[Chapter 12]
The Power of Bonds
I felt happy knowing that I fix my relationship with Ayakane as I will depend on her just as Luke and Jane.
"You should head back home; you don't want your parents to worry about you since the school call them about your whereabouts." I spoke.
"Y-You are right, I am sure they feel worry about me.." Ayakane spoke, worry.
"Do you want some company?" I ask.
"No, I don't want to cause trouble to you and I need to be prepare." Ayakane softly speak, as she smile.
"Prepare? Prepare for what?" I ask, puzzle.
"I need to break up with Lucas, so I want you to be my side when I tell him that since he may react differently like you say." Ayakane mutter, scare.
"Of course, we will always remain together as friend so let me know when that time comes." I promise.
"Thanks." Ayakane smile.
Ayakane seem a bit relief at our plan for tomorrow as she wants me to help her with that problem and I remember something I need to return. I pull out my backpack to pull out Ayakane's journal and she became fluster as she notices her journal in my hand.
"W-Where did you get that!?" Ayakane nervously ask, blushing.
"I found it outside in the rain; this is the reason I came looking for you in the Hotspot, why?" I answer, confuse.
"I-It's nothing, did you read my journal." Ayakane sigh.
"No, I didn't want to disturb your privacy and only open the first page with your name on it. I didn't read anything else beyond that, I promise." I explain.
I return Ayakane's journal back to her as she began to hug it tightly and it seems very important to her so I felt happy about it.
"Thank, i am always causing you trouble and I haven't change since I left that school, huh?" Ayakane spoke, sadly.
"It's fine, you can always rely one so don't hesitate to show your true self to me like before. Remember, we did promise to trust one another." I smile.
Ayakane smile as she look down with nostalgic at our bond and with that, we part way with our own thing and return back to school together the next as we hope. I felt like have a grasp of my affection from this talk with her and I will surely help when I need it. I arrive into the main hallways as I didn't see Luke or Jane anywhere, I know they left me with her and they decided to leave here since I did take a whole while there.
"Oh, you still here?"
As I began to think on what to do, Mr. Robert call out and I turn to see him carrying a rather large stack of paper with him.
"Mr. Robert? Do you need help with that?" I ask.
"Huh? Oh, it would greatly help me actually.." Mr. Robert chuckles weakly.
I took half of the stack of paper away from him as he is rather a hard worker and want the best for his students. Although, he seem to be really worry about them as well and work hard to educate us.
"So, where are we heading?" I ask, curious.
"To the main office, I need to deliver the paper from Ayakane's missing paper, my attendants for my homeroom and lastly, the paperwork of my observation report." Mr. Robert answers.
I became quite stun at all of his work he must endure ever since the case appear and the school are taking precaution on this.
"That's a lot of work.." I mutter.
"I can handle it; it is for the safety of the student here so I don't really mind it." Mr. Robert smile.
After that, we head out toward the main office as we drop all of this paperwork to the staff there and began to analyze it as we left. We arrive to the main hallways again and Mr. Robert turns to me as he had something on his mind of telling me.
"Hey Luck, have you look at the club recently?" He asks.
"Not really, i never thought of joining a club since I have no hobby at the moment." I answer.
"Well, you should join one, it isn't mandatory per say but it will open up a new world for you and those around you." Mr. Robert explains.
"Really? I never thought of it like that, it's almost tempting to join one.." I mutter, thinking.
"You can also create one on your own if you like; you don't have to join the others." The teacher spoke.
I began to think on the possibility of making or joining one, and then an idea strung me as I smile slowly appear in my face at the benefits of creating a club for the team.
"Mr. Robert, where can I sign up to create a brand new club?" I ask, excite.
"That would be in the main office, but you will need two guardians to check up on you since we are taking precaution and not many teachers are free for such activity." Mr. Robert responds, sighing and smiling.
I began to think of a suitable teacher to guide and check on us but I had that position for the teacher I trust.
"How about you Mr. Robert, if you don't mind of course." I ask, smiling.
"I am flatter by the proposal.." Mr. Robert mutters, smiling.
"is that a no…" I mutter, sadly.
Mr. Robert looks at my sad face as he began to think on the subject a bit more until I notice him smiling at me which I felt good news coming up.
"Before I answer, what kind of club are you trying to make?" Mr. Robert
"Well…" I mutter, as I scratch my head.
