This chapter is dedicated to Miki-san4u! Thank you very much for being my first reviewer!
Chapter 2: Tartarus
4/21/09
As I walked up to the front gate I ran into Yukari.
"Mornin'. Um…Thanks about yesterday. Akihiko-senpai's injured too, and I was really uneasy about working alone with Mitsuru-senpai…" what's wrong with Mitsuru? Granted she's a bit of an Ice Queen but she's not annoying at any rate. How did Akihiko-senpai get injured anyways? I cursed Creep-O once again for that I didn't remember much from what had happened on that night other than that Critter with the multiple knife wielding hands, the pain, Orpheus being ripped to ribbons from the inside and kicking some critter ass.
"Is Senpai okay?" Supposedly there were only five of us. I would suck if one of us that could actually fight ended up not being able to.
"Yeah, Akihiko-senpai was attacked by a Shadow on the day that you collapsed, too. He said he injured his ribs a little…" Fantastic this means we're one fighter short. And judging from Mitsuru's attitude last night she's going to want us fighting those things as soon as possible. This sucks. I'm going to be fighting without even a chance of Akihiko saving my ass. This. Sucks. So. Hard.
We walked to class together. As usual I barely paid attention to the lesson. I don't really think I learned anything today.
After the lesson is over I see Yukari yawning.
"I thought I was gonna fall asleep in there…" I had fallen asleep a few times but I wasn't going to tell her that. The door opened and Mitsuru (or rich girl or Ice Queen) not too sure what I should call her yet came in the room. As usual she was wearing those boots that made me wonder how the hell she walked in them and did she change when she was fighting Critters. Then again maybe it would hurt them to be hit with the heel.
"Can I have a minute? Come to the lounge when you get back to the dorm. I have something to tell everyone. I'll save the details for later. See you there." and with that she walked away. What do I smell or something? You could have made some small talk Ice Queen.
"That was fast…"
"She's probably busy with things like Student Council, unlike us."
"Whoa, Yuka-tan! Do I sense some hostility?" Yup Junpei, you and me both. Also why the hell was he eavesdropping in the first place? I guess it's a good thing Mitsuru left so fast.
"Well, it's not that I don't like her…She's just…N-Never mind. Let's go, Minako." I nodded. Though if Yukari thought she was fooling anyone with that I don't like her spiel…
Iwatodai Strip Mall…
Yukari and I decide to visit some of the shops around here. I grab a couple of manga and hid them best I could from Yukari. I really didn't want to be questioned on my genre choices.
"A-About earlier…It's not that I don't like her or anything, y'know?" Sure Yukari Sure. Denial isn't just a river in Egypt. "Oh, I'm talking about Mitsuru-senpai…" I had figured that much out. And it's not exactly helping your case that you bring it up, randomly at that, three hours later.
"…Why's Junpei always have to talk about stuff that isn't any of his business, huh! Plus, he says it all in the creepiest, most perverted way. He's like the poster boy for sexual harassment." I can't help laughing.
"His voice is kind of creepy at times!"
"You know, last year he…" Yukari then began to go on about all the times Junpei had made perverted comments regarding her or other girls. While she sounds exasperated there's a hint of fondness in her tone I'm not going to tell her that though. While we're walking around I spot Duck Duck Burger. I hadn't had cheeseburger in forever so I shove her inside and order a meal. While I practically inhale my food she goes on about how she's doing in the archery club. We spend the rest of the day talking about teachers, class and other students. When the sun starts to set we head back to the dorm.
Dormitory, 4th Floor, command room…
It seems that Mitsuru and Akihiko are already here.
"Welcome back." at least it doesn't sound so rehearsed this time.
"We were waiting for you. There's someone I wanna introduce."
Huh? We have a freak already? Oh please let it be a hot guy please let it be a hot guy. Or maybe I'll be unlucky and it'll be another person like the chairman…nah they'd have introduced them by now. So yeah please be a hot guy.
"Huh?" Yukari mirrors my first reaction not too sure about my second though.
"…Hey, hurry up." Akihiko looks toward the door.
"Hold your horses…This is freakin' heavy."
…
…
Please don't tell me that's who I think it is…The door opens and it's Junpei and once again my hopes are cruelly dashed.
This…might not suck so much though.
Junpei laughs looking awfully proud of himself for some reason.
"Wazzup?"
"J-Junpei! Why are YOU here?" Yukari looks stunned not that I blame her.
"This is Junpei Iori from Class 2-F. He'll be staying here as of today." Great Akihiko we totally didn't know who he was. I'd assume he said that for Mitsuru's benefit but she already seems to know how Junpei is. I hope Akihiko's not one of those state the bloody obvious types.
"He's staying HERE! You've gotta be kidding me!"
"I bumped into him the other night. He has the potential, but he just awakened to it recently…" Akihiko seemed awfully happy for some reason. Oh wait he's the only guy in Freak Dorm. I guess if I was him I'd be happy too. Though does this mean Junpei can summon one of those Creatures- I mean Personas?
…that said I wonder what they're Persona look like. I summoned Orpheus. So apparently a doomed man in love who lost his lover to the underworld is a trait of my personality. I wonder what he represents? Perhaps the loss of my parents? Akihiko's voice continued but I was no longer listening.
"He found me cryin' like a baby at the convenience store, surrounded by a bunch of coffins." Junpei's exasperated remark caught my attention.
"Wait…you didn't fight those critters?"
"Critters?"
"She means Shadows." Yukari seemed curious herself.
"Nope. Didn't fight any."
"Did you see any?"
Junpei shook his head. "Nope just saw a lot of coffins."
My first time in Critter Time I saw a couple critters, or rather Shadows. Granted they weren't bigger than a bar of soap but just seeing them crawling made me run screaming. And the lucky bastard had someone to explain it to him. I had to wait the whole Critter Time out alone in a closet at the edge of six and the next day when I told my aunt she didn't believe me. It took nearly 3 months to get to the point that I didn't nearly have a heart attack when Critter Time occurred.
"I don't remember much, but…man, that's embarrassing! He said that's, ya know, completely normal…in the beginning. Like, bein' confused and not remembering anything. Did ya guys know that?"
Didn't happen to me. Instead I fall into a mini-coma for 10 days. Damn you Igor!
"I was okay, though."
"Heeey, don't feel bad!" Why would I feel bad about that? Sometimes Junpei doesn't make any sense. "It happens to all us Persona-users." Fantastic. So I was a greater freak than the rest of the freaks. Next thing you'll know I'll be appointed leader. "…But man, I was shocked to find out about you guys. I had no idea. I'm glad I'm not the only one. It could get kinda lonely, ya know." Considering I went though it for 10 years. I'm pretty sure I do know Junpei. "I bet you're stoked too, right! Havin' me join…" Uh…no Junpei when I requested a hot guy, you weren't at the top of my list…hell you weren't even on the bottom.
