A/N: Reviews! There were a couple of questions from the previous Chapter, so here are some answers!
Bobcat86: First of all, your explanation for why they couldn't use their personas is actually pretty close to the real reason, so congratulations of almost figuring it out! As for Souji donning the garb of Izanagi, he wore it at the funeral as a sign of his growth. But he's going to have to earn the right to wear it again. Say, perhaps, taking down a god?
Coldman9: Thanks for the review. You're not entirely wrong in believing that people are coalescing into gangs and then fighting, but there's no rule saying that only the leaders are the ones with a persona, is there? I hope you enjoy the coming chapters as much as the old ones!
Astrih: Ah yes, our good old friend the Burner. Seems like sooner or later, we're going to have to deal with him. How that will be accomplished though, is going to be a little difficult, since he's insane. As for Mulan's "I'll make a man out of you," I wanted to have Pixie sing it, but felt that I might be testing copyright laws!
Kisdota: Lol, I know, I know, you're looking forward to Yukiko's rescue. However, my goal in writing this story is about developing a living breathing world with more going on than just the rescues. Don't worry, we're only a few chapters away from saving her, so just hold on!
Baby Patoman: While the thought of you having my babies is tempting, I'm afraid to say that if I tried to update any more frequently, the quality of my chapters would take a pretty big hit. As it is, I'm doing my best to update twice weekly, so I hope that's okay with you!
Michael Smith: When I started writing this story, I was using the picture of Souji as a badass in a mafia suit as my inspiration. So Souji might become something more than just a gang leader. You'll have to look forward to it!
Key
#...Izanagi
$...Nestis
%...Pixie
^...Sandman
&...Apsaras
*...Omoikane
Chapter 28: Gaining and Striving
Sunday, April 24, 2011
"I'm not going to turn you in. Y-You were, and are, in d-danger, but the feeling I get is t-that you were trying to save someone. I-I am not going to abandon you. I give you my word." She stares at me for a second in shock, before breaking out into tears.
"Thank you."
()()()()()()()()()()
For the next few minutes, chaos reigned as we tried to do some damage control. The first step was in healing the wounds that had been inflicted over the course of the battle, both ours and the girls that we had been fighting with. It's surely just a matter of time before the police arrive, and I don't want to still be here when they do, or Uncle might just kick me out of the house.
"Man, Dia really is a useful spell. If only it didn't drain so much out of us," Yosuke says as he treats the last of the girls. We had alternated healing everyone, and both Yosuke and I are panting and visibly tired, exhausted from the depletion of spiritual power. If that fight had gone on any longer, then it's anybody's guess as to who would have won. Chie is watching the girls who have been healed in case one of them got the idea to keep fighting, but all of them seem to have lost the will to fight. They were originally wary when the two of us walked over, some visibly flinching, but after we started, their expressions had changed to one of gratitude.
"Yeah, it's kind of a pity that I can't do that. Tomoe is more of a rough-and-tumble fighter," Chie says, regretfully.
"Ha, like we couldn't have figured that out just by looking at you," Yosuke says as he laughs. Chie gives him an evil eye, but says nothing. I walk over to Fubuki, and kneel to be at eye level with her.
"A-Are you okay, now?" She looks surprised by the question, but finally nods.
"Yeah, it hurt a little when you did… Well, whatever you did to get Angel out of me. But now, I feel a lot more relaxed. Having her inside me wasn't as much fun as you might think…" she says, before trailing off. She shakes her head, then looks at me. "Where do we go from here? I don't think I have to say this, but the 'Thorns of the Black Rose' are done for," she says, humorlessly, "unless you want to take over yourself?"
Take over? A gang? Only now do I realize just how complicated the situation is. When we still believed Fubuki to be the criminal, we were deluding ourselves into thinking that we could somehow hand her over to the police and be done with it. But not only is Fubuki not the criminal, she was using her power to protect her girls. Now that Angel has been removed, doesn't that mean that the people she had been fighting can attack without fear of retribution?
