Paradox Arc:
Chapter 65: Star-crossed Lovers
Velvet Room
"M-Master Igor..." Theodore stuttered upon sighting the tarot shown on the desk, "The same sets of cards, three consecutive strokes- I-I mean, strife. No! Strikes? Uhh, how do you pronounce it?"
Igor ignored Theodore's rambling as he interpreted the tarots shown on the table. Three cards for each person that represented past, present, and future, used to determine the relationship between Hamuko Arisato and Minato Arisato.
For the card that represented the past; Hamuko's was the High priestess, Makoto's was the Moon.
For the card that represented present; Hamuko's was the reverse Lovers, Makoto's was the reverse Strength.
"Two reverse at once, both of them," Theodore explained in horror, "Igor, should we... trust the tarot?"
"We will see..." Igor answered. They both glanced at the two cards that represented the future.
Hamuko's card revealed reverse Death, while Makoto's card revealed the upright Tower Arcana.
"The tower represented sudden shock, a belief that was questioned," Igor explained.
"He will know," Theodore shuddered, "My goodness... he will know..."
"She is here, Theodore," Igor said, "Our objective is finally on sight. Find her."
Makoto Yuki
Night - 10/12/2009 – Iwatodai Dorm, Tatsumi Port Island
"How do I love someone who will die in a few months?"
Makoto began the new page of his diary.
"How do I tell her our moment together will be temporary and unworthy? How do I tell her it's not about love, only that we're not meant to be? Hamuko had found her answer. I don't. I began to share her affection, and it consumes me..."
Makoto dropped his pencil and sank his back to his chair, palming his face with both hands in frustration.
Did he want to do this? He's no fool to become oblivious to his feelings. Will he carry this emotion to his world too? Ever since her confession, everything in his old world became blurred and empty. He was terrified of himself. There lingered a dangerous thought in his mind whenever Hamuko was involved. Did he seriously intend to sacrifice his world to be with her?
"I'm going mad, all of a sudden," He mused, clenching his hair hard enough to pull out a few hairs. No, there's no time to think of it. Anxiety will have to wait as he returned to his diary. The connection between his memories with Yu Narukami must be there somewhere. All he had to do was finding it. If he needed an all-nighter, perhaps a coffee would be nice.
After a while, his eyes immediately focused on his door. Hurriedly hiding the diary, he knitted his shirt neatly before approaching it. True to his instinct, Hamuko was ready to tap her hand on the door until he opened it first. There was a cup of coffee in her hand.
"I thought you need one. You've been in the room since you returned home today," She said, dressing in her nightgown petitely. He knew she hesitated to see him a while ago.
"Thanks." The cup was still hot when he took it from her hand.
"So... bye," Hamuko said awkwardly, dangling her hands behind her.
"Yeah. Goodnight," He answered. The atmosphere was insanely heavy when Hamuko took the first step away from the door.
"Hamuko, I..."
She tilted her head back at him upon his calling.
"About your confession..." He immediately regretted it when Hamuko avoided eye contact, with redness blooming her cheeks. He quickly added, "Actually, nevermind..."
"I want to hear..." She rested both hands behind her and watched him. He scratched his head and faked a few coughs.
"If we fight Nyx, that means we only have a few months left to live," He said, leaning his shoulder on the door frame while balancing the coffee in his hand. How he emphasized the 'few months' certainly didn't help underwhelmed the mood, "I value this bond more than anyone else. But even if we... 'happens' to be... This Christmas may be our last."
"And?" She responded instantly, narrowing her eyebrows, "I don't want any regret, words unsaid, or things left undone. And who said this might be our last Christmas? We haven't fight Nyx, it's too early to say."
He curved his lips deceptively. At the end of everything, she will pass away, and he will have to leave everything behind, carrying with him only the Universe Arcana for the salvation of his old world. For her, this was the last ultimatum. For him, it was a path leading to a goal waiting for him back home. Will he return to the Great Seal once everything is over? It matters not.
This was her answer.
"That's true," He finally took a sip on his coffee, with less sugar the way he liked it, "Where's yours?"
"It's the last one. Coffee is high on demand during finals."
"That won't do," Makoto walked towards her and began handing her the cup, "Take a sip."
"O-Oh," She stuttered, "Indirect kiss..."
He found himself blushing as well when she took a sip opposite from his side of the cup. Why was it so hard to look at her in eyes as of late?
"I should spend more time with my friends, in case it's the last time I see them," Hamuko said.
"Heh, now who's afraid of future? I never stop you if you want to."
"Well..." Hamuko giggled sheepishly but ceased her laugh, "Can I... hold your hand?"
Makoto said nothing, but he did lend out his hand, which Hamuko gently gripped it tightly with one hand, while carefully balancing the cup in her other hand. After a while, she let it go.
"Promise me that when the time comes, just... be honest when you're giving your answer," She said, began chugging down the cup.
By the time she returned the cup to him, it was empty. They both stared at each other awkwardly as she took the cup away. His smile faded the moment she disappeared out of sight.
The unfortunate sense of loss only he experienced, the things his friends from his world never had to suffer before his soul's abrupt departure to the Sea of Souls sent them to despair. This must be his friends' grief he failed to understand when he originally died.
Which one is worse? To know the one you love will die beforehand, or to be ignorant of the impending death? From his pocket, Makoto took out the object he held closer than he thought and examined it in his hand. Why did Ryoji give him the ring?
When he returned to the room, he was quite shocked to see Elpis sitting on his bed casually, as though she already made herself at home. When their eyes made contact, she gave a faint smirk.
"Madly in love, but masked with denial," Elpis spoke, referencing either Hamuko or him, "But the mask is cracking. Soon, it will all be revealed."
Makoto locked the door behind him hurriedly. The girl must have some hint.
"Is it possible to prevent her from becoming the Great Seal?"
"No."
The answer he received was instant.
"There must be an alternative. I saved Shinjiro and Chidori. Surely if I did it right..."
"That is before your death. You can't change anything beyond that, because she is you."
"But I'm not dead right now!" Makoto half-screamed, "Tell me about this world. How did this world, crafted from my memories, came to be? What do I need to do to save her? The new prophecy spared me, it may save her as well."
"Did it? Did the prophecy bring you back?" Elpis crossed her arms in front of her while wearing a complex expression, but the aura of disapproval filled the air, "To find the correct answer, you must find the correct question. Some things are better unraveled by one's hand. A hint is all I can give."
He needed it. Whatever it takes.
"What do I need?"
She spoke only one word, "Inaba."
Makoto Yuki
Late Night - 20/12/2009 - Train Station, Inaba
Makoto glanced at the Contact Card in his hand. The vibration was faint even now, but ever since he formed a bond with Elpis, the mysterious girl, it never hijacked any audible device. Testing with Fuuka's speaker proved so more than once.
Slotting the card back into his pocket, he peered out the window, where the night sky illuminated the hills and mountains far beyond. Snows began early in this side of the country, and the winds were shrieking on the glass window.
Beep!
"We will arrive at Yasoinaba in 5 minutes. Please prepare your luggage and leave nothing behind."
