Some things are about to go down very soon, but first, some max rankings to come.

Max Ranks Incoming

BGM: Galaxy Angel - Elsior

The morning had arrived and I was in the tea lounge with the Angel Wing.

Mint brought two cups of tea over to the table. "Here you go, you two."

"Ugh...my head." Ranpha groaned.

"Ow...mine hurts too." Milfie added.

"Guess they couldn't handle a drink like I can." Forte smirked. "That girls is what we call a hangover."

"Ugh..." Ranpha moaned.

"Hehe, there there." Forte lightly tapped her head.

"Oooh, that looks like fun." Mint added. "I'll tap as well."

Ranpha sighed. "Stop it..."

"Tap, tap." Vanilla said.

"I can't help but feel sorry for them." Chitose said.

"At least this will be kept between us, no one else will know." I reminded. "Now then girls, about our upcoming mission..."

"Okay, all jokes aside. We still have a lot to do." Forte said as we calmed down for a moment. "Strega, right?"

"Yeah, we need to find a way to draw Strega out in the open when it's night time." I suggested. "We need to find out what that Taiko guy meant when he said about a master and Strega are the only ones left that may have the answers."

"But do we think that they'll give us a straight answer?" Mint asked. "Takaya has a habit of talking in riddles in some way."

"And that Jin guy always carries that briefcase." Forte added.

"I wonder what could be inside that case." Chitose said. "And then there's Chidori."

"Chidori..." Vanilla muttered.

"What is it Vanilla?" Milfie asked.

"I wonder if she's really a bad person."

Forte folded her arms. "Well she is part of the enemy group, so we have no reason to doubt that."

"She once said that she has her reasons, if only we knew the reasons behind her actions." Mint said.

"That's why we gotta beat the crap out of them!" Ranpha spoke up. "We beat them before, we can do it again."

"Yeah, then maybe they'll tell us." Milfie added.

"You sure perked up quickly." Forte smirked. "Can't say no to a fight, can you, Ranpha?"

"What? That was just your imagination!" Ranpha dismissed. "A-anyways, what are we supposed to do until tonight?"

"I guess we better prepare in the meantime." I declared. "And girls, if all three of them decide to come to us, we'll take them down."

"Agreed, we shouldn't let our guard down." Forte nodded. "Though I think Milfie and Ranpha should rest a little longer."

"Awww, but I wanna cook again." Milfie moaned.

I giggled on the inside, these girls never change and I like it that way.

End Of BGM

I left the tea lounge with Morgana in the bag on my back.

"So, what do you wanna do now, leader?" Morgana asked.

"I think I should wrap up a few social bonds, starting with the city." I answered.

"Alright then, let's go."

BGM: Persona 4 OST - Like A Dream Come True

We walked to the city and I thought of visiting the hospital, since two people I know were still there.

The first I spoke to was Jane to see how her leg was doing.

"So Jane, did they find anything else?" I asked.

"Yeah, they did." She answered. "What happened was that a part of my muscle fiber had torn a little off the bone. The doctors say that I'll need to have an operation, which will be tomorrow, I'm hoping afterwards I'll heal up well enough to leave."

"I see, well don't push yourself too much. I've got my janitor work to do still."

"Actually, Arnold. I'm glad you're here because I wanna talk to you about that."

"Hm?"

Jane looked at me. "I can see that you're the kind of guy who looks out for others. But when I see you doing your work at the gym, you seem to push yourself too hard."

"Oh, right...maybe it's because I have so much on my mind each day."

"Well if I were you, I wouldn't put all of what you need to do in one go." She then reached for a bag on the side table. "That's why, I want you to have this."

She handed me over a shiny object, it's a crystal sphere. This is another one that Ron was looking for. "Where did you find this?"

"I saw it sparkle a bit in an alleyway when I was jogging home last week. I think you should have it, cause I wasn't sure what you were into."

"Right, question though. If I was with someone who really likes something like this, would it be alright to give it to them?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I don't mind that. It's not something that interests me, really. One more thing, a little bit of advice for you."

"What is it?"

"If you ever feel like you don't wanna push on for longer, then immediately stop and if you have friends, ask them for help. That's what being a good friend is about."

I nodded. "Well, I know about that already, but you're right, I guess I forget about the simple things when I'm a commander."

"Exactly, so always remember the easy things you were taught in life and don't lost sight of them."

I sensed Jane's genuine understanding on the subject of friends supporting me whenever I need them...

