Chapter Six: More than one...

April 21, 2009, Early Morning

Gekkoukan Entrance - Minato's POV

TUESDAY

I walked alone on the way to school with my hands in my pockets and headphones on my ears, oblivious to the world around me. If only for the purpose of preventing my mind to roam, making observations I'd rather not know. After a while, I became aware of someone walking beside me, apparently saying something I couldn't hear.

"I'm sorry, what?" I asked, pausing the music and letting the headphones fall against my neck.

"That's okay." The boy said. He had a medium build, dark brown hair and half a head smaller than me. "I said, how are you, Arisato?"

"I'm fine, thank you." I replied. "And you are?"

"Oh yeah, we haven't been introduced yet." He extended his hand. "I'm Kenji Tomochika."

"Minato Arisato." I said, shaking his hand. "But you seem to know that already." Kenji laughed. "The guy who walked with Yukari to school on the first day got popular fast."

I sighed. "So I hear..."

"Hey, I understand! A man's gotta move fast nowadays" He laughed. "I prefer older women myself."

I gave him a perceptive nod. A nod that I use quite a lot in dealing with unstable or rather people who need patronizing. Not that he needed to know that. "I see." The bell rang making us end our conversation.

"Let's continue this some other time, man. Gotta jet!" Kenji said. Not if I can help it...

School Auditorium, Morning

"... Now we'll have a word from our new Student Council president." I groaned inwardly and probably audibly too. More boring speeches? "When will this end?"

"Hopefully after Mitsuru-senpai gives her speech." Yukari answered.

"Rhetorical question. But you said, Mitsuru-senpai." I replied. "She's the council president?"

"Presenting the new Student Council President, Mitsuru Kirijo from class 3-D." A student talking on the auditorium stepped down from the platform. "I guess that answers my question."

"Oh that's right man. You were still in the hospital when the voting began." Junpei said, joining the conversation.

"So she got elected. Can't say I'm surprised, she is the most popular girl in school." Yukari said, spite audible in her voice.

"Yeah, she has this aura around her or something..." Junpei agreed. "Sides, her family's company owns the school doesn't it?"

"As I begin my term as Student Council President," Mitsuru said, capturing my attention, "I'd like to share with you my vision for the coming year. It is my firm belief that each one of us should bear the responsibility for bettering this school. However, change cannot occur without sustained effort and an unprecedented level of commitment."

She has a point, but I'm afraid that point falls on deaf ears. We are high school students for Pete's sake, this kind of speech is better suited for a campaign run or something. Then again, she might be scolding the student body in the guise of big words... And there is nothing like big words to make a normal teenager impassive. Oh, wait. We aren't normal, are we?

"That is why we must restructure our daily lives, to better accommodate this lofty goal." The president continued. "I'd like each of you to reach deep inside, to tap into your well of motivation, reevaluate your goals and convictions… To see what is truly important. To imagine a bold new future without losing sight of the present reality around you…That is the key."

Again... point falls on deaf ears. My apologies but she doesn't actually think that the student body would or rather could 'reevaluate our goals and convictions' does she? People our age just don't do things like that. Still, much better speech than Mr. Boring Principal...

"I'm certain all of you have your own visions of the future; I want you to share them, so that the whole that is produced from that will be the sum of the best of us. For us to reap the full benefits of our education, your visions of the future, your dedication, and your participation… All are essential." Mitsuru swept her gaze over the audience of students. "Thank you."

"Whoa." Junpei said after our senpai stepped down. Then he turned to me. "So, can you tell me what she said?"

I sighed. "To make things short, she said that as students, we are responsible for bettering the school. To do this, she wants us to reach deep inside ourselves and look for motivation and inspiration all the while sharing our visions for the future so that each of us can function as a part of a whole." I stared at Junpei's blinking face. "She said more but that's it in a nutshell."

"I didn't understand that either!" He exclaimed. "Well, whatever her speech meant, sure didn't sound like something a high schooler would say. If it was anybody else we'd laughing our butts off."

"But you understood senpai's speech, Minato? You must have a big vocabulary." Yukari said.

"Not really. I just hear speeches like that all the time."

"Sure." Junpei laughed. "We better get going or Ms. Toruimi'll have our behinds."

Gekkoukan Entrance, After School

Junpei and I were on our way to Hagakure when we were stopped by Akihiko-senpai. "Are the two of you free this afternoon?"

"Yeah."

"Meet me at Paulownia Mall this afternoon. You know where it is right?" He asked me.

I nodded. "What d'ya have in mind, senpai?" Junpei asked, ogling some girls – the boxer's fan girls probably- at the distance.

"I'll be at the police station. Don't be late." He answered and left. Police Station?

Junpei elbowed me lightly and laughed. "Do you think we can get to hang out with those girls?"

"At the Police Station?" I smirked. "Unless senpai wants to file a complaint and we're there as witnesses... Probably not."

