Not very much to say, so I will get straight to the point. This chapter is yet another Memory Retrieval mission, and I decided to add two memories into one chapter, since the first memory was kind of short. And I apologize ahead of time if Teddie seems...ugh. I now realize that coming up with intentionally lame puns isn't as easy as I thought. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Persona or its characters
~Labyrinth of Memories~
The whole team entered the Labyrinth a while ago, with Ryoji leading them from corridor to corridor.
"What memories are we going to see, this time?" Yukari asked.
Ryoji looked at her. "I honestly don't know...this place can be very unpredictable."
Yukari frowned. 'Like that was a lot of help...we already knew that!'
Ryoji kept walking, and halted at a door. The door read "Memories of Our First Encounter", followed by the name "Shinjiro Aragaki".
"Hahaha, I see that this is the door leading to Minako's first encounter with Shinjiro-san." Ryoji smiled.
Yukari smiled nostalgically. "That was back when we went to visit Akihiko-senpai in the hospital..."
Junpei smiled as well. "I can't believe it's been so long since then. We were still newbies, right, Yuka-tan?"
Shinjiro stepped forward. "...Whatever. Let's just get this over with."
Ryoji nodded. "If you'll be so kind...?" He pointed towards the door. Shinjiro grunted slightly and turned the doorknob. And yet again, another wave of memories began to engulf the team...
Memories of Our First Encounter...
Minako was sitting at her desk, when the school bell rang. As she was getting up to leave, Junpei walked up to her.
"FYI, Akihiko-san's at the hospital getting a check-up. He called me earlier, and asked me to bring him something. Yup, he knows who to count on." Junpei said proudly.
Minako couldn't help but chuckle. Yukari overheard the conversation, and walked over to them.
"He only asked you cuz cause you don't have anything else to do after school." Yukari told him.
"H-Hey, I resent that." Junpei stuttered.
Yukari giggled. "I'm just kidding. So, what'd he want you to bring?"
"The class roster for 2-E." Junpei said.
"What's he want that for?" Yukari wondered. "...Well, I don't have practice today, so I'll go with you. You're coming too, right?" Yukari asked Minako.
"Definitely!" Minako smiled.
"Cool." Yukari said.
Junpei sighed. "W-Wait a minute..."
Yukari looked at him. "What? Is there a problem?"
"Well, it was ME he asked..." Junpei grimaced.
~Tatsumi Port Island Memorial Hospital~
Minako, Yukari, and Junpei walked down each hall. Junpei was leading them.
"Are you sure you know which way you're going?" Yukari asked, annoyed.
"I-I'm sure, don't worry!" Junpei said hastily.
Minako began looking around. "Why don't we just pick a door and open it?"
Yukari and Junpei looked at her.
"Wouldn't that be...kind of rude, Minako?" Yukari asked.
Minako shrugged. "We're already lost. Just ask someone in one of the rooms for directions."
Yukari sighed. 'Sometimes, I would love to know how her mind works...'
Junpei finally lost his patience. "Awww, to hell with it!" He ran to the nearest door, and opened it. When he did, there was a young man staring back at him. He had brown hair and gray eyes, and wore a burgundy pea coat and a black beanie. He was staring coldly at an intimidated Junpei.
"Umm...is...Akihiko-senpai...in this room...? By any chance?" Junpei asked hesitantly.
The man continued to stare at Junpei. Minako and Yukari fought their way around Junpei to get inside the room.
"Geez, Stupei! Why'd you stop in the middle of the doorway?" Yukari yelled.
Minako poked Yukari's shoulder to get her attention. Yukari then turned to see who Junpei was staring at. As the man stared back at them, Yukari recoiled behind Junpei.
Just then, Akihiko emerged from behind the curtain hanging in his room. He looked surprised when he saw the three teenagers in his room.
"What are all of you guys doing here?" Akihiko asked.
"We came to see you." Minako smiled at him.
A faint blush appeared on Akihiko's face. "I'm just here for a checkup." He smiled.
"Is that it, Aki?" The young man asked. His face was void of any emotions.
Akihiko turned to face the man. "Yeah, thanks."
The man grunted. "Tch...I don't have time for this shit." He was heading for the door. Junpei and Yukari swiftly moved out of his way, obviously intimidated by him. However, Minako didn't move. As the man was about to leave, he stopped in front of her and looked at her.
