Author's Note: This chapter's a lot shorter, because of time constraints and it's better story wise to keep the next part in the same chapter rather splitting it across two chapters. This chapter focuses on going to Kuzunoha to spread a rumour and meeting Baofu.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, all rights go to their respective owners.

Chapter 2 - Rumours

The police had arrived shortly after they left the clock tower, and the principal's office was sealed off for investigation. Katsuya stood next to the police tape when Captian Shimazu and Detective Tani approached him. Captain Shimazu had high widow's peak and black hair. He wore a beige overcoat with a white shirt, a grey waist coat, and a yellow tie.

"Isn't he in charge of the bizarre serial murder case division?" Maya asked Runa in a whisper.

Runa nodded and replied quietly. "Yes, he is."

If he's here… Then… There really isn't any doubt that it's the same serial killer from 10 years ago. The same one that killed Takuya Minashiro. But of course, knowing it's the same man doesn't help if no one knows who that man is or what he looks like, Runa realised as she clasped her hands together and held them closer to herself.

"You okay?" Ulala waved a hand in front her face

"I'm fine…" Runa blinked and shook her head.

"Let's see if we can 'overhear,' what they are talking about?" Maya suggested and glanced at Captain Shimazu, Detective Tani and Katsuya.

Runa stood with Ulala and Maya and they listened in as the three members of the police force discussed the situation. Detective Tani reflected. "The student profiles aren't reliable. So, it looks like another guy has drawn the Old Maid card?"

Katsuya nodded, then he, Captian Shimazu and Detective Tani glanced towards her, Maya and Ulala. Captain Shimazu narrowed his eyes at them as he adjusted his glasses. Runa tried to keep a neutral expression and pretend she hadn't been listening to their conversation. Captain Shimazu asked. "Those three are the first on-scene? Where's the other student witness?"

Katsuya answered his superior. "I sent her to the police hospital. The 'Old Maid,' is after the witness. Put some guards on her."

"So I heard you came in contact with #501… report it," Captain Shimazu commanded after he crossed his arms and nodded.

Katsuya described the events that occurred since he encountered the serial killer. It made Runa wish that her brother wasn't so honest about these sort of things for once. Runa cringed inwardly as Detective Tani shook his head at Katsuya. "Suou-kun… You rest. You've been working too hard since the 'Old Maid,' appeared. Take your dad to a vacation spot once in a while."

"Tani-san…!" Katsuya tried to argue but Detective Tani cut him off.

"The whole report was unrealistic. Just take a break, Suou-kun," Detective Tani insisted.

That's it! Runa thought and she marched up to the three men.

"Runa, what are you…?" Katsuya questioned

"I was there the entire time, and I know for a fact that…" Runa started.

"Runa…" Katsuya warned her.

"I…" Runa was going to protested, but she relented when she saw the look in Katsuya's eyes. She pouted. Nothing I say was going to help the situation. If anything I would only get myself and Katsuya into more trouble.

"Officer Suou, as of today, you are off the team. I heard that you were a superior detective. But, it's a shame. Also keep your sister out of police business, I'm sure you rather she not have a repeat of what happened when she received that burn," Captain Shimazu ordered.

"Yes sir," Katsuya closed his eyes and said said. He began to walk away.

Katsuya stopped however when Captain Shimazu remarked. "'Like father, like son.' Huh…"

Katsuya shot him an agitated look then silently continued. Runa bit her tongue and followed him.

As they walked down the hall, Runa opened her mouth to apologise, but Katsuya caught her eye and said. "It's not your fault. It would of happened regardless of you, I'm afraid."

"Still… I didn't make things any better, did I?" Runa pointed out.

"You were trying help, that's not a bad thing… I wouldn't suggest doing something like that again, though. I rather not see you get hurt," Katsuya assured her as they stopped in front of Ulala and Maya. His eyes involuntarily flickered to her scarred right hand.

Runa cover her right hand with her left and glanced away. Ulala sighed and told Katsuya. "That's why I tied to stop you… So, what are you gonna do? You're not really going on vacation, are you?"

