A/N: Yo, been a while. Sorry for the delay, schools been uh... being school -yeah that should do- my computer's on the fritz again, and uh... enjoy?

I mean, ENJOY!


April 19 – Sunday

Yesterday I had made myself known to Strega's only female member.

Well, yeah. I'm a douche for only approaching women.

We were able to connect, even though we only exchanged some... difficult words. She took notice that I exist, and that's all I need. She saw our similarities, and my words will stir her feelings. I need to put more details into my part, though.

When I got back to the dorm yesterday, minus my beanie, plus a new laptop, I got scolded by sempai. She didn't shower me with a barrage of ice skills, she just... talked to me. After I told her that I just went sightseeing again, her anger seemed to subside, adding more to my suspicion that she knows something.

I can tell that Akihiko's been secretly training, supporting his side when he thought no one was looking, and sometimes unconsciously doing it as well. Yukari looked sad today, wearing a face that says "I'm thinking about something".

My task to befriend SEES has been successful. Though, I still need to keep my distance, and not let them see through my facade. I don't need to gain Ikutsuki's trust. If he keeps suspecting me of hiding something, a person that is a member and a friend of everyone, then the trust he gained from SEES will take a blow, maybe not shatter it, but as long as I make a crack in that solid bond, then everything is going nicely. I'll play it smooth, show my loyalty and vigilance through operations, save them from time to time, and the Reaper himself will help me achieve that.

Ridding this world of Ikutsuki, and saving the Arcanas, I have to lie to everyone.

Dejected as I am with this, I have to do it.

But, I can't prevent them from destroying all Arcana shadows, The Priestess Arcana especially. As that shadow took control of the monorail, it would be dangerous to let that thing roam. I have to let the same scenario happen again.

I could freeze the monorail in place by using Skadi's Niflheim skill, but if the Dark Hour passes, then that could lead to more danger to the passengers, as well as closing the station for a while just to defrost the ice, and persona ice element skills are much harder to melt than normal ice. Another thing, how will we explain that? Me, especially. They'll ask about my abilities, and may treat me like a dangerous member, because of how I portrayed myself within these past few days. And I can't use the skill without anyone noticing the sudden change in temperature inside the cart.

Preventing them from killing the Empress and Emperor will also put my role at risk.

No, I have to continue my act till the very end as the mysterious man who lost his memories, and possesses the (currently) most powerful 'Potential'... potential in many ways.

This morning will be the time when my counterpart wakes up, with Yukari visiting her this morning.

It's only past six. I'm giving up on sleeping in, there's just no point. I'll make sugar as my source of energy from here on out.

Today is the day that I make my first good impression. I'd go in a suit and tie, but I'm visiting someone who is alive, not going to the morgue. That's what I remind myself, remembering what I did in that dream the other night.

I'm going to visit the hospital with Yukari today. Well, I'm just tagging along, since Hamuko 'will', not 'might', wake up today. My archer friend doesn't know that though, both me going, and my female self waking up.

I washed up, got dressed, and NOT in my school uniform. There was something that had baffled me, even today, when Yukari came over to visit me in the last world: WHY the HELL was she in her FRICKIN' UNIFORM?

It was a fuckin' SUNDAY!

I tell you, and yes, I can assure everyone: that girl has issues. A great big frickin' PINK-ish issue.

People should know just WHEN and WHERE to look good. Time and place ARE a big whoop, even in fashion. It's a hospital, not a school. It's a weekend, not a school day. Yes, I was touched by her concern. Yes, her fashion sense is none of my business. But I just... Can't... HELP IT!

I walked down the stairs, getting ready to go with the archer to the hospital. I met the girl just finishing her breakfast, and guess what she's wearing?

"Why are you in your school uniform?" I asked.

"Laundry day. I was so worried about her, I forgot to wash my clothes."

I blinked twice...

Wow. That was... I was not expecting that. Her answer was monotonous, like it was... rehearsed? Plus, she used 'Her' and not the girl's name. "But, you've been wearing your uniform the whole week." I pointed out.