I couldn't tell my homeroom teacher about Hotspot as it sound crazy to people and I don't want any other people without a Persona involve.
"The Paranormal Club.." I nervously chuckle.
"Paranormal Club?..." Mr. Robert mutters, as he stares off into space.
I notice Mr. Robert remaining silence for a while and I didn't expect that reaction as if he has something on his mind as he reacts to the paranormal.
"What's the matter?" I ask.
"Oh, it's nothing. I just remember doing something like that when I was young and create the same club with some friend I had." Mr. Robert spoke, laughing.
"Oh, what happen to them?" I ask, curious.
Mr. Robert show a very depress expression but quickly smile as he notice me peeking on him and probably didn't want me to worry about him.
"We all disband after we got bore of searching scary place for ghost, and I didn't expect the club ending so quickly." Mr. Robert explains.
I became curious as he spoke the last sentence as if he hiding something but it wasn't my business to ask such delicate subject to him. Mr. Robert regain his composure as he focus on my question on whether he will join as one of the two guardians.
"You have my support, although I won't appear in that club so often with my work, so I will apologize for it." Mr. Robert smile.
I felt joy as Mr. Robert became happy to go out of his way to help the new club I will make, and I still need one more guardian so I can fulfill this club's goal.
"Thank you Mr. Robert! I will do my best to find the other guardian for the club and experience that new horizon you told me." I smile.
"That's good, I think I have the right woman for that job but I am rather busy so can you go to the senior floor in D-7 class. You will find another teacher that is willing to join your cause." Mr. Robert explains.
"Really! I will head right now so I can create the club as soon as possible." I spoke.
Mr. Robert smile as he extends his right arm to me and I stare at as I became curious to his gesture.
"You remind me when I once started that club with the others, and I am hoping it will become a success compare to my failures. Let's shake on it and work together so all of my student can see the world in a new way." Mr. Robert spoke, smiling.
I nod as I happily accept his promise to change the way we see the world and for the better since it is for the team's goal of finding the culprit on this abnormal 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 Hierophant Persona,
I have the power to change your fate from salvation and save thee from Death
I felt a new power blooming inside of me as our bond began now and Mr. Robert hasn't notice this.
"I won't let you down sir!" I spoke, confidently.
We made some small talk about our study before I head toward the senior floor to find this other teacher Mr. Robert recommends to find. I arrive at the classroom D-7 as I notice a female teacher busy looking at her attendants of her student or filling her paperwork like Mr. Robert once told me. I didn't hesitate as I open the door and the woman look at me confuse as we haven't make an acquaintance before. The woman has long black hair that reach down to her waist but is held back in a low braided ponytail reaching her mid-back. I see her light ocean blue eyes watching me as she smile at my curious eyes and she seem very athletics for a normal teacher. The teacher wears a black plain t-shirt, blue jeans, and white tennis shoes.
"Hm? Who may you be? Are you lost perhaps?" The woman asks, kindly.
"My name is Luck Arclight, I was told by Mr. Robert to ask of you to help me on creating the paranormal club, as I require your help to do so." I explain.
"My, my, I didn't expect Robert to make such decision. I am rather surprise to see him going for it." The woman spoke, shock. "Ah, how rude of me, my name is Aihime Arashi and I teach the senior, it is nice to meet you Luck." She greet, smiling.
I became relief to see another kind teacher just like Mr. Robert and I felt confident for her to listen to my request.
"So, can you help me on creating this club?" I happily ask.
Ms. Aihime began to ponder of my question as she tap her index finger on the table and leaning forward on her desk which made me feel a bit worry on her answers.
"Sure, since I want to see why Robert chooses to believe that creating that club will be a great idea." Aihime smile.
I became very curious as to what happen to that Paranormal Club in the past, but I need to know for sure it has a bad history before asking questions. I bury my curiosity as I accomplish what I came for and I need to ask her about the club creation.
"Thank you Ms. Aihime, what else I need to do after I have two guardians for the club?" I ask.
"Ah, then you need to fill a paper regarding to the club's information such as a leader, team member and overall the goal of that club since you will receive funding from the school." Aihime spoke.
"I see! Where do I get this paper?" I ask, amaze.
"Don't worry, I will get it from the next teacher over as I have no paper with me, so if you can wait here and wait for me, that will be great." Aihime happily said.