"Don't be absurd… The only officer to see him was me. I WILL be the one to arrest him," Katsuya asserted.

Ulala suggested. "Well then… How about spreading that, 'anti-Joker' rumour that Deja Vu Boy was talking about?"

He rejected the notion. "That's absurd… It's not logical. There are times when rumours do come true, but that's only…"

"Would you stop calling me, 'absurd?' Can everything that happened up to now be explained!? You rock-head with sideburns!" Ulala snapped.

"Sideburns…" Katsuya was taken of guard by the comment.

Runa brighten and giggled. "You know, your hairstyle kinda does resemble those…"

Katsuya coughed and ignored her. "Fine… Whatever. There's the matter of the boy who saved us. Let's heard what the detective has to say. That 'Old Maid,' is not normal, but I'm stuck on what he was saying… About the 'Other Side,' and 'This Side…'"

Ulala sighed. "We can't go to the party after all… Well, it can't be helped…"

"Sorry, Ulala. I know you really wanted to go," Maya apologised to her friend.

"Don't sweat it. I couldn't go to the party and enjoy myself with the way things are now," Ulala dismissed her concerns.

"Right, I'll go talk to that detective, and I'll get what information I can," Maya determined.

"I'll come," Ulala decided and went with Maya as the journalist went over toward Detective Tani and began asking him questions.

Runa watched from afar until she saw Noriko out of the corner of her eye. She told Katsuya. "I'll be back in a moment. I need to talk to Noriko, she's bound to be really worried about Senpai."

She didn't wait for a reply and went to Noriko. Noriko saw her and questioned. "Have you seen Anna-senpai? Why are the police here? Runa-chan… What happened? Is she okay!?"

"Whoa, don't worry! Anna-senpai's just went to hospital, but she's fine. She's getting guards to protect her and everything. She's safe. She got knocked out by Joker. Joker's the the one who killed principal. That's why the police are here," Runa hastily answered without much pause.

"The Principal died…?" Noriko went pale and strongly insisted. "But, I know that my big sis didn't ask the Joker to… I just know it…"

"I know that, Noriko-chan," Runa assured her.

"Y-You do!?" Noriko exclaimed.

"Noriko-chan, of course I do. She's our friend, we both know she would never do something like that not even to the man who hit her."

"But you still think that Kaneda Taisuke, deserved what he got, right?"

"No… I've seen first hand what Joker can do. No one deserves that."

"You…!? You never even liked the principal!"

"I wasn't talking about him…"

"Huh? Then who…" Noriko paused seeing Runa's expression. As the realisation hit her, her hands began to shake. "Oh… Then the rumours are true. It really is the same guy. Runa-chan, I… I'm so s-sorry. I… I d-didn't know."

"It's alright. I'm fine. I finally have the chance to not hide this time. I won't let him Anna-senpai. I won't. I will never let him hurt another one of my friends again. You hear me?" Runa vowed.

"Y-You don't understand… I'm s-sorry… I… I g-gotta go," Noriko eyes watered and she fled.

"N-Noriko!" Runa called out. What the hell?

Saeko-sensei approached Runa after Noriko ran past her. "What happened to Katayama-chan? I have been looking for her. She's upset, is everything alright?"

"She and I were talking about what happened… And then… She ran off. She's really worried about Anna-senpai, and with everything else…" Runa informed her.

"It is a lot to deal with," Saeko-sensei understood, and she cautioned Runa. "I'm going to see if I can talk to Katayama… And, don't get into any trouble, Suou-chan."

Saeko-sensei turned around and hurried off. Although under her breath she muttered. "Stupid demons… Why do the schools I'm at always have these kinds of incidents…?"

"Er… She's been in demon infested schools before?" Runa stared blankly ahead.

"Suou-chan, we're leaving," Ulala called out as she, Maya and Kastuya strolled past.

Runa shook her head free of any theories involving supernatural creature infested schools being commonplace, and hurried to keep up with the others. She asked Katsuya if they should returned to the crime scene later on. He disagreed and they headed to Kuzunoha in the Aoba district.

