Welcome to the eleventh chapter!
This is the next day, when she returns to school... and when Junpei joins the team.
Hope you enjoy!
Thanks to Angelo DeLuca for editing!
I awoke in my bed. I smiled, pulling my phone off of my nightstand. I had a text message waiting.
Shinjiro: Hey, heard you were in the hospital. You OK?
It took me two seconds to reply.
Aria: Normally you don't ask a person who was in the hospital if they are okay, hah. But I'm fine now. Just lost control, again. Ended up collapsing.
I rolled out of bed and put on my uniform when Shinjiro texted back.
Shinjiro: Ouch. Well, it's good you're awake. Aki was freaking out.
I snickered, replying.
Aria: That doesn't surprise me. When I came back last night, both Marcus and Akihiko-senpai were trying to smother me with things like water and such to make sure I was alright. XD It made me laugh. Akihiko-senpai is also injured, he cracked his ribs or something like that.
He obviously didn't have a reply, since he didn't text back. I walked down the stairs, chipper. I don't know why. Maybe Shinjiro had something to do with it, I don't know.
"Hey, Sunshine," Akihiko was sitting at the table, drinking coffee. "Morning, Senpai," I replied. Marcus smiled at me. "Pancakes for breakfast," he stated. "Ooh, yum," I stated, sitting. "You seem happy," Akihiko raised an eyebrow at me. "Well," I tilted my head in mock thought, "there's nothing to be upset about, right now at least." I chuckled. "Are you saying I should be glum and depressed about what happened?"
"No," Akihiko stated, setting his mug on the table, "but, lemme guess. All this extra cheerful energy is because Shinjiro talked to you this morning, right?"
"He did," I beamed, "how did you know?" Akihiko shrugged, "'cause I know you," he stated, sipping his coffee.
A plate of pancakes were placed in front of me and Akihiko. "Yum!" I stated, digging in. "Thank you, Marcus," Akihiko said, also picking his fork up to eat.
"Good morning," Yukari stated after coming down the stairs. "Morning, Yukari!" I greeted her energetically. "...you're energetic today," Yukari said, stunned. "It's normal, after what's happened," Akihiko stated, winking at Yukari. "Ooh... right," Yukari giggled. I placed my fork down. "Alright, what are you two hiding?" I asked, smirking.
"No~othing," the two of them said at the same time. In perfect sync. I almost laughed. "Here's your lunch, Miss Aria," Marcus set the red cloth-covered lunch box in front of me. "Thank you," I said, standing.
"Ready to go talk to the coach?" Akihiko asked, standing. "Of course," I replied cheerfully, taking my lunchbox and walking towards the door. "Bag," Yukari tossed it at me. I grabbed it right by the handle. "See you at school!" I said, waving.
Akihiko and I chatted about boxing as we went to school together. I could see a few of his fan girls glaring at me, but still didn't dare coming near. Junpei caught me at the gate. "Good morning!" he greeted me, "You were out for a while. What happened, get a stomachache?" I laughed along with him. "It's not something to worry about, Junpei," I replied, "I'll see you in class, okay? I have to go see Coach."
"Okay, see ya!" he said, slapping high-fives with me and walking away. "Classmate?" Akihiko asked. "Yep," I replied with a smile, "he's a very... energetic person. Kind of like I am now."
"I... see," Akihiko said, frowning slightly. I was about to ask, but then I didn't. I figured whatever Akihiko was thinking, he would share it if he wished. It was a long, silent walk to the boxing ring. The moment we walked in, Mr. Kurosaki greeted us with a 'good morning' and concern for both of us – Akihiko for his injury, me for my just getting out of the hospital..
"You able to continue being manager, Emmerson?" the coach asked. "Of course, coach," I replied cheerfully, "it's too much fun to relieve the post to someone inadequate."
"Good," the coach stated, "then after school today, show up." I nodded. "Actually, coach," Akihiko stated, "we're supposed to report to the dorm early. Issues have come up." I glanced at him. This was the first I've heard.
