Edited. More suggestive than lemony...I hope.
Chapter 8: Two For The Price Of One
6/21/09
"'Ello, zis eez Bebe. Do you 'ave a minute?" Babe calls in the morning. I'm tempted to go to work instead but he sounds like he really wants someone to talk to.
"Yeah."
"I 'ave nothing to do today. Would you like to do somezing wiz me?"
"Sure."
"Yay!" He wants me to meet him at Be Blue.
Paulownia Mall, healing shop "Be Blue V"…
"Minako-sama, zis shop is where…"you get to meet your true self." Zat is what zat madame said. Bebe bows slightly towards the proprietor. "Minako-sama…" I wish he wouldn't call me that. He leans toward my ear. His breath is warm and it tickles. "Who iz dis…"true self"?"
"It's your inner self."
"A store where you meet yourself…?" that's not what I meant. "Youself…Zhen, you mean Bebe? Bebe meets Bebe?" he sighs. "…I lack training…" he's sad. Well this sucks. I decide to go back to the dorm. Bebe was sad the whole time. It was kind of depressing. I call Mitsuru once more to tell her I won't be coming until late and head to Game Panic. I play the Punching Bag game.
6/22/09
Gekkoukan High School, Front Gate
"Hey, Minako…I was thinking…The night before last…The 12 Shadows…Tartarus…isn't there just too much we don't understand?" Mitsuru's secret keeping doesn't help matters. But I guess she's more in the dark than I am. After all I have Jailboy- I mean Pharos giving me information periodically. It's not much but its something.
"Yeah. There is too much we don't understand."
Yukari frown deepens. "It's starting to get to me…"
At lunch Hidetoshi approaches me about the smoker. I can't believe he's still stuck on that.
Gekkoukan High School, Student Council Room…
What's going on? There's a negative as hell aura in here. Everyone's arguing.
"How many times do I have to explain? It's like I'm talking to a moron…" Hidetoshi is obviously not pleased.
"Why are you accusing ME? The cigarette but was in the BOYS' bathroom, right?" It's the Student Council Vice President. Who is female. Hidetoshi must have cracked his skull on the ground when that goon punched him in the face.
"Can you prove that it wasn't a girl who left it there?"
"There's just no reasoning with you!" It's a guy now no one agrees with Hidetoshi. Granted his idea is ridiculous and he's not backing down an inch. While it's a stupid thing not to back down on, but I have to respect the fact that he doesn't back down, even when everyone in the room is against him. He has guts. Angrily everyone else leaves. Okay…
"…What a bunch of Neanderthals…Minako-kun," he looks startled at me. "Were you there the whole time?" Yeah I'm tempted to point out that he's the one in the wrong but I figure the guy's been verbally ripped into enough today.
"That was kind of harsh…" granted Hidetoshi was being an idiot but it's not like that 's anything new.
"…Don't hold it against them…" he brightens at that. "They're like children: they just don't understand." he's satisfied at my response. "Sooner or later, they'll see the light. Then, they'll respect me." If you say so… "I'm not isolating myself;" he looks angry again "I'm just being aloof. Sooner or later, someone always gets hurt in any relationship. …I guess I'm preaching to the choir, though. I apologize." He gives me a small smile. I guess in his own awkward, domineering way he's trying to be a good friend. I think I understand him a bit better now and our bond deepens. I feel my inner strength increase as well. It's still early so I decide to go see Fuuka. She should still be cooking. Hopefully she hasn't made anything like yesterday again. I don't think I can go through that again.
"…There's no reason to have a meeting if no one's here. Let's go." with that I head to the home economics room.
Gekkoukan High School, Home Economics Room…
Fuuka is taking out supplies. "Minako-chan! You made it!" She gives me a bright smile.
"Yeah…what are you planning on making?"
"Um..I'm not sure…could you make this with me?" I shrug and look over the supplies she has out. "Look on this page…" she points to a recipe in her cookbook. "…"chocolate truffles"! Don't they look good?" Oh and they tasted good too!
"Sure. It looks like an easy thing to make too."
Fuuka is measuring something. "Um, one teaspoon of liqueur…that doesn't seem like enough." Liqueur? Does she mean liquor? What's with the weird pronunciation? Whatever. "Dissolve 200 grams of milk chocolate in hot water…Am I supposed to but hot water in it, or it into the water?" …no wonder what she cooks has a habit of tasting like shit. I start boiling my own pot of water and place the chocolate in a separate pot that fits snugly above the first.
"You need some help?"
"Oh, no, it's okay. I should be able to do this…Thanks, though." I cringe slightly when she turns back to her cooking. I really hope she doesn't actually place the chocolate in the boiling water. She's having fun at least.
It doesn't take long to make the truffles. I smell mine. Mmm. They came out pretty well. I can't resist but shove one in my mouth…it's still hot but its oooh sooo good. I have a few extra and place them in one of Fuuka's airtight containers. I toss them in the bag of holding which has a habit of perfectly preserving everything I put in it.