At the Kuzunoha Detective Agency, there was a large golden lucky cat statue near the entrance.

I'm amazed a place like this is in Aoba… I thought Hirasaka would be a more likely place, Runa commented as she entered the agency with Katsuya, Ulala and Maya.

The carpet had a navy blue pattern, there were couches and a coffee table in the middle of the room as well. Overlooking the coffee table area was a large wooden desk with a computer upon it. At the desk was slightly larger man with grey hair and a grey moustache. Then nearby there was a woman in a brown pinstripe suit and short brown hair. Runa reached out with her Persona ability to see if these people were Persona-users. She found that they weren't, but regardless Runa could feel that they were not your everyday people.

Who are they? And why I do get the sense that I've met them before? Runa puzzled in her mind.

"Huh… For some reason I didn't think we would find this place in Aoba despite what he said," Maya muttered to herself.

Runa immediately glanced at her. "You too…!"

"Welcome! We take cases of all kinds, from secret love affairs to ghosts!" The woman greeted the four of them.

"Well, no. I want to ask something…" Katsuya explained.

"Huh? What is it?" The woman wondered.

"It might be best if we explain this to you and your boss at the same time," Runa suggested.

"Very well," the woman gestured for them to come over to the desk.

"You about demons, right?" Runa asked without thinking.

"…!?" Tamaki was taken aback and her eyes met with the man's eyes.

Runa grimaced and fiddled the watch on her wrist. "Um… So I guessed right, huh? So, if you two aren't Persona users… Who are you? You can't be the average private detectives."

"Yes, you did. I'm Tamaki Uchida. While I attending college, I work as devil summoner. And this is my boss, Chief Todoroki," Tamaki, the woman introduced herself.

"I am also a Devil Summoner," Chief Todoroki added as he stood up from the desk.

Devil Summoners… So they talk to demons, too! Runa realised.

Chief Todoroki glanced over at Katsuya. "But enough about us… You had a question?"

"This might sound a little odd, but…. Can you take a request to spread an anti-Joker rumour, by any chance?" Katsuya inquired.

Chief Todoroki mentioned in return. "I've never taken such a request, but someone did come in to ask if the Joker rumour was spread."

"What kind of person was he?" Katsuya asked.

"He was young male, approximately in his late teens, he had auburn hair and he wearing a red jumpsuit with a black cross on the jacket," Tamaki described, as best as she could..

"That is exactly what the 'Deja Vu Boy,' looked like when I saw him today. It's the same person who saved us," Maya announced.

"Tell me a little more. I don't know what you're talking about," Chief Todoroki requested.

"Serizawa-san, if you will?" Katsuya turned towards Ulala.

"You see my friend, Maya bumped into this boy… Ever since then she felt as if she has met him before, even though she is certain that they had never met before that day. Then not too long ago, he saved us from this guy called Joker, who might be responsible the recent serial murders. This Joker guy also sent demons to to try and kill us more than once. He also kept going the 'other side,' and stuff," Ulala explained.

"I see… very interesting. The bizarre serial murders, the rumours of the Joker, the sighting of demons… It all makes sense if the rumours are true. I'll accept the request to spread that anti-Joker rumour. It's a good chance to see if a rumour can become reality," Chief Todoroki nodded and reflected.

"You seemed to have accepted that quickly. You're not gonna report it to the hospital?" Ulala remarked disbelieving of the man's reaction.

"The world is filled with mystery. We can't be held down by 'common sense.' Well then… A real man goes by his own rules. First, ask me to spread the rumour," Chief Todoroki countered.

"Alright, sounds easy enough," Maya commented.

"Everything has to be settled. That will never change. Remember the procedure," Chief Todoroki told her.

"I will. So can you spread a rumour that the power that the Seven Sisters' emblem holds is that it repels the Joker?" Maya inquired.

"Yes, of course. This time my service will be free, but if you wish to use the service again, you will need to pay," Chief Todoroki warned before he added. "Anything else?"