She mechanically- yes, she me-cha-ni-ca-lly turned her head just to look at me, as if her head wasn't supposed to move like that. Her eyes bulged, and gave me the same look when you have gone insane and was about to kill someone. "Don't say... another word." she said that in the most venom-y... way i have ever heard anyone say it

Thus, my question has been answered. Sorry for making fun of you.

We went to the hospital as planned, after I begged the girl to let me. Walking to the hospital, I had to keep my distance from her. She's been giving me the cold shoulder, and... well, her perfume was... pretty suffocating to say the least.

As she entered the room of my female self in the hospital, she slammed the door shut at my face, then locked it. I felt my brow twitch.

"Hidoi na, Yukari-chan." I knocked gently. "Oi, moshi mosh~"

No answer.

I sighed, leaning against the wall beside the door, I don't smoke, but I do have my mp3. "Looks like we're alone again, buddy."

I placed the earphones on, the played my tunes. I closed my eyes, humming, and went to my world of calm serenades and fast beats.

I wonder what kind of personality my female self has? Considering that we're practically different in both gender AND looks, how does she interact with others I wonder?

Twenty minutes later the door opened, and Yukari's head popped out. I took my earphones off. "She's awake. Come in, I also want to tell you something." she told me.

Nodding, I followed her inside, shrugging off her earlier action. "What do you want to talk about?" I asked as I passed the door. "You were giving me hints that you don't want me here."

"Just shut up and follow me." she argued, passing by the curtains that hid the bed by the window, where female me was resting. "This is the guy that I wanted you to meet." she said, while facing the area on the other side of the curtain.

Well, do or die time. I'll try the friendly approach like I did with everyone.

I stepped beside Yukari, getting ready for my big act. As I passed the curtain, the moment the girl saw me, her face showed a total state of shock, her red orbs were showing in full circles. She even gasped. I know I'm good looking, but that reaction was a bit too much.

"Hello." I greeted with a smile. "Seems like you're awake, finally."

The girl in the bed never changed her expression, giving me another bad vibe of fan-girl phobia. I looked at Yukari with pleading eyes, but the girl was too busy looking at the auburn girl's face to look at mine. Like me, she looks uncomfortable as the girl stares at me with eyes widen.

"Umm..." Yukari finally spoke. "He's the guy that saved us the other night. His name is-"

"Minato...?"

I snapped my neck to the girl that uttered my name, and it was NOT Yukari who did it. Now it's my turn to be shocked, plus the pink-wearing brunette. The archer gave me a glare, while I shook my head furiously as her eyes screamed something accusing.

I looked at Hamuko, my nerves breaking down as my plans were about to go down the drain. I forgot the other things that connected me and her, other than roles and wild card abilities.

Igor and the velvet room.

I mentally gouged my eyes out for being too blind to see the most obvious thing that could break the foundations of my plans. Igor could have mentioned me to her, and think that I may be able to help her in her future struggles. Thinking about it like that, it could be a possibility. But I wonder why Igor told her about me, when, every time I asked him about something, he would always tell me that "Only when the time is right" or "Only time will tell".

Damn it!

I fought the urge to run out of the room and go to the velvet room just to strangle the long nosed man, but this has to come first.

"Do I... know you?" I asked. Rational reactions must come first.

"U-Umm, n-no..." the patient stuttered. "I think."

I raised a brow at her action. The thought of Igor telling her about me is in the "Maybe" area now, as her reaction just showed, but I still have to be wary. Her stutters tell me uncertainty, and it was proven when she said, "I think."

Shrugging, I sat by the wall, right across the bed as the patient didn't seem to be comfortable with me... or is it my face, as she's been looking at it all this time.

I covered the left side of my face, and tried to make out her reaction through the fringe on my right. No changes. Her eyes are still on me, and not on the brunette that was taking a seat beside her bed.