"You..." He began.
Minako looked at him, and smiled gently. "...Yes?"
The man looked like he was deep in thought, as if pondering something over. "...Nevermind." He then walked out of the room. Minako looked back at the direction he left it. She giggled.
"Wh-Who was that?" Junpei asked.
Akihiko looked at him. "A friend from school...sort of. You know how the number of Apathy Syndrome cases has been increasing? Well, he knows a few people who are suffering from it, so I was asking him about it. Hey Junpei, did you bring what I asked?"
Junpei grinned. "Of course, Senpai!" He handed the senior the class roster for 2-E.
Akihiko smiled. "Sorry for the trouble. Well then, let's get going!"
"Uh, you shouldn't move your arm..." Junpei told him.
"It's nothing." Akihiko said seriously. "I've wasted enough time already. I need to get back to my training."
Yukari stepped forward. "By the way, Senpai, why boxing?"
Akihiko looked at her. "You mean, why did I choose that sport? Well...it's not the sport itself I like; I just want to learn how to fight." All of a sudden, his face saddened. He looked down at the ground. "I know what it's like to feel powerless...and I don't want to feel that way again." He looked back up at them, fire burning in his eyes. " Besides, I'm curious to see how strong I can get. It's like a game, only I'm competing against myself."
Junpei scratched his head. "That's an interesting way of looking at it. You know, I'm into games, too..."
Yukari frowned. "Yeah, VIDEO games."
"Oh, but I like fighting games too." Junpei said passionately.
"...Whatever." Yukari sounded more annoyed than ever.
"I like video games, too!" Minako said cheerfully. That caused Yukari to give her a surprised look.
"Haha! See, even Minako-tan likes games!" Junpei smiled widely. Junpei put his arm around Minako's shoulder, and gave Yukari a peace sign. Minako smiled widely as well.
"Ugh, I swear, you two should go out with each other...the two of you are so alike it's almost frightening." Yukari frowned.
While Junpei and Minako were laughing at Yukari's remark, however, Akihiko had a somewhat painful expression on his face. Minako noticed it and turned to looked at him.
"Are you feeling alright, Senpai?" Minako asked with a concerned face.
Akihiko looked at her. "Huh? Oh, yeah...I'm fine." He smiled sadly. "Well, let's go, then."
Minako nodded. "C'mon, 'boyfriend'!" She giggled.
That caught Yukari and Akihiko off guard. Junpei and Minako began laughing at them the whole way back to the dorm...
...
...
Memories of Our First Encounter, End...
Everyone opened their eyes. The memory had become etched into their minds as everyone began to regain their consciousness.
"Wow...Minako-san seems...cheerful." Yosuke smiled.
Yukari nodded. "She was always like that...sometimes, though, I wondered if she really was cheerful, or if she was just covering up her sadness..." She smiled sadly.
"Hey, this is Minako-tan we're talking about, here!" Junpei yelled. "She's cheerful by nature!"
"...By the way, Senpai..." Fuuka began. "Why did you stop and look at Minako-chan on your way out of the hospital?"
Shinjiro looked at her. He began to ponder something in his mind.
"Isn't it obvious? That was when he first fell in love with Minako-san!" Rise smiled. "It's like a forbidden love! So romantic...right, Senpai?" She held onto Souji's arm, tightly hugging it against her chest. Souji's face turned slightly red.
"..." Yukiko just glared at Rise.
"..." Shinjiro stared at Rise. "...Hell no."
"...?" Ken looked at Shinjiro. "Then, that's not when you fell in love with Minako...I mean, Minako-san?"
Shinjiro began thinking again. '...That wasn't it...I felt as if I've seen her before...long ago. But where...?'
"Shinji!"
The sound of Akihiko's voice snapped Shinjiro back into reality.
"...Ryoji has something to say." Akihiko told him. Shinjiro looked at Ryoji.
"As I was saying..." Ryoji continued. "I believe we have time for one more memory retrieval. We should get going, though, or else it will be too late."
Everyone nodded, and followed Ryoji down more corridors. It was then that another door appeared in front of the team. This time, it was entitled "Memories of Our Second Encounter". And once again, it had the name "Shinjiro Aragaki" right underneath the title.
