"Arise, Kazuki Kei. We have much to discuss."

Upon hearing that I got up from the floor. I saw someone wearing a mask. He was about the same height as me. I looked at my surroundings, all I see is a vast, empty space.

"What is this place?"

"I could tell you but I'd like for you to tell me what it is."

Not really much of an answer but okay.

"Hmm... I got nothing."

I told the mask-wearing guy.

"Now I have another question: who are you," I asked the masked man.

"I am Philemon."

"I see, well, it was nice meeting you Philemon, but how do I get out of here (do I tap my heels)?"

"I will let you out but before that, let me give you a warning."

"A warning...?"

"This was one out of many tests you will be facing, but fear not, you hold power that will safeguard you and the people you hold dear."

"Safeguard? Wow, that actually sounds cool. But wait, why do I have this power?" "Because you qualify to use this power." "Me, qualify? I'm glad I made the cut then."

Actually, how do I have this power?

"Now, Kei Kazuki, awaken from your slumber and do tread carefully, the Persona you have awakened to is half-awakened, so you have not fully awakened to your potential, yet."

"So those arms are just an aspect of it?"

"Yes."

So half of its strength is mine? Well, that's fine with me; not like I want to grow in power or anything...

"Until next time," Philemon said, as he snapped his fingers

4/17 Fri - Afternoon - Tatsumi hospital,

I open my eyes to find everything in that space (Philemon including), to have disappeared in the blink of an eye. The first thing I see when I woke up was the ceiling. The light coming from the side was hitting my left eye. A little less light would be nice. I tried to get up but something was weighing down on my left arm. I took a look over to see why that was, Fuuka was sleeping on my arm as she sat next to me.

"Fuuka, please wake up. My arm..."

I started to move my arm as gently as possible. The moment I moved it just a tad bit, her grip on my arm got even tighter. Fuuka must've been really worried about me. "I'm so sorry, Fuuka..."

She started to lift her head off my arm. She's awake.

"Kazuki-kun, you're awake!"

"I can say the same to you."

"What do you mean?" she asked as she rubbed her eyes a bit.

"You were sound asleep on my arm."

"Oh, I'm sorry!"

"Why are you apologizing, it's not a bad thing. Besides, you must've been tired of just seeing me sleep here."

"No, not at all!"

"That's good."

I let out a light chuckle...

"But I need to ask: what happened to you? When you were reported to have been in the hospital I came after school to see what happened."

She wants the truth. To be honest, I have no idea what to tell her, and even if I do she wouldn't believe me; she'll think I'm insane.

"I...don't know either. All I know is I felt dizzy, and then I must've passed out. Guess I was a bit exhausted."

"Is that really true," she asked.

"Of course it is, why would I lie?"

"I don't mean to doubt you, but you been sleeping for an entire week straight."

"Really!"

Well, that's news to me. I wouldn't guess an injury like this would keep me out for a week.

"Well, I must've been really exhausted then."

I tried to laugh off the fact that I was sleeping for a week straight but she wasn't laughing.

"You must have been exhausted from helping me," she said in a downcast tone.

"I wasn't exhausted from helping you."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, in fact, if I didn't help you I wouldn't be worth calling a friend."

"Thank goodness. I thought I was being a burden to you."

"Not at all, so relax."

We spent a few minutes catching up on what happened over the weekend. Nothing unusual happened outside of what happened to me and the others. I was actually glad that nothing else happened while I was asleep. During a conversation about school, I caught a glimpse of her hand. There was a bruise on her hand.

"Where did you get that?"

"Hm, get what?"

"That bruise on your hand?"

"Oh, I, um."

"Tell me the truth Fuuka..."

She was fiddling with her fingers as she looked at her feet. Maybe I shouldn't yell at her like that.

"Before I came here today, I ran into Moriyama."

"What happened," I asked as I was trying to contain my rage.

"I was trying to stop her from going to-"

"Why do you care what she does?" I asked her.

"Hm?"

"Why do you care at all?"

"Because that place isn't safe for her."