"Do you know him?" Yukari asked as she sat down.

The patient seemed reluctant, but nervously shook her head. "No. I'm probably wrong."

Again, I raised my brow at this. She said "probably". If you're trying to hide something, just flat out deny it and act naturally as to avoid suspicion, but... why didn't she? Her eyes are looking down, and away from my direction, this tells me insecurity, doubt, fear, and a few more other negative emotions. Why am I reading her?

Silence ensued after her awkward answer, feeling a tense atmosphere around the three of us.

I clapped my hands aloud, startling the two girls, and breaking the silence that's been going on since I started spacing out and thinking.

"I guess, I should reintroduce myself." I said, starting the conversation. "My name is Minato Arisato. A guy that's currently suffering from a bit of memory loss because of some careless handling from some dopes." I caught Yukari glare, snapping out of her awkward silence. Hamuko gave me another wide-eyed look as I mentioned my last name. "And now, I am currently under the roof of a girl that keeps hurting me, a guy that keeps hurting himself, and a girl that forgot to wash her clothes and tried to suffocate me with the powerful stench of her horrendous perfume."

First, I should break the ice.

Yukari stood up, grabbing the vase beside the bed and flung it to my head. I caught it easily. The girl in bed was back to being shocked at the action of her fellow female. I took the flower in the vase, putting down the container, then pointed the plant to the furious maiden.

"Tis' not well to frown such beauty, mine fair maiden." I spoke. "T'will do thy complexion harm, and thou shalt weep in thine mishap."

I got a snort from the patient, while the other girl launched a flying kick that I evaded with ease.

Hamuko was now laughing, while I, was trying to keep Yukari's manicured nails away from my artery. "Why can't you just behave for once!" the archer spat.

"W-Well," I struggled. "maybe because you're no fun if I kept quiet." I shot back. "Oh, and your perfume's gone. Something funky is seeping to my nose as you keep your arms up."

Hahah, at least I'm still ass. But later on, some questions need to be answered.

I got my first reply from Yukari's foot, carefully aimed to my delicate spot, which I caught as I closed my legs. I thought it was over, but I was proven wrong when the brunette gave me a painful headbutt. Painful for both of us, might I add.

We both turned around, crouching, while our backs faced each other, rubbing our sore foreheads.

"Serves you right!" said the brunette.

"That wasn't very feminine." I retorted.

She gave my ribcage a backhand while I was off guard, sending me to the floor, rubbing two pained spots in my body. I guess, you should never turn your back on the enemy.

After Yukari cooled down, and my pain disappeared, we resumed our original purpose.

Yukari cleared her throat. "First of all, let me tell you that I'm glad that you're awake." she said. "I mean, just how much sleep do you need?" she gave her a mock angry look. I rolled my eyes, Hamuko caught me do it and started to giggle. "Anyway, I'm glad you're okay."

"Thank you." Hamuko said. "Umm, can you tell me where I am?"

"Tatsumi Memorial Hospital." I answered. "It's just a few walk from the station."

Yukari nodded. "Right. Now, since you're awake, there's something that I wanted to tell both of you." she said.

Hamuko looked curious, while I, already knew what she was about to say. "What is it Takeba-san?" the patient asked.

Yukari looked down. "I'm sorry I couldn't anything..." she said. "I was supposed to protect you, but it was you who protected me instead." she added, then she looked at me. "And, sorry that I didn't help you as well, also about that head injury of yours."

"It's alright." I shrugged. "It wasn't mostly your fault. It was probably Akihiko-sempai that suggested to do it in the first place, right?" I smiled at her. "I was probably too heavy for you to carry along. Don't blame yourself too much."

I looked at Hamuko's face. Her expression told me that she didn't know what we were talking about. "Umm, what... happened, exactly? Last thing I remembered was calling out Orpheus, then... nothing." she finally asked.