"W-Would that work?" Fubuki looks at me, then shakes her head.
"You aren't seriously considering it, are you? We aren't anything special. Just a bunch of high school girls who've been trying to play hero in this city. If you take it over, then you'll add all our problems to yours," here she smiles sadly, "and it looks like you've already got enough of your own to worry about."
Chie, who has been listening to the conversation quietly, looks at me. "Souji, I think I understand now why those shopkeepers were trying to protect them. These guys weren't as powerful as that ramen vendor was saying they were. But she's right. If you do take over the gang, then we may get caught up a whole other set of problems. Don't forget that we've still got to save Yukiko and figure out who the real criminal is."
What are my options? Take over the Thorns of the Black Rose, and get caught up in the gang warfare that Itsuki was talking about, or stay out of it and leave Fubuki and her friends at the mercy of the people she was fighting against? Is there a third option?
'What do you all think I should do?'
%'You've given her your word, Souji! There's no going back on it now!'
&'M'lord, I agree with Pixie. If you continue to get stronger, then you shouldn't have to fear those who would try to do you harm.'
*'But, as you get stronger, you will undoubtedly find more powerful opponents standing in your way. This is true whether it be this world, or the world where shadows reside.'
^'Ahh...You're going to have to make a decision. Are you willing to shoulder the burden that the girl represents? Are you strong enough to carry that weight and continue to walk forward? It could crush you if you aren't prepared.'
'Slime! Slime Slime!'
%'Um, Slime says that you shouldn't hesitate! Believe in the words you told her! They will give you the conviction to protect her as well!'
#'So? What are you going to do, boy?'
Did I really say those words without understanding what they meant? No. I made an oath with Izanagi at Mizue's funeral: I wouldn't step back or abandon those who need my help.
'If I'm not strong enough as I am, then it just means I have to get stronger, right?'
#'Hmph. Nice answer!'
I smile, then look at Fubuki. "U-Um, I may not be the strongest or b-bravest of people. But I g-gave you my word. I'm not g-going to abandon you, or your friends. If you n-need my help, I will do my best to be t-there, no matter what!" Yosuke, who had finished up while I was thinking and had walked over, thumps me on the shoulder.
"Man, you are starting to sound like a real leader! Though, I never would have guessed you like 'em young," he says laughing. I wonder what he meant by that?
Fubuki blushes, and stares at the ground. She doesn't look up as she speaks in a very quiet voice, "I'll be counting on you, Souji."
()()()()()()()()()()
After checking the girls once more to make sure that they were okay, I gave my number to Fubuki, and then watched as they left. Fubuki looked back just before she disappeared from view, and waved. Although I might have imagined it, it almost looked like she was laughing. I turn back to Chie and Yosuke.
"Y-Yosuke, in the future, if you ever f-feel the need to do something as crazy as your challenge to Fubuki, please l-let us know first, huh?"
Chie nods. "Yeah, I mean, we're lucky that things worked out the way they did. But what happens if they had been better trained? We could have been beaten to a pulp!"
Yosuke grins sheepishly. "Point taken. I guess I kinda jumped the gun on this one. Sorry guys. Next time, I promise I'll tell you before I do something stupid. Come to think of it, I kinda forgot about why we came here in the first place." Chie and I both sigh.
"We came here because we needed to go to Daidara's, remember? We need new equipment so that we can save Yukiko!"
"Oh yeah, that's what we were doing! Come on, let's go." With that, the three of us start walking towards Daidara's store, hopefully without any further distractions. As I glance one last time at the place where we fought Fubuki, I'm struck by something I can't put my finger on.
"G-Guys, does something seem to b-be missing from this place?" The other two look at me.
"I don't think so," Chie starts, "I mean, yeah, it is pretty quiet, but then again, it is a Sunday. Why, what do you think is missing?" Yosuke is tapping his head, and then gasps.
"You're right! Where are the cops? I mean, we made a hell of a lot of noise back there, and surely somebody would have called them, right? I mean, it's not like Fubuki's gang would have been able to chase everybody away, right? So why haven't I heard a single siren?" That's what it was. Why haven't the police shown up?
