Chapter 3

„Tartarus"

[Iwatodai Dormitory -early morning -July 31]

Finishing the last cutlet, Shinjiro put all five cutlets in a metal bowl. He took the bowl and put it before Koromarum who was wagging his tail.

„There you go! That's your meal." -Shinjiro said with a smile. Koromaru couldn't contain himself and wanted to eat all at once. But it was too hot for him."Oh, jeez, too hot for you?" -He put his hand on Koromaru's cheeks and started to rub them."There, There… Slowly, now. Eat it real slow, now. Is it good?"

Suddenly, his sixth sense kicked in. He wasn't alone with Koromaru. Someone was here, watching him. Looking to his right, he gasped.

[BABY BABY BABY BABY BABY BABY BABY BABY BABY BABY BABY BABY BABY BABY BABY BABY]

Aigis, Ren, and Morgana were peaking over the wall. While Ren and Morgana were looking at him with surprise, Aigis was staring at him blankly. Shinjiro was sweating bullets at the thought of everyone finding out that side of him. To make the matter worse, he was wearing a pink apron.

„Man! I'm hungry!" -They heard Junpei's voice coming from above."Do smell that?! Something smells good!"

„True! I wonder what that is." -Fuuka said as their voices grew closer.

„I wonder who's cooking this early." -Yukari said, giggling.

Panicking, Shinjiro accidentally ripped the apron he was wearing. Looking at it, he cursed mentally.

'Dammit! It's Fuuka's apron!' -Shinjiro thought, trying to find a place to hide the apron.'Ugh! I'm going to buy her a new one!' -Without a second thought, Shinjiro hid the apron beneath the table next to him.

When everyone got down the stairs, Shinjiro quickly sat down on a chair next to the table.

„Good morning. What are you standing around like that?" -Akihiko asked. Aigis, Ren, and Morgana turned toward Akihiko."Did something happened?"

„Not really." -Morgana snickered.

„All good here." -Ren agreed with a weak smile.

„Nothing to report." -Aigis said.

Woof! Woof!

„Aragaki-san is a man of mystery." -Aigis said, while Shinjiro tensed."Despite going out of his way to care for Koromaru-san…" -Everyone looked at Shinjiro in surprise. Koromaru howled happily."Nothing tastes better than meals prepared by Aragaki-san. Koromaru says so himself.

„Can you understand dogs?" -Ren asked in awe. It was still shocking for him that Aigis was an android. It was as if she was pulled out of a sci-fi movie."I always wanted to know what Koromaru was thinking. You're amazing!"

„Thank you very much." -Aigis said with a rather genuine smile.

„Well, well, Senpai! I didn't take you for that type of guy." -Junpei said with a cheeky grin.

„Totally! Now that I'm here, I can smell a cutlet." -Yukari said with a smile."Wow, You're spoiling Koromaru!"

„Shut up!" -Shinjiro snarled."Anyway, now that Ren and Akihiko are here, I want to talk with you."

„What is it, Shinji?" -Akihiko asked.

„It's about Ren and Koro-ch- I mean, Koromaru's boot camp." -Shinjiro gritted his teeth as Yukari was trying to contain her smile. He knew that she was going to tease him later."Might as well start today."

„So, you're serious about Ren-kun fighting alongside us?" -Yukari's mood changed. Her smile quickly turned into a frown."Senpai, I thought that you're against him joining us!"

„It won't hurt to see if he's capable. Besides, Ren won't be joining us right off the bat." -Akihiko promised."From what Morgana has told us, he needs to learn how to control his Persona first."

„I agree… I can tell that even in incomplete form, it's pretty powerful." -Morgana said, causing Yukari to snort.

„That's not the point!" -Yukari snapped."The point is that you're letting a child fight Shadows! It's enough that We have to do this! There is no reason to bring Ren-kun into this!" -Ren looked down.

Yukari saw that and sort of felt bad. It's not like she wanted to say he's not good enough. But this isn't a place for a kid like him. Letting out a sigh, she started walking toward the exit.

„Takeba, where are you going?" -Mitsuru asked, and Yukari stopped. She turned around and glanced at everyone.

„I'm heading to the City. I'll do something there." -Yukari replied neutrally. Then her gaze hardens."If you're truly serious about this, then don't count on me going to Tartarus from now on." -With that, she left the dormitory.

„Guess she's in a bad mood…" -Minato said quietly, and Junpei, who heard him, nodded in agreement.

„You said it." -Junpei said with a sigh."Why is she so pushy anyways? It's Ren's choice to be here, right?"

„Is it really because I'm a kid?" -Ren asked. Mitsuru put her hand on his shoulder, making him look at her.

„Don't worry. She just needs time." -Mitsuru assured with a smile.

„Yeah, especially after she sees you kicking Shadow's butts." -Junpei said with a smirk.