Yukari took a deep breath, bracing herself to a long winded explanation. "The power you used... We call it "Persona." And that creature you guys' defeated are Shadows - our enemy. We'll explain everything later. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before... I, uh... I wanted to tell you that...I'm sorta like you." A few stutters, but I'll give her a 'B-' for effort.

"What do you mean?" Hamuko asked.

Yukari seemed uncertain on telling her. Then she looked at me.

I got the message.

Putting my earphones on, and maxing the volume, I walked out the door.

In the hallway, I met the two sempai's right outside the door, giving me one of the scariest looks anyone could currently give to my courageous self. They must've overheard my comment on them.

I blankly stared at the two before closing the door behind me. Instead of moving away from the room, I just leaned on the door, drowning out the raging words that were silently coming out of Mitsuru's lips.

A few minutes later, I lost my balance as the door opened, sending me to the floor, and giving me a great view of what color my female dorm mates were wearing. I inwardly cursed my luck, as I slapped my hand over my eyes, slowly getting up.

Pink and... B-Black? Guess who's wearing what.

After I dusted myself, I turned to the two flustered girls, giving me each of their own version of death glares. I know they're waiting for me to make a sick joke about their underwear, but I'm not that kind of an ass. I kept my silence as I stared blankly back at the two, adding more to the temperature of their faces.

I gave out a sigh as the two wouldn't stop looking at me. I turned off my mp3 and took off my earphones. "I'm not going to make fun of you." I spoke. Both girls were unsure of what I had just said, making me roll my eyes. "Do you want me to make fun of you about 'those'?" I asked, with a bit of tick in my tone.

Both girls gave out a sigh of relief, as I saw Akihiko step out from where he was hiding. Quick little bugger, ain't he? Mitsuru spoke. "Well that's quite a surprise, coming from you." she said.

I snorted. "The way you put it just now was as if you wanted me to make fun of you about 'That'."

"It would do your health good if you do no such thing." she said. "Now then, Takeba." she looked at the girl. "How is she?" she asked.

"Oh, she's fine." Yukari nonchalantly said. "It's better if we leave her to rest here for today and do the meeting tomorrow."

Mitsuru nodded. "So be it." she turned to the boxer. "Akihiko, get the Evoker ready for her. And you," she pointed at me. "Don't do anything to her."

"Don't worry." I waved at her dismissively. "I like her. She's cute."

I caught brows twitching on the two girls. Guess, I should have reassured them with other words, huh?

"I won't do anything to her, I promise." I reassured, but both girls now looked pissed. Are my words not good enough? Looks like there's no winning for me in this argument. I sighed, I raised my right hand to swear my promise. "Fine, I won't even touch her, alright. I'll respect her with every dignity of my manhood."

I thought their rage would end, but I was wrong. Before I realized it, a pair of hands slapped me on both cheeks, the sound rang in the empty hallways of the medical institute, as well as inside my ears.

What the HELL was that for?

I hissed at the stinging sensation that I was feeling on each side of my face, as both girl pulled their palms off. Stomping their way to who-knows-where.

I saw Akihiko laughing at me. "What was that all about?" he managed between breaths.

"I'll show you." I said, as I walked over to him. To make sure that I made an imprint on both his cheeks, I pulled my arms apart, and sandwiched his face.

He blocked with both arms, in a standard boxing stance. "Heh, you gotta do better that that." he taunted.

Well, he asked for it.

I snapped my elbows, twisting them under his arms. I gave him a one inch punch to his solar plexus, unequipping Thor before I did to avoid any harmful damages. It wasn't that strong, but it was enough to nudge the sore rib, making him reach to his side.

"Final BLOW!" I announced. Rearing my arm back, I gave him a right hook to the face with an open palm, leaving a big mark on the spot, and did the same with my left arm.

SLAP! SLAP!

Two slaps with powerful stings, the boxer couldn't guard because of his rib. He fell to the floor, marking his first loss in a match... against me. I raised one arm and announced.

"Here is your winner and the NEW amateur (not) boxing champion! Minato Ari~sato!"

