26/04/2009
After watching that video last night, I didn't get much sleep. Too many questions were still in my head; What happened to our parents? Where are they if they disappeared? Who were the group that conducted the experiments on the shadow? And, why was video that in our Dorm? However, I had to push these questions to one side for now; as for today, I awoke with a thumping headache and a dripping nose, so I decided that it would be best if I stayed in the dorm for the full day, reading the books I bought from the book store in the lounge. Yukari-san walked up to me, that morning to see if I was okay. Once I said that I was okay, but wanted to spend the day in the dorm, she left with Junpei-kun and Onii-chan. They didn't return until it was 8pm, they seemed to enjoy themselves, since that they spent the remain of the night, telling me all about their day.
27/04/2009
In the morning, I awoke with a slightly better head, but still with a cold. Instead of staying off school, I trudged my way onto the tram, trying not to spread my germs onto Yukari-san and Onii-chan. Once we arrive at the school gates I hear two students talking.
"Hey aren't we having a special assembly, this morning? The boy asked to the girl, walking next to him.
"Yeah. I heard from a couple of people that the principle got jealous of Kirijo-senpai's speech last week, he scheduled his own speech to compete with her." The girl said.
Then as loud as the boy possibly could, he said "What? Seriously! Why do we have to suffer because of his ego?" The conversation between the two died down. I guess we have an assembly with the principle. Well I guess I should have stayed at the dorm.
As the assembly begins one of our sensei's introduce the principle. "We'll now begin this morning's assembly. First, our principle has some words he'd like to share with you. Please give him a warm welcome." There was then a small wave of claps coming from the students. As the principle approached the podium the claps started to die down.
Yukari-san turned to face Junpei-kun, Onii-chan and I. "What's the deal with the assembly? … You think it's about the recent incidents?"
I say to her, "I don't know, he would know that S.E.E.S is a club, but I think that's all he knows about us."
Junpei-kun and Onii-chan both nodded at the same time. Then Onii-chan said, "The Principle doesn't know anything about the Shadows, anyway so don't fret over it."
That calmed down Yukari-san. Then Junpei-kun chimed in, saying. "I just hope this doesn't take too long". The principle then started his speech.
"Ahem. Today, I'd like to tell you about my, um, vision for this school year. As you are aware, strange incidents have been reported lately". That made me and Yukari-san turn to each other with shocked faces. If he knows about the Apathy Syndrome, then how much more does he know. "It is my firm belief that none of you are involved. However, if we want to better our school, then we all need to accept responsibility for change. Dig deep down inside, and tap into your imaginations. ...But don't lose touch with reality. As they say 'There's no use crying over spilt milk'. This is the key to reaping all the rewards that school has to offer".
Why does this speech seem familiar? Yukari-san turned to me and whispered, "Wait a minute... Doesn't this remind you of Kirijo-senpai's speech?"
Junpei-kun whispered to us as well. "Yeah, you're right. What's up with that?".
As his speech went on, I could feel myself getting more tired. Before I had realised, I had fell asleep...
I awoke in the classroom for homeroom. As I lifted my head up of the desk, I saw Onii-chan talking with Kenji-kun and Junpei-kun. Once their eyes met mine, they walked over to me. Kenji-kun seemed the most worried out of the three.
"Minako! You look like that you are better now. What happened?" Kenji-kun said in a worrying tone.
I answered as frank as I possibly could. "I black-out sometimes, it's okay though, nothing to worry about". I was then saved from giving a full explanation to Kenji-kun when one of our Sensei's opened the door, to start the lesson, it was Ono-sensei that teaches History. As soon as he entered the classroom we all rushed to our seats, effectively starting the lesson.
Near the end of the Lunch period, Kirijo-senpai entered the classroom. That was when everyone in the classroom stopped talking and turned and look towards her, as she was approaching Onii-chan and I.
"Arisato". Kirijo-senpai asked.
"W-which one Kirijo-senpai". I asked, while nervous because of the students around us staring.
"Both of you, preferably; if you can that is of course." She answered. Then continued with what she wanted to say. "I'm sorry, but I need to talk to you both after school. I have a special request for you both.".
"What kind of request?" Onii-chan asked.
Kirijo-senpai answered. "It's only to help me with a little business, nothing strenuous I can assure you. I'll tell you more about it after school, okay? Au revoir." With that, she walked out of the room, then all conversations from around the room resumed.
I turned to Onii-chan, who looked curious. "What do you think she wants?" he questioned.
I shrugged my shoulders, not knowing either. Then the Sensei for our Mathematics stepped through the door. We then returned to our seats for the lesson.
After all of the classes were finished for the day, Kirijo-senpai came back into the classroom to talk to us.
"I apologise for making the both of you to wait. To make a long story short, I want you both to join the student council". We were both taken aback by what she proposed.
