[Chapter 13]
The Paranormal Club
I arrive at the entrance of the school as my teammates notice my presence and smile at my arrival as I follow their feelings.
"Hey, are we finally doing this or what?" Luke asks, smiling.
"You don't need to ask, we can all tell by your smile alone that we are definitely going there to find some answers to that weird case." Jane answers, confidently.
"I will help you and the team now; s-so I will do my best in the battlefield!" Ayakane cheer.
I smile as my friends are impatient to investigate Hotspot and I am ready for Hotspot now ever since I made some bonds with people around me.
"Yeah, I won't be here if I didn't find the answer to that problem, so as the protagonist, we will find the killer for everyone sake." I spoke.
Everyone seem excite to explore Hotspot and I still need to explains the club but It can wait for after school and I became curious on how Ayakane seems to be handling the matter easily.
"Ayakane, how did you know about our goal and that case?" I ask, curious.
"That would be us." Jane spoke.
I turn to her to see Luke smiling and Jane looking at me serious since they did arrive her early than me so they must have share the information we gather so far.
"We explain everything that happens to us, from the beginning to now. It made it easy for everyone to get inform and I will explain once more when the time comes." Jane explains.
"Yeah, I also share anything I know about the case and about Zoey.." Luke spoke, sadly.
I felt a bit sorry for Luke telling his feeling and hardship with that incident that happen to him and more of a reason to find this killer on the loose. Anyone could have done it and we need to find the truth by traversing the Hotspot.
"How about if we postpone that meeting after school, I have some great news for the team and I know you will like the idea." I smile, as I close my eyes and predict their reaction of the news.
"Oh, is that so?" Jane spoke, shock.
"Really! I can wait to see the surprise." Ayakane soft spoke, smiling.
"It must be a good if you are smiling that hard, and like Ayakane say, I also can't wait for the surprise." Luke smile.
We all agree to the idea of postponing the meeting until I reveal the Paranormal Club and I also couldn't wait to reveal such exciting news to everyone that I chuckle at the idea.
"Anyways, let's head inside and do our normal routine until the end of school where we can all meet in Mr. Robert class in C-5." I instruct.
"Why C-5 of all places?" Jane asks, curious.
"That a secret as well, you have to wait until we finish class before I can reveal any further information." I smile mischievously, as I adjust my glasses.
Jane didn't like to be kept in the dark, but nod to my plan as the other agree to it and we began to chat with one another about our first meeting. We reach the 3rd floor as Ayakane went up to her class while the rest of us went to Mr. Robert's class for today's lecture. We took our seat and I notice Zach sitting far away from us and I understand why I didn't notice him from the beginning. Class resume as I focus on the study and I hope I can become smarter than all of my peers as it will benefit me in the future. I grin at the thought myself improving at study and I could also improve on many other as well.
August 26
Friday
Lunchtime
Lunchtime came and went as I enjoy my lunchtime with everyone, including Ayakane and getting the attention of many students with our odd combination. A transfer student, an outcast, a student president, and an idol artist eating together in the same table. I like this attention I am getting as a human being, I seek attention but not too much of it since we are looking in the case in secrecy. We all return to our classes and resume our lecture where we left off. Mr. Robert began to give a slightly different topic for today and we began to listen to his topic.
"The coral reefs are a manifest creation of Mother Nature and they provide home for all marine species. They all depend on it as they use it for shelter against predator and are something to watch as a human being at the wonderful creation, So Luck.." Mr. Robert calls out my name.
I flinch at Mr. Robert calling me out to answer some crazy question and I wasn't prepare for it this time but I had to try either way.
"Yes?" I ask.
"Do you know which ocean has most of the coral reefs?" Mr. Robert asks, smiling.
I became puzzle at his question as I have no idea to that knowledge and I knew I need to study so I can easily pass this question. I began to think on the oceans I know and pick one that seem reasonable enough to hold many coral reefs.
Alright, as far as I know. There is the Indian, Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Ocean available and I need to pick one…
I choose one as I felt somewhat comfortable with and I look up to face Mr. Robert with the answer I have.
"The Pacific Ocean." I answer.
Mr. Robert smile at the right choice and I let a sigh as I guess the right one again while receiving praise from Luke and Jane.
"Correct, with the greatest area of tropical waters, the Pacific is also home to the largest number of coral reefs and they can't tolerate water temperature below 64 degree Fahrenheit." Mr. Robert explains.
I can hear the sounds of the student whispering about me and I seem to be getting attention from this which made me feel good. I gotten a bit smarter from Mr. Robert's question and I want more question as I continue improving my intelligent.
