Sunday, April 19, 2009
Iwatodai Dorm - Minato's Room, Dark Hour
- Minato, wake up... wake up... WAKE UP! - shouted Orpheus for several minutes trying to wake him up.
This was definitely going to be a long night. Minato opened his eyes and looked around, realizing that he was in the Dark Hour.
- What do you want Orpheus? - Minato asked with an annoyed tone, if there was something he hated it was to be interrupted when he was sleeping, something he considered sacred.
- There is a child sitting on the bed - answered Orpheus.
- A child...? - Believing Orpheus' words, Minato observed a child sitting on his bed - There's a child in the bed!
- That's what I'm telling you! - said Orpheus
The boy laughs in response to the little argument the two were having - They seem to be getting along very well - he said in response.
-Wait a minute, you're the boy who gave me the contract - said Minato.
- I'm glad you remember me - he said with an innocent smile.
- Hey... I mentioned that we seemed to get along well. Can he hear us? - asked Orpheus
- I'm not sure... But I don't think so, the others haven't noticed your existence.
- Yes, I can hear them - Which stopped Orpheus and Minato's conversation.
- By all the gods, he can hear us! - exclaimed Orpheus with surprise
- Anything else I should know about you? Besides the fact that you can read my thoughts and hear Orpheus - Minato said, this was certainly getting weirder with each passing second.
-I remembered something and I came to tell you. Soon, the end will come - said the boy.
- The end?
- The end of everything, but to be honest I don't really know what that means - the boy looked as confused as Minato.
- That doesn't help much... - commented Orpheus
- And what a surprise. It seems you have finally awakened your power and it is an unusual power. A power that takes many forms, but is not limited by any form, it can be your salvation or your doom, depending on which form you want to take. How interesting is the power of a joker - Having said this the boy disappeared briefly from the bed to reappear standing at the end of the bed - Remembering the day we met, I hope you keep your promise. I'll be watching you even if you forget about me - said the boy to disappear again.
- Believe me kid, it won't be easy to forget you - sighing he settled back to sleep.
Iwatodai Dormitory - First floor, kitchen
Minato decided to go to the kitchen, checking the ingredients in the kitchen he found eggs, sugar, flour and sweet anko beans.
- I haven't made dorayaki in a while, well let's see how it turns out - said Minato to himself.
Several minutes later, Minato had finished cooking the result was 8 good looking dorayaki, one of the things he learned after the death of his parents was to cook and because of that he earned several nicknames in his old schools.
- Something smells so good - it was Yukari who had just arrived at the dorm, and the smell of the dorayaki had caught her attention, she was wearing a long pink off-shoulder dress with lace patterns and fur linings over her skirt along with a pair of tan knee-high boots and could never miss her heart-shaped choker.
- I wonder if I'll ever see her without that choker
- Oh Minato-kun, are those dorayaki? They look delicious. Where did you buy them? - asked Yukari
- I made them myself - replied Minato with complete sincerity making an impression on Yukari.
- Do you know how to cook, is there anything you can't do? - asked Yukari
- I don't know, you tell me - Minato thought that was rude, but he didn't think much of it.
- Can I have one? - Minato nodded. Yukari took a bite of one of the dorayaki, and immediately looked at Minato.
- Should we be worried? - asked Orpheus
The seconds continued to pass and Yukari gave no answer. Minato feared that the dorayaki had not been to his liking, but suddenly Yukari devoured the dorayaki as if she had not eaten in weeks leaving Minato surprised.
- Yukari-san? - Minato asked worriedly
- Minato-kun, I'm sorry for what I'm about to do - said Yukari leaving Minato more confused, Yukari grabbed the whole plate and started to devour each dorayaki while Minato watched in amazement and was sure that she had small tears of happiness.
- Should we rejoice? - asked Orpheus again
- This is one of the best meals I've eaten in years! Why didn't you tell us you were a good cook? - exclaimed Yukari
- They never asked - answered Minato, Yukari had handed him the empty plate, not even a crumb was left.
- I see you both are already here - said a male voice joining the two teenagers, it was Akihiko - Good, you two come here, I want to show you something.
Minato and Yukari got up from their seats following Akihiko towards the entrance of the residence.
-There's someone I want to introduce to you - Akihiko said increasing Yukari's curiosity, but it was scaring Minato - Hey hurry up.