„First things first, He needs training." -Shinjiro interjected."Not letting him join the exploration team until I and Akihiko say he's ready."

„True, We have to make sure Ren can handle low-level Shadows first." -Akihiko agreed.

„I'll do everything to prove that I can fight beside you!" -Ren declared.

„Well, if you're that fired up then You'll join in no time." -Junpei said, and everyone nodded."But before that, you need to eat to grow big and strong! How about it, Senpai? Can you whip something for us?"

„Don't know who you're addressing…" -Shinjiro crossed his arms and looked away.'Gotta remember to buy a new apron…'

[Later - Iwatodai Dormitory – 3rd floor – Evening]

Ren looked at the weaponry around him. On the 3rd floor, there was a room designated for holding all sorts of weapons. From swords to guns, this room would a hot spot for weapon enthusiasts. It was hard to imagine that room like that would exist in a dormitory.

„That's a lot of weapons." -Morgana commented.

„Yeah, there's a good chance that your weapon might break during battle." -Akihiko explained."But I still thinking having actual guns is a little too much."

„True… I don't like guns." -Shinjiro agreed with a nod. He looked at Ren."Now, think deeply want the kind of weapons you want to pick. After all, it's not good to depend on Persona too much. You can always lose your evoker, but with a special weapon, you can still defend yourself."

„Personally, I would advice you to pick a long-range weapon." -Akihiko said while pointing at javelins on a wall."That way, you don't have to get too close to Shadows."

„That's a surprise." -Shinjiro said with a smirk."I didn't expect to hear that from a boxer."

„Oh? I almost thought that you're going to show Ren a collection of battle axes over there." -Akihiko joked, causing Shinjiro to frown.

„Guys, just let him pick something first!" -Morgana groaned with annoyance."Go on, Ren. Take your time."

Walking around the room, Ren had a pretty hard time picking up his weapon. That was until he stopped one of the cases containing black and white dagger. Staring at it, he knew deep down that this was his weapon. Not knowing why exactly, he picked it up and found it surprisingly lightweight.

„That's your choice? That's surprising." -Akihiko said before smirking."You want to get up close and personal, huh? Can't blame you."

„You sure about it, Ren?" -Shinjiro asked.

„Yeah, I'm sure." -Ren nodded with a smile.

„Vey well, tonight We're going to Tartarus." -Akihiko explained."But before that, We'll teach you how to properly use your weapon."

[One hour before midnight - Iwatodai Dormitory]

„Sooo… Yuka-tan was serious about not joining us." -Junpei said with a tired sigh.

„It's fine. We still have enough members for the Exploration Team." -Mitsuru said with her arms crossed."Anyway, let's head out."

„We can wait for a bit." -Morgana said, and everyone looked at him.

„Why? Don't tell me you want to wait till midnight." -Fuuka said surprised.

„I don't see a reason to rush. Besides, how much time do spend in there anyway?" -Morgana asked.

„About half an hour or so? I mean, it depends when We get too tired." -Akihiko said with a shrug.

„How long does it take to get to Tartarus?" -Morgana asked another question.

„About twenty minutes on a railway." -Minato said, tilting his head slightly."What do you want to do?"

„Oh, you'll see! It's something that will definitely surprise you!" -Morgana promised with a big grin.

„Willi t help us get to Tartarus faster?" -Junpei asked."Woah! Don't tell us you can teleport!"

„What? No! Man, you're impatient." -Morgana said tiredly.

„Very well. If We can still get to Tartarus with some time left, then I guess it won't hurt to rest for a little bit longer." -Mitsuru said, curious as to what Morgana was planning.

As the clock struck midnight, everyone went outside to see Morgana waiting for them. He was standing in the middle of the road with his arms crossed and a huge grin on his face.

„Morgana, what are you doing on a road?" -Ren asked, and everyone agreed.

„Time to bust my move!" -Morgana exclaimed and started taking poses. It sort of reminding Ren of something he saw on Phoenix Ranger Featherman show."Morgana…. Transform!"

Jumping up to the sky, Morgana turned into a poof of smoke. Suddenly, a black van dropped from the cloud of smoke. The paint was dominantly black, with three yellow stripes on the hood and though they were symmetrical with one another, they were asymmetrically aligned with the vehicle itself, as they converged toward the left windshield. On the grille, there was a small golden emblem representing Morgana's biped head. In addition, the headlights represent his eyes, his ears are attached on the front side of the roof, and his tail was attached on the back.

Everyone stared in shock that Morgana turned himself into a car.

„Come now, ladies first!" -Morgana said casually.

„A car?!" -Everyone exclaimed, causing Morgana to smirk.

„That's amazing, Morgana!" -Fuuka praised.

„No way! Why didn't you say so?!" -Junpei said with excitement.

