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Tuesday

April 9, 2013 — Lunchtime

Clear Skies

The first half of the day was a blur for Shou. History, math, chemistry, and English filled his morning, but the lessons went in one ear and out the other. He couldn't shake the image of Kudo-sensei clutched in that giant, rotting fist, or the thought of Emi, walking out of that auditorium.

She hadn't returned to class since the assembly.

As he headed through the hall to the cafeteria, he fought back a rising tide of fury and grief. Damn! How could he have failed so miserably? He'd been so sure that they would be able to save Kudo-sensei, and now . . .

He had done the best he could, yet even so, he felt like this was his fault.

He looked down at his hands, his fingers long and slender; they weren't strong hands, like Kouta's. They were weak. Useless.

They couldn't accomplish anything!

No, he told himself, that's just my Shadow self talking. My inner, dark thoughts and emotions. I can't give in to them. I can't let despair take over.

This wasn't my fault. I just have to keep trying.

Even though he knew that was true, it didn't make him feel any better.

"Excuse me."

Shou turned, and found the Class President, Sato-san, standing in front of him.

Sunlight shone through a nearby window, lighting her in a blinding halo. It made her white bow look iridescent. Her pale face held an unearthly beauty. For a moment, he was able to forget his troubles.

An angel, he thought. I must have fallen asleep in class.

"Um, Tanimoto-kun?"

"Eh?"

Sato-san stepped to the side, out of the light. "Sorry, is that better?"

Shou rubbed his eyes, then squinted. Rainbow flecks danced in front of his vision. He stood there for several seconds while his eyes adjusted, still unsure if he was sleeping or awake, but beginning to strongly suspect the latter. When at last he could see, Sato-san was standing in the shade of the wall next to the window.

"Yeah," he said. "Much better."

"Good." She laughed — a soft, musical sound. "So, I noticed that Tachibana was absent again today. I can't help but wonder if her behavior does, in fact, have something to do with Kudo-sensei."

Shou hesitated. He wasn't sure Emi would appreciate him sharing the private details of her life with a stranger. And the truth was he didn't know who he could trust. Much as he hated to admit it, Sato-san could be a member of this "Hope/LESS" group.

"I only ask," Sato-san said, "because I know that Tachibana is a scholarship student. I'm concerned that continued absences will endanger her enrollment status. It's my responsibility as the Class President to see to the well-being of the entire student body, particularly in times of crisis such as this."

Though Shou couldn't help but feel she was mildly detached, given the situation, Sato-san met his eyes with confidence and honesty. While he wasn't ready to rule her out as one of Kazami Kaede's compatriots, in this regard, at least, he thought that Sato was sincere. Everything he'd heard about her said she took her duty very seriously.

After careful consideration, Shou decided to tell Sato-san about Emi's relation to Kudo-sensei. He explained how Emi had been worried something was wrong as soon as Kudo hadn't shown up yesterday, and that she'd left school to find him.

"I see," Sato-san said. "I had no idea." She smiled faintly. "It's good that you told me, Tanimoto-kun. I'll make sure she isn't penalized. That wouldn't be right, in light of the circumstances." She paused, noting Shou's careful expression. "I apologize if I seem brusque. I, too, am deeply saddened by Kudo-sensei's passing. But I've found that the best way to deal with events like this is to take action. Stay busy."

Shou nodded.

"I'll collect copies of our homework for Tachibana, and stop by your dorm later."

At this, Shou offered to do it himself. He told her she must be busy enough already.

"Oh?" she asked. She raised an eyebrow.

Shou explained what he'd heard, about her being a prodigy, and the head of several clubs.

With a completely straight face, she said, "They're just being kind. I'm not talented at all."

Shou stared at her. Was she . . . joking? There was an awful, squirmy feeling in his stomach. He was afraid to laugh, but also afraid to stay silent. What should he do?

Thankfully, Sato-san began to laugh first. "You can relax. I was only kidding. Some tell me I have a dry sense of humor."

That was putting it mildly!

"It's true that I have many obligations," Sato continued. "But I manage my time carefully. And on the occasion I have to miss something, I catch up very quickly."

Shou nodded, his face burning with embarrassment.

"Anyway, Tanimoto, perhaps I'll see you later. At the dorm." Sato-san took a step, as if to leave, then paused. Her eyes were fixed on something down the hall.

Shou followed her gaze.

