Disclaimer: I do not own Persona or Atlus, and everything I wrote here just for the entertainer.
Author Note: Yay, I'm back! As expected, there will be our cold and bold executive, Mitsuru! As for the surprise…khukhukhu…just read on to find out who it is! Oh yeah, there are two star-guest, so well…Enjoy the reading!
Chapter 11: Star Festival
Kirijo Corporation Main Headquarter.
The fresh air of early July found two redheaded in President Director Kirijo's office. The younger woman sat on a single-seated chair in front of the table while the older one stood near the large window at the back of the room, her back facing her daughter. She was silent as she listened to the younger one's report from the accident in Amada Manor.
"…And that is the end of it," the younger woman finished her report.
The President Director turned around and walked toward her table, picked the report documents which typed by the young woman. With a weary sigh, she seated herself on the comfortable chair of hers.
"So, this Shadows matter is more complicated than what I thought," she commented, read the sheets all over. "But at least Minato could predict their movements and plans. That's a relief…and yet all I can do is providing everyone with equipments."
"It's still quite helpful," the younger redheaded smiled, "Everyone seemed grateful for the weapons we provided. Even Tenshi-kun jealous with the quality of every weapon transferred into our condominium, saying 'how the heck they made a weapon with this metal', or something like that. I need to admit that our weapon development team did a great job at this."
Mitsuru laughed. "Well, Amada Corp concerned themselves in garments, foods, toys and daily need items. We ruled over almost every business in this world while they still only famed in this land, Japan."
The daughter chuckled and nodded as an agreement. "However, Mother…I think once Maou-kun replaced his father, the company will developing in incredible speed, knowing his ability in governing and management," she noted. "Also, he love to take challenge and risk. He will be a dangerous enemy for us."
"Hmm…I'll remember that, dear. This one son of Ken awed us, isn't he?"
"Yes, oh and speak of which," Karen lowered her voice, continued, "…I think he knew about me."
At that, Mitsuru paused and drummed her fingers on the well-crafted table. Karen leaned against her chair and waited for her mother's comment about this situation. Minutes passed, and the elderly woman finally spoke.
"Karen…don't you think it's time to drop the act?"
The heiress widened her eyes in shock. "What the—Mother! There is no way I can do that!" she protested, her fist clenched.
"No, listen; dear…" the Director rose to her feet and approached her daughter, "It can be a good opportunity to get rid off all those marriage application that sent to our manor everyday…"
"But I told them I don't like guys. I can't believe they are still insisted trying to propose me. I make a public announcement and big conference to explain that…"
"None believe in you. Some thought you were making excuse because you didn't ready to accept any men into our family, and some thought you have trauma with men and convinced that they can cure your phobic. None of them are true, but people believe what they heard and will always go after you if you give them hope like this."
Karen rubbed her chin and sighed, "I've tried my best convincing them about it, but they are so stubborn, Mother…"
"Yes, and they will be more stubborn in the Star Festival tomorrow…" reminded Mitsuru, caressed her daughter's silky hair.
At that, Karen widened her eyes. "I forgot…the Star Festival is near and I need to attend…" she sighed, heavier and more depressed than before, "They will try persuading me to marry one of them again…geez, there will be no end to this."
"I told you," the mother chuckled. "Oh and…give this to Minato."
The younger redheaded received an invitation card. She lifted an eyebrow. "You want him to come?"
"He's my old friend. There's nothing wrong inviting him to go into our Star Festival. Beside, I'm sure he will bring along the rest of the group. You don't mind if they join our festive, do you?"
"No, in fact they will make me more comfortable there," Karen smiled as she opened the unsealed invitation card. Minato's name was written there. "I still can't believe that Minato-san is your former fighting companion. He looks so young and yet he has much hidden behind that stoic face of his. Experience, abilities, wisdom, comprehension…I think I understand why people said, 'don't judge a book by its cover', huh?"
A graceful and sweet smile stole on Mitsuru's lips. "And he is a sweet talker too. So gentleman yet so rude at times…heh, even I couldn't figure out what's actually in his mind."