"P-police Station?!" Junpei exclaimed. "What the heck are we gonna do there?"

I shrugged. "Besides, I don't think he even knows their names."

"Whaat?! That's ridiculous. I mean, Look. At. Them." He pointed each of the girls for every word.

I smiled. "There are two more girls behind the bushes under the window a few feet behind us. And one more hiding behind the building over there." I said, without taking my eyes away from him. After a while, he left me to check those two places.

"When did you- How-?" He stammered when he returned. "You were facing away from them the whole time!"

I slapped his shoulder and went back inside laughing.

"Minato! Hey man, tell me!"

Paulownia Mall, Police Station

Akihiko-senpai was already talking with a lone officer behind a desk when Junpei and I arrived. "Oh, here they are." He said, turning to the two of us. "They were the ones I mentioned earlier, Officer."

The policeman behind the desk gave the two of us appraising looks. I don't like the way he's lingering on my face... I hope he doesn't think I look familiar. If the officer did recognize me, I suppose he let it slide.

"Guys, this is Officer Kurosawa." Akihiko said, after a moment. "Officer, Junpei Iori is the one with the hat and the other is Minato Arisato."

"I see."

"Officer Kurosawa helps keep our squad well equipped. I'm sure you realize that weapons and certain body armor are very hard to come by without... connections." The boxer explained. "Of course... they aren't exactly free."

"Of course. Nothing in life is." Came the officer's amused reply.

"So, if you are in need replacements on battered weapons and body armor, you know where to go. Given our circumstances, it happens a lot. I also suggest picking up some armor. They provide better protection than our uniforms after all." Akihiko reached for his pocket and he pulled out some money. "Ikutsuki-san told me to give this to you. You might see something you like." He gave the two of us 5,000 yen each.

"Kinda weird that a police station would sell high schoolers weapons..." Junpei said as soon as the boxer left. "I know the Kirijo Group can pull some strings for us... but still."

"While I may be an ordinary police officer, I am not stupid." The officer said. "It doesn't take a genius to know that something isn't right here. While the textbook says I should be arresting SEES for possessing these weapons, my duty as a police officer does not. The police cannot deal with these matters so the least I could do is help the people who can."

"Yeah, but shouldn't you be like... selling us guns instead of swords and bows?" Junpei asked.

"Guns are a lot harder to deal with than your average antiques." The officer laughed. "Not to mention the amount of red tape I would have to go through even with my connections."

"Well, can we see your wares?" I asked. I decided to buy a Gladius, a sword that was slightly heavier and more balanced than the sword the senpais gave me. Junpei decided to take off after he bought a new weapon of his own.

I was about to leave as well when Officer Kurosawa asked me a question. "Is your grandfather aware of your business here?" I stopped in my tracks. "You thought I wouldn't recognize you? The blue hair is quite a giveaway."

"All he knows is I am away to finish my high school education." I answered, my voice impassive. " And no, he does not know of my involvement with SEES. And I wish to keep it that way for as long as possible."

"I'll deliver the swords to the dorm at midnight." He said, ending the discussion with a hint of amusement in his voice.

Iwatodai Dorm, Evening

Kurosawa recognized me... He wouldn't tell Grandfather. Would he? But... he did say he's helping us... If Grandfather found out what I'm doing here... No. I can't let him know. Tch. I'm such a hypocrite. I refuse to participate in the family business, but now I explore a dangerous tower full of hidden and unknown mysteries. Which frankly, is just as dangerous as the family business. Probably even more.

"Arisato." I became aware of someone beside me. "Are you listening to me?"

My facial expression was slightly apologetic. Hiding my slight annoyance behind the faithful mask. "Sorry senpai. What were you saying?"

"I didn't see you as the type to daydream." She mused. "I wanted to talk to you about leading the exploration." She paused for a moment to let it sink in. When I didn't respond, she continued. "As you can see, Akihiko is still recovering from his wound and I have to stay on support for as long as needed. The best arrangement that I can see is to let you continue acting as the leader of the field team."

I shrugged. "If you say so, senpai. But don't get your hopes up."

She chuckled. "Don't sell yourself short just yet, Arisato. As the field leader, you decide when to explore Tartarus for our forays into the tower. I don't think I need to tell you the importance of training especially since we can't be sure when an unusually powerful enemy might appear."

I nodded. "Like the one that attacked the dorm, huh? Well, I think taking it slow and steady seems to be the best course of action." I stood up. "I'll be turning in for tonight. Good night, senpai."

"Good night, Arisato." She greeted back.

Minato's Room

I carefully removed my beloved sword, Demon's Bane, from its sheath. I traced the intricate designs on the hilt with my fingers. I sighed as I stared at the silver blade, it was clean thanks to Mitsuru-senpai, but there was a crack no amount of cleaning could fix.