"Yes, I'm done! This is much more fun when there's two people here. Thanks, Minako-chan!" I can't help but laugh with her. This was fun. I feel the bond between us strengthen and my inner strength increases. "How does this look? It's a little odd-shaped…" It's the size of an apple and is lumpy looking. Urgh. I'm not eating this.
"…What is this?"
"It's a chocolate truffle, of course." A sour smell emits from the "truffle". "I thought that a teaspoon of liqueur wasn't enough, so I used a cup of it. Look, see?" Why are you all proud after you ruined the thing completely. This isn't even edible anymore. She holds up a bottle labled vinegar.
…
…
…
For someone so smart. She can have piss poor observation skills.
"Fuuka…that's vinegar."
"What? Huh?" She gasps in surprise. She looks down at it. "Oh, you're right…It says "rice vinegar"…I didn't notice at all…I'm hopeless, aren't I. …I just want to help everyone, even outside of battle." She's down and her voice is small. "So I thought that they might like having some homemade food or sweets when they're tired. …But I want to try harder so I can get better at this." she brightens a bit. "Plus, now that you're helping me out, I want to succeed even more…I'll try harder next time."
"Well…" I can't tell her I think the problem is she's trying too hard. With that I shrug. "Let's clean up." Afterwards we head to the dorm together with her telling me all the recipes she was thinking about making next time. I can't help but wonder what the Janitor will think when he sees that "truffle" in the garbage.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"S'up dude!" Junpei waves me over. "Remember how Mitsuru-senpai was saying the equipment in the command room is busted? Well, it's still on the fritz, so I checked it out, but…I dunno, dude. I don't wanna just press buttons at random, y'know?" I bite my lip to keep from laughing. It turned out fine the last time I did that. "Soooo….It's all up to you, buddy!" Fuuka goes to sit on the couch and I head up stairs
Dorm, Command Room…
I hit the same button as before. Huh. There's a new recording. I press play.
06/14/2009 16:17:49 Beginning Playback
Huh? It's Junpei's room. Good grief it's a mess…looks like a tornado hit it. Junpei's not there though. The click clack of Mitsuru's boots are heard and she and Officer Kurosawa walk in. Huh. What's going on? And why didn't anyone mention this?
"This way, Officer." Mitsuru looks concerned. "By the time I realized the door was halfway open, his room was already in this state. I've left the place untouched, as you requested."
Officer Kurosawa looks around. "Hm…whose room is this?"
"Junpei Iori. A junior. I've been attempting to reach him on his cell phone, but he hasn't responded in the last 30 minutes."
Officer Kurosawa is simply silent.
"It was careless of me to let my guard down…This dorm has been attacked in the past. Security is everyone's concern, but if anything happens to him, it's ultimately my responsibility…"
"…I hate to say it, Miss Kirijo, but this is most likely-"
"Huh…? Mitsuru-senpai?" Junpei walks into the room. "Wh-What the hell! Kurosawa-san? What's going on here?"
"Iori! Where were you? I've been trying to contact you!" Huh. She's actually scared she must have been really worried about him. But…she couldn't reach him for an half-hour. Why go into such a panic?
"Huh? Oh, uh…it was hot, and the AC was busted, so I went to the manga café and fell asleep…" Ha.
Mitsuru sighs in relief. "Well…I'm just glad you're safe. But if it wasn't an attack, then it must have been theft…Why would the burglar target this room…?" Ha. I doubt it was theft Mitsuru. Any thief with half a brain would go into your room first.
"Theft?" Junpei jumps in shock.
"What else could it be? Someone clearly tore through the room looking for something. Vandalizing a school dorm…When I find out who did this, I'll see to it that he or she is executed." Mitsuru's pissed now. Sheesh. She can be damn scary.
"…Well, son, sounds like you've got a death sentence." HA! "How about it, Iori? Was this room, in fact, vandalized?"
"uh..Heh heh…well…My room always looks like this…"
"Wh-What?" Oh yeah Mitsuru probably has maids and the like. I doubt she's ever seen a dirty room in her life until now. "B-But…You can't possibly live here in this state, can you?" I burst out laughing and shove my hand over my mouth to stifle my laughter. Last thing I need is anyone running up here to see what's so funny. "A-And…the door was open."
"Oh, right…I wanted to air theh place out while I was gone. No one we don't know ever comes around, so…"
"…" Mitsuru is silent for a moment.
"I think this case is closed. May I return to my duties, Miss Kirijo?"
"Oh…yes…I'm…sorry you had to see something so disgraceful…"
Junpei flinches. As Officer Kurosawa leaves I could swear I see him shake his head in amusement.
"I apologize for all this…It seems my upbringing may have been more sheltered than I realized…" with that she leaves, closing the door behind her.
"C'mon, at least yell at me or something! What's the deal with you calling the police over a messy room, anyway?" Ah, Junpei, Junpei. "What did I do to deserve this! Hey, wait…that fortune I drew on the way back…It was "Worst Luck."..the recording end there.