- Give me a second... This is heavy - A voice came from outside, a voice Minato recognized.
- For Izanagi and Izanami. Akihiko-senpai don't tell me Junpei has the potential - said Minato causing Yukari to look at her with fright.
The doors opened, giving way to Junpei with a big suitcase - What's up? - Junpei greeted everyone showing his smile. Minato and Yukari's fears were realized.
- What have I done to deserve this? - This thought arose again and again in Minato, as he looked at Junpei.
- What kind of curse are we paying for, was it a bad idea to have started writing a song about you guys? - wondered Orpheus
- It looks like you know, from today Junpei Iori will stay in the dormitory - said Akihiko.
- He's going to stay here, you must be kidding! - Yukari shouted
- I ran into him the other night, he has the potential, but he just woke up recently. I told him about us and he agreed to help us - said Akihiko.
- He found me crying like a baby in a convenience store, surrounded by a bunch of coffins... I don't remember much, but man that was embarrassing! - Junpei commented, something Minato could picture perfectly - I'm glad I'm not the only one. It gets lonely, you know what I mean...
- 10 years late Junpei, 10 years late - said Minato.
- WOW! 10 years? How could you live with this for 10 years? You must be kidding, come on tell me all the details - said Junpei approaching Minato with an enthusiasm making Minato uncomfortable.
- Junpei no doubt, you deserve a prize for your reaction to Minato-kun's statement - said Yukari earning a laugh from Akihiko.
- Well enough with the introductions. I think we are ready - said Akihiko calling everyone's attention.
- Oh let's do something? - asked Junpei.
- With so many people now, we can finally start exploring that place - he said with a smile.
- You mean Tartarus? - asked Yukar
- Tartarus? What is that? It looks like some kind of sauce - said Junpei as Minato slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand.
- According to the Theogony of the ancient Greek poet Hesiod it is described as a place far below the earth. It is a very deep abyss, which was even deeper than Hades. It served as a dungeon of torment for mortal souls as divine punishment for their actions in life - explained Minato.
- Wow man, how do you know all that? - asked Junpei earning the curiosity of Yukari and Akihiko. Minato felt all eyes on him, with no other options he had to explain.
-As I said, the last man in charge of taking care of me. He had a library at his disposal and spent most of his time reading - said Minato.
- It seems that all the people who took you in were good people - said Yukari, causing Minato to lower his head, she watched him with concern. If it wasn't because she was next to him, she wouldn't be able to hear what he said.
- I wish it had always been like that... - whispered Minato to himself, Yukari managed to hear him causing him to ask more questions.
- Leaving that aside. We believe that in Tartarus lies the reason why the Dark Hour exists - explained Akihiko as Junpei jumped for joy.
- The president will give us the details tomorrow night, so stay tuned - The three teenagers nodded. Akihiko dropped out of the conversation
- All right, it's time to settle into my new room. Who wants to help me? - asked Junpei, only to realize that Yukari and Minato were on the stairs - Hey, don't be like that! - Junpei shouted as he started pushing his suitcase.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Gekkoukan High School - After school, classroom 2-F
- I thought I was going to fall asleep... - said Yukari yawning - I still don't understand how no teacher has ever called your attention to you when you sleep.
The classroom doors opened, giving way to Mitsuru leading our trio - Do you have a moment? - everyone nodded
- As soon as classes are over, I need you to head to the command room when you return to the dorm. I need to tell you something - said Mitsuru
-Ah, are we going to have that talk? - Junpei said with a raised tone and a big smile, which was wiped off his face when someone hit him on the head - Hey why did you do that?
- Idiot, don't say it so loud. We don't need the others to know - said Minato - Alright Senpai, we'll meet you there - Mitsuru nodded leaving the classroom
- Boy, was he in a hurry - said Junpei
- She will be busy with things like the student council, not like others - said Yukari with disgust.
-That was a very direct hint, I take it back Minato, you are not the most direct of the group -said Orpheus.
Iwatodai Dormitory - Command Room
Once classes were over, our trio headed straight to the dormitory as ordered, on the way Junpei was telling bad jokes, but you had to give him some credit, his jokes were better than the president's. Upon entering the command room everyone took a seat.
- Okay, we're all here. For a long time the only People holders in the group were Mitsuru and Akihiko. Therefore, I would like to start the exploration of Tartarus from today - said Ikutsuki.
