20 October 2009

Gekkoukan High School, Student Council Room

After School

Midori stood uncomfortably as Vice-President Odagiri looked over the papers in front of him. The silence was loud, the quiet deafening.

She chastised herself for being overly dramatic, it wasn't like she was in trouble, or anything like that. He had requested her presence for some information, and she had agreed. Talking to her friends in class revealed that he was something of a hard-ass for the rules who had loosened up a bit after some issue with something or another earlier in the year.

"Minato-san vouches for your character." Odagiri said calmly, finally looking up from his paperwork. "And that is a very high recommendation. Please do not betray it."

Stopping her fidgeting, Midori looked straight ahead, over the shoulder of the Vice-President, not daring to say a word in the face of the implications he was starting to make. "I have here the resignations for every member of the Gekkoukan Tennis Club. Except for yours. They all say the same thing, in so many words, and even when interviewed, they all agreed." He flipped the folder closed. "Tell me why you haven't quit."

"I refuse to, Vice President."

"A very good answer. Now, why should the club continue on with only two people. That is far below the minimum membership."

"..." Midori opened her mouth and closed it. The question was a good one, and with Rio's actions driving away members to the point where they were resigning en-mass... Maybe it was a better idea to let the club die? No, she countered herself. He wasn't looking for a solution from her. It wasn't possible. What he was asking was a bit more subtle, and she felt a surge of joy that she caught it. "The club must exist because it would adversely affect the reputation of the school to have a club close under such circumstances." There, word it vaguely enough, and he could pick out the answer he wanted.

She may not be good at playing these games, but she could still try.

"I am glad you understand the severity of the situation." And just like that, Odagiri put Midori back in way over her head without even meaning to. "Are you willing to stay in the club while the issues are sorted out?"

"Of course."

"Excellent. Anything else?"

Midori jumped at a thought that occurred to her. "May I make a suggestion?" It was peculiar, but as an affected member of the club, didn't she have the responsibility to help everything else?

Odagiri looked carefully at her, as though weighing the pros and cons of taking a suggestion, even in private, from such a new member of the school. Eventually curiosity won out and he nodded for her to speak. "Perhaps, Vice-President Odagiri, is if the club were divided into two. One would be led by Iwasaki-san, and be exclusively competitive in nature, with a heavy training regimen. The other would be a more casual club for general fitness and a... less strenuous schedule."

Odagiri was impassive in the face of her suggestion, merely waiting a moment before dismissing the impatiently patient Midori. "You may go. But do remember to attend club meetings." Relieved, she left the room with some dignity.

22 October 2009

Minatodai Dorm, 4th Floor Control Room

Evening

Ikutsuki and Mitsuru sat on opposite ends of the coffee table, going over the paperwork that had been generated by his trip to Tokyo. The revelation that Midori's COMP also worked in the Dark Hour was enough to get Mitsuru to put more resources into figuring out just what happened in Tokyo during the Lockdown.

"So, this Naoya person was contracted to work on special COMPS for the Shomankai Cult. He was made lead programer for their computer infrastructure." Ikutsuki pointed out the blurry photo apparently taken inside the Lockdown of a man in a green and black kimono standing between two buildings. "The Cult stole Kirijo group property to help craft their infrastructure. Somehow, they got wind of our research into the Dark Hour, and thought it was sufficiently mystical for their purposes." He handed her a sheet with the technical specifications of the Shomankai COMPs on it.

Reading it over, she sputtered a bit. "This is madness! They built jamming devices into what amounts as child's toys?"

"Indeed. I dare not think about what went on in the minds of the people behind these plots. But more important than the stolen technology was what they intended to do with it." What he was about to say next was something he needed to tread carefully, lest all his own plans became unravelled. "The Cult had some access to the nature of Kirijo Group technology, but it was not enough. They did not know about the Dark Hour itself, and seemed to think, in the madness of their leaders, that we were trying to summon demons."

Ikutsuki let this sink into Mitsuru's mind. "Demons." She finally wrapped her mind around it. "You mean Personas."

He nodded in agreement. "They thought we were using this technology to summon demons, and they sought to emulate us to their own benefit. The Lockdown was the result of their attempt to find as many people as they could who could summon demons and use them to leverage themselves into power."

Putting together the dots, Mitsuru leaped at the conclusion in front of her. "Komaki. She was affected by the Cult?"