"I hadn't thought about that! Grr! The cops are supposed to protect people! Why haven't they come yet? Do you think we should call them ourselves?" Chie asks, fumbling in her pocket for her phone.
"No, I don't think that's a good idea. Since we don't have to answer any questions, I think we should leave it alone. Who knows what might happen if we had to start answering questions about what went on here? We could end up in trouble for fighting as well, you know," Yosuke says, "and to be honest, there's something else that's been bothering me." Here he looks at me.
"W-What?"
"When I first called Jirayia, nothing happened. I didn't hear his voice back then because I was more focused on the fight, but a few moments ago, I asked him why he didn't do anything. He said that he had not been summoned, but he won't explain what that means," Yosuke says, thinking.
"Huh, that is weird. Still, after you told Yosuke to attack, Souji, both of us were able to summon our personas. Do you think that might have had something to do with it?" The three of us fall silent, each thinking. Finally, Yosuke shakes his head.
"Something else we don't understand, great! Anyway, let's just go to Daidara's and get what we need. I hate to bring this up, but I have homework due tomorrow, and I really can't procrastinate any longer, hehehe," Yosuke laughs. Chie just lets out an exasperated sigh.
()()()()()()()()()()()
Although I had been in Daidara's store before, the smells and sights are still amazing. Stacked floor-to-ceiling are all kinds of devices: weapons, armor, and a whole assortment of odds and ends. The smell of metal pervades the place, but it isn't unpleasant. In a way, it almost feels reassuring. Yosuke and Chie are examining a set of daggers, talking animatedly amongst themselves. I head over to look at the swords on display, not having forgotten the blade I lost in the fight with Chie's shadow.
A hand claps my shoulder, and I shriek, before spinning around to stare into Daidara's laughing face.
"Jeez kid, you're wound up tight, aren't ya? That's the second time you've screamed like that in my store! What are you doing back here so soon, anyway? Didn't I sell you something just last week? Don't tell me you lost it. I don't do refunds," he says as he adjusts some items on a shelf.
"U-Um, the previous blade broke," I say. He turns and looks at me very intently. He looks at my hair, then rubs his chin.
"Ha! Well, I did tell you that cheap blade I sold you wouldn't last long. Course, they were real basic weapons, but still, they should have been able to stand up for a few weeks of intensive action, not just a couple of days. I'd ask what you were doing with them, but I won't. It's not my nature to pry into the affairs of my customers. Still, are you going to need another one then?"
I nod my head. "T-This time, though, I have more money. I should be a-able to afford a decent s-sword," I say, patting my wallet. He chuckles, then gestures at Yosuke and Chie, who are yelling at each other at the top of their lungs about the difference between skill and luck.
"Are those two with you? I remember them coming in a while ago, but I didn't think the three of you were a group," he says, while staring at my hair.
"Y-Yes, the three of us are a g-group," I say. A few seconds more, and I sigh. "U-Um, is there something on m-my head?"
"Huh? Oh, sorry. Your hair reminded me of something from a while back. You know, I don't think I actually got your name before. Seeing as how you'll probably be coming by a lot, might as well do some introductions, huh?"
That's right, I hadn't introduced myself to him before, had I? "M-My name is Souji Seta. It's a pleasure to meet y-you," I say bowing. However, as I lift my head, I catch a glimpse of his face. It's wide with shock, and something else. Sadness, maybe?
"Seta, you say? Now that's interesting," Daidara mutters, before turning to Yosuke and Chie. "Customers, if you can't keep your voices down in my store, then I ask that you leave. It ruins my artistic abilities!" Here both Yosuke and Chie blush and shut up. "Speaking of which," here he turns back to me, "did you find any new materials for me to work with? I remember giving you a list a while back."
It's only after he mentions the list that I realize that I left my bag with all the items we collected from the shadow world in my room! I didn't bring them with me, even though I was coming to his shop today. He sees the look on my face, because he chuckles, before walking over to a barrel and pulling a sword out.