Ms. Aihime left the classroom with kindness on heart to help her students out in dire need and I felt excite to create a club for everyone. Now, we can talk and plan out our investigations without any other student finding out about Hotspot. I smile as I jump around excitedly and I acidly bump into the desk as a bunch of thing fall in the floor.
Oh no! I need to pick it up before she gets back!
I quickly recover the paper on the floor as I return them back to their original location and strangely, I found her phone on the floor as well. The screen turns on from the fall of my accidental bump and I see a strange symbol on the home screen. A silver dagger and a white circle around the dagger with a black background and I felt like I shouldn't see this.
"If only you haven't seen my secret, maybe we could have a good teacher-student relationship like Robert."
I felt a soft arm grabbing my chest and a revolver aim to my head from behind, I can also hear the voice of Ms. Aihime but it sound very ruthless. I notice Ms. Aihime face peaking from my right as she had a serious expression unlike our previous encounter.
"Ms. Aihime?" I ask, frozen.
"You know too much now, you must know already that I am part of The Dark King's gang." Ms. Aihime spoke.
I became nervous as I was told once about such gang before as they live inside of New York and rule many territories, and I didn't expect one of the teachers being one. I need to think my way out since I can feel that revolver ready to fire and I manage for an idea to appear inside of my head.
"Yeah, and if you want for me to keep it a secret." I trail off, as I grab her revolver. "You need to follow my every directions." I spoke.
I notice Ms. Aihime clicking her tongue as she can't really shoot me in the school and especially in her classroom, it will only lead my death by her hands.
"Mr. Robert knows I came here so I am sure he will provide a good chunk of information to my whereabouts, before I died by your hands and you k now very well where I am heading." I explain, acting brave.
I became nervous on the inside as I manage to remain calm and without stuttering since she will easily see through my fake confidents. Ms. Aihime began to bite her lips as she began to imagine the worst for her and she removes her revolver from her while stepping away.
"To think, a student is blackmailing the leader of The Dark King's around." Ms. Aihime scuff, angrily and she seem very prideful. "So, what do you want? Are you going to fulfill your wild desire like those weirdoes and their lewd imaginations." Aihime spoke.
I smile as adjust my glasses to find a good trainer and best of all; she is something truly unique for a protagonist such as me. This is fate, I know it all along and I had a better idea compare to her wild fantasy.
"Ms. Aihime, are you good with that gun of yours?" I ask.
Ms. Aihime became cautious and confuses by my proposal as she look rather stun at my reveal, but remain calm as she is the leader of a famous gang.
"One of the best, why do you ask?" Ms. Aihime asks, curious.
"I want you to train me in using the way of the gun and there isn't anybody better than you." I reply.
"Why do you want to learn that from me? Why are your true agenda from this training?" She asks, glaring.
"Let us handle this, together."
My eyes twitch as I hear the voice of my true self speaking and I agree with his plans as I felt my personality change as I sigh with focus. My eyes became sharpen as I took this very seriously than before and very brave as I took a rather bold stance while bring out her phone to her.
"You should behave Ms. Aihime, I do have something really important to you and I am the one asking the question here. Now about the deal, why is your answer?" I spoke, aggressive and bold.
The teacher became overwhelm at my shadow's sharp atmosphere and I became impress by her strong will to remain confident at me.
"Alright, I understand my position and I will listen to keep part of the favor as long as you remain quiet about my hidden job." She spoke.
Ms. Aihime crosses her arm as she became rather ashamed of herself for letting me taking over control of the situation and I sigh as I extend my arm to her.
"What's this? Ms. Aihime asks.
"A sign of our deal and this will make sure we won't break our promise to each other." I respond.
Ms. Aihime became to hesitate to shake my hand as I look at her with hidden motive but she didn't have much of a choice as she accept this dark deal of ours.
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 Devil Persona,
I have the power to change your fate from salvation and save thee from Death
"My job here is done"
I took a deep breath as I smile at my power slowly adapting to any situation such at this and I look at Ms. Aihime.
"Then, it is done. I will keep quiet and while in return, you will teach me how to use a revolver just like you." I spoke.
"Yeah, I get it." Ms. Aihime mutters.
I nod to her understanding of the deal we made and I walk out of the room but she call out to me and I stop without looking back.