"Second encounter, meaning..." Yukari and Junpei remembered that event. It pretty much scarred Junpei, so how could he not remember it?
"Well...?" Ryoji said to Shinjiro. Shinjiro walked up to the door, and opened it.
...
Memories of Our Second Encounter...
Minako, Yukari, and Junpei were standing beside each other right by the door.
"...Alright, let's get going." Yukari smiled.
"What's your hurry?" Junpei grimaced. "...I still think this is a bad idea. I mean, bringing two girls THERE is like wandering into a lion's den with steaks strapped to my face..." He looked at Yukari. "How could you be afraid of ghosts, but not be scared of this...?"
"It's easy to get freaked out by something you can't see, don'tcha think?" Yukari said.
Junpei had a serious look on his face. "Actually, I'm more worried about things I CAN see...like bats and knives!"
Yukari sighed. "Big deal, so it's a little 'dangerous'..." She smiled again. "Come on, it'll be an adventure!" She walked out the door.
"More like a suicide mission." Junpei yelled in her direction.
"Adventure time!" Minako yelled, pumping her right arm into the air.
Junpei looked shocked. "Huh? You're actually excited about this?"
...
~Back Alley, Evening~
When they arrived at the back alley of Port Island Station, there were a bunch of delinquent-looking young men and women hanging around each other. They all looked up to look at the three juniors walking towards them.
"...The hell?" One punk yelled, glaring at the three juniors.
"Check out those rags...they're from Gekkou High." Another punk told everyone.
Junpei flinched. "Oh man, this is worse than I thought..."
The first punk stood up. "Hey, you. I think you're in the wrong place."
Junpei recoiled from the punk. "Uh...well, I..."
"You don't belong here...get it? Beat it, Goatee..." The punk said smugly.
"G-Goatee?" Junpei's eyes widened. "Oh, y-you mean me..."
"We don't need your permission to be here." Yukari said angrily.
"H-Hey! Are you nuts?" Junpei yelled, pulling on Yukari's arm. "Take a look around you!"
Yukari frowned. "I'm not blind, ya know." She looked at the back alley folk. "Come on, don't be intimidated by these scum!"
"What was that?" The first punk yelled, obviously angry.
A young woman wearing heavy makeup stood up next. "She just called us 'scum'. We'll post some pictures that will make her daddy cry! She'll wish she was never born!"
The other girls she was hanging around with began laughing insanely.
'...Ugh.' Minako winced at their laughter.
"These guys are the worst..." Yukari said angrily.
The first punk glared at Yukari. "You oughta learn to shut that trap of yours." He turned to face Junpei. "Man, I feel sorry for you, Goatee. This bitch is a pain in the ass...huh!" Right then, the punk punched Junpei in the stomach.
"Ugh!" Junpei collapsed on the ground.
"Junpei...!" Yukari kneeled down to help Junpei.
As the other punks began walking toward Yukari and Junpei, Minako stood in between them.
"Get outta the way, bitch!" One punk yelled.
Minako didn't budge. She just glared at them with anger in her eyes. "Don't you dare touch them!"
"Minako...don't...!" Yukari yelled.
"You're asking for it...!" Another punk swung at Minako. Minako swiftly dodged the punk's fist, thanks to her sharp reflexes. However, at six punks to one girl, the odds were against her. One of the punks grabbed a hold of Minako's shirt collar.
"Nngh..." Minako struggled to get free from the punk's grip.
"Minako-tan!" Junpei yelled.
The punk was about ready to punch Minako in the stomach.
"Minako!" Yukari yelled.
"That's enough."
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice. Minako recognized who's voice it was almost immediately.
Just then, the same young man from the other day walked onto the scene. He had a serious scowl on his face.
"They didn't know what they were getting into. I'll make sure they leave. Alright?" The man asked calmly.
The first punk looked angry. "Who do you think you are, dumbass? You want some too?" He swung at the man, but he easily dodged. The man then grabbed hold of the punk's shirt and head-butted him, causing the punk to fall to the ground.
"Shit!" The punk gasped. "You just crossed the line! You think you're going home alive?"
"Sure do...wanna give it a try?" The man said with a rather...intimidating look on his face.
The man flinched. "Uh...s-screw this..."
The girls who were hanging around with the punks began to laugh again. "What a loser!" One chick yelled.