- I know you asked yesterday, but what is Tartarus? And that with Minato's explanation was not quite clear to me - said Junpei.
- Just wait until midnight and you will see it with your own eyes. It's a nest of shadows and it's the perfect place to train us - said Akihiko with enthusiasm.
- But Senpai you can't fight - said Minato, to which Mitsuru repeated the same thing.
- Oh come on Minato, you too? I thought you'd be on my side - Akihiko just looked down, causing everyone to laugh except Minato.
- Relax I've got them covered - Junpei was getting up from his seat, causing everyone to sigh.
- What about you Mr. President? - asked Mitsuru
- I will stay here, as you know I cannot summon Persona - answered Ikutsuki.
- That's not true, everyone can summon a Persona. Everyone has a facet of their personality, but to summon us you users must be strong enough or we could end up killing you in the process - said Orpheus - Wait a minute, in the hypothetical case that I can't summon Persona how come you know so much about the Dark Hour?
- All the more reason to distrust him... I hope you don't kill me Orpheus.
- Of course not, I like you too much to kill you. Besides, if you die, I'll die too, and I don't want to die again - Orpheus answered.
- Man this is unbelievable, I'm still wondering what my Persona will be like? Minato, what is yours like? - asked Junpei
- My Persona is called Orpheus, the master of strings. He has a metallic body, has a giant lyre equipped on his back and has affinities with fire abilities. He belongs to the Arcanum of the Fool
- Arcane? what is that? - Junpei asked
- He's going to get us killed - Orpheus wasn't entirely wrong. There was a lot to explain to Junpei
- The Persona are extremely related to the arcana of the Tarot cards, just like the shadows. If we know which arcana they belong to we can have some advantage in the battlefield, as a curious fact if we know the personality of a user we can know which arcana they belong to - explained Mitsuru.
- In that case Junpei belongs to the Magician's arcanum - said Minato, causing Mitsuru to laugh.
- Aaaaamm Is there something wrong with being of the Magician's Arcanum? - asked Junpei
- How to explain it, his personality tends to be... - Minato saw how Junpei's eyes had stars in them. Most likely thinking it was something cool - Something idiotic - Turning his stars into a void.
Gekkoukan High School - Entrance, Evening
Before midnight the group towards the school, all dressed in their uniforms with the change that they all had the SEES armband. Once they stopped in front of the gate. Akihiko took out her cell phone and looked at the time.
Minato watched as Yukari was getting nervous biting her lower lip. A few seconds later, the dark night turned green and blood was starting to seep everywhere, a sudden loud bang caught Junpei and Minato's attention. Junpei was caught by surprise causing him to lose his balance falling on his butt, Yukari had also lost her balance, but Minato had reached out to grab her hand as she managed to stay on her feet. Minato managed to pull Yukari to her feet as she stood next to him still holding hands. It was seen as a tower began to rise its structure was something technically impossible to build, some of its areas seemed to be in extreme danger of falling, while others seemed to be stable. Soon the rumbling had stopped and Tartarus stood in front of everyone.
Tartarus - Entrance
- Well, what the hell, where is our school? - Junpei shouted from the ground, Minato just sighed at Junpei's reactions, while Yukari still watched as he kept holding hands with Minato, it wasn't long when he fixed his gaze on her and realized his mistake apologizing with his poker face and she said not to worry, she thanked him for helping her.
- This is Tartarus. The labyrinth that is revealed during the Dark Hour - explained Mitsuru - When the Dark Hour ends, Tartarus also disappears and the school returns.
- But why does the school become like this? - asked Minato to Akihiko while helping Junpei to stand up. When he didn't answer the gaze of our trio were fixed on Mitsuru. She didn't answer either and just looked away.
- Judging by her look, she's hiding something - said Orpheus, Minato agreed.
- I know you're hiding something. But I'll play along... - Was Yukari's thought as she frowned - Who cares about that now? It must be complicated... and we're here to find out aren't we? - They all nodded as they entered the labyrinth of the Tower.
Tartarus - First floor, foyer
The second floor of Tartarus, a grandiose circular room with four huge columns, a gleaming marble floor and areas that floated in the background. What was most striking was the center of the room was a magnificent staircase leading to a door, just below a strange mechanism that resembled the gears of a clock.
