?,?

Ah, Sadao, just the man I want to see." "What is it M?" "Yeah, I just wanted to know something. Do you think Kazuki is coming here?" "He has already entered this world, so you make your own guess. And besides, I don't care for someone like him." "Why not? Don't like the head-strong type." "Those types are useless to me..." "Ah, so that's why you supervised Shizuka. ...However, I hear there were more kids like her, what happened to them?" "They were failures, and failures are unacceptable." "Hmm, okay, I just wanted to check up on you; ya seem like a lonely young man." "I could care less for your concern... Also, I want to know something, M." "What?" "I heard from one of the Yatagarasus that you summoned two different Personas to your side." "No." "Hm?" "I didn't summon Personas, but demons." "Why would you need to?" "Well, I wanted to see something, and I have mixed feelings about the result. I mean, it was impressive he was able to fend off their attack, but at the same time, I know that... Ah, never mind. I guess that detail doesn't matter. ...All that matter is the fun that'll follow, right?" "..." "Okay, I can take a hint." I was leaving Sadao's room with little to no change of my opinion on Kazuki. Although, Rin Shizuka and those other kids he took under his wing caught my attention. I think I'll try to learn more when I have time...

Ruined Miakge-cho, The gathering hall of the four, Morning, 2 days left

When we entered the room, we were greeted by a guy who was dressed in a classy way. He also had a camera strapped around his neck. "*Chuckle* Still wearing that old jacket Tamo-chan." "Why do you think you're allowed to call me that, you fool." "Sorry, I forgot not to call you that." "You always forget." "Funny, right?" The cameraman looks over to me. "Is this the weird kid you were talking?" How am I weird? "Yeah, but my name is Kei Kazuki," I asserted. "I'm Arata. it's great to meet you."

I looked around the room. There was only the three of us. "Don't worry, more are coming." "Can they hurry?" "Why the rush? I mean, the tower isn't going anywhere." "He'll explain why when the meeting starts," Tamotsu stated. "Alright then, I guess I'll just find a good seat to take pictures." "Arata, take this seriously." "I am..."

I heard footsteps coming from the entrance. I saw Susumu and Hana. "What are they doing here?" "The boy is the representative for the north. Originally, their dad was the rep. but when he went into the tower the responsibility went to his son since he was the most eligible." Who knew that he had that much weight on his back... Shortly after them, another Person came into the room. He looked like a bandit. "Ah, Takeo: the bandit king." "Wait, he's the bandit king? But I fought someone else who said he was the king." "Hmm... Must've been the previous king, I heard he has gone insane he was dethroned; kept going on about how he was still the king, and eventually just became a joke amongst other bandits..." No wonder it was easy to beat him. "Good, it seems like we can get started," Arata said while adjusting his camera.

Arata, Tamotsu, Susumu, and the bandit king took their seats... "Is this meeting being broadcast?" "Kazuki, can you start the broadcasting?" "Sure, just tell me how." With Arata's instructions, I was able to begin the broadcast of this meeting.

"Right, now we can begin," Tamotsu said. "So, why did you call a meeting." "Takeo, always cutting to the matter at hand," Arata stated. "I just wish to know why I'm here." "Don't worry, this won't be a waste of your time." "Then tell me why it won't be." "...Because Arata and I have a plan to raid the tower." "What?" Takeo didn't seem surprised by this, rather irritated. "Why did you call a meeting then. Go do what you want, I don't care." Takeo sat up from his seat. "We didn't plan on doing this separately," Tamotsu revealed. "Hm, what are you getting at?" I saw a smirk on Tamotsu's face. "Mr. Tamotsu, Mr. Arata, you want to have all four of us work together?" "Wow, smart kid!" Hana widened her eyebrow as she realized what her brother had just said. "Why the hell would we do something like that? You know that's not going to happen. We all want out of this shithole, but there isn't enough room for four clans..." "We know that and none of us plan clear the tower. Tamotsu and I talked about this for a while, and we concluded that this would be the best way for us to get through the tower." "Why wait to initiate this plan now," Susumu asked. "We didn't really know who would lead the charge. That was until Kazuki came along." "Why is that kid important?" "Because he might be powerful enough to actually get this plan off its feet." "Wait, why should we trust this stranger? For all we know, he might just want the benefits."