"Fun fact, in Greek mythology, the siren lures sailors to rocky coast and the coral reefs to shipwreck. Although, now we are worry more about shark attack and other mysterious beings lurking in the depth of the water." Mr. Robert chuckles.
Everyone became a bit scare knowing of the mysterious and yet scary fact about the ocean that we don't know yet. Mr. Robert seems to be having fun on this but we continue learning about the oceans and other small things.
August 26
Friday
After School
The sound of the bell ringing cause Mr. Robert to pause the lecture for today and while giving us homework to work on our first weekend of school. Everyone began to leave, one by one as Jane and Luke became impatient as I could see it all from their expression.
"Patient now." I spoke, smiling
"How are you so you relax? We are going into Hotspot in a four group person for the first time and you need so relax about it." Jane sighs.
"I am confident we can win and more so when I reveal this secret of mine to you all." I reply.
"That was on my mind lately as I couldn't wait until school ended, for the first time as president, I wanted for school to end for my own selfish desire!" Luke spoke, shockingly to his feelings.
I smile at Luke slowly change as he seem to be focusing on school a lot in the past and now he look like the person that can judge his own decision on his own. The door suddenly open up as our latest member show up in the door with a smile as she look at us and we wave at her with a smile as well. She approaches us quite happily and Mr. Robert smile at Ayakane's healthy condition.
"I didn't expect to be back here Ms. Ayakane." Mr. Robert spoke, as he approach us.
"Oh, it's nice to meet you Mr. Robert." Ayakane smile.
"You know Ayakane Mr. Robert?" I ask, curious.
"Why of course, I had her last year and I was rather shock to teach a famous artist." Mr. Robert chuckles.
I became happy for Ayakane to meet such a great teacher and both of learn how to handle different experience on their own. Mr. Robert brought a paper from his hand to me and I check the paper as I smile at the result Mr. Robert has shown me.
"What is it Luck? You look happy about it, so why don't you show us the paper to find out!" Luke spoke, excite.
I put the paper down and flip them toward them so they can read the paper out loud to everyone present on the room. Jane became suspicious to my smile and began to see the truth for herself.
"Congratulation Luck Arclight, the Paranormal Club has been acknowledges by the main office, principal and body staffs to be given the pass on the club. The club will have the permission to use the building X for any activity involving the club and your chosen guardians has agrees to this." Jane reads.
I cross my arm with a mischievous smile on my face as they look at me with disbelieve at the paper's true words and I became rather happy with their expression.
"W-What is this? Who are these two guardians they speak of since no teacher are willing to join the club since they have lots of work to do." Jane spoke, seriously.
"That would be me Ms. Jane."
Everyone froze as Mr. Robert spoke his involvement with the creation of the club and Jane slowly turn to me with some anger on her mind. It seems she has different opinion on this club creation but they must be good reasons which involve our teacher involvement with Hotpot's activities.
"Not only did Ms. Aihime agree to it, she personally went to the office to work on the quick process. I don't how you manage to do it, but I am happy either way." Mr. Robert explain, impress.
"Ms. Aihime did that!?" Ayakane spoke, surprise.
"Oh yeah, she is your teacher right? I do wonder why she hasn't instruct a club and why now, she is a strange teacher but a kind one." Luke spoke.
"I agree there, but I know you all are waiting to see get started so I can leave to you Luck." Mr. Robert smile.
"Got it! I will do my best for your sake and mines." I answer, confidently.
Mr. Robert left us alone and Jane seems to have something on her mind involving with my choice.
"Luck, why did you involve a teacher with our secret investigation." Jane angrily mumbles.
Jane fold her arm as she tap her feet on the floor waiting for my answer and I felt nervous to speak with an angry Jane but I had to change her mind.
"I didn't involve him per say, he just watching us not do something bad and all. We can use this club to do our investigation to the Hotspot." I explain.
I felt like this club will really help my team and Jane slowly calm down as she realize that Mr. Robert doesn't know about Hotspot. She sigh with relief and she seem more worry about the other citizen involvement in this dangerous investigation.
"Fine, I will follow along. So, our club is in building X, correct? Let's go." Jane commands.
Jane took action as she walk to the hallways and leaving us behind to follow her which was a good sign.
"I do hope we can start this investigation and this club will surely work Luck, so don't worry." Luke nods, smiling.
"Yeah, I will support you with that decision so let's go." Ayakane smile.
