AN: Here we go, with Chapter 18. I've been looking forward to getting to this point for quite a while. It's something of a day in the limelight for a certain character that hasn't had too much to do, but that will all change here. Please read, review, etc!

Chapter 18: Soul of Hope

|Bella Donna|13:41 pm|

Akari wasn't working today, but she decided to come here regardless. She had already asked Kohaku if she wanted to hang out today, but was told she had 'other plans'.

That is so annoying. What the hell is it with her this year? Ever since Kei showed up, they've kept meeting up after school. And they never really tell me why!

Angry, she went to grab a bubble tea, a strawberry one with cherry 'bubbles', and sat by a bench. Even at school, she could tell she was a third wheel, barely even acknowledged by the others. At least she still had Suzu, but she was at a family gathering today.

"Lame..." Akari said, sighing deeply. She drank her tea, but it didn't seem to soothe her nerves at all. It didn't seem fair. What were Kohaku and Shintaro doing with this exchange student that was so secretive? And what was the deal with those bizarre smartphones?

To make matters worse, her mother had been rather argumentative again, particular with regard to her studies. She would rather die than see Akari fail her entrance exams. Even though Akari was going to a cram school called Sentaiyo several times a week, it just wasn't enough for her. She just couldn't be the geniuses that Shintaro and Kohaku were.

"Is...is that why they're leaving me out of their meetings? Is Kei smart enough to hang out with them, but I'm...not?!" She said, to no one in particular. "I...I want to be like them! I want to be with them, but..."

"Hey now, what's wrong? That's not the happy girl I know!"

Akari looked up, and gasped. Standing next to her was a rather worried looking Kaii. He sat next to her, having bought himself a bubble tea of his own, but it was a matcha variety.

"Did you...hear me just now?" Akari said, red in the face. "I'm sorry, I..."

"Don't be. Feeling left out is a part of life. At least, it is for me..." Kaii said. "I didn't have a lot of friends back where I came from. Just an aunt and uncle who only put up with me because no one else would."

"...That's so horrible." Akari said, sadly. "But you've made friends in Shinshuto, right?"

"Well, yeah..." Kaii said. "There's my boy at home. Man's best friend, and I guess mine. The people in my apartment building are pretty nice, too. And the people at this job. Well, I have two jobs now."

"Really? What's the other one?" Akari asked. She had to tread carefully. She couldn't blab that she had overheard his conversation the other day. "You're not in the Yakuza or anything, are you?"

Oh god, why did I say that? So much for treading carefully!

To her surprise, Kaii burst out laughing. "Heck no! I'm not cut out to be in one of those clans! It's kinda a top secret job, though. Can't just go telling people about it."

"Well that's boring..." Akari said. "And here was me thinking you had a super awesome secret life."

Kaii smirked. "It's pretty exciting stuff, actually. And it finally feels like I'm making a difference. The best part is, it's one step closer to my goal."

"Your goal...?" Akari asked.

"It's a bit cliché, I know, but...I never knew my father." Kaii said. "I don't even know his name, where he came from, or whatever. All I knew is that he used to live in Shinshuto, but then he came to Tokyo. My mother died when I was little, so that's all I can really remember, and my aunt and uncle never met him..."

"So you want to meet him?" Akari asked. "...If you did, what would you say to him?"

"I really don't know..." Kaii said. "Maybe he doesn't even know I exist. If I turn up and tell him he's been a father for twenty years, it might ruin him. But...it's like this void inside me that I just can't fill. I want to meet my father...it's the not knowing that hurts."

"I'm so sorry, Kaii-kun..." Akari said. "Here I am whining about school, and you -"

"Whoa. Don't do that." Kaii said. "Your problems matter too. Come on, tell me all about it. I'm not working today, so I got some time to kill."

And so, Akari began to pour her heart out. How ever since she and her friends went to Bella Donna, it felt like a rift had grown between them. Like it felt like they were all marching together, and she was constantly trying to catch up, but never really reaching them. She wanted to be part of their big group, which apparently now included two other students from Chieki, but just couldn't seem to be included.

"I just...I just wish they'd tell me why I can't be with them." Akari said. "I don't know why it bothers me so much...I just want to feel like I belong. My parents don't understand, either. All they care about is me being some kind of wunderkind."

"You mean you're not?" Kaii asked, playfully. "You know way more about looking after animals than anyone I've ever met. I followed your advice about the food, and my boy's way happier when it's dinner time."

"He's eating again?" Akari asked. Kaii nodded, smiling. "That's great news!"

"I know." Kaii said. "Course, the apartment's still a mess, but it's just the two of us, so I can live with it."

"If you find your dad, I hope he likes dogs too." Akari said, innocently. "Or...I hope he's as kind as you are."

"Kind, huh...?" Kaii said to himself. "I don't get called that very much. Especially not in my boxing classes."

"What, you do boxing too?" Akari asked. "Just what kind of secret life are you leading?" She put on a playful grin.

Come on, Akari, don't let him know that you know...you're smarter than that. I think.

"Obviously, a yakuza pugilist." Kaii said, laughing. Akari blinked in confusion. "...It's another word for boxer."

"Oh..." Akari said. "I guess I'm learning new stuff everyday."

"Let's go shop around. I gotta go somewhere in about a hour." Kaii said, happily.

They got up from their bench, and began exploring the mall. As they did, Akari couldn't help but blush whenever she stared at Kaii. Yes, as Shintaro had said, she did harbour a few crushes. Yet Kaii wasn't like all the others. He was kind, funny, and so optimistic about everything. Most importantly of all, he took the time to listen to what she had to say, and he never once made her worries seem less important.

They had left Book Wrym, Akari having purchased the first volume of a new Shoujo series, Kaii picking up a book about famous boxing bouts throughout the years. As they did, they were laughing out loud at one of his stories.

"You're kidding! Your dog actually did that?" Akari said, laughing.

"Yup! There I am, running all throughout Midori Park, chasing after a dog with a magenta wig in its mouth!" Kaii said, chuckling to himself. A few other shoppers stared at him, but he didn't care. He was in good spirits.

"Akiko's never done that..." Akari said. "Yet my mom is so mean to her. People mean to animals aren't good people."

"Whoa, that's your mother you're talking about." Kaii said. "You really think that?"

"Well...I dunno." Akari said. "I'm sorry...I should be grateful I have my parents at all."

"Hey, I don't want to make you feel guilty or awkward or anything...stop apologising." Kaii said. "Anyway, I've got to head off now. We'll meet up at work soon, okay?"

"Okay!" Akari said. She watched Kaii walk down the stairs to the ground floor, and towards the left. Sure enough, he saw him take his Gnosis out. She decided now was the time to get to the bottom of things. Carefully, she walked to the ground floor herself, and slowly, she inched closer to Kaii. She positioned herself behind a pillar near a vacant store, so that she would be mostly out of sight.