The younger executive nodded. However, as she thought over it, a bright idea came into her mind.
"This is it!"
"Star Festival on a cruise ship?"
Karen nodded. She had returned to the condominium to deliver the invitation for Minato. Everyone seemed amused with the idea of celebrating a festival on the company's private cruise ship, except Tenshi and Aigis. The invited man seated himself on his favorite sofa while the rest of the group gathered around him, tried to look at the invitation card.
"It's a party for nobles and many important people, isn't? I'm afraid I wouldn't fit into such party…" the navy haired man commented as soon as he finished reading the invitation.
"My Mother begged for you to come," she turned her head toward the others and smiled at them. "Everyone is invited too. I will be very happy if everyone participated in this festive. We rarely hang out together except going into fights and brawls, remember?"
"Wow, I will love to!" Arisu replied almost immediately.
"Me too... But sadly, I don't have any yukata or party clothes with me…" said Shou.
"Worry not! I myself will provide everyone with the clothes. Just tell me which color and what kind of clothes you want to have, and the garment will be ready at the day, tailored only by the best," replied the redheaded executive.
"Umm…I appreciate the help, but I think that's too--"
"Yukata!! I want yukata. Any color will do best for me. As for Shou-chan, I want her to have yukata too, and I think light blue and flower patterns will do best with her appearance," the black haired doctorate student cut her roommate's words curtly. "Oh, and pink will looks good on Aigis, don't you think so?"
"Huh? Oh well, I will wear any color you have for me…" complied the blonde android, didn't sure what she had said.
"Got it. How about you guys?" Karen turned her attention toward the males.
"I have my own yukata," retorted Tenshi plainly.
"No, I don't need too. I will wear my casual outfit," Ryuto smirked.
"Indigo," the leader remarked.
"Okay then…everything is noted," Karen pulled out her cellphone and called a number. She rose to her feet, intended to leave the room to talk with the person she called. However, before she gone behind the door, she said, "Ah, Minato-san…can you please come here with me?"
Minato's eyebrow lifted. He wondered why, but he gave a firm nod and the followed the redheaded came out of the room. As they came into the corridor, Karen started to converse with the person she called.
"Yes, I want you to hire the best tailor to make outfits for us…yes, yes. One light blue yukata with floral pattern, one pink yukata, one indigo yukata, and…" she paused and turned around to Minato. "…Which color do you think Arisu-chan will like?"
"…Green, perhaps?" the navy haired young man shrugged.
"And one green yukata. Use the best, oh and…the indigo one is for a man with medium size. The rest is for women…yes…yes, thank you."
She closed the call and let out a deep sigh. The pale man folded his arms and lifted an eyebrow. "So, I'm here only to state my opinion about Arisu-chan's yukata?" he asked jokingly.
"No," the redheaded smiled. "I'm here to have an urgent proposal with you. I will be pleased and honored if you agree with this proposal."
"I need to know what you propose at before I decided to agree with it."
Karen nodded. She approached him and stared back at those sleepy eyes before bowed and said, "Please, become my fiancé!"
"What?"
"Become-my-fiancé," she repeated, as she stood tall perfectly once more. Her eyes pleading yet determined to make him agree to do this request.
Minato, managed to compose himself after hearing such strange proposal, remarked, "And why I need to be your fiancé?"
"Well, you see…as you know, there will be many important people, and the major of the invitees are men who planned to marry me. Up until now, I've used many ways to avoid them, such as refusing politely until telling them I'm not interested with males at all. However, they are very stubborn that they keep trying to please me with gifts and jewelries or priceless valuables. For your information, I'm not joking when I said I don't like males.
"So, to avoid them and make everything clear that they don't have any chance to posses me, I want you to be my fiancé. I'm sure they will give up once they know my heart have been stolen by you. Just for one night, please pretend to be my fiancé. Please, I beg you!"
