A/N: Key

#...Izanagi

$...Nestis

%...Pixie

^...Sandman

&...Apsaras

*...Omoikane

Chapter 24: The Nature of Things

Friday, April 22, 2011

I wake with a jolt, and dive to the right. Surprisingly enough, the bolt of lightning I was expecting to strike me never lands. I look at the clock, and realize that the time is 5:27. Pixie is hovering over the futon, a smile on her face.

%'Well done! You did it all by yourself today!'

I guess it's true what they say. Humans really can become accustomed to anything if it is repeated enough. Or is that Pavlov's experiment? Doesn't that put me on the same level as a dog?

'Have you considered that I am slowly but surely getting less and less sleep? At this rate, I won't make it to Sunday!'

&'M'lord, you need to show some manliness here! Whining doesn't become you!'

'I'm not whining!'

*'Aspirant, remember this. It is only through struggle that one can gain something. Though you may be developing dark lines under your eyes, this is an acceptable loss.'

'...Your concern for my well-being is overwhelming. Isn't it possible for me to get at least one day off? I'm not asking much here, am I?'

%'Hmm... fine, I guess. You can have Sundays off. But that's the only exception I'm making. Right. Unless you want another jolt of love from your Big Sis, it's time to start running, wouldn't you agree?'

At this point, arguing with them is useless. Sighing, I change and head downstairs. A quick look shows that Uncle isn't home, as his shoes are missing. I lace up, and head outside to start jogging.

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

Once I've actually started, I'm surprised that I seem to be keeping a steady pace. Before, I could only last a few seconds before I had to slow back to a walk. Now it seems that I can at least jog, if not run. It doesn't feel that bad.

'Slime! Slime Slime!'

%'Slime says that your body is changing at a much faster rate because we are here. You should see the impact of your efforts a lot sooner than normal people would.'

^'Ahhh...it seems slightly unfair, but the challenges facing you are much greater than the average person. Of course, until you can run a marathon in under an hour and fifty minutes, we won't stop pushing you, so don't think you're free just yet.'

'I'm...fairly certain that's impossible by human standards.'

#'Hmph! What did that book say? Surpass the impossible and kick off with momentum, was it? Words that you should seriously consider, Souji.'

That is the last time I ever let my personas decide my reading choices.

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

Introduction to Biology and Economics continue to baffle me. It is only as I am staring at yet another graph of lines pointing in different directions that Professor Hashimoto claims will reveal the workings of the universe do I realize a fairly scary fact. Since I've arrived in Tokyo, I haven't had a moment's peace, which means that my studying time has been non-existent. At this rate, I may be headed home before June! Well, it would mean that I wouldn't have to worry about the kidnappings, but that's just selfish thinking.

As I take a seat in Conversational English, I notice with some surprise that the class has shrunk by quite a bit. There's about half the number of students now compared to when the semester started. I wonder what's going on?

Then again, it's not like I'm going to go overseas, or interact with foreigners on a frequent basis. As I worry about this course, Professor Stanley enters, moving with a surprising amount of grace, kicking up his heels a little. He takes a seat behind his table, and then stares at all of us.

"I'm sure by now that most of have you noticed the number of students who have dropped this class. This is not unusual. Normally, I usually lose about half my students by the end of the first week. It's a disappointment, but it is their loss. This is something that I have noticed in my years of teaching, and interacting with students in general: It is only when you are willing to move beyond your comfort zone, when you are willing to test yourself in an arena that you have never been in before that you will learn something about who you are." A few of the students titter.

"For example, many of you ask, 'what value does learning a foreign language have?' It could be English, Chinese, Spanish, even Swahili. The answer is simple. If you are constantly examining yourself through the eyes of only those who are like you, you will never discover your truth, the meaning behind your existence. It is by searching for those who carry a different world view, those who have seen a different way to live, that we gain insights into ourselves. In a way, it provides us a level of freedom that we may not otherwise gain."

Truth? By meeting others, I gain insight into the truth? Now that I think about it carefully, whenever I strengthen a bond, the words "We shall be your eyes to see the Truth" are continually repeated. Is that what he's talking about? Am I taking these social bonds too lightly?