Farther down, a gaggle of students were turning a nearby corner. At the crowd's head were a boy and a girl, both small and slight, with striking silver hair — the girl's ringlets tied with twin red bows, the boy's cut short and combed neatly to the side. Their school uniforms had extra embroidery, complex silver designs snaking around their cuffs and collars.

"The Morigami twins. Yoshino and Yoshiro. They're first years," Sato said.

Morigami? Shou looked at Sato-san questioningly.

"Yes, that Morigami. The grandchildren of Morigami Yoshinori, the school and city founder."

Shou watched them parade down the hall with their entourage in tow. The girl — Yoshino — ignored him completely. Yoshiro, however, met his eyes for a moment, and Shou felt a chill.

Morigami's Yoshiro's gaze was cold and sharp and black; it seemed to bore into Shou's skull. Even though Yoshiro was only a first year, Shou found himself feeling intimidated. There was a darkness there, in the boy's eyes, that left him ill at ease.

Could Morigami Yoshiro be a member of Hope/LESS?

He watched the group turn into the stairwell for the first floor, and sighed. He was starting to become paranoid, suspecting everyone.

He turned to say goodbye to Sato-san, but found that she was already gone.

As he turned to head to the cafeteria, he spotted Endo Takeru from his class lurking at the end of the hall, shooting Shou dirty looks. What he heck was that guy's problem? The last time Endo looked at him like that, he'd been talking to Sato-san as well. Was Endo some kind of stalker?

With nothing else to do, Shou ignored him, and headed down to lunch.

Tuesday

April 9, 2013 — After School

Clear Skies

After lunch, the rest of Shou's day was occupied by Japanese literature and composition, and then PE. He hadn't brought any gym clothes, but it was just as well, since Coach Kawamura spent the entire period lecturing them on the important of physical education and exercise in today's society. Shou couldn't help thinking that standing around, they were defeating the purpose.

Following PE, Shou and his classmates returned to Classroom B to clean up. By the time they finished sweeping the room and the halls, and emptying the trash, Shou wasn't sure he could remember any of his teachers' names, or the curriculum for his classes. He'd been so distracted all day. Though he knew he needed to pay attention, study, and get good grades — for his father's sake, as well as his own — he felt like he was already falling behind.

He went down to the school lobby, where he hoped to find Kouta. He was looking forward to hanging out with his friend, maybe taking his mind off everything. He'd begun to find that Kouta had a way of bringing good cheer into even the darkest situations.

However, when he found Kouta, his friend looked distraught. "Guess we're not heading to the Shadow world today," Kouta said.

Shou shook his head.

"I keep telling myself there wasn't anything else I coulda done, but . . . I feel like I'm responsible, somehow," Kouta said.

After a moment, Shou said, "I feel that way too."

Kouta laughed. "Guess I don't get a monopoly on misery, huh?"

Despite himself, Shou laughed with him.

"Listen . . ." Kouta shoved his hands in his pockets and looked down at the floor. "I dunno if you still wanted to hang out or anything, but . . . My team vice-captain set up an early practice with the guys coming back from last semester, and . . . see, I was gonna skip out to go to the Shadow world, but now . . ." He sighed. "I gotta blow off a little steam, bro. If it's just the two of us, we're gonna spend the whole time thinking about yesterday, and what we . . . couldn't do. I'm . . . I'm sorry, man."

Shou shook his head. He felt a bitter sting of rejection. And yet . . .

He recognized the truth in what Kouta was saying. Maybe it was for the best. He decided he wouldn't hold it against his friend. "Don't sweat it," he said. He smiled.

"Thanks," Kouta said. He looked like he was about to say something else, then hesitated.

An awkward silence passed between them. Shou was struck by a pang of fear, deep in his belly. He suddenly realized how fragile these new friendships were. Even after what they'd been through together. Or, maybe . . .

Because of it.

Then, suddenly, Kouta grabbed Shou by the shoulders. The kendo captain's eyes blazed with intensity. "Truly," he said, way too loudly, "thank you for understanding, Shou-bro! Sometimes a man just has to deal with his emotions by beating the crap outta them!" He laughed, and it boomed through the lobby, attracting more than a few stares. "I promise I'll make it up to you. We'll hang out tomorrow, Shou-nii, I swear." He quickly bowed his head.

Feeling a faint bond with Kouta, Shou clapped his friend on the shoulder and nodded.