"It'd be nice to have a guy around too, wouldn't it?" I have got to start getting better luck. This sucks.
"Huh?" Yukari looked at him as though he were crazy. "Uh, y-yeah…" What's wrong with her?
"So anyway, glad to join the team, Minako." He's smiling and…damn it my heart skipped a beat! Damn him and that smile!
"Don't slow us down." I practically snarl it out. He smiles even brighter and laughs again. "No worries. Nothing's gonna happen to you as long as I'm around!"
This is not what I meant by hot guy for eye candy. And knowing the fact that I can't fight to save my bloody life he probably will end up saving me a couple of dozen times.
This sucks.
"Well, enough with the introductions. I think we're about ready…" Ready for what? Oh please don't let it involve fighting those things. Please…
Ikutsuki walked into the room. "Okay, everybody's here. I'd like your undivided attention. For a long time, Mitsuru and Akihiko were the only Persona-users we had. But that number recently jumped to five. Therefore…starting tonight at 12:00 AM, I'd like to commence the exploration of Tartarus."
"Tartarus…? What's that? …Sounds like toothpaste." Heh seems I have more in common with Junpei than I thought.
"You haven't seen it, Junpei?" I haven't seen it either to be honest.
"Hm?"
"It's no surprise…since it only appears during the Dark Hour." Ikutsuki for once wasn't smiling in the least.
"The Dark Hour?" Yeah the time when all those caskets and critters show up. I still like my name better.
"Just like the Shadows…Interesting huh?" Akihiko struck me as one of those guys that loved fighting. Now it was even worse he was injured. I would have be marginally safer with someone who could actually fight the creatures than with a couple of newbs. "And it's the perfect place for us to train. You can think of it as a Shadow nest." …so since the things don't come to us often enough we're going to go into their nest! Are these people crazy? Of course they're crazy they have us shoot ourselves in the head with a gun, fake or not to summon some Persona creature! I wanna go home! I'm too young to die fighting some critters!
"Whoa…their nest, huh…?" and of course instead of being moderately sane and not wanting to go there Junpei instead sounds awed. Yeah let's see how "whoa" you are when those things tear up your legs. Wait…my legs….I had forgotten about them completely! But…Huh? There wasn't a scratch on them. They must have healed during my hospital stay. How? What? My legs …
….
…
Was it Igor?
…
…
Was it?
I'll ask him the next time I see him.
"But, Senpai…what about your injury?" He obviously won't be fighting. Last thing we need is someone whose more of a liability than I am on the front lines.
"Since Akihiko hasn't fully recovered yet, he'll only come as far as the entrance." and as usual Mitsuru with the answer.
"…Yeah, I know." Akihiko shot an annoyed glance at Mitsuru.
"Relax; I've got your backs." That's exactly what I'm concerned about Junpei.
"I'm not so sure about this…"
Wait a second…can Junpei even fight? I frown granted Yukari is in the archery club but I hadn't heard anything about her being any ace with a bow. So basically we have three newbs that either can't fight at all or can barely do so, two intermediates who can fight but one of them is out of commission. I guess Mitsuru's our last hope.
"What about you, Mr. Chairman?"
"I'll stay here. As you know, I can't summon a Persona…" Great.
Gekkoukan High School, front gate…
"This is it? THIS is the place?" Yeah why are we in front of the school of all places? "Why HERE?"
"Just wait a few minutes…It's almost midnight." This place better not turn into some spiraling tower of doom. Though due to anticipation or fear or maybe a bit of both we spent three minutes waiting in silence. This is agonizing it's like waiting to freaking die or something as soon as I open my mouth to begin some sort of conversation Critter Time kicks in and the school. Well…I really got to stop making requests.
"This is Tartarus-the labyrinth that reveals itself during the Dark Hour."
"Labyrinth…?" Junpei looked as baffled as I felt. Does this mean that damn thing had only one way out? Oh come on! "What are you talking about? What happened to our school?" It turned into a Labyrinth obviously Junpei.
"Once the Dark Hour passes, everything returns to normal." I wonder what would happen if we stayed there too long would we end up trapped there until the next Critter Time or would we end up somewhere on the school grounds?
"This is the "nest" you were talking about! But, why? Why'd our school turn into a giant tower?"
Mitsuru was silent her eyes glancing away from Junpei for a brief moment.
"…You don't know, either?"
"…No." her voice sounded wistful. Didn't know my ass. What could be so bad that she refuses to tell us?
"I'm sure it's complicated." Yukari interrupted.
"Well, maybe now we'll find out." Akihiko had that smile on his face again. "Mitsuru and I have only gone in to take a peek; this will be our first time exploring it." I wonder why he sounds all excited he's not going in. "Exciting, isn't it?" Going into a critter haven when they already ripped my legs open? (Even if they healed perfectly somehow?) No. Not exciting at all. I want to go back the heck home where the biggest Critter I ever saw was the size of a textbook.
"There has to be some sort of clue in here about the Dark Hour…"
"Akihiko. I respect your enthusiasm, but you won't be accompanying us today." and with cold efficiency Mitsuru shut him down. Ouch.
"I know…You don't have to remind me."
I looked at Tartarus again…the labyrinth seemed to reach to the stars. I always thought Labyrinths mainly went down not up. Oh whatever. I doubt typical labyrinths have critters running around in them either. We enter the first floor.
The first floor is vast and has a large set of stairs leading to a door with something like a clock around it. The roman numerals 1 - 12 decorate the golden circle. Large pillars with strange markings on them support the building. I'm tempted to see what happens if I touch one but I don't risk it.
"Whoa…It's just as cool on the inside…" I notice a strange device off to the right and clock like stand to the left of the stairway and further to the left…a blue door?
"But, it sure is creepy…" Is that door what I think it is?
"This is only the entrance. The labyrinth lies beyond the doorway at the top of the stairs." Mitsuru as usual was calm. I wonder how she'd sound angry…
"First, we'll have you three get a feel for this place. Why don't you go have a look around?" Akihiko seemed to think we'd be pleased to hear this.
Wait…you THREE?
Ugh…this sucks.
"What! By ourselves?" Exactly, Yukari and I can understand Akihiko's all banged up, but why the hell can't Ice Queen come!
"We're not asking you to go very far, and I'll be feeding you information from here." Oh this sucks. Those Critters are going to tear us apart. Damn you Mitsuru…
"We're also going to appoint a leader to make any necessary decisions." I relaxed luckily Junpei was here and typically males were chosen to be the leader for once my luck was looking good. Akihiko looked the three of us over.
"For real?" And he's eager for the job even better! "…One of us? Oh! Oh! Me me me! Pick me!" and killed his chances by acting like an overeager puppy. Great job Stupei. Please pick Yukari or him please please please-
Akihiko grimaced he looked at me. Oh please no no no- "Minako, you're in charge."
…
…
…
This Sucks.
Maybe I should have locked Yukari in the damn dorm. At least this leadership spiel wouldn't have been an issue.
