Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Iwatodai Dormitory - Minato's Room
The problem was not to show his scars, but to remember what caused them. For many people scars are the sign that something happened, but it is gone, it is healed and it doesn't hurt anymore, but this was not his case, his scars reminded him of everything that happened, all the martyrdom he had to endure for so long, the scars that reminded him that all the facade he showed to his companions was false, that he was already broken.
Having these scars triggered several symptoms in him akin to grief, he had lost his parents, with the memory of his mother's last words "Live", the hope to face that pain and be stronger, to be a better person, to help others, to make his parents proud who are watching him from a better place. He was just being overly optimistic back then.
He wondered if he would find someone to show him that word "empathy", people always have a way of reacting to what happens to another But why don't they respect what the other person feels, he always believed that true empathy was thinking "What would I do in the other person's place" but he couldn't be more wrong. True empathy was more than that, you had to put aside your own judgments and try to understand the feelings of that one person. Just maybe, if he had met someone like that before he would have gotten over it, but it was too late.
All these thoughts flooded his head in the wee hours of the morning, the only thing that surrounded him was silence, observing himself in the mirror of his room. He couldn't help it, every time he looked at himself, he saw that frightened child who only wanted his parents, or even to be dead. He didn't want to suffer anymore, he just wanted it all to be over... No doubt it was going to be a long day to fight against his past, who was he kidding, he lost that will a long time ago and all he did was run away from it.
- I must stop thinking about all those things - Minato said to himself getting ready to go to school.
Gekkoukan High School - Entrance
- Hey, you are Minato, right? - asked a student, he seemed friendly at first glance.
- You are? - asked Minato
- I knew it, Junpei told me that you became friends with Yukari - That last comment caught his attention. What kind of things would Junpei be telling? - Many men have tried, but have failed in the attempt. How did you manage it? - Minato didn't have the slightest idea.
- It doesn't matter, after all, I prefer women with some experience? - commented the student, leaving both Minato and Orpheus puzzled. Now that Minato had a better look at him, he seemed to have seen him on the first day of classes on the student bulletin board.
- But what the hell, does he like seniors? - asked Orpheus.
- Right, I'm Kenji Tomochika. If I'm not mistaken, today is that assembly. We should hurry - He had completely forgotten about the assembly they had scheduled for today, he had been so concentrated in his thoughts that he had forgotten about it.
- I need to distract myself, I can't go on like this. They will realize that something is wrong with me, I must avoid it.
Gekkoukan High School - Auditorium Room
- Next, we will have a word from the student council. A round of applause for the new president Mitsuru Kirijo, from class 3-D - It was the announcement that aroused the interest of all the students.
- So they finally elected her... Well, she's not the most popular for a reason - Yukari whispered to both of them so as not to be called out by the teachers.
- The most popular? I thought she was just a student dedicated to her studies- said Minato with such sincerity, he never thought she would be the most popular girl.
- Yes, you should hear all the things they say about her - said Junpei - Even women want to have something with her.
- I must admit that she is cute and scary too. But, you Minato, I know you are more inclined to Yukari. You can't deny it to me - said Orpheus.
- Well, it was expected that she would be chosen as president, remembering that this school was built by the Kirijo Group - said Yukari.
- It was built by the Kirijo Group? I had no idea - said Minato.
- Yeah, I guess that's why she has that power attitude - said Yukari in disgust.
- Wow, and that Yuka-tan aggressiveness - said Junpei.
- I can tell she doesn't like Mitsuru-senpai. Is it because her dad worked for the Kirijo Group?
Gekkoukan High School - After school, come in.
- Look, it's Akihiko! - A student's voice caught his attention, Akihiko was also on her way out when she was intercepted by a whole group of students. Minato felt sorry for him, he knew how that felt and it wasn't nice at all.
- Have you noticed how much the girls notice Akihiko? Just look at him... - He hadn't noticed Junpei's presence.
- I'm more than sure, you wish you were Akihiko right now - commented Minato making Junpei laugh a little.
- You just read my mind my friend - Despite the fact that they had only met recently. Minato knew that Junpei wanted to be popular with the girls. Akihiko wanted to go his own way, but that group of girls wouldn't allow that. He watched as Minato and Junpei were talking.
- Minato, Junpei, are you free in the afternoon? - Akihiko asked, drawing a perverted laugh from Junpei. Minato could only watch his friend get excited at such little things.
- As predictable as ever...Wait a minute, friend?
- Minato? The new transfer student? - asked one of the girls in the group, it had reached Minato's ears, he could only swallow saliva fearing the worst. The whole group of girls were staring at him, analyzing whether he deserved their attention.
- Minato, I have a bad feeling about this - said Orpheus.
- He's incredibly handsome! - shouted one of the girls, that group of girls who were after Akihiko, now found themselves surrounding Minato leaving Junpei aside.