„This comes from the way cognition materializes in the Metaverse, plus a bit of training." -Morgana explained as everyone joined him. They examining Morgana in awe." For some reason, „cats turning into buses" It's an extremely widespread cognition among the general public."

„Man! This is awesome!" -Junpei said as everyone got in. For a good minute, nothing was happening.

„Um… Why aren't you doing anything?" -Morgana asked.

„You can't drive yourself?" -Shinjiro asked, and everyone was surprised.

„I'm a car, remember?" -Morgana let out a sigh."Somebody has to drive me. Mitsuru, you're behind the wheel. You can drive, right?"

„Um, I only know how to drive a motorbike." -Mitsuru said, slightly hesitant.

„It's only a little different than a bike." -Akihiko said with a smile.

„Don't worry, I'll guide you through it." -Morgana promised."Now, just like with a motorbike, you have to start the engine. There's a switch just down next to the steering wheel." -A little unsure, Mitsuru touched what she thought was the switch."That tickles! Lower, lower!" -He said while giggling. Suddenly, the engine turned on."There…That feels so good!"

„Is the engine purring?" -Fuuka asked in surprise.' That's cute…'

„Alright, everyone, fastens your seat belts, and let's move out." -Mitsuru said while carefully adjusting the mirrors. She was still processing the idea of being inside of Morgana."Let's go!"

[Outside of Gekkoukan High School – Dark Hour]

Persona 3 OST - An Unpleasant Premonition

„So… This is Tartarus, huh?" -Ren said out loud.

The structure of Tartarus was complex that Ren couldn't find words to properly describe it. When looking at it, He felt shivers down his spine. He didn't like it, but he knew that this was the nest of Shadows. Ren swore to get his revenge on them, so there was no way to back down now.

„Yup, this is the place." -Akihiko agreed."Getting scared already?" -He joked.

„No, it's just… pretty huge." -Ren said with a shrug.

After that, they entered the tower, and Ren was surprised by the unique architecture. It was far less creepy than the outside, that's for sure. He was also surprised by three sets of doors. One at the top of the stairs, a golden one on the right, and blue doors. The blue doors felt familiar to him for some reason.

„Alright, everybody." -Mitsuru called."Today, Ren-kun and Koromaru will be trained by Akihiko, Morgana, and Shinjiro. This means that Minato, Iori, Aigis, and I will go and explore another floor. Is that clear?"

„How far did you guys make it?" -Morgana asked.

„Last time, We're on the 113 floors." -Junpei replied with a smirk.

„Don't tell me you're climbing that amount every time." -Ren said in shock.

„Don't be silly." -Fuuka said with a giggle."See that Golden door over there? At the end of each block, there are doors like this one. Once We go through them, We end up here. Go back to a specific floor, there a dial on a doorknob." -She explained as they approached the door."All you have to do is to turn the dial on the number of the block. Simple, right?"

„But for tonight, We'll go to the first floor." -Shinjiro said while pointing at doors above the stairs."That where the weaklings are, which is a good starting point for You and Koromaru."

„But before We go, here…" -Akihiko handed Ren his evoker."Make sure not to lose it."

„Evoker, huh?" -Ren examined his evoker carefully. Despite knowing that it wasn't a gun, it felt strange to carry something like that."Morgana, you don't need an evoker, right?"

„You don't need one when you're at my level." -Morgana said smugly, causing everyone to roll their eyes. Minato let out a long yawn."Anyway, let's go!"

„Well, see you in a bit!" -Junpei said before the Exploration The team went through the golden doors.

As the doors closed, Ren looked at the massive doors on top of the stairs. It was his turn now. Once he was ready, Ren followed Akihiko and Shinjiro with Morgana and Koromaru by his side. After entering the second floor, Ren was surprised at how normal it looked. It almost reminded Ren of the school corridors. Then again, Tartarus was the school that transformed into a giant tower.

„Alright, this is it." -Akihiko said with a smirk."Now, you two will watch Me and Shinji fight Shadows for now. You'll provide support and see how We use our Personas. After that, it'll be your turn." -He explained and looked at Morgana."You will keep an eye on them, right?"

„Sure thing!" -Morgana promised.

Though their training was important, Ren couldn't help but admire both Akihiko and Shinjiro. They were both strong fighters, being able to fight in synch. Their Personas were pretty strong as well. Ren noticed that they look almost identical. From what he knew, Akihiko and Shinjiro grew up in the same orphanage. In a way, they acted like brothers.

„Alright, you two saw how it's done." -Shinjiro said, after making sure that there were no more Shadows."Now let's wait for more to spawn. It will be your turn, so get ready."

Speaking of the devil, they all heard Shadows approaching. Taking a deep breath, Ren took out his dagger and put his finger on the trigger of his evoker. Koromaru growled with a kunai in his mouth.