#'An interesting question, is it not? Just what exactly is a social bond to you, Souji?'

'Isn't it the means to make more powerful personas?'

#'If that is all you see them as, then you are horribly short-sighted. Think long and hard about their meaning.'

"And for those of you who are convinced that this class is a waste, and will not provide anything of value, let me assure you. I have made many contacts in the business world of Japan, and nearly all my colleagues who are CEOs of major companies are interested in hiring those with skills in foreign languages. After all, Japan is shrinking as an economic market thanks to a graying population and decreased childbirth rates, so companies are going to have to look beyond these shores to survive."

This seems to surprise many of the students who are seated, and they look at each other, confusion on their faces. Prof. Stanley seems to ignore this and continue his lecture.

"I believe that it might be valuable for all of you to consider the meaning behind my words. Specifically, I want you to focus on the concept of freedom, and how it relates to you. We will be examining various works from English literature that focus around this topic. So, let's get started with some basic greetings and exchanges, shall we?"

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

After an hour of horribly butchering the English language, class finally ends. As I am getting up to leave, Prof. Stanley calls me over to his desk.

"Souji, if you don't mind me asking, are you getting enough sleep? You've been looking more and more worn-out as the week has gone by."

"U-Um, it's nothing really. I've j-just started a new exercise regime, a little against my will, and it's taking a toll on me." He looks at me with concern.

"You may want to take it a little easier. I know that the first few weeks at college can seem to be a time to party without end, but balance is important. You wouldn't want to fail at mid-terms, and then have to struggle to pull yourself out of the hole you've dug come finals, would you?"

Partying? Oh yeah, that's something college kids do, isn't it? Between worrying about Aikido try-outs, 5:30 runs with Pixie and about a hundred other issues, I haven't even had time to consider partying!

"Uh, I-I'll try to cut back."

"Let me know if there's anything I can do to help. I want my students to succeed, after all," he says, smiling.

"T-Thanks."

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

With classes over, and the weekend stretching before me, I walk towards the gates, eager to finally get some free time to myself, before I have to go back for Aikido tryouts tomorrow. As I'm walking, I see Yosuke talking to someone who is obscured by the crowd between us. I head over, but by the time I can see clearly, whoever he was talking to is gone, and he has a concerned look on his face. When he sees me, he smiles and waves.

"Yo! Classes are done for the week, huh? Isn't it great? 'Course, that also means that we're getting closer to the deadline to save Yukiko-san. Weather report says that it's going to rain without stopping starting Wednesday. We're going to have to go in then whether we are ready or not. It kinda sucks that we're going in blind, but hey, who said this was going to be easy, huh?" Despite his light tone, he definitely looks concerned. "So, how's your training coming along?"

"W-We have one f-final day of tryouts t-tomorrow. If I p-pass, then it means that I a-am a member, and I can s-start learning."

"Dang, tryouts last an entire week? Did you learn anything that might be useful in the TV world?" Did I?

"U-Um, I guess I learned how to fall p-properly?"

"T-That's great, man. Well, I guess the idea of getting insanely strong in just a week's time is something that only happens in manga and movies, huh?" He thinks for a second, then looks at me. "Hey, remember how I said I'd treat you to some yakitori, but then Chie butted in? Well, she's got club training right now, so I figured that today we could go instead. Interested?"

Now that he mentions it, I do remember him saying something like that a long time ago. Or was it just last week?

"S-Sure. Sounds like fun."

"Alright, then let's go, partner." With that, the two of us head for the train station, Yosuke talking excitedly about how the food was really good, and cheap as well.

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

A short train ride later, we finally arrive at our destination, Shibuya. Afternoon crowds are everywhere, people in high spirits and laughing, enjoying themselves. The sight is a little overwhelming.

"I can't g-get my head around how b-big Tokyo is," I say as I marvel at the sight. Yosuke chuckles, as he takes in a deep breath.