"Why, we haven't done anything like this before?" I said. Onii-chan shared my opinion on the matter.
"Why so sudden?" He asked.
"I know it's all so sudden. It's not like you'd have to participate in every activity. Just come to the student Council room when you have time."
Onii-chan answered in his own unique manner, "Is that all?".
Kirijo-senpai then answered back, "Yes, that's it. I just want you to join. Being President is very time-consuming. I'd like to have additional help available in the event of an emergency." Kirijo-senpai then turned to face me, "You understand my situation... I'm asking you since you know what it takes to be a leader." She then turned towards Onii-chan. "And I'm asking you, because you will always keep her right, whatever the situation, so will you accept."
I put my hand towards the top of my head in a saluting pose. "Roger". This earned a chuckle from both Kirijo-senpai and Onii-chan.
Onii-chan said, "Sure, I'll join. If it takes some of the stress off of you then you can count me in."
Kirijo-senpai then took a deep breath. " I knew I could count on you both. I've already made an appointment for you with the faculty advisor. But, you'll have to go to the Faculty Office on your own. I'm sorry I made the arrangements without your permission, but I hope you understand the position I'm in. Please go to the Faculty Office. I'll be waiting for you both in the student Council room."
With that out of the way, Kirijo-senpai quickly bowed and exited the classroom. Onii-chan and I immediately headed for the faculty office. Once there, I knock on the door and wait for permission to enter. Once it is given, we both entered the Faculty Office.
"Oh, Minako, Minato. How can I help you?" Toriumi-sensei asked.
I was the first to talk to her. "Kirijo-senpai said that we had to come to you about joining the Student Council".
"Oh, yes. I heard from Mitsuru. The both of you only need is read this and sign here." she said. We both approached the contract that allows us to join the Student council. It practically states the obvious rules for being in the Student council; Don't misuse your power, Respect all members of the Student Council and Always listen to the president. We both sigh the contract.
Once we finished sighing the contracts, she took them, and filed them into a folder. With the other members, and wished us good luck in the Student Council.
Not wanting to make Kirijo-senpai wait any longer, we went to the Student Council room on the second floor. Once we opened the door Kirijo-senpai greeted us. "Ah. Minako, Minato. Glad that you could make it. Please come in." She then turned to the rest of the members on the student council. "Everyone, this is Minato and Minako Arisato. They'll be joining us in Student Council".
One boy with gray-ish black hair said "The Twins huh". He then introduced himself. "I'm Hidetoshi Odagiri. I supervise the Disciplinary Committee."
Then a younger girl with long brown hair and glasses stood up, bowed and then said in a shy, quite voice. "I'm Chihiro Fushimi, the treasurer. I'm a sophomore, and um... I'm still learning the ropes, so... please be patient with me, please".
Onii-chan was the first to speak to the group. " Nice to meet you all.
Then it was my turn, I bowed and said. "I'll do my best".
Then Hidetoshi-kun said "My so formal. The pair of you must be talented if the president hand-picked you both."
Kirijo-senpai then approached us and said, "Today, we'll just do introductions. It'll be your jobs to help us. From now on, you'll both have my permission to enter the Student Council Room whenever you need it. That includes after school, too." She then turned towards the rest of the group again and said. "I think that will be all for today. You call all go home now." As the students bid us farewell, we decided to walk back to the dorm with Kirijo-senpai.
Once we got back to the dorm, Onii-chan and I were bombarded by Junpei-kun. "Yo! I heard Kirijo-senpai asked you both to join the Student Council. Kirijo-senpai are you sure you want them both, since that they just transferred here not too long ago."
Kirijo-senpai then answered Junpei-kun with her explanation. "I need some assistance, that's all. I won't let the responsibilities stack to high, I assure you. Why are you interested in joining too, Iori?"
Junpei-kun the backed away from us. "Oh, uhh... I'll pass. But, thanks for the offer."
Since I could still feel the effects of my cold from the previous day I went to bed early.
28/04/2009
The next day, school seem to go by so fast. I had a little work to do for the student council, then decided that I had done enough work. I then saw Yukari-san at the school gates. "Oh, Minako... finish your duties for the council?" She said.
I nodded. "Yeah". There was a long silence as we walked away from the school grounds. I then started to speak to Yukari-san, but in a quieter, bashful tone. "U-Um, Y-Yukari-san do you w-want to go s-somewhere?"
She then turned to face me. She could probably see my burning red cheeks. "Sure, I was planning on going back to the dorm anyway."
I then gave her the biggest smile that I could muster. "Thanks, come' on I know a relaxing place."
I decided to take her to Chagall Cafe in Paulownia Mall. I made my order of regular coffee while Yukari-san went for an espresso. Once we received our drinks I paid for our drinks, while Yukari-san tried to make me reconsider me paying for her, but in the end I asked her out so I get to treat her. After a while of no, one talking and we each drinking our coffee's, Yukari-san was the first to speak.
