Disclaimer: I don't own Persona.
A/N: Here we go, new chapter. Finally getting to the first Full Moon Shadow. And Minato actually advances his links! Crazy chapter, this one! Enjoy!
Chapter 9: Ordeal
"What's with the box?" Yukari asked curiously, leaning over the couch and staring at the package that was in Hamuko's lap.
"Just something my parents sent me. Probably something for Children's day." Hamuko smiled, pointing to the calendar that was hanging next to the desk in the dorm's lobby.
"Oh. Aren't you a little old to be getting gifts today though?" Yukari asked.
"No child is ever too old to get gifts from their parents. Even adopted ones like me." Hamuko said cheerily as she tore open the box, beaming happily when she pulled out what was inside. "Ah, perfect! Mom made cookies!"
"Quite a lot too." Yukari noted, spotting several plastic bags in the box. "You going to eat all those?"
"You bet! Mom makes the best cookies and these should last me for a few weeks." Hamuko giggled before grabbing a bag of cookies and holding it out to Yukari. "But I don't mind sharing. Take one!"
"Wha… y-you don't have to!" Yukari said, cheeks flushing a little at the offer. "They're your gift, after all…"
"Nah, even this much is unusual. She probably meant for me to share. She's thoughtful like that." Hamuko grinned. "Seriously, take some. I'll take it as an insult if you don't."
"Alright, alright. Thanks for the cookies." Yukari sighed, bemused as she accepted.
"What about you, Minato? Want some?" Hamuko asked.
The referred to was sitting on the couch opposite to Hamuko drawing in his sketchbook. He fumbled a little to catch the bag that was thrown at him before he had a chance to reply. He glared at Hamuko who just gave him her usual smile before stuffing the bag into his pocket.
"Much appreciated." Minato said, politely showing his gratitude.
"Tell me what you think of them later. Mom will be happy to hear when I thank her." Hamuko smiled as she sat up. She turned to Yukari. "Ready to go?"
"I was just waiting for you. Ready when you are." Yukari smiled.
"Going somewhere?" Minato asked curiously.
"We're going to spend our last day off at Paulownia Mall. Have a little fun before going back to school." Hamuko grinned. "Maybe see if we can sneak into Club Escapade."
"No we're not." Yukari sighed, narrowing her eyes at Hamuko. "They'll throw out any minors they catch."
"Pretty sure it's closed during the day anyway." Minato added.
"That's no fun…" Hamuko pouted before glancing at Minato. "What about you? Got any plans for today?"
"Not really."
"Well then, why not join us?" Hamuko asked, glancing toward Yukari. "You don't mind, right Yukari?"
"I'm fine with it." Yukari said, shrugging her shoulders.
"So?" Hamuko gazed at Minato imploringly.
"…I'm fine." Minato replied, ignoring Hamuko's disappointed sigh. He continued scribbling in his sketchbook. "I just want to relax today."
"Alright then." Hamuko conceded as she stood up. "Let's get going, Yukari."
Minato didn't look up from his sketchbook as the two girls left, barely listening as he heard the lobby door shut as they departed. He sat alone in the spacious lobby, with only the sounds of his pencil scratching against his paper as he drew being heard. After a few minutes Minato let out a tired sigh, putting his pencil down and leaning his head back against the couch.
"A new ordeal awaits you…"
Minato muttered that to himself as he mulled over what he'd heard from that strange kid a few nights ago. Seeing the boy again was a surprise in itself, but what annoyed him was that he had nothing but cryptic things to say and Minato could make little sense of what his words meant. He didn't discount the importance of the boy's words or his presence though. His words had to have some meaning, but what…?
He glanced around the room, taking note of how empty it was. Junpei had left earlier to hang out with some friends from school and both Akihiko and Mitsuru had their own errands to run. It was just him inside the dorm, alone with nothing but his own troubling thoughts.
Minato closed his sketchbook and tossed it onto the coffee table before getting to his feet. Though he'd refused Hamuko and Yukari's invitation, he supposed getting a little fresh air wouldn't hurt.
He could only think of one place that was suitable.
Minato took a brief look around as he stepped onto the shrine grounds. Even on the holidays the place was pretty vacant, though that wasn't entirely unexpected given that most people were probably just hanging out with their friends and family. He did spy a small girl trying to talk with a boy her age near the jungle gym, pointing to the playset and seemingly trying to coerce him into playing with her. Minato ignored them for the most part and made his way to the front of the shrine, staring at the offertory box as if he were expecting it to somehow give him answers. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't stop mulling over the kid's words throughout the entirety of Golden Week and even now it was all he could think about. The ordeal the mysterious boy had mentioned…
"…The only significant thing that would qualify as any sort of ordeal would have to be the Dark Hour." Minato muttered to himself.
The ninth of May… something out of the ordinary was going to happen, or at least something more unusual that what had already happened. Minato could assume that much at the very least. He had some suspicions about what the mysterious boy had alluded to, but he didn't want to jump to conclusions when there was still so much that was unclear.
Fishing around in his pocket, Minato retrieved a couple of coins and tossed them in the box in front of him. He placed his palms together and muttered a quiet prayer before stepping away. He gave a tired sigh, wishing there was more he could do.
"Well, we'll have to be careful at the very least…" Minato murmured, deciding that it might be best for the SEES team to take it easy for the next couple days. Even if specific details were nonexistent, Minato greatly appreciated the warning itself. It would give them a little time to prepare…
A loud bark followed by something furry knocking into his side finally tore Minato away from his thoughts, and the young man felt a smile come onto his face as the dog he'd met before happily licked his fingers.
"Koromaru." Minato greeted the dog, kneeling down and scratching the dog behind his ears. "Good to see you."