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

Shou's eyes widened.

Thou hast established a new bond . . . It brings thee closer to the truth . . . Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Magician Arcana . . .

The Magician, Shou thought. Another Social Link.

"Say, are you okay, bro?"

Shou blinked. He realized Kouta was staring at him with concern. He reassured Kouta that he was fine.

Kouta let out a relieved breath. "All right, man. Just, you know, you've spaced out a couple times now. If it keeps up, you might wanna get it checked out."

Shou chuckled. "I'll see you later," he said.

"You bet."

With a final wave, Kouta headed off down one of the first floor corridors. Shou watched him go, trying to ignore the unsettled feeling burning like acid in the back of his throat.

What was he supposed to do now?

Briefly, he thought about going to look for Emi. He wanted to be of some comfort to her, but he didn't know how. And she'd asked to be alone. He realized he'd probably remind her of everything she wanted to forget, the same as Kouta. It hurt, but he knew it was true. For now, it was probably best if he left her alone.

Which meant . . .

He was alone too.

They were the only two real friends he'd made at school, so far. He now had a passing acquaintance with Sato-san, but they were nowhere near familiar enough for him to ask her to hang out. At least . . . that was how he felt.

Maybe he needed to work on his courage.

For a single minute, Shou stood in the lobby of Morigami Academy. It felt like far longer. It felt like ages. Students milled about, all in constant motion, while he was frozen, cast out of space and time. Again, he was reminded of being adrift at sea. No one to help him. Nothing to hold on to.

He swept his gaze around the expansive, white-walled, sunlit space, looking for something. Anything.

He paused when he saw the school store.

Kazami Kaede stood behind the counter, tying a red apron around her waist. Already, students were beginning to line up.

Shou's pulse quickened.

He was anxious about trying to jump in so suddenly, and anxious about interacting with Kazami. She acted silly, but he couldn't allow himself to be fooled. Kudo-sensei was dead, and she'd stood idly by and allowed it to happen. She also held vital information about the Shadow world, and the so-called "Vanished." He had to get answers from her somehow. Either by confronting her about Kudo's death, or otherwise engaging her and hoping she let something slip.

His hands tightened into fists; his nails dug into his palms.

He strode toward the school store.

Tanaka-san was at the register, ringing up a student. When she spotted him approaching, she stopped for a moment and waved. As for Kazami, she followed Tanaka's gaze, and froze as soon as she saw Shou, a scowl on her face.

Shou swallowed and kept walking.

"Decided to get an early start, have you?" Tanaka-san asked, when Shou reached the register. "I'm glad you came back, um . . . I didn't catch your name before, did I? Silly me."

Shou hastily introduced himself.

"Tanimoto, eh?" Tanaka said. "I'm Tanaka Kaori. And this is Kazami Kaede-chan." She leaned in and added in a whisper, "As you already know." She winked, all the while continuing to make change and bag up purchases.

Shou stifled a groan. It appeared Tanaka really did hope to set them up or something. But cute as Kazami was, Shou couldn't abide by what she'd been complicit in.

Kazami seemed to have a similar opinion as him, because she stuck her tongue out at Shou behind Tanaka-san's back.

"Kaede-chan, will you please show Tanimoto-kun the ropes?"

"Wha . . . huh? Me?" Kazami stammered. "But . . . but can't you do it, Tanaka-san?"

Shou held up his hands and tried to explain that he would probably be fine on his own. He'd worked at the local convenience store back in Kamikawa, and he didn't think this would be very different. Besides, he thought he would rather fumble a bit with the customers than have Kazami looking over his shoulder the entire time.

"Nonsense," Tanaka said.

And that was that.

Though Kazami continued to complain, she begrudgingly began to show him what to do. She showed him how to use the register, which was a high-tech, ultra modern piece of equipment. Hooked up to a large touch screen monitor, it was a far cry from the old punch-key register he'd operated back at the local FamilyMart. She also took him through the inventory, showing him the hidden nooks and crannies where he could find the smaller and more obscure items, like tubes of tennis balls, and spare shoelaces, and calligraphy brushes. Regardless of her disdainful attitude, Shou found that she was surprisingly thorough. He'd expected her to do a mediocre job of teaching him, at best, but she clearly took her duties at the store seriously.

Through this, Shou watched her carefully. Who was Kazami Kaede, anyway? How had she gained access to the Shadow world? Could she use a Persona? He had so many questions.