"Do you have any hints with how to fight against demons?" Ulala wondered.

"Merely fighting demons isn't skill. Try negotiating with them," Chief Todoroki advised.

"Um, but what if the demons are really hard to talk to?" Runa questioned.

"Ha…They usually are, just get to known each type better and you'll learn to handle them in time. Don't worry if you fail everyone now and then, it happens to everyone," Chief Todoroki answered.

"How do you know about this stuff?" Maya crossed her arms and asked.

"I look like this, but I do work in a demon-related business…" Chief Todoroki pointed out before he told them. "Back to the matter of your request. Since the request is now approved, I'd advise you to check the results yourself. If you have any other rumours to spread, get information from the rumourmongers. They're everywhere."

Tamaki added her input. "That "Deja Vu Boy,' seems to be looking for the source of the rumours… I know of a good underground page."

"Show us," Maya prompted.

Tamaki nodded and went to the computer. She set Maya up with an account and username on the site she recommended. Tamaki then told them. "'Baofu,' who's a friend of the chief, has a web page with all rumours in this city. He's in a chat room right now."

Runa examined the computer screen from behind Maya. The site's logo was red with golden writing on either side of a black tiger figure in the middle. Also the words Baofu - Darkside Of Sumaru City and the site's URL were written on the logo.

Maya entered a brief account about her experience with the Joker into the chat. A few moments later Baofu the website's creator asked. Rabbit, you saw the Joker…? They say no one escapes once he's after you. How'd you survive?

It's a long story, and it's possible you may think I was making it up. Maya using the alias Rabbit typed in response.

So you're saying I wouldn't believe it? Oh, well… I'll know when I see you. We'll meet at 2X Slash in Aoba, Rabbit. Tell the worker my handle, and do what they tell you… Baofu told her via the chatroom.

"Sounds suspicious… Should we go?" Katsuya wondered looking at the screen.

"We have no choice, but to… We have no other leads," Maya pointed out and added. "Although, I doubt we are in any danger. This Baofu is friend of Chief Todoroki, and Tamaki-san recommended the website, I don't believe they would steer us wrong."

"We only just met them, but I get that feeling too," Runa nodded and told Katsuya off. "Stop worrying so much. Not everything turns out badly."

"If you say so, but we must remain vigilant. Though, how can this 'Baofu,' say he'll know by meeting? I don't like it…" Katsuya sighed.

"That could be wise, but don't hold too many doubts. You might end up getting paranoid," Chief Todoroki warned before excusing him. "I'll going to make a coffee, anyone else want one?"

"I'll have one," Tamaki told him while the others declined the offer.

Todoroki nodded and he walked off toward the back area of the agency.

Ulala cocked her head and said to Maya. "That man doesn't look sharp, but he's a good man inside! My 'man-tenna,' reads wildly."

Maya smiled as she nodded in agreement. "Goes to show, it's important to see beyond the surface of people and of there things in general."

"I'm glad that you could think like that, Maya-san," Tamaki brightened.

"Out of curiosity's sake, Tamaki-san. How did you feel finding out we were Persona-users? Have you met any before?" Maya inquired

"I was surprised. There's a lot of Persona users, huh. In my high school, there were 9 of them. Also there's that other guy, the archaeologist… Then…" Tamaki answered. She frowned suddenly and muttered. "Hmm? I though I knew more, but I guess not…?"

"Hmm…" Maya crossed her arms before she decided that they should head to 2X Slash.

In 2X Slash a half asleep waiter cracked open his eyes and groaned at the sight of Maya, Ulala, Runa and Katsuya approaching the counter that he was leaning his head against. He stood from his stool and waited for them to talk.

"Huh!?" Runa feel a wave of energy coming from nearby. She muttered to herself. "Is this… another Persona-user…?"

"Hey, did you say something Runa-chan?" Ulala questioned.

"Um, no it was nothing. Just my imagination," Runa avoided the questioned. I might be wrong… After all, a lot's happened to today… It wouldn't surprise me if I saw danger around every corner.

"What do you lot want? Just tell me already," the unmotivated waiter yawned.