The dog gave a few enthusiastic barks before settling down, content with the scratches he was receiving. The dog was always at the shrine, and Minato always ran into him during the few times he visited. He'd even stumbled across the mutt while coming back from school a few times. He'd only recently learned the dog's name from a priest who had been cleaning the shrine during his last visit. Apparently his owner had been a monk who lived at the shrine, who had apparently died in an accident a few months ago. The other priests and monks made no claims to taking ownership of the pup, but made sure he was well fed at the very least. The dog seemingly stuck around of his own choice. Minato assumed it was loyalty toward his owner's former home.
"Um, excuse me…"
Minato and Koromaru both turned to face the person who had addressed them. Minato noticed that it was the boy he'd seen over by the jungle gym, awkwardly shuffling his feet as he gestured to the offertory box he and Koromaru were in front of.
"Could you move please…?"
"Ah, sure." Minato said, quickly standing to his feet and stepping away from the box. Koromaru trotted away, sitting down on his hindlegs next to Minato and watched the child curiously.
The boy gave Minato a brief nod of thanks before stepping in front of the offertory box and dropped in a couple coins. Minato raised his eyebrows a little at the child's solemn expression as he put his hands to together in prayer. It was odd enough seeing children wandering around in a shrine, but stranger than that was a kid his age making voluntary offerings and actually having something to pray about. Children weren't easily troubled, naiveté and immaturity making them oblivious to most thing, or at least Minato always thought so.
"Spending Children's Day at a shrine of all places?" Minato found himself asking after the child had finished praying. The child jumped a little, seeming surprised that he had been addressed, blinking guilelessly at Minato who gestured over to the jungle gym where the girl the boy had been talking with earlier was playing by herself. "Why not go play with your friend instead?"
"Oh, um… she's not my friend. I just see her here sometimes."
Minato eyebrow rose a little higher at that. His words seem to imply that he visited the shrine a few times before. "You come here often?"
"Sometimes. It's a quiet place and gives me time to think." The boy replied. He gazed at his feet, face contorting in dejection. "I'm in mourning, you see…"
"…I see." Minato said, expression softening. "I'm sorry for your loss."
"Thank you." The boy sniffed, wiping his nose before looking back up. "What about you, mister?"
"Getting some fresh air. Wanted to think about a few things." Minato replied, smiling when Koromaru walked over to the boy and began licked his fingers, earning a small smile from the kid who gave the dog a couple of friendly scratches. After giving a few moments of thought, Minato pulled the bag of cookies he'd received from Hamuko out of his pocket and held them out to the boy whose eyes widened in surprised. "I don't know how recent your tragedy is, and it probably isn't my place to say, but you should at least try to have fun on a day like today. This is your day, after all."
While Minato was aware of his own rather blunt personality, he had a sort of soft spot for kids. There was just something that twisted in his gut whenever he saw a child who was sad or crying. He couldn't ignore it as easily as he could other things. He acknowledged that the reason for that was because of the hard times he went through as a kid.
Minato was relieved when the kid took the bag and cracked a small smile at him, even if it was admittedly a little strained.
"Yeah… I'll try." The boy said, opening up the bag and sampling the cookies. "…These are really good!"
Minato was a little regretful that he hadn't had a chance to taste one, but was glad that the kid's mood seemed to improve after taking a bite. "Glad you like them."
"…Thanks for today, mister." The boy said earnestly, bowing to Minato in gratitude. "I hope you enjoy today too."
With that polite and formal goodbye that slightly baffled Minato, the child turned and left down the stairs that led away from the shrine. Minato stared after him for a few moments before Koromaru's barking caught his attention.
"Does that kid come here a lot?" Minato found himself asking.
Koromaru gave a small whine in response, looking in the direction the boy had left to with a look that almost seemed sympathetic. It was surprising for Minato to have a dog look so expressive.
"Wonder what happened…" Minato idly wondered. He glanced back at the jungle gym where the girl was, seemingly gotten tired of the playset and was idly kicking her legs as she sat on the bench next to the playground. Minato turned back towards Koromaru. "Why don't you be her playmate? I'm sure she'd be happy.
Koromaru gave a short bark and nudged into him. Minato shook his head at that, not budging in response to the dog's light pushes.
"Not me. I've actually got to get going." Minato replied, sighing at the dog's dejected look. Minato pulled his lips up a little. "Maybe next time, okay?"
Koromaru gave a happy bark before dashing over to the girl. Minato watched the girl who jumped in surprised when Koromaru suddenly appeared in front of her, but laughed happily when the dog began licking. She gave the dog a few pats and scratches before jumping off the bench and running around the playground with Koromaru chasing after her. Minato watched the scene in amusement before leaving the shrine.
A cry that sounded both surprised and pained echoed through the gymnasium followed by several startled gasps from the onlookers who watched as Minato knocked Kazuto's shinai away and struck the left side of the padding that protected the boy's torso. Minato quickly stepped away from Kazushi, shinai still held in front of him even as Kazuto fell to his knees. All the other members of the Kendo Club were silent until Yuko stepped forward.
"M-Minato wins!" Yuko announced. She glanced down at Kazushi whose heavy breathing could be heard even with his helmet on, shaking her head in slight disbelief before giving Minato a wide grin. "Nice job!"
Minato was surprised and slightly flattered when a handful of the other club members started applauding him. They all quickly surrounded him, voicing their congratulations and clapping the boy on the shoulder.
It had been decided that they'd be doing practice matches today, and as soon as Takenozuka had made that announcement Kazushi had immediately stepped up and challenged Minato to a match. He'd accused Minato of being better than he had initially implied, citing his excellent performance even as a newcomer to the club and that he already had a number of wins under his belt from matches with other members of the club. Minato could do nothing but accept the challenge he'd been issued.
To the shock of everyone present, he'd managed to beat the club ace. And quite soundly too.
"Excellent work, Minato!" Takenozuka commended him, a wide smile on his face. "This is the first time I've seen someone beat Kazushi in a long time. It's astonishing how much you've improved in such a short period of time. You're a natural!"