"I'm sure you're pretty famous because I need to admit that you're very beautiful," the navy haired leader said. "Furthermore, you are the sole heiress to Kirijo family's fortune. With those facts, I know no men in this world that will not take interest to you. However, with that same fact, I know you need a husband so you will have children who can continue the company after you. Yet, you refuse to accept any men who came to propose you. May I know why?"
Karen sighed and waved her hand in the air, annoyed. "I told you, Minato-san. I-don't-like-men. I'll think a way to have someone succeed after me, but that is future problem. Our problem right now is to find a way so those filthy men get their hands off me during the festival. I need your help. If you don't want to help, then say so. I will find someone that will help me with this."
Minato folded his arms. He looked at Karen, up and down, searched for something wrong with her. He said nothing for quite awhile and the redheaded almost let go of her hope about this request, before he nodded and said,
"Very well... It'll be my honor to help you."
"Good! Then the act will start as soon as the men surround and flatter me at the festival okay? Once the festival over and we hop off from the ship, we can stop the act," the stubborn executive smiled happily, "I owe you. You may ask me for anything, as long as I can do it."
"...For real?"
"For real. If you wish, I can do it right here and now."
"Well, there is something I wished for…"
"Please, just tell me. A Kirijo will always repay any debt they have."
"…Please protect Mitsuru."
Karen widened her eyes. Those amber orbs stared back at his dark eyes, and found nothing but strong determination. The same determination that was reflected in each of his convincing words. Now she knew why her mother and his old friends believed in him so much. The woman smiled again and nodded.
"Sure. I promise I will protect Mother," she said firmly.
Minato nodded. "Well, now we solve the problem…let's eat."
"Oh, I bet Aigis cooking for Cream Croquette. I saw her took the croquettes from the refrigerator…"
"You know…I think you should stop 'betting', for the sake of your own luck…"
July 7, the Star Festival Day.
A black long jaguar, which escorted the S.O.A.R. members, had arrived in Odaiba Seaport. They could see large ships docked everywhere. One of them was a ship with KIRIJO CORPORATION imprinted on the ship's body. A stair had been prepared to let the group ascended into the ship. A certain black haired woman couldn't help but to feel enthusiasm as she stepped into the wide deck.
"Whoa, this is so huge!" she exclaimed. "I never had been in a ship as big as this before!"
"The party will be commenced at 7 PM. You may take a rest in the cabin meanwhile we waiting for the guests to arrive," explained Karen.
"Sweet. I think I will explore the whole ship after this," Ryuto turned around to Shou, "Anyone coming with me?"
"No, thank you. I prefer to take a rest in the cabin," replied the turquoise haired girl. She walked toward the cabin, and Arisu tailed with her.
"I agree…I remember every inches of this ship because Karen-san always invited me to this party every year," added Tenshi, walked off followed by Aigis behind him.
Minato shrugged and followed them into the cabin. The black haired boxer folded his arms and pouted, "Fine. You guys not fun at all." And he too went into the cabin.
The girls were having the same room in the second floor, while the guys stayed in different single-suited rooms in the first floor. Soon after Minato put down his bag, which contained the yukata that Karen ordered at the day after before, he came out of the room. He could see Ryuto had disappeared into the deck, starting his exploration. Tenshi maybe tried to take a nap before the party in his room. Without anything to do, Minato decided to look around.
The ship was very big that you can lost if the signboard never around. So far, Minato had found dancing hall, dining hall, primary kitchen, the bridge and engine room. According to the map, there still more place to find but he was too tired to continue the exploration. He sat down and bought a soda from the vending machine that he found not too while ago. As he refreshed himself, he saw a large man with pale blond hair walked in the corridor. It seemed he was searching for something.
Minato stayed silent and watched the man looked at right and left, continued his search. As he noticed that the navy haired guy had stared at him for quite a long time now, he approached him and, strangely, smiling.
"There you are! I thought I had lost you," the man said.
"Excuse me?" a cobalt eyebrow lifted.