I need to get Demon's Bane fixed. But I can't let Grandfather know, he'll ask me how this happened. Can I risk asking his assistant? I might be able to pull it off, but...

I took a deep breath and dialed the number of Grandfather's secretary. "Hello, This is Skylark Industries, we take your dreams to the Sky." She repeated the tired line in a cheery voice. "How may I help you?"

"Akira, it's Minato."

"Oh, hello, Arisato-san. Do you want to talk to the CEO?" She asked, her voice friendlier.

"No, no. I don't want to talk to Grandfather." I replied.

"Ohhh..." She purred. "Then maybe you just wanted to hear my voice?"

"No." I said, my voice even. "I wanted to ask you something."

I heard her gasp on the line. For what reason her mind came up with I don't know. "Minato, I- I don't think I'm ready. Do you really want to marry me that badly?"

I rolled my eyes. "Akira, I'm serious."

"You're no fun. What do you want then?"

"Well, I was thinking on making a new sword. Do you know where I can find a reliable person or company that makes and repairs high quality swords?" I asked.

"You boys and your toys... At your age, I thought you'd be thinking more about girls than swords." She sighed. "Yes, I know a reliable place."

"Good. I knew I could count on you." I smiled. "Where is it?"

"And why would I tell you?" Akira smirked. "Unless of course, there's something in return."

Of course... There's always something in return. "What do you want?"

"Oh, I'll think of something..." She said. "How about you owe me one thing. I can't think of one right now, but I'll call when I do."

"Deal. Now where is the place?" I took a piece of paper and wrote down the address Akira gave me. Jackpot. "Akira do me a favor, don't tell Grandfather."

"Planning on doing something naughty, Minato?"

"Well, I just want to surprise him. The sword is for him you know, as a token of my thanks." I lied. Akira was an efficient secretary but she was a little naïve.

"Aww. That's sweet. Okay, for the old man." She said.

"Right, thanks." I hung up and looked at the piece of paper in my hand. It's pretty far... but it's worth it. Who knows, I might make that lie true, and make a sword for him after all.

April 22, 2009, Early Morning

Gekkoukan Entrance

"...Most of those Apathy Syndrome people are probably just lazy." I heard as I approached the school gates. "I hope it's not contagious."

"Hey, the athletic teams are accepting new members, today. Maybe we should join." One girl told the first.

"Yeah. That's a great idea." The first said. The two of them kept talking as they went out of earshot range. Athletic teams are accepting new members, you say? Maybe I should join too.

Lunchtime

"What's up, Arisato?" Kenji asked, sitting beside me. "I tried to look for you yesterday. I thought we were going to continue that talk."

"Sorry, I had things to take care of."

"Busy already?" He smirked. "Look man, you should learn to have fun! Get out some more." He paused to chew his food. "Sides, I thought the rumors 'bout you and Yukari were real."

"Yukari and I just live in the same dorm." I repeated the same line again.

"Really? Yukari is pretty hot, I would have gone for her if she was older..." Kenji said. Oh, right he likes older women.. The bell rang signaling the end of our lunch break. "You're an interesting guy, wanna join me at Hagakure this afternoon?"

"I kinda have things to do today. How about tomorrow?" I asked.

He looked perplexed. "Pretty busy aren't cha? Yep, tommorow then. I'll hold you to that!"

After School

I sat under the Persimmon tree breathing the fresh air after observing each of the athletic clubs. Swim, Track and Kendo. I'm good with a sword but I just don't see it as a sport. I'm not a bad swimmer, been taught by my father when I was young. My father... is that right? Was he the one who taught me how to fight with swords as well? Grandfather did say that Demon's Bane was actually my father's. Such a pity I remember so little about him... Not like thinking about it is gonna help me remember. Not with this stupid traumatic amnesia...

So, Track. Not as good as running as I am with swimming but I'm best with swords. Too bad there isn't a swimming pool or a sparring partner available nearby. My skills are rusting...

"Hey, Minato. What're you doing here?" I stood up to acknowledge Yukari. "Just thinking. Practice is finished, I presume?"

She laughed. "I'm all dirty and sweaty. Good thing I found you. Our physics teacher was looking for you a while ago."

"What for?"

"I dunno." She shrugged. "Anyway, I gotta hit the showers, see you at the dorm." Yukari left me and headed to the direction of the showers. I, on the other hand, decided to go to the Faculty Office. I just entered the hallway when the stern-looking physics teacher approached me. "Minato, I heard things about you."

I held my hands up in mock surrender. "Whatever it is, I didn't do it."

The teacher's stern face softened. "I hear that you know what makes a sword tick, Arisato." Where did he hear that? "Have you thought of joining the Kendo club?"

"Yes, I have. But I'm not really familiar with the tournament rules."

"Well we can take care of that. Would you like to..."