He stood up and observed the empty carriage. Not uncommon for trains to be empty at night. The black baggage he brought with him was rather small for a student.
How fortunate that he was able to investigate the background of Inaba from none other than Hamuko's friend.
Lunch break - 15/12/2009 - Library, Gekkoukan High
"They did?" Makoto widened his eyes at Saori Hasegawa, the librarian who assisted him in his need.
The library wasn't his favorite place to visit, which is why, when he spent the last 10 minutes searching for details regarding Yasoinaba, he stood up compared to the regulars.
"Yes, I'm certain that Hamuko and the sports team took a trip there last August. Though I'm not part of it," Hamuko's hermit social link responded politely. Being a few years his senior didn't make her bowed any lower than anyone else, according to Hamuko.
"Who knows more, other than Hamuko?" Makoto asked, but the truth was, he didn't want Hamuko to find out about his trip to Inaba until the last minute, especially when he was the one who asked her to send one letter to somebody there months ago. How did he forget that? He was not himself, as of late.
Still, once Rio Iwasaki, her good friend, knew about it, there's no way she could hide their conversation from Hamuko.
Amagi Inn, Inaba
He cursed under his breath. Rio and her mouth! Although Hamuko didn't pry open his intention here, Hamuko dotted to him like a mother preparing him for his primary school. Whatever food, area, or places she remembered during her last visit, she compressed it all into his mind. It was enough to earn envious stares from Akihiko and Ken.
Convincing Mitsuru was another matter altogether. "I want to visit an online friend" was the weakest excuse he could give, especially when he refused to disclose any identity behind the 'friend' he mentioned. However, Mitsuru eventually approved of his trip, even assisted in booking a room in the famous inn that began to enter his view. She called it repaying debt, but he couldn't see which debt the student council owned him.
"Welcome to Amagi Inn," the young woman greeted him at the front hall, "You must be Makoto Yuki-san. Kirijo-san informed us of your booking. We were usually full during winter, but there was a room available for you. You're lucky, young man."
Kirijo's influence knows no boundary. Makoto Yuki nodded and allowed himself to be led to his spacious room. There was a large television on a wooden stall, a small balcony, and the red palette walls brimmed the antique and classic feelings that made him snoozy.
Perhaps it wasn't a good decision to stay the night.
"Excuse me, ma'am," He called out the female servant handing him the towel, "Four months ago, my school, Gekkou High, took a trip to Yasoinaba high. I have been interested in the school in this town since. If I may, is there anyone who can give me a tour there?"
"I'm afraid you won't be able to find one," She answered regretfully, "School will be empty for tomorrow, but the gate will be shut closed."
"It's alright, I don't care," Makoto shook his head, began removing his blue scarf, "You had quite an inn. The owner of this place must be formidable."
She laughed as though he had made a joke, "Amagi has inherited this place for generations. Our young mistress is still training to be one."
"You mean Yukiko Amagi, correct?" He quickly interjected, "One of my friends told me about her."
"Ah, young mistress must be well known," She laughed with a much tamer tone this time. She stopped as she glanced at the wall clock, "I apologize, but I must leave you."
"I hope the hot spring is empty," Makoto smiled, unzipping his thick jacket.
Such a shame he couldn't see Yukiko Amagi. Although very brief, the young girl did receive his 'letter' a few months ago from Hamuko's hand. Although she won't remember ever receive the letter, there must be something she can help him in a way no one could.
He glanced at his watch and let out a yawn. Will the Dark Hour extend to this town too? Hopefully, he will stay awake enough to find out.
Hamuko messaged him when it's close to midnight. He chuckled as he conversed with her, then cursed himself as she crawled into his futon. Elpis was correct.
He was mad. The thoughts of Hamuko dying stung him with absolute grief. He was a Fool, he knew what he felt was real.
Hamuko Arisato
Mysterious river bank
The river in front of her resembled the river bank she seen in Kyoto. The sky was too dark to be called night, and the absence of stars and clouds made her terribly alone and eerie. She was barefoot, tied in yukata that was too worn to be knot again.
Standing at the center of the river, Hamuko saw Makoto in his yukata watching her from distant with an indescribable expression, his legs sank deep into the water.
"Makoto?" Hamuko called out, approaching the river. The water was the coldest she ever felt, but it didn't seem to bother the boy one bit. As she's closing the distance, Hamuko reached out her hand towards him and...
"Hamuko, I'm sorry," He shook his head, "There's no way this will work..."
"What do you mean?" Hamuko asked when he dodged her hand, "Makoto, where are you going-"
She felt multiple hands pulling her leg from underneath the water. The shallow water began to submerge her before she could scream. Soon, the shallow river became deep as a sea, and Makoto, as though he was standing on the water, was watching her from beyond the surface, face struck with grief.
Late Night - 20/12/2009 - Iwatodai Dorm
"Another dream..." Hamuko left the bed in sweats as she checked her phone. It's almost midnight, but she found it hard to return to the bed.
Will Makoto be able to sleep well in that town? She was in truth worn out by his lies. Makoto had no online friend there. But whatever his reason, it was clear the blue-haired boy didn't do it to distance himself away from her. He had a mission, but Hamuko knew the boy will not tolerate her prying too much, not when he revealed such a dangerous look whenever he had a strong goal in mind.
"How are you there?" She sent the message as she laid on the bed, staring at the ceiling as she dropped her phone on the comfy blanket. She chuckled, gleefully imagining Makoto's face in her head. A few days left before Christmas Eve, but she was wary as ever. Makoto felt... uncomfortably afraid, and she sensed weakness in his view of their relationship. She admitted that she was afraid of rejection, but all Makoto had to do was being honest.
She would rather be friends forever than having him hate her. The only person that could break her with the smallest smile, the only person who she had no fear of exposing all secrets, and the only one who she could never fool. There was no need to pretend. She knew what her heart told her.
"The place is good. Hot springs are the best," the reply came shortly, "Please don't make chocolate."
"I didn't," She muttered as she typed it, "Come back soon, I missed you already."
She immediately regretted it as she pressed the sent button. That's not something a friend does. Why was she conversing with him as though they were lovers?
Makoto's reply was not good for her sleep, "I'll be returning soon..."
She was afraid of the bed. Dreaming of the Makoto was almost every night events. No, not those kinds of sweet dreams. She was becoming the man himself. She walked through schools, dorms, sometimes restaurants, but from his point of view. Sometimes, she dreamt of befriending some strangers too, but the hand that shook them was Makoto's. On some occasions, she dreamt of the mysterious river, but Makoto always strolling further away to the other side.
"Looks like I need to prepare myself!" Hamuko declared. With the sleepness gone, she flung open her wardrobe and began fingering all the clothes she had. What will be the best dress to impress him?
It's was when she appealed herself in a new dress to the tall mirror that, for a moment, she saw flashes of images surrounding her. Makoto was looking as her through the mirror. Curiously, there was another presence behind 'Makoto'.
A tall man with bowled-cut grey hair was standing on the edge of the room.
"Huh?" Hamuko quickly turned to her back and searched, but she was alone.
...Who was that man? And why did he seem... familiar?