- This is just the entrance. The labyrinth lies beyond that door - said Mitsuru pointing up the stairs.
- First we'll let you three get a feel for this place. Why don't you go look around a bit? - suggested Akihiko
- Don't worry, you won't go far and I will be assisting you from here - said Mitsuru.
- We'll also appoint a leader to make the important decisions - said Akihiko and immediately everyone saw Junpei's anxious face.
- Oh Me! Me! Pick me! - Jumping on his feet. Akihiko stared at him and decided to ignore him and looked at Minato.
- You're going to be in charge - was Akihiko's final decision.
- It's a good start. You are the most experienced of the three of us, fighting the shadows; you make me prouder and prouder - said Orpheus.
- Why him? He doesn't look like a leader - complained Junpei.
- He's already fought them - said Yukari, to Junpei's surprise.
- Really? - Now Junpei asked in surprise
- But there's another reason - said Akihiko, while holding his Evoker to his head - Do they have what it takes to pull the trigger? Just like he does.
- Of course they do! - Junpei said with a bit of a stutter.
- I guess... - said Yukari, unsure of herself.
- I took the time to get you some weapons, the ones that best suit you - said Akihiko, while handing Minato a medium sized sword, Junpei a big sword and lastly Yukari a bow and a quiver where she can store her arrows. - But remember without your Persona you are finished. We are talking about the shadows - was the last advice he gave them.
They started walking towards the stairs when Minato heard a flash to the left making him stop, he saw a blue door, which he had not noticed when they first entered. He changed the direction of his walk being observed by everyone, Junpei asked if he lost his head being hit lightly by Akihiko in the back of his head which caused him to groan more. When he was in front of the door he decided to use the key that Igor had given him the last time they met, he placed it on the door handle and slowly opened it.
Velvet Room
Minato blinked and found himself sitting in the room he saw in his dreams, in front of him were Igor and Elizabeth once again.
- I have been waiting for you. The time has come for you to use all your power, the beginning of your journey in such a mysterious place to discover all its secrets and to achieve it. You must use your power - Igor explained
- About this door... Who can see it? - asked Minato, trying to find an excuse to explain it to the others.
- Only those who have signed the contract can access this place. Therefore, you are the only one who can see it - no doubt Minato will need a good excuse - Your power is unique, you are a joker, the first joker. Your power my son can possess several people and invoke them according to your need, and when you have defeated your enemies will be presented to you the cards of your possibilities and your power will grow accordingly, try to keep it in mind and the next time you come of your own free will I will explain my role in all this - Igor smiled.
- May I ask a question? - asked Minato
- Of course, my son. What is it? - said Igor
- Is there any way to silence my Persona, since the day I woke up my power has been constantly talking and it's starting to tire me - answered Minato.
- You don't take my feelings into account, do you? - asked Orpheus "hurt" by Minato's words.
-Interesting... You are not only a wild card, but you also have the ability to communicate with your People. That's better than I thought - replied Igor with a laugh.
- I have a suggestion, snap the fingers of your right hand - suggested Elizabeth to which Minato complied.
- Hey Orpheus answer - Minato said out loud, there was no answer. Minato snapped his fingers again and asked the same question.
- What happened? I couldn't see anything and hear anything - At this answer he smiled to himself, he finally discovered a method to shut him up.
- Thank you Elizabeth. But how did you know I could shut him up this way? - asked Minato
- It is a very common habit that usually generates a feeling of pleasure among some people who perform this practice. However, it can cause wear and tear on the joints by increasing the leakage of the synovial fluid that protects them - replied Elizabeth.
- I don't know where you heard that, but I'm glad you did it - said Minato.
- Without more to say, we will meet again - said Igor.
Tartarus - First floor, foyer
Minato looked around realizing that he was back in Tartarus, Junpei put a hand on his shoulder surprising him - What's wrong with you? You just stood there like a zombie - asked Junpei worriedly.
- I'm just a little nervous - lied Minato hoping Junpei would believe it.
- Is that all? Come on buddy, that's what we're here for, to destroy shadows - said Junpei while dragging Minato towards the stairs.
- Are they ready? - Yukari asked, when the three of them were at the top before passing the door. Minato and Junpei nodded, just before passing through they watched as Akihiko gave them a thumbs up and Mitsuru just nodded.
- Ready Orpheus? I'm counting on you, so we don't get killed.