Okay, Kaii, what are you up to this time?

"...You don't sound okay, old guy." Kaii said, on the phone. His back was turned, so Akari couldn't see his face. Her heart was pounding. One wrong move, and she was in trouble. She had to be prepared to run at any moment. "You really still love him, huh? Screw his step-father. You should just find the kid and tell him how you feel."

What are they talking about? Wait, I shouldn't really be eavesdropping...

"I guess we'll have to get the Mizuho core back another time. That's too bad." Kaii said. "I couldn't get anywhere with Inoue Bank. This guy was skulking around, and he made it impossible to get in without him noticing. But I'm heading back there now. I'm gonna get those files no matter what it takes."

Inoue Bank again...? Didn't one of their managers go missing recently?

"No, you stay where you are. I can handle this. You gotta stop babying me sometime." Kaii said. Akari could hear some yelling from the other caller, but not clearly enough to make out what was being said. "Whoa, don't take it out on me. Once I'm done at Inoue, we'll meet up and we can unwind. I'll treat you to some sushi. Sound good?"

Who is he talking to? Is he really a Yakuza after all?

"Okay. Talk to you latter, man. Keep your chin up, you hear me?" Kaii said. The call ended, and he started looking up another app on his phone. Akari, now extremely curious, got ever closer to him, making sure she was quiet with every step. It seemed to be working. He hadn't picked up on her presence at all.

"Here we go, Totsuka...Inoue Bank front door..." Kaii said, to no one in particular. He was pushing his finger on a button, when he suddenly saw Akari's reflection on his screen. "What the hell?!"

"Ah!" Akari cried. Suddenly, she was enveloped by a white mist, and it felt like her body was moving through space and time...

|Hiyashi – Page Turner|14:00 pm|

Shintaro, despite his ordeal yesterday, had travelled to Page Turner, the biggest book store in Hiyashi, for one purpose. It was one of his favourite places in the entire city, for both academic texts and some of the best novels he had ever read. Celestine Courtois was here, greeting the fans of her Leanne Rouge series. He couldn't quite see her in the flesh just yet, due to the huge line in front of him, but he kept telling himself it would be well worth the wait.

I've loved every book in the series. Especially Theatre of Death. How she does it, I don't know...

He tried to think of what he knew of Celestine. She was French, obviously, and until recently had lived in her hometown of Bordeaux. It had taken her many years to get her first book published, and before then she was working in a solicitor's office. Even though she now lived in Shinshuto, she seemed to be rather elusive, only making appearances to publicise her books. Yet another fan from her official forum had seen her making quite a few trips to the rather exclusive Golden Dragon restaurant.

What Shintaro really wanted to talk to her about was Leanne Rouge, which told the tale of a 'supernatural detective' called Leanne Leveque. Her story began in the 1970's, when after escaping from what would have been a fatal accident, she became spiritually perceptive. Soon enough, she would befriend another gifted girl called Annette, who was a famous singer. The two of them thus began to delve into unsolved murders, making use of her new and frightening powers, and being forced to deal with shadowy cults and twisted enemies. After two books, Leanne had truly seen the darkest side of man's heart, but the worst was yet to come.

As he grew closer, he could hear her voice. She did speak fluent Japanese, but her thick French accent radiated, and set his heart racing. Only a few more people to go, he told himself. This was a woman with a true way with words, that even after being translated into Japanese, still told an engrossing, horrifying yet captivating tale. One that Shintaro simply couldn't tear himself away from.

In the previous book, Theatre of Death, Leanne and Annette would meet a new ally, the ghost of an actress called Fleuretta. This promising starlet was due to make her big screen debut, but before filming could be completed, she was horrifically stabbed to death by an unknown assailant, and her body was never found – yet her spirit wandered the earth, searching for ones who could track down her killer. This would take them to an abandoned film studio known for their horror movies, and an unreleased film reel supposedly cursed.

I wonder what kind of book Celestine will write as she stays in Shinshuto? If only she knew there was a supernatural story all around her. Not that far from here, I was stuck in a studio myself. I probably shouldn't tell her that, though.

Finally, the last person in front left with their signed copy of Hail to the Blue Veil Society, and there she was in front of him, with that vivacious smile. Those curls of raven black hair, even more luxurious than they looked in all the posters hung up around the store. Her red blazer, with matching heels, as well as that fetching red brooch, all added up to a picture of beauty.

"H-Hi!" Shintaro said, blushing. She stared at him with that smile, and laughed.

"Good afternoon." Celestine said. "You've been waiting in line far longer than I expected someone your age to." She raised her gold pen, and Shintaro handed her his book, his face becoming redder and redder. He didn't want to see him like this, but he couldn't tear his eyes away, either. It was almost as if he was under her spell.

C'mon Shintaro, you're a Persona user. You're supposed to have a strong mind. Act calm, act calm...

"And what's your name, good sir?" Celestine asked.

"It's Shintaro Nakahara, Courtois-san."

"Ah...now that's a lovely name." Celestine said, with genuine warmth in her voice. "And thankfully, I can write it in kanji for you. Unless you'd rather have it in hiragana? Or perhaps English?"

"Anything's fine at all!" Shintaro said. "Your handwriting is beautiful anyway!"

Did I just say that?! Couldn't I have phrased that in a more dignified manner? Ugh...

Celestine, rather than frown, merely chuckled as she signed the book. As she handed it back to him, he smiled brightly.

"Thank you so much. I've loved every single book you've written, honestly. Especially Theatre of Death."

"I trust you'll enjoy the Hail to the Blue Veil Society even more." Celestine said. She looked around, and smiled. "This city is quite charming, and full of kind-hearted people. Even with Bythos lurking around every corner, I'm enjoying my stay here. I'm already writing the first chapter of my next book, actually..."

"Working hard as always!" Shintaro said, laughing. "I'm in Totsuka myself. It's a great place -"

"I know. The Divine Nine is an architectural wonder." Celestine remarked. "As is Sogen Park. Beauty is all around us, even if we just don't realise it. Even if you can't convince others, you can find beauty in everything."

"Heh...you're right!" Shintaro said. "I'm a student of Kansei High School myself, so I'm surrounded by beauty – sort of."

Celestine looked surprised. "You're still in school? But you seem such a wise young man, just from the way you carry yourself. Well, you'll go far, I'm sure of that. I'm expecting great things from you – and everyone who's taken the time to read my tomes, of course."

"...You're too kind." Shintaro said. "Honestly, I just love reading. Always have. It's something I've inherited from my father, and of course my grandfather. He was a -"

"My goodness...your last name sounded familiar, and now I just realized why!" Celestine said. "Was he Genichiro Nakahara?!"

"...You know him?!" Shintaro asked.