"Forgot, huh? Man, youngsters these days have no memory ability. Must be all those electronics they use. Makes 'em soft upstairs. Anyway, this is the last regular blade I can sell ya before I need new materials. It's a long sword, and a steal at only seven thousand. What say you?"
Seven thousand? Oh man, with this and the loan I need to pay back to Uncle, I'm going to be flat broke! I should have worked more at the bookstore! I sigh as I pull out my wallet. Yosuke and Chie walk up, apparently having finished their shopping as well. Yosuke puts a set of daggers on the counter, and Chie adds a jacket that looks exceptionally thick.
"Thanks for your business! Come again, ya hear?" Daidara says as we exit the store. If I could find another metalworker who charged less, I'd never come back! As the three of us walk back to the train station, something bothers me. Daidara seemed to be familiar with my last name. Why would that be?
()()()()()()()()()()()
"Man, it's been a long day," Yosuke says as he yawns. The three of us are sitting on the train going home. "But, it was worth it. We're now ready to head back and save Yukiko-san, once and for all!"
Chie nods. "Still, I didn't think he'd charge so much just for one vest. And it's not even that comfortable, either! I'm going to have to tighten it once I get back," she says, sighing. Yosuke chuckles, then looks back at me.
"I think it might be better if you make the decisions regarding equipment from now on. Looks like that old man might be able to make better stuff for us, but I don't want to waste money. Gotta save up for that motorbike. So from now on, why don't you buy the gear? Chie and I can give you money we earn, and you can buy the stuff you think is right."
Chie thinks about it for a second, then nods. "Good idea! Plus, this way, it doesn't feel like you've got to earn all the money on your own. That would be cruel, wouldn't it?" She says, chuckling.
"T-Thanks, guys. I was worried for a w-while. I mean, just this," here I point to the wrapping around the long sword I purchased, "cost me more than I g-guessed it would. I could use the extra h-help!"
"Sounds great! Just don't forget! You waste the money we give you, and you're going to get it," Chie says, half-serious. Well, that at least takes care of the money part. Now, how do I hide all this gear from Uncle and Nanako?
()()()()()()()()()()
"I-I'm home," I say as I open the door. I had said goodbye to Chie and Yosuke twenty minutes earlier, and then lugged the sword all the way home, doing my best to make it not look like I was carrying a weapon with me. Thankfully, I just got a few strange looks, but for the most part, people simply ignored me.
"Welcome back!" Nanako says as she looks up from her TV program. As she does so, I feel a powerful jolt coming from my heart. I can almost see Angel staring at Nanako intensely, though she says nothing. Nanako looks at my hand, which is currently holding the sword in it's wrapping, then back at me. "Do you need any help with that? What is it?" She asks innocently.
"U-Um, this i-is a walking stick!" I say, before wanting to hit myself for making up such a stupid excuse. There's no way Nanako would buy that.
"Are you okay? Do you need any help? I can try calling Dad if you need me to. He might not answer though," she says, getting up from her seat. I didn't mean to worry her like this.
"T-Thanks, Nanako. I'm, uh, holding onto this for a friend. I'm g-going to give it back to him t-tomorrow." I say, trying to convince her. She looks at me for a few seconds more, before finally nodding.
"Okay then," she says, before sitting back down to continue watching her show. I sigh internally, then head upstairs. It seems that I have to keep hiding things from both Uncle and Nanako. As I place the sword in the bottom drawer of my chest, I think back over the day, from Yosuke and his maid cafe, to Fubuki and her struggles. After covering the sword with some clothes, I stumble my way to the futon, and collapse into it.
"W-What a day," I say to no one in particular as I close my eyes. I could really use some sleep right about now.
()()()()()()()()()()
Monday, April 25, 2011
%'Rise and shine, sleepy head!'
Pixie's voice woke me up from a nightmare that I couldn't remember. Staring at the clock, I realize that today's a regular day, which means another day of grueling running. I sigh, and get out of bed.