"Hello. I was told to come here by 'Baofu.' He knows me as Rabbit, and…" Maya began to tell him.

"Welcome. Rabbit, yes, I've heard," the unmotivated waiter said cutting her off. He gave a casual wave toward the computers behind them. "Use that red machine over there."

They turned and gathered around the computer. Maya sat down and logged in to 'Baofu's' site.

Immediately afterwards, Baofu sent a message commenting on their presence. Rabbit, I see how you survived. I didn't imagine 4 Persona users.

"Wai… How'd you know that!?" Ulala questioned.

"Then that presence was a…" Persona-user, Runa realised stepping back.

"Presence?" Maya puzzled before her eyes suddenly widen. "Oh… That's what you meant."

"This is… a Persona…!?" Katsuya exclaimed as he scanned the room.

"Runa-chan! Why didn't you mention this when you sense it!?" Ulala snapped at her.

"I thought I might be wrong… I'm new at this!" Runa snapped back.

Then on the other side of the room, a man in a sand coloured doubled-breasted coat over a black shirt stood. He turned to face them. He had long black hair, wore circular framed shades and a wore black choker which had two blue stones upon it. He also had a slight bread on his jawline. Runa realised this must be the Persona-user she sensed before.

"You people have just become Persona-users… You don't know how to use your 'Chi.' It's obvious… Surprisingly, the kid's better at it than the rest of you, even though I presume she had her Persona for the same amount of time," the man who could only be, 'Baofu,' remarked. When no one said a word. He ordered them. "Follow me…"

They all nodded and did as Baofu requested. When Runa neared the door, she noticed a bin.

If I want to find out about what's going on, then… I can't have this, I'd be left behind. She thought, glancing at the school emblem on her took a breath deep them as she ripped her emblem off. She threw it into the bin and left just as Ulala was telling her to hurry up.

They followed Baofu to a place called Parabellum. There Baofu received the full story of what happened that day from Katsuya, Ulala, Runa and Maya.

Upon hearing the conclusion of the tale, Baofu commented. "…I see. Interesting…"

As Baofu sipped his drink, Katsuya told him. "… We said about all we know. Now it's your turn."

"From what I've researched, the Joker rumours are taken from some TV show, which then started to spread like wildfire. But before that, not even the 'J' in Joker was known to the public. There's just one exception… Where do you think it is…? The phone of Tatsuzou Sudou," Baofu revealed.

"Who is Tatsuzou Sudou?" Ulala questioned.

"The current foreign minister…" Katsuya answered before his eyes flickered over to Baofu. "How would you know? … A wire tap? That's illegal."

"Don't be so stiff… It's been going around that he's been doing some pretty dirty stuff underground. That 10-year unsolved serial arson-murder case… It's an infamous rumour between police and investigators that it was his son," Baofu remarked as he got out a cigarette.

"Is that… true!?" Katsuya exclaimed, and he briefly rested his gaze on Runa.

Tatsuzou Sudou's son is the killer… The man who killed Takuya, the same one who's silhouette I saw through the flames. All this time, I thought the killer had gotten away with it because I couldn't see him clearly enough to give an accurate description… But now… It turns out, it's not actually my fault… Runa pulled her hands into fists and clenched her jaw. The police and investigators knew who killed all those people… Yet they did nothing… How could they!?

"What… you don't know? Well, either way, about this incident, you don't think it was a coincidence, do you?" Baofu questioned.

"Then the foreign minister Tatsuzou Sudou has something to do with the Joker case!?" Ulala realised almost slipping her drink.

"'We,' are going to find out about that now. Take me with you. I know where Sudou's son lives. You guys get clues on the Joker. As long as I'm by the next target, I will get closer to the truth… Not a bad deal," Baofu decided.

"…What do you plan to do with the truth? Your objective is blackmail, huh?" Katsuya challenged.

"He-he… My intentions are honourable, I can assure you. I can't let evil prevail…" Baofu stated.

"… What should we do? You're being targeted, you decide," Katsuya turned his head to Maya.

