[Chapter 11]

Ayakane's Love

[Luck POV]

I hesitate to strike at Ayakane's Shadow but it look like I have no other choice but to force her to realize my judgment and my will. I sigh as I glance at Ayakane's body on the floor and I need to rescue her quick, before any more Shadow appear. "

"Why do you believe in your own judgment? Human shouldn't have the potential to judge or make choice on what truly important, life." Ayakane's Shadow spoke.

Ayakane's Shadow shoot an arrow to me as I easily slash it away from me but as I slash the arrow away, I notice her running to me close to my perimeter.

She is quick!

I didn't have the time to dodge her tackle as she pin me down on the floor and putting her delicate body on top of my chest. I narrow my eyes as I see her pointing at me with an arrow to my face and she remains disappoint at my reaction time.

"You aren't taking this seriously?..." She mutters.

Ayakane's Shadow put her bow away as she materializes a rifle to her side and aiming the barrel at me as I felt the cold steel of the weapon. I see her finger slowly pulling her trigger and I know she is going to hurt me so I move my tail to push the rifle away from me causing her to miss me. I took this opportunity to bail out as slip my leg up to kick her away from me and avoiding at fatal damage to be done to her. I stand up as I see Ayakane body not moving and I slowly approach her so I can immobilize her in some matter but, as I try to approach her, she quickly lift her upper body to shoot at me. I felt a strong pain coming from my right shoulder as I try to dodge it but the bullet manage to hit me and thankfully, it didn't hit any major. I bite my lips as I have no resistance to gun as I expected and I curse myself for not attacking back at her, but I still believe her Shadow can change. I kneel down as I grab my shaking left shoulder with my right hand and I glace up to see Ayakane approaching me without aiming at me.

"Look what your judgment has gotten to you so far, failure. No human has the right to deny the love and free will of god, so why don't you embrace it like the others." Ayakane's Shadow explains.

I remain silence at Ayakane as she looks at me down and she grab my head with her right hand. I didn't became surprise at her brute strength as she lift my entire body up so she can forcibly make me look at her while she crush my head, but I have resistance to this.

"Well? Why aren't you attacking me and answering my questions? Aren't you their leader and as a leader, you should be faithful to their friends!" Ayakane's Shadow angrily yells.

My body hit the hard floor as my back is the first thing hitting it and I am relief to have felt little damage from it but even so, I still felt pain from it. My breathing became heavy as I began to sweat at her attempt to kill me but I remain pacifist until I find another way.

"Exactly…" I mutter, breathing heavily and pausing for a bit to regain some oxygen. "You are my friend, a dear one at that and I believe…that you can have your own judgment on life and express your own thoughts from your experience alone." I spoke.

I notice Ayakane's Shadow grinning at my reply as if she got some thrill of me barking at her back and she stop at my stomach as I grunt in pain from her action. I grit my teeth at the pain slowly building up in my body and she seem to be having fun from this.

"My own judgment you say? Ha, you have no right to tell me what I can't or can do since you have no right to do so, only god can give such law and her words are righteous." She spoke, chuckling.

God? Her?...

I became curious at she mention this god of her but she once again grab my head to lift my body up and I felt another bullet hitting my vital organ this time. I scream at this major bullet wound and I couldn't hold much longer if I don't attempt to do something. She release me from her grasp as my body easily fall into the floor and I hear her sight from above me.

"How boring, so this is what a human's judgment has to offer? I didn't expect much and soon, you will join her salvation like the rest of the masses." Ayakane's Shadow sighs.

I glance up to see her walking away from me and she give up on attacking me but I am not done with her just yet.

"I am not done!" I yell.

She pauses for a bit and she turn around with narrow eyes at my attempt to stand up once more which I did. I bite my lips to gather the strength necessary to stand up and face her again as she became annoy at my action. She grin as she happily shows me her rifle once again and trying to make me feel fear from it. I didn't feel any fear as I notice Ayakane's Shadow becoming very hesitating every time my life on the line and I approach her as my body wobble around.

"I believe in you back then and I still do now, so I trust your judgment to not kill me or shoot me from this point on." I spoke, confidently.

She laughs. "That's a good one, and I will prove you wrong." She replies, grinning.

I continue walking to her as I left my weapon behind me and I open my arms to her despite her grinning or words of hers. Now, I can clearly see Ayakane's Shadow hesitating in shooting me as her hands shake with nervousness and I will arrive to her very shortly. Ayakane became silence as she breathing heavily and became scare at my bold action, and with this, I pass her aim as I tightly hug her from her fears.

