A/N: As usual, a key is in place:

#...Izanagi

$...Nestis

Chapter 12: A Serenade for The Lost

Friday, April 15, 2011

"Y-You guys came baackk!"

As I exit the television, Yosuke in tow, we come face to face with a very teary-eyed Chie, who from the looks of things has been standing guard in front of the TV for a good hour or so.

"Whoa, Chie! What's with that face?" Yosuke asks.

In response, Chie throws the coil of rope that was supposed to the life-line directly at Yosuke, knocking him off his feet.

"The nerve of you guys! You are such morons! The rope got cut off, and I had no idea what to do. And the store clerks wouldn't leave me alone! I thought I'd never see the two of you again!" Huh. To be honest, I'm surprised she stayed. I would have left.

"I was so worried! I mean scared stiff, dammit! I hate you both!" And with that, she takes off running, never looking back. Yosuke slowly gets back to his feet, watching her run off. Finally, he turns to me.

"Uh, I think that was kinda, sorta, maybe our fault. We should probably apologize." Well, at the very least, she didn't go for a nut shot, so that's an improvement.

"We should apologize to her later." If I wasn't so tired, I would point out that it was your idea to charge in. I wanted to stay out here where it was safe. One thing is certain though. I will not be returning to that mad world.

"I'm going to head home, soak in the shower for a bit, and then head to bed." Yosuke wears a weary grin. "I think...I'm going to sleep well tonight." Lucky you. While you can sleep peacefully, Yosuke, I'll be trying to forget about the pain I felt when I almost incinerated my own arm. And for you of all people...

"I'll send you an email later, since you don't have a phone. Later!" With that, Yosuke walks away as well. Looking down at my watch, I notice that it's almost dinner time. I walk out of Junes to a nearby bus-stop. According to the schedule, the next bus will take another ten minutes. I sit down on the bench to wait, and my mind drifts.

'Why? Why did I allow myself to get wrapped up in all this? At first, I thought it would be nice to make a few friends, and when Chie and Amagi started talking to me, I was over the moon. And yet somehow, in the span of just a week so many insane events have happened.'

# "Have you forgotten the words of the man who resides within the car? Destiny will chase you down, even if you do not wish to accept it."

'Screw destiny! It isn't something that I decided on for myself. The fact that Yosuke thinks that he is capable of speaking for both of us, especially when he was completely unconscious during the entire ordeal with his shadow is unfair!'

$ "Indeed. Humans have always allowed their selfishness to dictate their actions, even when it comes at the cost of another's freedom. What is important here is finding what you desire."

'What do I desire? I want to get out of this madness! I came to Tokyo because I got accepted to Nihon University. I just want to finish my four years, and then leave. There is not-' Before I have a chance to finish that thought, I'm startled by the sound of a man speaking.

"Are you going to get on this bus or not? I'm not waiting any longer!"

Lost in my thoughts, I hadn't heard the bus pull up. I quickly jump up, and after apologizing repeatedly, I quickly take a seat, and stare directly ahead, doing my very best to avoid the eyes that I know must be watching me.

As the bus pulls away, I remember that I have four stops till I get off. Although I am doing my best to keep my eyes open, the exhaustion from earlier is finally catching up to me. I close my eyes. Just a few minutes can't hurt...

()()()()()()()()()()

# "Souji!"

'Wha?'

# "Souji!"

'Leave me alone. I just want to sleep a few more minutes...'

# "GET UP YOU FOOL!"

'Gah! What? What is... Oh no!" As I blearily rub my eyes, I look out the window and stare at towering skyscrapers that vanish past the roof of the bus. This is most definitely not my stop. Looking at the next stop displayed on the sign at the front of the bus, I am now traveling through Shinagawa, meaning I am at least eight stops past mine. I slam the button to alert the bus to stop, apologize again as I get off the bus, and now stare at a sea of humanity as it walks in all directions, oblivious to my plight.

"H-how did I l-let this h-happen?" I ask as I sigh quietly. This wouldn't be so bad if I had a phone I could use to call Uncle and ask him what to do. All I have on me is my wallet, with a phone number to call in case I get lost. Apart from that, I am completely alone. I don't even know which bus I am supposed to take to get back home!