"Wha…? B-But she's a girl!" And you're an idiot, but that didn't stop you from thinking you could be leader. I glare at him.
"Well, she HAS fought them before…"
"Seriously?" Yes Stupei, and I got a nice, now non-existent, injury for my trouble…speaking of which I need to ask Creep-O about that. No sooner than I started walking towards the door did Akihiko speak.
"That's true, but there's another reason. You two…" he took out his Evoker and held it to his head. "Can you summon your Persona without any difficulties, like she can?" So my earsplitting screams from my head being ripped apart and my falling into a coma for 10 days counts as no difficulties? Alrighty then Akihiko.
"Y-Yeah, of course I can!" …you haven't even seen a Critter yet Stupei.
"I think so." Yukari muttered. Yeah right, Yukari if you had I wouldn't be in this fucking position.
"These are Shadows we're talking about here." Akihiko put the gun back in his pocket. "Without your Persona, you're screwed."
"I'm aware of that."
Great. So I'm the only one who has summoned their Persona and I can't fight. This is just getting better and better isn't it?
"All right, let's head inside. Are you ready, Minako?" …Us my ass.
"Yeah sure whatever." I mutter dismissively.
He frowned at my unenthusiastic tone. Well tough shit. I'm going into Critter haven more than likely going to get a lot of nasty injuries because of my inability to fight while you sit on your ass here safe and cozy.
"Hey, I'll be right there behind you. C'mon let's go." Yukari gave me an encouraging smile but I decided to go to the blue door. As I headed for it. "What's the matter?" I ignored her; the velvet key was warming against my chest so I touched it no sooner than I had done so than did the door swing open. The key once again turned cold and I walked into the room. There was Igor with that smile on his face as usual. At least I didn't scream this time.
"I've been waiting for you. The time has come for you to wield you power. The tower that you are about to venture into. How did it come to be? For what purpose does it exist? Regrettably, you are not yet capable of answering these questions." But I'm willing to bet my life you are. Why do I constantly feel like I'm being forced into a fate that I do not want? Between Critter Time which had something to do with my parent's death, Jailboy and this guy…I don't think I want to know how this story ends. I want to go back home and live as normal as I can.
"That is why you must be made aware of the nature of your power."
"I don't want to know." I shake my head in denial maybe, just maybe if I keep saying no everyone will leave me alone and I can just be normal again. Or as normal as I was before all this happened anyway.
"Please, you must understand…It is of the utmost importance." I don't want to understand! I don't want to be here! "Your power is unique. It's like the number zero…its empty, but at the same time holds infinite possibilities. You are able to possess multiple Personas and summon them as needed."
Wait what?
"I can summon multiple Personas?"
He nodded "Yes your ability truly is unique."
"Personas are facets of my personality right?" Another nod and that same smile. So basically he's cheerfully informing me I have a severe case of multiple personality disorder. That's just fantastic.
"And when you have defeated your enemies, you will see the faces of possibility before you. There may be times when they are difficult to grasp…But, do not fear. Seize what you have earned. You power will grow accordingly…Be sure to keep that in mind. My spare time will soon be scarce. But, please come again of your own accord. I'll tell you then about my true role…the manner in which I can best assist you." He was going to help me.
"Wait…Igor, I have another question."
"Feel free to ask."
"When I came here last…I had a serious injury on my legs…how did they heal so completely?"
He smiled at me. "That was you my dear."
"What?"
"Your power as I said takes many forms and you have many Personas within you. It is not inconceivable that one would act of its own accord to heal your wounds."
"But…Orpheus has no-"
"I never said it was Orpheus. All of your Personas exist deep within your subconscious but some are closer to your consciousness than others. I believe one such Persona healed you. However, it is not something that I would count on if I were you. It would cost an extremely vast amount of energy for a Persona to do such a thing and the desire to do so. Once it healed you the Persona more than likely was pushed into the very deepest parts of your Subconscious. I have no doubt you will find it again but it will take a time. The more serious the wounds the deeper the Persona will go. Like threatening injuries would result in the destruction of the Persona who healed you and of course said Persona would have to be powerful indeed to heal you in the first place."
So…one of these parts of me was kind enough to heal me? Even though the injury wasn't life threatening? Thank you…whatever Persona you are…thank you for healing me. I don't notice that tears are coming from my eyes until Igor offers me a handkerchief. Though…I could be healed from fatal wounds at the cost of my Persona's life? …I hope that won't ever become necessary.
"I-"
"You need not understand that fully now. But one day you will." I nodded wiping the last few tears away. "Ah, but before I forget…Do you recall when I mentioned another resident of this room…? Tell me…When you think of this person, what do you see?"
A hot guy?
"Is it a man?" Please oh please just this once-
"I see…Then let's bring him out for a proper introduction." Out of one of the secondary doors in the room a man with white hair in a blue station attunement like uniform stepped out. His skin was pale and his eyes a golden color. He was hot. Finally some bloody luck! At least I have something to look forward to know other than those Critters tearing me to bits!
"My name is Theodore, but please, feel free to call me Theo."
Mmm. Theo. I gape at him for a few seconds before smiling. "Hi Theo."
He smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you…" even his voice was sexy.
"My assistant will aid you as well." Creep-O's amusement came across clear in his voice but frankly I didn't care something had finally gone my way completely for once.
"Theo you have something to give her do you not?"
"Ah! Yes forgive me for forgetting master." He placed a woolen bag in my hands. "This bag is a magical item. You can place up to 99 of any item in there. It can hold infinite amounts of items but only 99 of a specific item. Do you understand?"
I think so. I nod.
"Good." he gives me another brilliant smile. "Now if you want a specific item from this bag all you have to do is think the name of the item you want but it first must be placed in the bag for you get it out." obviously can't get something that isn't there. "I'll hope this will help you on your quest."
"Thanks…"
I turn to Igor who nods still smiling that creepy smile...
"Until we meet again…Farewell." I nod and leave the room.
"Hey, are you alright?" Yukari looks worried. I wonder what I look like to them while I'm in the Velvet Room.
"Yeah, what's up? You look like a zombie." Well that answers that question. They obviously can't see the door.
"Really Junpei? A Zombie?"
"That's what you pick to dwell on!" Got you off my case didn't it? Ah Junpei, Junpei. "Ohh, I get it. You're trying to yank my chain here. Don't worry, though! I got you covered whenever you need it, man!" He had a long sword in his hand. I'm not sure what kind of sword it was only that the blade was much longer than my short sword.
"Yeah yeah, whatever. C'mon, let's go." I nod and we walk up to the entrance.
Inside Tartarus…
As expected Critter Haven is creepier than I thought it would be. Everything was green there were random bloodstains on the ground and it was cold. This was just great.
"So, this is it, huh…?"
"I hope I don't get lost…" If you get lost Yukari that means we're all lost. I wonder if Mitsuru would have to come in here and get us in that case.