"Stop wandering around all by yourself. I don't know how to contact you if I lost you…hnn?" he paused and leaned toward Minato, observed his countenance. He gasped as he realized that he talked to the wrong person. "Oh, sorry! I guess you're my friend…but you're a MAN."
"It's okay. But I don't know there's someone that actually have face as stoic as me."
The man laughed. "Heh, it's not like that. It's just that…she tends to stay expressionless and zoned out when she deep in thought. She also has the same hair and eye color as you do. Did you see anyone that looks like that?"
"No, I haven't seen anyone since I came out of my cabin."
"I see," the other man sighed. "She have a big curiosity to almost everything, so I'm not very surprised if she goes exploring this ship alone. Anyway, thanks for telling me. If you by any chance see her, tell her that Kanji searching for her and she must wait in our cabin, okay? See you."
Minato nodded as he saw the man left. For some reason, his eyes couldn't let go of that man's figure. Something had attracted him, and he still tried to figure out what is it. He could saw that he is a strong man, just like his appearance show. But there was something greater…dwelling inside him. Thinking that he was too much guessing, Minato shook his head. He swallowed all of his soda and threw the can into the thrash bin, then continued his exploration.
The night has fallen, the invitees have arrived, and the ship has left the dock. The feast is ready to start anytime by now. Passengers had gone onto the deck, where they talked to their colleagues about either their fashion or businesses each people handle. Meanwhile, some certain girls still busied with their dress code for the festive.
"Oh no…how can I tie this sash…?"
"Hang in there, Shou-san…I'll help you."
"Oh hey, where is your getas? …You seriously don't think you can wear sport shoes while you wear yukata, don't you?"
"I told you, I never wear any yukata since I'm ten, I've forgot everything about it!"
The boys of the group had donned themselves in their clothes. As they approached the girl's room, they could hear some noisy voice came from inside. Looking at each other, Minato gestured for a certain black haired to check. Ryuto knocked the door and said, "Hey ladies…are you ready?"
"Wait! Let us fix Shou-chan's obi first!" replied a cheerful voice.
"Shou-san, don't move, I can't tie it…" spoke the calm voice.
"But!" the pleading the voice of a certain tomboy girl chimed.
"No buts!"
Tenshi chuckled. "Looks like there's someone not used wearing yukata inside…"
"I hear that!" the tomboy girl's voice rang.
Soon afterwards, the girls came out of their room. The males couldn't help but to awe seeing them in yukatas. Aigis and Arisu seemed pleased that the three guys had zoned out seeing them in their best performances, while Shou still felt a little awkward wearing the traditional clothes.
"Well! What do you think?" asked Arisu, broke the silence.
"You girls looking…great," commented Ryuto, at loss of words.
"I never saw you in yukata, Aigis…you looks very beautiful," flattered Tenshi.
"Thank you," Aigis smiled nicely.
"Didn't like yukata too much, Shou-san?" inquired Minato.
"You bet. I can't walk freely when I'm wearing this…" Shou muttered sadly. "But never mind that. Where is Karen-san?"
"I'm here."
Everyone turned their attention toward the stairs, which led into the engine room. They could see the redheaded waved to them slightly. The group approached her. Karen was wearing violet yukata and she had her hair braided up high into a ponytail. She, however, felt nervous at the time.
"Everyone ready?" she asked. They nodded. "Let's go."
They ascended into the deck, where the festival will commence. In several hours, the wide dock had turned into a large party hall where the high-end people gathered and chatted with each other. Shou could see faces she saw in popular programs. Ryuto could name some politician names that attended the party as well. They couldn't help but admit that the Kirijo was a very strong faction that they could have made those famous people came into their party.
"Wow, I feel like I'm out of place here," commented the black haired doctor.
"Yeah…what should we do?" asked her turquoise haired friend.
"Spread out and enjoy the festival, I suppose," replied Minato.
"Sure. Mitsuru-sama will appear soon to give small speeches about this party," Aigis noted.
"Speak of Mitsuru-sama…" the black haired boxer shifted his gaze at a certain redheaded who stood behind the blond gynoid, "What are you doing there, Karen?"