"I know his work, to be exact. My father bought me a copy of Silver's Pain when he went travelling, many years ago now. It's a fascinating, haunting tale. To think it sold so few copies...it's a tragedy." Celestine said, melancholic. "It was quite an inspiration for me. Whenever I have writer's block, I read through it again and again. I wish I could have spoken to him and ask him about the deeper meaning behind it..."

"So do I." Shintaro said. "I...I only had one copy of the book. But it...it got lost..."

"...I'm sorry." Celestine said, sadly. "It must be fate, meeting you here. You're clearly a keen reader, but what about writing? Do you intend to pen a tale of your own?"

"I haven't really thought about writing a book myself...but a lot's happened recently. Maybe it's time I produced something I can show to the whole world..." Shintaro said. Now, his mind was seriously processing this idea. To become a novelist, like his grandfather. Would he flounder as well? Or did the only thing that matter was that he could inspire people like Celestine?

"Like I said, I'm expecting tremendous things from you." Celestine said, with a twinkle in her eye. "I'm afraid I don't have much time. There's a queue behind you still, and I have a dinner rendezvous planned later."

"Ah, I see. Sorry, we got carried away." Shintaro said. "But it was really great to finally meet you. Honestly."

"Same to you, Shintaro. Why don't we speak again at a later opportunity? It'd be woeful to never see your face again." Celestine asked. She quickly grabbed a notepad, tore off a scrap of paper, and wrote on it in breakneck speed. Soon, she was done, and swiftly pressed the note into Shintaro's palm. "Now, run along. I'll see you again in this fair city someday. Perhaps sooner than you think, Monsieur Nakahara."

"Oh, I hope so!" Shintaro said. "Thank you so much. Best of luck with your next book! I'll be waiting!"

He left the book store, his heart still racing. As he went through one of Hiyashi's shopping streets, he took a look at the note in his hand. On it was a phone number, and also a note written in kanji:

"Although my sorrow is deeper than the ocean, I would swim through a thousand leagues for an eternity with you."

That's a quote from Silver's Pain! She knows that book by heart. That settles it. I have to see her again. Maybe I can see another copy of that book. We can talk more about her own books! Maybe my own hopes, my dreams...!

He stopped for a moment, and tried to clear his mind. He was getting a little excited, but he couldn't help himself. Ever since what happened with Masato and Rokurou, he had given up hope of seeing another copy of his grandfather's magnum opus, one the world would never appreciate. Yet he and Celestine recognised the beauty of the story.

"...Okay." Shintaro said. "I'll call her sometime. Celestine is even more amazing than I thought!" He went to his regular phone, and saved the number to his list of contacts. Once again, he was smitten with an older woman. Yet it felt different this time. Perhaps fate truly had meant for them to meet.

She's not just an author to me now. She's someone that must just become a good friend. At least, that's what I hope she becomes. Although of course, I'm fighting Shadows with my other friends. ...And I've been ignoring Akari quite a bit lately. I hope she's not feeling too left out. I'll talk to Kohaku about it and see what we can do.

|Theio Kosmos - Inoue Bank – Lobby|15:03 pm|

"Ugh..."

Akari opened her eyes. She was now in a dimly lit room, a gigantic reception hall filled with chairs, huge wall-length windows, and an aquarium that was glowing a bright blue. She sat up, and saw a huge logo above the reception desk. In it, in English writing, was Inoue Bank, with the kanji below it in red.

"What the hell am I doing here?" Akari asked. "And...where is everybody?"

"Akari? You're okay? You were out cold for ages!"

Akari gasped, and stood up, still drowsy. She saw someone sitting across from her, getting up. It was Kaii, but he had a thick blue coat over his usual clothes now, as well as azure fingerless gloves.

"I'm fine, I guess, but...what just happened?" Akari asked. "Why are we in Inoue Bank's main offices? And where the hell did you buy that coat from?"

"Forget the coat, Akari - what were you doing spying on me?" Kaii asked, looking annoyed. "I didn't want you getting involved with this. Not you or anyone else."

"Involved with what?" Akari asked. "Are you going to steal something from here?"

"I...well..." Kaii said. He looked around, anxious. "Doesn't look like anyone's here but us just now. Phew...let's go somewhere out of sight."

"What? But there are cameras everywhere here!" Akari said, bewildered.

"They won't see us. Trust me." Kaii said. Akari decided she needed to see for herself what was going on. Thus, she followed Kaii through the stairs, and into a small meeting room. There, he got her a cup of cold water, and they sat down.

"So how do you figure these security cameras can't see us? Do you have the Invisibility Cloak or something?" Akari asked.

"Akari...this isn't a joke. Not to me." Kaii said. "This might look like the real world, but it's actually another state of reality. It's called the Theio Kosmos, which lies parallel to our world – the Akartharto Kosmos."

"...What?" Akari said, frowning. She had never heard anything like this – other than Shintaro's impromptu book reviews at school. "This is some other world that just looks like ours, but isn't?"

"That's sort of right, yeah. I was really surprised when I saw it for the first time, too. For a moment, I thought it was Armageddon, Ragnarok, you know, the end of the world." Kaii said. "People don't live in this world, but these things called 'Shadows' do. They're beings born from humanity's repressed emotions, or so our boss told us. Some of them are like angels, others are more like monsters. There's a lot of different kinds -"

"Hold on. Monsters? Angels? This sounds more like a JRPG." Akari asked. "...You're not making this up, are you?"

"Nope." Kaii said. "Thing is, there's a way to fight them. If you have something called a Persona, you can take them on. And in this world, you need one of these to be able to summon one reliably. It's really hard without one."

He took out his Gnosis, and Akari gasped. This definitely was the same type of phone she had seen her friends at school use. And Keiya, too. So were they involved with 'Personas' and 'Shadows' too?

"Okay, so what's the point of this world? Is it just so you can mess around with your Persona and kill Shadows?"

"Well, I do that to get stronger. But this world affects the other in many ways." Kaii said. "The team I'm part of is trying to use this world to expose the corruption that's entrenched within this city. That's why I'm here. We think one of the fat cats at this bank – as in a really rich employee, not a rotund feline – is hiding something here they really don't want anyone to know. I've been tasked with trying to get that data..."

Okay Kaii, now isn't really the time to be cracking jokes. Not when you're breaking into a bank. This is against the law, even if you're using an alternate dimension or whatever to do it.

"I don't...I don't really get it." Akari said. "So you're part of a group that's trying to blow the whistle on major businesses like Inoue Bank? You're in major trouble if you get caught, mister! We're talking jail!"

"You think I don't know that? I might have failed the entrance exams, but I'm not that dumb." Kaii said, angrily. He walked over to the glass door, but couldn't see anything, and went back to the table. "It isn't just businesses. It goes all the way to the city government. Maybe even beyond there. Our group has the power to fight in this world, and also control it. We can use that to bring justice where the police can't."