Makoto Yuki
Morning - 21/12/2009 - Yasoinaba High, Inaba
How odd.
The school gate wouldn't budge, no matter how much he tried it open. The snow was extremely light, noticeable by the warmness of today's weather, unlike yesterday night. Not a sound was heard from within the tall school. He observed the buildings with great interest, and the desire to break in grew stronger. But he was in stranger's land. Any troubles will harm Mitsuru's reputation.
But he needed to enter, even if it's a crime. There's something within that he knew would be too important. The Contact Card resisted harder the closer he was to the school ground.
How odd.
He traced the school fence and found a small hidden opening cut open by high schoolers. There was no sign of guards, for now.
Yes. How odd.
Peeking through the corridor, he made his way inside and examined the place.
No, not odd. It was eerily disturbing.
The hallway, the room design, the structure... The vintage models didn't bother him as his first visit here, however...
"It feels like... I've been here before..." Makoto mused.
Yes, the scenery seemed nostalgic. The nostalgia grew worse when he ascended the second floor and surveyed the empty corridor. Abruptly, he stopped in front of a classroom. The Contact Card was glowing. He had no idea what had occurred here, but he knew it by instinct. The class was quiet, the whiteboard was cleaned, though the garbage bin was not emptied. One spot, the one in the middle, caught his attention. When he sat there, something resonated within the Card.
He was here before. When...?
"To find the correct answer, you must find the correct question."
Elpis's words rang in his mind. The correct question... Yes, why did he come here? He wanted to investigate something, ever since he heard Yu Narukami's voice in his dream. He first experienced it during his sudden fever, which was...
"It was..." Makoto observed the Contact Card again, "It was the dream when I visited Tartarus. I saw spider webs trapping everyone, including Hamuko. Everything happened during the Cultural Festival..."
He didn't notice the heat in his pocket at first until he heard a loud screeching sound. The Contact Card was reacting, but this time, the vibration came with glowing light, as bright as neon. The side was heating between his fingertips.
"I don't understand," He mused to himself, or the card, "I'm here now. What am I missing? Tell me-"
[LOST TIME-30/10/2011-RIFT OPEN-MEMORY UNLOCKED]
"Ah!"
The card was dropped to the ground as he clenched his hands softly in pain. He felt the heat emitting from the card suddenly turned boilingly hot as it flashed blinding light. His right thumb and index fingertips were bleeding like being cut with a small knife.
He wanted to curse the card, but anger turned to confusion when the image on it somehow... changed. While originally half-transparent, it gained a more solid surface. There was a faint outline of a butterfly on the front side of the card.
The word CONTACT slightly grew dim in its stead. But he couldn't think straight. There was no bleeding, but it stung much more than it appeared. His vision... the world was spinning.
Hamuko Arisato
Morning - 21/12/2009 - Iwatodai Dorm, Tatsumi Port Island
"Yawn..."
Hamuko shut her mouth from yawning as she turned away from her laptop after hours of surfing the net. The weather was gradually lowering the temperature, and she was in no mood to spend time with anyone else. She almost dialed Makoto's number but found no excuse for the sudden call. The boy was focusing on something important, too important. What was so important in Inaba, a dead town in the middle of nowhere?
"I should go out," Hamuko mused, leaving her bed and headed for the door, "He's not going to be here for a while..."
The moment she left the room, a strong headache attacked her. The sight blurred as she shut close her door. Everything seemed... wobbling.
"Urgh... What's happening?" She clenched her head tightly, limping across the corridor and walked, "Did I sleep too little? I don't remember..."
"Are you okay?" She heard a voice calling her. Hamuko rubbed her eyes a few times before realizing that it was Yukari, dressed in her casual school uniform. Why was she wearing those in the dorm?
"I'm fine," Hamuko answered, attempting to hide her headache, "Is it just you?"
"Duh, you're getting left behind at this rate," Yukari laughed, "Come on, the others are already ahead."
"Others?"
Hamuko blinked and widened her eyes. Where is this place? How did she arrive here?
The school's interior seemed familiar to her, but never this packed with students in uniform foreign to her. This was certainly not Gekkoukan High. However, she had seen those uniforms before.
She blinked again and was so shocked by what she witnessed. The school was having a festival. Everyone from SEES was here of all places. The one person she never expected to appear was arguing with Akihiko about foods in the stall.
"Y-Yukari-chan, why is..." She let the word died in her mouth. Whether to be shocked, overjoyed, or terrified was impossible to pick. Shinjiro was talking as though there's never a bullet in his chest.
"Hmm... I think you're eating too much udon," Yukari commented after eyeing her curious stares at the tall, beanie-hat man, "Come on. They're waiting for their leader."
"Yukari-chan, where is this place?"
"A school. At least that's what we all think," Yukari answered as though it was the most natural thing, "We're at the cultural festival. Geez, what's wrong? That's why you should hold back your stomach from all those foods."
Didn't they cancel the cultural festival due to the storm?
"Daydreaming during the walk? Do you need another break to the nursery office?"
She turned to the voice behind them, a stranger's voice. It was the same man she saw in her room last night. His bowl-cut greyish hair -almost belonged to an elderly- unbuttoned outer school coat, and height that surpassed Shinjiro would definitely stick to her memories.
The longer she observed him, the more vivid her memories become. He greeted her as though they were comrades.
"N-No, I'm okay," Hamuko shook her head slightly as she stuttered. The man smiled, too charming. It would be a lie to deny that he would be much popular among his ages compared to Makoto. Good looking was not strong enough words for him. Also, he appeared almost authoritative compared to everyone.
It was then, a bit further away behind him, she saw a face that reminded her of someone she met once before. Long dark hair with red attire, she appeared elegant and nobly, though she should be the second year as her.
"We shouldn't keep them waiting," The girl with dark hair said, "The next dungeon should be up ahead."
"Yes, we shouldn't," The grey-haired man responded before turning to her, "Let's go, leader."
They left her at the same spot as she stood speechless. What is going on? She found her feet dragging herself across the hallway. She turned to her right and saw that it was morning, but there's also a huge clock tower at the center of the yard. She narrowed her eyes and there was a reflection on the window. There, very faintly, she saw an image of a blue-haired boy.
"Makoto?"
Makoto Yuki
Cloudy - Afternoon - Shiroku Stores, South Shopping District
Makoto was still bandaging the fingers as he left the medical stores when he saw familiar faces amidst the crowd. The district was filled with local citizens, swarming around the shop as though it might close its shops in hours. He hurriedly ran towards the two figures, hoping that they both remained in their places among the crowd.
In front of a lonely clothes shop, Elpis was talking to a girl with short dark hair, whose appearance fitted all the description Hamuko gave him. The young heiress, holding a few bundles of clothes in both hands, was watching Elpis with great curiosity. Another girl, short brown hair, attired in a thick green jacket with short pants, shared Yukiko's interest in Elpis. How was the girl here of all places?
"You heard that, Yukiko? She said you will be important one day," The girl with short hair turned to Yukiko with a teasing smile, "Your fans aren't limited to our town, huh?"