BGM: Persona 4 OST - The Path Is Open

I am thou, thou art I
thou hast established a genuine bond
We bestow upon thee, the ability to create Chi You
the ultimate form of the chariot arcana

Social Link - Chariot - Rank MAX!

End Of BGM

"One last thing, Arnold." Jane said. "I know that you're a commander which means you'll eventually want to leave, right?"

"Yeah, it's my duty." I replied.

"In that case, it would be best for you to be let go. Don't be upset over it, because we'll remain as friends and I'll stay in touch with you when I get out of here."

"Well, it's a bit sudden, but I understand. Thanks for the advice as well, take care in the future."

"I will, you take care too...goodbye Arnold."

"Bye Jane."

I left her hospital room and then went over to the other room on another floor to see Jane sitting at the waiting room.

Persona 4 OST - Reverie

"How are you doing, Debra?" I asked.

"Oh, hello Arnold." She replied. "There hasn't been any change to Lord Alfred's condition."

I noticed the doors to his room were closed. "Are there nurses in there?"

"Yes, a doctor and a few nurses are giving him a body examination. They say that if nothing else is wrong, then his health should improve and he'll be able to leave."

"I see, well I do hope he recovers, I kinda miss seeing his mansion whenever I work on the flowers."

Derba showed me a smile. "You are a kind gentleman, it is a delight to know you show care towards others. A trait that I gladly welcome with all my heart."

I sensed Debra's gratitude in regards to my kindness.

Social Link - Temperance - Rank 8!

"I'll have to go now, but let me know if something changes." I said.

"Will do." Debra replied.

I then left the hospital, hoping that something positive comes out of this.

BGM: Persona 4 OST - How Much

I had handed over the crystal sphere to Ron who placed it where the other crystal spheres were and we weren't the only ones in the weapons store.

"Oooh, there's no more room for these now." Ron said. "That means you have done it, sweety."

"I have?" I asked.

"Yes! These are all of the shiny things I've asked for, you have done a splendid job."

"Sweet. Then, I've held my end of the deal."

Ron nodded. "Yes, now here is my greatest secret. But before that, this gorgeous man here is the apple of my eye."

"Hehe, nice to meet you, handsome." The guy greeted. "Ronny here told me about the favor you have done for him and if he's happy, I'm happy."

"Oooh, time for my secrets...I have known Morgana since we first met. It was on one crazy night when it was a full moon, ho ho ho. I was about to pray to my biggest crush for solace when this cat came out to save me. He was my hero and I wanted to repay him. That was when I had the idea to think about what I wanted to do."

"And that was when you told me about the store you opened up?" I asked.

"Yes. So there's no need to keep this a secret. I already know about your activities at night and how you deal with those nasty shadows. You finding these crystal spheres are more than enough evidence in my eyes."

"Well, that's surprising. I guess you wanted me to prove we were doing the right thing by collecting those."

"That's right, so now we're even. I also have to thank you for giving me inspiration to find the man of my dreams."

"Inspiration?"

"Well, you must have some kind of magic to inspire others the moment you become friendly with them, just like me."

I smiled at Ron. "Then in that case, it was my pleasure in helping you out, I won't stop coming here of course."

"Absolutely, it would be saddening if you weren't able to turn up to my store after this."

I sensed our friendship forming into a solid bond, now that the deal was done.

BGM: Persona 4 OST - The Path Is Open

I am thou, thou art I
thou hast established a genuine bond
We bestow upon thee the ability to create Odin
the ultimate form of the emperor arcana

Social Link - Emperor - Rank MAX!

End Of BGM

"Alright, take good care sweety."

"You take care as well." I replied. "We'll be back here if we need more weapons, but until then, goodbye."

I waved and left the store, I think Morgana was relieved in a way as well, possibly because Ron now had someone else to have fun with and to be with someday.

BGM: Galaxy Angel - Bridge

"Any updates?" I asked upon reaching the bridge.

"Actually, I need you to watch over." Lester answered. "This won't take long."

"Okay, I'll be here for a while."

"Thanks." Lester left the bridge.

"Commander Arnold, we're glad you're here." Coco said.

"Something really good happened today." Almo added.

"Oooh, tell me more and don't worry, this will be a secret." I replied.

Almo cleared her throat. "When you and the Angel Wing were out last night, Lester and I had a private talk."

"And I was watching from behind, because uhh..." Coco said. "...I wanted to make sure nothing would go wrong."