"I don't the harm in him coming along. We need all the help that's on offer," Maya determined.

"You understand what I'm talking about," Baofu smiled slightly before he said. "Well then, let me test something first…"

He took out his phone and made a phone call. "Yeah, Todoroki? I'm in Parabellum right now. Spread a rumour that they're selling weapons here."

"Hey… What are you trying to do? Ulala questioned.

Baofu finished his phone call and told her. "I don't believe that rumours can come true… So I'm testing it out."

"Seriously…!?" Ulala marvelled.

Baofu nodded and said. "It'll take a few minutes or so. I'll ask about it soon."

Less than ten minutes later… The barkeeper stood wearing a green bow tie, a white shirt, a black vest and matching suit pants. In his hands he held a silver brief case which he opened, and a stunning collection of guns was revealed to be inside.

"I'm surprised… Hell, it actually worked…" Baofu shook his head and commented.

The barkeeper retained his refined composure and informed. "We have other weapons lined up. Please feel free to ask for anything…"

"Do you happened have a naginata?" Runa wondered.

"Why yes, we have several," the barkeeper replied.

Runa's eyes shifted to Katsuya. "Can…"

"No, you are not getting a weapon," Katsuya dismissed the notion.

"I was already allowed have a naginata at home…" Runa grumbled.

"It's a practice one, and you cannot go running about with a real weapon," Katsuya argued.

"You let Maya keep the guns, but you won't let me have a naginata. You are no fun," Runa complained and rested her head on her hands.

The barkeeper closed the case and went to the back of Parabellum to return the case to it's place. Of which didn't exist until they asked for the rumour to be made, Runa noted silently.

Ulala brighten and sipped on her cocktail. "T-Then, does that mean the rumour about the emblem is now true!? Then you're alright, Ma-ya!"

Runa stared at her water with a frown. Yeah… I totally belong here. Not.

"So whatcha gonna do with the emblem? If you keep it, the Joker will just stay away," Baofu asked.

"I won't run into 'Deja Vu Boy,' anymore, though," Maya reflected.

"Think of why he gave you that…" Baofu advised her.

Maya held the emblem in her hands and stared down at it. As if reaching a decision, she smiled and straighten her head. She reached for Baofu's lighter. A slight grin appeared on Baofu's face as he understood her intent.

Maya held the lighter's flame to emblem and let it catch on fire. She dropped the emblem into the ashtray as the fire consumed it whole. "I've made my choice… What's next?"

"Baofu, where is Tatsuzou Sudou's son?" Katsuya inquired once the Seven Sisters emblem was reduced to ashes.

"Sudou's son should be at the sanitarium at Mt. Mifune," Baofu answered.

"I see… Amano-san, let's check it out," Katsuya determined as he rose out his seat. Maya also stood when Baofu caused them to stop.

"Hold on! There's a place called the Velvet Room around here. It has something to do with demons… Considering the situation you're in right now, you'll need all the help you can get. Let's go in and have a look…" Baofu advised them.

"What is that? What does that have to do with anything?" Katsuya questioned.

"I don't even feel like explaining… Just follow me…" Baofu responded as he stood and went toward the door.

Runa stood and went to follow when Katsuya caught her arm. She sighed and asked. "What is it?"

"You are not coming after the killer. You have an emblem. You are safe from the Joker. Please go home," Katsuya said.

"No. I'm coming, this guy killed my friend once! I'm not staying behind!" Runa disagreed and gestured to her the place where she ripped off her emblem. "Besides Joker wasn't after me, I was already safe. Also I got rid of my emblem ages ago."

Katsuya coughed and exclaimed. "WHAT DID YOU DO!?"

"Oh… Looks like I'm coming, doesn't it?" Runa smiled.

"…" Katsuya placed a hand to his forehead and muttered to himself.