"Still, why does it concern you? Let her go there for all I care!?"

"But I care! I feel like I need to stop her!"

I didn't have anything else left to say. Why does she care what that Moriyama does? I don't understand, and I think I never will...

"I should notify the doctor that you're awake."

"Yeah, would be a good idea..."

Both of us didn't even look at each other when we talked. I wasn't angry at her but I couldn't bring myself to for some reason...

"Okay, I'm gonna get going now. See you later."

"Wait, before you go can you bring my hoodie to me when I get back to school?"

"Of course."

"Thank you, Fuu-chan. I'll call you when I'm released..."

As Fuuka left my hospital room, I laid my head back on the pillow. I'm glad she came to see me but now I'm a lot more worried than I am glad...

"Worried about a bully? Makes no damn sense!"

Paulownia mall - Be Blue V - Afternoon

After leaving the hospital to visit Kazuki-kun, I boarded the train to the mall. He said he was just exhausted, although, is that really it? I feel like that it's not only due to exhaustion; a person wouldn't be out for that long. But I am glad he isn't hurt though.

I stopped at the Paulownia mall, specifically the "Be Blue V." There's a lot of pretty accessories like earrings, necklaces, and rings. I don't really keep up with fashion much, but it doesn't hurt to see what's in stock. Especially since I want to ask Kazuki-kun out on the weekend. It's my way of thanking him for everything he's done so far. Should I try working here part-time to earn some money? No, I couldn't work in here, I'd be too nervous to.

"Hello, miss, are you looking for anything?"

"Um, not really."

"Are you sure?"

"Actually, maybe I am."

"...And that would be?"

"Something that would look nice?"

"Something fitting for a date," the clerk suggested.

"HUH, n-not as a date, just as a get-together, is all! Actually, I was only viewing what you had. I'll be leaving now."

"Please come back any time."

I rushed out of the store. My face is burning hot as I walked to the exit of the mall. Why was I so bothered by what the employee said to me? I only really do want to do a get-together with Kazuki, nothing more.

Yamagishi household, Evening

Since there wasn't anything else to do, I came back home for today. As I had my hand on the doorknob, I hesitated a bit. This was nothing new, my hands would always do this before opening the door, but I always open it regardless. After all, what else could I do? Opening the door, I took off my shoes as I entered. Quietly closing the door behind me.

"Mother, Father, I'm home."

As if on queue, my mother appeared to greet me.

"Welcome home, Fuuka."

Mother has the same dark teal hair like me. She would always look at me with a watchful eye; it would make me feel uncomfortable around her most of the time.

"Hello, mother."

"You know Fuuka, I'm started to notice you've been returning home rather late than usual, this is starting to put a damper on your studies. Care to tell me why?"

"It's because I um..."

"Does it have to do with a boy named Kazuki Kei?" How does she know about Kazuki-kun!?

"I found this hoodie in your room, it had a school I.D. Is this what you have been wasting your time on?"

I hidden that hoodie well. Although, maybe deep inside my closet shouldn't be considered "well hidden".

"So for nearly this entire week, instead of focusing on your studies, here you are, fooling around with some boy!"

"He's not just a boy, he's my friend!"

"Oh, really? Can you really prove that he isn't just stringing you along?"

"I...don't know how I can, but you have to believe me when I say he isn't a bad person."

"Really, enlighten me."

I couldn't really prove much, and I don't want to use Moriyama as a means to an end.

"I stand by what I said about him," I told mother.

"That's what I thought..."

She nodded her head.

"Now I want to ask you another question: how did you meet this boy - this Kazuki Kei?"

"...In school."

"I didn't ask where I asked how," mother clarified.

"He, umm...saved me."

"What do you mean, 'saved you' ?"

"He, umm...saved me from falling down a flight of stairs."

Mother let out a sigh.

"My goodness, Fuuka, you are quite the imbecile, aren't you."

I wished to bite back but even if I want to, I don't have the will to.

"I...I know I am."

"That's why you need to study for medical school, so you'll stop acting like such a fool and become something worth a damn!" Her words rang throughout the house and through my head.

