A funny thing happened yesterday.

I'm on summer break from college right now so my dad (certified Navy badass trademark) asked if I wanted to play a quick game of cribbage. For the uninitiated, the point of the game is to make groups of 15, pairs, runs, yada-yadda to move your peg a certain amount of points on a board. The catch is that after you are dealt six cards at the beginning of a round, you have to throw two cards to the "dealer" or the round. That can either be you or the person you are playing against.

There are a few other ways to score but I won't go into it. Whoever gets to the goal first is the winner.

Despite the game being based on getting good hands, there is a lot of strategy in how you build your hand. Lately, I've been winning a lot more games with some good luck and monster deck building. However, my dad had a pretty big lead on the last game and completely destroyed my will to live. He laughed so hard, I thought he was going to get a heart-attack.

This game. . . I came back swinging.

I got three monster hands (or cards) and beat him by almost thirty points, which is a pretty big deal.

Now I'm the one laughing!

Anyway, just thought I'd share that with y'all. Enjoy the chapter!

"Good morning, dear guests. I trust you slept well?"

Minato let himself stretch out before answering Igor. "No comment." He scratched at his unruly hair and closed his eyes. "Five more minutes please."

Minako yawned beside him, the sleeves of her sweatshirt hiding her hands. "Does this place have a coffee maker? And sugar? And cream?"

Elizabeth chuckled to herself as she kneeled in front of the siblings. "Surprisingly, we had considered such a contraption for the comfort of our guests." She busied herself by trying to rouse the Minato, using his own hand to lightly slap him awake. "Unfortunately, coffee was banned after the incident with our sister, Margaret. The poor woman nearly took off her own head after summoning a Persona named Loki."

Minato swatted away Elizabeth, sitting up straight to please her. "Like the Norse god Loki?" he asked.

"Personas can be manifested in many forms: from mythological beasts to iconic figures in Earth's history." Theodore chimed in, a tray of mugs balanced delicately on his fingertips as he approached the siblings and Elizabeth. "Each one was created by the volition of one's imagination or presence in the Collective Unconscious." He stopped in front of the couch and handed off the mugs to the guests. "In essence, there are limitless possibilities to what can and cannot become a Persona. There may even be Personas we have yet to register within our records."

Minato felt himself perk up once the hot ceramic was cradled in his hands. A tea bag was partially submerged in the darkened water with the scent of herbs wafting from the surface.

Theodore offered a mug to Minako which she took gladly, throwing an appreciative smile back at the attendants. "My apologies if the taste is not to your liking; it was either this or wine. It has been some time since we've had younger adults in our midst."

Minako waved off the attendant. "Don't worry, I'm just happy for something warm right now."

Igor chuckled to himself. A half-lit cigar hung from the side of his mouth while a glass of (what Minato thought was) scotch sat on a coaster next to his drumming fingers. Sure, it was five o'clock somewhere, but it just looked ridiculous. "We will be sure to prepare for extended visits in the future. It would be a shame if you both should be of ill temperament during your stays." he said.

Minato leaned forward and took a tiny sip of his drink. It tasted faintly of mint. "By the way, why are we here? You just poofed us in without warning."

Igor stopped drumming his fingers and snapped them. "I suppose I should explain. It is my reason for being here as well as the true function of this room." A pair of cards appeared on the table, laying side-by-side. "Just as Elizabeth had mentioned, we have the power to summon Personas, but not in the manner in which you think." he explained. The cards flipped over to reveal images of what seemed to be a tiny fairy and red teardrop, a scowl etched onto its features.

Minato watched in awe as a line was drawn between the cards. They hovered above the table, beginning to glow.

In the blink of an eye, the cards were engulfed in a blinding light. Minato almost dropped his mug at the sudden burst of white. He could hear his sister yelp and felt as she flinched away from the spectacle.

Just as it had appeared, the light was gone.

In the place of the cards was a manta ray-like monster, easily navigating the air like it was home in the ocean. It bore menacing fangs and piercing yellow eyes, yet as it regarded the two teens, there was a certain calm that was laying behind the rugged appearance.

"I am Forenus, the Great Marquis of Hell. Allow me to assist in your conquest, and you shall be handsomely rewarded with knowledge beyond your Earthly comprehension."

Forenus gave one last flick of his spindling tail before vanishing in a shimmer of blue sparks. A card floated down to the table in his place. His image was imprinted face-up.

"By means of fusing two different Personas together, a new one shall emerge in their place." Igor took the card and offered it to the siblings. "This new creature will be yours to take into battle. Consider it your first in the long line of Personas you will create."