Takeo looked over to me... "Sorry, but give me one good to help you?" "I don't want to clear it." "Huh?" "I don't want any of the benefits from that place; none of that is my concern. I just need to save somebody from being executed." "Executed? What do you mean," Susumu asked. I began to explain why I was here and why I wanted into that tower...

"This is a serious matter to you." "Yeah, and the only thing I want is to just save her. So, if I need to do something to get you to help with this, then I will." I bowed, pleading for the help I might just need...

"...Shut your trap." "..." "Arata, what's your plan for this?" Takeo sat back in his seat. "I'm glad you asked..." Arata got up from his seat and stood in front of us. "As most of you know, we're given keys by the people in the tower. However, Tamotsu and I used nearly all of our keys for a little project. (Also taking into account the keys Takeo sold off.) So, that dwindles us down to...two keys." He presented the keys from his pocket. "The problem is that we only have two, but we devised a plan around that." He pocketed the keys and put both of his index fingers. "This what we'll do for this joint operation: We'll send a small team of the strongest warriors of this place; Kazuki will be apart of that team. Doing so will use up the first key. Now, the second key is for the rest of us." "The rest," I asked. "Yes, while your team is in there, we'll be getting ready for the true raid." "Wait, what's his team for then," Hana questioned. "They'll be the ones to get us up there. It'd be a waste to prepare an army just so it can get destroyed while climbing the tower... So, this is the best option. Any questions?" "We sent in men who good on the battlefield and even they never came back out, or even cleared the second floor," Hana interjected. "That's right, we sent good men, but not the best." Hana didn't try to argue back. "Now, this is the final part of this meeting: the majority vote.

This it, the part that can make or break this plan. Either way, I'm getting into that tower! "Any who wish to go forward with this plan, raise your hand, and if not, then don't raise them..."

Tamotsu obviously raised his hand. "If Kazuki is on that team and if we're putting warriors that excel at fighting, then I see no reason not to agree with this." Susumu raised his hand. "Susu, are you sure?" "I am, Hana." It was three upvotes, so this plan is really going to happen. "You know what I say to this whole thing: it's an insane plan to boot." "Takeo, you don't have to like it, nor do you have to..." "Don't put words into my mouth. ...This plan is insane, however, it might work if we get the right people. So..." Takeo raised his hand. All four of the clan leaders had agreed to this plan. "Now that's in order, we need to gather the strongest in each of our districts. Luckily, Tamo-chan and I had already done that. Takeo, Susumu: I want you two to get your strongest by the afternoon. Kazuki, I want you to come with me so you can get some equipment." "I don't need any more weapons; I have one already have a good weapon." "Then I'll supply you guys with items." "Sounds good."

Everyone got up from the table. "Okay, this meeting is officially closed."

The tower, Fuuka's prison, Morning

All day I've been trying to make a connection to Kazuki. I seemed to have gotten strong enough to see past the door of this cell. However, I'm not able to look past this floor...

I saw Minako making her way here. I lifted my Persona and my body became tense as she opened the door. "Hello..." "..." "Are you still angry? Why are you though?" "For Shinjiro-senpai." "I didn't kill him." "But you could've stopped it." "Possibly. However, him living or dying was no concern of mine." "How can you say that!? He was our teammate." "I guess he was, but his guilt and his concern for Ken is what got him killed. So really, he was dead already, from a mental point of view" "What does Ken-kun have to do with it?" "I forgot to tell you that? On the night of SEES' operation, Ken lured Shinjiro to the alley behind the station. And when he came, Ken was threating to kill him, but he had a weak will and ended up not killing him... Rather, Takaya ended up killing him. However, you know about that part." "..." "Do you want to know why Ken wanted him dead...? It's because Shinjiro killed Ken's mother," Minako' voiced raised as she revealed why Ken-kun wanted Shinjiro-senpai dead.

"But do you really care? Or do you just want me to tell you what Kazuki is doing?" "..." "...He's going to enter the tower soon, and when he does, he'll find this place to be different than Tartarus. And to be honest: his chances are minimal the way he is now." "..." "He truly is a pathetic human being, to be honest." I stood up from the floor. "...Always trying to act like he's the brave, daring hero of this whole thing; and you idiots thought so as well! But do you know that your hero is more dangerous than anyone shadow out there? He's just a ticking time bomb that's going to go off sooner or later. And the moment everything in his little perfect world goes wrong; he'll go off and then he'll see what it's like to be in a never-ending hell." I balled up my fist. "...And you know what: I'll be the one to break that fake bravery and reveal what reality is really like." "...!" *Slap* Something in me had snapped. My hand had moved on its own and made contact to Minako's face. "Don't you dare say anything else...!" "*Chuckle* Looks like you aren't as passive as I thought." "..." "I can see that little conviction yours isn't going anywhere, however, there is the factor that you'll be dead soon... Enjoy whatever time you have left..."