I head back downstairs to head for Paulownia Mall. As I spot Junpei and Mitsuru sitting on the sofa I can't help but chuckle. They give me an odd look but I'm gone before they can ask why. I play Print Club again.
6/23/09
On the way to class I hear some rumors about a revenge request website. Supposedly you can get revenge on people by sending some people after them. What a dumb rumor.
After School
Yukari asks me if we want to go with her somewhere. I go ahead and accept the offer.
Paulownia Mall…
We go shopping again. "Wanna start off at the pharmacy? I ran out of my color of lip gloss, but what do you think…?"
"I could probably buy some more medicines."
She laughs. "Why am I not surprised?"
"Hey! Don't knock the medicines! Those have saved our lives at times!"
Yukari shakes her head laughing. "I know that much! But you're always-" her phone rings. "Hang on, I've got a phone call. Oh…" her expression darkens. I guess whoever it is she doesn't like. "…Hello. Yeah…What? So? …Get to the point, okay?" Geez. What a nasty conversation. "…Huh? It's not funny! What! How do you think that would make Dad feel!" …she talks to her mother like that? "…Fine. Do whatever you want. …Just don't call me again!" she snaps her phone shut angrily.
Okay then. I eye her warily.
"Sorry."
"What's the matter?"
"It was my mom…She says she wants to get remarried." her voice is shaking. Though what is with the massive rage- Oh. Wait. I don't think she even knows who her mother's marrying. "I don't really care if she wants to get married again, but I can't stand how she's been living…running away from life, jumping from guy to guy. I don't think that's fair to my dad." She's really upset about this. I don't know what to say so I just stand quietly until Yukari eventually calms down. "Sorry, I'm okay now. Thanks. I'll never be like her. I'll never be that weak…" Yukari's still angry but at least she's not shouting anymore. "Running away to forget your problems is the worst thing you can do. I've decided that I'm gonna live on my own. I'll show her that I can be happy that way." I think I understand her a bit more…and my inner strength increases. "Thank you. For some reason, I feel like I can tell you anything, Minako…" she brightens considerably and blushes a little at her confession. "That's it! I'm going on a shopping spree today! And you're coming with me, Minako!"
"Okay but let's get the medicine first."
She laughs and we spend the rest of the day shopping. I buy some new equipment but I spend most of the time talking to Yukari and being dragged to several clothing shops.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"Welcome back." Mitsuru greets me when I come back in. "We have two weeks until the moon is full again. Try to increase your strength as much as possible before then."
"Two weeks, huh. I wonder what it'll look like this time…I have to admit, the suspense is killing me." Junpei…only you would look forward to such a thing…well you and Akihiko anyways.
"You're starting to sound like Akihiko." Heh exactly what I was thinking Mitsuru. "Just remember, this is not a joke. That reminds me…why is he not back yet?"
"He's prolly eating or somethin'." with that I walk back to Paulownia Mall. I might as well play at Game Panic some more. I go ahead and play Horror House.
6/24/09
Gekkoukan High School, Front Gate
I walk into Junpei. "Yo!…Hey, is it just me, or has Yuka-tan been acting weird lately?"
"Yeah. She has."
"Oh, you noticed it too? She's been thinking way too hard about Tartarus n' stuff. I mean, who cares! Right?" I care Junpei, and you should as well. But…the bell rings and we end up going to class.
Hidetoshi asks me if I'm willing to go to another meeting at Student Council. I first need to get that card I forgot about from Naganaki Shrine. I get two Null Charms. I decide to give him another card my Regenerate 3. Waving to Maiko and telling her I'm too busy to play with her to my regret I go back to school and Student Council. I feel a bit like a jerk when I see Maiko's sad face but when she nods and waves goodbye to me I can't help but sigh as I go back.
Gekkoukan High Schoo, Student Council Room…
Hidetoshi's the only one here. I guess they're still angry about what happened on Monday.
"Sorry, it was a quick meeting. Everyone left already. It's actually kind of nice not having those hyenas around."
"You're not going home?"
"There's something I want to take care of before I go home." He's troubled about something. "About the cigarette butt in the boys' bathroom…I have to do something…soon. …As you can see, the meeting's over, so you can leave if you want."
"I don't mind helping out."
"You're probably busy all the time too. You should take a break once in a while." despite saying this he's a lot more cheerful. "If you have time, please stay and listen to my story." He walks over to the window and looks down at the courtyard. I walk over to him and pull a chair. I sit next to him and place my head in the palm of my hand and look up at him. "A man without position, honor, or education…What can he cling to as he struggles through life? "Sincerity," a man once told me." He turns to me and his eyes are flashing with anger. The only thing that stops me from saying anything is the realization that his anger isn't directed at me. "…Do you want to know what happened to that man?" I nod. "While gathering information for a story, a TV anchorwoman was injured on the job. The executives for the TV station called it an "unfortunate accident." But when a magazine learned they were hiding something, the executives pointed the finger at the script writer. They said it was the writer who had concealed the truth; he was made into their scapegoat. That man is currently serving time for perjury. It was he who told me the meaning of sincerity." And there's the reason he's so bull headed about this.