"Yup, this is where I belong, as a city boy. Out here where the air smells of gas fumes and the perfume of beautiful women. They go surprisingly well together. Anyway, the yakitori stand isn't on the main boulevard. You have to go that extra mile to get the good stuff. Follow me." We set off, with me examining the sights, trying to soak it all in. All of Inaba could be fit onto this one road, heck probably within this one city block! And yet, millions and millions of people pass through here.

"Oh yeah, did you hear that report on the news? Supposedly the number of gangs in the city is going up. Not sure what's got everyone interested in joining a gang lately. Things had been quiet for a while now. I mean, sure, there are the normal thugs and Yakuza floating around, but for the most part, people ignore that. Now, I'm not so sure." Yosuke looks at me, concerned.

"H-Has it gotten bad?"

"Well, I mean, for the most part, you can't tell who's a member and who isn't. The strange thing is that I know of at least two people who are in our classes and joined gangs in just the last week. Neither of them seemed to be the type either. Now whenever we chat, it's always about how great they are, and what their gangs are doing. I have no idea what the heck is going on."

"W-Wow..."

"Yeah, I mean, I wouldn't say it's a cult, but..." he trails off, then looks ahead, and his face brightens. "Finally found it. Old Man Itsuki's got a habit of moving around, so you gotta look for him. It'd be a heck of a lot easier if he just stayed in one place. I mean, how many customers are going to go looking for him every time he moves, huh?" Despite his complaining, he looks happy.

"Is the f-food any good here?"

"It's to die for. He makes some mean yakitori. Oh, and he also makes a mean bowl of ramen. Come on." He walks towards a roadside stall set up in an abandoned lot. The stand looks like it's seen a lot of use: the paint is cracked and peeling, some of the wooden slats are popping out, and the sign is faded. Nevertheless, as we get closer, the tantalizing smells of steak being cooked waft on the breeze, making both of us drool. Yosuke lifts up one of the hanging curtains, and I follow behind him. The two of us take seats, and Yosuke grabs a pair of chopsticks from a can on the counter. I take a look at who this Old Man Itsuki is.

The man standing behind a large tray of side dishes, intently focusing on the grill in front of him seems to be in his fifties, judging from the wrinkles on his face and hands. He's wearing a faded white cap, and his clothes also seem to be in need of a wash. He looks at the two of us, then lets out a hearty laugh.

"Why, if it isn't little Hana-chan. I haven't seen you in ages. Whacha been up to? You're pretty rude, you know, not even bothering to stop by once in a while," Yosuke smirks.

"I would have dropped by sooner if I had been able to find you! You ever thought of actually staying in one place for more than a couple of weeks, old man? I mean, how the heck are you supposed to get customers if you keep trying to play hide-and-seek with them?"

"Hahaha! If customers want my food, then they'll find me! Besides, it get's boring staying in the same place for weeks on end. A man has to explore this world while he's still young! What's the point in setting down roots and then finding out you still have that itch to go exploring?" Yosuke grimaces.

"Explore the world? I bet you haven't even left Tokyo even once, have you? And of course you haven't set down roots! You don't even have a girlfriend!"

"Oh, and do you, Mr. Casanova? Last time I talked with you, you were still going on and on about that Saki girl from Junes." At the mention of her name, Yosuke's face grows dim. Itsuki looks to me for answers, but Yosuke just shakes his head, and then pats me on the shoulder.

"Oh yeah, I completely forgot! Itsuki, this is Souji Seta. He's a friend of mine from college. Souji, this is Old Man Itsuki, server of some of the best food in all of Tokyo. He may have a real name, but nobody can remember it, so we just call him 'Old Man'. It's easier that way."

"Hmph, young people these days have no respect for their elders. Well, in any case, it's a pleasure to meet you young man. As this fool said, I serve the best food you'll ever eat, so feel free to come back as many times as you can." He extends a hand, and we shake.

"T-Thanks. It's n-nice to meet you too." He laughs.

"Well, I was certain that a friend of Yosuke's would turn out the same as him, but you're actually well-mannered. Well, for the sake of meeting one another in this wide, wide world, today's on me. Eat to your heart's content! But the sake is full price."