I dejectedly start walking, though I'm not exactly sure where I am headed. Maybe I can find a map or some sort of guide book that can tell me how to get back. But after ten minutes, I'm no closer to finding a map, and now I have no idea where I am. All around me are gigantic skyscrapers that seem to go on forever. Directly in front of me is an impressive hotel, well over fifty stories tall. An ornate circular driveway sits underneath a beautiful roof, with gold inlays over clear glass. Two doorman hold a set of doors open for obviously wealthy individuals. But it's the name that catches my attention. In large letters, it reads "Amagi Hotel, Resort, and Spa."

Amagi? As in Yukiko Amagi. I'm hesitant to enter, remembering Playboy's warning, but I'm out of options, and getting desperate. I enter, hoping maybe I can ask them for directions. After all, it's not like I'm going to bump into her, in a city as large as Tokyo is.

As I enter the lobby, I catch quite a few stares from guests in expensive looking suits and beautiful dresses. Obviously dressed in regular clothing, it's clear I don't belong in this environment.

'I promise, as soon as I get directions, I'll get out of here. So please, just stop looking at me.'

As I'm thinking these thoughts, I'm stopped short by the sounds of a haunting piano melody coming from what appears to be a lounge that is right next to the entrance. As I look inside, I see a large grand piano with a kimono wearing pianist sitting at it. I've never heard anything as melodious, as sad as what I'm hearing. I notice that I am not the only one being moved. There are lots of people sitting in the lounge, and quite a few have tears streaming down their faces.

The song continues, and I'm rooted to the spot, unable to do anything but listen till the end. As the piano continues to play, I try to see who is playing. All I can see from where I stand are strands of black hair that reach past the shoulders of the person playing. Even though I want to get back quickly, I feel almost compelled to stay and listen.

Finally, though sadly, the song ends, and the applause is thunderous, echoing across the lobby, and probably out into the street. I was hoping to maybe catch a glimpse of the performer, but the piano is immediately swamped by the people who were listening earlier. From the din, I think they are hoping to get some autographs. After a few are signed, the rest are shooed away by security, and the person finally stands up, and walks towards the lobby. I let out a sharp gasp when I realize it is Yukiko Amagi. I didn't think that I'd be meeting her here. She notices me, and walks over.

"U-um, did you perhaps hear that? I normally don't play, but my father insisted. We have a large group of visitors from out of town, and the hotel wanted to make sure that they were well taken care of. Um, I guess it really wasn't that good, huh?"

I'm surprised by the fact that she is even speaking to me, and just as shocked that she can play so amazingly. I finally open my mouth.

"T-that was a-amazing. I've n-never heard someone p-play so well before! W-what was that c-called?"

"O-oh, that? That was Rachmaninoff's prelude op. 23 no. 10. Um, my piano teacher always told me that the classics are really important. And, um, thank you. Really, it wasn't anything special. I think that everyone just says that to be nice. To be honest..." Here she pauses. She shakes her head, and resumes. "What I mean is, uh, are you getting used to college? I know Tokyo can be a little confusing for someone who isn't from here. It can be confusing even for people who've lived here their whole lives." She lets out a small chuckle.

I realize that we are having this conversation in the middle of the lobby, and that quite a few people are listening. Amagi seems to notice this, and turns to me.

"P-Perhaps we should take a seat? There's a table there behind the potted plants." We take a seat, and I'm glad to note that I'm concealed from prying eyes. Amagi looks down, and then looks at me.

"S-So, how are you finding Tokyo? Is it interesting?"

"To b-be honest, T-Tokyo is more than j-just a little confusing..." How do I say anymore? Even though I experienced it, I still can't believe everything that just happened today.

"It must be difficult, moving to a new place. I wouldn't know though. I've lived here my whole life." As she says this, my eyes flash gray and blue once more. Why?

"Oh! Are you getting along with Chie? I wouldn't know since I have to leave college so often..." Here she looks saddened once more. A memory of Chie hurling a length of rope at Yosuke and telling us she hated us returns.