- Count on me for anything. Just name me and I'll come to your aid, let's do this Minato - said Orpheus.
Tartarus - Tebel Block, 2nd floor.
The three passed through the door and found themselves thrown into darkness, a few seconds later they appeared in a long corridor, Minato looked around and saw that the walls had some similarity with the school.
- Hey, the door is gone - said Junpei frantically.
- Junpei calmly, don't let your guard down. We must be vigilant in case a Shadow appears - said Minato to which Junpei nodded. In Yukari's eyes, Minato seemed to be something different inside the Tartarus.
- Can you hear me? - Mitsuru's voice echoed in the trio's head.
- Senpai? Is that you? - asked Junpei
- Relax Junpei Remember he mentioned that he was going to give us support? That's one of his powers - replied Yukari - Strong and clear. The door is gone
- This is bad. You'll have to look for a way out then, if you find a ladder don't go up. I repeat do not go up it will take you to another floor of Tartarus. But only today you will fight against the shadows on this floor - explained Mitsuru.
- Understood Senpai - replied Minato.
The group walked in silence observing their surroundings, Yukari was still nervous while Junpei kept smiling, for him it was all a game. Something that bothered Minato a little, he didn't mind dying, but that didn't mean that the others had to die. Minato heard a small shout, ordering everyone to stop and carefully stood in the corner.
- Senpai Can you confirm if it's a shadow? - Minato asked alerting the others.
- There is a shadow just past the corner. It's a cowardly maya, if you get close enough to it I can scan it to find its weakness - replied Mitsuru.
- Yukari Do you think you can hit it from here? - asked Minato, Yukari seemed nervous at his request, but nodded - Relax if you can't hit it, you can distract it with the sound of the arrow's impact - said Minato trying to reassure her - Junpei on my signal, to finish off the shadow - ordered Minato to which Junpei nodded enthusiastically.
Yukari stood in the corner while Minato and Junpei were crouched down. Taking an arrow she tried to control her breathing to aim better, she shot and the arrow missed, but it distracted the shadow.
- Junpei now! - ordered Minato as he ran followed by Junpei, both cut her at the same time making her scream in pain. Yukari shouted at them that she was going to shoot another arrow making them both move away, Yukari shot once more and the arrow this time hit the Shadow's mask which with a final scream of pain, fading into dust.
- That was awesome! whoooooo! - Junpei celebrated, turning around to watch as a shadow stood behind Yukari - Yukari! Behind you! - Junpei shouted and Yukari flinched at the shadow's scream, before they could both react.
- Orpheus! - Minato called out to his Persona, who seized the giant harp and struck the shadow making it groan in pain as it faded away. Before they could relax Yukari noticed that there was one more shadow behind Minato, Junpei turned around to fight the shadow that appeared, but was stopped when Minato was aiming his evoker at his head.
- Senpai Do you know what the cowardly Mayan's weakness is? - asked Minato while still aiming at Junpei.
- Arisato, use fire attacks against them - answered Mitsuru. The shadows were getting closer and closer causing Yukari to prepare another arrow.
- What the hell man! We must attack - complained Junpei.
- Are you ready for your awakening? - asked Minato as he placed his finger on the trigger.
Junpei could only smile at his friend's crazy idea - Hell yeah! Do it - A name appeared in Junpei's mind as Minato pressed the trigger - Hermes! - A black being emerged from Junpei's soul, its body was mechanical and its head was protected by a golden helmet that had wings. In its arms were two huge objects that were blades.
- Hermes Agi! - Those were the words needed for Hermes to activate his fire spell while the shadow burned into dust, second later the Persona disappeared, while falling on his backside from sudden exhaustion.
- Good job everyone. Arisato excellent reaction and Iori congratulate you for the awakening of your Persona, although you must feel tired now - answered Mitsuru.
Minato offered his hand to help Junpei to get up, which he accepted with a smile. He couldn't help but be excited to have finally summoned his Persona.
- You guys saw it, didn't you? It was amazing! - exclaimed Junpei jumping with joy, Minato sighed once again at Junpei's enthusiasm for summoning his Persona, but he could see how Yukari felt a little embarrassed, but this was interrupted once again by Junpei's shouts.
- Guys, what's that! - Junpei shouted, only to see a letter descend in front of Minato to everyone's surprise.