"I see," the coach said, "then I'll manage today. I'll expect you here tomorrow, Emmerson." He glanced at me meaningfully. "Of course, coach," I replied with a bright smile. "Now go to class," the coach shooed us away.
The rest of the day went by with a blur. After checking in with the gymnastics coach, I went home with Yukari.
When I walked into the dorm, I smelled something good. I walked into the kitchen and saw bunch of different finger foods – snacks, such as nachos, chips, salsa, and a cracker and cheese platter, and a veggie tray. "Prepared much, Marcus?" I asked my butler, who was washing his hands. "You'll see why," was all he said.
I tilted my head in confusion. "Hey, Aria," Yukari said, "something wrong?"
"Ah, no..." I replied, turning away from the kitchen, "come on, let's do homework in my room." And we walked upstairs to my room, working on homework.
When night fell, Yukari and I went to the command room. Akihiko and Mitsuru were talked to each other about something when we entered. Marcus was setting up the finger foods he had collected on the coffee table. "We're here!" I said cheerfully, sitting on the couch. "The Chairman will be coming soon," Mitsuru said, looking at us.
"Oh, okay," Yukari stated, taking a seat next to me. "Did you talk to the gymnastics coach?" Akihiko asked me.
"Indeed," I replied, "he said he's happy to see me back on my feet and is happy that I'm still willing to do gymnastics. What exactly did you tell them, Senpai?"
"I told them you collapsed from exhaustion," Akihiko replied, "which isn't a lie. I just never told them from what."
"It looked like we're all here," Mitsuru stated. "You can come in," Akihiko looked up at the door.
"Hold yer horses... this is freaking' heavy," said a familiar voice. My skin tingled. I knew who it was before he opened the door.
Junpei walked into the command room, lugging behind him a large suitcase on wheels. He looked really happy. "Whassup?" he asked, grinning at us.
"J-JUNPEI?! What are you doing here?" Yukari was on her feet, gaping at Junpei. "I bumped into him the other night," Akihiko stated, "he has the potential, but he just awakened it to his recently. I told him about us, and he agreed to join."
"YOU have the potential?! For real?!" Yukari seemed about to blow a fuse. "Calm down, Yukari," I said, pulling her down onto the couch again.
"He found me cryin' like a baby at the convenience store, surrounded by a buncha coffins," he stated, "I don't remember much, but man... that's embarrassing!"
"That's normal for the first time," I stated, "all I could remember was running from the Shadows." I chuckled. "If Senpai hadn't opened the door when he did, I probably would've been devoured by the Shadows."
"Yikes," Junpei said, "you got lucky." I nodded, smiling.
The Chairman walked in just then. "Ah, you're all here," Ikutsuki beamed at all of us. "Hello, Ikutsuki-san," I smiled. "Are you alright now, Aria?" Ikutsuki asked me. "Yes, I'm alright now," I replied, "thank you for your concern."
"Alright then," Ikutsuki clapped his hands together, "before, it was just Aria, Mitsuru, and Akihiko for persona-users. That number has now jumped to five."
"Six," I corrected, "or did you forget Mr. Silent over here?" I tugged of Marcus' arm. He had been silent all this time, and it kind of made me worried. "But Mr. LeBurne doesn't want to join in the battle," Ikutsuki stated, "for reasons that are his own. So I do not necessarily count him."
"...I'll fight," Marcus stated, "if that's what Miss Aria wants." He looked at me. "It'll be easier on all of us," I replied with a smile.
"Alright then," Ikutsuki stated, "six it is. So, from today on, I wish to start the exploration of Tartarus." I clapped my hands in excitement. I've been wanting to go into the tower for a long, long time.
"Tartarus? What's that?" Junpei asked. "It sounds like toothpaste."