"U-Um, well... There's something I need to say to you."
She also seemed nervous about something. Whatever it was, it was troubling her immensely. "What is it?
"Um... You probably might not remember, but... Um... When we visited Minato at the hospital... You know, after the dorm was attacked by a shadow and then you both discovered your persona's. You know how I said all those things to you before he woke up? Like, 'you're the same as me,' and 'you're alone,' and stuff about your parents... Um... I think I might've been making assumptions about you. I mean, I lost my dad, but in yours and Minato's case it's both your parents...". Yukari-san said.
When Yukari-san was talking about my parents, I looked down at the cup in front of me. I can understand why she was nervous about now. If I was her, I wouldn't know how to approach the subject. She continued, trying not to invoke any painful memories, which on this subject in particular was hard to do. "And even though things may seem the same, people react to them differently... But I ignored how you must've felt and forced my own opinions onto you. I've been worrying all this time, that I might've said some unfair things to you that day... And I want to properly apologise for it. I'm sorry." I looked up, facing her.
"It's okay Yukari-san, I understand. I would have acted the same way if I was you. So there is no need to worry over it." I said with a comforting smile. This made her smile as well.
She then spoke in a much happier tone. "Still. I believe that we are from similar circumstances. I've never had anyone who could understand it around me before. It's different for everyone else at school; they have both their parents at home. They can complain about how they'll get yelled at if they come home late, or get a bad score on an exam. When it's me... When I hear stuff like that... I just feel jealous. But I hate feeling that way, so I hide it... And because I can't tell anyone that, I feel distant. I felt lonely. So when I heard about you, I felt that you and Minato could save me from that"
Yukari-san then had a wider grin on her face. I liked it more when she's like this, it shows off her cute smile. "Yikes! Sorry! I'm being selfish again, I know. But the fact that you and Minato are a part of our group now makes me feel a lot better. I'm especially glad that you joined us."
After that comment, my entire face turned a lighter shade of red. To hide my embarrassment, I looked down towards the cup of coffee.
"Haha, I'm just going around in circles with this pity party, aren't I? But... that's how I really feel". Yukari-san said.
After Yukari-san finished apologising to me about what she said in the hospital, we finished our cups of coffee. After a while I could feel a cold breeze coming into the cafe. "It's starting to get a little cold out. Let's head back."
I looked at Yukari-san, she only had a T-Shirt and Jeans on, while I had a coat on. I looked at her, she had her arms folded, and close to her chest trying to keep warm; However, I could tell that she was cold by the way she was shivering... I could suffer the cold for a bit. I took off my coat and handed it to her. "Here Yukari-san, put this on, It'll keep you warm."
"N-No it's okay. I'm not that cold anyway. What will you use to keep warm?" She tried to deny that she wasn't cold. I wasn't going to take no for an answer.
"It's okay Yukari-san, I don't want you getting a cold now". She then backed down and put on my coat.
"Thanks, but what about you?" She asked. She must care for my well-being as much as I care for hers.
"It's okay. If we hurry to the dorm, the cold won't be as bad. "I said. She nodded, so to get away from the cold, we ran back to the dorm.
When we both got back to the dorm, Yukari-san handed my coat back to me and headed b
straight to her for the night, as did I.
08/05/2009
The morning at school went by fairly quickly, so when it became Lunchtime Toriumi-sensei approached my desk.
"Ah, there you are, Arisato-san. I'd like a word with you. You haven't joined any committees yet, have you?" I shook my head. "Right then, I know this is sudden, but there's some positions that just came available that I'd like you to take on. I mean, students are obligated to join a school committee. I'll let you choose which on you'd like to join. Which of these would you rather join? The School Health Committee or the Library Committee?"
Without even thinking about which one to join, I decided that I wanted to join the Library Committee. Once I told her my decision, there was a wide grin plastered on her face. Mostly because she dealt with it straight away. "All right, Thank you. Well, go over to the Library after school today." She said as she walked off, out of the classroom. Since that I said to her that I would join the Library Committee, I decided to go straight there after school was out.
Once I found where the Library was, I looked around to see if I could see anyone in charge,
I couldn't see anyone of importance, until I saw Ounishi-Sensei, I recognised her because she teaches Science. She seems to be looking for someone... probably me. Instead of wasting time for her to look for me, I walked up to her; once she saw me, she started to talk.