Minato caught his sister giving him an expecting look. Her eyes darted over to the offered card then back to him. "Go ahead, I'll get the next one." she said.

Minato gave her a small nod and turned back to Igor. He reached out to grab the card, but as soon as his fingers brushed the thick paper, it shattered like glass. His heart seemed to skip a beat as if shocked by lightning. A strange tingle ran up his spine and a voice echoed in his head.

"This will be an interesting one indeed."

Minato took a deep breath, feeling his head spin for a moment. A sensation as if something had crawled under his skin sent a shiver down his spine. For a moment, it was almost as if a second person had decided to take control, only to relinquish control back to the host. "Woah." He touched his racing heart. "That felt weird."

Elizabeth laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "The process will become easier. Your first contractee will always feel a little intrusive. Soon, it will all be second nature accepting them into your heart."

Minato let his hand brushed over his chest. There was something there that hadn't seemed to register before.

As if someone else was inside his head, ready to stand in defense of their carrier.

"My heart, huh?"

Minato spent the rest of his visit learning the ins and outs of Persona Fusion with his sister. The whole time, he could already feel himself getting used to Forenus' presence.

"Hey, I hear you're friends with Kenji now. He said you're a pretty cool guy."

Minato glanced up at Junpei from his lunch. The latter sat on top of his desk while Minato relaxed in the one behind his companion. He was in the middle of a bite when his dorm mate brought up the topic of "Ramen Boy" (as he had put into his phone a few days ago).

"He's okay." Minato replied, finishing off the food in his mouth quickly. "Maybe a little too obsessed with noodles, a bit self-centered, and cocky, but an okay guy. At least he isn't a huge jerk like I thought he was."

Junpei chuckled at Minato's assessment. "Dude, you really don't beat around the bush. Seems like ya' got a chip on your shoulder there. Trust me, you two will get along just fine." He flicked the brim of his cap. "I am an excellent judge of character, ya' know."

"On what planet, Stupei?" Yukari slid into the desk right next to Junpei. She had her own lunch complete with all the cute things girls liked to pack in order to impress boys.

Well, it's not like it was a bad thing to Minato. It suited the 'popular girl' vibe she exuded to keep the wrong people from getting too close.

"That's cold, Yukatan. No wonder you're still single." Junpei snuck his hand into a bag of chips Minato had propped against his lunch box. "Ya' know what they say about women who are mean to guys?" He crossed his arm over his chest, a smirk on his lips. "They end up lonely cat ladies who write blogs about their ninety-nine precious children."

Yukari huffed and shoved a helping of carefully cut fruit in her mouth. "Whatever, at least I'm not an egomaniac whose biggest claim to fame is wearing a baseball hat indoors every day," she scoffed, "By the way, how was the principal's office this week? I heard he got a new painting of himself."

"Hey! I didn't get called down this week!"

And so the two started going back and forth trying to out-insult the other. Minato let their voices go in one ear and out the other as he enjoyed the now comfortable bickering.

Since when had arguing become so mundane and reassuring?

He flipped open his phone.

"Wonder what Minako's up to?"

Me: yo

Baneofmyexistance: Hello brother dearest! :D

Baneofmyexistance: Are u eatin all ur veggies like a gud boi?

Me: begone thot

Baneofmyexistance: awwww, I'm hurt. all my hard work 4 that?

Me: wat work? U tossed carrots in a bag

Baneofmyexistance: picky

Baneofmyexistance: i'm makin dindin 2nite btw, dont eat 2 much

Me: ah, the kitchen, the rht place 4 a woman

Baneofmyexistance: u get nothin

Being the older sibling, it often fell on her shoulders to be the homemaker of both her and Minato's lives. Minako had done everything from cooking, cleaning, laundry, and even some basic repairs to whatever house the two were passed off to. She also handled any paperwork that required their attention.

Out of all those things, cooking was her favorite.

Of course, Minako's passion for the culinary arts was born out of necessity, but that didn't mean she couldn't grow to love it. The pride in making something with her hands gave a warm feeling that required no gratification. Learning something new that she could enjoy knowing it was a creation all her own brought a smile to her face.

Maybe that's why earlier that morning, after her run with her new partner, she tried to find a snack to eat on the fly before school. Tea from the Velvet Room did nothing to stop her stomach from rumbling.

She found what she was looking for, but also an unsavory reality check.

The only food they had at the dorm fell into two categories: calorie ridden junk or instant meals.

While Minako was no patron saint in the sweets department, she couldn't stand eating them all day and every day. Even she had a limit to how much sugar she could guzzle down. There had to be a line drawn in the sand and a cabinet of store-bought garbage was crossing that line.