"Its fine, I will shelter you and guide you toward a better path if you believe me, so let's stop this already." I said, smiling.

I pat her head as she felt her shaking even more now and strangely, I notice a very dark aura leaving her body as I catch a glimpse of something quickly leaving her body.

What was that?...

As my mind began to wonder of that thing, I felt Ayakane's Shadow hugging me tightly and I became startle as it interrupt my thoughts.

Poor Ayakane, She must be so scare of this place alone and to find her Shadow…Well it doesn't matter now, she is safe now an-

Suddenly, Ayakane's Shadow lean too much to me as we fall into the floor and I became to mumble from the sudden fall as my wound are still here.

"Snuggle, snuggle, snuggle." Ayakane's Shadow repeats herself as she happily rubs her face into my chest.

I became confuse by the sudden change in behavior as Ayakane's Shadow giggles as she continues with her things.

"Hey Luck, are you..."

I turn to see Jane pausing after she witness the scene before me, Ayakane snuggling to me and she became angry at this.

"I never imagine Luck to be quite the lady man, I am rather disappointing in you already.." Jane spoke.

I scratch my head. "It isn't what you think, I manage to free Ayakane's Shadow from something.." I mutter, unsure.

"Are you saying that she was control by something? And this is how she truly act?" Jane asks.

"Apparently so.." I nod.

Ayakane's Shadow lift her head with a smile on her face as she probably know me already and she seem normal beside the little hug of hers.

"I miss you Luck, I am really happy to have you by my side again." Ayakane's Shadow smiles.

"Same." I smile, as I nod.

Suddenly, she grins at me as she aims her bow at my face and she slowly pulls the strings.

"So, don't ever leave me, or else I will hurt you really bad." Ayakane's Shadow mischievously giggles.

I became quite surprise at Ayakane's Shadow self as she act different than the original, and so I nod to calm her down. She became happy at our promise and she began to hug me once more.

"Yay! We will become the best!" She happy announce.

"Alright, we get it now, can't we leave from this place. The whole building is crawling with Shadows and I came here to warn you about it." Jane angrily explains.

I glance behind Ayakane as I see a wave of Shadow howling in the stairs, hallways left and right which made me feel not ready for such fight as I am wounded. I immediately grab Ayakane's body from the floor as I carry her and I turn to face the other for our escape from this place, I glance toward Ayakane's Shadow.

"You should return to her, we will leave from here and I will explain everything to her in your behalf." I instruct.

"Right, be careful on your way out." Ayakane's Shadow smiles.

Ayakane's Shadow disappears as she return back to the original's body and I turn to Jane as she nods to our escape. We left the Hotspot in a rush as the Shadow are too powerful in the rain and we didn't have the energy to fight them alone or without Luke.

August 25

Thursday

Lunchtime

We reach the real world and I notice the rain already gone from this side, but I could see cloud covering the whole sky still. My clothing, personality, and my wound are gone as I felt myself again and I became happy as I rescue Ayakane with the help of Jane.

"We did it; we manage to save your friend from being killed and strangely, I feel happy knowing I finally save someone from the Hotspot at long last." Jane happily spoke.

"Yeah, I also feel that same feeling too and I am happy for your cooperation so thank you. I really owe you one for saving my friend" I smile.

Jane became proud at her achievement as stick her chest with pride and smiling at her accomplishment.

"Yeah, no problem." Jane answers, proudly. "Although, we should tell Luke about it and can we dismiss the part where I fought you…please?" Jane asks, blushing.

I chuckle at Jane attempt to hide her doubts from Luke and she became stubborn from my laughter as she dislikes being tease.

"If you want, I am sure Luke won't judge you for it and he will probably worry about you rather than being mad about it." I explain. "In any case, I will drop Ayakane in the nurse office and you can explain him all about what happen in Hotspot so he doesn't have to worry about it." I instruct.

"Right, leave it to me!" Jane nod.

We nod as we took our stuff with us and head toward our different destination as I head toward the nurse office located in the 1st floor, to the right hallways. Many students became shock at Ayakane being carry by me and I awkwardly manage to reach the nurse office as all of the students follow my lead. I reach the nurse office as I close the door and lock it so they won't bother her. I gently lay Ayakane's body down as I glance at the clock to realize it is 12 o'clock and I became shock to find how long we left from here.

Oh boy, Luke isn't going to like this..