And despite his anger at her regarding Kudo-sensei's death, he couldn't help thinking that she would be so much prettier if she smiled once in a while. What had happened to this girl to make her frown all the time? He had so many misgivings about her, but she didn't seem like a bad person. Also, much as he wanted to deny it, there was a small flicker of attraction he felt toward her. Though she was built slight and wiry, with narrow hips and a small chest, there was something undeniably compelling about Kazami.

Unconventionally attractive, he thought. He found himself looking down at her legs, visible beneath her apron and uniform skirt. They were slim and firm, toned like a runner's.

He heard Kazami clear her throat.

He paled, and glanced up.

Kazami was looking at him. She'd caught him checking her out.

Shou expected a tongue-lashing, but instead the girl blushed and shirked Shou's gaze. "That should pretty much do it," she said. "So you can take care of yourself from now on. You're on your own." With that, she left him to his work.

By then it was close to 1800 — two and a half hours had gone by. With clubs not yet in effect, the school began to empty out. "I think it's my cue to leave," Tanaka-san said. "You two hold down the fort!" She removed and folded her apron, then removed her handbag from beneath the front counter and slung it over her shoulder.

"Wait," Kazami and Shou said, simultaneously.

Kazami turned, and glared at him.

"Mm?" Tanaka-san asked.

"Can't, uh . . . can't you stay, in case Tanimoto needs more training?" Kazami asked.

At this, Shou nodded emphatically. A part of him couldn't believe they'd actually found a common goal in not wanting to be stranded together in the school store, just the two of them.

"Sorry," Tanaka said, eyes twinkling, "I have a date. Have fun, you two!"

She left without another word.

For several long seconds, neither Shou nor Kazami spoke. He glanced down at his feet, shuffling them awkwardly. Now that they were alone, and there were no customers, this was actually a perfect opportunity. He could ask her whatever he wanted and not have to worry about anyone else overhearing.

He looked at her, and she said, "I don't have anything to say to you," as if reading his mind.

He told her that would be hard, considering they were working together.

"You know that's not what I meant," she said. Then, suddenly, she rounded on him, eyebrows furrowing. "Why are you here, anyway? I mean, why did you take this job? So you could get close to me? Ask me a bunch of questions? Interfere?" She jabbed an accusing finger into his chest.

Shou shook his head. While all those things had gone through his mind, the simple truth was that he needed the money. He told her as much.

"Ha," she said, "I seriously doubt that. Oh, I know. Maybe you're just trying to see how the other half lives. You gonna write it up for a story in the school paper? Come on, pretty boy. I know your type. Acting all nice and quiet, but really you're just a liar and a cheat. I actually have to earn a living, here!"

"So do I," Shou shot back.

"Oh, yeah? Well—"

Before she could continue, Shou cut her off. He couldn't take any more of these wild condemnations from her. He told her how he'd had to do his first year at public high school in Kamikawa, had to work a job while maintaining the top grades in his class. How his father had worked two jobs, how they'd scraped and saved every last yen to pay his tuition.

Through this, Kazami's expression softened from one of anger, to suspicion, and, eventually, to mild disbelief. "Is all that really true?" she asked.

Shou told her it was. He told her took this job because he needed the money.

"Well . . ." She folded her arms, and looked him up and down, weighing him. "I guess . . . if you're not lying about all that . . ." She sighed. "Fine. You can work here. I won't give you a hard time about it. But . . ." She tapped him on the nose. "If I find out you're full of it, I'll make your life miserable. That's a promise."

Shou believed her.

The store was supposed to remain open until 1930, so without any customers, Shou and Kazami began to straighten up the space. He swept the floors clean of the dust of countless feet, while she straightened the shelves, and restocked inventory from a storeroom in the back. They didn't speak at all, though this time the silence felt more comfortable. Shou still had so much to ask her, though. He was waiting for the right moment.

When they finished cleaning, he decided to make his move.

"About the Shadow world . . ." he began.

"No," she said. "I don't want to talk about that."

Shou asked her why.

She leaned against the counter. "You should just leave it alone," she said. "I told you not to interfere, and I meant it." She met his eyes, and for a moment Shou thought he saw a hint of caring in her gaze. "It's too dangerous for you. You're going to get yourself killed. If not by the Shadows, then . . ." She shook her head. "No, forget I said anything."