Ren and Koromaru charged together and lunged at the first Shadow that came at them. Together, they destroyed the Shadow with ease. Fighting back to back, they both used their evokers to summon their respective Persona.

Awoo!

Koromaru's Persona was a dog as well. It resembled Cerberus from Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Cerberus was a monster and pet under Hades guarded the gates of the Greek underworld, the realm of Hades.

„Come, Arsene!" -Ren exclaimed and pulled the trigger.

Normally, one thought that Ren just shot himself. And in a way, it did look like that. Though, he wasn't sure why Ren felt as if something went straight through his head. For a brief moment, he felt like he died, but that was quickly replaced by the surge of power within him.

Unlike the last time, Arsene's form was obscured by the static effect. This time, you could clearly see him in all his glory. Arsene had a very tall top hat, a long-horned mask for his face, a cropped red eighteenth-century-esque suit worn open with the collar popped, stitched heart designs on the shoulders, a white ruffle tie, a black, tailed corset running down his torso; large, black, feathery wings starting at around the small of his back; red coverings on its legs resembling pants and boots with blade-like heels.

At last, You've managed to summon me properly… Very well, let's dance!...

„Well, color me impressed…" -Shinjiro said with surprise. He didn't expect that Ren's Persona would look like that."Didn't expect that from Ren. Nor Koromaru…"

„Yeah, they'll be a fine addition to the team." -Akihiko said with a nod.

„Look at him go!" -Morgana commented as Ren's Persona was going berserk on the Shadows."If he keeps it up, he'll be able to fight alongside you. Koromaru is not so bad himself…"

„Hopefully, They will be ready for the next full moon." -Akihiko said, and Shinjiro nodded.

„One of these Shadows appear during a full moon, right?" -Morgana asked, and Akihiko nodded."I do wonder why... Is it because it can affect Shadows as a whole?"

„We don't know, so there is no point in thinking about it." -Shinjiro said with a shrug."Our goal is to end the Dark Hour once and for all."

„True… Once that's over, then what?" -Akihiko wondered out loud.

„What's that suppose to mean?" -Shinjiro asked surprised.

„Nothing, just wondering what I'll do after that." -Akihiko replied with a smile." life might get a bit boring after that."

„Maybe for you, but I prefer quiet and peaceful life." -Shinjiro said with a sigh. He didn't enjoy fighting Shadows."Anyway, how about We join them? They need to learn how to work in a team."

„That what are We waiting for?!" -Morgana said with a grin and charged at the Shadows.

„Someone's energetic… Fine, I won't stay put either!" -Akihiko declared and charged after Morgana

„Tch! Where do these guys get so much energy?" -Shinjiro snorted and followed the suit.

[Next Day - Iwatodai Dormitory -early morning]

Letting a satisfied sigh, Shinjiro served Koromaru his breakfast. He was relieved that he managed to buy Fuuka a new apron. Shinjiro also bought one for himself as well.

With a smile, he watched how happily Koromaru was eating. But his sixth sense kicked in again. Turning to his right, he didn't see Aigis staring at him blankly. It was Ren, who was already dressed.

„What's up? You have summer vacations, right?" -Shinjiro said surprised."You should get some rest from the Tartarus."

„I'm kinda used to getting up early." -Ren said with a shrug. Morgana was still asleep, so he didn't want to wake him up."You made breakfast for Koromaru?"

„What about it?" -Shinjiro crossed his arms."Somebody must feed him in the morning."

„Right." -Ren agreed with a nod. A silence fell upon the lounge."How do you know how to cook?"

„Hm? Mainly from school, but I decided to learn more on my own." -Shinjiro replied."Don't tell me you're interested in cooking."

„A bit, but… I never had a chance to learn cooking." -Ren said sadly. Before his mother's death, she always managed to whip a good meal for him. Not wanting her to exert herself more, he asked if she could teach him how to cook. In the end, his mother was unable to teach him that.

„Want me to teach you?" -Shinjiro offered, seeing Ren's sad expression.

„Will you?" -Ren asked surprised.

„Under one condition." -Shinjiro said seriously."You have potential. Your Persona is quite strong, but it could be stronger. But to make your Persona stronger, you must get stronger yourself. Do you know where I'm going with that?"

„You want me to train harder so I can get stronger?" -Ren concluded. Shinjiro nodded with a smile."If I do that, you'll teach me how to cook?"

„Do we have a deal?" -Shinjiro asked, smiling. The typical Shinjiro was always moody, but now he was quite kind. Ren was surprised by that, but happy all the same.

„Alright. I want to get stronger, anyway." -Ren said with a big smile.

"Thou art I... And I am thou...

Thou hast established a new bond...

Thou shalt be blessed when creating

Personas of the Hierophant Arcana..."

End of chapter