"Ha, that's great!" Yosuke is smiling. "I was worried about having to pay, but I guess we got lucky today. Alright, let me tell you right now, his roast pork ramen is great, but you should really try his fried tofu. It's really good."

"T-Then I guess I'll try the fried t-tofu first."

"You have excellent taste, young man. Here you go!" Itsuki places a bowl of steaming hot ramen in front of me. The smell is so strong that I'm drooling like mad. I take a bite, and instantly I'm transported to heaven.

"T-This food is amazing! It's so good!" I can't stop as I try to eat as much as I can.

"Ha, told you so. As for me, I'll take a roast pork, please," Yosuke says, and Itsuki places a bowl in front of him. The two of us eat in blissful silence.

When we are finally done, Yosuke lets out a big burp, and then pats his stomach. Itsuki let's out a laugh, and collects the bowls.

"See, what'd I tell ya? Some of the best food you'll eat, but since he likes to move around so much, it's a pain to find him. To tell the truth, I just got lucky today. So, what do you think?"

"T-The food was great. I really l-loved it. Too bad I can't eat t-this at home." At the mention of the word 'home', thoughts of Nanako's cooking popped into my head. I quickly shake them. As I am enjoying the smells of the store, I hear a voice from deep within.

Thou Art I and I am Thou.

Thou shalt be blessed when making Personas of the Magician Arcana

Huh. I expected that a bond would be more difficult to improve. I mean, we just ate ramen, right? Yosuke looks content. Scraping his teeth with a tooth-pick, Yosuke looks at Itsuki.

"So, anything interesting going on? I haven't been here in a while, and thought I'd hear about what's happening here." Itsuki puts down his ladle, and thinks for a moment.

"Anything interesting, hmm?" He picks up the ladle and starts stirring again. "I'm sure you've both heard about the recent spikes in gangs, right?" We both nod. "Well, so far, nothing too bad has happened. But people who have been here a long time are starting to feel a little concerned with some of the new groups that are popping up. The police are increasing the number of patrols, but even then, there's still talk of a big fight coming in the near future." He stops, seeming conflicted about something, then leans over, and makes a sign that we should do the same. His voice drops to a whisper.

"Right now, most of the merchants here are paying protection money to the Inagawa-kai group. However, recently, a new band has shown up, and they are actually winning this turf war. A lot of the shop keepers are worried about how this fight is going to play out, and whether they should switch sides or not." Yosuke is taking this all in without a hint of surprise on his face. I, on the other hand, am shocked.

"W-Wait, what do you mean, protection money? Isn't that illegal? W-Why are you paying it?" Itsuki looks at me with a mixture of surprise and pity.

"Kid, I can tell you haven't lived here long. Protection money, illegal gambling, and a whole lot of other, far less pleasant activities happen in this city all the time. You've got to get use to the fact that when you put this many people together, stuff like this is bound to happen. Besides, you think even if we went to the police, anything would change? Heck, most of the police here are in the pockets of the local Yakuza groups. And the ones who aren't are pressured by their bosses not to do anything. There's too much money for them to shut off such a valuable pipeline. Heh, why do you think I move so much? Hard to tell someone to pay protection when he isn't in one place for long."

Is that really the way it is? Should I really just be able to accept this as fact? Isn't there something wrong here?

$'This is the world as it truly is, without anything to cover up the flaws. Those who believe otherwise are either truly naïve, or truly ignorant.'

#'This is one possible truth of this world. If you choose to accept it, then it becomes your truth as well.'

&'But m'lord, nobody said that you have to accept it. This old man, wise though he may be, has only experienced one way of living. To him, this is natural. But what about you? Is this natural to you?'

%'Basically, Souji, you've got to decide for yourself whether you want to accept it or not. And if you don't, then you have to prove that another path exists! But don't worry, your big sis will watch your back!'

^'Ahh...don't worry too much about finding your own path right now. What you have to be concerned about is learning about the world around you. As you continue to learn, you'll figure out what path you want to walk on. After that, if you can show the conviction of your soul, others will follow.'