August 25

Thursday

After School

A couple of hours pass as I took a seat near Ayakane to watch over her and the students making a commotion outside to see her until I hear from the PA system about Ayakane's safety. I sigh as Jane manage to explain everything to Luke and the students outside began to leave as the teacher told them to leave from here. I open the door to see Luke, Jane, Mr. Robert, and policeman at the door.

"Are you the one that found the girl?" The office ask.

"Yeah, and she is safe and sound as I found her lying on the floor near the statues." I reply, lying.

"I see, I will ask the two of you for more question about her sudden disappearances. You should know by now that this school is taking this case very seriously and we don't want to repeat what happen to those other students." The officer said, sadly.

"R-Right.." I nod.

The officer nod as he left the room to contact his superior about my respond and the rest manage to take a look at Ayakane sleeping in the bed. Mr. Robert became quite happy knowing that one of the students didn't ended up like the rest and he seem to be effect by this case as well.

"Thank god, I was worry about one of the past student missing during the whole class and now, I am glad she manages to come back to us safely." Mr. Robert happily spoke.

"I agree Mr. Robert, I was prepared for the worst but I am happy at this outcome." Luke said, smiling.

I smile as I see them both happy at this outcome of mine as both of them carry a heavy burden involving around those student that are gone from this world.

"Nice job on finding Ayakane Luck, you are quite a special student." Mr. Robert spoke, smiling.

"Oh, it was nothing and I wanted protect my childhood friend from harm so…" I laugh nervously from my task.

"Childhood friend, huh? Well, I do hope you can continue to protect what dear to you and I will support you with that ideal. For now, I will head back to write some paperwork and let you four talking about this." Mr. Robert said.

"Good bye Mr. Robert, we will make sure Ayakane arrive safe to her house." Jane spoke.

"Yeah, and don't worry about Ayakane, we will handle this from here." Luke informs.

"I will do my best to meet up your expectation and bow to keep that promise." I reply, confidently.

Mr. Robert became impress at our responds as he doesn't look at us like children but rather young adult trying to face this problem head on. Our homeroom teacher left the room with relief and Luck became worry about us.

"I did what you told me and to later found out that Luck and Jane became missing as well. Care to explain is to why you left me here, huh Luck?" Luke ask, seriously.

I felt Luke sudden serious tone as I laugh nervously and began to think of a good reason to say to him. As I thoughts of a reason, I slowly turn to Jane for help but she quickly reject me.

"Don't look at me Mr. Hero; you were the one that want to save Ayakane by yourself." Jane smile, as if mocking me.

"What!?" I spoke, shocking at our trust. "But you just-"

"Hey! Don't blame me for your-"

"I thought you trust me, but you are devil in anger clothing." I spoke, angrily.

We began our bickering as we try to blame the other about this and Luke became angry at our childish display.

"Enough! I just wanted to participate on your journey as well, I am not weak anymore and I have a Persona too." Luke spoke.

We became quiet at Luke's respond as we did promise to do it together and it is my fault to begin with as I follow my feelings too much.

"I am sorry, I should of ask you two for help from the beginning.." I mutter, sadly. "But, I wanted to find her since she is special to me…sorry." I add.

I look down at the floor with shame at my ability to rely on others since Luke clearly became worry about me and even help my cause.

"Its fine, just don't do it alone from now on. We are a team now and as a leader, you should make a better example to us." Luke smile.

"Yeah, you are right." I smile.

"Ummm.."

We turn toward Ayakane as she began to listen to our conversation and awake from her slumber.

"Ayakane! Are you okay?" I ask, worry.

"I am fine, thank for asking Luck and I am sorry." Ayakane spoke, sadly.

"Sorry? Sorry for what?" I ask.

"For yesterday, when I yell at you and not remembering that you were that boy gave me a reason to continue in becoming an artist." Ayakane explains.

I blush at Ayakane apologizing for something that clearly isn't her fault and I turn to the other as Jane nod to my request. Jane quickly pulls Luke away from this room as he became confuse at my request and she understands where I am going. We remain alone in the nursery office as I felt nostalgic at our fated reunion and I need to patch up with our previous problem we had to address first.

"Ayakane." I call.

"Yes?" She answers.

"You don't have to apologize for anything, In fact, I honor your bravery for standing up to me to protect your boyfriend and I respect that." I spoke, smiling.

Ayakane felt depress as I mention this and I scratch my head as to her reaction.

"Yeah, boyfriend.." She mutters.

"But even so.." I spoke, but pause.

"What is it?" She asks, hoping for something.