Karen hushed him. "Sssh...! Don't speak aloud, or else--"
"Ah, there she is! Karen-sama…!"
The young redheaded gasped. Aigis and Tenshi quickly dragged Arisu, Ryuto, and Shou away from Karen. A group of noblemen in various age approached her in a rush. The blond humanoid realized that she hadn't brought Minato along with her. The stoic guy trapped there with the executive daughter, surrounded by the hyenas.
"Karen-sama! Have you received the China porcelain from me? I bought it special for you."
"Karen-sama! Did you try the dress I've sent to your manor last month? I asked the best to tailor it for you."
"Karen-sama! What's your opinion regarding my invitation to spend summer together at Hawaii? Did you accept it?"
"Karen-sama…!"
"Karen-sama…!"
Karen didn't reply. Instead, she grabbed Minato's arm and pulled him a little closer toward her. The navy haired guy took that as a cue. He sighed quietly before looked sharply at those men who tried their best to gain his partner's attention or interest.
"Please excuse us. My woman doesn't like your pressures," he said, loud enough to make the men heard his declaration.
"Who? Your woman?" one of the men, who was wearing black tuxedo laughed, followed by the mocking laughter of his fellow businessmen. "Karen-sama is not your woman, dude. As far as we tried, she never received any proposal from rich guys like us. And you dare to claim her as yours? You got nerve."
"But she is," Minato kept his expressionless face and continued, "Just the other day, I came to her place and proposed her, and she received my simple gift to her."
"And what is your gift, which could win her heart but not with ours?"
"True love," Karen replied, gained everyone's attention once more. "He presented me his love, and I can see he sought not my family's fortune, but my love. Beside…I'm in love with his magnetic eyes," she gazed at those deep dark eyes.
Ryuto whistled, "Wow, is that true?"
"Wait, but I thought she already had a fiancé?" Arisu furrowed her eyebrows.
"It's just an act," Aigis lowered her voice as she informed the group. "Her fiancé was currently away and couldn't attend this party. So instead, she asked Minato-sama to disguise as her partner."
"I see," Shou muttered as she stared at the trouble couple. "I guess being a wealthy person have its negative side too."
"I'm more concerned to the poor guy who needs to help rich people like them."
"Yes…huh?"
Everyone turned their attention and found a man with bright blond hair stood beside them. The man who was encountered with Minato at his exploration now had donned in his black and white yukata, stood stall as he watched the busy crowd ahead. The youths raised their eyebrows as they tried to recognize this man but fail miserably.
"Who are you?" asked Tenshi, curious.
"Not a very much important person, if that's what you ask, kid," the man replied. "So, that guy is your friend, huh? That pale guy?"
"Yes. Did you know him?" interrogated the blond servant, alerted.
"Well, we were just acquainted several hours ago. He looks similar with my companion that I mistook him as her. Oh, speak of her…did you see a woman in dark blue yukata passed by? She looks like that friend of yours."
"A woman? No, I guess not," answered Shou quite heartily.
The large man sighed. "I guess I need to search for her again. Ah, can you please tell her that 'Kanji searching for her', if you meet her by any chance?" he requested.
"Sure."
"Thanks. Sorry for bothering you guys. See you," the man bowed gratefully and went away, disappeared in the crowds of invitees.
"A woman that looks like Minacchi," Arisu giggled at the mere thought of it. "She must be a sleepy woman like him."
"Who knows?" the black haired boxer shrugged. He turned his attention toward the group of men, which still surrounded Minato and Karen. He then caught a glimpse of red walked toward them. "Uh oh. Poor guys, they're in trouble now."
The others frowned, confused by Ryuto's statement. However, as they laid eyes upon the mess over there, they finally understand what he meant. As Minato and Karen struggled within the vicious hyenas who tried to separate them away, either by harsh words or by forceful pulls, a certain woman approached them.
"What's with the racket?"