"Ah, Minako-san, there you are. Toriumi told me that you would be joining us. This way please." We then walked to a reception table, which was being used to return and rent books to other students. There was a girl, she looked like the same age as Kirijo-senpai and Sanada-senpai, tending to the reception area. Ounishi-Sensei spoke to the students around the area that were a part of the Library Committee. "Is everyone here?" The students nodded. "Allow me to introduce Minako Arisato from Class 2-F. She'll be joining the Library committee." She then looked at me. "If there's anything you don't understand... Oh, let's see... Hasegawa!"
Ounishi-Sensei called out to a girl that was at the booth that was handling books that were being returned. She has short, curly, dark grey hair as well as grey eyes and light fair skin. The girl spoke to us, "Yes, Ma'am?
Ms. Ounishi-Sensei spoke again. "You're on duty today, right? Teach her how to get around here." The girl nodded. "Well then, I'll leave the rest to you." That was when Ounishi-Sensei walked off towards another student.
The older girl turned to me. "Well then... could you come over here so I can explain." We walked over to the reception desk." The older girl was showing me how to categorise the books and how to work the desk.
Then a mixture of both boys and girls around the same age as the girl next to me, walked up to us, "U-Um, Saori-san? Excuse me, but we, um..." and then she said. I'm guessing the older girl is called Saori Hasegawa.
The older girl said to the other girl. "Oh... I'm sorry, I didn't notice. Please feel free to go home. I'll take care of the rest for today."
As the group of girls started to walk away, one of them said to us, the girl next to me in particular, "We're really sorry. See you later..." Was the reason that they left... because of me.
The older girl then turned to face me, she must have been able to sense, what I was feeling because she gave me a reassuring smile. "Oh, please don't think that the others aren't welcoming you to the club, They're all just very busy." She then placed her left hand onto her head as if contemplating something, "Um... Let's see, where should I start explaining things to you...? Oh, I'm sorry. I haven't even introduced myself yet. I'm Saori Hasegawa."
I bowed and said" I'm very pleased to meet you, I'm Minako Arisato." For some reason she seemed slightly annoyed.
"Heh... There's no need to be so formal, I'm a junior, just like you. You don't have to be polite to me"
Not wishing to question her further, I just simply accepted it. "All right". This seemed to make her very happy.
"Thank you. I'm glad to hear that. The reason why they were formal towards me is because, I am two years older than you, 1 year older than them. I studied abroad, and took some time off from school. I'm the oldest student in school right now. That's why the upperclassmen all speak politely to me. I really wish they'd stop... but I've pretty much given up about it. Still, considering that we've just met, it'd be nice if you didn't feel you had to be like that around me. Could you just try?"
I nodded and let out a small laugh, "No special treatment for you! Got it."
Saori-san then let out her own laugh, "Heh... I'm glad to hear that."
After a small chat, Saori-san gave me another quick run-down on what to do for my library committee, once that was out of the way we walked together until we reached the school gates, we then walked our separate ways. As I made my way back to the Dorm, I could see no one on the streets, apart from The Lost. I have saw quite a number of them these last couple of days. I wonder what's happening.
As I got entered the Dorm, I was greeted by Kirijo-senpai. She said, "Welcome back." She invited me to take a seat next to her and across from Sanada-senpai; sitting next to him was Onii-chan, "We were just discussing the big shadow that appeared at the dorm last month."
Onii-chan said, "It's been a month since the attack, yet I'm certain that won't be the last time they appear outside of Tartarus."
Sanada-senpai asked Onii-chan, "Why do you say that?"
"Since that you said before that Shadows feed off of humans, that turns them into The Lost, and I'm not sure about you guy's; but I have saw a lot of them lately, so it only goes to show that the Shadows are gathering their strength to launch an attack on us." Onii-chan said. I looked at Kirijo-senpai, with a small smile on her face.
"I thought so too." Kirijo-senpai said.
Sanada-senpai said, "True... Lately, it seems like The Lost are everywhere, so something must be going on."
I then said to the three of them, "If it's okay for me to ask Kirijo-senpai, I would recommend for all of us to get to have an early night, in case there is a shadow attack sometime this week."
Kirijo-senpai nodded her head, "I agree. I want to add that we all should get to the dorm immediately after school is out." She then turned to Sanada-senpai. "Akihiko can you tell Iori and Takeba about this week's sleeping scheduled."
As Sanada-senpai was heading upstairs to tell Junpei-kun and Yukari-san, Onii-chan and I headed upstairs with him to our rooms we then split up into our own rooms. Once I got into my room, I laid my head onto my pillow and fell asleep.
I awoke, thinking that it was the next day; however, when I got up and looked out of the window, the dark night sky had been replaced by a sickly green colour... It was the Dark Hour. Then I heard a voice behind me. The boy from last time was sitting on my bed, I just stood there watching him. He then spoke, "Hi, how've you been? Tomorrow there will be a full moon. Be careful. A new ordeal awaits you..."
I ask the young boy, "What kind of ordeal?"
