[Chapter 17]
The Growth
August 27
Saturday
Early Morning
I could hear birds chirping coming from outside and I began to move around my bed as I felt Jennifer near me as before. I felt a bit better as my fatigue was gone and I can move like my usual self. I open my eyes to the noises coming from the room where our sleeping beauty is sleeping and I need to speak with her about many things as she may be confuse by her new profound powers. I try to get up but I felt Jennifer tightly hugging my left arm as she smile and she seems to be having a dream.
"Jennifer, could you please let me go?" I ask, softly.
"I don't want to Mr. Bikachu, you are so adorable and warm…." Jennifer mutters, as she smile.
"I am not a Bokemon…" I sigh.
I didn't want to wake up Jennifer but I didn't have any choice left since I need to speak with our guest. I move Jennifer to wake her up and she slowly opens her eyes as she sees me smiling at her.
"Good morning." I spoke.
Jennifer rubs her eyes as she yawn and she probably doesn't wake up so early in a Saturday morning.
"Gud..Vorning.." Jennifer mutter, sleepy.
I see Jennifer try her best to stay awake as she look at me with her sleepy face and I smile at her.
"Could you release me from your grasp?" I ask.
I point down for her to see she is holding my left hand and she didn't become flustered due to her state at the moment.
"Sowy senpai." She yawns. "I want to sleep mor." Jennifer spoke before returning to sleep.
Jennifer quickly tightens her grasp and she began to sleep once more as I try to best to move her body to wake her up.
"Jennifer! Please wake up! I don't want to slee-"
Suddenly, a door click which made me stop talking and making Jennifer wake up as she realize our guest sleeping next to my room.
"R-Right! The girl.." Jennifer shyly spoke.
"Let's go." I nod.
We quickly left the bed to open the door to see the girl from before standing outside my room. I took a better look at her since last time, I didn't have the chance to peek at her appearance and Jane was carrying her since she is rather strong. I see her black straight and neatly shoulder length hair with dyed streaks of hair in various different shade of blue. I notice two piercing on both of her ears and the left one look rather different from the other. She strangely has a jumper rather the blazer with the shirt untucked and black skirt. She also has blue leggings and black shoes. She narrows her eyes at me as Jennifer came out from my room and looking a bit shy.
"I never picture to be a player, I guess you really can't judge a person based on their appearance." She spoke.
"N-No! It isn't anything like that, I can assure you." I reply.
The girl remains silent as she didn't trust my words and my situation look worse from her perspective. Jennifer who is hiding behind me stay silent but strangely, she approach her to speak her mind about it.
"S-Senpai isn't a bad person nor a…ummm..p-player like you say." Jennifer protest. "He is a very kind person that accept me in to his group a-and for that, I will d-defend him no matter what." Jennifer smile.
The girl remains silent as she didn't had any counter argument against Jennifer who is protecting me which made me happy. She looks at me with still distrustful eyes and I became curious as to why that is.
"My apologies then. Let's move on into the most important thing that happen yesterday, should we?" She spoke.
I felt unease at this girl rather calm composure even after finding her Personal and the Hotspot which made me slight scare of it. Jennifer returns to my side and I need to explain her some stuff before I can ask her to join the club.
"Are you referring to Hotspot and how you manage to awaken your Persona?" I ask, seriously.
I notice her eyes twitch as I mention those two keyword that didn't make sense for her but she still remain focus on the matter regardless of her knowledge about it.
"Most likely if I say so, tell me what you know about this Hotspot and Persona. By the looks of it, I can say it ties around the recent activity involving you and your group of friends." She explains.
I began to sweat as she quickly find out on our activities and involvement in Hotspot with such few exchanges of words. I remain cool as I am excited to meet a girl with such potential that equal mine, or perhaps even more.
"I will be glad to but, can we bring the others into this conversation. It will benefit all of us to hear each other opinions and I like for to talk you about something." I respond.
The girl began to think about my proposition before she nod to it which made relief to hear.
"Jennifer, could you please wake everyone up while I take our guest downstairs to prepare with our talk." I smile.
"Y-Yes." Jennifer said.
Jennifer quickly began her job as she began to knock door and waking everyone while I escort our guest to the 1st floor to begin our talk. Jennifer brought our friend together and notices that the girl is awake. She looks at each one with seriousness on her eyes and sigh at something on her mind.