Well, that should be enough fun for now.

I crouched down to look at the boxer. "Hey, you said to do better, right?" and with that, he slumped to the ground.

After literally dragging the boxer in the halls, I shoved him in one of the examination room. I informed the doctor of his condition, as well as his habit to... overexert himself. I was about to say that Akihiko was like a masochist, but I bit my tongue to stop myself.

"What happened to his face?" the doctor asked.

"He kept sparring until he collapsed." I told him.

"But, these look like hand marks."

"He was sparring with a feminine figure." Yes, I have a girlish figure, and it helps with fighting shadows as my body can be very flexible. "Please be sure to inform Kirijo-san about this boy's condition. She'll do the rest."

The doctor nodded, and I walked out of the hospital.

Back to the topic of the female patient in bed.

Well, shit. I almost had a heart attack because of Hamuko. She... knows me, yet, it doesn't look like it was Igor that informed her about me. Her state of shock really made me worried, but... why was she shocked when she saw me?

Things are still going as I planned... well, mostly. But that's a step forward, even if it's just a small one. The more I try to push this uneasy feeling away, the more it comes back and putting so much strain in my thought.

Hamuko Arisato, is supposed to be the person the took my role, replacing my spot in my journey. But, something about that... just doesn't seem to feel right. At first I thought it was just jealousy, but now that I've met, and talked to the girl, it... doesn't feel that way anymore.

I made my way to the small alley in Paulownia Mall, the velvet door as my destination. I opened the door, Elizabeth greeted me as I entered.

"Hello, Minato-sama." she bowed. "How may we help you today?"

I took a seat in my usual spot, right across the long-nosed man himself. "I have some questions." I stated.

Igor chuckled. "Then allow me to supply you with answers."

I'm pretty sure that he already know what my questions are, seeing him as confident as ever. I started. "First question: did I really just travel back in time?"

Igor nodded, and I noticed Elizabeth hiding her chuckle. "Yes."

I narrowed my eyes. "You're hiding something." I said.

"There is nothing to hide from you, my boy." Igor smiled... wider. "As I've said, you have unlocked a new world."

Wait, New world? "What does that... oh." I wanted to ask, but I kinda figure it out already. It was the reason why I've been feeling uneasy.

"Your world was already destroyed." he reminded. "As powerful as the residents in the velvet room may be, we cannot bring back a whole planet, let alone add something that should not be there." He's referring to Hamuko.

I nodded, knowingly. I raised a hand and rubbed my temple. "By traveling back in time, you meant this world's time. So, you're telling me that this world that I'm in, is an alternate... dimension, or something?"

God! Is this a manga or something? If it is, then who ever is writing this is an idiot with no originality.

Igor nodded. "Correct. It is the same as you flip a coin."

I let out a aggravated sigh. "If that's true, then, shouldn't the rest of the team also have their genders reversed?"

Both Igor and Elizabeth chuckled, the girl couldn't hide it anymore. "Reality is quite hard to understand, yes?"

They're not gonna tell me, huh? I slouched in my chair, ended up staring at the ceiling of the lift. "Second question: Are the rest of my money here, and also the weapons that I left?"

Igor nodded. "Yes."

With a snap of his finger, the part of the lift became an armory, displaying different varieties of weapons. On the floor were metal cases, which I think, has the money that I got from defeating the Reaper and the other shadows.

"I'm taking one weapon." I stated, and Igor approved. It's for... a screw up I'm planning.

I went to the section where there were different designs of gloves and gauntlets, each giving different ideas on how to crush a shadow's face in. I got what I wanted, and hid it under my coat. Igor snapped his fingers again, and the armory disappeared.

"Anything else?" Igor asked.

"I have a few irrelevant questions but that's not important any more." I said. "But for now, I want to ask about my Social Links."

"The bonds of love and friendship are inseparable, even by space and time. It cannot be seen on the surface, but it will always linger within one's soul." was Igor's only reply.