"S-Seriously…" Kazushi said, finally speaking up as he removed his helmet. He grimaced, but was still smiling. "I knew you were skilled, but man… my side is killing me. You beat me pretty good."
"You're taking your loss better than I thought you would." Yuko commented as she helped him up.
"Hey, you learn a lot from losing. I just need to toughen up, that's all!" Kazushi grinned, chuckling as he watched Minato pull of his helmet. "Look at that guy… you're not even winded! You got some kind of secret training you do at home?"
Minato couldn't help but smirk a little at the question, thinking of the additional practice he'd gotten fighting Shadows in Tartarus.
"…Something like that." Minato replied.
"I knew it. Otherwise I wouldn't be like this." Kazushi said, gesturing to himself. Unlike Minato, he had a lot more sweat to show how much he'd been pushing himself. "Guess I've still got a long way to go…"
"That's a good attitude to have, Kazushi." Takenozuka smiled. "I saw a few areas in your form that could use work, and once you've practiced a little more I'm sure you'll be able to match Minato in no time." The teacher turned to Minato. "Again, impressive work Minato. I'm glad that you seem so dedicated to the club. It's very encouraging to see! If all of us put in that extra effort, I think we could go pretty far in the regionals!"
As Takenozuka-sensei began giving a pep talk to the club, Kazushi approached Minato. The boy clapped him on the shoulder giving him a wide grin.
"Better watch out. I'll beat you next time." Kazushi challenged with a smirk. "I won't hold back just because you're a newbie anymore."
In spite of himself, Minato couldn't help but feel a little competitive towards his challenge. He was proud of his victory, and if he faced Kazushi again he had no intentions of losing.
"Looking forward to it." Minato returned with a confident smile.
*SMASH*
Minato flinched at the sound echoing in his mind.
Thou art I… and I am thou…
Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to create a Persona of the Chariot Arcana…
"Didn't expect that…" Minato thought to himself with a slight frown. It was hard to predict the triggers of these Social Links…
"Listen to you, trying to make it sound like you were still holding back." Yuko admonished, clicking her tongue as she approached the two of them, clearly overhearing Kazushi. "Don't act like you weren't giving it your best effort. Guess you are a little bit of a sore loser after all."
"A-Am not! I was just, y'know, I kinda did take it easy on him in the beginning." Kazushi protested.
"Sure you did."
"That's… shut up!" Kazushi pouted, ignoring Yuko and turning back to Minato. "Seriously though, I'm glad someone like you showed up. I feel like I can really push myself to my limits against you. I couldn't ask for a better rival!"
"Rival, huh…" Minato said bemusedly.
"You bet! Just you wait, Minato. The next win's gonna be mine!"
Minato rolled his eyes. "Whatever."
Even as he said so, Minato couldn't help the small smile that crawled onto his face.
"Welcome back."
"We're back!" Hamuko said, responding to Mitsuru's greeting with a smile as she the other juniors staying at the dorm stepped inside. Mitsuru was the only one who appeared to be home, and she looked quite busy. There were several papers and folders scattered around on top of the coffee table, drawing curious looks from those who had just arrived.
"What's all that, senpai?" Yukari asked, voicing her curiosities aloud. "That's a lot of paper…"
"Did you bring student council work home?" Hamuko asked, making her own assumption about the papers.
"You make it sound like that's a bad thing. I don't mind devoting some of my free time to organizing the council's affairs." Mitsuru said wryly. "But no, you're incorrect in your assumption. These are just some reports I'm looking over."
"What kind of reports are they?" Minato asked, also curious.
"They're actually progress reports on our Tartarus explorations that I've complied as well as notes the chairman has written up on the Dark Hour." Mitsuru said.
"The chairman? So he actually does contribute…" Junpei mused.
"Junpei!" Yukari admonished.
"What? I'm just sayin'…"
"My, do you really think so little of me?"
Hamuko jumped when she the chairman suddenly stepped out of the kitchen, coffee mug in one hand and a folder in another. Junpei brought his arms up and began waving them around, immediately backpedalling.
"Er, no, that's… I mean I didn't…!"
"It's fine, it's fine. I'm not offended." Ikutsuki smiled as he sat down on the chair adjacent to the couch Mitsuru was sitting on. "After all, you all do far more than I."
"You should really watch what you say, Junpei." Yukari scolded him.
"It just slipped out." Junpei muttered, giving Ikutsuki an apologetic look. "Sorry about that, Ikutsuki-san."
"I told you, it's fine! I actually feel bad that I can't do more." Ikutsuki smiled. "After all, it's because of your exploration of Tartarus that we've been able to learn so much."
"Like what?" Minato asked, taking a seat on a chair. He honestly did want to know a little more about the Dark Hour.
"Well, for starters we've learned that there are multiple types of Shadows, at least far more than we initially thought there to be. I've categorized them into twelve categories based on the data Mitsuru has gathered from scanning them with her Persona."
"The Major Arcana," Minato stated aloud, picking up one of the papers nearby that had a list on Shadow classifications on it. "From a tarot deck. Why?"
"It's what my scans show, or rather, what I feel when scanning Shadows." Mitsuru said. "It's hard to explain, but it was decided long ago even when we only had miniscule amounts of data that this was the most apt way to classify them. We do the same for Persona, as you know."
Minato stared at the list. It wasn't entirely unexpected, after all they classified their Personas the same way. The Velvet Room Residents also referred to Persona by designated Arcana.
…It was only now that he had data in front of him to compare that Minato realized the connotation. He glanced at Hamuko, who gave him a nod only he noticed to show she realized as well.
"…Thinking about it, there's really not a whole lot we know about Shadows and Persona even after being here for over a month. Same with the Dark Hour." Minato thought to himself.