The boy answers, "You will encounter one of THEM. You must prepare for the ordeal. I'll come see you again when it's over."
Then something came to my mind, Is Onii-chan having the same chat with the girl, he speaks to. I ask the young boy a question. "Wait before you go; do you know a girl, around the same age as you."
The buy answered, "I do know her, but I can't seem to remember where though. Well, it's probably nothing, Goodbye for now." He then faded form existence, like he wasn't there in the first place.
Since that he wasn't coming back, I went back to my bed, with what he said stuck in my head. If what he meant by 'one of THEM' is appearing tomorrow, we'll need to be careful and be ready for anything.
09/05/2009
In the morning at school, I was approached by Sanada-senpai, "Hi, Minako. How's the training coming along in Tartarus?"
I answer him honestly, "I think we are doing alright, since that we discovered Onii-chan's power to change his Persona, it has helped a lot with getting through Tartarus."
He replies with a smile on his face, "His power... It's something else, did you know he could do that?" I shake my head. "Well, we're lucky to have you two apart of the team. Anyway my wound will heal up in no time, and then I'll be able to join you on the front line, but don't just rely on me."
After school was out, I waited for Onii-chan to finish from his class. Once he got out of his classroom, we were discussing what we found out last night. Apparently the little girl that appears for him during the Dark Hour, appeared last night, to tell him the same thing that the little boy told me. There is going to be an attack tonight by a big Shadow.
When we got back to the dorm, I made sure that the weapons that we had, were at a decent quality to withstand an attack on the Dorm, in case shadows decide to attack us again. As I checked the weapon cache one last time, the time ticked over to Midnight – The Dark Hour. We went immediately to the Command room, when we got there Kirijo-senpai and Sanada-senpai were already there; Kirijo-senpai was at the computers searching for something. Kirijo-senpai noticed us when we walked into the room.
"Arisato? What are you both doing here?" She asked.
Onii-chan answered first, "We couldn't shake the feeling, that a Shadow will appear tonight."
She had a small smile on her face, for a second but quickly disappeared as fast as it appeared. "We had the same feeling as well. I'm trying to locate it, but to no avail." She then let out a heavy sigh out of frustration.
Sanada-senpai then tried to make Kirijo-senpai to give the machine a rest for now. " Come 'on Mitsuru, I think you've had enough for today. Anyway I don't think one will show"
She let out another sigh, "Yeah, you're probably right". But the small children said that one would appear. Were they wrong?
"By the way, if you don't mind me asking Kirijo-senpai, what are you doing?" I asked.
She turned away from the computer and looked at us and said, "I was trying to search for a Shadow, like last month; By using Penthesilea to find it, and then try to pinpoint its exact location using the computer here, it has a map of the whole town. But I can't find anything."
Then Onii-chan asked her, "But, I thought you couldn't scan outside of Tartarus?"
She answered him a bit embarrassed, "To be honest, I lack the power... Maybe this is the best Penthesilea can do in terms of data gathering. Although, the power of Persona seems to be much broader than I thought" She then looked at Onii-chan intently. "He even has the ability to switch Persona's in the middle of battle. There's something special about your power, Arisato. It hasn't been that long since your awakening, either." She then looked at me. "Which begs the question, since that you two are siblings does that mean that you will inherit this as well."
I kept quiet, not knowing if I did or not.
Sanada-senpai then walked up to us and put his arm on Onii-chan's right shoulder and smiled, "In the end, it's up to you whether or not you can reach her full potential."
There was then a beeping noise coming from the computer, which grabbed Kirijo-senpai's attention. She ran over to the machine, "Huh... It's a Shadow!"
Sanada-senpai was speechless, "What? You actually found one?"
Kirijo-senpai then tensed up a bit as she gazed at the computer screen intently, "Wait, something's not right. The reading is too big. We've never encountered anything like" Onii-chan looked at me and nodded. I did the same, we were both thinking the same thing. The children were right.
"You mean, it's one of those... that attacked the dorm." Sanada-senpai said.
"...It must be." Kirijo-senpai said.
There was then a large grin on Sanada-senpai's face, "well then, this is gonna be fun. I'll wake up the others." Kirijo-senpai nodded. He then ran to the door to wake up Junpei-kun and Yukari-san. He returned as fast as he left.
Yukari-san came through the door, already out of breath, "We're here".
Junpei-kun was acting aggressive, "Where is it? I'll rip it a new one!" He then looked at Onii-chan and I with a curious look. "When did you guys get here?"
Kirijo-senpai answered, "They couldn't sleep, so they stopped to help. Anyway, we've detected a Shadow outside of Tartarus. We don't know for sure, but we think it's another big one. We have to defeat any of them we find, as quickly as possible. Most people don't know that the Dark Hour exists. But, if half the city is destroyed, will be panic. That must be avoided at all costs."