"I don't have a fan club, Chie," Yukiko said to the girl named Chie, "Besides, I'm in a hurry." She dangled the bags around her arms as she returned her attention to Elpis, "Are you lost? You are not from around here, are you?"
"No, I am not," Elpis answered with a blank stare, "Remember my words."
Before Makoto could catch up to them, Elpis bolt from them with incredible speed. Yukiko and Chie eyed each other with raised eyebrows.
"Weird kid. Where did she come from?" Chie commented.
"Probably the child of some tourists at our inn. Outsiders tend to get lost in this place," Yukiko replied bitterly, remembering some old memories, before checking her watch, "I'm late for work. Sorry, Chie, but maybe next time?"
"Oh, it's fine!" Chie spread her lips widely until her teeth stood out, "But you better not have plans for Christmas! The new Trials of Dragon is coming out!"
"Wait, Chie! I can't promise that-"
Chie had already bolted away before Yukiko could answer. The young heiress sighed loudly, "What choice do I have? Hmm?"
It was then Yukiko finally noticed his presence. Makoto bowed slightly when he approached her.
"I hope that girl didn't bother you so much," Makoto said, glancing at the direction of Elpis, but the girl was gone, "Elpis can be a curious kid. Did she said anything odd to you?"
"Oh! She's with you?" Yukiko raised her eyebrows, "Your sister?"
"More or less. She came to fetch me from the inn. I was supposed to check out this afternoon."
"So you're the student Kasai-san told me about, from the island," Yukiko nodded, "I'm Yukiko Amagi, but you have heard of me."
"I hope I don't make you uncomfortable."
"Oh, please don't mind," Yukiko looked around with a distressed look, "Listen, I would love to talk some more, but I'm in a hurry to the inn."
"Our path is the same," Makoto reached out his hand towards Yukiko's bags, "That looks heavy."
"Ah. Don't worry. It's my duty," The heiress shook her head.
"A shame. I wish to learn more about the town in exchange for it."
Yukiko hesitated at first. He quickly added.
"Think of it as an apology for delaying you. I wish to hear what my sister said to you as well. Her stories were always interesting."
After a while, Yukiko hummed softly to herself and finally nudged her head towards the southmost part of the district, "We can take the bus."
Hamuko Arisato
Velvet Room
"Welcome back to the Velvet Room, Hamuko-sama."
Hamuko opened her eyes and saw that Igor and Theodore were watching her intensely in her seat. She straightened her back and was rather surprised to see herself being forced into the room after that hallucination. Slowly, the dreams of the strange school returned to her in full. Those people... Who were they? And again, why was she dreaming as him?
"We detected abnormal memory within you earlier," Igor continued, "You have quite a strange dream. One that baffles us. Please, elaborate your dreams for us, and your perspective of it."
"My dream? You mean... about the school at Inaba?" Hamuko said, "Is there something important? Because I was honestly terrified by it. It's like, I'm being controlled in those sequences."
"Please, tell us. We might give you some insight," Theodore bowed slightly, almost pleading. Perhaps there was no harm in consulting them?
She began narrating. However, the more she spoke, the further away the details of the dream were. By the time she finished, she couldn't recall any of the new faces she saw. Everything became so blurry that her head began to spin every time she tried to recall the name of that mysterious man.
"I'm not sure I can give you any more details. Everything seems foggy to me," Hamuko said as she finished, but Theodore didn't appear satisfied.
"Surely, there must be more," Theodore said, standing next to her chair as he gazed down on her with uneasiness, "These strangers you saw in your dream, do they have names?"
"Not to me. It seemed we're already familiarized by the time my dreams began. No name is needed. I can't describe their face anymore, but one of them though... I feel like I've seen her before, but she's way too old for that..." Hamuko bit her lips hard, "Still, those memories, why is Makoto absent from it? And why did I..."
Theodore looked to Igor for the first time with a small nod when Hamuko paused.
"Your bond with Makoto might have influenced your dream," Theodore said, "Two Wild Cards in one location might hamper something and affect you, but you don't need to worry about it for now."
"Do not hesitate to tie a bond with our other guest," Igor said, "It may benefit you two, more than you know."
"I see..." Hamuko nodded reluctantly. Somehow, their words made sense. Perhaps she was too preoccupied with Makoto and his visit to Inaba until it affected her mind. However, that girl with black hair...
Makoto Yuki
Amagi Inn
"...And she said: "You will be important one day. Remember your roles." I don't understand it, but she is serious," Yukiko said about Elpis as she descended the stairs of the bus. Amagi Inn was just another few minutes away from the bus stop, but Makoto insisted to hold the bags for her.
Yukiko Amagi will be important? Elpis sought the most curious person whenever she appeared. Then again, her voice was heard from the card. She might be more important than he believed.
"That's all I can tell you," Yukiko completed her guide, "There are some parts that I'm not versed with. Sorry."
"Don't be. You helped me too much."
Yukiko grabbed the bags from Makoto after reaching the front hall of the inn and bowed slightly to him, "Thank you. Tell your sister I'll learn etiquette soon enough to be 'important'."
Makoto chuckled at the sarcastic remark, but Yukiko Amagi was serious in fulfilling the image the inn set out for her.
"Hmm? Is that your phone?" Yukiko asked, peering her eyes at his trouser.
"Oh?" Makoto took out his phone and removed his headphone. He must have disabled the vibration by mistake. Makoto widened his eyes when he realized it was Hamuko's number.
He read the text a few times and couldn't believe his eyes. Hamuko would never attempt to joke with something like this, at least not from afar. Something must have happened to her because he sensed some urgency in her demand. Did she made this request to check on his 'online friend'? Or perhaps because she needs something from her?
"Is everything okay?" Yukiko said. His expression must have baffled her, as it should.
"Amagi-san, can you do me one more favor?" Makoto turned to Yukiko who was watching him peculiarly, "It's a request from my friend."
Hamuko Arisato
Evening - 21/12/2009 - Beef Bowl Shop
Makoto Yuki's face was so pale when she began narrating the fragmented memories from her vision. The blue-haired boy was still dressing in his coat from the long travel as he arrived straight from the train station.
"Are you serious?" Makoto spoke, ignoring the bowl in front of him as he watched her intensely.
"There's no mistaking it. That's Yukiko Amagi from my dream," Hamuko said, observing the picture again, "I'm serious!"
They both examined the picture that Makoto sent to Hamuko via phone. A selfie picture with both the bluenette and the young heiress were smiling awkwardly in it. Despite the age difference, she was certain that one of the girls in her mysterious dream was none other than Amagi herself.
"I believe you, Hamuko, but..." Makoto appeared lost at words, "Okay, listen... Was there a tall guy with a bowl-cut grey hair, wearing Inaba's school uniform, among the faces?"
It was Hamuko's turn to appear shocked by his revelation.
"...You have those dreams too?" Hamuko asked, but somehow she already knew his answer.
Makoto remained silent for a while before he answered, "It feels more like a memory."