In light of the situation, an idea came waltzing in.

What about taking matters into her own hands?

That's why Minako took it upon herself to get home before the rest of the gang, toting two heavy bags of groceries.

So now, for the past hour, Minako had dug in her heels to make dinner for the rest of the gang. A singular earphone played classic rock as she worked.

It took longer than usual to set-up due to the poor quality of the stove and other appliances. The equipment hadn't been used for an unknown amount of time and collected enough grim to be considered a fire hazard. Many of the burners had to be scrubbed clean before Minako could light the gas.

The only evidence of use were scattered recipes printed off the internet, laying in odd locations as if meant to be hidden from view. Scratchy handwriting decorated every sheet with suggestions, corrections, and all sorts of additives for different tastes.

Was there someone who also enjoyed cooking in SEES midst who had yet to come forward?

Minako simply shook her head and gathered the recipes ahead of the rush to be used some other time. She made a note to ask about them when she was less exhausted.

For now, it was her moment to shine.

Hash Browns were ready in a skillet, set aside on low heat. Slices of fresh bread were waiting to be soaked in french toast batter and fried up. An egg mixture that had been prepared beforehand sat in the fridge, waiting to be used for the main dish of omelets. Various ingredients ranging from mushrooms to sour cream were waiting to be used as well.

It was a traditional breakfast dinner, straight from her mother's kitchen handbook. There was even a pie baking in the oven for after the meal. Apple cinnamon with an oat crumble topping: a fine dessert after a long day at school.

All that was left to do was make a fruit tray and their breakfast dinner would be ready. Only the best would do: plump strawberries, grapes fresh off the vine, and pears sliced thick were a few of those. By the time Minako had finished cutting up a large pineapple, her hands were sticky with sweet juice.

"Well ain't that neat." she mumbled, scuttling over to the sink. "I thought I was more careful than this."

As she rinsed her hands of the pineapple juice, she heard the door open. The animated voice of Junpei drifted into the kitchen. A dry response affirmed that Minato was with him. The two must have ended up following their noses and found the eldest Arisato fishing for a clean rag to wipe her hands off.

"Um, what's all this senpai?"

Minako dried off her hands. "I made a proper meal for everyone. All we have is junk food and instant noodles. We're fighting demon monsters from the pit of H-E double hockey sticks itself, so we need the right nutrients to keep ourselves sharp."

Minato, who was standing next to Junpei, scoffed as he started flipping through his music for a new song. "Gee, thanks mom."

"Can it, nerd. I jumped on the first train home to get this ready. Show some respect for my hard work once in a blue moon." Minako pulled her egg mix from the fridge as well as her numerous fillings. "I was thinking about a good old-fashioned breakfast dinner. Omelets, french toast, and some nice hash browns. Sounds good?"

Junpei rubbed his hands together with a childish grin on his face. "When do we get eatin'? I'm already starving!"

Minako smiled and set to making the first omelet. "Soon as you wash your hands, I'll start serving up. If you guys set the table, I'll let you have the first crack at the pie I'm baking"

"Did someone say pie?"

Yukari, who had stealthily entered the dorm, began to slink past her classmates in order to creep into the kitchen area. "Is it done now? Can I have a little taste, please-?"

Minako was quick to step in the glutenous archer's path. "This is for after dinner, missy moo." She turned Yukari around and escorted her out of her workspace. "The last time I let someone help me in the kitchen, they stole the pie and ran off to their room with it. I won't name names, but it rhymes with 'Dumbo'."

Minato rolled his eyes, but shouldered off his school blazer and got to work. "It's your fault you left it out. Leave a note or something before you start pointing fingers."

Minako sighed before setting herself back into preparing the food. She poured a generous helping of mix into two waiting skillets, a pleasant sizzle ringing in her ears. "Who wants dibs on the first omelets? I've got two pans going."

"MEEEE!" Junpei shouted from the dining room as he laid out a set of silverware for everyone. "Just cheese and a dollop of green onions! I'll add hot sauce later!"

"I want the next one!" Yukari chirped, carrying the fruit tray to the center of the table before coming back for butter and a bowl of powdered sugar. "Run it through the garden but skip the bell peppers please."

Minato filled up glasses of water after washing his hands. "The usual, please and thanks."

As the juniors got to work on setting up, Minako kept herself busy with cooking. She had started frying up the french toast while checking the omelets intervals. Her hands moved on auto-pilot from years of practice and mistakes. The scalding steam from the pans used to burn her skin but now it only tickled on the surface.