"Can you all hear me?" I nearly jump out of my skin. Mitsuru's voice is close as though she were standing among us.
"Whoa! Is that you, Senpai?"
"I'll be providing audio backup from here on out."
"Wait…Ya mean, you can see inside here?" Junpei, Yukari and I were all baffled.
"It's my Persona's ability." I guess they come in all types. "I'd like to join you, but the structure of Tartarus changed from day to day." Oh well isn't that fantastic. "That's why outside support is imperative.
Yukari's eyes widened in alarm. "Well, THAT makes me feel a whole lot better…"
"Now, based on your current location, you can expect to encounter enemies at any minute. They shouldn't be too tough, but proceed with caution. Practice makes perfect." Yeah do you fail to realize Mitsuru that a good 2/3 of us can't fight! UGH!
"Right!" And as usual Junpei's all cheerful.
"Got it." At least Yukari seems to realize the seriousness of the situation. "Why is she always like that…?"
…we get it Yukari you don't like her. Stop bringing it up.
"Now, see if you can eliminate all the Shadows wandering around on this floor."
"What? How many Shadows-"
"There's no need to worry. They're all relatively weak." Mitsuru said this dismissively as though I should know how to fight already. Hey Ice Queen we can't all afford whatever combat classes you've had. Ugh.
Weak compared to what? Sighing I nod.
"Hey Junpei what kind of sword is that anyways?"
"Oh this?" As usual Junpei looks pleased with himself. "It's a Katana. I can't wait to kick some Shadow ass!" More like get your ass kicked by some Shadows but whatever.
Luckily the first shadow we run into is on its own. So having no clue how to use the weapon I have I slash at the Shadow yeah…apparently I suck and catch nothing but air. I also feel myself hit the ground hard. So not only did I miss but I fell on my ass. Fantastic. The Shadow then charges at me to my guess on slicing to ribbons when I hear the loud blast of an Evoker. I look up and see that Junpei has summoned his Persona it appears to be some sort of humanoid bird creature. The Persona charges towards the Shadow and rips it to shreds with relative ease. No wonder Akihiko insisted we'd need our Personas our weapons had barely placed a dent in the Shadow. Though that might have something to do with the fact they aren't real than anything. Though…Junpei's Persona I wonder what its name is?
"Junpei…"
He was breathing heavily. "Yeah?" So summoning his Persona tires him out too.
"Do you know what your Persona's name is?" he frowns.
"I'm not too sure…"
Hm…so Persona don't bother introducing themselves huh.
[He didn't bother to ask]
I nearly jumped out of my skin. What the?
[I am Orpheus human]
Orpheus? As in the Persona I summoned nearly 2 weeks back Orpheus?
[One and the same]
You can talk to me?
[Of course human I am you]
Oh…that was unexpected. I gasp Yukari and Junpei turn to me. "Oh sorry was just thinking about something…how high do you think this tower goes?"
Yukari and Junpei frowned. "Anyways we should be going." as we walked we were lucky enough not to run into any more shadows. To fill the silence Junpei began going on about how cool it was to have a persona while Yukari sighed in exasperation.
So…Orpheus…do you know which Persona healed me?
[Yes]
Uh…could you tell me who it was?
Laughter. I scowl this Orpheus was playing games with me. [Sorry human I did not mean to offend.]
Sure you didn't.
[You question my honor?] another chuckle. Great he could read my mind too. Fantastic.
Just tell me which Persona Orpheus! Ugh. This was getting annoying!
More laughter. [I am sorry. I have been in darkness for so long that it is nice to be able to laugh again]
Oh…I'm sorry.
[You need not apologize. Though the Persona who healed you is called Messiah]
Eh? Messiah? As in dying to save the world Messiah?
I can sense Orpheus nodding. Wait a second how can I sense my Persona nodding?
So which one is he?
[Messiah is not limited to one specific sacrificial being. Messiah is the accumulation of all those who gave their lives to insure that the world continued]
So…Messiah himself is more than one being. So why would he heal me?
[I am you and you are I. Do not forget that. Messiah does not like to see anyone in pain so he healed you.]
But doing so-
[He was aware of the risks but know that Messiah is one of the strongest, if not the strongest, Persona that you have within the sea of your unconsciousness. Healing that injury was nothing to him. Do not fear for him because he does not regret what he has done.]
Could…you tell him thank you for me?
[Why do you not do it yourself? We all heard your thanks the first time but if you focus on a specific Persona you can have a conversation with them and only them.]
But can't you read my mind?
I sense Orpheus shaking his head. [Wait…there are Shadows nearby-]
Huh? What-?
"There's another Shadow directly ahead of you!" Mitsuru's voice once again comes to our aid. "Make sure it doesn't surprise you!"
Like you just did? Whatever. Junpei as usual, charges ahead.
There were three this time. Junpei's cleave attack didn't manage to one hit them anymore and the Shadow didn't fall even when Yukari and I landed blows. I guess I wasn't hitting it hard enough. The shadow charges at Yukari who was standing far too close to me and with a quick sweep of its razor sharp claws it gets both of us on our legs. Luckily unlike last time the wounds were much more shallow but it still stings.
"Shit!" I swear as I grab my now bleeding leg.
"I've successfully scanned the enemy! They are weak to the fire element!" and that helps me how Mitsuru? I can't exactly clap my hands and make fire.
[I have a fire skill]
Orpheus?
[Summon me]
"ORPHEUS!" Quickly I grab my evoker from my hip and shoot myself in the head now for the pain…any time now…huh? Instead of pain I'm feeling strong warmth enveloping me. Why isn't it painful like the first time?
[I was summoned and I did not have to force myself out like Thanatos. We will have time to talk later when you are safe.]
Orpheus took the lyre of his back and strums it a beautiful note echoes in the air and the shadow that had swiped Yukari and I was fried to a crisp.
"That's it! One more time!"
Once again I summon Orpheus and the Shadow melted into a pile of goo. That's…gross. Orpheus chuckled.
[Perhaps we should continue our conversation when you are not in any danger of being devoured by Shadows.]
Yeah…that might be a good idea. Messiah, thank you.
I feel another warm sensation and the scratches on my leg disappear. Huh? I thought he couldn't do that anymore?
I hear Orpheus' laughter. [That was barely a scratch. Though I do think he got your message loud and clear.]
So what I have implausible healing powers now?
I sensed Orpheus shake his head. [This healing ability is limited to you and only you. While you could eventually use it on yourself and your companions you are not yet at the skill level needed. You must go through many trials before you can use such a powerful ability at will.]
But…what Creep-O said…
[It was all true. If Messiah tries to heal fatal wounds he will go deeper and deeper into your unconsciousness before finally ceasing to exist. However he will do it to not see your pain. So I warn you, be as careful as you can.]