I became confident with my decision making after hearing their cheering for me and we follow Jane's lead. We head in the back of the school with eagerness in everyone's mind to find our club and I felt proud at my decision after seeing their curious eyes wander from building to building. We manage to arrive to a rather intimidating pool surrounded by three building in far back and I immediately went for a closer look. I look down to see the clear water and the bottom is rather a long drop.
"Wow, that a deep pool.." I mutter.
Everyone approach the side of the pool with me and Luke smile as he notice me look at it.
"This is the pool used by the swimming club; they mainly use it for swimming during competition or practice routines." Luke explains.
"I often see them on the pool during after school; I am scare of swimming this pool though..." Ayakane spoke, shaking.
"You guys, shouldn't we focus on finding out club first. We don't have time to idle by with our time." Jane spoke.
"Its fine Jane, don't you want to take a swim later? It would be a good time to spend together here or for fun." I respond, smiling.
We all turn to Jane for a respond to my question and she became hesitate to answer as we all watcher her struggle for an answer as she blush and look shaking.
"I like this new Jane, the other one was rather cold-hearted and distant from others." Luke chuckles.
"S-Shut up! I haven't changed..." Jane answers, angrily but stops to think. "I just don't want to be betrayed by someone I call friend and hurt me.." Jane said, sadly.
We became stun at Jane's true feeling pouring out from her damage heart of hers and she look exhaust by acting defensive toward others. She finally low her guard just low enough for us to get to know her better and for us to understand her situation. Ayakane felt pity for Jane as she came to her side to hug her and ease her shaking to a complete stop.
"It will be fine Jane; I was scare and helpless when I had nobody by my side too, so I understand what you are going through. I became strong just a tiny bit after I meet Luck." Ayakane explain.
Ayakane turn to me as Jane follow her gaze with teary eyes and I look away embarrass with their eyes looking at me. I felt happy even though I felt embarrass by Ayakane and Jane smile at my avert eyes.
"After I meet him, I live every day to the fullest and enjoy my days to accomplish my dream of becoming an artist. So, you should trust on me, on us to make you feel the same way as I do." Ayakane smile.
Ayakane release her as she tightly told her left hand while smiling to her and Luke happily joins in as he hold Jane's right hand. Jane became uncomfortable with their act to cheer her up and turn to me with a tire expression.
"Luck, why don't you say something to this two.." Jane asks.
I stare at my friends bonding with each other as I began to think on my answer and I have many options, but one I pick the one I though it is the best path. I smile as I remove my glasses to slowly and gently put them on Jane as she felt frozen at my weird act.
"You should listen to them Jane, I believe you should trust us since we will depend on each other with our lives from now on and trust will be an important factor for this team." I explain.
Jane became silence as she blush and she adjust my glasses as I chuckle at her true self revealing to us.
"I guess you all have a point, I should be more open with my feelings now and I will try my best to do so." Jane spoke, truthfully.
"Of course, I will do my part on the team as well and for everyone to find the answer I was seeking for so long." Luke reply, confident.
I felt our team becoming closer and closer as we speak our trouble with one another and with that, I felt like I need to reach their expectations of me if I am capable friend. Jane became a bit more relax with our companionship and she glance behind me with narrow eyes as she move my glasses.
"Wait a minute, I just found the X building Mr. Robert spoke of, is right there." Jane point out.
I turn around to see a two floor building behind me and I became confuse at our club being inside here. I wonder if it is right but I could see X written in the door and it wasn't a mistake. Luke approaches me as I became confuse by this location and he seems to have some answers.
"If you wandering if the X building is the whole club, then the answer is yes." Luke answer.
"What!? The whole building is our club room? I mean, that a lot of space for a club likes us to have. I expected a small room with a table and chairs.." I mutter, confuse.
"Wow, I can believe we can have this building all to ourselves." Ayakane said, excite.
Everyone but Luke became impress by the home of the Paranormal Club and we couldn't wait for our big home as I dash toward the building and while the other follow my lead. I burst through the door as the beautiful scenery welcome my presence and I became teary at our new home. I could see the balcony in the 2nd floor as i see 10 doors and in the 1st floor, I notice a large table fill with chairs. In the far back, I could see two stairs leading into one toward the 2nd floor and hiding behind the wall. I also see windows to our right and left so we can see our surroundings. I glance up to see a glass circle window above us and I could see the blue sky from here.
"Amazing! I am seeing this and I still can't believe what I am seeing." I said, excitedly.
Luke whistles. "Wow, they did wonder to this place and this is rather normal with the others, but i feel honor to call this place, home. "Luke spoke.