"Damn you, Shinjiro..." The second punk yelled. "That's right...you're from Gekkou High too, aren't ya?"
The first punk stood up, clutching his head in pain. "You better grow eyes in the back of your head!" And with that, the punks ran off. The girls they were hanging out with left as well.
Junpei managed to stand up onto his feet. "Oh man, Senpai, that was awesome!"
"Hey, I remember you...you clowns were in Aki's room at the hospital." Shinjiro said. He then got angry. "You idiots! Get outta here, this place isn't for you." As he was about to walk away, Yukari cut him off.
"Wait!" She yelled. "We came here for a reason!"
Shinjiro looked at Yukari, then at Minako. "Did Aki tell you to come here?"
Minako shook her head. "No..."
Shinjiro grunted, then proceeded to sit down on the steps. "What do you wanna know? About that ghost story?"
Yukari was surprised. "Um, yeah...how'd you know?"
"It's a rumor." Shinjiro told them. "Those girls who wound up in the hospital were here talkin' shit every night...about all the things they'd done to some girl named Fuuka."
"Fuuka...? You mean Fuuka Yamagishi, from 2-E? They were picking on her?" Junpei asked.
Shinjiro continued talking. "That's why people are saying it's Fuuka's spirit that did it."
"Fuuka's spirit...? Wait, what do you mean by that?" Yukari asked, confused.
"You guys don't know?" Shinjiro looked almost surprised. "This Fuuka girl might be dead. She hasn't been home in over a week."
Junpei looked shocked. "Are you serious? I thought she was out sick...but, she's missing?"
Yukari sighed. "So much for the ghost story. Mr. Ekoda is the homeroom teacher for 2-E, right? Does he know about this...?"
Shinjiro looked down. "I get it, Aki...still trying to make up for the past. It's you who can't let go..." He murmured.
"...?" Yukari looked at Shinjiro, as did Minako.
Shinjiro looked up at them. "...Nothing." He stood up. "That's all I know...satisfied?"
"Thank you very much!" Minako smiled at him. Shinjiro looked away from her gaze.
"...I didn't do nothing." Shinjiro said. Minako saw a faint blush appear on Shinjiro's face.
"Um, thank you very much. You even gave us a hint...you're very kind." Yukari smiled.
"Huh?" Shinjiro asked, almost as if he thought he heard her wrong.
Yukari recoiled. "I, um...never mind."
"Tch...don't come here again." And with that, Shinjiro walked away.
Junpei collapsed back onto the ground. "Ok...we are NEVER doing that again!"
Yukari sighed. "It wasn't that bad..."
Junpei looked angry. "Easy for you to say! You weren't the one who got punched in the stomach!"
As those two were fighting, Minako gazed back in the direction that Shinjiro left.
'He's not what everyone else thinks he is...' Minako thought. 'I can sense it: he's building up a wall in between himself and others...to hide the sorrow and pain he's feeling...I saw it in his eyes...'
After that, they decided to return to the dorm.
...
...
Memories of Our Second Encounter, End...
Once again, the team opened their eyes. Junpei was clutching his stomach.
"Ugh...I swear I felt the pain from that day a second time..." Junpei winced.
"I'm sorry...you guys went through all that because of what happened to me..." Fuuka frowned.
Yukari looked at her. "It's not your fault, Fuuka...we were just helping a friend in need!"
"If punks like those were to surround me, I'd give them a good ass-kicking!" Kanji yelled.
"...I think that would only cause more problems." Chie frowned.
"Besides, they were surrounded by almost a dozen guys! How would you have dealt with all those people?" Teddie asked.
"Tch...a real man wins a fight, no matter the disadvantage!" Kanji said proudly.
Teddie began thinking very hard. Finally, as if a light bulb went on in his head, he pointed his furry paw at Kanji. "Kan-jection!"
The younger generation groaned. Even Souji looked annoyed. The older generation just stared at Teddie.
"...Doesn't he remind you of someone...?" Junpei asked Akihiko, his eyes wide in disbelief. "I mean...with all those lame ass puns..."
Akihiko groaned as well, knowing full well whom Junpei was referring to. "...Just let it go, Junpei..."
"Well, I'd say that was a fairly productive evening!" Ryoji smiled. "What shall we do tomorrow, before the next mission?"