"Hey Luck." Ms. Aihime said.
"Yeah?" I ask, puzzle.
"You do have some courage to stand up to me since most people will easily get scare when I mention my role. Also, i will fill the form for the club and become your guardian as I agree; I want to see what the kid that tricks me got in store for us." Ms. Aihime sounded happy.
I hear Aihime feeling excite for my power as I hide my smile from her and headed out toward home for today. After this experience, I felt like I gain a lot of courage from standing up to a gang leader like that.
August 25
Thursday
Evening
I took the usual route to arrive to Amy's bar as she welcome me with a smile like always.
"Welcome back." She said, smiling.
"Yeah, good to be back." I smile.
I close the door behind me as I approach the counter as she prepares something for me to eat and I began to happily eat my dinner.
"So, how are doing in Morning Star High school? Are you gotten used to this sudden change and befriend people in school?" Amy asks, curious.
"Yeah, I am doing great here and I meet many people that I can consider them as dear friend." I spoke, but I became excite. "Ah! I also meet my childhood friend of mine, I became happy to meeting her in that school" I happily spoke.
"That's good to hear, I was a bit worry on your progress here and It seems I don't need to be worry about it. Enjoy the meal I made and sleep well today for tomorrow." Amy advice.
I nod to her advice as I began to slowly eat my dinner and thank her for delicious meal like always. I went inside my room as I felt a bit tire from entering Hotspot and fighting a long battle with Jane and Ayakane's Shadow which exhausted me. I remove my school uniform as I quickly fall asleep as I hit the soft bed of mine and I couldn't wait for the big news I will tell the other guys. As I sleep, I felt like someone began to call me into the Velvet Room and I open my eyes to arrive to that place once more. Philemon is the only person present at the Velvet Room and I didn't see Igor or Martha here. It looks like Philemon want to talk to me about something since he call me from my sleep.
"You making fabulous progress as I expect from you, and I notice that you using the power I gave you wisely." Philemon spoke, proudly.
"Power? I don't know what you mean by that?" I answer, unsure.
"The power to communicate with lost Persona that have forgotten their true self and need guidance to return to your sea of consciousness. That is your power as you can talk to them so they can remember who they truly are." Philemon explains.
He's right, I remember using that power to make the mermaid join my side by talking to her rather than fighting like we initially though.
Philemon smile as he read my mind and I smile as well as I check my right hand and look deep within myself at this power of mine.
"Tomorrow would be a hard day for you Luck, you should brace yourself for the worst and I hope you can make the wisest choice from this point on." Philemon spoke, seriously.
I became startle at Philemon's words of advice as I didn't understand but I will take those words to heart.
"Don't worry, I will do my best and I have others that support me too." I answer, confident.
"I see, I wish you good luck." Philemon nod.
My vision slowly became blurry as our time is running out and I need to return back to the real world as I close my eyes to return there.
August 26
Friday
Early Morning
I open my eyes to find myself back at my room and I quickly change into my uniform to arrive early to tell everyone the good news. I made some small talk with Amy as I began to eat my breakfast and head toward the train station there. As I wait in the train I began to think on Ayakane's problem, today is the day I need to help Ayakane break up with Lucas and I felt happy for her, in a way. I start to become bore from this long wait in the train and I should probably bring some book or game with me to pass the time. I sigh at my realization to do such thing before and today is Friday, which mean I have time to prepare and free time to spend with others. I arrive to school's train station and I began to walk up the stair leading me to the streets and I began to listen to the student whispering.
"Hey, have you checked the Hyakuman-koku Bento and their Kaga no Daimyou Challenge?"
"Man, don't remind me…I fail that challenge and I still think it is impossible…"
"Well yeah, but I hear they are recruiting part-time there and you can get discount on the food! Maybe we should apply for it."
I listen to the student's conversation as they mention this Hyakuman-koku Bento which did interest me and the impossible chance they speak of. It would be wise for me to take a small peek on that place when I have the time. I arrive to the main entrance as I notice Jane, Luke, and the recent member, Ayakane waiting for my arrival. I felt happy inside of me as I build from nothing into this wonderful friend helping me with this investigation for our sake.
"They are sure are good friends, let's do our best as the leader to find the answers with our judgment together."
"Right! I will find the hidden truth in Hotspot no matter what"
[Chapter 12 End]