There was now a large grin on Junpei-kun's face, "In other words, we need to kick some ass, right? Well count me in!" Yukari-san let out a small sigh.
Kirijo-senpai turned to Sanada-senpai and said in a calm but demanding voice, "Akihiko, you stay here and wait for the Chairman."
Sanada-senpai didn't seem to detect the way she commanded him to stay here. "What! No! I'm going with them."
Kirijo-senpai then made Sanada-senpai back down, "You still need to recover, You'll just be a hindrance"
Sanada-senpai seemed surprised by what Kirijo-senpai said, "What".
It was then my turn to talk him down. I stood in front of him and said, "Please Senpai. We'll handle this, trust me okay."
Kirijo-senpai then said, "Have faith in them, Akihiko... They're ready."
Sanada-senpai looked frustrated, "Damn it...Fine"
Junpei-kun then put his arm around Onii-chan's shoulder, and then pointed to themselves, "Don't worry Senpai, we've got it covered."
Kirijo-senpai then walked up to me and said, "We're counting on you"
I nodded and smiled, "Leave it to me, I'll get it done" All of them looked at me with reassured smiles... Well almost everyone.
"Guess it's pretty much decided that you're our leader, huh? Even though I actually WANT to lead."
As Junpei-kun said that, I moved away from him as fast as I could and went to Onii-chan and Yukari-san.
"Hey. What's that supposed to mean? My sister is doing the best she can. What, do you think you could do a better job?"
Junpei-kun and Onii-chan were standing in front of each other, both of them looking furious at each other. "Hey asshole, I never said I could be a better leader than her. All I said was, why give it to her when she doesn't even want to be the leader. Instead give it to me. You said yourself, Sanada-senpai, can't go tonight because of his injury and since that HE doesn't seem to care who leads, why can't I lead."
Kirijo-senpai broke it up, before it got too serious, "Iori, Arisato, stand down now." They both made a 'Tch' noise and then separated. Kirijo-senpai then said, "Whether one is a man or a woman doesn't factor into it. The responsibility falls to those that have the gift. And let me add, if you ever say or do anything to condescend to her because she's a woman."
"Oh, no, no, no, no! It's not like I look down on her or anything" Junpei-kun said.
Trying to defuse the situation, Sanada-senpai stepped in. "You four should hurry and go on ahead. Mitsuru, you need to get ready, right?" This seemed to calm Onii-chan, Kirijo-senpai and Junpei-kun down.
Kirijo-senpai then spoke to the four of us. "Indeed. Let's rendezvous in front of the station."
Yukari-san and Junpei-kun both walked on ahead, while I walked behind them with Onii-chan, leaving the dorm behind.
Once we got to the station, Onii-chan and Junpei-kun were as far away from each other, in order to avoid any conflicts. Yukari-san looked at me then pointed at Onii-chan, then at Junpei-kun. She then turned around and walked towards Junpei-kun. Yukari-san was off talking to Junpei-kun, probably about the same thing I was about to talk to Onii-chan about.
"Hey, can you cut Junpei-kun some slack. He only wanted to feel needed." I looked down feeling ashamed. "I kinda know how he feels" I said in a caring tone.
He sighed and then said, "I know... It's just... old habits of chastising people who want to offend our family."
"Looks like Junpei-kun is coming over, go and apologise" I said to him.
Before they could get a chance to apologise to each other however, someone was approaching, with what looked like on a motorbike, in the distance.
As the person on the motorbike was getting closer, I could see strands of red hair coming out of the biker's helmet. As the persona pulled up in front of us, I could tell who it was, before they removed their helmet. When the rider to off the helmet, they or I should say she" spoke to the four of us.
"Sorry to keep you waiting". The red-head said.
"Kirijo-senpai?" I said, where did she get that Motorcycle.
But before I could ask her about it, she started to explain how tonight will proceed, "Listen carefully, Tonight I will be providing support from here. Everything else will be the same. The Shadow is currently located inside a monorail, not far from the station. To get there you will have to walk on the tracks"
All of us looked surprised by Kirijo-senpai's way of proceeding. However, Junpei-kun was the one to voice our concern, "Are you serious? Isn't it dangerous?"
"Don't worry, no electrical equipment is operational during the Dark Hour, including the monorails." Kirijo-senpai answered.
I looked at her Motorcycle, "But, what about your Motorcycle?".
She answered again, but this time slightly embarrassed. "It's special. Now, if circumstances change, I'll notify you immediately. Let's get started".
I gestured to the team, "Come 'on guys let's go." They all nodded.
As we started to head towards the monorail, Kirijo-senpai said with a smile on the face, "I'll be expecting a sterling outcome.".