I…understand. Messiah…I will not waste this gift you have given me. I feel more warmth spreading throughout me. Messiah…thank you. I hope one day…to become worthy of having you as my Persona.
[Your friends need you now…You should go to them.] Messiah's voice rang full of power and wisdom before it quieted.
[He's right…I shall talk to you soon. Do not forget to summon me if needed.]
Alright…Messiah…Orpheus. Goodbye for now. My mind quiets and I run over to Yukari. "Uh. It got me good."
Junpei takes out a small white bandage from his pocket.
"What's that?" I'm curious.
Junpei shrugs. "I found it while we were walking around." and slams it on Yukari's injuries. It disappears and the small scratch is gone. He laughs. "I guess it works."
"STUPEI! What the hell were you thinking?"
"Oh calm down Yuka-tan! I was sure it wasn't going to hurt you!"
"And how did you know that!"
"Well…I sort-of-"
"What!"
As the two of them continue bickering I shake my head. "You have any more of those things Junpei."
"Yup. Here." He gives them to me. What would I call these things anyway? I throw them in the bag and the word Medicine appears in my mind. Okay then. I guess that's the name? This just gets weirder and weirder. I close the bag and it disappears. My eyes nearly bug out of my head. Where the hell did it go? It's back in my hands again…okay…I close the bag again and it disappears. At least I don't have to lug it around.
"What the?" Yukari is staring at my hands Junpei is looking a little stunned to. Oh great. Now I'm going to have to explain this.
"What kind of bag is that?" A magical bag of holding, Junpei. I shrug. "I just found it."
Yukari sighs shaking her head. "You two shouldn't grab things from around here and use them. They could be dangerous!"
"Well it wasn't so what's the harm?"
Another sigh.
"You guys should get moving on. I sense more shadows up ahead." Mitsuru sounds impatient. What the hell is she yapping for we're the ones stuck here. Yukari rolls her eyes and we get moving.
We get into another battle with the fire weak shadows however unlike the other two I don't seem to be able to one hit these. I hit each one but they manage to get hits on both Junpei and Yukari.
"ORPEHUS!" I summon Orpheus again and finish off one of them with another Fire Spell. Junpei swings that huge sword of his and…falls. At least I'm not the only one. Oh…both shadows promptly upon seeing his weakened stare start crawling towards him. "Stay away from him!" Damn! I hold the evoker up to my head and prepare to resummon Orpheus when I hear the shadow scream. Yukari apparently managed to hit it right in the eye. "Nice going Yukari!" However the other shadow manages to reach Junpei and rakes its claws down his chest before Junpei has a chance to swing that sword. Junpei looks dazed for a second before he screams as those screams echo in my ear; I don't think I'll ever forget the sound. The front of his chest had long claw marks and blood is freely flowing. His shirt is completely and utterly ruined. I hope it's one of those wounds that look a lot worse than it actually is. I blast the Shadow to oblivion with another fire spell.
"IO!" the sound of an evoker going off.
"Yukari?" Suddenly I see Yukari's Persona a young woman chained to what appears to be the inside of a cow's head. Moderately creepy but a bright light surrounds Junpei and the wounds on his chest start closing up thankfully.
"Junpei are you okay?" Yukari runs over to him. Junpei's hat had fallen to the ground and picking it up he smiles.
"I'm fine Yuka-tan! No worries!" He does look okay but that injury from a little while ago still concerned me. How could any magic heal someone so thoroughly? Also…too bad it couldn't heal his shirt.
[The magic does not simply heal someone without a cost. Your friend's injury would have healed just fine given time. Therefore the cost was extremely slight. But if you were to attempt to heal him of a more serious wound there may come a time where the cost would simply be one you were unable to pay. No matter how much you wished it you simply could not accomplish it. There are also injuries that not even Messiah can heal for you. If your arm was to be cut off it would not re grow no matter how many Persona disappeared attempting to heal it. If your heartbeat stopped we could not restart it, if you were ever blinded we would be unable to give you sight. However if your heart was pierced by a weapon but had not stopped we could heal that injury however, those are usually the injuries that cause a Persona to completely vanish both from your consciousness and subconsciousness. Also he can buy a new shirt.]
So the limits of your ability are what would naturally heal given time?
[Yes cuts and bruises will heal given enough time.]
What about something like a gash in the stomach?
[It would depend on if that gash punctured any vital organs and how damaged they are if the organs haven't been completely destroyed we can rebuild them. With one exception, if your brain is ever damaged we cannot heal that. With anyone else we can't heal anything that would not heal on its own. Not safely anyway. Your experience level is too low to allow such a thing.]
So say if I got shot?
[If it was in the head we could do nothing unless it completely missed the brain. If it was the heart or any other fatal area a Persona would be able to heal you at the cost of vanishing completely] But…my legs would have been scabbed up…I don't have that.
I could feel Orpheus' nod. [There are differences of course but for the most part anything can be healed by magic. However for the most part gunshot wounds and missing limbs cannot be healed. However I am only referring to others healing you or you healing others thanks to Messiah's regenerative ability many injuries which maybe fatal to others might not be so for you. Though you still cannot re grow limbs.]
I felt his amusement at the last line.
Yukari shook her head. "These Personas of ours are certainly powerful."
Junpei laughs. "Of course! Besides I promised I'd protect Minako."
Yukari rolls her eyes. "We should get going." I nod in agreement granted I'm sure Yukari just doesn't want another Mitsuru interruption so we go ahead and my eyes widen.
"Oh shit."
There are six of those fire-weak Shadows. However I'm the only one here who can use the fire element.
"You have to use their weaknesses against them!" Mitsuru sounded shocked. What she really thought the remaining shadows weren't going to jump us or something?
"ORPEHEUS!" I use as many fire spells as I can as quickly as I can but the Shadows still manage to overwhelm us Yukari is healing Junpei and I and fast as she can. Junpei is using his Persona's bird dive ability on the shadows. It manages to take two out with help from Yukari's arrows, Orpheus fire ability took out another two and the last two remaining shadows attack me in unison.
"Minako!" Junpei is too far from me when the first Shadow hits me unlike most of its leg happy attacking brethren it manages to grab my arm with a tug it pulls me down. The other Shadow raises its claws aiming at my face. I can only stare in fear as the claws come down.
"ARISATO!" Mitsuru actually sounds scared. The first Shadow that dragged me down runs its claws down my stomach. The pain…so much pain…I wait for the sensation of my eyes being ripped apart to come. I wonder why it hasn't hit me yet…is it savoring the moment? How…utterly creepy.
"HERMES!" there is a bellow and the Shadow inches away from my face begins screaming in agony. The smell of burning tar causes my nose to scrunch up at the disappearing Shadow.
"IO!" the Shadow that was clawing at my stomach is literally blow away by a huge wind.
Ugh. I attempt to sit up but I end up flopping back down. Ugh. This sucks. I'm not even going to look at my stomach the last thing I need to see is my stomach looking like ribbons. My shirt is probably ruined.