"So, my guesses were correct after all.." She spoke, disappointed.
"Huh? What do you mean?" I ask, confuse.
"It matter not, tell me everything I need to know and how you manage to gather such odd group." She asks, aggressive.
I remain silent at this girl aggressive side against me for some strange reason and I notice Jane becoming impatient for this girl lack of respect. It made me happy to see her try to protect me just like Jennifer did, and I am confident they all will do the same way, in their own unique way. I turn to her as I took this matter seriously and sigh before I speak further.
"Let's me say this, everyone involve in the Paranormal Club, everyone present at this very moment, is a Persona-user." I spoke.
The girl looks at everyone once more to see their true power hidden away from normal students and felt a bit overwhelm.
"Persona-user? Are you talking about the thing talking inside of my head…" She mutters.
"Yeah, you most likely hear them when you went inside of Hotspot." Luke spoke.
She turns to Luke as he smile at her and tell her his respond which made her nod.
"You must be Luke Autumn, the student council president. I never would have guessed you were a Persona-user." She spoke, as she gently out her right hand on her chin.
"It seems you are well informing, and that's correct. My name is Luke Autumn like you say; my Persona is Herne the Hunter. What's your name?" Luke answer.
The girl remains silent for a second to think about Luke's question but she quickly reply with the answer.
"The name is Kae Sakagami…" She replies, thinking. "My Persona is…Toyotama-hime." Kae finish.
I smile as I found our fair maiden name and Kae narrow her eyes at my smile.
"That's true; I can confirm that is her Persona."
I glance toward Jane who suddenly speak and Kae turn to Jane who watches at her with cold eyes.
"I am Jane Hanamura; I wield the Persona known as Bahamut." Jane coldly, said.
Kae didn't have any remark or word to Jane's cold attitude as she doesn't get along with stranger, unless she trusts them enough like us. Ayakane quickly step in between those with a gentle smile to ease the tension.
"There is no need to fight, let's try to get along, okay?" Ayakane ask, smiling.
Kae and Jane look away from one another while Kae look at Ayakane with deep respect. Ayakane notice this as well as she smile and turn her attention to her.
"You must be Ayakane Koifumi..." Kae mutters.
"Yes, my Persona is the Siren. Do you by any chance know me from my job or in here?" Ayakane ask.
"Not really, my sister is a huge fan of yours so I have some knowledge about your things." Kae smile.
Ayakane smile after finding out her sister enjoy her like any fan and I became curious about this person. Kae turn to our latest member which cause her to hide behind Ayakane and she look scare of her more than Jane.
"Don't worry Jennifer, tell her your name. We are here for you if you need it or you want me to tell her your name for you?" I ask, smiling.
"N-No, I will do it.." Jennifer mutters.
I nod to her brave respond as she came out from hiding and nervous look at Kae.
"M-My name is J-Jennifer Kunikida…I have Lyra with me..." Jennifer nervously said.
Kae nod at the girl's courage to speak and turn to me with yet again, distrustful eyes on her. I am rather clueless at those eyes and she seems more difficult to handle than anyone I know.
"I guess I am the last one." I smile.
I adjust my glasses with a grin as my introduction finally came at long last and Kae became caution at my grin. I push away my cape blazer as I extend my left arm and turn to her with confident.
"I am the protagonist, the leader of the team and creator of the Paranormal Club, Luck Arclight!" I happily announce.
Kae felt my raw emotion when I spoke about myself which made me hope she will understand but it seems it made the opposite effect.
"Protagonist, huh? That title does suit you best." Kae reply.
I couldn't hold my opinion as I hold my excitement long enough and I spoke once more.
"Kae! In my opinion, you have the quality of protagonist just like me and you should definitely join our cause." I spoke, excitedly.
Kae remain silent as she hides her expression from me and it made me a bit nervous since I can't tell her next action. I hear a small chuckle coming from Kae and she look with a shaking head.
"Me? Protagonist like you? Nonsense, I don't seek attention, I don't seek the spotlight like you. I don't need friend, the only thing I care for a little to none. Base on your question, I don't want to join your club and I am leaving now." Kae spoke, coldly.