After another run around the block, I pass by the bridge that had been marked by Fubuki as belonging to the 'Thorns of the Black Rose'. Both the message, and Yosuke's challenge were both gone, apparently having been painted over, returning the bridge underpass to its dull gray. Perhaps the city covered it over? But would they really act that fast? The fight just happened yesterday, after all.
When I step through the front door, I hear the sounds of someone making coffee. As I enter the main hall, I can see Uncle adding coffee powder into the machine by the sink, a distant look on his face. I head upstairs and grab my wallet, before jogging back down. He doesn't notice me 'till I'm right next to him.
"Oh, Souji! Sorry, I was distracted by some work that's been piling up. I didn't mean to disturb you. Is everything alright?" he asks with a concerned look on his face.
"U-Um, Uncle, here's the first half of the p-payment for the c-cellphone. T-Thanks for lending me the money," I say, handing over the money. A quick peek into my wallet shows that it is now empty, with a few sad coins left behind. I wonder if it's my fate to be poor the entire time I'm in Tokyo. Uncle takes the money with a grin, but it's quickly replaced by his previous scowl.
"U-Um, is something wrong, Uncle? You l-look worried," I hesitantly begin. He looks back at me, seemingly surprised by my question. He says nothing for a few seconds as he adds water to the machine, and turns it on, but finally answers.
"It's not really anything important, but yesterday, there were reports of a fight between rival gangs in one of the older residential districts of the city. Although several complaints were filed, the first police car didn't get onto the scene until almost an hour later. And what's more, the scene itself...well, it doesn't look like a fight scene. It almost looks like somebody was using miniature explosives instead," here he shakes his head, "ah, sorry, I didn't mean to worry you. Just make sure you're careful, okay? The Tokyo police department will protect the citizens of this city." Though he says the last sentence with pride, the pensive look never leaves his face.
I nod, and head upstairs, still thinking about what he said. So, during the fight, people were calling the police. Then why did they take so long to get there? And what conclusions would they reach by examining the scene itself? As I enter my room, I hear my phone vibrate. A quick check showed that Fubuki had sent a text message while I was talking with Uncle downstairs.
Thx 4 yestrdy! My friends r fine! C u! 3!
Looking at the message, it's hard to believe that the person who sent it and the girl I fought yesterday are one and the same. Well, I guess she's still in high school. Now if only I knew how to send a text message on this phone. I've barely figured out how to make phone calls on it...
()()()()()()()()()()
The morning commute to college is peaceful like always, allowing my mind to wander over the wide number of problems that I'm facing. From the Burner, to Amagi in the TV world to Fubuki, the situation continues to get more and more complicated. At least I have one last day tomorrow to train with the Aikido club before we head in on Wednesday to get her out. Maybe I can convince Daisuke to teach me some basic sword forms. Otherwise, Daidara is going to have a good laugh at my expense when I break the sword I bought.
Probably because I wasn't paying any attention to my surroundings, I'm rudely jerked by my shoulder, almost hitting the pavement in the process. I'm spun around, and I'm staring into the perfectly coiffed figure of Playboy. A part of my mind thinks about the fact that I've yet to actually learn his name. The rest of it is trying to figure out how to get out of this situation.
Playboy smirks, "Hey loser! I heard you joined the Aikido club. What, you thinking that you can change? Face it, once a loser, always a loser." He says these words with a vicious tone.
#'You should learn the folly of daydreaming. Otherwise, situations like this will continue to happen, boy.'
'Thanks for that, Izanagi.'
"I don't make it a habit of wasting my time talking to pieces of trash, but you've been hanging around that Satonaka chick, so perhaps you know what's going on," here he releases my shoulder, but grabs my shirt with one hand. "Where is my Yuki, huh?"
"W-Who? I don't k-know anybody by that name!"
%'C'mon, Souji! Don't take this from him! You can fight back!'
&'Agreed, m'lord! There is absolutely no reason to continue to listen to his insults.'