"Yes, mother."

"Good girl..." Mother turned her back to me. "...I want you to go to your room and continue with your studies. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"Good, dinner will be ready at 8:30 P.M. Here, take this filthy thing."

Mother threw Kazuki-Kun's hoodie at me, then she left without saying another word to me. I went up to my room and I locked the door, so no one could come in unannounced. I lay down on my bed, hugging the jacket in my hands. It reminded me of our conversation from earlier. I didn't mean to yell at him but the words were just bursting into my brain and I just yelled them out. Maybe I should go to sleep, so I won't doze off when I go to the hospital tomorrow to visit Kazuki-kun. Speaking of which, I should probably clean his jacket, I'm sure that would make up for today.

3/18 Sa - Tatsumi hospital - Afternoon

I've been released from the hospital as of today. Thank god, it was boring in here, sitting in one place without anything to do isn't fun, and the food is as bad as everyone says it is. I went down to the reception desk to sign myself out. After I did that, I made my way to the exit. While I was heading for the exit, I spotted a girl with dark-teal hair. It was Fuu-chan. She spotted me from the entrance.

"Kazuki-kun, you're being released today?"

"Yeah, I am."

"But you've only been awake for one day, certainly they would let you out after a couple of days?"

"Oh, guess they decided to let me out early? But don't worry about it, I'm fine, seriously."

Although, I still felt the wound on my chest, but I want her to know I was fine. So I put on the best smile can put on.

"If that's the case, do you want to go somewhere to celebrate your recovery? I don't have to be home until 6:30 P.M."

"Um, isn't that kind of early?"

"Yeah, my parents are a bit...strict when it comes to how I manage my time."

Fuuka had a saddened look on her face.

"Are okay," I asked her.

"I'm fine."

That did seem to be true but I feel as if pressing her wouldn't do.

"Well, if you say so, and as for hanging for today...

As much as I want to I can't, not today.

"...I need to head straight to the dorm today. Sorry."

"I see. Well, okay then. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Course you will..."

I walked towards the exit. Fuu-chan was looking at me with a sad expression. I need to head back to the dorm and figure out what the hell happened last night. On the other hand, I should hang out with her; I mean, she probably wanted to hang out the moment I got out of the hospital, so it doesn't seem fair. Hold it, I have an idea!

"I do need to head straight for the dorm today. But if you want to tag along, that would be cool," I suggested the idea to her.

"Really, okay, I'll come with you!"

"Awesome, plus, I don't how to get home."

"Huh?"

"I mean, I don't know where the dorm is from here."

Fuu-chan looked at me with a dumbfounded face. But then she took up a smile as she seemed like she was going to laugh.

"It makes sense, you're new to the city, so you wouldn't know how to get here since you were conscious. Okay then, I guess I'll take you home now."

That sounds pretty weird since she's the one saying it, but it's not that big of a deal. And to be honest, I'm glad I get to walk home with someone.

Iwatodai dormitory - Afternoon

We reached the dorm without making any stops. We talked about many things about the city while we were making our way here.

"Fuu-chan, I'm really sorry about today," I apologize as I give a curt bow.

"Why?"

"Because you wanted to hang out, I just dragged you here instead."

"It's okay, I'm actually glad I get to see where you're staying in Port Island."

I never really did tell her where I lived in the city.

"It must be nice to live in a place like this, away from home," Fuuka said with her eyes gazing transfixed at the dorm.

"Fuuka, are you okay?"

"Y-Yes, I am!"

"You just seemed off."

"Sorry, I just space out is all. Thank you for letting me walk you home, Kazuki-kun. It's getting late, I think I should get going."

I need to make up for today, and I know how I can.

"Fuuka," I called for her as she was walking away.

"Yes?"

"I was wondering if you're not doing anything weekend, maybe we could hang out?" My face was getting a bit flushed as my hands sweaty. Why am I so nervous? She was quiet for a second, seemingly surprised by my request.

"I would like that," she sheepishly answered.