I nodded. I tried to stop my smile, but I couldn't help it. "Heh. I see." I had a feeling it was something like that.

I took a seat, then closed my eyes, sighing deeply with the smile that I couldn't stop.

So that was what Igor meant by losing me in everyone's mind. It's only their memory, but not with their hearts. My personae are still with me, and my friends don't act like I'm a total stranger to them- Wait!

"Shouldn't they be different people then?" I asked. "Even if they are like my friends in the previous world, shouldn't they act like I'm nobody to them?"

"Ah, a good question." Igor said. "But, let me answer by asking another question: What is reality?"

Huh? That has nothing to do with my question.

"Humans have long given up on finding out the truth about this, and only continued to see what is in front of them." He said. "What is life? What is fate? What is destiny? Who decides to end our lives? Why do we die, and where do we go?"

Great, I still ain't getting answers.

"Questions that are right there in front of you, yet you turn a blind eye over it. 'Fate' decides the course. 'Destiny' is the destination. 'Death' is the phase for changes in 'Fate'. And 'We' are the guides in these journeys."

Long story short, 'Life' is a mystery. There are just too many unknown things that mankind just can't be assed to figure out. Meaning, I should expect the unexpected, since this world is not the same, some things may have changed, and the velvet room is here to help me along those changes.

Igor's as cryptic as ever.

I sighed. He'll never end his mind games, huh? More questions in my head, but I'll just be the one to guess the answers again, so why bother.

"I get it... more or less." I said. "I'm gonna need a new persona to accompany me by the way."

"Then, please..." Igor gestured to Elizabeth, as the girl opened the compendium.

I purchased what I needed, and stood up. "That's all, I guess." I said. "Um, should I tell you what I'm gonna do?"

Igor held out a hand to stop me. "There is no need to tell us. We will be with you until the end."

I smiled, and nodded. "Then, see you later." I waved, opening the door to the outside.

As I got out, only a few minutes had passed. Ten to be exact. When I walked out of the alley, 'Fate' must be toying with me, I figured.

There by the fountain, was a girl, dressed in a white gothic lolita outfit.

Things are moving faster than I expected.

I walked over to the fountain, taking a seat beside the girl without even asking her.

"Hello there." I greeted, not looking at the girl, the same way she ignored my presence and continued to scribble on her notes. "Is this a coincidence or are we just connected by 'Fate'?" I asked.

She stopped her hand, but didn't look up to face me. "Who are you?" she asked.

I should've known she would react like that, since I'm wearing something different: a white leather jacket and dark blue pants. Also, I didn't bring my beanie.

"I'm quite hurt." I humored. "Lady Maria."

Now, she looked away from her notebook and stared at my face carefully. A few seconds passed, and she still didn't recognize me.

"This should give you a clue." I placed my earphones on, and brushed my fringe back. "Recognize me now?"

"No. I don't know you." she said, bringing her attention back to her scribbles.

Ouch... "How cruel..." I said, letting go of my fringe. "Did I not make any impact on you yesterday?" I'm teasing her a bit to see any reaction that I could use.

"Go away." she said, but her hands didn't move, not even resuming her sketch.

"Sorry, I'm kinda tired." I leaned back. "I've been walking for a few hours, and stood for a few minutes, so I'll be resting here. You don't mind, right?"

"I do mind." she said.

This time, it's my turn to ignore her. I turned on my mp3, setting the volume a bit low, and closed my eyes.

A few seconds have passed and I opened an eye for a bit, to see what she's doing. She was back to her sketches again.

We both ignored each other for a few minutes, but that was interrupted when my stomach growled.

"I guess it's lunch time." I said, peeking at the girl at my side. "Wanna get ramen?" I asked.

"No." she answered immediately.

"How about a burger?"

"No."

"Sweets?"

"I hate them."

"The café then?"

"No."

"Takoyaki?"

"Disgusting."

I'm out of ideas... This girl is just hard! Well, we're talking, that's good, right?