They both said nothing, which made her sighed in relief. The subject clearly stressing them both. Perhaps the reason she dreamed as Makoto was because he shared the same dreams? Then what about the bank river? It was equally mysterious. The boy began to chow down his bowl, which prompted her to repeat his action. Time struggled to pass, but they let the emotions slid into their foods.
"It's not right to be this close," Hamuko spoke the moment they both finished their evening meals, "Just a few more days until..."
"Oh..." Makoto nodded slightly, "You afraid I might give away my answer."
Hamuko said nothing. Deep inside, there was a voice telling her she already knew the answer. But she refused to accept it. The moment Makoto stood up and left the shop after paying for both, she knew that Makoto understood her more than she thought. Yes, they should have kept some distance for him to sort his feelings. Yukiko Amagi might be an excuse she made to talk to him.
It was difficult, extremely.
Makoto Yuki
21/12/2009 - Velvet Room
"I knew it," Makoto said the moment he entered the room. For the first time since he arrived in this world, the master of the room was absent. Theodore watched him with suppressed discomfort, but he will have to endure more for now. It was a while since his last visit. "The dream she had is a lead."
"She told you," Theodore didn't deny it for a start, "Yes. It's a lead that we investigated as soon as you mentioned the dreams you had about Yu Narukami's voice."
"What was that about?" Makoto asked again with a stronger tone, "It was a memory, wasn't it? Just like you said how this world was created from my memories?"
Theodore nodded hurriedly, "Indeed so, Minato-sama. We believed that the memory was the anomalies we detected months ago. When you went to Inaba, that memories reawakened within her."
"And why not in me?"
"Because you're an outsider in this world, and she is the 'original' self. It makes sense the memories would return to her, rather than you."
Makoto sighed quietly to himself in deep thoughts. The one thing that bugged him most in this world was the dream of Yu Narukami.
"Can you see the memories?" Makoto asked again, this time finally taking a seat in front of the table.
"Not at the moment," Theodore admitted, "When it happened during the Cultural Festival, your bond with her was not strong enough to sense it. But with each rank you climbed with her, the closer you are to the memories."
"And how significant these memories compared to Hamuko herself?"
Theodore hesitated and avoided his stares.
"Theodore."
"Ah! Yes, yes! I understand," Theodore answered, "You will need to be the one to decide that, Minato-sama. Still, you need one more rank to see through the memories."
Makoto said nothing, and it seemed to calm Theodore. He needed to close the distance between him and his counterpart, but how else? Should he just...
"Theodore, what will happen to Hamuko once I've complete my year in this world?"
He asked only one question, but for the first time, Theodore appeared... irritated. Perhaps at himself?
"We were only a guide, not an answerer," Theodore responded, "Best you uncover it on your own and understand."
For some unknown reason, those words from Theodore's lips filled him with dreads. Christmas Eve was a few days away, yet he grew anxious, terrified so.
Why? Was this Hamuko's feeling? Or was it him?
When Makoto left the room, Theodore observed him silent from where he stood.
"She is here. She must be," Theodore said, walking towards the door, "I need to find her fast."
However, when he twisted the knob of the exit door, Theodore realized it would not budge.
"...Eh?" Theodore voiced out, "Wait, why can't I leave the room?! Was this her work?!"
Hamuko Arisato
Late Night - 24/12/2009 - Paulownia Mall
Tonight was the night.
Dressing in a bright orange dress with a white blouse skirt, Hamuko took a deep breath and took her time making her way towards the center of the large mall. Some were wearing Santa's hat, and passengers were gripping cookies in hand as gifts. She regretted leaving her glove behind amidst the cold, but there was no time to hesitate.
Close to 11 at night. Many intended to wait the night until Christmas arrived. Good. Her friends were considerable of her planning that they surveyed Makoto in her stead. However, Ken swore that Makoto returned to the dorm only once after school for a change of clothes, but never returned since.
Only Yukari managed to receive a message from the blue-haired boy, "I'll return by midnight."
"I didn't see him for a whole day..." Hamuko mused as she reached her destination. In truth, her encounter with Makoto was so rare, people almost assumed they were fighting. But tonight is a special night. Whatever happened, she will need to embrace it.
The oak tree- she assumed- was several meters high, with its branches wired with neon lights and decorations. A few benches circled stone fence that acted as its 'pot'. Only then did she realize there's no way they could have moved an entire tree into the indoor mall.
She blushed when she noticed some of the walkers were staring at her sudden giggles. Distracting herself, she took out the small perfume and sprayed it on her wrist.
This was it. As her chest kept on pounding, she found an empty seat among the friends and couples and sat down on the bench.
1 hour. I hour is all it takes to receive the answer. Strangely, she was not as anxious as before. She tried as hard as she could to avoid the connection with Makoto, but there was a small sense of conviction, as though the boy was relieved.
Makoto Yuki
Night - 24/12/2009 - Tatsumi Port Station
Makoto glanced at his watch after suppressing a yawn. It's been three days since he returned from Inaba, and also the last time Hamuko made contact with him after the Beef Bowl Shop. His instinct warned him that calling or messaging her would only lead to an argument. Whatever her reason for distancing from him, he was honestly grateful. There were things he needed to sort out without distraction.
He overhead Yukari invited Hamuko for shopping today afterschool. Lucky for her, there's a distraction to tonight's meeting. Junpei and Akihiko were busy with their 'training', though Makoto often noticed Junpei was caressing his own portrait on Chidori's sketchbook like she was still there yesterday. A shame that he couldn't tell him that Chidori might live. Akihiko sometimes paid a visit to Shinjiro with an empty hand, as though he wanted to reaffirm himself of his motivation.
From afar, he could see the roof of Paulownia Mall shimmering in the nightlight. He couldn't go home, not when Hamuko was there. Seeing a bench not far from where he stood, Makoto sat on the wooden seat and meditated silently.
He had the answer. Not because he wanted to know about the memories. Not because he was afraid. He didn't want any regret. That was his sole motivation for even daring himself to come. Did he want to do this? There was no more time to hesitate.
"You look confident."
Makoto turned his attention to the seat next to him. Elpis was there, in her usual clothes, but the nightlight made some of the black marble beads on her dress -He only noticed it now because it blended perfectly with the dark robe- glittered beautifully. She ignored his curious stares and smiled.
"You have the answer."
"Yes," Makoto nodded to Elpis's statement.
"Was it the truth of the hidden memories you sought, or the girl herself?"
Makoto narrowed his eyebrows at her.
"This feeling is real to me."
"Good," Elpis answered, "You have shown me much, Makoto Yuki. I believe I need to fulfill my side of the deal."
Makoto left his mouth agape. Excitement and curiosity filled him. Elpis chuckled at his reaction.
"You will be meeting her soon," Elpis crossed her legs elegantly.
"She is already waiting for me, but there's still time."
"Then you have enough time to listen... about the reason why you should be with her, your obsession with the girl, and who she truly is. It might be too complex for you to unravel it on your own, but you are close."
Was this...?
"That won't be necessary."
He and Elpis turned to the voice approaching them. It was then he realized that the people around them earlier was nowhere on sight. Igor smiled as he bowed at them, hiding his long hair and face underneath a dark hood like a fortune teller. He must have dragged him into the dream without he realized it.