"I can't just stand by," Shou said. He took up a place beside her.

"Yes, you can," Kazami replied. Her face became a mask of grim conviction.

"Don't you care about Kudo's death?" Shou asked.

"Of course I care!" Kazami shouted at him.

Briefly, Shou wondered if he'd gone too far. But he stood his ground. This girl and her mysterious allies had too much to answer for. He decided that all he could do was push her even more, see if he could finally get something out of her.

He told her she could've helped them save the teacher.

"You're wrong," she said. It came out in a whimper, as if she didn't quite believe it. "Kudo-sensei . . . wasn't strong enough. He couldn't accept his own Shadow, and it devoured him, mind and soul. What walked off that train platform was just a shell. It was already too late for him by the time you guys showed up. That's all." Her voice lacked the confidence of her previous words. Was she having doubts?

Shou asked her if she'd accepted her Shadow.

She nodded. "It told me that this world was unjust. That people should only be given what they're worth. What they've earned. But instead, all these rich kids get everything handed to them on a silver platter. They don't deserve it." She turned to him. "You understand, don't you? The jealousy. The hate. I hate everything about most of the students here. I hate what they stand for. I hate what they've been given, without having to work for it. It isn't right. It isn't fair."

"Life isn't fair," Shou said.

"But it should be!" Kazami said. He must have hit a nerve, because he saw her blink back a couple of tears. "That's what my Shadow taught me. I accepted its words as the truth. And it became Elaios, my Persona."

Shou stared at her. She'd not only accepted her Shadow, but she'd accepted its words as well? Neither he, nor Emi, had done such a thing. They'd recognized that their Shadows were a part of their inner selves, and that their bitter words sprang forth from the depths of their own beings. But they hadn't embraced the conclusions their Shadows had come to.

Yet Kazami had.

Was that . . . Hope/LESS?

"Let Everything Sink into Shadow," Kazami said. Again, it was as if she'd read his mind. "That's what the 'LESS' part stands for. I came up with it. The name for our team." He thought she would sound proud, but instead she seemed strangely sad.

Unsure what else to do, he gave her a reassuring nod.

Suddenly, she grabbed his hand. "Join us," she said. "Please." Her eyes brimmed with hope. "You're not like the rest of them. I can tell. You belong with . . . us."

Had she been about to say something else?

Had she been about to say "You belong with me"?

He offered Kazami a smile. He knew he couldn't accept her offer, not when Hope/LESS stood for abandoning people to the Shadow world. That wasn't something he could abide by. But he felt like he was starting to understand Kazami better. His initial instinct had been right; she wasn't a bad person. He thought she was confused, that she'd been manipulated by her Shadow. And maybe, by someone else. This "Leader" she'd referred to, that day at the orphanage?

If he befriended her, could he lead her away from this path?

"I'm sorry," he said. "I can't."

She laughed, thought it was without mirth. "I figured," she said. "But . . . thanks. For thinking about it. Even for a second. You remind me of him, you know. Our Leader. A lot, actually." She smiled, too. It was radiant, as he'd thought it would be.

Shou felt something stirring within him, like the fluttering wings of a butterfly. There was a faint bond forming between him and Kazami. A familiar warmth spread through him.

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

Thou hast established a new bond . . . It brings thee closer to the truth . . . Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Justice Arcana . . .

Shou grinned. Electric power flooded through him, making his limbs tingle, making his body feel warm and alive.

"What's so funny?" Kazami asked.

"It was nice to see you smile," Shou said.

Kazami turned bright red and walloped Shou on the arm. Then she said, "It's almost time to close. I'll show you how. Come on." She pushed herself away from the counter.

Shou followed, still grinning. He pushed aside all the fear and tragedy of the day, and allowed himself to enjoy Kazami's company.

His school life had truly begun.

Social Links

The Fool — Morigami Exploration Team — Rank 1

The Magician — Hayabusa Kouta — Rank 1!

Justice — Kazami Kaede — Rank 1!

Author's Note: After some confusion from readers on the Arcanas, I've decided to make a small change. Kouta is now The Magician Arcana instead of The Chariot, and Kazami is Justice, instead of The Magician. Hopefully these Arcana assignments won't require any explanation (as the previous ones did)! :D

Also, a special thanks to Daniel Wilks and Mysteryless for your feedback on this chapter. I appreciate it!