"Uh huh." I nodded. "So what happened?"

"Well, he said to me that when we get back to Transbaal, he might...stop being a bachelor for one day."

I blinked. "Sounds like his words alright."

"It may not have been the exact words Almo wanted to hear, but I knew what he meant." Coco said.

"Yeah, it feels amazing that he's going to ask me out some time." Almo added.

"Although, we do wonder why he started thinking that way and then we thought about you."

"About me?" I asked.

"Yeah, I think the talks you've had with him may have taught him to think personal feelings from a different perspective."

"Which makes you more than a commander, that makes you our best friend now." Almo said.

"Best friend, I'll take that any day."

"Yes, you may have your best friends with the Angel Wing, but we can be yours too." Coco said.

"So if you ever need to talk about anything, just say." Almo added. "We'll be there for you."

"Coco and Almo...it's true that I think of the angel wing as best friends. But you're right, you can be my best friends as well, so I'm okay with that, no problem."

I sensed thier happiness, pleased they could be my friends if I ever need support whilst in space.

BGM: Persona 4 OST - The Path Is Open

I am thou, thou art I
thou hast established two genuine bonds
We bestow upon thee the ability to create Asura
the ultimate form of the sun arcana
And the ability to create Sandalphon
the ultimate form of the moon arcana

Social Link - Sun - Rank MAX!

Social Link - Moon - Rank MAX!

End Of BGM

"Right, I'm back." Lester said as he returned. "Thanks for that."

"No worries." I replied before leaving the bridge. "I'll go and check on the girls now."

BGM: Galaxy Angel - Vanilla's Theme

"KUOOOWWNN!"

The space whale seemed to be in a happy mood today, probably because me and Vanilla were scrubbing it's wide body with mops.

"It's been some time since we did this." I said. "I remember when Tact tried to get on here and he fell backwards."

"Yes, I remember that too." Vanilla replied.

We then finished off cleaning the whale and sliding down near the beach side, I helped Vanilla down and took a seat on the dry sand as the whale dived back in the water.

"Arnold, how is your sugar level?"

"Oh, I've been keeping it up as good as possible." I hummed. "Though I've been taking more of it recently due to being tired after battling with shadows."

"Yes, I have felt that same for three days. When will it be over?"

I shook my head. "I can't be sure, we'll just have to wait until tonight and look for Strega, so we can defeat them and get answers about this master."

"I understand. Am I protecting you well?"

I looked at her. "Of course you are, you're protecting all of us. So you don't need to think otherwise."

She smiled. "Yes...thank you for telling me."

I sensed my friendship with Vanilla growing again.

Social Link - Priestess - Rank 9!

"I must now tend to the animals with Kuromie." She said, getting up.

"Of course, see you again." I replied before leaving.

BGM: Galaxy Angel Moonlit Lovers - Chitose's Theme

I heard the sound of an arrow hitting a target once I was welcomed into Chitose's room.

"Hello Arnold." She greeted, whilst wearing a samurai dress. "I was in the middle of practice."

"Oh, don't mind me." I replied. "It's been a while since I've seen you do that in your room."

"Yes, although it was a while, I am so grateful to be safe and on the side of protecting my friends again."

"Yeah, that's kinda by bad, but Morgana was the one who suggested going in a clockwise method."

"I heard that!" Morgana frowned from inside the bag.

Chitose giggled. "It's okay, what's done is done and to be honest, I like how we can fight another away instead of in space."

I nodded. "Good point, at least we're on solid ground with our personas and not out in space where our lives are on the line everytime we go into battle."

"I agree, say do you wish to try archery?"

"Well I have some time, so sure, let's see if I can aim as well as you."

"I'm sure you can." She handed me the bow and gave me an arrow. "You hold up the bow like this and aim with the arrow this way."

I soon got a feel of using this bow...I aimed and landed a shot on the target, the arrow hit an outer ring close to the middle.

"Very good, Arnold." Chitose praised. "I think you have potential to be my partner if we ever did team archery."

I felt her words of high praise reach me, making me smile instantly.

Social Link - Justice - Rank 9!

"Would you like another go?" Chitose offered.

"No it's okay." I answered. "I've gotta do a patrol check around the ship before tonight."

"Alright." She nodded.

I left her room and checked on a few places. It may be quiet now, but when it's night, we're gonna be ready and things are gonna do down.

Oooh boy, this plot just got real with the sixth tower now in the middle of the city at night!

Next time! An ambush takes the party by surprise!