"I have kept you in the dark for far too long," Igor admitted as he looked at him, then turned to the young girl, "We have been searching for you. Please, let him meet the girl, and all the answers will be barred from him. I give you my word."
Elpis left her seat and walked towards the master of the room, "He needs conviction for his resolve to meet her. Tell him the consequence of this world. Tell him his true ultimatum. They both are ready, Igor."
"Perhaps they do," Igor bowed at her before shifting his attention to him, "Minato-sama, please listen close, about why we cannot let you know first hand."
Makoto glanced at his watch. It was 11 at night. He left his seat and nodded towards Igor. The master of the room and the mysterious girl carefully observed him, waiting for his reaction.
"Hamuko Arisato cannot be saved from becoming the Great Seal," Igor began, "Because she exists only in your psyche."
Hamuko Arisato
A few minutes before midnight
Hamuko wanted to call Makoto immediately but resisted the urge as strongly as she could as she glanced at her watch. Some of the couples gave up the midnight and went home, while only a few workers were busied cleaning their stores for tomorrow's bigger event. Close to midnight, but also towards Dark Hour. She was not so forgetful to leave her Evoker at home when it dawned on her. Her chest felt hurt.
What answer could she give? She wanted to give up, but it's not midnight, not yet.
All of a sudden, she found herself difficult to breathe. An extremely strong shard of pain pierced her chest. It tightened until she almost suffocated.
Makoto, what happened to him?! The sudden surge of grief, madness, and sense of betrayal overwhelmed her.
"Makoto..." Hamuko pressed her hand to her chest and felt it pounding like mad, "Why? What did you hear? Oh! It hurts!"
She glanced around, but the nearest workers were too far from her voice's range. She couldn't scream. Something within her was begging to burst out.
"The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed."
A voice rang in her head. The headache returned and...
...The pain faded away. Hamuko clenched her chest and realized that another emotion surged through her. A sense of acceptance, comfort, and emptiness.
She took a few deep breathes and found herself at peace. Whatever Makoto was feeling, she knew it didn't completely disappear. What happened to him? She will have to ask him when everything is over.
But will he come? Only less than three minutes left.
Then, her instinct kicked in. She jerked her head towards the front side, where some people were still talking. There, she saw one figure, dressed in dark clothes and coat, with a thick scarf around his neck. She nearly screamed in joy.
"Makoto!" Hamuko called out, despite Makoto already saw her from miles away. However, his scarf was blocking the lower half of his face, preventing her from reading his true expression.
And... he stopped a few distances away from where she stood. Her blood turned ice-cold at the sight.
"We will be closing the mall at midnight soon, please leave with your family and friends to the exit door."
The announcement stated as the countdown began. Less than a minute left. Makoto was still keeping his distance. Whenever she tried to approach him, the blue-haired boy lifted a hand to stop her.
It almost reminded of her dream of the deep river, where Makoto was walking to the other side of the shore, while she drowned before reaching him.
Was the answer obvious from the start? Despite that, for the first time since she looked at him, Hamuko felt... calm, but defeated; at ease, but apathetic. What happened earlier? What did he know that made him... stopped resisting whatever plagued his mind?
The clock was ticking, as she realized that there were less than 20 seconds left.
"Hamuko."
"Yes?" Hamuko quickly responded to his sudden calling.
"I once asked you that if I leave you one day, will you remember me forever? You nodded. Then I will confess; once we're done fighting Nyx and ended Dark Hour, I will be gone from your life for good, whether alive or dead. Will you still embrace me, despite the little time we have?"
Hamuko said nothing, for, in her heart, she sensed a longing from him. They will never be together forever? What's the difference between that and death? And she knew then and there, that Makoto was telling the truth, all of it. It mattered not where he was going. He knew their moment will be temporary. This is the fear that plagued him, more than Nyx, more than death.
This answer was important. Still... her mind was made up long ago.
"My answer stands," Hamuko answered.
A few seconds before midnight, Makoto pulled down his scarf, revealing the most beautiful smile she had ever seen, yet it looked so sorrowful. He took a huge leap and rushed towards her.
3...2...1...
Dark Hour
Hamuko didn't realize the Dark Hour that sunk into the world. She was busy within the embrace of the person she confidently gave her heart to. Almost like a dream, she returned the hug as tightly as she could. The time stopped for her at the moment. She couldn't find words good enough to describe her feelings. But she knew joy when she felt it.
"Why wait until Dark Hour?" She heard Makoto said, "Why not earlier?"
"B-Because if you did accept my feelings, I don't want other people to see us like this," Hamuko answered, "Dark Hour is the quietest hour we can enjoy for ourselves."
He chuckled, albeit weakly.
"A long time ago, you once told me you wanted a listen to my soundtrack," Makoto left the embrace and stared at her. The darkness of the hidden hour nearly shaded his face, but the smile didn't fade from him still, "Well..."
To her shock, Makoto unplugged his mp3 player and stretched out his hand towards her.
"E-Eh?" Hamuko stuttered, "I was just teasing that day."
"I'm serious, take it," He insisted, pulling up her palm as he placed the blue mp3 player in it, "Return it to me once you have all the songs you like."
The boy was serious. He was almost like a different person, but deep inside, Makoto standing in front of her was the same.
"And one more thing, a gift from Ryoji to me, but it suits you better."
She blinked a few times, with her jaws dropped, at the sight of a small ring in Makoto's palm. "Ryoji gave you his ring?"
"He saw through me from the start," Makoto laughed. Ryoji knew all along! She felt her cheeks burning red.
Gently, Hamuko lent out her left hand. Makoto took hers and carefully insert the ring into her ring fingers. Almost as though they were wedded. She was quick to notice a single tear flowing down her cheek, which she quickly wiped away.
"Merry Christmas," Makoto said.
Makoto Yuki
"Merry Christmas," Hamuko answered, shyly fidgetted the ring around her fingers. Overwhelming joy filled her, as it should. There's nothing more to say. He did all he could.
This world, along with her, is nothing.
He stroked a hair that dangled on her left temple. How could this be fake? But Igor revealed one simple truth. Strange, he would rather choose death than this conclusion, but there was no other choice.
Yes. No other choice, even if he knew he will regret it.
"I will remember you, Hamuko, forever."
As smoothly as he could, he landed a small kiss on her left cheeks. She reacted too slow, and her face burned in red as she gave a smile. She truly was beautiful.
Crash!
Universe Arcana Social Link:
Rank 9
He felt the Universe coursing through him. This was it. That's all he needed to do for now. There's nothing that could make her forgive him or herself if she knew the truth about her existence.
"Makoto..." Hamuko suddenly swayed where she stood, "Sorry, I got another headache."
"It's okay," Makoto held her close, "Let's go home."
"Yeah," She smiled, but her temple began to show sweat as she clutched her head, "Urgh... Strange, my head hurt so bad... Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?" Makoto asked, but Hamuko was close to fainting. She fell into his chest as she grunted.
"You don't hear it? The bell... It's so loud..." Hamuko muttered, "Did it came from Tartarus..."