He bites his lip and his eyes soften somewhat. "In today's society, the weak are preyed upon by the strong. You can't survive on sincerity alone! …As for me, Minako-kun, I'd like to build a corporation where everyone is treated fairly. But, to do that, I'd need enough power to make my vision a reality." His sharing that with me has allowed me to better understand him. I feel the bond between us strengthen and my inner strength increases. It's getting dark outside. "…Well, seems like we're done here. I'll walk with you to the door." I can't believe so much time has passed during that. I call Mitsuru to tell her I won't be back until late and head for Paulownia Mall. I head for Chagall Café and notice I can work their nights. I get paid 2500 yen.
6/25/09
Junpei offers to take me out to eat during lunch so I go ahead.
After School
Junpei and I head to get something to eat.
Iwatodai, strip mall…
"So what do you want? Ramen…or a meal…maybe a beef bowl…oh wait, what about takoyaki…? …Uh, what do you want to eat?"
"Anything's fine." I just want some food.
"Um…then what shall we do then…I guess ramen will do, then." Junpei seems somewhat troubled. I wonder what happened. "Okay, let's go. …Whoa, what the hell?" Junpei's looking at some middle-aged man standing off to the side…actually he's staggering more like. He's also yelling…it sounds like nonsense but… "That dude's completely wasted…It's broad daylight, damn it…"
"Look let's just avoid him."
"Yeah. I don't wanna have to deal with somebody like that, either. I mean, if he gets hit by a car or something, it's his own damn fault." That's a bit cold Junpei. The drunk notices the two of us looking at him and approaches us.
"Haaaah? Wah'chu lookin' at…?" the man slurs.
"Whaddya want…? Get outta here." Junpei glares at the man in disgust.
"Let's just go, Junpei." standing around here inhaling the smell of booze is putting a damper on my appetite.
"…Yeah, you're right." we head for the ramen shop.
Hagakure Ramen…
Junpei seems to be in a bad mood.
"Is something wrong?"
He sighs. "Uh…sorry. I don't like seeing drunks like that. Well, I doubt that anyone actually likes seeing people like that. Haha…" he laughs dejectedly. "You…You don't have any parents, right?"
"No…they died about 10 years ago." I don't mention the day after they died is the day I started experiencing Critter Time.
"I know that this'll make me sound like an ass…but I kinda envy you…There have to be some parents that their kids would be better off without…"
"You do sound like an ass." I snap. He smiles bitterly at this."But…you have a point." He looks surprised that I agree with him. "My parents aren't the type that I would have been better without, while yours might have been." Junpei shrugs at that.
Ugh. What a depressing conversation. I've lost my appetite.
"My…dad was always drinking. He'd just sit there and drink, all by himself." Junpei falls into silence. The few things I can remember about my father always involved him holding me and reading me stories. I don't remember much but the things I do he was a kind, gentle man. "And every time he did drink, he'd get violent over the stupidest stuff…" Junpei's voice is far away as if he's recalling unpleasant memories." Junpei closes his eyes tightly before opening them. "But…it doesn't hurt at all anymore. When I was a kid and I acted up, I'd get spanked and it would really hurt. But now…He's lost what strength he had, and I didn't even notice it…Whoa. Sorry for bringing that up. I must be really boring you."
I shake my head. "Not really."
"Still, let's talk about something fun!" He laughs. I feel I can understand him a bit more…and our bond has strengthened.
"Crap! Gotta finish these noodles before they get soggy! Let's shut up and eat!" with that we start chowing down. I end up ordering at least 3 more orders. Me and Junpei go our separate ways and I head to Paulownia Mall.
That man is still there.
[Go ahead and give him the money.]
It's Lilim…What?
She just giggles. [Go ahead!]
But it's obviously a scam!
[Obviously! Just listen to me! You can use him as much as he can use you!]
Does that mean he's one of those social links? The only thing I get in return is laughter. Damn it Lilim! I give him the 20000 hard earned yen. This is ridiculous.
"I'll be in touch once your fortune has been made." with that the good looking man walks off. What an obvious scam…I go into Game Panic and play Print Club again.
6/26/09
Bedroom, Early Morning
My phone is ringing. I answer it.
"Good morning. This is Theodore. There is a human-2 of them, I think- wandering around Tartarus. Please carry out a search and rescue. Goodbye, now." with that the call ended.
After School
After class I walk out of the homeroom and head with Bebe to Fashion Club.
Gekkoukan High School, Home Economics Room…
"Minako-sama, it eez zat time again! I will tell you what we're making today. What do you zink about zis? Kawaii, cute like you, no?" Bebe points to a how-to guide for making a cute knit doll. I might as well make one. "Bring ze yarn 'ere…like zis! Oui oui, very good! Ze needle hurts, so be careful." …I already found that out the hard way Bebe. "You do not weave ze yarn…you weave le amour!" I follow Bebe's instructions carefully and barely prick myself. I takes a while but I'm pleased with my work I weave on the nose and I'm done.