- Is this what Igor was talking about?
Minato grabbed the letter showing a figure of a woman with a jewel on her head, seconds later the letter disappeared and a mysterious voice resounded in Minato's head.
- Okay, now this really scared me - said Yukari.
They continued on their way, until they both saw a bigger room, everyone was surprised to see the infinite view of the ceiling and there was the staircase that Mitsuru had mentioned. Minato ordered that it would be best to move away to which Yukari nodded and Junpei is Junpei. She was about to complain when she saw a flying shadow approaching them at full speed and heading towards Yukari.
- Yuka-tan! Behind you again! - Junpei shouted trying to warn her, he didn't have time to react, but she was pushed by Minato. What they observed next left them speechless, Minato was lying on the floor against the wall while the shadow was digging its claws into his left shoulder making him grunt in pain.
- Iori, take care of the shadow! - ordered Mitsuru
Junpei lunged for the attack, but the shadow easily dodged it, while taking the distance against Junpei. Minato ordered him to use Hermes, with his sword he would never be able to reach it. Summoning Hermes once again using fire spells he managed to reach the eagle as it vanished into dust.
Yukari stood next to Minato with her mouth open as she looked at the deep wound the Shadow had left, blood dripping slowly. It all happened so fast, she was giving the order to retreat from the staircase and the next Minato had pushed her away to protect her from the attack.
- Man, are you all right? - Junpei quickly approached as he crouched down worried about his friend's health.
- I did it again... No, not again... - He watched her and saw how tears were threatening to come out.
- Hey calm down, I'm fine - said Minato in an attempt to reassure her.
- What the hell Minato! You're hurt because of me, again. If only I could summon my Persona - said Yukari, to which Minato offered her his evocator.
- Do you want to try? - Minato asked surprising her, she grabbed his evocator while pointing it at her head. The fear was starting to take over her once again, Minato observing this put his hands on top of hers still holding the evocator - Relax, I know you can do it.
- I... I can do it too! I won't be afraid anymore! - music to Minato's ears, he pulled the trigger for the first time. - Io! - A girl appeared, dark as night, with golden hair and a pink dress. She was chained to a huge chair that was shaped like a horned animal -Dia... - whispered Yukari, Io opened her eyes and an energy began to surround Minato and to her surprise his wound was disappearing little by little.
- Wow... - Those were Junpei's only words when he noticed that Minato's wound had disappeared.
- Thank you - said Minato
- Minato, you have such crazy ideas... I love them! Now I understand why I am the facet of your personality, my plans to get rid of you will no longer be necessary - said Orpheus.
- Excuse me? Get rid of me?
- No. I'm the one who should thank you, you saved me again and I even woke up my Persona thanks to you - Yukari wiped her tears with her thumb and giving her evocator back to Minato.
- Dude that was intense. You almost gave me a scare - replied Junpei helping Minato up.
- Everyone, I'm detecting a table-like shadow approaching you - reported Mitsuru.
- A table-like shadow, is that possible? - asked Junpei confused by the description of the approaching shadow, and so they managed to visualize that it was actually a table, a red table with a blue mask and a fireball on top.
- I'm tired of these shadows - said Yukari with a frown, while he took out his evoker summoning Io - Garu! - A torrent of wind emerged from Io, as it blew towards the shadow table. Causing the mask to fracture slightly.
- Yuka-tan is on fire. My turn Hermes! Agi! - Junpei commanded his Persona, and a fireball shot at the shadow. However, it didn't cause the expected damage, they actually watched as his mask was repaired.
- Fire heals him? That's not fair! - Junpei complained while dodging the shadow's attacks. Minato observed how both of them were tired, not surprisingly, they had recently awakened their Persona and were already using several spells.
- Everyone, the shadow is weak to ice attacks, but it is resistant to physical attacks, you will have to retreat, none of you have the necessary skills - ordered Mitsuru.
- Now it's our turn to shine, show your joker power. Summon Apsaras - ordered Orpheus.
- Apsaras? The girl with the jewel on her head? Of which that mysterious voice I name.
- That same one, summon her in the same way as you do me. Now! - said Orpheus
- Minato-kun What are you doing? - Yukari asked as she watched Minato equip himself with his evoker. The shadow had stopped to prepare its next attack.
- Arisato! What are you doing? I told them to retreat -said Mitsuru as he watched everything from the entrance of the tartar.