"I thought of that too. There are many reports of chemicals in the air and water, it is possible that the Cult used that to force Persona awakenings. We also have discounted reports of demons being summoned to battle and attacking people, but they have been dismissed by less informed groups as the result of said chemical attacks."

"Midori's Black Frost was activated as the result of the actions of the Cult. Actions they wouldn't have taken if they hadn't found out about our own research..." Mitsuru didn't like where this train of thoughts led her. "We're responsible for her, and so many others, aren't we?"

Ikutsuki saw this, and mentally thanked himself for her choice of things to focus on. "Not directly," he said in his public role. "You couldn't have known about this, even your father hasn't responded well to these revelations."

"Still, we are responsible. It was our technology that got into the wrong hands." She looked up at Ikutsuki. "How many people with Personas were there?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. The Group is looking, but so far, our Midori is the only one still active. Perhaps without the impetus of the Dark Hour and Tartarus, what the Shomankai did was only temporary."

"I should tell Akihiko about this. And Arisato as well. They should know. Is there any chance that Komaki's origin will be harmful to her in the long run?"

"I don't believe so. However, she is still getting regular medical checkups at our hospital. We can look at her records there, and add in some checks with our equipment here during the Dark Hour."

Mitsuru nodded. "Yes, we must take responsibility as much as we can."

26 October 2009

The Velvet Room

After School

Coming to Paulowina Mall after practice wasn't her idea of a relaxing trip, but after convincing Minato to ask Igor for an audience, the date and time had been arranged despite her other commitments. Putting on a good dress in the washroom, then handing her bag over to Minato, she followed him into the hallway leading to the mysterious door and the Velvet room. "Give me a call when you come out. I've got something for you."

The door closed behind her, and she turned to face Igor and... It wasn't Elizabeth that stood beside him like last time, but a man who looked a lot like her. Midori bowed anyways, ever the good guest. "Thank you for seeing me, sir."

"Sit! Sit!" Igor waved at the lonely chair across from his sofa. "I had honestly expected you to return sooner than this." She took the seat offered. "Your patience pleases me."

Bowing, the mysterious man introduced himself. "My name is Theodore. I serve Master Igor. I am pleased to meet you." Theodore turned to Igor. "Did I say the right, Master?"

Igor nodded. "You did."

Although sitting, Midori did her best to bow again to Theodore, introducing herself as she would to any older man. Though to her eyes, Theodore was just as inhuman as Igor or Elizabeth. Not that it mattered to her, she had since learned to look past what a person was, and to look into [i]who[/i] a person is. "You were expecting me sooner?"

"I did indeed. Now, before you start asking your questions, I must warn you that I may not be able to answer all of them." Igor punctuated his disclaimer with a flourish of his arm.

"I understand, Sir." Midori paused. "I just don't know where to begin."

"Perhaps you may start by telling us how you have been doing?" The silky voice from behind her sent shivers down Midori's spine. She turned to look at the speaker, and for a moment caught a glimpse of a golden pillar of light that dissolved into an extremely handsome man. He was tall, with his brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, a black turtleneck sweater and pants offset the gleaming white mask with a golden butterfly wing. In short, he was beautiful, and there was no comparing him to normal men. He also screamed out his inhumanity, despite the fact that as she looked at him, she could be certain that he would never do anything to betray or hurt mankind.

At her gape, he smiled at her and offered a polite ow, ignoring the annoyed look from Igor. "Ah, pardon me. I have failed to introduce myself to you, young Midori Komaki. My name is Philemon. I am something of an associate of Igor's. We share certain... shall I say, business interests? But please, I have kept you from your tale long enough. Please, begin."

Midori found his voice compelling, and without hesitation, began to speak about how the others were changing their outlooks on life, becoming more resolved in the face of the Apathy syndrome, and the final battle against the Shadows coming up shortly.

She wondered aloud if because she was faking having a real Persona, that they would notice when Frosty didn't change along with the rest of them. She was worried that they would find out and kick her out of SEES.

Philemon laughed. It wasn't a hurtful thing, just the sound of a man who enjoyed a good, honest laugh. Neither Igor nor Theodore shared in his mirth, but allowed it to pass. "Oh my dear child, I believe you have it backwards! You are not being lost to them, but rather they see themselves as catching up to you!"

Midori blinked, the words making sense, but their meaning not.

Igor chose this moment to interject an elaboration. "If I understand my... associate correctly, then he is telling you that your Black Frost is not seen as a thing to be left behind, but rather as some form of goal post to be reached. That your personal situation has given you an advantage over your fellows that is now only being closed."