Kae quickly left the club as she had something important waiting for her and Jane didn't like her attitude toward me.
"Kae, you-"
"Let her go Jane." I interrupt Jane.
Jane look shock at my command and only glare Kae from afar as she left the club. I sigh at her answer but I need to keep moving forward with or without her.
"Luck! Why did you stop me?" Jane asks.
"I don't want to force her to join the Paranormal Club, and I know you, you will probably lash at her just you do me and Luke." I smile.
"…."
Jane became silent as I know her and she will protect her friends from anyone that hurt her dear friends.
"What do we do next? Are we heading back to Hotspot?" Luke asks.
"No, not really." I chuckle.
Everyone gasp at my respond as I knew they will react like this and I needed to tell them all about my plan of action.
"Why not Luck? We will get expel if we don't meet our deadline by September 9…" Ayakane spoke, worry.
I turn around to see their worry expression on our problem and I cross my arm as I began to ease their worry.
"I know we are in a deadline guys, but we can't force our self on going to Hotspot all day. We need to relax, enjoy our youth and spend our normal life as well." I smile.
Everyone began to think on my plan and I sight as it wasn't enough to convince them all. I smile regardless as I want to enjoy my free time with each and everyone here in this room. I want to know everyone here so we can bond and grow together as a team. It is a job only fit for a protagonist like myself which made me more confident with this idea.
"Listen, we can go to Hotspots when our time is slim, but I want you all to have some fun. Enjoy this free time like your usual self and get to know each other, think of it as training our friendship." I explain.
I notice smile on everyone face now as I spoke my feelings into them and soon, everyone worry disappear with my speech.
"When you say it like that, it is hard to disagree. Especially when you get friendship involve which we do lack. " Luke smile.
"I agree with Luke, we do lack knowledge about each other…It is a weak subject for me but I will try to prove my worth." Jane spoke.
"I will do my best to get to know all of you, so let try to get to know each other a bit more before we can take on Hotspot once more." Ayakane happily agree.
"G-Get to know each other!? Ahhh….i don't know where to s-start a conversation…I am going to screw up.." Jennifer nervously said.
"It is fine, you will do fine. Anyways, let's share each other number and get this relax day started!" I smile.
Everyone went their separate way after we all got each other phone number as they began to decide on what do to with their assign partner and I went outside for a bit to call Amy as I realize I didn't warn her about my absence. I felt nervous to call Amy and began to find the courage to speak as she pick up.
"So, what are your excuses after you made me worry sick about you?"
"I can explain!" I answer, loudly than I wanted to be.
"Do tell, I am all ears.."
I can feel like I need to choose my word very carefully since I don't want to reveal Hotspot to Amy.
"I stay in my club for the night yesterday, I spend my time with my friends in the club and I didn't realize time pass me by so quickly. The weather came and I decide to sleep in the club's dorm for the night." I explain.
"Club? Friends?"
There is a long pause as she mentions those two words and I began to imagine the worst as I bite my lips for her respond.
"I see, I am glad you have some friends and I was worry about you since you didn't have friend you could hang out. I will forgive you this one time, but do please call me when you decide to sleep there."
"Right! I will do, I promise and thank you." I reply, smiling.
"Yeah, later."
I sigh as I dodge a bullet with Amy for the moment and I can resume my free time as I wanted from the very beginning. I check my phone to see who I will choose to be my first partner to get to know. I hesitate to choose one as all of them look very interesting to talk to and I couldn't choose.
"S-Senpai…"
I turn around to see Jennifer hiding at the club's door and shaking nervously.
"What's the matter, you don't look so good." I ask, worry.
"I try to talk to J-Jane since I am rather afraid of her, b-but I couldn't do it…I knew I w-was useless after all.." Jennifer spoke.
I look at Jennifer with disbelief as she does have the courage to speak up, it only require patience and some experience. I smile as I have my partner for today, and I point at Jennifer while I adjust my glasses.
"Jennifer, why don't we bond? I am the protagonist and it is only natural to increase our friendship, don't you agree?" I ask.
"H-Huh? M-Me? But I am-"
"But nothing young lady, we will get to know each other and while i will fix your shyness." I confidently spoke.
Jennifer became fluster at my bold plan and remain shock at my attempt to solver her problem. I grab her right arm and make my plan work as we dash together toward the school building. We reach the main hallways with great timing as I notice two male students talking and I turn around to see Jennifer exhausted.