Makoto quickly grabbed her before she fell to the ground. Carrying her bridal style, he let out a huge sigh.
It's done. One rank for a glimpse of the lost memories.
From afar...
Elpis was sitting on one of the benches that could oversee the entrance of Pawlounia Mall. The moment she saw Makoto left the mall with Hamuko in his arms, Elpis broke the long silence, loud enough for her company sitting next to her to hear.
"There are thousands and thousands of Archetypal figures among the collective unconsciousness," She spoke, "Do you know what do humans call an archetype for lovers that was doomed from the start?"
"Enlightened me," Igor, sitting on the bench next to her, answered without breaking his eye contact with the pair.
Elpis took out the card from behind her and showcased it in front of Igor. The Contact Card gleamed brightly with an outline of the butterfly under the moonlight.
"We call it Star-crossed Lovers; inspired by William Shakespeare's classic story. A pair of lovers that not even the stars that rule their fates would bless them. Only doom awaits at the end of their journey. For them, this relationship was doomed since the day Hamuko Arisati was born."
"Indeed so," Igor nodded, "Doomed, but will be together in the cruelest sense. A fate for two who shared the same soul and psyche."
"In the most basic sense, it is so," Elpis said, "To suggest the idea that Hamuko Arisato is the Shadow of Makoto Yuki is not too far from the truth."
Igor finally stood up and faced her. Expectedly, the master of the Velvet Room bowed before her.
"I welcome you, Mistress Elpis, to the Velvet Room," Igor spoke with respect.
Elpis smiled, but she shoved his invitation aside, "A little longer. We must complete the Universe and the Contact Card. Show him, Igor. Show him the lost memories."
Igor nodded, as he should.
Hamuko Arisato
Mysterious River Bank
The dream again. She was on the side of the bank, while Makoto, dressed in his usual SEES uniform, was so far over the bank that he was almost on the other side of the river. Her instinct dragged her feet towards him, sinking her legs into the chilling water.
"Makoto, where are you going?" Hamuko called out, but the blue-haired boy still stared at her sideways. As she walked into the cold water, the surface gradually rose to her chin. Eventually, she could no longer feel the ground. Swimming through the tides required effort.
However, the tides grew stronger, and she felt her body swaying in the body. Makoto was so close within her sight that she could almost reach out to him. It was then she noticed the abnormalities about Makoto.
He was standing on the water.
"Makoto- Burgh!" The river streamed so fast that waters clogged her mouth. She reached out her hand towards him. But as he approached her, Makoto knelt without reaching for her hand.
"You can't cross this river," She heard him spoke with a weak voice, "The river Styx won't take you, ever. I'm sorry, Hamuko."
Morning - 25/12/2009 - Iwatodai Dorm
She woke up with a loud gasp as sweat covered her forehead. What a strange dream. Despite everything that happened last night, Makoto always appeared sorrowful in her dream. Then again, she couldn't remember how she returned home. Did Makoto carry her all the way from the mall? She felt ashamed.
When the event that happened last night returned to her in full, she attempted to suppress her grin, but it failed. Were they lovers now? What should they do together? With a little remaining time, she wanted to make everything worth it. No, she had to make it worth it.
There was also the issue about the headaches she had last night. Maybe she will ask the boy himself.
She left the bed and realized she was still in her last night's dress. The ring that was given to her by Makoto still shone broadly despite the weak sunlight penetrating the room. Yes, they were lovers now. Between her breast was the blue mp3 player gifted by the boy. His most prized possession, yet he gave it to her as though he wanted to be away as soon as possible. Hamuko placed her pinkish mp3 player on her desk and glanced at the clock. There was still time before school.
Fuuka was the first to see her at the lounge after dressing herself. Mitsuru and Akihiko had left for school much earlier, but Yukari was probably woke up a while ago. Junpei might be sleeping still, while Ken had an unpredictable morning schedule. Everything was as usual at home.
"Good morning, Hamuko-chan," Fuuka greeted her with a smile, "Merry Christmas, by the way."
"Merry Christmas!" Hamuko greeted her.
"Hehe, you looked energetic as ever. Did something good happen?" Fuuka asked, "We didn't see you come home last night. Everyone was quite worried about you."
"Sorry!" Hamuko clasped her palm together, "Well, something good did happen last night. But..." Should she tell her about the event?
"Ooo... Someone got a date."
They both turned to the voice and saw Yukari was ready for a bath with her towel, "Did he give you the ring?"
"Oh!" She didn't realize she still wore the ring in her finger. Still, it seemed too good to remove it now, "Well, actually yes."
Yukari and Fuuka turned to each other before they smiled.
"I supposed it's a good thing you have some break yourself," Yukari said before her face turned grim, "We need to give answers to Ryoji in a few more days."
The atmosphere turned heavy for a while before Fuuka changed the topic, "Well, who is it? Akihiko-san?"
She shook her head.
"Is it someone we know?" Yukari asked gleefully.
"Geez, don't pretend you didn't know!" Hamuko teased.
"I'm serious! Who is it?" Yukari said, examined something on her chest, "Did he brought you that mp3 player too?"
She realized that she still wore Makoto's mp3 player.
"...Not quite," Hamuko answered, "Quit it already. You already who's player this is."
Yukari and Fuuka turned to each other again with blank stares. Hamuko's face was already red. "It's Makoto, okay?! Happy now?"
Almost at the same time, they both shared perplexed expressions.
"...Who?" Yukari voiced out.
...What? Did they seriously forget about one of the most important members of SEES now? They genuinely looked so lost.
"...This isn't funny, guys," Hamuko said, "Makoto Yuki, that's his name."
"Is he from our school?" Fuuka asked, "I've never heard of that name before... Hamuko-chan?"
They were not joking. How could they forget about Makoto? He's here, she could feel his presence-
No. The connection they had was not there anymore. She couldn't feel Makoto's presence, at all.
"Hamuko, where are you-" Yukari didn't manage to end her sentence. She bolted from the spot and ran to the room.
It's locked. Makoto Yuki's room was locked. She twisted the knob several times. How was that possible? Banging on the door, she felt fear overcame her mind.
"Hamuko, stop!" Yukari, rushing towards her with Fuuka by her side, pulled Hamuko away from the door, "What are you doing? Nobody lives there! It's an empty room!"
"Yukari, let go!" Hamuko forcefully ripped her hands away from her shoulder and stared at the two girls, "Makoto Yuki lived in this room for months with us, with SEES! Do you guys seriously telling me that nobody lives here?"
"Hamuko-chan, calm down. You're scaring me," Fuuka said, gripping her sleeve in fear, "There's a spare key in the meeting room. You can see for yourself."
Fuuka pushed open the door 5 minutes later with the spare key. She remembered everything in Makoto's room. After all, the interior wasn't that much different from hers. Normally, Makoto would be on his bed, lazily yawning as he attempted another hour of sleep. Sometimes, he was sitting on the desk, with a dark line under his eyes. Occasionally, she would find him at the lounge, reading, or drinking cans from the vending machine. But most of the time, whenever the door was opened, Makoto will peek at her with a yawn, and a face that never falters, whether after a bath or nights of Tartarus exploration.