Hadn't that been one of his goals in the beginning? He should've asked more questions and done a little more digging by this point. Still, what to ask…
"We've also managed to compile ample data on their strengths and weaknesses, as well as other subtleties in their actions and behavior." Ikutsuki went on, Minato breaking away from his own thoughts so he could listen. "But that's just the surface. We've actually learned far more about how Shadows affect the real world as well. Specifically their connection to those who've been diagnosed with Apathy Syndrome."
"The Lost…" Hamuko murmured.
"Precisely." Ikutsuki nodded. "As I believe I mentioned before, Shadows prey on the minds of the living. While those with the potential like all of you are capable of defending themselves as well as being immune to the effects of the Dark Hour, those without the gift cannot. The Shadows that get out of Tartarus hunt people down, and attack them even while they're asleep in their coffins."
"So the coffins don't protect people from Shadows?" Yukari asked tentatively.
"Well, rather than protect them, it acts as a sort of boundary." Ikutsuki explained. "Regular people aren't aware that the Dark Hour exists, and are asleep throughout its duration. The coffins keep many from being noticed by Shadows… but there are plenty that Shadows still prey on. Thus, whatever happens during the Dark Hour, it isn't possible for them to notice that they've been attacked, though we can see the effects. Heightened stress levels, bouts of dizziness, increased paranoia, and in some cases short-term memory loss are all signs or symptoms that a person may have been attacked during the Dark Hour. It's not physical damage, but more related to the mind, or perhaps more accurately, to one's psyche."
"For the more extreme cases where one's psyche has been completely devoured, people develop Apathy Syndrome and become one of the Lost." Mitsuru said. "While people can recover from the damage, it can take anywhere from weeks to months before someone comes out of it. The worst case recorded was a man in his late twenties who remained in a vegetative state for well over three years. He lost many years of his life before finally coming out of it."
"D-Dude…" Junpei whispered.
"That's horrible…" Hamuko said softly.
"Ah, you shouldn't worry about it too much! It's been years since we had a case like that and the longest anyone has remained in that state since then is about a year! Don't get so depressed over something that happened in the past!" Ikutsuki said cheerfully.
"…You're way too dismissive of this." Minato said.
"Not dismissive, Minato-san. It's because I have faith in all of you." Ikutsuki chuckled. "I haven't told you our most heartening discovery. Turns out, your actions have solved most of the cases for those with Apathy Syndrome!"
"What?" All four juniors said in unison.
"Yes! The more Shadows you defeat, the more of the Lost are cured of Apathy Syndrome!" Ikutsuki proclaimed, making everyone but Mitsuru's eyes widen.
"S-Seriously?" Junpei gaped.
"Yes. From what research we've gathered, it seems that as more Shadows are defeated the more of the Lost seem to recover. Since you all started, the longest case has been a little less than two weeks." Ikutsuki smiled. "I've theorized that whenever a Shadow is defeated, the psyches and energy they've consumed return to its source and the damage they've done disappears. They lose a connection… have no more base to exist, I suppose. We're still not quite clear on how it's related, but we've taken notes and ran the numbers and the data doesn't lie. Since you all began exploring Tartarus the number of Apathy Syndrome cases have decreased significantly, and those afflicted have been recovering!"
"That's… that's great!" Hamuko cheered, pumping her fists in the air. "We're really making a difference!"
"…Yeah." Minato agreed, smiling a little as the news. It was something to be proud of.
"I'm happy that our efforts have yielded such a result." Mitsuru smiled, leaning back on the couch. "Perhaps we'll find a way to cure Apathy Syndrome completely once we finish exploring the tower."
"So… it's really paying off. Everything we're doing…" Yukari said softly, smiling in relief at the news.
"You got that right, Yuka-tan!" Junpei grinned. "Hehehe… you know, with the way it sounds, it kinda makes us heroes, huh?"
"I don't know about that…"
"What are you talking about? It totally does!" Hamuko grinned, in complete agreement with Junpei.
"I'm sayin'!" Junpei said, matching Hamuko's grin. He turned towards Minato. "Well, guess that means we'll be hittin' up Tartarus tonight!"
"…What makes you say that?" Minato asked, arching an eyebrow at him.
"C'mon! After hearing that, don't tell me you don't want to get in there!" Junpei smiled. "We can help people this way! Or at least we're helping people while doing it. Why not?"
"This is all well and good, and it's great to know that defeating Shadows results in Apathy Syndrome cases being cured, but we shouldn't push ourselves." Minato said. "We're making good progress and we've already spent the last couple of nights exploring Tartarus. Let's just take it easy for a bit."
"What! Come on, dude! You say this after hearing all that?" Junpei said incredulously, turning towards Hamuko and Yukari. "Can you believe this guy?"
"Actually, Minato-kun does have a point." Ikutsuki said, expression turning solemn. All the students turned towards him. "Taking care of yourselves should be top priority. You shouldn't get too carried away."
"The Chairman and Minato are right. I mean, this is good news don't get me wrong, but it's true we've been going to Tartarus a lot these past few days, especially during Golden Week." Yukari put in.
"I wouldn't mind going…" Hamuko said."
"Feh. So we're two for two then. Guess we gotta go with our Leader's decision then." Junpei grumbled.
Minato rolled his eyes at the Leader comment. Hamuko and Yukari both frowned at Junpei while Mitsuru gave him a level look.
"Don't get so worked up, Iori. While defeating Shadows has benefits, we can't take them all out at once so we should take it a pace we can handle. Arisato, do you the team should take the night off?"
Minato was silent for a few moments before nodding. "I think it'd be best."
"Man, come on! What's the big deal?" Junpei protested. "If I was the one in charge, we'd- ouch!"
Junpei rubbed the back of his head and shot Hamuko an accusing look while the girl only arched an eyebrow at him in turn.