"Good! I'll text you the details later."

"I'll be looking forward to it. I'll see you tomorrow."

As she walked away I waved her goodbye.

"Okay, time to do this!"

Iwatodai dormitory, Evening

I head right into the dorm after a few minutes of thinking of what questions to really ask, but I'm pretty sure I was stalling. I had gotten a message on my phone when I was in the hospital today. It was from Mitsuru, she told me to come up to the fourth floor. I'm guessing the only reason I got out of the hospital this early was because she allowed it.

"Kirijo must have sway."

I went upstairs to the fourth floor. Upon arrival, I saw two doors conjoined together. I opened the doors to see a strange room. Everything in the room seemed to be normal, apart from the giant computer monitor on the left side of the room. I see familiar faces. Mitsu-chan is here, so is Mr. Ikutsuki. Mako-kun is here as well. And finally, I saw another person in the room. He was the same white hair guy I saw the other day.

"Kazuki, come and sit down. We have much to discuss."

At Mitsu-chan's request, I sat down in compliance.

"Allow, me to get the introductions out of the way. The man sitting right in front of me is Akihiko Sanada."

"Nice to meet you."

"Chairman, shall we start explaining," Mitsuru asks the Ikutsuki-san.

"I believe we will."

Mitsuru began to speak.

"Now, Kazuki, Yuki: the night you both arrived here, did you notice something was off?"

"Yes I did," I said. "The street lights were off, there was blood on the floor, and I think I saw coffins."

It was pretty vague but I knew I saw coffins on my way here that night.

"These are the anomalies that happen during a hidden period of time."

"Hidden?"

"What is this hidden hour," Yuki asked.

"It's called The Dark Hour."

"The Dark Hour, what is it," I whispered.

Ikutsuki-san started to explain everything. Apparently, it's an hour that's between the times, 12:00 A.M, and 1:00 A.M. The duration of the Dark Hour is, and for its namesake, an hour. Also, people without the "potential" aren't able to function within the Dark Hour. Just like the night, when that huge monster attacked the dorm, there are monsters that lurk in that hour alone; Shadows, and only with the power of Persona can anyone fight back against them. It's also theorized that the Shadows inflict a strange state on people called Apathy syndrome: It renders a person motionless once they've been inflicted by it.

"Now, everything seems to be in order. Mitsuru will you do the honors?"

On cue, Mitsuru lifts two briefcases onto the table.

"Now for the main question."

Mitsu-chan opens the two briefcases. In them, are two strikingly similar guns and with it an armband.

"Will you both lend us your strength?"

I stared dumbfounded at the briefcase wondering what to say, how to respond to this choice I was presented with.

"I'll join. Makoto said. He picked up the gun inside the case.

"I'll play my part"

"Thank you, Yuki," Mitsuru graciously thanked him.

"Are you sure, I mean..."

"It's okay Yukari, I want to do this; this is something only I can do. I intend to do this," Makoto stated. He looked at the gun in his hand without a hint of hesitation. "Kei, what's your decision?"

Everyone turned their attention to me. I still don't have an answer. He was able to come up with one in a span of a couple of seconds. I was scared of saying yes. Maybe it's just too dangerous for me, maybe I just can't handle it, maybe I'm just not gonna make the cut.

"Well, I don't know." I clenched my shirt, pressing my hand on the slash mark left from the shadow.

"I'm not really the bravest guy nor am I the type to fight. So to be perfectly honest with you guys, I don't really know if I should do this just. If I get injured like I did that night, I don't know what might happen... So I refuse!"

I had yelled my rejection of the offer.

"I see, that's a shame. I guess it can't be helped, although, we'll have to transfer you to the regular dorms."

I fiddled with my hands as I pondered on what I said. I was thinking about what the shadows were, what the Dark Hour is, and what Apathy syndrome was. It goes for anyone and that's because the shadows do something to them to make it happen... Wait a moment, what did I just say?

"Apathy syndrome can happen to anyone, right," I asked out loud.