Baofu escorted them through a faintly glowing blue door, and inside was a room known only as the Velvet Room. There was a woman singing softly into a microphone, a man with a blindfold over his eyes playing a piano, and another man wearing a beanie by an easel. Then lastly upon a chair sat a third man with a rather large nose and blood shot eyes. This long-nose man grinned. "Welcome to the Velvet Room. This is where the different forms of people's hearts are called to awaken… By order of our Master Philemon, we have been awaiting you. My name is Igor."

"~I am Belladonna~

~I sing for those who challenge~

~The monster known as oneself~" Sang the woman, Belladonna. She was dressed in a dark purple dress emblazoned with a white butterfly.

"I am Nameless… The piano player who opens the closed doors of the heart…" The blindfolded man, Nameless announced as he continued to play the room's haunting yet beautiful tune.

Thirdly, the man with beanie and sunglasses introduced himself. "I am the Demon Artist. I am the artist who draws the gods and demons that dwell within people."

"We are told to assist the awakening of your new hearts, your new Personas. I am very glad to make your acquaintance…" Igor informed them.

"So, in other words… you can have all sorts of Personas summoned here? That's pretty convenient…" Ulala marvelled. Then Ulala faced Maya and recalled. "Come to think of it, back in high school I learned Persona from you and played it.. I wonder if it has anything to do with this?"

"I remember that. I learnt the game when I child. Although, I'd forgotten all about it until you mentioned it," Maya reflected.

"Followers of Philemon…? Then, that was not a dream at all…" Katsuya muttered, half to himself.

"Of course it wasn't. The three of us all dreamt the exact same thing," Runa pointed out.

Katsuya corrected her. "While that is true, I was referring to another dream… I dream about this as a kid… A golden butterfly… masked man… blue room… The night I played Persona with Tatsuya."

"A dream involving this room!?" Runa exclaimed and a image flashed in her mind.

It was picture of a blue room different from the one they were in, but similar. Igor sat in armchair, although he was more two-dimensional than he was in reality. There was a white and gold clock was upon a blue old fashioned metal elevator gates. The image vanished.

Runa frowned. What was that?

"So, what you think? Useful, huh?" Baofu inquired of Maya as he leant against a blue wall.

"This room it feels faintly familiar. I find it easy to believe that I can summoned many different Personas in this place," Maya admitted.

"Listen, Personas are just tools… Use them according to the situation. Don't ever think that's you.. I'd never admit that's me… You can only count on yourself in end…" Baofu bitterly remarked.

This took the journalist off guard. "Huh? Do you hate Personas?"

"Personas… Yeah, I hate them… You can't use them when you need 'em most… Don't ever rely on them too much."

Maya nodded silently prior to asking him. "So how did you gain your Persona ability?"

"Heh….That's what I like to know… though I might've played that game when I was a kid…" Baofu shrugged and answered.

"So we all played a game that caused us to gain Personas… I wonder if Philemon intended for us to do so and to met," Runa realised.

"You make him sound oddly devious," Baofu commented amused.

"Oh… I suppose that was a little harsh," she grimaced.

"I also question his willingness to help us. So don't let yourself be too kind in your opinion of him either," Baofu warned her.

"I wondering… How do we summoned Personas here, anyhow?" Ulala questioned.

"I think that slime demon we faced said we needed tarot cards," Runa recalled.

"That is correct, Runa… None of you have sufficient tarot cards to summon even one Persona. Thus, I advise that you return when you have obtained cards anew. I bid you farewell," Igor said with his wide maniac grin.

"You know it's here if you need it, let's move on," Baofu said as he detached himself from the wall.

They left the room with Igor's unblinking eyes following their every movement. Runa stared back for a moment before went through the door. Igor… I think I can trust you… Your master is another story, however… Yet I have no idea why.

Thanks for reading and sorry about taking so long to write this. Moving to Melbourne and getting settled at the residential college here is kinda weird. I officially moved in yesterday, so it's still a little weird. Also the fact I'm constantly advised not to go on a walk by myself outside of the university grounds is... well odd. Normally I walk most places. I'm still getting use to the city, and I get the sense it'll take awhile...

Enough about me, next chapter involves heading to the sanitarium on Mt. Mifune and discovering more about Sudou.