"Uh... I t-think we are?"

"Chie has always been a really good friend, you know? It was her suggestion that I take up the piano. She plays guitar, and she always gives me that little extra push that I need." I'd say that you were talented in your own right. Just as I'm about to say something, my world flashes. When I look, I realize that I'm seeing not just gray, and blue, but green as well. My head starts throbbing. Thankfully, it ends quickly.

Just what is going on?

"Oh! Are you alright? If you don't mind me asking, how did you end up here? This place is pretty far away from Junes."

Now I remember! I got lost and needed directions.

"U-Um, I took t-the wrong bus." No way am I telling the truth! "I'm a-actually not sure just h-how to get h-home."

"Oh! I see. That makes sense. Do you have the address? I might be able to give you directions."

I hand the paper over that uncle provided for me with the house address. Amagi looks it over, and then glances up.

"There's a bus stop outside our hotel that will lead you to this address. Just stay on for six stops, and you will get home."

"G-got it. Thank you."

"N-no, it's nothing. Um, I need to finish some other chores. It was nice talking with you. I'll see you in class on Monday." We get up and Amagi bows to me. I only know manage to properly look at her, since I was doing my best to avoid making eye contact. She's wearing a pink kimono that looks amazing. Playboy's face flashes in my mind, and I banish any further thoughts. Down this road lies danger, Souji.

I wave, and exit the building heading for the bus stop. The bus comes quickly, and this time I don't intend to sleep.

()()()()()()()()()()

By the time the bus makes it back to Uncle's house, it's already dark and raining. I'm soaked, and so I hurry inside, closing and locking the door behind me. From the sounds coming from the kitchen, it seems like dinner is already over. I walk in to see Nanako cleaning, while Uncle is watching the television. Nanako sees me, and quietly says hello. Uncle looks up as I drop my bag at the staircase.

"Souji. You had me worried. I was expecting you. When I thought to try and call you, I realized that you don't have a cell phone. What happened?"

I quickly explain what happened, and how Amagi helped me get back home. Uncle nods, and then pulls out his wallet.

"You were lucky to bump into her. The chances of that happening again are slim, so I'm expecting you to buy a cell-phone, and then give me the number in case I need to call you. Here's ten thousand yen. Have it taken care off when you can, but the sooner the better."

"T-thanks, uncle."

"Oh no need. This is a loan. I expect it paid back in full. Not a yen less. Understand?" I really should have expected that. There really is no such thing as a free lunch, huh? Just as I'm taking the money from him, the news cuts to an announcer standing outside a very familiar looking hotel.

I'm standing outside the famous Amagi Hotel and Resort, one of Tokyo's most prestigious landmarks and a desired destination for anybody who's anybody. Though in recent years the business has waned in comparison to other major chains, it still retains a charm all of its own. One of the biggest stories regarding the resort is the daughter of Katsuro Amagi. Currently attending Nihon University, she is slated to become the next owner. Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Yukiko Amagi to the show.

That's why the building looked so familiar. That's the Amagi Hotel, and it looks like Amagi is being interviewed. I notice that there is a news scrawl at the bottom of the TV. Saki Konishi's name appears, and as I read the headline, it seems that her body was found at about seven AM this morning. Her time of death was estimated to be 1 AM this morning. Just a few short hours after we met. I wonder...

After placing the money into my wallet, I grab my bag and head upstairs. Dropping the bag on the floor, the exhaustion and muscle pain that I had been trying to ignore finally catches up with me, and it's everything I can do just to put out the futon and change into my night suit. Just before I close my eyes, I realize that is raining, and the midnight channel might come on.

'Do I really need to watch it?'

$ "That is the same question I posed to you earlier. You have yet to answer. Do you truly wish to live at the beck and call of a human like Hanamura? You have seen his heart. He simply yearns to be a hero, without thinking of the consequences."

# "There is meaning in building connections with others. Right now, it may seem like a bother. But in can perhaps be what saves a person down the road."

