6/15 Mon - Tatsumi hospital - Afternoon

I arrived at Tatsumi hospital to visit Kazuki-kun today. He hasn't woken up yet but the doctor said that his wounds suddenly healed up, as if nothing happened at all, and he'll eventually wake up. For now, all he needs is rest.

I approach Kazuki-kun's room. As I enter I see a man with dark hair in the room, staring at Kazuki-kun.

"Um, excuse me."

"Oh sorry, I didn't know he was getting more visitors than just me."

"Do you know, Kazuki-kun?"

"Kazuki-kun?"

"That's what I call him by."

"I see."

"I'm sorry, but who are you?"

"Oh, right, I'm Toudou Naoya. What's your name?"

So this is him...

"Yamagishi Fuuka, it's a pleasure to meet you. So you're, Toudou-san?"

"Did Kei tell you about me?"

"Yes."

"Then he must've told you more about Mikage-cho."

"I know."

"I see..."

Toudou-san takes a seat in the chair next to Kazuki-kun.

"His life wasn't easy, everybody ridiculed him for existing. His life over there wasn't easy." Toudou-san's hands shake for a brief few seconds. "But there must be a silver lining since someone came here to see him? By the way, are you a friend of his?"

"Well, I'm, um..."

"Oh, are you a girlfriend then?"

"Um...yes."

"Really, I was just joking! That's excellent! In that case, can I ask you a favor?"

"Yes?"

"Can you look out for him, I know he can be difficult sometimes, but he really is a good kid."

His request comes from a genuine place, I'm confident in that much

"I promise to look after him."

"Thank you so much." He moves toward the door out of the room. He stops short of opening it, turning his head to me. "Can you tell me why you took interest in Kei?"

"Because he helped me when I needed it most, he's a great person."

"That's good to hear. Well, that's all I wanted to ask you, I'll be taking my leave now."

"Wait!"

"Huh?"

I bow in front of Toudou-san.

"Thank you for believing and giving Kazuki-kun support!"

"Of course I would do so, he's my cousin. But to be honest, he's more like a little brother. But I should be thanking you for coming to visit him today, Ms. Yamagishi. When I come back to Port Island the three of us should go get something to eat."

"I would love to come along."

"Great, then I'll treat you, kids, the next time I see you. Take care..."

Toudou-san left the room. I move over to the seat by Kazuki-kun's bedside. I wonder what I should say to him the moment he wakes up? Maybe I should tell him about me joining, SEES, or maybe-

"Huh!?"

A groan escapes Kazuki-kun's mouth. I shoot up from the chair.

"Kazuki-kun, are you awake!?" "Mhm... Yeah, I'm awake."

"Thank goodness."

"Where are we? Is this the hospital

"Yes, you were unconscious for a couple of days now."

"Seriously? No wonder I feel stiff. Wait, that's right, I remember bleeding out when I got to the hospital... Hey, what's with the long face," he asks me.

"No, I'm just glad you're okay. I thought the worse would happen, but I'm glad it didn't."

"Don't worry, I'm not gone yet. So, how many times did you visit me?"

"This is actually the first time I was able to... But that reminds me."

"Of what?"

"Well..."

I recall the conversation Toudou-san and I had. As I fill him in on what happened he wore a bright smile. It's refreshing to see him smile again.

"So, how are you doing," I ask him.

"I'm okay, in fact, I feel great!"

"That's good!"

I start to fiddle my fingers.

"Fuuka, you look anxious, are you okay...?"

"Ye-Yes, I am."

"Is there something you need to tell me?"

"Actually, I do..."

"I'm all ears."

"All right... Kazuki-kun, I officially joined SEES."

"I see... So then, you'll be living in the dorm?"

"Yes."

"Cool."

But that's not the only thing I want to talk about. Do you really mean what you said the other night?"

"What do you mean?"

"The fact that you would protect me no matter what.?"

"Do you really need to ask, of course, I will."

"Then I'll do the same. Since I have this power too, I'll use it to protect you and everyone else."

"Just don't overdo yourself."

"I won't."

My cheeks are on fire. The next topic is something I can't help but be slightly embarrassed about.

"You also said something else, Kazuki-kun."

"I did?"

"In Tartarus, you said that if we got out you would take me on a date."

"I meant it, but first I need to be released from the hospital."

"You're right. Oh, Kazuki-kun I have to tell you something else!"

"What is it?"

"When I went back to school, Natsuki apologized to me for bullying me. I think the both of us are going try to be friends."

"That's nice."

"Also..."

Kazuki-kun and I talked until it started getting late.

"Oh, it's getting late, I should get going."

"Yeah, I don't want to hold you up for anything."

"You're not holding me up on anything. But before I leave, Toudou-san wanted me to tell you something. When he comes back to this city to visit, he thinks we should go and get something to eat together."

"Really, awesome!" Kazuki-kun beams with excitement from the sheer thought of eating out with Toudou-san. "In that case from now on, I can't get hurt too much anymore for you and Naoya's peace of mind."