Everyone sighed.
"We might just take it easy...we're tired." Yukari said. Fuuka seemed to agree with her.
Junpei, however, looked like he still had energy left. "If the girls are too tired, I say we have a guys only day tomorrow! Whaddaya say?" He swung his arm around Ryoji's shoulder.
"That's sounds like fun!" Ryoji cheered. "Who else is in?"
"I think I'll pass for tomorrow...I need to train for the next mission." Akihiko said.
"Sorry, I think I'll pass as well." Ken told them.
"Oooh I'll join in!" Teddie yelled.
"That sounds like a plan." Yosuke said, smiling.
"...Hmph." Souji smiled, then nodded in agreement.
"Well, if Senpai's going, count me in." Kanji smiled.
"..." Naoto remained silent. She wasn't sure if she should ask to join them or not, considering how she's biologically not a male. Souji looked in her direction, then smiled softly.
"Hey...is it alright if Naoto tagged along?" Souji asked. Naoto looked surprised.
"H-Huh? But she's a girl!" Junpei yelled.
Naoto didn't take that comment too well. "...Excuse me?"
Junpei's eyes widened. "Oh, s-sorry...I didn't mean it in a bad way..."
Souji sighed. "It's a long story...so, can she join us, or not?"
It was Junpei's turn to sigh. "Alright..."
Naoto smiled slightly. "I thank you, Senpai." She blushed slightly. Souji smiled back.
"Well then, I guess we have plans!" Ryoji cheered.
And with that, Junpei, Ryoji, and the others they made plans with walked off together. Yukari and Fuuka walked off as well, tired from the mission. Ken also left.
"Come on, Yukiko, don't let it get to you so much..." Chie said with a concerned tone.
"...What do you mean...?" Yukiko said. She had a pissed off look on her face.
"Uh...nevermind." Chie looked scared, but continued to follow Yukiko as she left. Rise ran after them.
"...I'm going to get some sleep." Akihiko said. "I'll see you tomorrow night, I guess..." And with that, Akihiko left, not even catching a glance at Shinjiro.
Shinjiro sighed. 'When will you ever grow up, Aki. We're not kids anymore..'
Aigis walked over to Shinjiro. She hadn't spoken at all since the mission began, so when she poked Shinjiro's shoulder to get his attention, he jumped a little.
"...Oh, it's you, Aigis..." Shinjiro said, regaining his composure. "...Whaddaya want?"
"You seem to have known Minako before you met that day...otherwise, you wouldn't have stopped to look at her..." Aigis said calmly. "Tell me...where did you meet her before?"
"..." Shinjiro stared at her. "...The hell should I know?"
Aigis looked at Shinjiro, then up to the stars. "...Minako-san is probably looking down upon us right now...do you think she knows the answer to your question?"
"..." Shinjiro remained silent.
"...I assume you're not going to hang out with the others, right?" Aigis asked. "If you like, I would love to hang out with you tomorrow."
Shinjiro looked at her, his eyes widened. "Why would you want to hang out with me?"
Aigis looked at him. "Like you, I too felt a strong bond between myself and Minako-san...one that I never wanted to let go. We both share the same goal: to revive Minako-san with all of her memories intact." She began to walk towards the stairs. "...Think of it as a...bonding experience. If you would like to meet with me, meet me at the Iwatodai strip mall." And with that, she left.
Shinjiro scratched her head. '...Hmph. It's not like I can refuse. I just hope this won't end up biting me in the ass.' Shinjiro then left the rooftop as well...
I loved the second memory, when they go to the back alley. Awesome Shinjiro moment right there. You'd think that his head would hurt from head-butting someone, but Shinjiro is just too badass.
As for the lame pun I came up with for Teddie, I came up with that as a fusion of his lame "Kan-jecture" joke during the King's Game episode of P4, but I made it into "Kan-jection" instead, to resemble "Objection!". I made a reference to the Ace Attorney series for the DS. Namely, the way Phoenix Wright does it. I love those games haha. (For the record, I don't own Ace Attorney, either.)
Anyways, I hope you liked this chapter! Next chapter will be both a guys day out (plus Naoto), and a separate time of Aigis with Shinjiro. I can almost sense the sparks flying (almost). I thank those who have still been faithful in reading my story! And please review!