I don't know what it was – maybe the way he said it, or if it was the hilarious look on his face, I just stated laughing. "What's so funny?" Junpei asked. "You haven't seen it?" Yukari asked. "Seen... what...?" Junpei asked.
"It's no surprise, since it only appears during the Dark Hour," Ikutsuki stated. "The Dark Hour?" Junpei looked so confused, it made me just laugh harder.
"Just like the Shadows... exciting, huh?" Akihiko got that glint in his eye that was always there when he was talking about fighting, "You can think of it as a Shadow nest, of sorts." I smiled slightly. Akihiko was always passionate when it came to fighting... never knew why, though. "Akihiko! Why are you always like that?" Mitsuru scolded, "You just got hurt the other day!"
"Now, now, he does his work well," Ikutsuki stated. "Alright, let's go," I said cheerfully. "...will you be accompanying us, Mr. Chairman?" Mitsuru asked.
"I'll stay here," he replied, "As you know, I can't summon a Persona. I will, though, treat myself to these snacks." He reached for a chip as he spoke. "Don't eat too much, or you'll get fat," I snickered, skipping out of the room.
Junpei was asking questions about the Dark Hour and the Shadows while we were walking. I was talking in hushed tones to Marcus about the exploration of Tartarus.
"You didn't have to come along, you know," I whispered.
"You said yourself, it'll be easier with me there," Marcus stated, rubbing his wrist, "though I do not plan on entering the tower myself. I'll be at the entrance, awaiting your return."
"Then how do you plan to help?" I demanded. "Simple," he replied, "I have superior healing abilities. Miss Yukari can do well during a battle, true. But I can help outside of battle."
"...I see. So you didn't plan to fight at all," I replied. Marcus nodded silently.
We had arrived at the gates to the school by then.
"This is it? THIS is the place? Why HERE?" Junpei demanded. "Just wait a few moments," Akihiko said, "it's almost midnight."
I looked at my watch. Click... click... click... click.
I looked up at the school, smiling. "It's Midnight," I stated. Before our eyes, the school transformed, going up and up and up and up...
After a few moments, before us was a large, glittering green tower. I could feel adrenaline going through my body.
"This is Tartarus," Mitsuru stated, "the labyrinth that appears during the Dark Hour."
"What happened to our school?!" Junpei demanded.
"Things return to normal when the Dark Hour ends," I said, knocking Junpei in the head, "think, doofus. If it didn't, wouldn't that cause a great panic?"
"Thinking is too difficult for someone like Junpei," Yukari said with a grin. "And when he does think, he thinks with his..." I started, but Marcus covered my mouth. "That's enough, Miss Aria," he stated.
"That's mean, you two," Junpei complained over Yukari's giggles.
"Let's go already," I said, removing Marcus' hand, "last one inside is a rotten egg!" I started running towards the entrance, laughing. "Hey, get back here!" Yukari followed, also laughing.
We entered the entrance, me and Yukari laughing. "Woah, cool!" I said, looking around. "It's... kind of creepy," Yukari stated, also looking around. "This is just the entrance," Mitsuru stated, "the labyrinth lies beyond those stairs."
"Before you go in, we're appointing a leader," Akihiko stated, stepping forward. "Ooh, one of us?" Junpei jumped up, "Me me me! Pick me!"
I could see Akihiko about to do a face palm. IT made me giggle.
"Aria, you're in charge," he looked at me. "Why her?" Junpei asked. "Well she has fought them before..." Yukari stated. "Seriously?" Junpei looked at me, wide-eyed.
"That's true, but there's another reason," Akihiko stated. He pulled out his evoker and pointed it at his head. "Can you summon your persona without any problems, like she can?"
"Y-yeah, of course I can!" Junpei said. "I think so," Yukari didn't look so sure. I remembered how hesitant she was at the battle against the Magician and I patted her shoulder.
"These are Shadows you are fighting against," Akihiko stated, "without your Persona, you're screwed."