"Sorry! I was so excitedly to fix your problem…that I forgot to take a break from all that running.." I spoke, nervously.
"I-Its fine…senpai…" Jennifer spoke, struggling.
I scratch my head at my mistake and I glance back at the main hallways to see the boys gone from here. It seems I need to change my plan and start with the basic before we can move on into the hard stuff. I snap my finger at an idea to start and Jennifer recovers from her exhaustion as her heavy breathing cease.
"Jennifer, why don't you talk to me? I can make a great start since you didn't have trouble to speak with me, and you recently went into my room as well." I explain.
"I-I think I can handle that. I feel comfortable with you already, senpai. I do lack t-topic to talk with others…I am rather awkward as well.." Jennifer chuckles, weakly.
"Then think as me as another stranger and we will see." I said.
Jennifer became nervous as she does look at me like a stranger and I began to do my job, as a leader to talk to her and understand her. Suddenly, Jennifer giggles weakly and I didn't have the chance to speak.
"I-It really is hopeless for me….i can't do anything right, I always try my best and in the end, it is meaningless.." Jennifer smile, weakly.
"Jennifer…" I mutter, sadly.
I look at Jennifer trying so hard not to cry about her failure and trying to keep a smile in front of me but I knew she is feeling sadness. I could feel my heart weighing me down as she smile at me like that and she began to blush.
"Remember when I told you last night, about people calling me awkward and weird to talk to. I actually didn't mind being call that since I don't want anyone to…to call you weird because of me. If you stay with me, they will hate you too.." Jennifer spoke.
I bite my lips as I had many possibilities to respond her explanation and how much she endures to make this far, alone without some to call a friend. I began to feel anger at those responsible for making Jennifer feel weak and useless, she could of made it and smile brightly without trouble.
"I disagree, my mind wont chance even if they do hate me. I won't leave your side and neither will they!" I spoke, angrily.
Jennifer face became blank as she looks rather shock at my respond and I manage to get myself involve with her hidden problem. It seems I found something I shouldn't know and yet, I am still here and standing to find a solution.
"Thank Luck." She spoke, strangely normally.
The sensation appears once more as I felt her word hitting me very deeply and the stuttering Jennifer wasn't here with us.
"Thanks for talking to me, I never manage to talk to someone this…this long in a very, very long time. You made me feel…happy?..." Jennifer spoke, with the last word sounded unsure.
"Why are you saying? It sounds like you are giving up…" I spoke, sadly.
Jennifer looks down as she walks past me and I remain dumbfounded by her strange behavior. She stop right behind me as I wait for her respond to agree with me and not fall into despair, since she will only hurt herself by doing so.
"I like to think that, a way to escape this pain, but.." She trails off. "I want you to stay away from me. I learn so much from you with our little time together, you were the first boy I ever slept with and that is enough me to keep on living for a couple of years or so." Jennifer spoke.
For the first time, I became silent at someone's word and I couldn't do anything to comfort her. I couldn't say, it will be okay or how I can solver that with my abilities. I just remain silent and hesitate to speak to someone so tiny, I felt powerless once more and my mouth began to feel nervous.
"B-But!.." I spoke, but pause.
"You don't have an obligation to talk me. You know far too much and…and I let my guard down.." Jennifer spoke, sadly.
I move my head to the side as I became confuse and no idea pop inside of my head to show her wrong. I just couldn't do anything and I hate myself to such length that I grip my hand very tightly that it hurt, but not enough to meet my pain.
"Thank you Luck, I will cherish what you told me and keep on living for the group. I do have my video game, and other stuff, I will be okay." Jennifer reassures me.
I turn around to stop this nonsense and keep her safe like I try to do from the start.
"Wait! You do-"
"Bye Luck!"
Jennifer cut me off as I look at her with shock at her fake smile and fake feeling showing on her face. She sprints as I weakly raise my right hand toward her and I didn't have the will power to follow the lonely girl.
"Jennifer, why are you trying so hard to keep me away…" I mutter, sadly.
I couldn't figure out a motive for her action and I just get more question than answers. I shook my head at this negative vibe as I won't give up so easily but, I do feel like I could of done better or make her feel happy. I silently walk around the school to pass the time and figure out something to solver her problem.