Everyone turned his or her attention and found none other than Kirijo Mitsuru herself, stood nearby. She wore red and black yukata and her hair tied up high into a ponytail. She almost looks like the older version of Karen. Her elegance upbringing faded as her expression showed uneasiness and anger as she watched the men who surrounded her dear daughter and her former fighting companion.
"How dare you making a meaningless fuss in my festive," the President Director kept her icy stare toward the businessmen who tried to win her daughter's hand. "I hope there is an appropriate reason behind all this, unless I'm forced to bring down proper punishment to you."
"Beg forgive, Kirijo-sama," the man in black tuxedo started. "But this man claimed to be Karen-sama's fiancé. We never heard that she had engaged."
"Ah yes…of course you never. He was just proposed Karen several days ago," Mitsuru smiled at none in particular. "We have no chance to tell the public about it. Beside, Karen herself didn't want this news exposed to the world. She said it wasn't a big deal."
"And indeed it is," Karen spoke, "It makes me embarrassed, for the world-wide to know about my privacy. But I do plan to tell everyone here that I've engaged with Minato-san today."
There were some complaints stated only among themselves, unbelief words and disappointed murmurs. Karen took this chance to get out of the crowd, moved to the side next to her mother along with Minato. Mitsuru winked at them secretly before turning around and ascended on to the small stage that had been prepared for her.
"We're very sorry for the delay, because there is a small problem that some certain people caused to my lovely daughter," the older redheaded said as she stood before the stand microphone, which was placed in middle of the stage. "Before we set sail and enjoy the trip to watch the beautiful sky tonight, I request your utmost attention for the announcement that about to be told from my daughter, Karen. Karen, if you please?"
The executive daughter nodded. She walked toward the stage as Mitsuru stepped aside, accompanied the seemingly sleepy guy who decided to play no part right now. Every invitee watched her as she took glance of the hopeless hyenas that hungered for her wealth before returned her attention toward the guests.
"Greetings, ladies and gentlemen... Welcome to the Star Festival by Kirijo Corporation," Karen showed her fake smile. "Tonight, I will clarify my status as the heiress of Kirijo's family fortune. As many of you knows, people thought that I'm free, having no love bound to me. That is why, countless men from many ranks tried their best to win my heart, but with no avail. They thought I'm buying times by avoiding them, and thus they relentlessly tried to catch my hand.
"However, from today and day afterwards, I am no longer single. For I, Kirijo Karen, had engaged to my true love. A man that I know destined for none other and me only. That is why, I begged, for your own safety, stop hungering for me, as I made it clear crystal that I pay no interest to other guy than this fiancé of mine."
The rejected males grunted, but didn't lay any protests, as they knew fully well never to object a Kirijo words. Her words were final, and they had given up proposing her. With head hung low, they merged into the crowds and decided to stay until the feast is over. Karen smiled at this and nodded.
"That is all. Now I give the podium to my mother, Mitsuru. If you please, Mother...?"
Mitsuru nodded and ascended on to the stage once more, replaced Karen's position. "Now that problem is solved, please enjoy the party."
The audiences clasped their hands, as the President Director descended from the stage. Minato gave one of his rarest smiles to his former girlfriend.
"Good job, Mitsuru."
"Why, thank you. You did great too, acting as a proper fiancé for Karen," she returned the compliment.
"That's only success because I was once did the same thing with you."
The head of powerful company's face heightened in color. Karen giggled. She had heard the story that happened between the man and her mother over twenty-five years ago, and she knew very well that her mother still have a little interest toward him. Being a good and mother-loving child, the young redheaded dismissed quietly from the sweet nostalgic conversation and approached her friends.
"Why did you here?" asked Arisu, who was drinking a glass of non-alcoholic champagne.
"Giving my mother some precious time with him," replied Karen nonchalantly, took a glass of wine from the walking attendants. "He's her precious friend, you know."
"You don't say," Shou chuckled. "But, don't you think those guys who tried to propose you will find it cliché? Your fiancé talking to your mother…"
"You can always use the excuse 'he tried to please his soon-to-be-mother-in-law'," reasoned Tenshi, attracted merry laughter from his older friends.