"Zat is tottemo tottemo cute! It is almost as cute as you." Wait what? I can't help but blush. I pick up the rabbit. It is really cute. I place it gently in my bag. "I am sad to say, but it eez time to settle zings…Minako-sama, you 'ave gotten so much better at zis! Subarashii! Wonderful!"
"I'm still a novice though." It had taken me far to long to finish. The sun was already out of the sky.
"Oooh, you are very modest!" he's really happy today. "Minako-sama. I would like to making somezing Japanese, but what?"
"How about a kimono?" Maybe Bebe could help me make one.
"A kimono!" He's excited over the idea. "It 'as to be a kimono! But…zat eez very 'ard to make…I don't know 'ow. Plus, it eez expensive…" He mulls over it. "Hmm…I will zink about it, Arigatou! Zank you for ze advice! Minako-sama, you are ze only one I can talk to 'ere…You are so nice!" Nice? Me? I feel our bond strengthens and my inner strength grows. Nice huh? More like a parasite. "Oh,, look at ze time! I must go 'ome now! Minkao-sama…Mata ne!" I wave goodbye.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"Where have you been?"
"Uh…Fashion Club."
He nods. "Well…I'm gonna go out for a bit. See ya later." he leaves. Well at least he was nice enough to tell us this time. The chairman is there telling his jokes to everyone.
"Oh Minako-"
"I'm not feeling well!" I run up the stairs to my room. That…was close. Shaking my head I take out a few books. Since I'm stuck up here tonight I might as well study for a bit.
6/27/09
After School
I head for the Home Economics classroom.
Gekkoukan High School, Home Economics Room…
"I'm thinking about making this today…Tadaa…! "Sweet Fries"! Everyone loves them! I bought a lot of sweet potatoes for them, so even if we mess up a little, it won't be a problem. So, you can relax a little too, Minako-chan."
"Want me to teach you?"
"It's okay. I'll be right on my own." I sighed inwardly that's exactly why we got the "truffle" of doom last time Fuuka. "You need to focus on making your own batch, Minako-chan. I don't want to keep you from your cooking…" Fuuka seems to be awfully cheerful. I go ahead and follow the recipe.
Granted cutting up all the potatoes took a bit of time, but otherwise it goes smoothly. Huh. Not to tout my own horn but I'm a pretty good cook!
"1 tablespoon of melted butter…"…I didn't melt the butter yet, though…What do I do? There's no time now…" Fuuka…Fuuka. "Oh! Butter is just hardened oil, right? I can probably substitute oil, Olive oil should do the trick…" …oh no. "Okay, the final step is to put this in the over. I'll put yours in too, Minako-chan. Let's see…The temperature is 180 degrees…and the setting for residual heat is…" she's doing that awfully fast…
"That was pretty quick Fuuka." That oven is oddly complicated yet she's using it like its nothing. "Huh? Oh, um…I'm pretty good with machines…I like taking my time and reading through the instruction manuals for electronic devices, too…D-does that make me seem weird?" …I'm not the best person to ask for that. Beside you live in Freaks Dorm, Fuuka. There is no one normal in there.
"Though that's pretty impressive, Fuuka!"
"Huh? I-It's nothing, really…but, I'm happy to hear that." I thought it was embarrassing because it wasn't really girl-like…" she giggles. "…I think this is the first time I've said something like that. …To tell you the truth…I knew that you wouldn't judge me over that…" why would I? Who cares if you like tinkering with machines? I feel closer to her though and…my strength has increased yet again! I ask her what kind of machines she likes to tinker with and tell her about my mini-video game obsession. She seems a bit surprised. Heh. She hasn't even seen me eat any good food yet.
"Oh, I think it's done. Hot hot…Ah, I forgot that we have oven mitts." she places them gently down on the table. "Look, Minako-chan. They look so beauti…ful?" What the…the sweet potatoes that are lining the pan don't look like the picture did. …hell it doesn't even look like food. The texture is really weird too.
"Oh…these ones look normal. They're the ones that you made, Minako-chan…" I had figured that much out. "…Th-Thank goodness! They look really delicious."
"I'll give you some."
"Huh? Oh, yes, thanks…" Fuuka's somewhat depressed. "Thanks for the food…" she eats it. "It's delicious…Minako-chan, yours are really delicious. …I guess…I'm not match for our leader." Oh, not you too!
"There's always next time, Fuuka."
"Thanks." She cheered up at that. "Oh, it's almost time for us to go home. Let's clean up and go back." with that we clean up and head back nibbling on my sweet fries and talking about more recipes the whole way.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"Oh, hey!" Yukari waves to me. I nod and head back upstairs when I remember that there's 2 more people stuck in Tartarus. With a sigh I turn back around. "Can we head back to Tartarus today?" Remembering Theo's request I ask if she has a Christmas Star as well. She gives it to me and off we go to Tartarus.