Once we were onto the tracks, Junpei-kun and Yukari-san were walking behind Onii-chan and I. I wanted tonight to go off without any problems, so I nudged Onii-chan and then looked back to Junpei-kun. He seemed to get the message, so he stopped walking with me and waited for them. I then could hear light steps coming towards me, I turned slightly to see a certain friendly brunette. Since that Onii-chan was busy with Junpei-kun, apologising to each other, I was trying to stay focused and to work out a strategy for defeating this Shadow, yet I couldn't help but feel something was going to happen once we finally get to the Shadow.
Yukari-san then suddenly spoke to me, startling me a little. "Hey, is everything all right? It's not what Stupei said earlier is it."
"Stupei?" I asked her, not knowing what she meant.
"You know, Junpei. It's the name I gave him; it fits him perfectly. Don't ya think." She said. We both let out small laughs. Up ahead we both spot one of the monorails, I signalled Junpei-kun and Onii-chan. We started to ran towards the Monorail in question. Yukari-san spoke first.
"This is it... right?"
Before I could answer, I could hear a voice in my head. "Can you all hear me?"
I looked around towards the others, "Yes. We can hear you, Kirijo-senpai. We've arrived at one of the monorails" I answered.
Yukari-san said, "We just got here, but I don't see anything out of the ordinary."
Kirijo-senpai replied back, "The readings are definitely coming from that monorail. Proceed with caution, and stay together." With that Kirijo-senpai stopped communicating to us. We then started to ad towards the monorail indicated by Kirijo-senpai.
Junpei-kun suddenly spoke, "My Persona's just beggin' to be used!"
I tried to calm him down a bit to avoid mistakes that he could make, "Don't worry, Junpei-kun. You'll get your chance. Just calm down for now." After I spoke to him, he seemed to calm down.
Since that I was the leader, I decided that I would enter the monorail first, but there was a little problem with that. "Um... c-could one of you give me a hand up, I c-can't reach." I stuttered because of the embarrassed. I wish I wasn't so small
Junpei-kun laughed a bit. Yukari-san then elbowed him in the gut.
"Ow! What was that for." He cried out in pain.
"Don't be such a jerk Stupei. Now help her up." Yukari-san said scolding him.
Before Yukari-san had a chance to hurt Junpei-kun again, he bent down onto his knee, and cupped his hands so he could help me onto the monorail. "Thanks, Junpei-kun" I told him.
He replied by saying, "Just being an everyday hero."
Once Junpei-kun helped me onto the monorail, it was Yukari-san's turn. She turned around to face Junpei-kun, "Don't look up." She shouted at him.
Junpei-kun tried to play it off, "Yeah, yeah, yeah." but then said, "But, don't blame me if I happen to catch a glimpse."
Yukari-san looked towards me with an angry expression, "Say Minako... What do you say we bury Junpei here and leave him behind"?
I smiled at her, "Or we could tell Kirijo-senpai. Oh... I wonder what would happen to Junpei-kun after she is finished with him." That made Junpei-kun back away slightly and have his back turned while Yukari-san climbed onto the monorail.
I looked at Junpei-kun, "Okay, Junpei-kun your turn now." I offered him my hand onto the Monorail, he accepted it.
Once Junpei-kun was on, he started to look around. He then pointed to one of the seats. Next to one of the seats was a coffin. "This poor stiff must be a passenger."
Before I could turn back around to face Onii-chan, the doors suddenly started to shut, one by one. I held out my hand or Onii-chan to get on-board, but he was too late. The last door in the carriage, and probably in the entire monorail, was shut.
I could then hear Kirijo-senpai's voice, "What's wrong? What happened?"
I answered her, "All of the doors have shut. Leaving Onii-chan outside of the Monorail, and us trapped inside of it."
Kirijo-senpai answered, "It must be the Shadow... It knows you're there. Be ready for anything! Proceed with extreme caution."
"But, What about Onii-chan? He can't get onto the Monorail with all of the doors shut tight." I asked.
"He will return to me, for now." She said.
I could barely hear Onii-chan, but I think he said, "But... What about my Sister."
Junpei-kun then put his arm around me and said, "It's okay dude, I'll keep her from harm".
There was then a long pause before we could hear his voice again, "Fine. Mina, continue with the operation. I'll see you when you get back".
I nodded. I motioned the others to start moving on up the monorail. As we got past through the first carriage, the whole Monorail set the creepy tone ablaze. It made it extra creepy, when we started to hear voices.
Yukari-san voiced her opinion about the creepy Monorail, "This is so creepy". To add insult to injury, a Shadow jumped out of no-where, which caught us all by surprise. Before we had a chance to destroy it however, it started to glide away. Junpei-kun however wanted to chase at it.
"There it is. Come 'on let's get."