"I'm aware of that," Yukari replied, grimacing. I smiled, patting her shoulder again. "We'll be okay," I said, cheerfully.
I glanced at Marcus. He was staring off at something. "...Marcus?" I asked. He jumped and looked at me. "Forgive me, Miss Aria," he said with a bow, "come back safely."
"...right," I said, frowning. He was acting so... strange lately. I wondered what was wrong, but I guess it was something he didn't want to talk about. So I grabbed my naginata and walked up the stairs, followed by Junpei and Yukari. Junpei was bouncing like a little kid, beaming. Yukari just looked nervous.
And so, we entered the labyrinth.
As I entered, I looked around. The walls were shiny, gleaming brightly, a light green. Blood was on the floor here and there. My stomach churned, and I felt dizzy. "After two years of this, you'd think I was used to seeing blood," I stated, rubbing my temples.
"Can you all hear me?" Mitsuru's voice echoed inside out heads. "Woah, is that you, Senpai?" Junpei asked. "...yeah, we can hear you, Senpai," I stated. I shot Junpei a look.
"It sure is creepy in here," Yukari stated. I could see her inching towards me slightly for comfort. "Be careful," Mitsuru said, "you can expect to encounter enemies at any minute in here. I'll do what I can to help."
"You mean, you can see inside here?" Junpei asked. "It's my Persona's ability," Mitsuru stated, "I'd like to join you, but the interior of Tartarus changed form day to day. So outside support is imperative."
"Alright, Senpai," I said, gripping my weapon, "let's get going, shall we?" I started walking forward...
"Another enemy!" I warned. We had already encountered several during this trip. It was starting to irritate me.
"Look out, Junpei!" Yukari yelled. Junpei barely dodged an attack from one of the Mayas that were swarming us. "Maragi!" I yelled, pulling the trigger on my Evoker. Small explosions appeared all over the place, hitting the Cowardly Mayas right in their weak spot – their mask. They howled and clawed the air as they disappeared.
"...is everyone alright?" I asked. Yukari looked exhausted, and Junpei was no longer bouncing around. "...yeah," Yukari stated, striding forward.
"That's strange..." Mitsuru stated, her voice echoing.
"What is?" I asked.
"Normally there are more Shadows on the prowl," she replied, "it seems safe enough, so why don't you split up the party?"
"...okay..." I said, looking at Junpei and Yukari. "Look for an access point," Mitsuru commanded, "it's a small, square platform that glows green. It'll instant transport you back to the entrance."
"Okay then," I replied, "split up and look for the Access Point."
Junpei and Yukari nodded, running past me. I fell to my knees, shuddering. My head was spinning. I wasn't tired, per se... I was just sick from seeing all the blood around. It made me feel rather queezy.
"I found the access point!" Yukari stated. "Then let's get out of here," I replied, standing.
A few moments later, we were at the entrance hall. "Welcome back," Mitsuru stated, walking forward, "so how did it go?"
"Piece of cake... except for seeing the blood," I said, wincing inwardly. Mitsuru patted my shoulder. "As long as you've gained confidence in yourself as a leader, that's the best thing you could have achieved," she replied.
"Man, I never knew I had that kind of power!" Junpei was grinning. "But damn... I'm beat..." he squatted down, taking deep breaths..
"That's because you were bouncing around like a little kid," Yukari stated with a laugh. "Yeah, but you look pretty tired yourself, Yuka-tan," Junpei glanced at her. "I'm still catching my breath, actually..." Yukari smiled a little sheepishly.
"That's the effect of the Dark Hour," Mitsuru stated, "you'll become fatigued more easily."
"I'm used to it by now," I stated, looking at the other two, "but you two will have to work to overcome your weakness." I smiled a little. "I'm sure you'll be fine, though."
"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence," Junpei said with a groan. "Come on, let's get back," I said, extending my hand to him. I couldn't help but feel like everyone grew closer because of this... it was nice.