[Star] Lv. 2 Rank Up!'
[Chapter 17 End]
...and it begins..
[Persona]
Luck Arclight
Agnostos Theos (Fool)
Physical – Resist (Shadow Form Only)
Gun –
Fire –
Ice –
Electric –
Wind –
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear – Wks
Force – Str
Water –
Earth –
Bless –
Curse – Null
Ailments Immunity (Shadow Form Only)
Charm (Special Ailment)
Fear (Non-special Ailment)
Skills
Eiha
Cleave
Zan
?
Jane Hanamura
Bahamut (Fortune)
Physical –
Gun –
Fire – Null
Ice – Wks
Electric –
Wind – Str
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear –
Force –
Water –
Earth –
Bless –
Curse –
Skills
Agi
Dia
Luke Autumn
Herne, the Hunter (Emperor)
Physical –
Gun –
Fire – Wks
Ice –
Electric –
Wind – Str
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear –
Force –
Water –
Earth –
Bless –
Curse –
Skills
Garu
?
Ayakane Koifumi
Siren (Lover)
Physical – Resist
Gun – Resist (Shadow Form Only)
Fire –
Ice –
Electric – Wks
Wind –
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear –
Force –
Water – Null
Earth –
Bless –
Curse –
Ailments Immunity (Shadow Form Only)
Despair (Special Ailment)
Silence (Non-special Ailment)
Skills
?
Jennifer Kunikida
Lyra (Star)
Physical –
Gun –
Fire – Wks
Ice –
Electric –
Wind – Resist
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear – Null
Force –
Water –
Earth –
Bless –
Curse –
Skills
?
Kae Sakagami
Toyotama-hime (Fool)
?
Compendium
Lv. 3
Tam Lin (Sun)
Physical – Resist
Gun –
Fire –
Ice – Wks
Electric – Resist
Wind –
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear –
Force –
Water –
Earth –
Bless – Null
Curse – Wks
Skills
Zio
Cleave
?
[Team]
Name: Luck Arclight
Gender: Male
Age: 17
Grade: Junior
Persona: Agnostos Theos
Shadow Mode: Luck's Shadow form will take any scenario seriously and with a cold-hearted attitude if such action is necessary. He will become unfazed by anything as his will is strong and the worst opponent to face, but he still has his kindness for his teammates.
Persona's clothing: Luck Persona's clothing consists of a large white, long sleeved cloak reaching down his legs and barely covering his dark boots and a dark scarf with two trails leaving behind. Luck's body change as he has a pair of dark, feather wings, horns, and a slim dark tail.
Weapon(s): (Right) Claw & (Left) Thin blade
Gun: Revolver
Crystal/Gem: Pink Star Diamond
Gem/Crystal Location: Thin blade's Socket
Name: Jane Hanamura
Gender: Female
Age: 17
Grade: Junior
Persona: Bahamut
Shadow Mode: ?
Persona's clothing: Jane ends up wearing a black cloak with leather training clothes, dragon rider gear. A shoulder guard on one shoulder, gauntlets, hips and shin guards. Dragon wings are printed on the cloak she wears.
Weapon(s): Two-handed Sword
Gun: Glock 9
Crystal/Gem: Diamond
Gem/Crystal Location: Necklace
Name: Luke Autumn
Gender: Male
Age: 17
Grade: Junior
Persona: Herne, the Hunter
Shadow Mode: ?
Persona's clothing: A tight white turtleneck sleeveless shirt, a open light grey high collar jacket with only one left long sleeve. The collar of the jacket has black diamond's shape pattern. Dark blue loose pants and the legs are tuck are in a pair of black leather knee high silver tips boots with white belts around the legs. One black long right glove with neon blue and green vines pattern on it. He has a white deer mask that covers the top half of his face and has a pair of white antlers at the top of his head.
Weapon(s): A pair of tonfas
Gun: Dan Wesson DW RZ-10
Crystal/Gem: Green Fluorite
Gem/Crystal Location: Left earring, a vine covering his left ear cuff with the jewel dangling.