I agreed with Junpei-kun and started to run towards the escaping Shadow, when we heard Kirijo-senpai's voice again. "Wait! Something's not right... The enemy is acting strangely. I can also detect a large presence of Shadows, in the next carriage, I would exercise caution and strike the Shadows when they are not expecting it." I exchanged looks with Yukari-san and Junpei-kun to see if they were ready, they both nodded, so I opened the door to the carriage.
As I opened the door to the next carriage, a Shadow appeared in front of us... Until Junpei-kun destroyed it with one swing of his mighty sword. When Junpei-kun destroyed that Shadow, it gave Yukari-san and I time to aim at the other Shadows that noticed us. As we covered Junpei-kun with our arrows, Junpei-kun was able to take out two more Shadows, clearing the carriage. When the Shadows were taken care of, I asked Junpei-kun and Yukari-san, "Are you both okay?" They both nodded.
We then heard Kirijo-senpai in our head again, "Be careful, you three! I don't detect any movement, but stay alert! Oh, and Arisato, Minato made it to me without being harmed" I breathed a sigh of relief. However, it was short lived, when the Monorail started to move.
"Whoa, what the... Why're we moving". Junpei-kun frantically said.
Kirijo-senpai answered "It seems the Monorail is under the Shadows control."
"Uh... This doesn't look good." Junpei-kun said, pointing out the obvious.
Kirijo-senpai spoke to us again, "If we can't stop that train, it'll crash into another train."
"WHAT!" Yukari-san shouted. She then continued to speak to us worryingly, "Oh, god! What are we going to do?" I looked at Yukari-san and Junpei-kun, both of them worrying. I had to try and remain calm, I took a deep breath.
"Kirijo-senpai, the Shadow is controlling the train correct?" I asked.
"Yes, that is correct, why?"
"If we take out the Shadow it will lose control of the train, then it will stop". I explained.
Junpei-kun looked towards me with a bright smile across his face. "So, all we have to do, is destroy the Shadow. Well let's go and kick its ass. Where is it Kirijo-senpai".
"I sense a strong presence in the front car. That must be the one we're after." Kirijo-senpai said.
"Well come on then, let's go."
As we navigated our way through the Monorail, we came across multiple of Shadows that were easily dispatched, looks like out training at Tartarus is paying off. When we came to the front car, Kirijo-senpai spoke to us. "Your primary target is up ahead... Be prepared for a tough battle".
As I opened the door to the front, we saw the giant Shadow. It had a dark red/pink mask across its face. Half of his body was in different colours, the right side of its body was white, while the left side was black.
"There it is...What the hell? Is this the friggin' boss?" Junpei-kun said.
Yukari-san said to Junpei-kun, "We're in the front car; it's gotta be!"
Then I said, "Regardless, it's going to be paste in a minute. We'll use the same tactics as usual. Ready?" They both nodded.
As Junpei-kun charged at the Giant Shadow, Yukari-san and I covered him. "Kirijo-senpai, can you scan the Shadow for any weaknesses."
"I'll get back to you, hang on" She said. After A while Kirijo-senpai, came back and said "I'm sorry, but I couldn't find the Shadows weaknesses, but don't use ice attacks, it will repeal it."
With these instructions we hacked away at the Shadow with combined fire and wind attacks, until it's attacks were getting much slower. However, when we thought it was nearly finished, it summoned two smaller shadows. Junpei-kun displayed his displeasure, "Aww, come on! Stop with the summoning Bullshit." As Junpei-kun switched targets to one of the small shadows, I took out the other one with a couple of arrows. Once they were both taken care of, I notched an arrow and launched it into its mask, weakening it more. It was now on the ground, not moving. Without telling him, Junpei-kun charged at the Shadow, and summoning his Persona, "Hermes, use cleave". This decapitated the shadow. Moments later it dissolved into black paste.
"D-Did we m-make it in time?" Junpei-kun said, out of breath. The Monorail, kept its pace and didn't slow down. "Hey! Why're we still moving?"
Yukari-san then followed-up with, "We're going too fast! We have to put on the brakes or else..."
I stepped forward, "You guys, watch for more Shadows. I got this". I said, as I ran to the driver's compartment.
In front of me was a range of buttons and throttle. I took a deep breath and started to press every button and pull every throttle until... it started to slow down.
As I emerged from the driver's compartment, Yukari-san and Junpei-kun ran towards me. "Is everyone alright?" Kirijo-senpai spoke to us.
Yukari-san spoke for all of us, "Uh, y-yeah, we're okay. Ha, haha... My knees are shaking. Minako, are you okay?"
"Yeah, why?" I said.
"Minako you're shaking." Yukari-san said. I looked down. She was right, my hands were shaking wildly.
"Huh, I guess you're right" I said as my vision was starting to blur and then eventually darken. The last thing I remember hearing, was Yukari-san, Junpei-kun and Kirijo-senpai shouting my name.