"Huh. So you're not just some guy that works in a pet store. You really did have a double life, but..." Akari mumbled, unable to look her colleague in the eye. "This is...insane."

"I guess it really is." Kaii said. "Before I joined, I had given up all hope of finding my dad here. I just didn't have anything to go on. Nothing that seemed likely. So, I was about to go grab a train somewhere, it didn't really matter where. Then this girl comes up to me, and gives me the Gnosis. Her name was Nisa Liat, and she said that if I helped her, she would help find my father."

"...All of this really is for your dad?" Akari asked. She reached forward, and grabbed Kaii's hands. He stared at her, and nodded.

"It's like I said earlier. It's just this emptiness inside me that I can't get rid of. Not until I know who he is. Maybe he's long dead, or he doesn't want to know me. But there's a chance he might want to see me, make up for lost time. I...I just want to know where I came from. Maybe I even have a brother, a sister...who knows?" Kaii said. "I've only been in Bythos for a few weeks now. But I've got a feeling that someday soon, I'm going to find him."

"Kaii..." Akari said. "Is it worth doing something so scary? Forget the police, if these Shadows are as scary as they sound, you could die!"

"...Don't look so worried." Kaii said, gently. "My Persona is really strong. And my boxing classes have helped me fight even better, too. Point is, I don't have any other leads. Being one of Bytho's Aeon Administrators is the only way."

"Okay...I understand." Akari said. "I'm sorry for spying on you today, I just...I heard you the other day as well. When you were talking about doing something at this building, I got really scared...but you don't seem afraid at all.."

"Well, a lot of is just me trying to act cool. Like at work, when I joke around with the boss and the rest of you kids. Course, this is a lot more dangerous..." Kaii said. "But it's all worth it in the end. We're making the city a better place. I just wonder if I'll still have to help them after I find my dad. But we've been here long enough."

"Kaii..." Akari said. "You know you can talk to me whenever you want, right? I know I'm just a stupid high school student, but I want to be your friend."

Kaii smiled, and helped Akari up from her seat. "Of course we're friends, Akari-chan. I'm glad I came to this city. I'm not alone anymore, even if I still haven't found my old man. But right now, I've got to find a way to get you home."

"Can't you just use that app again?" Akari asked.

"...Something's wrong." Kaii said, annoyed. "There's interference. Listen, stay by my side. You don't have a Gnosis, or even a Persona, so you'll not be able to fight any Shadows."

"Okay..." Akari said, worried. "I'll stick by you. I trust you, Kaii."

They left the meeting room, and Kaii told Akari to wait as he checked the lobby. Almost immediately, he came running back to the corridor.

"What?!" Akari asked. "The heck is happening?!"

"We've got company!" Kaii said. "Dammit, that rocker guy is outside!"

"Who are you talking about?" Akari asked. "Talk sense already -"

"I'll explain later! Just follow me! I promise I'll take you back home!" Kaii shouted. He grabbed Akari's hand, and ran as fast as he could. He found one of the elevators, and input a code. As soon as he got on, he made it go to the highest floor, the rooftop gardens. It shot up the floors. During the ascent, Akari was quiet, scared, but Kaii was even more anxious.

|Asakita, Where Joy Gathers – Sakura Dormitory|14:30 pm|

"Wow..."

Kohaku had just arrived in Asakita, and immediately saw the giant ferris wheel and rollercoaster of the eponymous theme park. This was by far the best area for children of the city, with colourful, family-themed entertainment everywhere. There were countless mascot characters handing out balloons, smaller parks with plenty of slides and swings, and many bright, cheerful looking statues and signs.

The Sakura Dormitory, in comparison, seemed rather ordinary, with a light pink brick facade and a careful arrangement of flowers and trees around the front. Yet it was still a charming place, and compared to most of the city, it had an old-fashioned charm. Only a few doors away was the Wakahisa Toy Store, a small but popular shop that had been going for many years. Without much better to do, Kohaku had decided to surprise Kei with a visit.

As if on cue, Kei walked outside of the store, and for the first time ever, she had been seen – by Kohaku, anyway – in casual clothing. It was a simple black long-sleeved shirt, with silver diamond designs around the cuffs, and a pair of blue jeans. Even so, she had her trademark hairpin.

"Oh! Kohaku-chan, I wasn't expecting you here!" Kei said.

"Hi!" Kei said. "I wanted to surprise you. That, and I wanted to check out this dorm. It looks really nice. What's it like on the inside?"

"It's a secret facility where we experiment on students and turn them into psychic weapons." Kei said. "...Or just really pretty."

Kohaku chuckled. It seemed like Reia's brand of humour was rubbing off on Kei. "I bet. Look at all the blossom trees around this building. No wonder it's called Sakura."

"It's too bad you and Shintaro don't stay here. It'd make this dorm a lot more fun." Kei said. "But at least you're here now. Why don't I show you around Asakita for today?"

"Show me around? I thought you were the exchange student, not me!" Kohaku said.

"Exploring Asakita daily helps me know the area inside out. Follow me, like you do when we're fighting Shadows. Just don't try to summon Airmid, though, or they'll think we're nuts."

And so, the two girls went on their merry way, taking in the vibrant life that nearly every building had on display. Before long, the two of them were in the theme park, a wondrous place filled with neon lights, exciting rides, and happy, laughing children. Yet Kohaku wasn't feeling quite so happy about going up the Olympus Rollercoaster.

"Um..." Kohaku said, staring up at the huge structure. "...Are you sure you've done this before?"

"Yes, I was with one of the other girls at the dorm. We were just fine – and they provide bags in case you feel sick, too!" Kei said, almost cheery.

"Well, you only live once..." Kohaku said. The two of them took their seat in the ride, but others were getting, so they had a few moments until it set off. The music aficionado tried to relax, but the huge incline on the track in front of her made her gulp.

"Is it that scary?" Kei asked. "Reia would be all 'it's no big deal'. She'd probably run up it on her own two feet."

"...I'm not as strong as her." Kohaku said. "All I am is a girl who gets good grades and loves music. I never even thought about doing anything to protect this city."

"We were all thrust into the situation." Kei said. "But you've never ran away from this, have you? You're still with us."

"Yeah, of course I am. And I always will be." Kohaku said. "But...I just don't want to be weak. Like I was when I fought Toki. That kind of power he possessed...I want to reach it. No, I want to exceed it!"

"That's the first step." Kei said. "Like everything, it all starts with one firm decision. If you really want to become more powerful, as a medic or a warrior, then you just need to work for it, one small step at a time."

"How did you become so wise, Kei...?" Kohaku asked, curious. "You learn it from Yokohama?"

"Yes...sort of." Kei said, looking aside. "It's not been easy, though. More than anything, it's been...lonely, up until now."

"...What do you mean?" Kohaku asked.