- That's not fair man! - Junpei shouted, he felt betrayed for not being included.
- Alright guys, let's meet at the Paulownia mall. I'll be at the police station, don't keep me waiting too long - said Akihiko retreating, Minato swore he saw a smile as he was leaving.
- The police station? Why don't you want to go there? - Junpei asked confused, forgetting the situation his friend was in.
- Minato-kun tell me do you have a girlfriend? - asked one of the girls, they were all attentive to his answer.
- You girls bother me. Junpei we are leaving, Akihiko-senpai said not to wait - replied Minato putting his hands in his pockets to withdraw leaving all the girls confused with his answers. Anyone would think that after that answer they would lose interest.
- Helou? lack of tact? I didn't teach you that! It's going to be a long way for you to win Yukari over...- said Orpheus.
- He's so cool! - shouted all the girls at the same time
- You know what, I take it back. To know, how we will conquer Yukari, I need new opinions - said Orpheus.
Paulownia Shopping Center - Police Station
- Let me get this straight, there are 2 new guys that just joined you guys, and you want me to sell him supplies and weapons? - asked the police officer
- Just as you just described officer Kurosawa, Mitsuru told me to bring their files, he said you would know what to do with them - said Akihiko, handing him the files of Minato and Junpei - If you need to know the information of your new clients, you can always keep an eye on them
- The Kirijo Group's power to get information from people is to be feared - said Kurosawa, taking both files, he began to review them - This Junpei Iori, he has terrible qualifications. Are you sure he'll be useful to them?
- Well, he may be an idiot for school, but in combat he's something else... I hope so - answered Akihiko.
Kurosawa now turned to Minato's file, when he saw the picture of his file, his eyes opened like saucers, something that Akihiko didn't miss.
- Is everything all right? - asked Akihiko
- This boy, Minato Arisato, is he also with you? - asked Kurosawa
- Yes, his power is very interesting; for now he is the current leader of our group - answered Akihiko - Look, they finally arrived - Kurosawa as they both arrived at the place.
- Sorry for the delay Senpai - said Junpei entering the place.
- It's about time you guys came, this is officer Kurosawa. He is in charge of providing us with our weapons and some supplies - said Akihiko. The officer was looking carefully at both boys, but his gaze was more fixed on Minato - Of course, it's time to pay for our weapons.
- Of course it is, nothing in life is free - said Kurosawa
- And he really appreciated it. Guys this is part of Ikutsuki-san to equip you with what you need - said Akihiko, handing each of them 5,000 yen - Well, I'll leave you. I'm going back to the dormitory
- Minato, what can we do with 5,000 yen? - asked Junpei, Minato just shrugged his shoulders.
- I suggest you come another day, I assure you I will bring good merchandise - suggested Kurosawa. Both boys looked at each other and said goodbye to the officer - No matter if you don't remember me, it's good to see you again Minato...
Paulownia Shopping Center
Junpei had become angry about the amount of money they had received, so he left Minato alone.
- Okay, what now?
He felt a familiar presence coming from that hallway, the one Junpei had told him there was nothing in, he walked towards it and found a blue door, the door to the velvet room. He took out the key he had used on his expedition to Tartarus and used it.
Velvet Room
- Greetings - It was a voice he already knew, he blinked several times to find himself in front of Igor - During these last days he has experienced several strange events and if we add that he has been aware of the Dark Hour for 10 years, it was no longer surprising.
- Hello again Igor. Very well, are you going to explain to me what is your role in all this? - Minato asked
- I was waiting for you to ask. My role in all this is to help you reach your potential, and if you are wondering how? I have the power to merge people, in the case of Orpheus who represents one of your main arcana, he will serve you for the moment, but as you go deeper into the floors of the tower you know as the Tartarus, the enemies will be stronger and Orpheus will be of no use to you - answered Igor.
- Then that means I must get rid of him - said Minato.
- Are you sure you like me? - asked Orpheus.
- There is another alternative, to make Orpheus more powerful and to be able to create stronger people with my help. You must establish social links - explained Igor.
- Social links? Do I have to relate to people? - Minato asked confused - This joker power is rarer every time I learn something new about it.
- Indeed, you must relate to people, and you have already made a social link - Igor answered, leaving Minato more confused - The mysterious voice you heard represents the beginning of a social bond. In this case, the bond you forged was with the group called SEES and they represent the Fool's Arcanum, which will empower Orpheus.
- So if I keep spending more time with them, strengthening our friendship and what normal kids my age would do, will that bond become stronger allowing my Persona to become stronger in the process? - Minato asked
- Right, plus I feel you have acquired a new Persona - said Igor.
- You mean Apsaras? - Igor nodded - About the Personas I also want to ask you, if I fuse the Persona I get, will I stop being able to use them?