"Minako! Minako! Wake up!" Yukari runs over to me. I'm not asleep or unconscious Yukari…calm the hell down. That shrieking is annoying the hell out of me. "Damn it! I didn't have enough SP to completely heal her…"
Yukari is kneeling in front of me she's really pale. I feel something warm placed around my shoulders. It…Junpei's coat. Yup my shirt is definitely ruined. I'm surprised Junpei hasn't made a comment about it but looking at his face it's just as pale as Yukari's. I guess there's no time for those observations when someone's making a blood puddle. Though Junpei's shirt has a long trail of tears in it he doesn't seem too bothered.
"Arisato. Are you okay?" Mitsuru's sounds scared.
"Mmh…I got my ass kicked didn't I?"
"Arisato!" Mitsuru sounds shocked at my language but Junpei just laughs it's one of those laughs that isn't caused by amusement but rather at a feeling of intense relief.
"Yeah you did."
"Ugh. Well…are there more of those things?" I force myself to sit up despite the dizziness this time.
"No…this floor seems to be clear now. The Shadows were lying in ambush…it's not like them to be so intelligent. I am sorry; I truly thought you would be safest on this floor." While Yukari looked like she wanted to tear a new one into Mitsuru I shook my head slowly.
"Mitsuru-senpai. If you had known the Shadows were there you would have warned us." While she was an Ice Queen and conveniently withheld information none of her actions were in actual malice.
"But…if Mitsuru senpai's ability is sensing Shadows how did they hide from her?"
"That's what I'm trying to figure out." Mitsuru took a deep breath. "There are no more Shadows on this floor. You all should find a small green transporter on the floor it'll take you back to the entrance. Usually I'd say for you all to split up but after the ambush, it would best for all of you to stay close."
"Understood." Yukari stood up she looked down at me. "Can you walk? I've healed you as much as I can. Though…I could have sworn your injuries were worse before the Shadows disappeared."
Oh no. Messiah had to heal me again…which meant he probably went deeper into my subconsciousness. I'm sorry…
[Do not worry. Messiah is fine. He is not angry with you. However there are two new Personas brought to the forefront of your consciousness thanks to your recent battles.]
I have new Personas?
[You can summon them when needed Pixie is of the lovers Arcana and capable of healing small wounds. She wishes to lend her aid. Apsaras is of the Priestess Arcana she has ice abilities and she and I have a special healing combination ability that increases speed as well.]
Oh…
[You need not worry about this now. The next time you enter this tower they will lend you their aid.]
I wouldn't be upset if I never had to enter this tower again.
Orpheus smiled but it had a bitter twinge to it. [Neither would I…]
Huh?
Orpheus didn't respond. I attempt to stand up but a wave of dizziness causes me to fall back down again but before I hit the ground Junpei manages to catch me. "Here. I said I'd protect you right! You can lean on me!" He flashes me his trademark "everything will be alright" smile there's a slight quiver to it, probably due to my earlier condition but all in all it still comforts me.
…I can't believe I just thought he had a trademark smile. Ugh. I'm not going to fall for Stupei of all people. I refuse! And I refuse to be comforted by his quiver smile!
I try to walk away but complete and utter exhaustion hits me. "Can you walk on your own Minako?" I shake my head he wraps his arm around my waist to support me and I throw my arm around his shoulder leaning on him as I walk. I half surprised he doesn't make any comment about it. After several moments I silence I speak up.
"Thanks Junpei…I guess I really shouldn't have been the leader huh?" Junpei surprisingly shakes his head.
"Nah. Watching you summon your Persona was a learning experience." As we walk towards the exit I spot a strange item on the ground.
"What's that? It…could be useful." Junpei looks at where I'm looking and Yukari runs and picks it up.
"Here Junpei. I can't use this." Junpei shakes his head. "I can't really hold it right now…"
"Place it in the bag." I open the bag and it looks quite funny with one arm around Junpei's neck and lo and behold the magic bag appears. Shrugging Yukari dumps it in there. Snuff Soul passes through my head. I shrug I'm too tired to bother making sense of any of this. We make it to the teleporter without further incident though the sound of us walking in silence throughout Tartarus sends chills down my spine. I felt like something powerful and dangerous was watching us. Only upon the green glow and us appearing at the foot of the stairs on the first floor does the chill disappear.
Mitsuru walks over to us looking me up and down in concern. "Ah…you've all made it back safely. Arisato…are you okay?"
"I'll live." barely, I add mentally.
She looks at Junpei and Yukari she frowns at the condition of Junpei's shirt Yukari luckily has no such problem with her clothing "I'll get Iori and Arisato some new clothing." I don't say anything if she wants to spend her money on me she can. "I hope you don't get discouraged because of today's incident. You completed your task, and that's something to be proud of." Never mind the fact that I nearly got my face clawed off I suppose.
"…I never knew I had that kinda power!" now that we were outside Yukari's and Junpei's worries seem to have eased. Good I don't think I could have dealt with them hovering over me. "But damn, I'm beat…"
"That's because you were bouncing around like a little kid Junpei."
"You look pretty tired yourself, Yuka-tan."
"I'm still trying to catch my breath, actually…"
"That's the effect of the Dark Hour; you'll become fatigued more easily." She sure that wasn't because we mostly got our asses handed to us? "Don't worry, though, you'll adapt. But, I'm surprised…You all adapted to the ambush much better than I expected."
What she expected me to kick the bucket or something? I can't help the chill that ran down my spine. Had other SEES members died fighting Shadows? Granted no one had mentioned it but I had no doubt that Ikutsuki, Mitsuru and Akihiko had no problem leaving out vital information.
"At this rate, they'll catch up to you in no time, Akihiko."
"Heh, we'll see about that." Akihiko scoffed. Probably heard the disaster that was earlier. I'm surprised one of us isn't dead yet.
"Minako…I suggest you rest. We shouldn't come back to Tartarus until you're fully healed."
What…you'd think that dismal failure that just happened would make them reconsider me being leader but it looks like that wasn't going to happen.
I look at the Velvet Door originally I was going to go there after coming out to see what Igor meant but I was too exhausted. Granted I wasn't in pain but I just felt so…heavy. Besides I'd have to let go of Junpei and walk on my own despite the dizziness.
"We should get going."
As we were leaving I felt closer to all my teammates sure they weren't perfect but who was? I felt the power of my heart intensify, as if in reaction to the bond between us strengthening. I felt as though I received power from them. It was odd to say the least.
Seeing how tired both Yukari and Junpei looked I started forward. "I can't wait to climb into bed!"
Yukari nodded in agreement. With that we left Tartarus and I am still leaning on Junpei as we go. He doesn't seem to mind either despite being tired himself.
4/22/09
I ran into Akihiko at the school gates. "Morning. I didn't know that we were on the same train. But man…things have been real crazy these past couple days. Are you feeling better?"