"I told you about my aunt, right?" Kei said. "She...used to live here, sixteen years ago. An exchange student, like me. In fact, she stayed at Sakura too. In the same room I'm in."

Kohaku looked at her in surprise. She had never heard Kei go into this much detail about her family before. "Sixteen years ago?! Your aunt?"

"Yes. In fact, she went to Kansei High School. But then..." Kei said, sadly. "She passed away before she could finish her year of schooling there. A lot of other students perished..."

What? That's the first I've ever heard of anything like this!

"Kohaku, you know the courtyard round the back of the school, right?" Kei said. Kohaku nodded, unsteadily. It seemed almost as if time had frozen, as she listened to this tale. "There's a memorial garden there. Nine small stones are arranged towards the back, out of sight. There's writing on each one, but it's too hard to read them anymore. Apart from the one in the centre. That's my aunt's. I can still make out some of her name."

"...What happened to her and the other students?" Kohaku asked.

"I don't know..." Kei said. "No one knows. Everyone I've asked doesn't even seem to remember it. Not even you knew, right?"

"Y-Yeah...I thought I knew everything there was to know about Kansei. I never knew about your aunt until now..."

Kei looked at the sky, and wiped away one of her tears. "I only got to see her the one time she was a student at our school. She loved all of her friends there. I still have all my letters from her. I know, old-fashioned, but she loved writing. Calligraphy was one of her favourite hobbies."

"I wish I could have met her..." Kohaku said.

Kei looked at her, strangely. "...My aunt will always be in my heart. That's what I keep telling myself. I just wonder. But that's enough sad talk. We've got to get through this!"

"Huh? Oh, right. I guess – WHOA!"

The rollercoaster soon hurled through the ride, going through loops, ups and downs. Kohaku spent most of the ride screaming, as all of Asakita raced past her eyes. Yet Kei next to her seemed to be having the time of her life, cheering with every new surprise. Soon, the ride was over, and the girls left.

"...I'm never going on that thing again!" Kohaku said, dizzy, as she was supported by her friend onto the firm ground. Several other guests of the park gave her amused smirks, but swiftly fled when she gave them a few dark glares.

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, it's part of your training." Kei said. "You feel stronger after doing that, right?"

"Huh? Well, maybe a little." Kohaku said. "...Let's go try another ride! Something gentler though. I know, the tea cups!"

"...Whatever you wish." Kei said, amused. The two went off, giggling to themselves. Today was a fun day, yet also a day to be remembered. For she and Kei had finally become closer as friends, not simply comrades.

|Inoue Bank – Rooftop|15:22 pm|

"Phew..." Kaii said, as they ran outside. The roof area was filled with wooden lunch tables and benches, attractive lush green plants, bright carefully arranged flowers, and even a majestic looking water feature in the shape of a well.

"We're safe here, right?" Akari asked. "You should have brought a helicopter or something as an emergency vehicle."

"Relax, we'll be fine. And I don't even have my motorcycle licence yet." Kaii said, relieved. "...That guy I was talking about. There are other Persona users that aren't on our side. He's one of them. Seems like they know I'm after top secret data from this bank, and they're trying to catch me."

"He didn't see you, did he?" Akari asked.

"No, he had his back turned." Kaii said. "But I didn't want to take any chances. Besides, right now the most important thing is getting you home. Akari-chan, you won't tell anyone about any of this, right? That means your parents, your friends at school, even Akiko!"

The other Persona users that are against you. My friends from school are part of them, aren't they? Does that mean Kaii is going to end up fighting Kohaku-chan? I really hope not...but this place is scary, even if I haven't seen any Shadows yet. I better do as he says for now, and think about it more at home.

"Of course I won't." Akari said, nodding. "That's a promise. From me to you."

"...Thanks." Kaii said, relieved. "Okay. Let's try this."

He opened the app, and tried to select a destination of places throughout Shinshuto – specifically, Bella Donna. However, nothing happened.

"Why isn't it doing anything?" Akari asked. "Is there still interference?"

"Not anymore, but...huh?!" Kaii said. He stared in frustration at the error message that appeared in front of him.

User 'Akari Ito' Unawakened.

Unawakened Users Must Awaken Before Transportation.

Only User 'Kaii Murayama' Can Transport.

"What the hell?!" Akari asked. "So...you can go back, but I'm stuck here?! And how does it know my name?"

"...Dammit!" Kaii said, angry. "Akari, it means...you need a Gnosis of your own."

"What?" Akari asked. "...But I don't have one at all!"

"Calm down. I've got a spare one here." Kaii said. He pulled out another Gnosis from his pocket, a light blue one. The minute Akari touched it, however, it flashed, and changed colour to black, like the others she had seen.

"Wait, what?" Akari said, holding the handset up close. "But..."

Kaii was shocked. From the look on his face, he hadn't expected the phone to change colour either. He looked it up and down, in awe. The screen suddenly flashed with a message.

Pre-installed Persona 'Cu Sith' deleted. Pre-Awakened User detected.

"What...what does that mean, Kaii? What's a Cu Sith?"

"Some kind of fairy dog, but whatever!" Kaii said. "This means...you could be one of us."

Before he could continue, the two of them heard loud footsteps.

"No. I won't allow that. Not while you're finally within reach."

Akari screamed, clinging to Kaii, while he stood there, startled. Whoever it was that just spoke, he didn't sound nearly as kind or as soothing as Kaii. He had a tough, domineering tone to his voice.

"You don't look like a hardened criminal. I guess not everyone in Bythos is as big a loser as Toki Hayashi." The man said.

Akari looked closely, trying to calm her nerves. She had seen his man before somewhere. Perhaps it was on a poster in a store, but she wasn't sure. What she did know was that his tanned skin, his electric blue hair, and the black bandanna, all were quite striking. Even his jacket, with multiple shades of sea blue, was familiar.

"Kaii..." Akari said, stepping back, as Kaii approached the man.

"Who do you think you are?!" Kaii asked. "Don't talk shit about Toki. He's like a bro."

"You must be hard up of role models if that's the man you call a brother." the man said, rolling his eyes. "But right now, it's just me and you. Well, and that girl."

"You leave her out of this..." Kaii said, cracking his knuckles.

"I'm not the one that brought her here in the Theio Kosmos, am I?" The man said, rolling his eyes. "Whatever data you've found, I'll be taking it back right now. If it's on your Gnosis, I'll be confiscating that too."

Kaii sighed, rolling his eyes. "Look, I've not got any corporate data from this stupid bank on me. My friend ended up getting warped here with me, and I'm trying to find a way to get her back home. Can't you help a brother out?"

"Yeah...you aren't any friend of mine, dude. Your group have been causing us a lot of problems, starting from spreading your damn propaganda everywhere." The punk said, taking out his own Gnosis. "Kaii, was it? You're coming with me. Believe me, we have some skilled interrogators in our ranks. And I'll see to it that this girl gets back home. Quite honestly, I don't trust you."