"Stop it." Hamuko said, wagging a finger at him. "Behave yourself and apologize to Minato."
"But I didn't-"
"Junpei…"
"But seriously! You told us the more Shadows we defeat the more people are cured of Apathy Syndrome, right?" Junpei said, pointing an accusing finger at Minato. "Are you telling me you don't care what happens to them?"
"Junpei!" Hamuko gasped.
"That's a terrible thing to say!" Yukari said, glaring at the boy. "And said we should take it easy too! Are you suggesting I don't care either?"
"N-No! All I'm sayin' is-"
"This isn't a game."
Everyone fell silent when they heard Minato speak. The leader of their group turned to face all of them, expression passive.
"We can't afford to be reckless. We can't push ourselves too hard. We have a responsibility to the people we can help."
"W-Whadaya mean by that?" Junpei asked, confused by Minato's words.
Minato sighed tiredly. "Think about it. It's great that we can help people by fighting Shadows. We explore Tartarus, get stronger, and help people all in one. It's a great reward. But if something happens to us, what will happen to those people we can help?"
"T-That's…"
"We have to take care of ourselves first if we're going to try and take care of others." Minato went on. "We're the only ones with the power to fight Shadows. There won't be any second chances. We have to work together, think rationally, and keep ourselves safe."
Minato glared at Junpei who quickly looked away.
"Do you understand?" Minato asked coolly.
"Y-Yeah, I got it." Junpei stuttered. "We'll call it quits for tonight. Shadows will still be here when we get back…"
Minato nodded and blinked when he began hearing someone clap. He turned and sighed when he noticed Hamuko clapping her hands together in applause.
"What a speech! I wish our senpai had heard that!" Hamuko giggled. "Spoken like a true leader!"
"Yeah. You usually seem so detached. I'm impressed." Yukari agreed, giving Minato a smile of her own.
"Whatever." Minato said, turning away and ignoring the burning feeling on his cheeks.
"No, you're correct." Mitsuru said, turning to address the group as a whole. "Take his words to heart and be sure to take care of yourselves. You courage and drive is to be admired, but if we're going to make any progress we have to be sure to keep ourselves in good condition so that we don't put ourselves in danger."
Mitsuru turned towards Minato, giving him a warm smile.
"I see I was correct in my assessment of you, Arisato." Mitsuru smiled. "You make an exceptional leader."
*SMASH*
Minato froze at the familiar noise.
Thou art I… and I am thou… thou hast established a new bond…
"What." Minato thought, shocked by what he was suddenly hearing.
Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to create a Persona of the Empress Arcana…
"I-I'm not…" Minato began, trying to talk even as the voices echoed in his head.
Minato Arisato has the Social Link: Empress with Mitsuru Kirijo…
Minato gave a resigned sigh as the voices faded away, baffled at what had apparently been the trigger for a new link. "I still don't think I'm leader material…"
"You don't have to be so modest." Mitsuru smiled. "I'm glad you said what you did. It was something that needed to be said. That kind of rational thinking and logic proves how suited you are to being a leader."
Minato stared at the young women for several moments before shaking his head.
"Whatever." Minato said. Just what kind of expectations did she have of him…?
"…Alright, alright. Guess I shouldn't complain about having more time to relax." Junpei sighed, though he still sounded displeased. "Guess I'll just kill some time at the Strip Mall then…"
"Maybe we can drop by Chagall Café for dinner later." Hamuko suggested to Yukari. "Up for it?"
"That sounds goods." Yukari smiled.
"Yes, yes, you all should remember to take some time for yourselves." Ikutsuki smiled. "Even so, I'm glad you're all so determined. I'm glad none of you are too apathetic about helping those with Apathy Syndrome!"
Everyone stared at Ikutsuki, who's grin faltered slightly at everyone's flat looks.
"That was terrible, Ikutsuki-san…" Hamuko sighed.
"Oh. Was it perhaps too soon?" Ikutsuki asked with a pensive frown. Shrugging he picked up a folder and opened it up, frown deepening as he read the file.
"Something wrong?" Minato asked, staying seated even as the other SEES members headed upstairs to drop off their bags in their rooms.
"Well, even though I said that your actions have helped reduce those afflicted with Apathy Syndrome, it seems to have increased recently as well…" Ikutsuki murmured. "I wonder why that is…"
"Indeed. I only just noticed the number of Lost rise a few days ago." Mitsuru said. "While it's not bad enough to cause alarm, it's still strange…"
Minato glanced between the two of them before looking back down at the paper in his hands. He read through the twelve classifications of Shadows, named based on the first twelve of the major arcana.
"…Mitsuru-senpai," Minato began, getting both the girl and the Chairman's attention. "That large Shadow that showed up that one night… did you ever find out what its arcana was?"
"As a matter of fact, I was. I scanned it just before you defeated it." Mitsuru said.
"While it was an entirely different class on its own in regards to other Shadows in terms of strength, was classified it under the Magician arcana." Ikutsuki said. "Why do you ask?"
"…Just curious." Minato muttered.
"So in conclusion, you all can see that-"
Minato could tell that he wasn't the only grateful for the bell, ringing to signal the end classes for the day and cutting off Ekoda's lecture. The teacher gave an annoyed frown before sighing and addressing the class.
"Well, I suppose I'll have to properly finish next week. Be mindful of your studies over the weekend. You're all dismissed."
Minato pushed himself up from his seat, pausing to glance up at the clock hanging next to the chalkboard. He stared at the hands of the clock before his eyes moved to rest on the number twelve as he thought of the significance of today.