*'That is the true way of this world. Those with power are the ones who write the rules that the rest must follow. So for now, gain power, aspirant!'

'My own...path.' They're right. Right now, I don't know anything about this world. It's frustrating, to find out just how ignorant I am. Yosuke and Itsuki, oblivious to the conversation going on inside me, continue talking.

"Wow, that sounds pretty bad. But who are these new guys? They must have a lot of guts, huh?" Yosuke asks. Itsuki shakes his head.

"That's the strange thing. Everybody thought the same at first, that some upstart group was just trying to make some noise and would eventually be crushed. Thing is, they aren't just going away. In fact, they are probably getting stronger. And here's the real crazy part. You ready for it?"

Itsuki is in his element, clearly enjoying the attention that both Yosuke and I giving him. He lowers his voice even further, so we have to strain to hear it.

"The leader of the group is a woman. And what's more, she's still in high school." Yosuke's face changes from one of rapt attention to anger.

"We listen to all that, and then you turn it into a joke? That wasn't even funny, old man!" Itsuki shakes his head.

"I know it seems hard to believe, but it's the truth. Nobody's sure just how she did it, but she has. Course, if you listen to the really crazy people, they go on and on about how she shoots blasts of wind from her fingertips, and launches her opponents into the air! But nobody sane believes that."

Itsuki continues, talking about the decline of morals, or something like that. However, I'm not paying attention to a single word. Instead, my mind is racing over the bombshell he just dropped. A girl who was capable of blasting bolts of wind from her fingertips! Yosuke nudges me in the side, and when I look at him, he gestures that we should leave.

"Hey, old man. Thanks for the food. We've gotta go now, but we'll definitely be back. Thanks for treating us." Itsuki stops talking mid-sentence, clearly disappointed.

"Huh? But I was just getting to the good part. Ah well, take care of yourselves, kids. Come by again!"

"S-Sure." Once the two of us get out of ear-shot of the stand, Yosuke stops, his hands pressed against the side of his head, thinking. After a few seconds, he looks at me.

"What do you think?"

"A-About the food?" He punches me in the shoulder.

"No, not the food! About the last thing he said. You know, about the girl who shoots gusts of wind? Doesn't that remind you of my ability, Garu?"

"Y-Yeah, it does. And since S-Sandman also has the same ability, it means that G-Garu isn't unique. But I thought that you would need a persona to use that ability, wouldn't you?" Yosuke nods.

"Yeah, unless she's somehow learned magic or something. But what's more, couldn't this be a lead about the murder case? We know that only somebody who has a persona can enter a TV. And now we have one out here, in the real world, who's using her abilities to fight the mob. She could be the killer!" Yosuke's fists are balled. Despite the conversation at the yakitori stand, he's still thinking about Saki, no doubt.

"T-That does sound possible. I don't t-think we can i-ignore it at any rate."

"Agreed. We should contact Chie, and figure out a plan. We might be able to end this case, and prevent anyone else from suffering!" Yosuke bounces up and down, excited. "Alright, I'll give Chie a call. You're going to be on Campus tomorrow for the Aikido try-outs, right? Why don't we meet before hand, and figure out how to find this girl? I'll send you a text tonight, alright?"

"R-Right." With that, we head to the station, and split up. I catch the train home, though I hardly pay attention, as my thoughts are on this mysterious girl, and just how she plays into Yamano and Saki's death and Amagi's kidnapping.

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

As I walk towards the house, I can see Uncle's car in the carport, which means he must be home. I open the door, saying 'I'm home' in the process. I open the door, mumbling 'I'm home,' and enter the living room to find a very excited Nanako by the table and Uncle, who stares at me while he rests on the couch.

"Souji, good timing. I wanted to talk to you about something. Golden Week is coming up, and I've finally managed to get some time off. A Co-worker of mine is able to cover for me for that weekend, and I was just talking to Nanako about planning a trip."

"Yea! Could we go to Junes, Dad? Everyday's great at your Junes!" Nanako asks, looking very excited.

Not surprisingly, Uncle looks a little skeptical.