"Damn, are you really gonna fight me?" Kaii asked, staring at his enemy darkly.

"No, I wanted to swap numbers so we could go out for some cappuccino. Of course I want to fight! Ever since we heard weird stuff was happening at the bank, I've been keeping an eye out for you...and now here we are. Per -"

"Wait a moment. You're Netuno Fonseca!" Akari shouted. "That guy Kohaku likes!"

"Kohaku?" Both men asked. They stared at each other, blinked, then turned back to Akari.

"Yeah! You remember, Kaii, she's the friend from school I was telling you about. She's got one of those weird phones too!"

Akari gasped. With all she had just learned, she hadn't even grasped the bigger picture. Ever since that day Kei bought her phone, the three other Kansei students had been able to go into this world and fight Shadows. Yet they had also gotten in the way of Bythos, from the sounds of things.

"Then you're one of her classmates from Kansei High School?" Netuno asked.

"Yes! Her, Shintaro, and Kei!" Akari said. "...They're not in Bythos, are they?"

Netuno shook his head. "Absolutely not. After all, one of their members abducted Shintaro not so long ago. Didn't you wonder why he was absent from Kansei yesterday?"

Akari gasped, and turned to Kaii. "...You guys kidnapped him?! What did Shintaro-kun ever do to you?!"

"It wasn't me! I wasn't given any orders to do with him! All I was asked to do was get something from here...something we really need!" Kaii said, desperately. "Please, Akari...I need Bythos. It's the only way. That Gnosis you've got right now. You saw it turn black, don't you? It means you've got the potential!"

"The potential to join either side." Netuno said. "Akari, do you realise what joining Bythos would mean? You'd become a criminal. One of their members, the same age as you, is responsible for the deaths of two young men, all because one of her plots went to shit."

"Asami only wanted justice!" Kaii said, annoyed. "What, was it okay to just let the bastard go on living carefree? When her three best friends had to suffer him for so long?"

Netuno sighed. "Had she not tried to force him to feel remorse, he might still be alive. And her best friend – well, probably not anymore – almost got killed in the process."

"That wasn't Asami's fault! They thought EX-NIHILO was gone, they never thought he'd come back and try to absorb Natsumi!"

"Excuses..." Netuno said. "Enough. If you aren't going to surrender, then I'll have to take you by force. Persona!"

Akari gasped at what happened next. Netuno's body was surrounded by a peculiar blue air, and from that air arose something far from human. It wore a long trenchcoat, in dark blue, that seemed to have a strange water effect on the bottom – as like the ebb and flow of the tide. While this covered most of the being's body, with a high collar studded with gold, Akari could make out a faint blue skin, and shining green eyes. It also had a giant navy mohawk, designed to look like a wave crashing onto the shore.

"What the hell?!" Akari said out loud.

The being held out its right hand, and a giant oar appeared out of nowhere. It was made out of steel, and had glowing yellow and teal designs on it that made it look more like the guitar Netuno had equipped.

"I am thou. Thou art I. From thy sea of thy soul, I cometh. I art Tam Kung...I forecast a storm that will never end, not until you have breathed your last!"

"Yeah, sorry buddy, but I don't plan on dying at sea. Your storm's gonna go on for a long time." Kaii said, chuckling to himself. "I can beat that Persona in a heartbeat! Go!"

Materialising from Kaii's Gnosis into the world was a figure with a smile just as genuine as Kaii's, at least, Akari thought so. His skin was yellow, and his hair was somewhat like Kaii's, except white and even more untidy, and he had a thick bushy beard. He wore a pale green vest, with a red flowing scarf around his neck, and his hands had thick-looking knuckle dusters. This Persona seemed more muscular than Tam Kung, yet less refined.

"I am thou. Thou art I. From thy sea of thy soul, I cometh. I art Grannus, he of the springs who shall soothe all mine allies and heal their wounds!"

"It's a shame you're not on my side..." Kaii said. "My healing spells have already come in handy for my friends."

"Well, good for them." Netuno said, frowning. "But if you're gonna waste all your time healing yourself, then you'll just run out of steam. It's like opening a gig with your most famous song – no one wants to sit around afterwards for the more obscure stuff."

"Ah, we all got our problems. Mine being you." Kaii said. "Atomic Scissors!"

Grannus gathered a sphere of light blue energy, which formed itself into a pair of huge shears. With them, Grannus cut at Netuno, sending sparks of nuclear energy everywhere.

"Kaii?!" Akari shouted.

"Don't get involved..." Kaii said, looking back at her. "It's too dangerous. You don't even have any weapons. Just leave this guy to me – he'll be out of the charts in no time."

"Hardly...our album's getting a lot of airplay." Netuno said, reeling from the attack. "You've got no chance of overtaking me! Tam Kung!"

The Persona started to strum the strange oar-guitar, and as it played its Hydro Chord, the strings vibrated, and sent forth blue waves of piercing water, hitting Kaii backwards. Conscious of how high up he was, he looked around, and grimaced.

"Damn!" Kaii said. Netuno did not let up, however. He rushed at Kaii, and swung his guitar without mercy. However, he was quickly blindsided by a mighty punch to the gut, then punched hard to the ground.

"Guys! Wait a second!" Akari pleaded.

"It's too late, Akari..." Kaii said. "It's like I told you. Bythos will help me out, and I can't let this Z-lister stop me - whoa!"

Netuno swung at Kaii's leg, and narrowly missed. Furiously, he called down Tam Kung, and attacked with a fierce Zionga. Kaii screamed, the electrical current surging through his body. Even with his Persona enhancing his resilience, it seemed like he was struggling to bear the pain.

"Stop it! Do you want to kill him?!" Akari screamed.

"I'm not like his group. I've no intention of killing Kaii." Netuno said. "Thanks to his group, the people of this city are uneasy. They're suspicious of everything and anything...I came to this city because it had the heart and soul of festivity. I want to bring that back!"

"You stupid..." Kaii said under his breath. "You stupid bastard! The only reason we exist is because of what that Mayor's been up to. You don't even have any idea, do you? How many people she's screwed over or kept quiet...that'll all come to light! Grannus!"

The brawler Persona slammed the ground with his fist, casting a powerful Freila – exploding around Netuno. Akari shut her eyes, shaking. This didn't seem real at all. How long would this go on for? Could Kaii really defeat the frontman of Electric Sea?

|Ginumi – Hideki & Setsuna's House|15:45 pm|

Natsumi and Masato had elected to spend dinner at their brother's house, a newly built property in Ginumi complete with an outdoor pool and a large balcony on the second floor. Gleaming white, it was in a neighbourhood send to be the 'Golden Pearl'.

The twins and the newly hired teacher were sitting around the stylish glass table in the middle of their gorgeous art-deco lounge, complete with a state of the art 4K TV that Hideki mostly used for his video gaming. The walls were light cream, with various dark ornaments around that were mementos of his travels.