Jane scuffs, as she smile. "Not bad, I think you made the right call of making this club after all, we can speak freely about our investigation and while enjoying our free time." Jane said.
"I really like the atmosphere from this place, I could use this for my next art piece and I can paint here in peace." Ayakane happily said.
Everyone seems to be enjoying their new place which made me happy and I walk around to begin to explore this place. I barely manage to take a couple of step before Jane grabs my left arm to stop me.
"I know you Luck, but we can't explore this wonderful place yet. We have business to do first and discuss about our first investigation together as a team." Jane reminds me.
I sigh at her correct judgment on this matter but I do feel disappoint by the fact that we can't explore our club but business call. I turn around with a nod to her plan and she let a sigh of relief.
"Good, for a second there, I thought you were going to explore this place from top to bottom all day." Jane spoke.
"Yeah, that would be silly!" I laugh nervously.
Jane stares at me seriously at my attempt to scout the place and I cough to get in the mood of this conversation. I walk to the most back chair as I took my seat and everyone took their respective seat. Ayakane sat to my right while Jane and Luke occupy the left side of the table.
"Okay, this will be our first meeting for the Paranormal Club. So we will inform each other about our finding until now and get Ayakane to understand with our goal." I spoke, seriously.
Jane approve at my change of behavior and I felt relief for Jane to feel that way, the only person that isn't update to date is Ayakane and Jane stand up from her chairs to begin.
"I will go first then, for the couple of three years; I was working alone and trying my best to rescue the students that befall in the Hotspot." Jane explains, but soon stops as she glances down with shame. "Although, in the end i didn't even manage to save one live from those Shadows lurking inside and I decide to keep at it since nobody had the potential to summon their Persona." Jane mutters, sadly.
Everyone on the room felt sadden by Jane's explanation of her side of the story but Ayakane seem more worry about her as we do. Luke bites his lips as he felt the same pain she is going through her mind. Jane step down and Luke took her place as he spoke his side of the story, I remain quiet to their story.
"Anyways, since my freshmen years, I wanted to become the president and I accomplish that goal of mine, but.." Luke spoke, angrily as he holds his anger. "I fail to find those students that I needed to protect and seeing their dead body, I started to become obsessed with finding the killer, no matter what!" Luke spoke, angrily.
Luke began to fold his right hand into a fist and began to shake with anger as he slashes the air with his might. Luke took his seat and the room became quiet at Jane and Luke's story. I sigh at the sudden tense of our problem becoming bigger and how big this investigation really is. I slam the table as I raise my body to speak my mind to them and ease their trouble mind.
"You all have a tragic past, but this bad ending will end as of right now and by working together. We will find the killer and stop this paranormal happening in Morning Star High School once and for all." I spoke, confidently.
I firmly watch them as I spoke the utter truth to them and they seem a bit calmer as I remind them of our main objective as a team. Ayakane felt happy at my guidance and she raise her hand as I chuckle.
"Yes, what is it Ayakane?" I ask, smiling.
"After hearing Jane's story, what are Shadow and Persona?" Ayakane ask, smiling.
"Right, you barely join the team and have awakened to your Persona." Luke spoke.
"Not exactly Luke." Jane disagrees.
Luke became puzzle at Jane disagreement and I understand since he didn't join our previous adventure which only makes him guess at the result.
"What do you mean? She awoken her Persona just like us, right? Or maybe, did something different happen while I wasn't there.." Luke spoke, muttering the last sentence.
"Ayakane hasn't awoken to her Persona, but rather, her Shadow self.." Jane mutters.
Luke became stun at the reveal as he became silence and unsure on how to answer.
"So, she can use that Shadow thingy like Luck?" Luke suggests.
"Yeah, and I manage to take full control of it since the last time I used it too." I add.
Luke became grubby as he feel left out of my adventure and I became guilty for my selfish feeling of rescuing my childhood friend.
"Now that you mention it, I do hear my voice speaking inside of my head." Ayakane spoke.
"That's your true self, something you are hiding from everyone and I know that feeling very well." I proudly say.
I felt proud at my new ability and Jane became angry for not obtaining this power like me and Ayakane. Jane must be feeling incapable of acquiring this power since I know her that she wants to be useful to everyone.
"In any case! Shadows are beings that lurk and attack anyone in sight inside Hotspot, the place on the other side of the reflection and quite the opposite of here. Meanwhile, our Persona are our shield against those things and our countermeasure to fight off them as well." Jane explains, stubborn.
"Yeah, while our Shadow, are our sword that are strong than our Persona and they can change our personality to adapt into combat." I add.