Iwatodai Dorm, Evening

I hope I did the right thing when I agreed to join the Kendo club a while ago. I was originally planning to join the swim team. But the Kendo team is pretty cool too. I told senpai that I wanted to go to Tartarus tonight. She told me would notify the others as soon as possible. I decided to get ready myself and went to my room.

Tartarus

We reached the fourth floor without incident. Junpei wasn't as overly enthusiastic as before and Yukari overcame her hesitation in summoning her persona. As the three of us explored the fourth floor as a group, we found two more cards similar to the one Yukari found last time.

"You don't feel anything from these cards?" I asked the two of them, giving them the cards they found.

"No. We don't feel anything." They answered. One of the cards had the same picture as the one Yukari found and once I touched it, it disappeared. The other had a picture of a small girl with wings. I felt some strange power emanating from both. Odd... I decided to forget about it and head on to the fifth floor.

"Be careful! I sense a powerful shadow ahead. Arisato, it's up to you whether you want to continue or return for now. There is a teleporter up ahead." Senpai warned through the transceiver. "Return if you think you are not ready yet."

True enough the teleporter was only a few feet away when we set foot on the 5th floor. But that wasn't what caught my attention. There were three massive bird shadows in the room adjacent to the teleporter. The crows didn't attack us however, they only watched us with their beady eyes. In other words, we have to defeat these guys if we want to climb the stairs.

"We'll return for now. You guys must be tired given that we have climbed 4 floors nonstop." I said as I walked to the teleporter. Unfortunately, the shadows had a different idea. I jumped back as I felt some movement in their direction. I didn't plan on becoming bird food for these punks. "Drat! We have no choice."

The shadows were agile. Easily avoiding Yukari's arrows and Junpei's Agi spells. "Wind spells don't work!" Yukari exclaimed when she shot a Garu spell at a flying crow.

"Split up. Keep moving, don't be an easy target. Senpai! Scan them. Junpei, focus on slashing these things with Hermes instead. Yukari aim for their eyes if you can!" I shouted orders as I summoned Orpheus.

Orpheus bashed one crow as it flew for Junpei crushing the shadow with the heavy lyre. But the shadow wasn't finished, it aimed a Garu spell of its own at Junpei. "Junpei watch out!" Junpei fell to his knees as the Garu spell, his elemental weakness, hit him. I ordered Orpheus to finish the weakened shadow off. "Yukari! Take care of Junpei, I'll cover you." Yukari nodded as she acknowledged my order and ordered Io to heal Junpei.

"The shadow is called a Venus Eagle. I am unable to see any weaknesses or strengths." said senpai once she finished scanning.

I ran to the corner farthest from Junpei and aimed Agi spells at the faces of the two remaining Venus Eagles. The shadows took the taunt and left Yukari alone. Oh boy, here we go. One of them dove down and tried to peck me, I anticipated the attack and dodged. Only to find myself battered by a Garu spell. I summoned Orpheus to bash them but the Venus Eagles dodged easily.

"Arisato, be careful!"

"I'm trying, senpai! These things are fast and agi spells just don't do the trick!" I argued. I groaned as Orpheus was hit with a Garu spell.

I think you need some help, Master. I heard a female voice inside my head. Orpheus won't last much longer. Are you a persona? What do you think? I'm not exactly happy at being ignored...

I ordered Orpheus to fade as I took a card from my front pocket. It glowed blue as it floated in my left hand then it faded as I felt its presence in my mind. I am yours to command, Master. "Let's do this." I felt the Evoker's cold touchagainst my forehead. The two Venus Eagles turned their attention to me and dove. "Apsaras! Bufu!" I yelled and sent a wave of ice towards the two shadows.

The shadows' wings froze mid flight and they fell with a startled scream. "Minato, what was that?" Junpei asked, he stood after Yukari healed him. I waved my free hand. "Later. Let's finish this first. All-out Attack!" The three of us rushed in to attack the frozen shadows.

"So, what was that?" Yukari asked as the shadows dissipated. "Did you summon another Persona?"

"I think so." I took the card with the picture of the girl with wings and just like Apsaras, it glowed blue for a moment and faded. "That one was Pixie..."

"Interesting. I never thought it possible to summon more than one Persona." Senpai said. "But the three of you must be tired, especially after that difficult fight."

"Yeah. I can hear my bed calling me already." Junpei sighed. "But man, multiple personas? That's so cool."

I just smiled and walked to the teleporter. "We better get going. I don't want to fall asleep here. We have school tomorrow after all."

Author's Note: Do you guys see the review button below? Would you be so kind as to click it and post a review? Oh, and the longer the better. Reviews like "Good job." and such are nice and all but they don't really help.

It wont really hurt to say what you liked/hated about the chapter right? It gives writers like me more motivation to make the story better and update it. Thank you to all those who have reviewed before! And to the infamous 'those who just read and not review' please do.