"Oh, that's right. Do you want to see the stars from special seat? I have the ticket to the place," the redheaded smirked.
"I think I'll stay here, thank you. I'm sure soon there will be people trying to engage conversation with me…" the brunette refused politely. And no sooner than that, he spotted a group of politicians waved their hands to gain his attention. "See? Now, if you excuse me…"
Tenshi approached the people, followed by Aigis. They quickly entered heavy conversation that including the current political flow, financial situation, and monetary conditions. Another group of important people waved their hands toward Karen, and she too forced to leave the group.
"So, there's left three of us," Ryuto folded his arms. He smirked toward the girls. "I'm forced to keep my eyes on you, ladies."
"It's more like we're forced to be with you," mocked Shou wryly, made her girl friend laughed at the shocked face the boxer made.
"Ah, excuse me…"
The three turned their attention and saw a blue haired woman, wearing blue jacket and long black trousers, approached them. They were a little surprised, as she looks very similar with a certain friend of theirs, except that she is a woman and have short figure. She carried folded clothes in her hands, and she seemed a little worried.
"Uh…may I help you?" asked the turquoise haired girl politely.
"Yes…did you see a tall and big man with pale blond hair in black and white yukata?" the woman queried. "He's my partner in this party…"
"Oh, so you're the one that he mentioned!" the doctor wanna-be clasped her hands. "We saw him, and he said to hold you here if we find you."
"Just as I thought," the woman sighed. She handed over the folded clothes to Shou, and explained. "I just want to return this to him, and tell him that if he dares trying to make me wear this silly yukata again…he will regret the consequence."
Though confused, the battle-maiden accepted the cloth and nodded. "Uh…okay?"
"Wait, you look familiar…" Ryuto eyed the woman.
"Ryuto-kun, don't try to flirt troubled woman like her!"
But the black haired man paid no heed. He kept stared at the woman, and she gazed back at those curious black eyes. Finally, he recognized her. "Oh I know you! You're Shirogane Naoto, that famous private detective woman! I heard you've solved many difficult cases! To be blunt, I'm a big fan of yours!"
The newly introduced Naoto nodded slightly. "Indeed. But I'm here to enjoy the banquet, so…"
"You didn't accept request for autographs?"
"No."
"Oh what a pity…"
"Anyways," Naoto looked at Shou. "Please give it back to Kanji. And do tell him what I told you just now."
"Sure thing," the Literature student nodded.
The detective woman bowed gratefully and left the group of youths. Arisu turned her head toward the still-astonished Ryuto and the confused-looking Shou. "Shouldn't we try to find that Kanji guy and give him this cloth?" she suggested.
"I guess…" the other girl replied dumbfoundly.
Meanwhile, Mitsuru walked together with Minato toward the upper deck, the 'special seat' that Karen talking about. The view was beautiful indeed. The stars could be seen clearly from there and the sounds of wind that accompanying the pair became a perfect harmony tonight. However, the expression of the navy haired guy was still, as expected.
"Karen supposed to bring her friends here, but…" the President Director looked down toward the deck where the feast commenced. She could see glimpse of red hair and violet yukata talked between elderly businessmen and businesswomen. "I think she's too busy."
The young man turned his head slightly, noticing the sadness in his former fighting companion's voice. "Mitsuru, may I ask you something?"
"Sure, Minato. As long as I can answer it…"
"Karen is not your biologic child, is he?"
At that, the redhead looked back at her companion. His countenance was still the same as ever, but she knew he was concerned and serious about it. Let out a deep sigh, she finally nodded.
"She isn't. I found her when I traveled to Sweden in a business trip and brought her to Japan with me so she could be my foster daughter," Mitsuru replied. "Did Aigis tell you?"