Name: Ayakane Koifumi
Gender: Female
Age: 17
Grade: Senior
Persona: Siren
Shadow Mode: Ayakane's Shadow form will act childish to lower the guard of her opponents and friends; she is flirty toward people as she understands people's desire well and weaknesses while occasionally act very clinging toward Luck. She hates backstabbers and Luck trying to leave her side as she believes he may disappear again.
Persona's clothing: ?
Weapon(s): Bow
Gun: Rifle
Crystal/Gem: bright blue cavansite crystal
Gem/Crystal Location: A chain around neck holding a bright blue cavansite crystal shaped like a small orb.
Name: Jennifer Kunikida
Gender: Female
Age: 15
Grade: Freshman
Persona: Lyra
Shadow Mode: ?
Persona's clothing: ?
Weapon(s): ?
Gun: ?
Crystal/Gem: A milky white opal in the shape of a quartz.
Gem/Crystal Location: Silver bracelet on her left wrist.
[Pact] New!
The Fool – (Rank 1)
Philemon trusts Luck at avoid his unavoidable fate and will lend a helping hand for his unknown reason as of now.
Philemon
A strange man wearing a mask and he seems to be watching Luck's progress from afar for unknown purpose.
The Magician – (Rank 1)
Luck has gotten the attention of the overlord, Zach during his usual routine and manages to strike a deal involving his shadow self-training.
Zach Vermillion
A self-proclaim evil genius that wish to rule the world with his intelligent and rather big ego. He became outcast by his other peers and wishes befriend someone despite his own feelings of others.
The Priestess -
The Empress -
The Emperor – (Rank 1)
Luke realizes his judgment wasn't at fault nor he was weak after realizing this from Luck. He decides to join Luck's cause in order to find the truth in that case, three years ago.
Luke Autumn
A student council president of Morning Star High. He has kindness and care for other as he will do anything to protect anyone from harm.
The Hierophant – (Rank 1)
Robert began to trust Luck as he will success on something he once fail to do and wishes the best for him on his club.
Robert Kennedy
Hard-working teachers that want what is best for his student and teach them the value of life. He seems to be hiding something from his past and relating to the original Paranormal Team.
The Lover – (Rank 1)
Ayakane realize the boy from her past was indeed Luck and wanted to stay by his side to repay the kindness he once show him.
Ayakane Koifumi
A rising artist that gotten the attention of many people with her skills with the paintbrush and while she is an introvert person, she can speak with others freely and without hesitation. She has a crush on Luck and afraid to speak up her feelings to him.
The Chariot -
The Justice -
The Hermit -
The Fortune – (Rank 1)
Jane wanted to help and get praise by Luck for gaining his trust but doing so, he felt trust for him which made herself change slightly.
Jane Hanamura
A calm composure girl that want to be perfect on any subject and dislike relying on other and wishes to be rely on. She secretly hates hospital and dislike being tease by Luck.
The Strength -
The Hanged Man -
The Death – (Rank 1)
Shin realizes the similarity between him and Luck as they wish to safe other from the bad guy. He wants to teach him the things he learns so he can accomplish such task on his own.
Shin
A nihilist young man that works for the government as an agent but later realizes that life is a big game of just numbers. He lost interest on life and his own personality as a whole because of his realization.
The Temperance -
The Devil – (Rank 1)
Aihime wanted to keep her secret away from people's ear and strike a dark deal with Luck while gaining her respect from his courage.
Aihime Arashi
A teacher that acts likeable, kind and willing to help others to hide her true personalities from others, as she is prideful, ruthless and very planning of her every action. She is the leader of the dangerous gang known as The Dark King's.
The Tower -
[New] The Star - (Rank 1)
Jennifer spoke with Luck about her dilemma with her other peers and took it hard, but Luck confidently prove her wrongs as she has more potential that she realizes.
- (Rank 2)
After Luck find Jennifer's main problem, Jennifer reject Luck's help and no longer seek his companionship since she will hurt him if he stay with her.
Jennifer Kunikida
A freshmen student that has trouble speaking with others as she has trouble with her shyness and prefer to safely play video games, read manga and talk about anime than normal conversations.
The Moon -
The Sun -
The Judgment –
[Stats]
Comprehension – Ignorant (+4)
Determination – Timid (+5)
Adept – Clumsy (+2)
Affection – Blunt (+2)
Beauty – Invisible (+2)