$ "Are you truly so naïve? Man is an isolated being, and no one can understand his true motivations. And ultimately, the only person who can save you is yourself. "

# "You are the one who is being naïve. When a man falls, how can he pull himself back up unless he has the support of others? When one feels isolated, they find a means to drown themselves, even if will lead to their own ruination."

$ "Then they were simply unfit to survive. It is the ones who stand at the top, above everyone else, that deserve redemption. After all, those without talent are nothing. And this child, this Hanamura, is one such being. He simply desires to attach himself to something grander: you. Do not be deceived by his words. You owe this world nothing. Exist for yourself, and find your purpose within, not without."

With that, both Izanagi and Nestis fall silent, though their thoughts continue to flood my head. I have survived this far by keeping my head down and avoiding others. When I tried to reach out, with Yosuke, and Chie, and Yukiko, I only ended up getting burned. From now on, I look out for number one: me. With that, I close my eyes.

()()()()()()()()()()

"Welcome to the Velvet Room."

As I open my eyes once more, I'm staring at a familiar sight: Igor and his assistant, Margaret, who is as easy on the eyes as ever. Igor is wearing a knowing grin, and after a brief glance at Margaret, I look at Igor once more.

"Do not be alarmed. You are fast asleep in the real world. I have summoned you within your dreams." This is something else I need to resolve. I am not this thing's toy to be played with. Margaret looks at me, and begins to speak.

"This is a special place that only those who have signed a contract may enter. In your daily life, you heard the call to action, and followed the destiny of your inner voice, enacting your glorious awakening to your power." There was nothing glorious about it. I ended up two pills away from being permanently crippled! Igor waves his hand, and a small blue key appears.

"Hold on to this. From this night, you are our guest in this Velvet room. Your destiny will require you to hone your power, and you will inevitably require our help. There is but one condition."

I am waiting for him to finish speaking, so that I can finally end this bizarre relationship once and for all.

"You must abide by the contract, and assume all responsibility for the decisions you make. Now, the Personas you have acquired is a side of you that manifests to face life's hardships. Perhaps you can think of it... as a facade of determination you wear to face various difficulties in life." A mask I wear?

"Your Persona ability, however, is that of the wild card. Compared to that of others, it is very special. It is like the number zero. Empty, yet holding infinite potential within itself."

"E-Empty?"

"The Persona ability is the ability to control one's own heart. And the heart is strengthened by bonds."

"As you form bonds with others, your social links will gradually develop. The power of these social links is what determines your Persona's power." Margaret takes over once more, gazing at me with those unwavering, powerful eyes.

"Social Links are necessary for more than just strengthening your Persona. At times, they will help guide the way to the truth that you are pursuing."

"Where will your awakened power of the wild card take you? I look forward to traveling the road of your destiny together." And he chuckles. Looks like they've finished. Now I can finally say what I've been wanting to.

"B-Before this goes any-" but before I can say another word, my vision goes blurry. Why did I wait this long to speak? I am truly a coward. I don't have the guts to go forward, and yet I don't even have the guts to go back...

()()()()()()()()()()

Saturday, April 16, 2011

My eyes open once more to the sounds of birds chirping outside my window. The curtains are drawn, yet the sun shines through the slits, casting shadows on the floor. This stands in stark contrast to the feelings inside: turmoil, anguish, anger. I didn't ask for this. I only wanted to live my life peacefully, and yet not a single person has asked what my opinion on what is happening. Can anyone honestly say after that fight with Yosuke's shadow that they are interested in that type of madness for who knows how long? And tracking down a murderer? You'd have to be insane to say yes to something like that!

That's when I notice something. I've been trying to take the covers off for a while, but my hands haven't moved at all. Only now do I realize it: I'm so stiff that I can't move an inch. The fight yesterday has so thoroughly drained me that I don't even feel pain. I literally can't feel anything! Just rolling onto my side is an ordeal. As I'm wondering what I'm supposed to do now, I hear Uncle calling from downstairs.

"Souji, I have to go to work. Listen, I know that your school uses email to communicate. I've left my laptop here for you to use just for today. I'll need it back once I get home. Alright, later." I hear the sound of the door opening and closing as he leaves. A laptop? Great! Now if only I could get out of bed to use it.

End Chapter 12