"Wow. Wish our house was more like this." Masato said.

"Yeah. There's no smell of sake anywhere." Natsumi said,

"It's always nice having you two here. It gives us a chance to whine about our parents and be ourselves." Hideki said. "...A teacher shouldn't talk like that, should he?"

"Maybe not, but there's worse teachers out there." Natsumi said. "Remember that guy last year who won the Olympic medal? Didn't he do something really terrible?"

"Oh yeah! I forgot all about that. About a year ago now." Masato said. "Last year was pretty crazy in Tokyo. But at least we didn't end up with that bald guy as a Prime Minister."

"Amen to that." Hideki said, relieved. "After hearing about what he was up to, it's clear we dodged a major bullet there. This year should be much better for Japan."

I'm not so sure, Hideki. Bythos are planning something terrible, even worse than what they've already done. But how far are they going to go to get the next Cognition Core? They tried to kidnap Shintaro. I hope he got to see the French lady after all.

"It's good to see you two again. After spending so many dinners with your mother, it's nice to know that Hideki's family aren't all crazy self-righteous lunatic harpies."

Walking in with drinks for the group was Setsuna Kon, a glamorous young lawyer, dressed in her smart blue blazer and black trousers. Her hair was long, black and and shimmered in the light, and she embodied grace with every single step she took. Ever since Hideki's proposal during their holiday in Okinawa, she had worn a silver engagement ring adorned with a deep blue sapphire.

"I know, right?" Hideki said, laughing, as he drank some ginger beer. The twins looked at each other awkwardly. "So, what's going on with your friend Asami? Apparently she's on hiatus?"

"Um..." Natsumi said, biting her lip. Her mind was racing. What could she say that wouldn't be suspicious? Masato knew the whole story by now, but there was no way she could just blab to Hideki. Even if he was her older brother. And getting Setsuna involved was out of the question. "She needs some time to cool off and focus on her studies. But she'll be back making videos."

"What, you're into her channel? I thought you had cooler tastes than that, bro." Masato said.

"You little ass..." Hideki said, chuckling, ruffling the baseball fanatic's hair. Being around his younger siblings always seemed to bring him out in laughter and smiles, which made him so approachable. The twins had always felt more comfortable around him then their parents. Even when he got mad at them, for discovering just how ticklish he was. They exploited that greatly, of course.

"He's trying to keep up with what his students are into, of course. Not trying desperately to cling onto his last semblance of youth or anything." Setsuna said, with a sly grin.

"Aww, not you too! I'm not even thirty yet!" Hideki said. "You're mean, even for a lawyer!"

"But in all seriousness, he's still sort of in college project mode. You know, trying to understand the struggles people in high school face, their hobbies, who they're inspired be." Setsuna said. "Your job doesn't get nearly enough credit these days."

"I wish you were in our school, not Kansei." Natsumi said. "I hate that meanie Koyanagi-sensei."

"Ah, Shiro's a pain. Heart as black as the night." Masato said. "And he never cuts me a break. Everyone at school hates him..."

"That's a bit harsh, isn't it?" Setsuna said. "I mean, not every teacher is charismatic, handsome, charming, and talented as my fiancé, I understand that much. But surely this Koyanagi fellow is a capable teacher."

"He's capable, but...he's just so apathetic about it. He doesn't care. He expects way too much of us. Whenever we have classes with him, I just pray he won't pick on me when I don't know the answer..." Natsumi said. "And he's no oil painting, either."

"Hmm...well, he doesn't have to be. Teaching isn't a beauty contest. Go easier on your teachers. They're trying their best, even if you don't know it." Hideki said, wisely.

"But on a happier note, haven't you finally patched things up with your old friends?" Setsuna asked.

"Um...yeah, that's right!" Masato said, cheerily. "Me and Shintaro are cool again. It wasn't easy making up with him, though. But we had a little helping hand."

"Yeah, that's right. Kei helped bring us together again. She's a girl at Kansei, all the way from Yokohama. And she's really cool." Natsumi said. "So the old gang of four is now...well, a gang of five."

Setsuna smiled. "That's good news. After what happened back then, I was worried about you two. We were scratching our heads, trying to figure out how to help you both, and now...it looks like you're doing just fine."

I don't know about fine. Shintaro getting kidnapped, what happened at the Kaleidoscope, that weirdo EX-NIHILO nearly killing Masato and me...but I don't think I'll bring that up. It's hard enough being near Asami at school. Everyone's wondering why we aren't talking. But I can't just pretend to be her best friend after what she did. I nearly died because of her stupid plan.

"...Are you okay, sis?" Hideki asked, worried. "You were lost in thought just now."

"Oh...yeah, I'm fine." Natsumi said. "I...I still feel guilty about what I did to Kohaku, but she's...she's got a heart of gold. Or amber, I guess. Oh! Setsuna, want to see some of my new dress designs?"

"Oh, of course!" Setsuna said. "Did you finally finish off that pink summer dress you were talking about?"

"Yeah, I did. It's going to look amazing!" Natsumi said, pulling out her regular smartphone. She showed her photo gallery to Setsuna, who browsed through most of the dresses, smiling. As she did, Natsumi's mind wandered again. She had fought one of the Aeon Admins of Bythos yesterday, but failed to do much to stop him. Gaining Brigid was supposed to be a new start for her, yet her fire barely even scorched Toki.

I can't let that happen again. Ever. My Persona and I are one and the same. If I become stronger, so does she. I can't back down.

|Inoue Bank HQ – Rooftop|16:03 pm|

The dark clouds broke into a huge rainstorm, and thunder could be heard rumbling. Akari was now drenched, but she was too transfixed by this battle to care. Nuclear and electric power had been volleyed at each opponent in equal force, yet somehow the building still stood. Kaii lurched forward, avoiding Netuno's guitar, and hit him hard in the face, full of rage.

"Damn! Why the hell can't you guys just leave me alone?!" Kaii screamed.

"How freaking dense are you?" Netuno asked. "Bythos can't be allowed to do as they please. Not after what they did to Leonor's..."

"What?" Kaii asked. "What are you talking about?"

"You don't even know about that, huh? Maybe they just don't trust you that much. I mean, you're pretty strong, but you're pretty dim-witted even for Bythos." Netuno said.

"Oh, c'mon!" Kaii said, frustrated. He punched Netuno hard in the face, and ducked under the guitar. With a swift roll away, he summoned Grannus again. "I'm...I'm going all out! Spring of Hope!"

A powerful geothermal spring appeared beneath Kaii, it's energy flowing through his body and soothing some of his wounds. Netuno, sighing, beckoned Tam Kung.

"Dynamo Strings!"