Tartarus…
I head to the Velvet Room and deliver the star. Theo gives me some Cyber Shoes as a reward. I take Akihiko, Mitsuru, and Yukari to me into Tartarus. We find a man on the 51st floor Mitsuru is ready to have us leave.
"Wait. There's someone else-"
"Hm? Arisato."
"Let's go back…I think I heard about someone else going missing." I can't lie for shit. Mitsuru gives me a look before nodding.
"Alright can you watch after him Fuuka."
"Uh- yes of course!"
"Thank you Yamagishi." with that we head back up. I feel their suspicious glances on my back the whole time.
We find the woman on the 62nd floor. With that we leave. I fuse Unicorn and Fortuna to remake Hua Po. Then I fuse her and Oberon to make Mithra he's powered by my link with Bebe. I then remake Oberon by fusing Pyro Jack and Tam Lin. I withdraw Tam Lin from the Compendium. With that I leave Tartarus. Mitsuru once again makes arrangements to have to people we brought from Tartarus brought to their homes. I feel her piercing eyes on my back until I flee into my room.
6/28/09
Fuuka calls me in the morning and we decide to go out together.
Iwatodai Strip Mall, Wakatsu Restaurant…
I chow down on some of the food. Fuuka appears stunned at how I eat.
"You…really enjoy food don't you Minako-kun." I swallow quickly and nod reaching over for my drink.
"I hope I can one day make something that you'll eat so enthusiastically!" she looks around the restaurant. "Though this place is really useful. Not only is it relatively cheap, but the balance of the ingredients is well thought out, too." Fuuka's enjoying herself. "And they seem to really think about the health of their customers, too. This "Iron-Plentiful Meal" is really good for women. Fuuka flips through the menu, murmuring as she sees things she's interested in. "…Well here is a surprise question for you! What happens if your body doesn't get enough iron?"
"You become anemic…" I think…
"Bingo, that's correct! I get anemic all the time, so I try hard to get enough iron in my diet. You should be careful too, Minako-chan." With the amount of food I eat I doubt I have to worry about not getting enough anything. More like too much. She must have been worried about me. We stay out late eating at the restaurant and buying ingredients for the cooking club. Afterwards we head back to the dorm.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
No one's there. Fuuka and I walk upstairs and see Junpei and Yukari sitting in the hall. Fuuka goes over to talk to them and Junpei says for some reason Tartarus doesn't have a top. What is with his ridiculous ideas? Regardless I feel sleepy. I climb into bed and get a good rest.
6/29/09
Gekkoukan High School, Front Gate…
I feel great today but Yukari walks up to me with a grim look on her face. What's wrong?
"Mornin'…Ya know, in about a week, there'll be another mission…"
"Yeah…I know." Just 8 more days until the next BFS.
"I wonder what it'll be like this time…I guess we'll keep fighting until we defeat all eight that are left. But, what are we gonna do after that?" Hope nothing worse happens. "I've been thinking about this for a while. I wonder if Mitsuru-senpai is hiding something from us…" with that we head for class.
After School…
After school I go training with Akihiko-senpai. I feel myself getting stronger and faster and while we get closer my inner strength doesn't increase but I don't mind. Its nice to hang out with him. He teaches me a few boxing moves too.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"Welcome back." Mitsuru greets me. Only she, Akihiko and Junpei seem to be here. Where are Yukari and Fuuka? I check the command room and there they are.
"Hey…Fuuka. What are the two of you doing up here?"
"What? Yeah. We sometimes talk here." …right and I'm supposed to believe nothing suspicious is going on. "Yukari-chan says that it's perfect here because people rarely come around…Oh, but, you're welcome, of course." I arch an eyebrow and Fuuka looks away quickly. Yup. Something not right is happening here. The usual stuff my ass Yukari. I go back to my room to sleep again. I don't feel like going to Tartarus anymore.
6/30/09
Bebe is upset about something during lunch. Immediately after school I head to the home economics room.
Gekkoukan High School, Home Economics Room…
Bebe is depressingly silent.
"You look down, Bebe."
"You can tell somezing eez wrong?" Duh. You're Mr. Chatterbox on a normal day. "Uhh…last night…My dear aunt…was taken away by ze angels!"
"R-really?"
"…Zat is why…" Bebe shoulders slumps and he looks miserable. "S-Sorry, gomenasai…She was ze reason I was able to come to Japan…And now, she 'as been taken away…She 'elped me so much, and…I could not do anyzing for 'er…I was 'olding zis inside…because I know zat crying will not 'elp…but, seeing ze look on your face, Minako-sama…I…" he's devastated. I sit by him in silence and just let him get it out. Our bond has grown stronger and I feel my inner strength increase.
"Sorry, gymnasia, I cannot work today." I don't blame him. I'm surprised he came to school. "Well..mata ne…" As he leaves sadly I feel sorry for him. The only one he knows here and she's dead now. I go to the library committee for lack of anything else to do.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"Welcome back." Mitsuru again. Fuuka is on the first floor this time. I head back out, I'm not even sure why I came. I give that crooked man another 10000 yen and go work at Chagall Café. I make 2500 yen.