"Oh…I'm fine. I just needed some rest."
He frowned probably not believing me. "You must be confused since you've just transferred here too."
"I'm all right." He gave me an impressed look.
"Wow, that's impressive. You're completely different from Junpei. On the other hand, I'm so bored that I feel like I'm going to die…" he suddenly gives me a strange look. "Hey, is there any way I can sneak in on the fight? Maybe I could get past Mitsuru if I wear Junpei's hat? …No, never mind. The consequences wouldn't be worth it…" Heh I wish he would at least then I'd be slightly less liable to end up a Shadow scratching post.
Oh this is good it's an assembly. That means I can get some more sleep. But before I can close my eyes.
"Please welcome the new President, Mitsuru Kirijo, from Class 3-D." Ra blasted curiosity kept me up.
Mitsuru thanks the speaker as she walks on stage.
"So, she did get elected." Yukari didn't seem overly happy about that…granted I didn't sense any blatant hostility but…"Well…I guess she IS the most popular girl in school." and there's the hostility so predictable Yukari.
"You can say that again! There's like some kinda aura around her…" What aura? Maybe I was missing something…"Besides, this school's owned by the Kirijo Group, right?"
Her family owns the school? No wonder she got elected president.
"I was trying to forget about that." Yukari sighs probably thinking the same thing I was.
Actually her ridiculously complicated speech that boiled down to: "Let's work together as hard as we can to make the world a better place." I was annoyed. What a colossal waste of good sleep time.
"Dang…That was freakin' amazing…Hey, did you understand what she was talking about."
"Of course I did!"
Junpei seemed shocked. "Huh? Seriously? Man, you're smart…" …Stupei really does describe him well.
"Sure didn't sound like something' a high schooler would say…"
I don't think that's anything anyone would say except some politician or businessperson. They decorate their crap in fancy words so you're too busy aw'ing to notice anything else.
"If it was anyone else, we'd be laughin' our asses off." True.
Homeroom
Its Ms. Toriumi's class today she's reading some poems and even though I want to sleep I force myself to stay awake.
Hm…I actually am learning something it's a good thing I didn't sleep.
After school
I wander around the school but there's nothing to do so as I'm leaving I bump into Junpei and decided to go to the dorm with him.
"Look, it's Akihiko-senpai!" I cringe her voice is grating on my ears already and she only said one sentence.
"Wait for us!"
As the girls surround Akihiko he groans in exasperation. You'd think they'd get hint from his obvious hostile body language but somehow it goes completely over their head.
"Man, would you look at that? I hear they're always swarming Akihiko-senpai like that. I know he's the captain of the boxing team, but…I mean, come on! You don't even see girls flock like that on TV! I wonder where they're going…"
"Are you jealous?"
"Duh what guy wouldn't be?"
I frown. I don't know what bothered me about that answer but something had. Akihiko choose this moment to notice us.
"Hey, are you guys free this afternoon?" he walks over to us.
"Huh? Who, us!" Who else Junpei? Honestly…"I…guess so…?"
"I want the two of you to meet me at Paulownia Mall. You know where it is, right? I'll be at the police station. See ya there."
"T- The police station?" Junpei asks I can't help but wonder why there as well. "…Uh, are your friends gonna come along, too?"
"Who, these girls? I don't even know their names. They talk so much they give me a headache. Anyway, I'm gonna head out. …Don't keep me waiting." he walks off.
"Awww…Why can't he be more friendly? Huh" Because your voice rapes his ears is why. And they chase after him despite the rejection. Good grief. If I ever became like that I'd gladly shoot myself.
"Man, how can he not know their names? I mean, seriously! Just look at them!"
I give Junpei a blank look.
"Oh…right. Well, I guess we gotta go…Sheesh, talk about putting a damper on a guy's afternoon."
Paulownia Mall Police Station
"Thank you, Sir." Akihiko is talking to some cop behind the reception table. "Oh, these are the guys I was talking about earlier."
The cop looks both of us over without saying anything.
"This is Officer Kurosawa. He helps keep our squad well-equipped. And, this is from Ikutsuki-san…"
"R-Really! Sweet!" Typical Junpei celebrating before even knowing what he's been given.
Akihiko gave both me and Junpei 5000 yen. "You can't fight empty-handed so find something you like. Officer Kurosawa has connections…but, these things still cost money.
"Of course they do. Nothing in life is free." Officer Kurosawa has a very serious expression while he says that.
"I realize that. Well, I'll see you later. Thanks again." with that Akihiko leaves.
"I've been informed about you two. My job is to maintain peace in this city, regardless of the circumstances. I'm just an ordinary police officer, but it doesn't take a genius to know something strange is going on here. I'm only doing what I think is right." with that he shows us what he has on sale.
Actual weapons and not that fake crap I received from Yukari. I buy a new sword for myself and another sword for Junpei…I'll have to buy Yukari a new bow later. Hers are at least real at any rate. Junpei takes off in a huff afterwards. I'm tempted to tell him he's being childish and Ikutsuki didn't have to give him anything at all but I don't feel like arguing with him over it.
Healing Shop, Be Blue V…I see there's some part time job positions open. I go in and they hire me on the spot! I felt my memory improving as I crammed information about charm stones for my sales pitch. As time went on I managed to become more persuasive to the customers as well! I got 3500 yen for working so I can afford some new armor! It was getting darker and I went back to the dorm.
Dorm 1st floor lounge
As I entered the building Mitsuru once again welcomed me. "Perfect timing. I wanted to talk to you regarding our exploration of Tartarus," before I can speak she continues "while I'm fully aware that you may not be ready to go back for a day or so the fact remains you must eventually go back. When the time comes simply speak to me and I shall make arrangements. Obviously if I'm not here you are not to go to Tartarus. You are also allowed to go out at night now. That said you should go ahead and rest." she turned away obviously dismissing me. My eye twitched. Yeah Yukari's hostility was making a lot more sense now. I turn around and walk right back to the Mall, Mitsuru pissed me off. As I stomp into the entrance I notice a familiar blue glow in the alley.
Could that be?
I go into the alley and sure enough there's the door to the Velvet Room.
What is it doing here of all places?
"Ah, there you are. Welcome to the Velvet Room." It's Creep-O…rather Igor. "Well…I suppose it's time for me to explain what I really do here. It is my job to create new Personas. But in order to do so, I must fuse your Persona cards together…In other words; I shall merge them into a single Persona. The number of Personas you have buried within you is approximately 170..." What? I have 170 pieces of myself? …Yup I need some serious therapy. "We've never seen a visitor with this many possibilities before…If you establish Social Links, you may be able to create even stronger Personas, too. Heh heh heh…This should prove veeery interesting."
I can't help but be reminded of an evil scientist with that "very interesting."
"So, as you accumulate cards, please bring them to me. If you wish to learn about fusing Personas in more detail…Then talk to me so that I may give you some hints."
"Cards?"