May ninth… a week from the day that mysterious boy had told him about the ordeal that was supposed to occur. If his prediction was correct, then sometime today, probably during the Dark Hour if Minato had to guess, something would happen…
"I wish the kid would've been more specific." Minato thought to himself as he gathered his things and stuffed them into his school bag. "I mean, I can't think of anything that would be significant other than maybe-"
A crashing noise coming from behind him along with an alarmed cry interrupted his train of thought. Minato glanced back to see a girl on the floor, hurriedly gathering her things which had apparently been dropped onto the floor. Minato vaguely recognized her because of her short teal colored hair. Minato frowned when he saw the gaggle of girls standing close to where the girl was kneeling down, giggling obnoxiously as they observed. From the way the girl's bag was positioned and the way one of the girls who wore her hair in pigtails was standing, the mess was the result of deliberate action rather than accident.
"Whoops! You should be more careful, Fuuka-san." The girl with pigtails giggled.
"Yeah. Now we have to step over the mess you made." One of the others girls sneered. "Why can't you be more considerate of those around you?"
"I-I'm sorry…" The girl, Fuuka, briefly looked up from gathering her scattered things to give that brief apology before reaching under a chair to retrieve her eraser.
Minato's frown deepened when he saw one of girls, a brunette with dark skin and baggy leggings pull out her phone and aim it at the girl, who's back was turned.
"You're skirt's rising up." The girl stated before a clicking noise echoed from her phone.
"Ah!" Fuuka immediately shot up, pushing the back of her skirt down and quickly getting to her feet, expression alarmed. "Moriyama-san, you didn't…!"
"Sorry." The girl replied insincerely, waving her phone around. "I had the camera app opened and my finger just slipped. Took a picture by accident."
"C-Could please delete it then?"
"I don't know… maybe I should post it on the school message boards. See what others think."
"W-What! Y-You can't! Please don't!"
"Why are you freaking out so much? It's no big deal." The girl with pigtails sneered. "You're really not much to look at. Maybe if you showed a little more skin it'd get some guys interested in you. Posting the pic might actually be doing you a favor."
"Please! Y-You can't let other people see something like that…!"
Minato felt disgusted just watching. He'd dealt with his fair share of bullies in the past, with a few schools he'd transferred to in the past having a few kids who thought being aggressive with the new student would be a good way to kill time. Minato hadn't had any problems with this school, but apparently that was because the delinquents already had a target to pick on. While he had his own methods for dealing with bullies, the flustered girl seemingly had none. He glanced around the room. A couple students glanced in their direction, but otherwise stayed uninvolved. Minato was actually shocked that Ekoda hadn't intervened, thinking that the usually strict teacher would have no tolerance for bullying. Rather, he had just finished collecting his own things and left the classroom without even glancing in the girl's direction.
Minato looked back toward the group. He felt sorry for the girl, but it really wasn't any of his business to get involved. He had other issues to deal with anyway. It was better to take a cue from the other students and ignore them so he could head home early and prepare for-
"Alright, I think that's enough."
"Ah, hey!"
Minato blinked when a girl he recognized suddenly appeared and snatched the phone away from the delinquent girl.
"Real mature there, Natsuki." Yuko sighed, holding the phone away from the girl when she made a grab for it. Yuko stepped away and glanced down at the screen, shaking her head. She gave Fuuka a dry smile. "Don't worry about this, Yamagishi-san. This pic she took doesn't show anything. She was just trying to get a rise out of you."
Fuuka didn't answer, instead looking away from Yuko with glassy eyes and red cheeks. Yuko glared at Natsuki and her group before pressing a few buttons on the phone.
"And gone. You'll never make it as a photographer if you don't take better pictures." Yuko smirked, tossing the phone back to its owner who fumbled before catching it. "Now, don't you have better things to do?"
"Kuh! Nishiwaki, you…!"
"Uh-huh. Run along now." Yuko cut the girl off, waving her away. "Shoo, shoo."
Natsuki and the other girls gave her an angry look before they shoved past Fuuka and stormed out of the room. Yuko glared after them, shaking her head as they left. A girl with a pony tail nearby smiled at Yuko.
"Nice going, Yuko." The girl complimented.
"It's nothing, Rio. I'm used to dealing with her type." Yuko said. She turned to Fuuka with her hands on her hips. "Seriously though, Yamagishi-san, you really should try telling them off one of these days."
"I-I've tried asking them to stop plenty of times…" Fuuka said quietly.
"Well, I can't imagine them stopping if you just ask." Yuko sighed. "You should at least tell a teacher though…"
Minato recognized the dejected look that crossed the girl's face, evidence that particular avenue had yielded no positive results. Perhaps it explained Ekoda's indifference. After all, it was rare that the delinquent students ever listened to or were intimidated by a teacher's warnings. If they were cowed that easily, they wouldn't be delinquents.
"I'll be fine." Fuuka said, smiling at Yuko. "Thanks for making them go away, Nishiwaki-san."
"Mm… have a good one, Yamagishi-san."
"You too…"
Yuko and Rio both stepped away from Fuuka, who kneeled back down to finish gathering the rest of her things. Minato grabbed his back and met Yuko and her friend at the classroom door, greeting her before gesturing to Fuuka.
"She get bullied a lot?" Minato asked.
"She was singled out by Moriyama and her group a couple weeks after school began." Yuko told him. "I feel sorry for her. Yamagishi-san isn't the type to stand up for herself and Moriyama and her cronies get too much of a kick picking on her to stop. She's a little skittish and doesn't seem to have a lot of friends. She's at the nurse's office a lot, though I don't know if that's because she's got frail health or if she's really just trying to get away from the teasing."
"I see…"
"I've tried getting them to knock it off, but they don't listen to me." Yuko sighed. "I know what it's like to be the subject of bullying. It can't be any fun for Yamagishi-san…"
Minato said his goodbye's to his classmate at the shoe lockers as he headed home for the day. He pushed his thoughts on the event he'd just witnessed to the back of his mind as he focused on the immediate future, specifically on the impending ordeal he'd been warned about.