I sighed, standing up. "Let's see each other again, okay?" she didn't answer. "I won't be coming back for a few weeks." I said, as I started walking away.

"Tell me..." I heard the girl.

I stopped and turned around to face her. She's looking at me with those sorrowful eyes again.

"Are you happy?" she asked.

I blinked twice, totally caught off guard by the question. But, I answered. "That depends."

"Depends on what?" she asked, tilting her head, still not changing her expression.

I shrugged. "I don't know."

"Why?"

I thought for a second, and answered. "Because, I'm not supposed to be here."

"Why?"

"I..." I looked at the ground. "It's because, I lost everything." I looked at her and shrugged. "That's all."

"Why are you here then?"

I shook my head, shrugging again. "Fate, I guess."

"Why are you still living?"

"I'm not." I answered. "Well, not entirely." I said, looking away.

"Are you happy?" again with that question?

I let out a long sigh, scratching my head. "I'm not happy, I guess. I keep suffering, even now."

"Do you wish to die?" What is with her, and her barrage of questions?

I smiled at her. "How about you?" she didn't reply. "I'm here, not because I want to. I'm here because, I have to. Willing or not, there's something I have to do."

"And, what's that?"

"You're asking too much."

"I'm not. You didn't answer my question" she said.

I didn't reply, but I just stood there with my arms crossed, looking at her intently. Her curiosity is good, but I might accidentally tell her something that I shouldn't.

After a few seconds of silence and staring, she stood up. "Treat me to a bowl of ramen." she said.

"I-" wait, what? "Can you repeat that?"

"A bowl of ramen. Or were you just toying with me?" she asked.

Damn this woman is so unpredictable. I sighed. "Do you want the special, or just the ordinary one?"

"Special." she said, walking past me, heading to the direction of the Strip Mall.

"As you wish." I said, catching up to her. "I'm Minato by the way."

"Chidori." she said. "That's my name."

I smiled. "Nice name. What were you drawing?" I asked.

"Something." she said. I chuckled at that.

I stopped when I heard a glass shatter in my head.

Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to create a Persona of the Art Arcana.

I slapped a hand over my mouth as I was about to make a spit-take with my saliva.

Art? The hell? I KNOW that's not a real arcana. Just because the girl scribbles, it doesn't have to be 'Art' Arcana. Is this also one of the differences in this world?

I sighed. That's pretty screwed up.

"Second thoughts?" Chidori asked.

I shook my head, putting my hand down. "Nope." I said. "I just thought of something funny, that's all."

"Keep it to yourself." she spat, walking ahead.

"That's pretty harsh."

We continued our way to the Strip Mall. Some of the girls that knew about my rumor were looking at me with fluttery eyes, while glaring at the girl walking beside me. I noticed some of the guys' looking at me with envy, then looking at Chidori with... the same look Junpei usually has.

As I entered the shop, I showed the old man my card, and he immediately guessed who I was. He pretty much teased me when I said I was with Chidori.

We got the special menu, sitting quietly while we ate. I don't think she likes being disturbed while eating. I ate up to twenty bowls again, while Chidori only managed eight. Huh, who knew. Though she didn't show it, I felt her looking at me while I kept eating past ten bowls.

I think we were having a bit of a competition. We didn't say anything, but, well... it just felt like it.

I payed for what we ate, and spent the rest of the day in silence. She scribbled, while I listened to my tunes. We sat by the station, ignoring the stares of the curious eyes of the public.

She stood up when it was almost two o'clock. She didn't say a word to me as she left. I stared at her back until she disappeared from my sight. And with that, my time with Strega was over, till next time we meet.

I sighed. "What else will change, I wonder."

From this day forward. My play will have some improvised scenes, but nothing major will change.

Next act: A new ally and the first step to Hell.


A/N: WTF! What kind of Arcana is that? -_-;;

Haha, just kidding. It's real, actually. If no one believes me... RESEARCH! There's a hint to it in the real game.