Jane became angry at my added addition since she can't use it as of yet and Ayakane became interest on the subject as she listen very serious.
"Our main enemy inside of Hotspot is Zoey Connor, one of the first victims of this strange murder case." I spoke.
Ayakane became confuse at the first victim of this murder case being our enemy and we felt the same way of this turn of events as we don't have a clear motive for her actions.
"Why is she our enemy? Normally, she would of help us on finding out the culprit." Ayakane spoke.
"Why indeed, there some many mystery revolving that and why Hotspot appear in the first place?" Jane ask, irritate.
"That's why we are entering and investigating Hotspot, to find the truth hiding in there and getting some answers out of Zoey. That is the only option available to us." Luke adds.
I glance at each and every one at our decision to step forth into the Hotspot and I didn't see any regrets as Ayakane understand our situation a lot better now. I smile at this team progress and I can finally say without regretting it.
"It is decided then, we will go to Hotspot to gather information on that case and if possible, get rid of the Hotspot all together." I announce.
Everyone cheer at our plan of action and began to move forward to our location, the statue in front of the school. As we reach the exit of our new club's room, Ayakane tug at my sleeve and causing us to stop and separate from those two.
"What the matter Ayakane?" I ask.
"Well, today we promise to tell Lucas about the break up and I manage to call him out here, so…"
I look at Ayakane worry about Lucas's throwing a tantrum of their break up and I smile as I pat her head to ease her nervousness.
"Ah I see, well I will be by your side, remember?" I ask, smiling.
Ayakane chuckle happily at my promise and we decide to wait for Lucas to show up as plan. A couple of minutes pass by, Lucas manage to arrive like he promise and he became confuse after seeing me with her.
"What with the sudden call, honey? Did something happen or did this guy tell more lies about me?" Lucas jokingly spoke, as he chuckle.
Ayakane became nervous and hide behind me as i protect her like in the past from anyone that may hurt her. Lucas became a bit angry as he glare and understand the sudden shift of the situation as Ayakane trust me now.
"I see, you believe in this guy rather than your boyfriend? Do I need to remind you on who pay your mother's hospital bill?" Lucas spoke, with an angry tone.
Ayakane became scare at Lucas's true personality slowly coming out from him and slowly approach us as she shake with fear. I stood in his way as I raise my right arm and blocking his path.
"You should stop Lucas, it is over now and my childhood friend won't fall for your lies ever again." I sigh.
Lucas became stun at my words and he burst out in laughter at the sudden trust of Ayakane.
"Ah, I see, you little shit. To think you had a connection with my toy." Lucas chuckles, wicked. "It really doesn't matter now, I am the son of a pretty famous politician and I can make you disappear from this world. So be a good boy and disappear from my sight." Lucas command.
I remain in my ground as I wasn't faze by this threat and I promise her to be by her side, always. Lucas became impatient and began to throw a right hook as I became stun at his sudden aggressive side. Suddenly, Jane intervenes as she punches him in his face and sending him back. I became surprise at Jane sudden appearance and Lucas began to bleed from his mouth and nose. Lucas struggle to get up from that punch and glare at Jane as she scuffs at his gaze.
"You bitch! Did you have the slight idea at who you just hit!?" Lucas angrily yells.
"I manage to punch you in the face with everything I got, and you only got a bloody nose and mouth." Jane smile.
Lucas became furious at Jane's jokily matter as she doesn't take Lucas's word seriously and adjusting my glasses that I forgot to take back. I and Ayakane watch Jane's action with amaze to protect us from harm's way. Lucas rose up from the floor as he cover his nose and point at her.
"I will make you three disappear from this place and nobody will welcome a nobody like you. Nobody will ever trust you and they will believe in me!" Lucas spoke.
"I wouldn't count on it."
We all stare behind Lucas as Luke approach the scene and Lucas becoming surprise at the President hearing his threat to us.
"I listen to every that just happen Mr. Lucas, and I have to say that you aren't a good student like I initially thought you were. So, I had to tell this to the principle and make an arrangement for your expulsion." Luke smile.
We all became shock at Luke's bold decision and I never thought this problem could escalate this quickly. Lucas didn't felt scare of his expulsion and only laugh like a maniac at his result.
"You idiots, it doesn't matter if you hear it or not, in the end." Lucas grins. "I will make you all four get expelled from Morning Star High school and I will use every power my father has to do so."
I felt my heart sunk as I hear Lucas laughs out loud at his prediction and I blame myself for bring this misfortune to my teammates.
[Chapter 13 End]