- Apsaras! - His new Persona emerged from him, a blue-skinned woman who resembled a Hindu girl - Bufu! - Apsaras clasped his hands together, materializing a smell out of nowhere and attacking with the shadow, making it collapse - Everyone, it's time for an all-out attack! - ordered Minato
- An all-out attack? What's that? - asked Junpei confused by Minato's order.
- Just attack at the same time - replied Minato heading towards the shadow to attack it.
- Got it! - said Junpei, running after Minato, at the same time Yukari ran after Junpei. Causing a cloud of dust to surround the shadow as it was attacked by everyone, causing it to scream in pain one last time and fade away.
After finishing the fight, Yukari and Junpei stared at Minato.
- What? - Minato asked
- Minato-kun what you just did... - started Yukari.
- It was AMAZING! Are you able to summon more than one person? - asked Junpei anxiously making Minato uncomfortable.
- Orpheus, I need a good excuse right now, now!
- I've got it! Tell them that while you were sleeping in the hospital you heard a voice telling you about the abilities of a wild card - said Orpheus.
- Hey that's actually happened
- Did it really? - asked Orpheus puzzled
- When I was sleeping in the hospital, I heard a mysterious voice explaining my power to me, the power of the wild card - replied Minato.
- Wild card? Does that mean you can use more than one Persona? - Yukari asked, to which Minato nodded.
- I wasn't sure how I should use it, but when that card appeared I saw the figure of the Persona I summoned. Which means that when these cards appear there is a possibility that I will get a new Persona - said Minato.
- How interesting. I suggest you look for a device that will teleport you back, the Dark Hour is about to end, all this we can continue discussing in the dormitory plus we have classes tomorrow - said Mitsuru to the group, making Junpei's spirits were on the floor.
The three of them walked in silence, worriedly through the corridors until they found the device that Mitsuru mentioned, they touched the device and a flash surrounded them blinding them for a moment. When they opened their eyes, they were back at the entrance.
Tartarus - First corridor, foyer
- How did you find the first exploration of Tartarus? - asked Mitsuru
- It was awesome! Yuka-tan and I are fine, but Minato? - replied Junpei, all eyes were fixed on him.
- I'm totally fine, Yukari's spell cured me completely - said Minato - I've been through worse than that.
- Are you absolutely sure you're okay? - asked Yukari worried
- Yes, if any discomfort arises I will let you know immediately - said Minato, to which Mitsuru agreed. Yukari wasn't entirely convinced, but let it pass.
- Although I must admit, I didn't expect their first exploration to be successful. At this rate it won't be hard for them to catch up with you Akihiko - said Mitsuru with a smile.
- We'll see about that - said Akihiko.
- Get ready Senpai, here is your new rival - said Junpei.
They all decided to leave the tartar before the end of the Dark Hour.
Iwatodai Dormitory - Minato's room
Minato had taken off his jacket and shirt to see the wound left by the eagle shadow, there was only a small cut, something not to worry about.
- I'm thankful it was nothing serious - said Orpheus - However...I know I'm your Persona, but it's unpleasant to see those things Minato...
Believe me, it's been so long since I've had them, but I still can't get used to it - said Minato, his whole back showed scars of different and different depths - I have to carry this until the day I die
- I want a name, I'll make sure that the bastard who did that to you, suffers and every second I regret it, for what he did to you - said Orpheus
- I remind you that you can't do anything, unless I summon you Orpheus - said Minato between laughs - Although I appreciate the proposal, don't you have any ability to make this disappear? - referring to his scars
- Unfortunately no, I don't think there is any spell capable of doing that - answered Orpheus - Our lives have been shitty, don't you think so? But we have each other... What are we going to do with the others?
- We won't tell anyone about this, there are only two people who know about this. And I'd rather you keep this to yourself - replied Minato - If it's unpleasant for us to see this, just imagine how they would react, and I don't want to tell the origin of this.
- I'm sorry Minato, I would like to do something more for you - said Orpheus with sorrow.
- No apologies are necessary, the only thing we have to keep in mind is to end this Dark Hour - said Minato - Only that way, maybe we can have some peace.
- And make Yukari happy, don't forget that little important detail - said Orpheus.
- Geez, even in the most serious moments you have to name them. Enough, it's time to sleep,- said Minato.