"Are you sure you just want to go to Junes? I was actually thinking we might be able to plan for a weekend trip or something. The department got a great discount at a hot-springs in the mountains near here. The cherry blossoms look really pretty, too. What do you think, Nanako?"

"A trip? That sounds like so much fun. We can make box lunches, and watch the stars. I want to go, I want to go!" Nanako is literally hopping with excitement; her eyes are sparkling and her pigtails are bobbing up and down.

"Excellent. I'll make sure to put in the reservations then. Oh yeah, Souji, you have that weekend off, you should be able to come with us. What do you say?" Me, go on the trip with them? Isn't this more of a family outing?

"I-Is it okay with you?" Uncle looks surprised.

"Of course it is! Why would we leave you out? I told you before, but you're family here. There's absolutely no reason I'll accept for not coming. The three of us will go for a three day, two night trip to the hot-springs. Alright with you, Nanako?"

"Yep! I can't wait! I'm going to get packed right now!" With that, Nanako gets up and runs to her bedroom. Uncle watches her run-off, then turns to me.

"Haha. We've still got plenty of time before the trip. I better go and make sure that she has left enough clothes for her to go to school as well. Good night, Souji."

"Good night, Uncle." With that, he gets up, saying "Nanako, make sure you leave enough clothes for the rest of the week!" Nanako responds "I know. I'm not a kid anymore, jeez!" I let out a small chuckle as I hear them talk in her room. I get up, and head for my room. A trip during Golden Week, huh? Sounds like the perfect present after we save Amagi from the TV world and capture the murderer.

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

After studying for the first time in what feels like ages, and making absolutely no headway against the massive amount of material that the professors have already covered, I crash into my futon. Unless I manage to catch up, I might not be able to go on that trip! With that unpleasant thought floating through my head, I close my eyes to catch what little sleep I can before Pixie's bolts of love rain down on me once more.

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

"What is it, Fluffy? Do you smell something?" The old man bends down. His dog has raised his fur, and is growling at the alleyway next to them.

"Is something there? Hello?" The old man takes a few steps towards the alley, shining the torch light that he brings with him every day. A cursory glance shows nothing.

"Jeez, Fluffy, don't scare me like that. The world can be a dangerous place, but this is a safe neighborhood. Come on, let's go home. I want to watch that cute Rise-chan perform her new song. Ah, if only I were sixty years younger." He let's out a small chuckle, turning away from the alley to continue his walk. He doesn't get more than a step away.

SMASH!

He crumples to the ground, releasing the leash he had been carrying, and the dog runs away, barking like mad. Standing over him is something that can only be described as 'a monster'. Picking the unconscious man up, the monster carries him into the alleyway, swinging his arms freely, obviously not feeling the weight of the body.

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

The body hits the ground. I stare at it in glorious anticipation. It's been so long since I've hunted, since I've had the opportunity to truly enjoy myself. Ah, but it's an ugly man instead of a young girl. Still, I have to make do with what I have. After all, he was the only one available tonight.

"Burn, Burn, BURN! Hahahah!" The laugh is ragged, more of a beast than a man's. Staring at the body, fire starts to surround me, and I chant the only word that matters anymore.

"UKOBACH!"

The devil appears, dancing, laughing, relishing in the bloodshed that is about to happen. I stare down at the corpse, and the face of an ugly boy pops into my head. That boy, the one who got away. He might ruin everything! He might ruin my fun! But not for much longer! But for now, let me enjoy the smell, the smell, the smell of burnt flesh.

"AGI!"

Ah, those screams. Truly nothing is more beautiful than the final words of a dying man, for they encompass everything. All that delicious blood that bubbles to the surface as the skin sloughs off.

"What...can...I...do...with...this...blood? Ha..Ha...HAHAHAHAHA!"

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

I awake, long before Pixie would normally do so. Everything I've eaten for the last few days seems to want to exit via my mouth. I barely make it to the toilet, before everything comes rushing out. As I lean over the bowl, trying to get rid of the smell, only a single thought can make it through my confused, hurting mind.

'He remembers me.'

End Chapter 24