"Huh?" Midori shook her head against the implications. "That can't be! They've all been doing this longer than I have! And I only have Frosty as a card!" She produced the artifact in question, and Philemon plucked it from her grasp to hand over to Igor.

"You are over thinking things, good child." Philemon added. "I can see in your heart that you are a person of emotion and feelings, not one of intellect and analysis. You must trust yourself, be true to your own self. You are a goal for them to attain, not a measure to be discarded. You to them, they to you. I am certain you will find your place."

Igor grunted. "I thought there might have been an issue with the card itself, but nothing is wrong." he passed it back to Midori who examined it closely for any imperfection herself. "Is that all?" Midori nodded. "Then you best be off. You shouldn't keep him waiting."

Midori stood, bowed to all three people around her, thanking them for their time. Quietly making her way back to the door leading out into the real world, she bowed once more in gratitude, then was gone.

Igor levelled a gaze at Philemon that spoke volumes of his displeasure. "That was completely unnecessary!"

The form of Philemon began to fade. "On the contrary, it was. You must learn to be more... social with your clients, my dear Igor. They depend on you, as much as you depend on them. Tell me, how would you have responded to her concerns? Could you have?"

Igor and Theodore were left alone in the Velvet room, pondering the words of their own master.

Paulowina Mall

She found him over by the arcade, playing the Crane Game that she herself had wasted may many yen on, trying to get at that precious Jack Frost doll. "Hey! I'm back! Everything is alright with Frosty, and you said you had something for me?" She leaned forward to try and look up into his face, but he was too far down and too focused on the game in front of him to notice.

But Minato's hand slipped. And he was so close to winning that Jack Frost this time! "That was faster than I was expecting." He backed off from the machine that only took his money, and never gave back his dreams, he went back over what he was going to give to her. "Ah, yes. I remember. I know a person who can make stuff out of the Nihil gear we find." At Midori's understanding nod, he went on, gesturing that she should follow him.

At the central fountain, Minato produced a tonfu from his bag and passed it over to her. She took it in hand, and felt its weight. She had developed a liking for heavier weapons, and this was nice. "I know you know it's not my birthday, nor is it any other gift-giving day, so what's up?"

Minato tapped it gently. "Yukari was annoyed with having to Recarm you all the time, so I had this made special for you. Out here, it's nothing special, but in the Dark Hour, it will help your staying power in battle."

"Oh! You mean more hitpoints?"

Minato groaned. "No! This isn't an RPG. Rather, it generates a small Rakukaja effect, the one that makes you tougher."

Midori held it up and looked at it with glowing love. "COOL! I'll keep the old one just in case. Maybe I'll dual wield!"

"So, what did you want to talk to Igor about?"

"Oh, this and that."

"Not telling, huh? Well, I know what that's like." Minato stood up. "Shall we head back to the Dorm?"

27 October 2009

Gekkoukan High School, Student Council Room

After School

Midori stood at attention as she and Rio were the only ones in the room who weren't on the Student Council. She saw Mitsuru at the head of the circle of tables, with Odagiri beside her. Chihiro off to one side going over certain financial records. Aigis and Minato stood near the back, out of the way, yet ready for action.

She had a very good idea about what was going to happen, and she didn't like it one bit.

It was Odagiri that took the lead as this was under his purview. "Do you two know why you're here?" Although Midori didn't know for certain, she nodded in time with her senior. "After careful review of the situation regarding the Tennis Club, and the actions of its membership, the Student Council has decided that the Club as is can no longer function within the bounds of the rules and regulations as set forth by this school. Effective immediately, the club is disbanded."

Midori's knees wanted to give out, but it was Rio who looked like she wanted to be sick to her stomach. Uncaring, Odagiri kept talking. "Be that as it may, it is the wishes of the student body that a tennis club does exist. Therefore, this Student Council is creating two separate Tennis Clubs. One is to be exclusively competitive with all the support of the school behind it to participate in tournaments around the country and be an exemplar of our competitive student body. The other shall be a more casual club designed to promote physical fitness and well-being."

It was Mitsuru's turn to speak. "Iwasaki Rio, due to your skill at training, we are allowing you to run the more serious club. Komaki Midori will join you. You both will need to find at least three other people to join, knowing what will be required of them."