'I don't want to start another fight unnecessarily. Plus, if I summon a persona, all the people around us might get caught up in it!'
*'The mark of the truly strong. There is wisdom in your words, boy.'
"Don't play games with me! I'm talking about Yukiko Amagi! She hasn't been seen in over a week! What have you done with her? Don't tell me that you decided to kidnap her since you wouldn't have a shot with her any other way? I hear pathetic trash like you do that when they get desperate!" He snarls, ignoring the looks that other people are giving us. But without fail, every one turns and walks away, even without Playboy looking at them. I'm resigned to getting hit when a new voice breaks in.
"Don't worry about him. You have even less of a chance than he does with Yukiko," Chie says as she walks upeyes narrowed and harsh. "Face it, she wouldn't be interested in someone as horrible as you," she continues, now at my side.
"Shut your mouth, bitch," Playboy says with no hesitancy. Either he's incredibly brave or incredibly stupid. Remembering the way he punched when he attacked me, it probably means that he's confident in his abilities. Chie bristles, but Playboy simply pushes me backwards, forcing her to catch me, before stalking away, his hands thrust deep into his pockets. Chie glares at his retreating form, before turning to me.
"Jeez, Souji, why did you let him push you around like that? After that fight with Fubuki, a guy like him should be nothing!" She says as she helps me back onto my feet.
"S-Sorry, Chie, but I didn't want to start another fight u-unnecessarily. I'm still a little s-sore from yesterday, and I didn't w-want to summon my persona here," I say, gesturing to the people walking around us.
"Well, yeah, I guess that's true, but still! You've got to stand up for yourself sooner or later! Otherwise he'll just keep bullying you like that!" Chie says as the two of us start walking towards campus.
"I-I'll keep that in mind," I say, rubbing my shoulder where he grabbed me.
#'That wasn't the reason why you backed down, was it boy?'
'Huh?'
#'You can't lie to us. What's the real reason why you weren't willing to challenge him?'
I thought for a second about lying, maybe even sticking with the excuse I had provided earlier, but I knew better. Izanagi would see through it in a heartbeat.
'He scared me. When I was standing in front of him, it really felt like he was staring down at me from some height I couldn't reach. I…I couldn't meet his eyes.'
%'Ooh! I'm going to go beat him up! C'mon, Souji! Leave this to your Big Sis! I'll make him regret it!'
'Thanks Pixie, but it's okay. I'll just avoid him as much as possible. Besides, we've got other problems to worry about for now. Let's leave him for later, shall we?'
%'Grr, fine. But if he tries something again, I'll let him have it!'
"Something wrong? Are you hurt anywhere?" Chie asks, with a look of concern on her face.
"T-Thanks, I'm fine. Just thinking," I respond. I'm about to ask her whether she's okay, when I'm interrupted by what sounds like a band tuning up. As we enter the gates, we see the university orchestra setting up on the quad. Signs being set up announce that recruitment begins today, and that even total amateurs are welcome to join.
"Hey, Souji! You play anything?" Chie asks, looking at the people tuning their instruments.
"H-Huh, me? N-No, I don't play any instrument. My m-mother wanted me to practice the v-violin when I was little, but…" I don't finish the sentence, as rather painful memories float to the surface.
"Hmm. Well, maybe you should join the music club? It'd be pretty cool! After all, both Yosuke and I play instruments, you could make it a perfect three for three!" Chie says, strumming an air guitar as she speaks. "Besides, you're going to need something once we save Yukiko, right?" She says with eyes filled with determination.
"The M-Music Club, huh? I g-guess I could. It c-can't hurt, right?" I say, as the sounds of the string section begin to fill the air.
()()()()()()()()()()
Lunch time finds me in the library. However, unlike before when I was trying to find something to do or stalking Amagi, I'm looking for information. When I asked Izanagi what the shadows were, he was deliberately vague. When he speaks like that, there's an underlying command: go figure it out for yourself. He, above all the other personas I have, even Nestis, is the one I just can't understand. And yet, not listening to his words will get me killed. I wish I knew why he was so different from the others. He said that he was my 'original self', but what does that mean? What about the rest of my personas? Again, I'm left with more questions than answers. Today, I intend to at least understand one thing: what are the shadows?