"Well, as far as we gathered: yes, anyone can get inflicted with it. Of course, none of us who can experience the Dark Hour can be affected by it," Ikutsuki answered.

Then that could very much apply to Fuuka. I clenched my fist and looked towards Mitsuru.

"Hey, Mitsuru, can I ask you a question?"

"Yes, go right ahead."

"If I do this, fighting shadows in The Dark Hour, would I be protecting people from shadows? Would fighting make a difference?"

If I'm gonna fight I gotta know if it'll mean anything.

"Yes, you would be. Shadows can cause damage to the city and to people if they're not taken care of."

I have it, my answer!

"Thank you for answering my question, because now..."

I grabbed the armband from the case that was pointing in my direction, and I put it on.

"...I'll fight!"

I'll protect her, I'll protect Fuuka! I won't let some monster take a friend from me!

"I'm glad to hear you had reconsidered," Mitsuru said to me.

"Yeah, guess I just needed a nudge..."

Ikutsuki coughed as he reached out both his arms towards me and Makoto-kun.

"Yuki Makoto and Kazuki Kei, welcome to S.E.E.S."

I rubbed the back of my head as I felt my cheeks flare up. This actually felt great; to be welcomed like this.

"Kazuki," Makoto calls my attention. "Looks like we'll be working together from now on." He put out his hand towards me.

"Yeah, I bet we'll make a sweet team." I shook his hand. Maybe this won't be so bad if I'm gonna be working with people like these guys.

Kazuki's room, Late-night

I retreat to my room after the meeting. I feel somewhat exhausted, although I don't know why I feel so exhausted now.

I change into my lounging clothes and plop on the bed. Now I finally feel relaxed. I look at my hands while laying back on my back.

"I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna protect Fuuka!"

Suddenly, my phone was going off.

"Hello?"

"Kei, it's Naoya."

"Oh, hey Naoya." I rubbed my eyes, trying not to drop dead on the bed.

"You alright, you sound tired?"

"Yeah, no, I'm fine, really. Just a bit tired."

"Guess the private schools can run a guy ragged, huh?"

"Yeah, I guess it can."

There was a brief moment of silence between us. It wasn't like I had nothing to say but I didn't want him teasing me about it when I say it/

"Hello, Kei? You there?"

"Yeah, no, yes, I'm here," I fumbled my words.

"But, yo, Naoya, I have to tell you something," I nervously said to him.

"What is it?"

"Well, um, I've been doing okay here. In fact, I actually made a friend here."

Naoya didn't respond immediately, but after a few seconds, I heard a chuckle.

"Aw, my little cousin is all grown up now. Making friends, I'm just so proud of you!" Damnit, I knew he would pull this. "Stop it! This is why I didn't want to tell you!"

"But I just wanted to congratulate you on making a friend."

"No, you're just being a jerk!"

I felt as if I had steam coming from my ears.

"Is it a girl?" Naoya asked.

"Yeah."

"Is she cute?"

It didn't take much time for me to realize the answer to that.

"Yeah."

"It's only been what, a week? You're already a ladies' man?"

"Stop it!"

He sounded even dumber than a minute ago...

"But really Kei, I'm happy for you."

"Um, thanks."

I scratched my cheek as I felt a warm sensation around my cheeks.

"Hey, listen, I gotta go," Naoya told me. "I'll call you later, okay?"

"Yeah, that's fine. I'll hear from you later, right?"

"Yeah, you will."

"Alright then, smell you later."

Before I hung up, I heard Naoya say, "Be careful." He had hung up after that.

"Be careful, for what?"

I don't know what he meant but I knew it wasn't about the Dark Hour.

"Eh, whatever."

As tried to go to sleep, I recounted what happened today. Especially me joining S.E.E.S. I guess I can now say that I joined a club next time me and Naoya speak. Although, I can't mention it's a club of fighting monsters and protecting the city.

"Will I really be okay? I never fought a fight in my life. Who really knows."

It was a bit late for me to try and call it quits again, and besides, I don't have any intentions of quitting now.

"Might as well roll with the punches then."