Minako closed the cell door behind her... My hand was throbbing and it felt like it was getting cut by the air when it was traveling to Minako's face. Why is he coming here...

"Ow..."

Ruined Mikage-cho, at the entrance of the tower, afternoon, 2 days left

I was standing in front of the tower, waiting for the other members of this team. To be honest: I was anxious to get into this tower. I began to train not too long ago. I was beginning to feel comfortable using my legs as a means of attacking...

"You shouldn't get worked up before entering the tower." I looked behind me to find Susumu. "Hey." "Hello, Kazuki." "Why you here?" "Well, I came to open the door to the tower when all of you are here." "Oh, Hey, who did you choose?" "...Hana." This took me by surprise because she told me that going into the tower was a stupid thing to do. "I don't know why she wants to go, she's always told me that going inside the tower is what foolish men who dream of grandeur." "Do you think I fit the criteria," I jokingly asked. "No, you're doing this for a grander goal..." I never knew why people here tried to scale the tower. Do they even get anything out of it?

"Why do you guys climb the tower? I mean, I heard Takeo say there isn't enough room for more than one clan. What does that mean?" Susumu put his hand on his chin. "We were told this: the clan who makes it through the tower is given a spot in paradise." "Does that mean you get to live in there?" "Don't know, but we think it's a way out of this place." "That must be it." "It's only a theory, so I can't say that's certain for sure..."

He seemed calmer compared to when I first met him. I mean, now that I get the whole picture, I knew why he was nervous... "Kazuki, when I left from the meeting room, I saw you looking at a random park area. You looked like you were deep in thought, so I left you alone." "Oh. It was nothing, I was just daydreaming..." Daydreaming, that's all that was.

"You know, it's hard being the leader of some many people. Not for obvious reasons, but out of fear." "Fear?" "Fear that I'll fail them, or fear that I am failing them right now." "Whoa, calm down. I don't think you're failing them in any way. In fact: I thought you were the type of guy to think you had everything down." "I had hoped so. ...I want to make everyone in the north to feel as if I can handle my duty. It's honestly stressful sometimes. But, my father used to tell me things about being a leader, like, 'The people's hope is in their leader, so always remain strong to keep up their hope.' Stuff like that." "That sounds pretty cool." "Yeah, my dad wa-is a pretty cool person," he said with a melancholy tone. "What's your dad like, Kazuki?" "Oh, I don't know my dad, so I really don't know." "Oh...I'm sorry for my ignorance" Susumu bowed as an apology. "No, it's cool, man! You didn't mean to be offensive..."

Susumu was the leader of many people at his age, and it now just hit me that he's a kid with doubts and faults. Even so, he seems like he's able to be a leader that the north would need right now... Speaking of the north, why was part of it sinking?

"Hey, why was a part of the north sinking?" "...That's from the war?" "What war?" "A war against the people in the tower. It was a brutal and destructive battle; and due to that destruction, the north suffered the most..." Damn, that would sound pretty cool as a movie, yet hearing that actually happened is terrible. "However, no matter how destructive it got, the tower remained unscathed. Although, it was said that the inside of the tower was shaken, and it was shaken by one man who had the destructive power that of an entire army." Now, this sounded cool... "Who was he?" "I don't know, neither does Takeo. Although Mr. Arata and Mr. Tamotsu knew who did it, However, they never revealed that information... On the other hand, the war veterans know him by his nickname." "What is it?" Susumu looked toward the sky."...The one who shuck heaven." If someone that powerful exists I wonder why they haven't cleared the tower yet.