"No…I'm just speculating," Minato looked up, stared at the stat-studded sky. His voice was soft but firm. "There is no way a child can be so similar with her parent. There are only two possibilities: she's either a clone of you or not truly your biologic child that happened to share similar face. And…"
"And…"
"You didn't marry anyone yet. I just can't think that Karen is a child out of wedlock. It was too…far-fetched, for you."
The woman laughed as she clasped her hands. "Very good Minato. You never fail to amaze me," she commented, pressed her impolite chuckles to her best. "Then, did you know why Karen doesn't like men?"
"I do…it's because—"
The booming voices of colorful fireworks sunken his words. Everyone in the ship looked up to the shinning sky, admired its beauty. Mitsuru smiled, as she knew she had made her guests impressed with the little show. Even Minato took his time watching the fireworks. It has been quite a long time since he saw this kind of event, and he wished to keep the splendid sight in his memory, just in case he will leave soon.
When the last fireworks shot and disappeared on the sky, the couple could hear sounds of clasping hands from where the audiences gathered. There were also merry cheers, congratulating the success of this festival. The President obviously felt proud of this and her companion complimented about it too. However, something came across to her mind.
"Shouldn't you return to your duty?" asked the redheaded suddenly.
The navy haired guy nodded. "I guess I should…see you soon."
"Yes, see you soon."
Minato bid himself, intending to meet Karen and pretending to be her fiancé again. Mitsuru let out a small sigh and walked over to the edge of that upper deck. Her eyes pointed at nothing but the view of dark sea in this beautiful night. A satisfied smile stole on her lips. However, that smile soon perished as a strange and scary voice startled her.
"Kirijo Mitsuru, possessor of Artemisia…"
She turned around, alerted. She saw nothing in that place. "Who are you? Show yourself!" she shouted, but still quite low, that none on the deck below could listen to her harsh voice.
"I am here…to take the light of thee soul…"
A hysterical scream could be heard throughout the ship. Everyone stopped their chats with their companions, stunned, as they were sure that the voice belonged to none other than President Director Kirijo Mitsuru. Karen startled and accidentally dropped the glass of wine in her hand, broke it into pieces.
"Mother!" she exclaimed in panic.
The executive daughter ran almost immediately as a constant reaction, intended to see her mother. All invitees started to murmuring, worried about Mitsuru's condition and thinking for the worst possibilities. Minato gave signal to Aigis, who obliged and went to the podium, reached out for the microphone and spoke,
"Everyone, please don't be panic. Everything is under our control. But for safety guarantee, please go back to your room and stay inside until everything is clear. Guards, please evacuate them to the cabins and don't let them wander around on the decks!"
At the gynoid's command, the guards that had been hiding appeared and obeyed the command she gave. All guests went into their respective chambers, didn't dare to stay out while the situation wasn't safe. Once everyone entered the cabins, Minato led the youths to go after Karen. They went to the upper deck, where sound of shotguns could be heard.
There, they could saw the gunner filling her ammos, preparing for another set of attacks. Turning their head, the group could saw their enemies. There was the same wolf-like Shadow, which they met before, Garm. Behind the wolf was Mitsuru, tied with black tendrils that came out of nowhere and slowly drained her energy. Beside the creepy tendrils was a woman with long messy dark hair and tattered black clothes. The youths could see that she had blue skin, which made her appearance more terrifying.
When the woman turned to face her 'guests', she smiled, and the Persona-users could feel a strong wave burst out, shook their body slightly. The female Shadow opened her mouth, but there was no voice came out. Instead, she used telepathy to talk with them.
"Welcome, inheritors of Aesirs," she spoke. "My name is Hel, Queen of Helheim, and Goddess of Inglorious Dead. I am here to extinguish the flame of thy soul."
Author Note: Ohoho! Finally, Hel appeared in this fic. I've planned to make her appear ever since I started this fic, and I think it's the right time to let her show up. Next will be another set of fights and such…but because I will have pre-final exam at the end of this month, I will not update for quite a long time, but I won't stop this fic! Don't worry. Expect Kanji and Naoto to have some actions in the next chap, hehehe…See you and…review please?
