

Everyone stared at him.

"Really?" said Minato, blinking. "Harry Potter? No one?" When nobody spoke up, he shook his head. "What sad, sad childhoods you must have had."

"Er – In any case," Mitsuru went on, "the Shadows are responsible for most of the incidents reported in the news, if not all of them. I'm sure you've both heard about Apathy Syndrome."

"Of course," said Hamuko. "But where do Mina and I factor into all of this?"

"Although rare, there are those who can function during the Dark Hour," said the Chairman. "Some even awaken to a power that allows them to fight the Shadows."

"Persona," said Minato at once. "That's what happened to us the other night."

"You learn fast!" said Akihiko, impressed.

"And a good thing, too," said the Chairman. "Persona-users are the only ones that can defeat the Shadows; we need all the help we can get."

Hamuko and Minato exchanged excited glances.

"Are you… asking us to join you?" asked Minato, with the air of one accepting a marriage proposal. In response, Mitsuru opened the gleaming silver briefcase on the table before them. A pair of silver guns glimmered uncannily on the inside.

"That's exactly what we're asking you," she said straightforwardly. "We've prepared two Evokers for you. We'd like you both to lend us your strength. If you're willing, that is."

"Are you kidding?" yelped Hamuko, springing for her Evoker. "Of course we'll join!"

Yukari breathed a sigh of relief. "I was afraid you'd say no!"

"Not on your life," said Minato, taking his own Evoker gingerly from the briefcase. "Hamu and I are happy to help in any way we can."

"Thanks, you guys," said Yukari, beaming. "And welcome aboard!"

"Yes, thank you so much," agreed the Chairman. "I'm really glad you both consented. Oh – and I almost forgot! About your room assignment, Minato…"

"Yes?" said Minato, snapping to attention.

"We've prepared a room for you directly below the one you're in now," said the Chairman. "From now on, you'll be staying at the end of the hall on the boys' floor, if that's all right with you."

Minato nodded. "Of course." He didn't look it, but he was ecstatic about all of this. A fancy gun, a sweet job and a new room all in one night. This was better than any birthday he had ever had.

Hamuko was riding the same high as Minato. After days of uncertainty, days of wondering what their place was, she and Minato had finallygotten their answer. She felt like this was a fresh start, the first day of her new life. She finally had a purpose, something to turn to when she was lost and needed guidance. She had a roof over her head and new friends she could trust. It almost seemed too good to be true.

"You must be tired," said Akihiko. "I'll let you guys go to sleep in a second; first, though, there's someone I want you to meet."

And he leapt from his seat, crossing the room in a few short strides and vanishing from sight. Yukari shared quizzical glances with Hamuko.

"Er – Mitsuru-senpai?" said Yukari. "What's going on?"

"You'll see," said Mitsuru, smiling.

"Hey…," came Akihiko's exasperated voice from outside the door. "Hurry up, would you?"

"Hold your horses!" grunted a familiar voice. "This thing is freakin' heavy!"

Yukari, Hamuko and Minato all looked at each other, wide-eyed.

"No," said Yukari, shaking her head in horror. "No way. It can't be him!"

But it was.

Junpei Iori stood in the doorway, clutching an overstuffed suitcase and clutching at a stitch in his side. When he straightened up, Hamuko saw that he was positively glowing.

"Whazzup?" he said, chuckling.

"Junpei!" groaned Yukari, her worst fears realized. "What are youdoing here?"

"He's gonna be staying here as of tonight," said Akihiko.

"He's staying here?" repeated Yukari. "You mean to tell me I have to live under the same roof as Mr. Poster-Boy-For-Sexual-Harassment?"

"Hey!" said Junpei, scandalized. "Since when am I the poster boy for sexual harassment?"

Yukari ignored him. "Please, Senpai," she implored of Akihiko. "Please tell me you're kidding."

"Nope," chuckled Akihiko. "Sorry, Yukari, but he's here to stay. I bumped into him the other night, while I was patrolling for Shadows. He has the potential, although he only awakened to it recently. I told him about us, and he agreed to join right away."

"Hehas the potential?" Yukari seemed incapable of accepting anything that came from Akihiko's mouth. "For real?"

"Fo' rizzeal," said Junpei solemnly. "He found me cryin' like a baby at the convenience store, surrounded by a bunch of coffins. I mean, I don't remember much, but… man, that's embarrassing!"

He laughed despite himself.

"He said that's completely normal, though, in the beginning," Junpei went on. "Like bein' confused and not remembering anything. Didja guys know that?"

Minato almost said, "But I wasn't confused at all." But he didn't want to kill Junpei's buzz, so instead he only nodded.

"That's good," said Junpei. "You should, since you're a Persona-user, too. But man," he added fervently, "I was shocked to find out about you guys! I had no idea. Glad I'm not the only one, though. It could get kinda lonely, y'know?"

"Totally," agreed Hamuko. "We're glad you're coming aboard, too, Junpei-kun!" Junpei smiled winningly.

"Bet you're glad to have a guy onboard too, eh?" he said, nudging her playfully. "I mean, a guy who's not your brother and nottotally out of your league."

Oh, that's nice, thought Hamuko peevishly. Akihiko, meanwhile, was blushing slightly.

"You shouldn't say things like that!" he snarled, whacking Junpei across the top of his head. Junpei winced.

"Okay, okay!" he said. "Geez, it was only a joke…"

Akihiko shook his head. "Honestly, Iori, don't make me regret dragging your ass away from that convenience store."

"Well," Mitsuru broke in, getting to her feet, "now that Iori's been properly introduced, you'd all better get to bed. Tomorrow night is a big night. You'll need all the strength you can muster."

On that note, the members of S.E.E.S. departed to their individual rooms. Hamuko snuggled into her sheets that night, feeling much warmer and more secure than she had the night before. Now that she had her purpose, she felt there was nothing that could bring her down. She finally was a part of something. A piece of a whole. After years of drifting in limbo, between foster parents and school transfers, it felt unbelievably nice to have something permanent she could cling to.

…And if that permanent something was fighting evil monsters, what did that matter? What was important was the fact that it was there. She could depend on the members of S.E.E.S., and they in turn could depend on her.

And she would do her best to keep up her end of the bargain. Even if it meant forfeiting her life.