"While Persona will emerge from the sea of your soul periodically every so often you will receive cards. These cards will depict Persona that you have in your consciousness. For other Persona that you receive merely from personal growth you merely want to take one of these blank cards. Picture the Persona in your mind and it should appear on the card."
He gestured to a box on the table with a flourish Theo picked it up and walked over to me. "Thank you Theo." he gives me a strange look before smiling.
I grab the blank cards and stand up. "Thanks Igor. See ya later Theo!" as I leave I hear Theo behind me.
"Well then…I look forward to your next visit." Huh. Actually sounds like he means it. I notice that Be Blue V is closed so I go to the shop next do Chagall Café…apparently they have a position open as well. Might as well. As a waitress they give me a cup of their signature Coffee during the break which supposedly makes you more charming. It's delicious and smells so good! I decided to balance an extra plate on my arms when serving the customers, the plate doesn't break I think I'm getting better at this! I got 2500 yen for working there.
4/23/09
I met Junpei by the gate. "Man, I'm so tired…coming to school's a job by itself. Things got so busy all of a sudden. Well, I do feel a lot more satisfied, though." He looks exhausted. I was planning on going to Tartarus tonight but…I'll put it off until Friday.
"Yeah, I agree."
He brightens at that. "Having something' that only we can do…It just feels great." He yawns betraying his earlier fatigue. "Oh man, I'm getting teary eyed now…Goin' to class is a pain…The only thing I look forward to is after school. How will I kill time…?
After school
Junpei practically ran over to me after class had ended.
"Yo, mind hanging out with me after this? I know someplace that's really good! It'll be my treat! C'mon, Let's go!"
His treat? Oh he was going to regret that. "Sweet, let's go!"
"Alright, now you're talkin'."
Iwatodai strip mall, Hagakure Ramen
It's crowded but we didn't have to wait long to get a seat.
"Umm…Alright! We'll have two specials!" Junpei is really eager to chow down.
"Sounds good."
"Well…I'm sure it'll be better than you're expecting." It didn't take long for the server to make our food. It smells soooo good. "C'mon try it." Eagerly I did in. Oh yes…just as good as it smells.
"This is delicious!"
Junpei laughs. "Good, right? Well then, I'm digging in too. Chow time! Ahh, hot hot hot…" I smile in my bowl as he fans his tongue. "Man, this is great!" He's a noisy eater too. "Hey…Do you feel okay now? I was worried about what happened the other night…not to mention before that you were in the hospital. You seemed fine at school…but I was kind of worried."
"Is that why you invited me out?" I should have expected ulterior motives. Free food is never really free.
"Huh? Oh, um…Well, yeah! I had some problems myself when I transferred here, too. In your case, you've got all the fighting stuff on top of that…" he frowns and I can tell he's recalling the other night. "I…don't' want something like that to happen again. You have any idea how afraid Yuka-tan and I were?"
"…" I look into my noodles. I was scared too. If Junpei and Yukari hadn't been able to summon their Personas then…I can't help but wrap my arm around my stomach. "You weren't the only ones afraid."
"…this…is getting a little too serious…" Junpei shook his head "Anyways, you're fine now right?"
"Yeah."
He smiled. "Then let's not worry about it! Besides I think you'll do just fine adapting to both fighting and a new school." He blushes a little and I can sense that he just wants me to be comfortable.
Thou art I am I art thou
Thou hast established a new bond
Thou shall have our blessing when thou chooseth to create a Persona of the Magician Arcana
…Is this going to be a common occurrence? I hope not.
"Still…Girls and guys livin' in the same dorm, huh? That can't be good." he smirked. He just had to ruin a good, touching moment didn't he?
"Stop smirking like that yah pervert."
"Aww…I can't help it. Oh, but I don't drag love into my work." I roll my eyes. "Then again, I can't guarantee that I won't fall for somebody, mwahaha!" laughing I continue eating my soup.
"Whatever Junpei!"
We talked for a little longer before heading back.
It was Thursday…I had decided not to go to Tartarus because Junpei still seemed down not to mention I wasn't going back into that hell hole without some decent equipment. I spent nearly all my money except for measly 1500 yen on armor and I couldn't even afford any for myself. Regardless…I wasn't going to be going to Tartarus until tomorrow. If I work tomorrow afternoon I should be able to buy myself some armor.
"You can sell me your old equipment you know…" I look up at Officer Kurosawa. "I won't ask what the weapons you're buying will be used for. But, I believe that you'll use them for the right reasons." Yukari and Junpei after coming from Tartarus had placed the armor (which had been ordinary clothing over their uniforms) to me I had placed it in the bag. Quickly I took Yukari's (Junpei's was completely ruined) out and gave it to Kurosawa. He gave me enough to buy the last piece of armor with more to spare.
"Thank you!"
"My pleasure." it was slight but he smiled. I left and went to the Pharmacy. I brought a couple of Revival Beads. Knowing my luck I'd need some and a few more medicines just in case. Now I was broke. Complete and utterly broke. I went back to the dorm and decided to study for the night. Tomorrow I'd reface Tartarus. Hopefully this time wouldn't be as disastrous.
End Chapter 2
Final Note: Also I'm not sure if I want her to join the Volleyball Team or the Tennis Team. I'm leaning more towards Tennis but I'd like to her others thoughts. Also I'm not religious so if I offended anyone with my use of Messiah being her guide I'm sorry. He's not supposed to represent any specific religious figure but rather the virtues of self-sacrifice, forgiveness and kindness. Things that the Female PC is slowly starting to develop. (I hope). Also Messiah is obviously the FMC's True Persona in this fic (other than Orpheus) I always thought the ending to the game made that clear.
I know it seems that she's a lot nicer to both Yukari and Junpei this chapter but that's mostly because they haven't really hit her patience quota. Not to mention saving someone's life nets you plenty of nice points.
Answering Reviews Time.
XxXTwilight-SinXxX : I feel your pain that's exactly how I felt at first. Every single FMC story involved her being either a ditz or an idiot. Granted my FMC is no action girl but frankly I always found it odd how the FMC/MC just starts off as awesome-sauce in the game. As to why Mitsuru and Akihiko still make her leader in this case is because mostly due to the alternatives (Yukari and Junpei) aren't much better. Yukari is still somewhat afraid of summoning her Persona and Junpei can be just a little bit too impulsive and hot-headed. Hopefully she'll have developed into a believable leader by the time Akihiko gets off the bench that he's willing to give her the reins. Also I'm so used to people thinking: From America = Mary Sue. I'm guilty of it at times myself.
Wait I found a few romance fics that don't have her being a moron but rather an ordinary girl. Those are vastly preferred.
Miki-san4u : Thank you for the support! I'm not too sure if FMCxJunpei is going to be one-sided or not at this point. I love Junpei but soo much of his good character development came from Chidori. More than likely it'll be one sided until July where it'll either fall apart or become an actual ship.