"Looks like they finally arrived." "Hm...?" I saw three figures climbing up the stairs... "This is it, I suppose." The first one to appear looked just as young as me, or maybe younger. He was wearing an all black cloak. "Your that Kei Kazuki kid that was at the meeting." "Kid? Um, I think I might be older than you." "You're a child in my eyes until proven otherwise and age doesn't matter much to me, so don't wave it around like it's a title." Damn, didn't think that would happen. I saw the second member of this team. He had a school uniform on, but it was just a regular sailor suit-like uniform. "This is where the toughest of the tough are gathering?" "I would think so." "Sweet, I'm Ryota." He stuck out his hand. "Nice to meet you too." I took hold of it. "...And you really don't need to know his name." He pointed to the other guy next to him. "Shut your mouth, imbecile! I'm Hisoka. And the only reason I'm here is because of my other half." "Other half? You need to save someone, too?" "No, the other half of my payment." Ah, so he's a paid assassin, or maybe a mercenary? (Aren't they the same...?)

"What district do you two belong to," Susumu asked. "Heh, I belong in the west," Ryota stated with a confident grin on his face. "Stop grinning you fool! I'm from the south," Hisoka said...

"Hey, where's Hana," I asked. "She should be here by now." I heard footsteps coming from the stairs. "*Pant* *Pant* *Pant*" Sounded like someone was running up here. And said person finally made it up here; it was Hana and she was wearing battle attire for this I see... She had a familiar shade of green on her back. "Hey...Susu." "Hana, you're a bit late." "Sorry, I had to get some equipment... And someone else along the way" "Lady, you're all sweaty!" "Quiet, you!" That voice! "Hey, Ko, is that you?" "You know this kid?" "Yeah, why is he hanging off your back? Scratch that, why is he here?," I asked, most likely knowing the answer which gave way to some anger. "The boss told me to go." "Why the hell would Tamotsu tell you to go?" "He said because I'm the best and only good at healing in the east. Which means I can be helpful in there," Ko said with a smile on his face. "But, that's... I can't let you go. It's too dangerous." "No, I want to go with you!" "No, and I mean it. I don't care what Tamotsu says! Go home." "No!" I saw tears coming rolling down his cheek. ...This kid.

"Hey, Kazuki, let em come along," Ryota whispered to me. "I..." "I know it might be dangerous, but it would be a good idea to have a healer with us. Plus, I think he wants to prove something prove to ya." Something to prove, huh... But why to me? "Fine, you can join." "*Sniff* Really?" "But you need to stick with me when we're in there, and do what I say when I say it." He wiped the tears from his eyes and he nodded with a friendly smile.

"All then, it looks like you guys are ready for this mission. And if so, I'll be using this now." Susumu took out a key. "It's time to do this. Susumu opened the door to the tower... There was a black void. It looked pretty disparaging due to the emptiness. "Kazuki, take this." Susumu gave a clock of sorts. "What's this?" "It's a way to keep track of how much time you have to save that girl." "Thanks. Will you guys be ready in time though?" "My people will be working with the west who'll be making weapons, armor and other such things. So it depends on how fast both our sides go..." "All right then..." "Also, do you that device Arata gave you?" "Yep." "No matter what keep that thing safe; the mission hinges on it." "I know."

"Let's get going." "Kazuki-nee, here..." Ko tapped Hana's shoulder. She pulled out a neatly folded jacket. It was mine. "Sweet!" I took it from her hands and I took off the gray jacket I had on earlier. "You to like that hoodie," Susumu observantly said. "Yeah, it's a gift from some important to me."

I grabbed my things and I was walking into the void... If this place only has five floors I'll be done with it in time at all, so just you Fu-chan...

Mikage-cho, the basement of SEBEC, evening

"...So, are you all ready? Because when we enter, we can't stop for anything, got it," I state, looking back at Takeba, Iori, and Yuki. "Don't worry Shizu-chan, we won't slow ya down." "You aren't lying about them being in there, right?" "No..." "Well, I still don't trust you all too much." "I would get why." "Guys, we are wasting time here. Shizuka-san, let's go," Yuki said with the utmost confidants. "Right, let's go!" I jumped in first to show them that this isn't a trap...

The white void sucked me in. Hopefully, I only need to go into this place one last time...

All I have to say for the longtime absence is this: been working on a new project and on this at the same time, so it was me just juggling this chapter and that project. And as of now, I will have changed my user by the time this chap gets published; not a big deal, but something I like to announce. (Plus it has something to do with that project.) And now we can get some good old action into this fic now. (Not like there wasn't any before, but a lot more sounds pretty cool.) So please follow the story if you want to know when I upload, and with my fucked up schedule, that might be advised. And leave a review of the story; that helps. Without further adieu, until the next chapter; see ya...