- Indeed, but don't be afraid you can always get that Persona back in Tartarus or also... - said Igor giving way to Elizabeth.
- You can ask me to register him in the compendium, when you want him back you will only have to pay a sum of money - said Elizabeth finishing Igor's sentence.
- Even to help me to get my potential, I have to pay? - asked Minato
- Nothing is free in life, dear - replied Elizabeth with a smile.
- As a last explanation, not all Personas can be obtained through Tartarus, some can only be obtained through fusion and in some special cases you will need a specific element to be able to fuse them - was Igor's last explanation.
- Understood, then we will see each other next time I get more Persona. Until next time Igor and Elizabeth - saying goodbye, leaving the velvet room and returning to the real world.
Paulownia Mall
He sat down on one of the benches, when his cell phone started ringing. It was a call
- Hello, Arisato here - said Minato.
- Minato-kun, it's me Yukari. I'm in the dorm and there's someone waiting for you with some things - said Yukari.
- Waiting for me? - asked Minato confused - Can you ask him what's his name?
- His name is Hiroshi Koyama - answered Yukari.
- I'm coming right away - she said before cutting the call - That man, doesn't he have better things to do! - shouted Minato calling the attention of everyone in the mall.
Iwatodai Dorm - Entrance
- He said he was coming right away - said Yukari, putting away her cell phone. This Hiroshi was wearing a dark blue Samue, and had white hair. Yukari saw how he had a guitar case and a box with it.
- Thank you very much, miss... - said Hiroshi, but he got stuck trying to get closer to the name of the girl who called Minato.
- Takeba, call me Takeba - Yukari spoke clearly.
The old man paused a little and thanked - Thank you Takeba-san. I'm glad that Minato has a beautiful girlfriend, I'm so happy for him.
- He just... he and I are just friends - Yukari answered nervously.
- Is that so? I'll have to complain to him because he didn't get a girlfriend. I feel that so many years giving him advice were a waste, this Minato doesn't appreciate the man who took care of him - said Hiroshi disappointed.
- The man who took care of him? Are you the one who taught him kendo? - asked Yukari
- Eh? Yes, the same Minato, did you tell him about me? I'm glad he has me in mind - said Hiroshi with a smile.
- There you are! - A voice was heard from far away calling the attention of both of them.
- Minato, how are you my boy? - Hiroshi said cheerfully as he approached Minato.
- What are you doing here? I thought you were giving Kendo lessons - said Minato.
- That's not the right way to greet the man who raised you - said Hiroshi.
- I thought the note you left was a bad joke... - said Minato ducking his head, he realized the account he had with him - What are you doing with that?
- Well, as I know that you won't have the delicacy to go to see them, I came personally to leave them for you - answered Hiroshi.
- You know I didn't have to do it. How is your back? - asked Minato worried
- Don't worry about me, believe it or not, I'm a very difficult old man to take down - answered Hiroshi proudly - But moving on to more important matters, why don't you have a girlfriend?
- This gentleman, right now he has just become one of my favorite people - said Orpheus.
- You know how I feel about that, Hiroshi - said Minato.
- It doesn't matter, I want grandchildren! - exclaimed Hiroshi, making Minato's eyes roll. Yukari who was watching everything couldn't hold in her laughter.
- Hey, you don't have to say that out loud! - complained Minato - Enough! It's time for you to go, I don't want Naoto to reprimand me just because he can't find you.
- Wait, wait let's leave your stuff at least - Sighing Hiroshi as he left the belongings he had at the entrance of the dormitory.
- Yukari-san Can you keep an eye on my things? I promise to hurry back - Yukari nodded as Minato walked away with Hiroshi. She decided not to leave the things outside, so she thought to leave them in her room as a small favor.
Iwatodai Station
- So tell me Minato how did it go - Hiroshi asked.
- Well, I'm still adjusting. It's not the same city I remember - answered Minato.
- Of course, it's been 10 years since you were here - said Hiroshi - Tell me, have you shown it to anyone? - There was no answer - I'll take that as a no.
- No, you're the only one who knows about these scars, besides her - said Minato
- Then why did you leave those belongings? Don't try to fool me Minato, I know you did it on purpose - asked Hiroshi - You know they are the only belongings you had left from your parents - He knew he did wrong to leave those belongings, but every time he took a look at them, it reminds him of the day of the accident which causes his mental state to alter.
- Minato - Hiroshi said stopping, staring at him - You must stop running away from the past, you must face it and be reborn as a new person. If you continue this way you will sink deeper into oblivion, and the day will come when you will never be able to recover from it.
- Do you remember when we first met? - Minato asked
- How could I forget a day like that? You came to my house with her, I thought you were some kind of ghost - answered Hiroshi - Those days were difficult, at night, you always had nightmares about it.
- The important thing is that now, they are not so frequent - said Minato.