Mitsuru sighed as she stared at the large computer screen in front of her. The Dark Hour had already begun and she'd decided to use her time scanning the city. Mitsuru stared at the terminal intensely before taking a deep breath and closing her eyes.
"Penthesilea…"
Mitsuru quietly muttered the name of her Persona, invoking its power as she kept her hands on the terminal in front of her. She could feel her senses stretching out, a hazy picture of the area around the dorm appearing in her mind's eye. She could feel the presence of Shadows out there, crawling within the darkness. She could feel the presence of those asleep in their coffins, their consciousness' in stasis within the Dark Hour. Mitsuru tensed as she tried to stretch her senses even further, pushing her abilities to the fullest as she tried to get a clearer picture and expand her vision further beyond just the neighborhood. Mitsuru clicked her tongue when the image of the streets disappeared.
"As expected, I can't see any further…" Mitsuru sighed, leaning back her seat as the door opened.
"You're still at it?"
"Akihiko." Mitsuru nodded to him in greeting as he entered the room. Her eyebrows rose in surprised when she noticed the other person trailing behind him. "And Arisato?"
"Senpai." Minato greeted her before glancing at the terminal's screen. "So, this is what you use to monitor the city, huh?"
"Only the surrounding area." Mitsuru corrected, turning back to the monitor. "It also links to my motorcycle and can scan the area in proximity with it. Linked up with my Persona, it serves as our communication. Though you already know this."
"I thought that you couldn't scan outside of Tartarus. At least not very far." Akihiko said.
"Again, without proper augmentation the terminal and my bike provide." Mitsuru said. She gave a dejected sigh. "Honestly, alone I lack the power. There's a limit to what Penthesilea can do…"
"Even so, you've already gathered a lot of data based on what you and Ikutsuki said yesterday." Minato said, sitting down on one of the cushion chairs.
"That's more general knowledge. We still lack anything really specific." Mitsuru said. "Much about the Dark Hour remains a mystery."
"…I would think you'd know more than that." Minato pressed. "You're the daughter of the head of the Kirijo Group. They built our school and run it. Tartarus appears in the same spot. Is there any sort of connection."
Minato frowned at Mitsuru's hesitant expression.
"…I cannot say. Perhaps." Mitsuru said slowly. "If there's anything I'd let you know."
"…It's just frustrating that we're missing so many key details." Minato said, letting the matter slide for the moment. "We've been exploring Tartarus for weeks but other than climb higher and defeat Shadows, we really don't have a clear objective. At least not one that can be readily completed."
"Reaching the top and finding out the reason for the Dark Hour is definitely easier said than done, and we are missing a lot of clues…" Akihiko agreed.
"I agree with the both of you, but we've learned more than we have previously. Shadows and the Dark Hour aside, I'm amazed at how broad the power of Persona is." Mitsuru mused. "After all, Arisato… you and Runako both have an amazing ability. To be able to use multiple Persona and switch them in the middle of battle… it's been quite the ability."
"It hasn't been that long since you guys awakened too." Akihiko smiled. "You two have got potential. Yukari and Junpei too. You guys are-"
A burst of static interrupted Akihiko. Minato tensed as his upperclassmen turned towards the terminal, Mitsuru's hand flying over the keyboard as she quickly typed in commands.
"It's a Shadow!" Mitsuru proclaimed, eyes narrowing as she glanced at the readings being projected on screen. "And if this isn't another glitch… this shows that this one is much bigger than the normal ones."
"Yeah, you're right…!" Akihiko said, surprised at the readings himself. "This is…!"
"Like the one on that night, right?"
Both Mitsuru and Akihiko turned towards Minato, who's expression was solemn as he gazed at the screen. The two seniors glanced at each other before their eyes narrowed.
"I'll get the others." Akihiko said before dashing out of the room.
Mitsuru hit a few keys and an alarm wailed throughout the dorm. In a few minutes, all the SEES members were inside the command room, crowded around the terminal as Mitsuru addressed the group.
"We've detected a Shadow outside of Tartarus. While normally I wouldn't wake you all up for something like that, this Shadow appears similar to the one that appeared on the night Arisato and Runako awakened their Personas."
"So it's another big one?!" Yukari gasped, remembering the encounter with the large Shadow and how she had reacted to it.
"We believe so." Mitsuru said solemnly. "It is important that we defeat this one as soon as possible. While normal Shadows don't cause much damage, this large one could prove a threat to the city."
"Normal people don't remember what happens during the Dark Hour," Hamuko said thoughtfully. "If that Shadow destroys a building or smashes a street up and people wake up to that…"
"There would be mass panic." Mitsuru finished. "Obviously, that must be avoided at all costs."
"So in other words, just kick its ass before it does any damage!" Junpei said enthusiastically, smashing his fist into his palm. "Well, count me in!"
"Junpei, this isn't a game." Yukari said, worry etched on her face. "You weren't there that night. If it's anything like that other one…"
"It'll be tough, that's for certain." Akihiko said before smirking. "But that just makes it more fun."
"No, Akihiko. You'll stay here to wait for the Chairman and monitor our progress." Mitsuru told him.
"Wha…! Are you kidding?!" Akihiko sputtered angrily, rounding on Mitsuru. "I'm going!"
"You'll just get in the way!" Mitsuru said firmly, matching his gaze. "You still need to recover. Let them handle it."
"But…!" Akihiko protested, face twisting in frustration.
Mitsuru's expression softened. "Have faith in them Akihiko," She turned to look at the newest members of SEES. "They're ready…"
"…Dammit." Akihiko cursed, though his tone was resigned. "I guess I've got no choice…"
"Don't worry about it, Senpai! I'll take care of it!" Junpei boasted.
"We'll fight twice as hard in your place." Hamuko added.
"…Fine." Akihiko nodded at them before turning to Minato. "Well, I'll leave to you then, Leader."