Bedroom, Dark Hour
…
"Hi." Its Pharos again. As usual he's on my bed. I sit up and look at him. He has that same childish smile on his face. "…Can you guess what I'm going to tell you?"
I smile wryly. "I think so."
He chuckles. "You're used to it by now, huh? The next full moon will be in one week. Are you prepared…? Be careful, okay?" He's actually concerned.
"I'll be careful." I smile warmly at him. He's not so creepy anymore…or maybe I have just grown used to him.
He nods. "I'll come again." he vanishes.
7/1/09
Gekkoukan High School, Front Gate…
Mitsuru's waiting for me again. "Good morning. The full moon is almost upon us…Are you prepared?"
"Yeah. No problem."
She smiles pleased.. "Good. I'm counting on you. According to the cycle, it should appear on July 7th at midnight, six days from now. And remember, incidents increase when a full moon is near, so remain alert at all times.
Bebe approaches me again at lunch. He looks a little better from yesterday. I tell him that I'll be at club yesterday.
After school
I hope Bebe's okay…I hurry to the economics room.
Gekkoukan High School, Home Economics Room…
"Minako-sama…what shall we make today…?" Bebe gives me a shaky smile. "I 'ave a sewing book 'ere…" I blink and he points to a how-ton on making a cute bag. I make one in silence. I choose a blue that reminds me of the Velvet Room.
"It is a lovely color…My 'eart, it feels so cleansed…Minako-sama, you 'ave subararshii, wonderful sense." Hm? …I guess he feels better. It doesn't take too long to finish.
"It is so lovely! Everyone will be urayamashii, jealous." I place the felt bag I made into my backpack. "I…" Bebe becomes silent for a few moments. "Want to go somewhere to eat after zis?"
"Sure let's go."
"Arigatou gozaimasu! Zank you very much!" Bebe's at least feeling better. "Zere eez somezing I need to talk to you about." with that we go to the restaurant.
Iwatodai strip mall, Wakatsu Restaurant…
I eat my food and wait for Bebe to speak. "…I'm afraid I might 'ave to go back 'ome…I was able to come 'ere because of my aunt, but…My uncle did not agree wiz ze decision! He eez yelling at me to come 'ome now, like ze mafia. If I go 'ome…my uncle might never let me return 'ere!"
"Then stay here."
"I would love to stay in Nihon…Zis country eez where I want to live and die!" Bebe is excited again. It's better than the sad expression he wore earlier. "But, no matter 'ow 'ard I try to convince him…'e will not listen. I 'ave got to know you well, Minako-sama…I cannot say, "Mata ne" like zis!" Our bond strengthens and I feel my inner strength increase. "It's almost time to say, "Mata ne"…I'll see you at school, okay!" with that he goes. I finish my food before heading back to the dorm.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"…Where have you been? Did you hear? The next operation will be on July 7th. That means it's going to be a Star Festival special bout." what does that even mean? Shaking my head I head back up to my room and study. I feel smart now.
7/2/09
At lunch Fuuka approaches me about Cooking Club. Something seems…off about her.
Gekkoukan High School, Home Economics Room…
"Umm…what should we make today?" Fuuka's depressed. "Oh…Sorry. I keep messing up…It's not a problem with how I make the recipe…How do I put this…? While I'm making it, I start thinking that it's not going to come out right anyway…I'm always like that. It's like, I'm bad at imagining things in a positive way…I keep imagining that nothing is going to go right…If only there was something I was actually good at…"
"You're good with machines aren't you?"
"…I'm surprised you remembered. …But that's just something that I like. It's not something I can be proud of…" why the hell not? "When I was young, it was my dad's hobby to work on complicated music equipment…He'd fix things like broken amplifiers and headphones where one side would be broken. I loved watching him working on those things when I was little. That's…probably why I became good with machines. But, I don't think I could use machines to repay everyone's kindness…" why does she doubt herself so much? "When we really need help with fighting or technology, we have the Kirijo group's support…I want to find something that only I can do…something that people would rely on me for."
"I hope you find it, Fuuka." Its also something that she'll have to find on her own.
She giggles in response. "Thanks. You really are our leader after all. Oh, we should make something before it gets too late. If we want to make something that we can take back to everyone, I think cookies would be best." with that we make some sugar cookies. Since it was something I ate often I could practically do it with my eyes closed.
"Huh? Minako-chan, are you done already?" I like cookies. Thanks to my aunt not letting me have any money if I wanted to eat cookies before I had to make them. "I'm still measuring the flour…" Fuuka's hands and legs are covered in flour. What a mess…
"I'm helping." It'll take her too damn long on her own.