I cross my arms to think about the problem with that Lucas's personality and hidden agenda he told me back there.

"I still believe that guy is using you for his own gains and I was hoping if you…" I pause, hesitating.

I began to have second thoughts about this since I have no business with Ayakane's affairs which made me feel hesitate to bring forth my opinion.

"You were hoping if I break up with him to what you say to me yesterday." Ayakane spoke, calmly.

I became stun at Ayakane saying what I had in mind and how she remains calm as she spoke those words. I felt a bit worry as I say some nasty stuff about his future husband and I don't like it but I have no other choice.

"Something along those lines.." I mutter.

"Okay." Ayakane smile.

"H-Huh?" I ask, shock.

"I will break up with Lucas and take your words for it." Ayakane smile.

"Wait, you do know what you are saying correct? You are literally trusting someone else word other than your boyfriend." I explain.

"I know, and I choose to trust you, Luck. You're my childhood friend that I trust and gave me the reason to stand up to those who oppose my dream." Ayakane softly reply.

I felt sort of happy at her wise choice even though Lucas will lose the best girl in his world.

"Alright, then that is settled." I nod.

"Luck, I do have one more question." Ayakane ask, curious.

"What is it?" I spoke, puzzle.

"The other me that show up in that weird place looking like Morning Start High School, what exactly is that place?" Ayakane ask.

I began to sweat bullets as I bite my teeth as Ayakane finding out about Hotspot and having to remember that place is even more troublesome. Although, she did have a Shadow like me, and perhaps she has the potential to summon her Persona.

"That place, we call it a Hotspot, where the Shadow gather and the missing student appear." I answer, truthfully.

Ayakane became confuse by the abnormal answer and I didn't expect Ayakane to believe in my answer since it does sound unbelievable.

"Okay, so what are you doing in there?" She asks.

"You believe in me?" I ask, stun.

"Of course, I always trust in you and you should have faith in me, Luck." Ayakane smile, warmly.

"You are right, I should believe in you the most, and to answer your question. We go there to rescue student, like yourself from being kill by the Shadow and finding the answer to that murder case that happen 3 years ago." I explain.

I see Ayakane becoming interest on the subject as her eyes became curious and wanting more information about our goal.

"Oh, that sound cool! I want to join you." Ayakane respond.

I became worry of Ayakane's safety as she lack a Persona to fight with and I didn't want her to join my team.

"You can't!" I spoke, seriously.

"Huh? B-But why?" She ask, her eyes becoming teary.

I suddenly felt my seriously slowly drifting away as I see Ayakane about to cry and I couldn't make her cry.

"I don't want you to die or go missing like right now. I was so worry about you that I fought my friend for it and I was selfish.." I explain, muttering the last part.

Ayakane became worry about me as I told her the truth about my action and she approach me as she began to hug me to comfort me.

"I am sorry, I won't cause you trouble again.." Ayakane mutters, sadly.

"So, you understand?" I ask.

"I do, and I still believe I can help you." Ayakane reply.

I sigh. "You seem persistence no matter what I say and so, why are you trying to help me? I do have Luke and Jane to help me with that obstacle." I spoke.

"I owe you big time for what you have done in the past and this is my way of saying thank you.." Ayakane spoke, but pause as she blush. "And also I have…"

"Hm? I didn't quite catch that last sentence?" I ask, curious.

"It's nothing!' She blurt out. "A-Anyways, do we have a deal?" She nervously asks.

I am puzzle to her behavior but I am became focus on deciding whether I should let Ayakane join the team or not. As I thought about my decision, I remember Igor and Martha saying something about my power and fate.

"It seems you have made strong bonds during our last meeting and we hope you can build new ones to stop such fate from ever occurring to you."

"Indeed, it is wise to spend your free time for those who you share a bond and develop that bond so it can make you stronger when the time of nigh come."

I remain silence as I remember to develop new bond and deepen them as well and I look at Ayakane's Puppy eyes as she want to help me.

"Alright, but promise me you stay by my side and out of trouble." I sigh.

"Yeah, I will do my best to help the team. Thank you Luck." Ayakane smile.

She extends her right arm to me and I smile as our bond has deepen and I will grasp a new power inside of me. I happily accept her handshake as well as her cooperation on finding the truth about that paranormal murder case.

Thou art I… And I am Thou…

Thou hast established a new Judgment

Thou shalt further expand his horizon

And develop his own cause to judge.

With the aid of the Lover Persona,

I have the power to change your fate from salvation and save thee from Death

[Chapter 11 End]