Midori barely heard the rest of Mitsuru's speech. Hearing her own suggestion taken and run with was a huge jolt to her system. And she may have saved the club as well! Then her building sense of euphoria crashed when Mitsuru cleared her throat. "Komaki, I will want to talk to you in private afterwards."

Oh. She realized that she was still in trouble.

Several minutes later, waiting outside the Council office, Vice President Odagiri was the last one to leave. He saw her waiting in the hallway and approached casually. "Your suggestion had merit, Komaki-san. It was well received when we talked to former members of your club. Now go on in. President Kirijo is waiting."

Bowing politely, Midori walked past the Vice-President and entered into the Student Council Room, this time with only her and Mitsuru in it. She took her previous place and waited for Mitsuru to speak.

"Why didn't you come to me with this sooner?" The question was asked with her trademark chill, but Midori thought that Mitsuru didn't mean to, it just came naturally in this scenario. Her response was silence. How was she supposed to tell Mitsuru that she didn't say anything because she didn't want to impose?

"I suppose I can't blame you entirely. Evidence shows that this has been building since before you came to Gekkoukan. It would be inappropriate for me to place blame on you."

Midori was stunned. Was Mitsuru... apologizing to her? That couldn't be! "I'm not sure what you're getting at, Kirijo-senpai. I only did what I could for the betterment of the club and school." It wasn't technically a lie, but she just hoped to buy herself some time to sort out what was really happening.

For her part, Mitsuru nodded. "Perhaps that is the best way to look at it. Dismissed."

Midori walked out, very, very confused.

01 November 2009

Tartarus, Tziah Block

The Dark Hour

Minato looked over the top of Tartarus, then over the edge, looking down. "There has to be more than this. There's still one more Full Moon to go." In his gut, he began to dread the possibility that destroying the last Arcana wouldn't solve the problems at hand.

02 November 2009

Minatodai Dormitory, 1st Floor Lounge

Evening

They sat around the table, Mitsuru at her customary spot at the head with Koromaru, Ken, Midori, Yukari, Minato, Aigis, Junpei, Fuuka and Akihiko in a clockwise direction. "Well, tomorrow will be our final operation." Fuuka spoke, awkwardly breaking the silence around them all. "We've been through a lot."

Junpei huffed. "It's a lot better than anything else I could think of! Right? Besides, without all this, I would have never gotten to know any of you. I'm surrounded by babes!"

Fuuka leaned forward to allow Akihiko to punch Junpei in the shoulder. "Behave," he warned. "Or I'll tell Chidori you're cheating on her." Junpei could only look a mixture of horrified and shocked at that suggestion.

"I guess so." Ken added in, his voice heavy with the memories of Shinjiro dying to protect him.

"Well, if you ask me, it was worth every minute of it." Akihiko read Ken's mood and manoeuvred t pull it in a different direction. "It's been over two years since I first awakened to this power, and you won't hear me complain." He examined his hands as though he was trying to decide what to do with them once the morning of the 4th rolled around.

"Lucky you." Midori shot back. "I've been at this for, what, eight weeks now? I feel like I'm just getting started. Having it end so soon just feels wrong to me."

"And Aigis has been active for ten years now!" Fuuka looked at the standing robot who only nodded in response. "That's a lot longer."

"I have not been active for all that time. I was asleep for most of it." Aigis added to her prior acceptance. "My total active time has been closer to six months."

"How about you, Senpai? You started before Akihiko-san." Yukari added in her question, directing it at Mitsuru.

Shaking her head clear of the cobwebs of memory, Mitsuru paused, then spoke. "... Me? Well, yes. It was just me at first. I was made aware of the Dark Hour since I was a child. When the accident happened, and my father's research team was attacked by shadows, that was when I awoke to my power. I was the first."

She took a deep breath and looked around her to the people who had chosen of their own will to stand with her against the Shadows. None of them had to do it, save maybe Aigis, but they all threw themselves into the Dark Hour, asking for nothing in return. This loyalty to each other, would it stay once the Dark Hour was gone? Mitsuru hoped so. "I don't know if my burden has been terrible to you; if I hadn't awoken, would the rest of you have? I'm sorry..."

Midori glared, slamming her hand on the table. "Hey! Don't say that! If not you, then someone else would have been first! And I know they couldn't have done half as good a job as you did!"

Akihiko agreed. "It would have happened eventually. This is an enemy that can't be ignored."

"... I suppose that's true. Thank you, all."

Minato stood. "Then I suggest we all get some sleep, and rest up. Tomorrow's the big day. We can celebrate afterwards."