I'm not exactly holding my breath about finding out some great revelation. From the looks of things, Shadows only manifest on the other side, the TV world, which means there probably isn't any research on them. Still, it can't hurt to look.
After doing some searches on Shadows on the library database, I take a seat at a table with a book entitled The Self, and the Struggles We Face written by someone named Eri Meguro. Surprisingly, the term 'Shadow' was given an entire chapter. I flip to the chapter and start reading.
The archetype known as the Shadow represents the energy of the dark side, the unexpressed, unrealized, or rejected aspects of something. Often it's the home of the suppressed monsters of our inner world. Shadows can be the dark secrets we can't admit, even to ourselves. The qualities we have renounced and tried to root out still lurk within, operating in the Shadow world of the unconscious. The Shadow can also shelter positive qualities that are in hiding or that we have rejected for some reason.
The Shadow can represent the power of repressed feelings. Deep trauma or guilt can fester when exiled to the darkness of the unconscious, and emotions hidden or denied can turn into something monstrous that wants to destroy us. The Shadow may simply be the shady part of ourselves that we are always wrestling within struggles over bad habits and old fears. This energy can be a powerful internal force with a life of its own and its own set of interests and priorities. It can be a destructive force, especially if not acknowledged, confronted, and brought to light.
Shadows can express positive as well as negative aspects. The Shadow in a person's psyche may be anything that has been suppressed, neglected, or forgotten. The Shadow shelters the healthy, natural feelings we believe we're not supposed to show. But healthy anger or grief, if suppressed in the territory of the Shadow, can turn to harmful energy that strikes out and undermines us in unexpected ways. The Shadow may also be unexplored potential, such as affection, creativity, or psychic ability that goes unexpressed. "The roads not taken" the possibilities of life that we eliminate by making choices at various stages, may collect in the Shadow, biding their time until brought into the light of consciousness.
I stop reading, and rub my eyes. The answer I was looking for was this? And yet it's so appropriate, perfectly explaining the actions of both Yosuke and Chie and the shadows that emerged from them. If we choose to ignore it, it goes out of control, huh? Then, it probably means that we won't have a choice when it comes to Amagi's shadow. Still, I'm surprised to see that not only the negative qualities, but even positive qualities can become a shadow. Could that mean that…?
My cell-phone buzzes and I realize with horror that lunch is over, and in another five minutes I'm going to be late for Professor Stanley's class. I grab my things, dash out of the library, my thoughts discarded.
()()()()()()()()()()
After another enjoyable class with Prof. Stanley, punctuated by him doing an impromptu swing dance demonstration midway through the lecture, I head over to the Music Department. Something about those people, and the music they had performed moved me. It reminded me of the piece that Amagi played when I got lost and wound up at her hotel. I can hear people talking animatedly as I approach the door. When I move to open it, it is opened from the other side, and somebody bumps into me. I look down to see a girl, much shorter than me sprawled on the floor, eyes spinning. I reach out a hand to help her.
She sits up, rubbing her head before looking at me. "U-Um! I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there, and I just walked into you. Are you okay?" She asks in a rush, distraught.
"U-Um, I'm fine, but are you o-okay?" I ask, as she takes my hand and slowly gets back up.
"O-Ohh, I'm fine!" She says, dusting her skirt. She sort of reminds me of a hyperactive mouse, her hands moving about rapidly. "Can I help you?"
"I-I'm Souji Seta, and I was wondering if I could j-join?"
Her face visibly brightens, and she nods. "Ah, great, Seta-san. I'm Ayane Matsunaga, a freshmen. Welcome to the Music Club!"
End Chapter 28
A/N: And we steadily get closer to the end of Act II. If you're curious about what'll happen, I've left the clues for you to find! Review if you enjoyed this chapter! Till next Time.