"Ugh, him again…?" Junpei groaned. Any further protest from him was cut off by Hamuko driving her elbow into his gut.
"Good luck." Mitsuru said, also nodding to Minato. "I know you can do this."
"…We'll get it done." Minato promised, earning confident smiles from both Akihiko and Mitsuru.
"The Shadow should be at Iwatodai Station." Mitsuru said. "I'll need time to get prepared, so you four go on ahead. I'll meet you there."
"Be careful out there." Akihiko cautioned. "I'll keep watch over on this side."
"Guess this is ordeal the kid talked about." Minato thought to himself.
At least now he could stop worrying about the cryptic information. Now that the enemy had appeared in front of them, they could confront it. If this was supposed to be the ordeal, then they would overcome it together.
And so SEES deployed to take care of the large Shadow that had appeared.
~:~Velvet Theatre~:~
A blue room comes into focus, with a large clock looming above a gate overhead. The blue room in not just that, but appears to be an elevator of sorts moving up at high speed. There is no one else in the room save to two individuals dressed in blue to match the room's hue, one woman and one man. The duo smile and give polite bows, as if greeting someone.
"Welcome, to the Velvet Room." The woman greets. "I am Elizabeth, your favorite elevator attendant."
"And I am Theodore." The man greets. "Welcome, to Velvet Theatre."
Theodore's expression falters somewhat, showing his exasperation and slight embarrassment as he gives his sister a tired look.
"Forgive me for asking this, sister, but is this strictly necessary?" Theodore asks. He didn't mind indulging his older sibling from time to time, but this was…
"It is entirely necessary, my dear little brother." Elizabeth answers with a cheerful smile. "I am ever so bored, and with our Master gone and attending to other matters we need something to occupy our time. Are we not allowed to entertain ourselves?"
"Well, I'm not saying we shouldn't, but this is-"
"Furthermore, this will give us more appearances. We are prominent figures in this story and must do everything we can to stand out."
"…I'm not sure I understand."
"Perhaps when you are older then. Such a small imagination you have…" Elizabeth sighs mournfully before speaking aloud again. "Well then, as residents of the Velvet Room it is our duty to provide information on such matters as they are happening. It seems our guests are in the midst of facing their first ordeal."
"Indeed. I wish for both their safety and their victory, and have every confidence that they will emerge victorious." Theodore says, smirking a little. "…However, this is only the first of many ordeals to come."
"Of course. 'Twould not be much of a journey if this were to be their only challenge." Elizabeth says, nodding her head. "The relationships our guests have formed with other individuals have yet to bear any fruit as well. They must be given time to develop, and it would be very disappointing not to see them."
"Indeed." Theo agrees before smiling. "Of course, my guest seems to have a leg up on yours in that respect."
Elizabeth smiles sweetly at her brother. "Excuse me, brother, I'm not sure I heard you. Come closer and repeat what you just said."
Theodore takes a few steps away from his sister. "Well, I'm just saying. You can plainly see which of the two is more social."
"My guest is just a little shy. And he's made a few links." Elizabeth says. "Let's us post their progress so we can compare."
"As you wish."
Both siblings open up their Persona Compendiums and take out a piece of paper. They place it on the blue table in front of them for all to see.
Minato Arisato's Current Social Link Ranking:
Hamuko Runako – Fool – Current Rank: 2
Mitsuru Kirijo – Empress – Current Rank: 1
Akihiko Sanada – Emperor – Current Rank: 1
Kazushi Miyamoto + Yuko Nishiwaki – Chariot – Current Rank: 2
SEES Team – Judgment – Current Rank: 2
Hamuko Runako's Current Social Link Ranking:
Minato Arisato – Fool – Current Rank: 2
Junpei Iori – Magician – Current Rank: 1
Bunkichi and Mitsuko – Hierophant – Current Rank: 2
Yukari Takeba – Lovers – Current Rank: 1
Rio Iwasaki – Chariot – Current Rank: 1
Hidetoshi Odagiri + Chihiro Fushimi – Emperor – Current Rank: 1
SEES Team – Judgment – Current Rank: 2
"My guest's seven, to your guest's five." Theo says, smiling triumphantly.
"Of course. However, Keep in mind that this isn't a competition." Elizabeth says. "Our guests are two different individuals and have their own relationships. And this is just the beginning. There is still much in store for them."
"Indeed." Theodore agrees.
"…Well! I believe that should be enough for now." Elizabeth chirps, clapping her hands together. "We'll be doing this every so often to keep information up to date, so look forward to it."
"Er… sister? To whom are you referring and who exactly are we doing this for?"
"Oh Theodore, you honestly don't know?"
"I do not."
"My sad, ignorant little brother…" Elizabeth says, shaking her head. She smiles. "Well then, look forward to our guests' journey. This has been the Velvet Theatre. We will see you all soon, but…"
"Until then… farewell." Theodore finishes.
Both siblings bow.
"…Sister, I feel silly."
"Suck it up."
The room fades away...
A/N: Build up got too long and it seemed like a good cliffhanger so I left it off here for now. Chapter 10 will DEFINITELY be the Shadow battle. It can't be anything else at this point.
So, Minato finally got some spotlight since I've focused on Hamuko lately and he needed another link to match up with her. Bet you weren't expecting the Empress Link, especially not this early. Well, I certainly didn't want to wait until the final chapters to establish it! That's the beauty about not having to worry about gameplay and story segregation. It's why I can introduce Koromaru and Ken before they join SEES.
Those Velvet Theatre shorts will pop up every so often. They'll be used to keep Social Link info up to date and serve as info for Persona stats. Also gives me an excuse to have more fun with the Velvet Siblings.
Anyway, next chapter should come out relatively quickly since I've already got the Shadow fight written up. I fix up grammar later. Feedback is always appreciated and thanks all those who stopped by to read. Have a good one.
Kiiam