- I taught you everything I knew, I know I couldn't repair all the damage they did to you back then and I still regret it every day. The first time I saw your scars I was so horrified that I even had nightmares about it. You were just a child, but every time I saw you, your eyes were lifeless, you had lost the reason to go on living - said Hiroshi looking down - I always wondered, do the Gods hate you so much to have gone through all that?
- Hey, in spite of everything. I am grateful for everything you taught me - said Minato.
- I appreciate it, it's the only thing an old man like me could do. Now look at you, you're already a man, I'm sure your parents would be very proud of you - said Hiroshi - And you must be a descendant, never forget that.
- Well, that day is still far away - said Minato.
- You are really excellent at ruining moments like that, boy - said Hiroshi sighing and resuming the way to the station - I'll tell Naoto that you are doing great, or else he will come just to slap you.
- Knowing how she is, I wouldn't be surprised - said Minato.
- Hey, that Takeba girl, isn't she pretty? - asked Hiroshi with a smile
- Please don't start - replied Minato in disgust.
Iwatodai Dormitory - Minato's Room
Yukari left the belongings that Hiroshi had brought, she left the box on the desk and the guitar case on the bed. She was observing her room and was surprised that it was still the same since they met.
- There's not even a poster or anything - Yukari said to herself - I'd better start taking out all the things in that box, so I have less work to do.
Opening the box, she found several photo albums, a small antique record player with several music CDs, and several letters, on each one was written a year, from 1991 to 1999. She decided to take out the photo albums, curiosity got the better of her so she decided to open one of the albums. What she didn't expect to see was a picture of the whole family. A blue-haired man carrying a boy with the same colored hair on his shoulders, both laughing while being watched by a brown-haired woman next to him.
- So those were his parents... - Yukari said, she was starting to feel bad for invading her privacy, but she noticed that a photo was missing in one of the spaces available to insert the picture, she saw how the missing photo was on the floor. Most likely it had fallen out when he took out the albums.
Picking up the photo he saw that it was about his 7th birthday -Tthe year he lost everything, just like me...
- Hello? Is someone in my room? - It was Minato's voice coming from the hallway, if he found him looking at the pictures he would surely get angry.
He didn't have time to fix everything, Minato had entered his room to find Yukari who had both hands behind her back, hiding the picture she had picked up.
- Yukari-san what are you doing here? - He saw how the photo albums were out of the box, he looked at Yukari with a raised eyebrow - Did you see them?
- Yes... - said Yukari defeated - I didn't mean to, I just wanted to take the things out of the box while you dropped Koyama-san at the station.
- Don't worry, I believe you. Rather, I thank you for bringing the things here - said Minato.
- You're welcome, I'd better leave before someone else arrives - replied Yukari leaving the door of her room half-open.
About to go up to the third floor, he realized that he still had his birthday photo - Damn, I forgot to return it - returning to Minato's room, before opening his door, he watched as he placed the guitar case in the corner of the room.
He shifted his gaze to the photo album left open by Yukari, he watched as her gaze was still fixed on the album. What he saw next he didn't expect, he watched as her breathing began to hitch, beads of sweat began to slowly slide down her face. His hands were starting to shake, it was getting more and more constant, he was sure that if he tried to grab something he wouldn't be able to, it looked like he was going to collapse at any moment. He slammed the album shut as he tried to calm himself, while repeating to himself.
- I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... - Minato said to himself with a trembling voice, it seemed that at any moment tears were threatening to come out of his eyes - It's all my fault...it was all my fault, I should have died that day
- I have arrived! - It was the voice of Junpei, who had returned. Hearing this he regained his composure, took the albums and put them back in the box, put the box in the closet.
- Are you all right? - asked Orpheus worriedly
- Yes, I'm fine... It was just an anxiety attack, it used to happen to me often when I saw some stimulus that made me remember the accident, now it's something I can control a little better.
Iwatodai Dormitory - First floor, living room
- There you are! Come, join me for lunch! Get ramen for everyone - said Junpei with his typical smile, Minato also saw how Yukari was eating ramen next to him.
- In that case, I accept. Where is mine? - asked Minato sitting at the table next to them.
- I'll be right there, let me heat it up for our leader - said Junpei, heading to the kitchen.
- Minato-kun, are you all right? - Yukari asked, taking advantage of the fact that they were alone.
- Yes, why the question? - asked Minato
- Curiosity...Minato Do you know that we are a team right? - asked Yukari
- Yes, I'm aware of that - said Minato
- Then you know you can count on us - said Yukari.
- Yes, is something wrong, is everything alright? - asked Minato, he was starting to feel strange about Yukari's behavior.
- Here you go leader! A Junpei style ramen! - said Junpei returning from the kitchen.
While Minato started to eat his ramen, Yukari had only one thought - Maybe...I should start watching him...