The first batch of food was done in a moments notice. Each plate was given their main dish with a decent helping of hashbrowns and a slice of french toast. Junpei and Yukari snatched up their food and retreated to the table. Minato waited patiently for his with a bowl of fruit. Her brother's was finished in a matter of minutes. He collected his dues and hobbled back to the table.

Junpei was already on his feet, back in the kitchen with his plate polished off. "Is there enough for seconds?" he asked.

Minako grinned and heaped on more french toast to keep him busy. "There's enough for thirds. Sit tight for now."

Mitsuru and Akihiko came around the corner from the front door just as Junpei was settling back in. Minako was just about to get to work on the next omelet when she saw them walk in.

"Afternoon!" she said while waving with her spatula. A splatter of omelet mix flew and stuck to the microwave nearby. Minako noticed her accident, gave a sheepish grin, and made a move for a paper towel. "Sorry about that, got a little too excited."

Mitsuru hung her bag off the back of one of the counter stools. "What's all this? Are we celebrating something?"

Minako finished cleaning off the microwave. "Oh, this is nothing! Just a nice dinner a'la my famous home cooking."

"More like infamous!" Minato commented between hungry chomps. "Remember the time you gave Aunt Mirai food poisoning?"

Minako shot her brother a nasty glare before turning back to her fellow seniors. "So, what can I getcha'? Omelet? French Toast-?" She suddenly stopped herself and kicked into mission mode. "You know what? I'll just get one of everything! What would you like on your omelets? I make only the best, so don't be shy."

Mitsuru's previous confusion melted into a soft grin. "Surprise me." She grabbed a plate and helped herself to toast and hash browns.

Akihiko followed close behind. "Same here."

Minako grinned and brandishing her cooking utensil like a weapon of mass destruction. "You won't be disappointed."

As the two newcomers joined in at the table, Minako expertly poured out two new omelets and settled into her new challenge.

She started with the toughest of the orders without a second to spare, Mitsuru. She seemed like someone who enjoyed a fresh yet interesting flavors a meal could offer after a long day. Some raw onions with juicy peppers could be combined with the savoriness of pepper ham. All that she needed to top it off was some feta cheese and the rest would help itself.

Akihiko, on the other hand, was much simpler. Athletes needed one thing and one thing only: protein, protein, PROTEIN. From their short excursion to Hagakure, he had chosen the heaviest item on the menu in terms of serving as well as focused nutrition. All Minako had to do was throw all the meat products she prepared, add some cleansing sour cream so she wouldn't have to perform the hind-lick maneuver, and she was golden.

"Two chief surprise omelets comin' right up!" she announced while scooping said delicacies onto a large plate. Minako sauntered into the dining room and helped herself to serve the seniors in attendance, careful not to tear the delicate casing and spilling the contents of her labor.

"I hope yer' insurance is good, cause your minds are about to be blown," Junpei commented in between bites of potatoes.

Minako took a few polite steps away from the table. "I don't know about that, but I hope you both enjoy."

The two seniors nodded and took a tentative bite out of their omelets. There was a pause, a shared look between them, and a pair of smiles that followed their first taste.

"Exquisite." Mitsuru hummed, now starting to dig in with a newfound urgency. "Goût parfait, mes compliments au chef."

Akihiko snickered at the use of french. "Oui, pareil ici. Mieux que je pourrais faire."

Minako could only understand bits and pieces from her limited experience with the language but could feel the sentiment in their mannerisms. She gave a small curtsy, lifting her apron as if it were the skirt of a ballgown.

"Je vous remercie." she responded, her tongue unfamiliar with the finer points of pronunciation. It came out in more of a slur than with careful precision. The hairs on the back of her neck raised at the clumsiness of her speech. "Um, that's to say I have no idea how to speak French. English and sheet music is more my forte."

Mitsuru smiled at the young cook. "Nothing to worry about."

"Why don't you join us senpai?" Yukari pipped in as she was about to shove a generous pile of hash browns in her mouth. "Shouldn't the chief get a chance to relax too?"

Junpei looked up mid-chew. "Yaw, jwon ush." He hastily swallowed when everyone gave him a disapproving frown at his poor manners. "Grab a plate an' chow down!"

Minato was quiet but gave he Minako a glance that spoke louder than a siren.

"Stop standing around and grab a chair."

Minako couldn't help the warm buzz that seemed to hum through her blood.

Just a couple of students spending an evening in each other's company, and yet there was an unspoken connection that kept the atmosphere light.

When was the last time she could experience something like this?

"Don't mind if I do."

5/26/2009

Minako is finally cooking again. I almost forgot what real food tasted like.

-Minato Arisato