The Persona played a short melody on its oar-guitar, and yellow guitar strings appeared and surrounded Kaii, constricting him. They then began slowly electrocuting him, so loudly they even drowned out Akari's screams. Kaii fell to the floor, the rain lashing down on him, and he could barely move a muscle.

"...Is that it?" Netuno said, panting for breath. He brushed a hand through his wet hair, and smirked. "Is that as far as you can go?"

"Go to hell..." Kaii said, finally getting on both feet. "I won't lose...not until I find...what I've been looking for all this time...!"

"And what would that be?" Netuno asked.

"I dunno...maybe you letting your guard down?" Kaii said, smirking.

Panicked, Netuno turned around – only to be cut down by the radioactive energy of Atomic Scissors. Not leaving it there, Kaii grabbed Netuno, and rained down his fists even harder than the storm that was occurring right there and now.

Akari stood there, in shock. Kaii simply couldn't control himself anymore. She had to do something, but what?

"Kaii Murayama! Stop this. Immediately!" She screamed.

"...Akari?" Kaii said, finally stopping his brutality. He held Netuno by the collar of his jacket, however. "What are you doing?"

"I can't join you. Not after what you've become." Akari said, sadly. "If you really want to find your long lost father, that's fair enough. But do you want him to see you like this? Beating a man to death?! I can't help you...I won't!"

"Akari-chan, please!" Kaii said, tearfully. "We're the only ones who know what's really going on around here. And I thought we were friends."

"So did I..." Akari said. "But not while you're like this. I can't allow it."

She felt a strong sense of clarity now. As if all her feelings were coming to her, clearer than before. A strong desire for a peaceful world. Far more than just being a silly girl who loved animals, she saw the true side of her. Someone who loved the world and life itself. And someone who wanted to protect the innocent, the weak...without resorting to sin to do so. Purity swelled within Akari, and it was ready to manifest.

One who bears the burden of potential, heed my voice. My name is Philemon. Your existence will soon reveal its true complexity, yet this is nothing to fear. Once you truly know yourself, and why you continue to exist, life can begin anew, and you can wield your own identity as power. Answer me this question. What is your name?

"Akari...Akari Ito!"

The time has come for you, and the one who will be your eternal friend for generations to come, to peer into yourselves. The side of you that no one has seen before...command it. Whether it be a goddess or a demon...it is you!

"I know. I'm ready for whatever happens. PERSONA!"

A brilliant blue burst of light exploded from Akari, and she felt suddenly liberated. However, she suddenly felt herself soaring into the sky, and her arms clinging around something else – something warm. She blinked, and saw she was high above Kaii and Netuno, who were staring at her in awe. Looking down, she saw she was on...a flying horse, a beautiful lilac mare with a fuschia mane and deep blue eyes. The being didn't seem to have wings, yet it was capable of full flight, or rather, it seemed to be trotting on the air itself.

"What is this?!" Akari screamed. The figure in front of her turned around, and smiled. "You're...a Persona, right?"

She nodded, her dark blue eyes twinkling. Her sleeveless dress was long and pink, made of a strange silken material that seemed to shimmer throughout every inch of it. She wore white leather gloves, holding onto reins that seemed to be made out of plasma energy itself, but her feet were bare. However, her legs were clad with silver anklets, which matched the tiara she wore. Her kind face had some light red eyeshadow, and a bright pink lipstick.

"I am thou. Thou art I. I cometh from thy sea of thy heart. I art Epona, she who will show the way to prosperity comes from peace, not bloodshed."

"I dunno, considering that Personas basically kill Shadows, that seems kind of hypocritical." Akari mused to herself. "But this is AWESOME! I haven't been horse riding since I was a little girl! Wish I had the reins though..."

Epona rode her horse back down to the ground, and eyed Kaii with a stern look of disapproval. She took one look at Netuno, however, and her face changed to one of great sorrow, her eyes actually changing to blue. She clicked her fingers, and the horse went up on its hind legs, neighing. A healing pulse of energy flowed from her into Netuno, and he slowly recovered from his beat down.

"No, Akari. You can't be serious." Kaii said. "I was trying to help you get home! Now you're siding against me?"

"Epona!" Akari cried.

The goddess touched her hands with her fingers, and her tiara shined brightly. The horse concentrated its powers as well – and blasted Kaii aside with a bizarre burst of energy. It didn't seem to be of conventional power, either. It was pure magic, or perhaps Psychic power.

"Oww..." Kaii cried, holding his head in pain. He almost lost his balance, and quickly supported himself against the wall enclosing the roof. Netuno simply watched, unsure what to do. "I...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to go so far...please, don't take his side. Stay with me. We're the ones who are seeking the truth!"

"I didn't want to take anyone's side..." Akari said, shaking her head. "But is finding your real father worth all of this? How many people are going to get hurt? Or...killed?!"

Kaii stood there, lost for words. This man may be twenty, but he looked more like a lost boy, not knowing where to turn to, or who to depend on. Akari's Persona vanished, and she landed on her feet.

"This isn't right, Kaii, and you know it." Akari said. "Are Bythos really going to find out who your father is? Or are they just using you because of your power?"

"I..." Kaii mumbled. "I...I told you, I...I'll never feel right until I know the truth. I have to do this, no matter what. Even if it means...I have to fight you!"

Akari was stunned. How could he say that, out loud? They had gotten along really well during their shifts together. He was working with awful people, but he couldn't tear himself away. It was almost heart-breaking to watch. This young man had his whole future ahead of him, even if he hadn't quite made it into college. Yet he was throwing his lot in with a bunch of criminals. Joining him was out of the question.

"No, Kaii...join my side." Akari said. "It'll be the best way for all of us."

"...It's too late." Kaii said. "Goodbye."

He activated the Aeon Pathway app in his Gnosis, and before anyone could stop him, he disappeared into the ether. Akari stood there, trying to hold back her tears.

"You idiot!"

"Um..." Netuno said. "Thanks, for earlier. I didn't expect him to be so vicious. He was more like an attack dog than a little puppy."

"That's funny...he has a dog back home." Akari said, trying to cheer herself up.

"Probably nice that he has someone on his level of intellect to talk to." Netuno said, laughing to himself. When Akari crossed her arms, however, he blushed, scratching his hair. "So, you're friends with the guys from Kansei, huh? How about the twins from Chieki? You met them yet?"

"Masato and Natsumi Yoshinaga? I've heard of them, but we've not been introduced." Akari said. "Is everyone I know a Persona user except me? Until now?"

"I think you'll give them a big surprise during our next meeting with them." Netuno said. "Let me introduce you to my boss and the other guys. Trust me, we'll look after you. One of the girls makes some great chocolate brownies."

"Oh, I love chocolate!" Akari said, now happy. "Let's go! Just wait until Kohaku finds out!"

Just think, if I hadn't gone to the bathroom that day in the mall, and gotten that job...I could have had a Persona by now! Better late than never, right?