Walk over to the door.

"I'm leaving Kazuki-kun."

"All right, I'll see you tomorrow, right?"

"Of course."

"Good, I'll see ya tomorrow. Get some rest."

"I want you to do the same, Kazuki-kun."

"Of course I will - sleeps the best after all!"

I exit the room, quietly closing the door behind me. Walking down the hallway, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and joy. I'm pleased he's doing well now; not just physically, but mentally.

Port Island station, night

"Damn, I'm way late!"

It's way past evening and it was just about midnight. I'm supposed to be on my way to the Iwatodai dormitory now.

"Crap, where is he?" He told me he would be waiting here for me! Now I just feel like an idiot. I guess I'll just have to walk there all by myself, in the dark...without someone to walk me. "The hell Makoto..."

The clock on my phone is 12:59 A.M. In mere seconds, it went past 12 A.M. Without reason, my phone shut off. "What the hell?" I try turning it on but it wasn't working. When I looked up from my phone I see that the station walls has a dirty green to them, the air feels colder and heavier than before. Blood is oozing out of the walls. The moon turned yellow and looked as if it's cracked.

"W-what in the hell is this?"

"The Dark Hour."

I turn to see someone standing far on my left. It's a boy who looks to be about my age, his purple hair being a notable feature.

"So, looks like we have a potential," The mysterious kid says.

"A potential?"

The purple-hair kid groans. "Doesn't matter if I tell you, it would be a pain to do so anyway."

He isn't even trying to hide being an ass.

"Well, can you direct me to the Iwatodai dormitory? You see, I can't read maps too well." I only got here because of the help of some of my old classmates and strangers.

"Dormitory?"

"Yeah, it's in Iwatodai."

"Iwatodai dormitory?"

"Yes, for Gekkoukan high students."

"Hmm... Ah, I remember!" He puts his hand forward. "Hand me that map."

"What, why?"

"Cuz I need it." This guy was getting scarier looking. "...Listen, I don't wanna hurt someone weaker than me, but if you don't give me that map then I'll have to. So give it here."

I show him the map but as he was reaching for it, I hit him with my other hand. While he is staggered, I run for it. I ran towards a back alley. Shit, he's catching up to me quickly!

"Head for the hospital." Huh, what was that voice? "The hospital will be the safest place for you."

The voice feeds me directions to the place. As I make my way to the hospital I can feel my heartbeat growing louder and I run.

6/16 Tu - Tatsumi hospital - Dark Hour

I'm lying out on the bed, looking out in the window. The Dark hour hit the world now, it took away the pretty lights that were shining brightly from the building. It left me time to think about everything so far. My life has taken a turn for the better, yet the caveat is there. I've landed myself in the hospital two times already, both being visits this year, and for major injuries. Plus, there were some complications with my team but they seem to be cleared up. Yet, I still have a feeling that it isn't past me. Suddenly, I hear glass being shattered outside my room.

"Huh!?" I jump out of bed from the sound. I make my way to the closet to get my clothes. After putting them on, I leave the room to investigate the noise.

Tatsumi hospital - 3rd floor, Dark Hour

I went to where the noise came from. All I find is broken glass and some blood, not too much, it's a small drop of blood.

"E-excuse me..."

"Whoa!"

"Ahh!"

I turn to find a girl with chestnut-colored hair and crimson red eyes. She's hiding in a room next to me. She has a cut on her hand.

"Hey, are you okay, what happened!?"

"I-I was attacked!?"

"By who, are you a patient?"

"No, I came here because I was- ARGH!"

She clenches her shoulder. Having a look at it, it looks as if it was burned.

"You're hurt, why didn't you tell me!"

"It's nothing," She says as she tries to hide her wound.

"No, that's serious, we need to..."

"Where are you!?"

"Oh, no, not him again!"

"Who!?"

"She's referring to me!" I see a guy with purple hair rear his head from the corner of the hallway.

"Who are you!?"

"None of your damn business who I am!"

"Why are you after this girl!?"

"I just wanted to know where the Iwatodai dorm is, but she didn't want to hand me that damn map, and I'm sure you can figure the rest out for yourself."

"What are you talking about!?" He cracks his neck. "So you wanna fight? In that case, come at me!"

"No, he'll kill you!"

"It's okay, I got this."

"Sure, come here then."

I ran directly at him. "Person!"

"Prometheus!"

Blue flames swirls around the purple-hair boy. It forms a Persona! The two Personas clash as their strengths cause a shockwave to erupt.

"You're not a weakling, good, I won't need to take it easy on you! Prometheus, burn him alive!"

Blue flames form from the Persona and it shoots one from its left hand.

"Hide in the room!" The girl closed the door, I duck to the ground, the fireballs fly over my head. "Time to change it up a bit."

I get back up on my feet, my opponent charges at me. He sticks his leg out to kick me. I block it with both my arms.