Today, she found the room devoid of everything. No table, only an empty bed and cabinet, and the window that had no curtain. Empty, as though it was unoccupied for years, but cleaned to preserve it for the next dormmate.
No one was here. Hamuko fidgeted the mp3 player dangling on her chest with trembling fingers and turned to the distressed duo who watched her from the front door.
"He was here..." Hamuko said, but not to them, "Makoto Yuki, that blue-haired boy, was here."
A new soundtrack, one that she didn't possess, played in her headphone.
~Maze of Life~
Yes, Makoto Yuki was here. The question is, where did he go?
Makoto Yuki
Velvet Room
This was not the Velvet Room that he knew. While the colors and palettes suited the theme, the design was not. It was the widest hallway he had ever seen. Metal gears turned at both sides of the pathway. The ceiling was none existent. Wide velvet carpet stretched as far as an eye could see, though, between the gears, he could see endless space surrounding him.
Theodore guided him at the front. They both said nothing, but he sensed grief. However, it took a lot more than grief to sate the sense of betrayal he felt when the true purpose of his mission here was revealed to him. The identity of Hamuko Arisato scarred him beyond anything he had ever experienced.
Theodore suddenly halt his track and turned to him. A blue framed began to glow in front of them. A door, bluest he had ever seen, appeared close to Theodore.
"Minato-sama, we're here," Theodore said, bowing slightly at him as his free hand gestured towards the door, "The door will lead you to the lost memories."
"MY lost memories," Makoto responded, "How did you do it? How did you find what is essentially erased from the timeline?"
"Akashic Record. It holds everything that is lost and erased," Theodore answered, "Igor had to sacrifice a lot to negotiate with the ruler of the place to retrieve this memory. But it is here. You are safe to explore it."
"Because it technically wasn't 'me' who experience it. It was Hamuko, yes?" Makoto asked, "She told you about it."
Theodore avoided his gaze, "That is correct. By being an 'outsider' of this world, you are immune from the erasure of this memory and will be able to see your memories from Hamuko's perspective. Which means, Hamuko experienced this memory through you."
"That's why you need me to repeat my school year in this world," Makoto finalized, "You need to retrace my memories for the second time, to see everything that is lost, and how I supposedly... related to some power that you need."
"Yes..." The attendant bowed again, "We cannot allow you to change your memories due to this reason."
Makoto said nothing more and began to reach his hand towards the doorknob.
"Master Philemon is dead."
He turned to the attendant upon those words. Theodore didn't stop.
"Ever since Azathoth was awakened from his domain, Master Philemon began to exhibit fear, the impossible emotion for the guide of humanity," He gazed at his hands and shuddered, "His fear affected all his creation, including us. My sister Margaret, the one who embodies serenity the most among us, was affected by Master Philemon's fear as well."
Makoto did nothing but listened.
"The Velvet Room is trembling, Minato-sama," Pain exhibited on his face as Theodore clenched his palm into a fist, "The one place where humanity can seek guidance is trembling in fear. We all masked it behind desperation, but it will crumble soon enough. I am not asking for forgiveness, but I want you to know that this mission is impossibly important to the prophecy."
"I heard you," Makoto answered as he twisted the doorknob and gently opened the door.
Lost Time - Yasoinaba High
The first thing Makoto saw as he entered the school hallway was none other than 'himself'. Hamuko Arisato, the 'him' that existed in this lost time, wore the same bored expression he always had. It's almost creepy to see Hamuko wearing his expression. Then again, she was 'him', living through his memories as of this moment. To everyone else, Hamuko appeared as 'Minato Arisato', but to him, Hamuko still wore the numeral hairpins on her head.
He saw the rest of the SEES occupying the food stalls. Grief filled him when he saw Shinjiro bickering with Akihiko about the food. Everyone was enjoying the events since the cultural festival in his world was canceled.
"Are you not going to join them, Arisato?" A male voice called out to Hamuko as a few footsteps were heard from behind them. Makoto watched from the side, invisible to all including the new presences.
"Nah, I'm full," Hamuko answered the man standing at the front of the new group with a low female voice, but Makoto knew it was him talking. Makoto observed each of the new faces that he supposedly met 3 years ago.
It was the entire Investigation Team. Yu Narukami was the leader. Clenching his left arm was the idol Rise Kujikawa. To his right side was Yosuke Hanamura. A little at the back was Chie Satonaka and Yukiko Amagi, the heir of Amagi Inn. At the backmost were the bear mascot named Teddie, the ace detective Naoto Shirogane, and the brute Kanji Tatsumi. Yes, he tried to remember every persona users with the little time he had when he was released from the Great Seal in his world before he was sent here.
There was no mistaking it. It was the Investigation Team from the future. When he defeated Yog-Sothoth from his original world and rescued Yukari Takeba, that wasn't the first time he met him.
He had met Yu Narukami before the prophecy even began.
"So, where's the next labyrinth?" Hamuko asked with a yawn.
"Should be at the Group Date Cafe," Yu Narukami answered, "Our classroom, but we need to gear ourselves as much as we could before then. It won't be easy like last time."
"You're right," Hamuko nodded, "Where are they both?"
"We're here!"
Another voice was heard from the back of the Investigation Team. Slowly, a path was formed in between allowing two new presences to enter the scene.
Makoto gasped. He had never seen the pair of man and girl before.
One of the pair was a dark-skinned tall man, black hair, and wore a Yasoinaba High uniform, added with a spiked collar binding the black cape around him. Makoto could see a crossbow slotting on his right side beneath the cape, as though he was ready to flint it open any time. He held the new girl closed to his side.
"I was buying corndogs for her," The dark-skinned man said, "Forgive me for the delay. She was hungry."
"I thought she ate a while ago?" Yosuke spoke, "Aren't you full?"
"There's no such thing as the full belly!" The girl protested, still chewing her corndog in her hand, "*gasp* Zen! Bad news! We still haven't tried the udon, the takoyaki, the-"
"Slow down, Rei-chan," Yukiko scolded, albeit gently as she rested both hands on her waists, "What's more important is our equipment right now. The food can come later."
"Sorry, Yuki-nee!" The girl replied apologetically.
Makoto rubbed his side as the scene unfolded. The girl should be in her teens. She had long blonde hair with flower clips scattering all over it. Her eyes were green, and her uniform was Yasoinaba, but with a yellow garment palette. The girl named Rei...
"What the..."
With the exception of her eyes and hair colors, she greatly resembled the older version of Elpis.
The memories continued. Makoto needed to see everything. It was too important.
"They all start with you."
He remembered Igor's words. The two entities, Rei and Zen, held key to the missing pieces, to the power that could help him defeat the pale rider.
A/N: Sorry for the long wait. This chapter was difficult to write for some reason. But this answers a few questions. Yes, Persona Q is, technically, 'canon' in the main timeline, and it happened during the Cultural Festival. How is this story relevant to the prophecy? Who is Hamuko Arisato? Wait and find out the next chapter. The thing is, this arc is just a few chapters away from done. Hope you dear readers wait for my slow update.