"Do you really think it's that simple, you damn idiot? Prometheus!" His persona shoots two fireballs, one at my legs. I jump back to avoid them. "Got you, you bastard!"

He leaps toward me.

"Huh!"

One of his legs is lit on fire by the same blue flame is his Persona uses.

"What!?" His leg is on fire and he isn't fazed by it. Unfortunately for me, it's worth him doing that as he connects his leg to my side.

"ARGGGH!"

"Nailed ya."

That kick burns like hell, it feels like an ironing iron is being pressed against my skin. I'm sent rolling to the other end of the hallway.

"Agh!"

"Time for round two!"

"Crap!"

I get up back to my feet. As he approached me, he throws two punches at my face, one went through but I caught the other one and I gripped it tightly.

"Skeith!"

My persona hit him, sending him flying to the other end of the hallway after punching him in the gut.

"That's for burning my sides!"

"Damn that hurt, you asshole!"

"Sorry, maybe I should've punched you softer then!"

"Hmph, you're one sarcastic son of a bitch, I'll give you that..." He looks at me straight in the eyes. I didn't shy away from his stare. "Hey, moron, what's your name?"

"Kazuki Kei, yours?"

"It's, Masaru Katsu, and don't forget it!"

"I won't."

"Good, then let's continue!"

"Skeith!"

"Prometheus!"

He keeps on setting his legs on fire to do more damage. Fortunately, I'm blocking with my persona, so most of the hits weren't too bad.

"Burn bastard!"

I block the Agi attack with Skeith's arms. When I see his foot tearing through the flames I bend my back to avoid the flaming kick. I backflip away from him.

Katsu whistles. "You got some skills, loser."

"This loser is giving you a run for your money."

"Not even."

Katsu snaps his fingers and sets off two explosions near me. I shut my eyes to avoid damage to them.

"How about we take this outside?"

Before I can react, Katsu kicks at my side and sends me flying through the wall, leading me outside. I summon Skeith to cushion my fall.

"Arghhh, damn that hurts!"

"You seem cozy down there." Katsu jumps down from the 3rd story with his persona. "You want to know somethin'?"

"What!?"

"You're the first person within this boring-ass hour to survive this long against me."

"I'm flattered."

Both of us start to prepare for our next attack. I overlap Skeith's arm over mine.

"Prometheus."

Fire begins to form on his right leg. I feel the fire rising in heat. This could be devastating for me if I get hit by that. We both dash at each other, ready to end this battle. I need to end this one in the next hit or it's over for me. As we were close to clashing attacks I feel my body being violently directed to the ground. opening my eyes, I find my fist touching the concrete floor. Meanwhile, Katsu's kick was redirected to the floor; it made a crater in the ground. So if he was to hit me, that would've been me!?

"Who did this!?"

"I suggest that you stop right now, Masaru." It's the masked guy again!

"Yeah, yeah, what do you want," Katsu blows off the masked guy.

"The boss deployed me to get you back."

"Oh, that asshole. Fine, let's go then."

The masked guy and Katsu begin putting distance from me. Katsu turns to face me. "Kazuki, we'll settle this another time, so don't go dying now!"

The two figures disappeared into the darkness of the Dark Hour

"Are they gone," the girl from before asks as she walks over to me.

"Yeah, they're gone."

"Thank goodness, I was so scared."

"It's okay, you're safe now."

"Good, but that being said...you were awesome!"

"H-huh, oh, it was nothing."

"Nah, man! You were an ass-kicking machine!"

"Ah shucks." I start blushing from all the compliments. First time I ever got this many compliments about my fighting. More importantly, I need to get back to the dorm since I'm out of the hospital. Although, what am I gonna do with this girl?

"Hey, where do you live," I ask the girl

"Oh, I'm supposed to be living in Iwatodai as of now." She shows me a piece of paper. It's a map of the city and directions of where the dorm is. Wait, does that mean she's a Persona-user?

"You're living in the dorm?"

"Yes."

"Then, in that case, wanna come to the dorm with me?"

"Sure, beats going there while looking over my shoulder in this creepy ass place."

Speaking of shoulder, we still need to take care of her wound.

"Let me see your wound!"

"Oh, right!"

She turns her burned shoulder to me.

"The wound, it's gone?"

Her burn mark is gone, it's almost as if nothing had happened. Her skin looks as smooth as silk and as white as a snowflake.

"Staring a bit too much, aren't you?"

No, stop! Get your mind out of there!

"How did your wound heal?"

"I don't know..."

I rub my eyes to stay awake. Damn, guess I'm getting a bit tired for one day.

"Hey, can we get going to the dorm? We'll talk about this tomorrow."

"Okay!"

We head down the streets of the empty city. The girl seems to be getting used to the Dark Hour already... Actually, I don't really know her name.

"Hey, can I know your name? You know, since we're gonna be dormmates." I put my hand out. "I'm Kazuki Kei."

The girl forms a warm smile and takes my hand.

"I'm Arisato Minako. It's nice to meet you!"