"Huh? You're putting the flour in this basket? But it's falling out of the bottom. Oh, so THAT'S how you melt butter quickly!" I shake my head in fond exasperation before finishing. I had to push Fuuka's hands away from the flour several times from her attempts to change the recipe. I took them out of the oven and let them cool on the table. "It came out right…" she giggles again. "That's amazing, it came out right. It wouldn't have happened if you weren't here…but it actually came out right! For the first time ever, something I cooked actually tastes good!" she's practically bouncing up and down. I feel our bond strengthen and my inner strength increase. "Then again, you pretty much did everything…I caused you all this trouble again."
"I already told you it was no trouble Fuuka." I place some cookies in airtight containers and through them into the bag of holding.
"But…I want to be the one who helps you…anyways I'll try harder next time." …that's part of the issue Fuuka. We clean up the room and headed back to the dorm together.
As we reach the dorm doors I wave goodbye to Fuuka.
"Where are you going?"
"To Paulownia Mall. Could you tell Mitsuru I won't be back in time to go to Tartarus."
Fuuka nods and I head for the mall.
I give the suspicious man 10000 more yen.
"My foolish little apprentice…have you not yet realized that you are being deceived?" I realized that from the beginning. Stupid Lilim and her stupid "You need him" crap. "Everything I've said has clearly been suspicious!" he sighs. "Ignorance should be a crime. Sure, you have some positive qualities, but if you remain so naïve, everyone will take advantage of you. …Stick with me, and I'll show you how to be a winner."
He smiles at me. "Very well, young lady…if you insist, I'll give you my autograph. It's always a pleasure to meet a fan."
"No. I don't need one."
"Oh, don't be silly…Never look a gift horse in the mouth. I'm sure you've seen the home-shopping program called "Tanaka's Amazing Commodities"…Allow me to introduce myself…" the well-dressed man handed me a business card. The card reads President Tanaka of Tanaka's Amazing Commodities. Wait? He's the dude on that TV show? "That's right! I'm Tanaka. Surely you've heard the name. I'm afraid I cannot return the 40000 yen you gave me," Damn it! "but I've autographed my business card for you." Yay. What the hell am I supposed to do with that. "Hold on to that…It'll be worth a pretty penny. Tootaloo."
Lilim!
[You humans are so impatient.]
My eye twitches but I notice Tanaka turns and walks away his phony smile melting into a look of annoyance. But he sits on the nearby bench and begins mumbling to himself. "That little brat…doesn't she realize she's in the presence of a star? I should have charged her extra for a private autograph signing." I guess he's talking about me
"You do realize I can hear everything you're saying right?"
"Huh? Wh-What do you want! Quit disturbing me! Shoo, Shoo!" I stare at him like he's lost his mind. He runs over to me. "D-Did you overhear me talking to myself?" Uh. Yeah. That's what I just said. "You'll forget it ever happened if you know what's good for you. I belong to a powerful talent agency. I'm practically a celebrity. I have an image to maintain…Don't even think about telling someone "He took my money" or "He called me a little brat"! Capiche!"
I smirk at him. "I'll tell everyone."
"Very funny. You may be cute, but you're not comedian." He snaps in irritation. He's sweating too. "…Silly me! I've let you in on my secret, haven't I?" with that he laughs. What? "Don't tell anyone, okay! Please! I'll lick your shoes clean if you want me to!" Ew. Do not want.
"That's…fine. Do not lick my shoes."
"Th-That means you won't tell anyone, right? Promise? I'll make you swallow a thousand needles if you're lying! A verbal agreement is considered a contract, and I'll sue your pants off if you breach ours! I've got your adorable little face etched into my memory." Huh.
Thou art I…
And I art I…
Thou hast established a new bond
Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Devil Arcana.
That explains it.
[I told you so!] Lilim's smug voice echoes through my head.
Yeah yeah. It only cost me 40000 yen I snarl back at her.
"But to tell you the truth, you might shrine with a little polishing. I sense that you're something more than your average pretty girl. What you need in this world is brains. Without brains, you can't climb to the top. I usually take my breaks here. I'd be happy to mold your young mind whenever you wish." With that I head back to the dorm to sleep it's really late. And Lilim's still cackling about being right. Damn it.
7/3/09
Akihiko approaches me after lunch. I decide to go train with him again. I've gotten a lot stronger and flexible thanks to that.
Iwatodai strip mall, in front of the Sweet Shop…
"I heard that this place is popular. A-are guys allowed to go in there…?" What kind of question is that? Of course they are!
"You never been in here before?"
"I-It's not the kind of place that most guys would go…" I guess Bebe isn't most guys then…Akihiko blushes a little but we go in and share a chocolate cake. After we finish Akihiko grimaces. "That was rather sweet…"
"You didn't like it?" Granted I ate most of it…
"Oh…I mean, I don't hate having sweets…" he's blushing, it's kind of cute how easy it is to make him blush. "But I don't really have them that often, so I was surprised at how sugary it was. And…it seemed like you like eating sweet things, so…" Ah. He remembered that day when I wanted to have something sweet. "Still, it was like having a lump of pure sugar in my mouth…Yukari sometimes gives me sweet snacks once in a while. She'll say that she'd be screwed if she eats any more, then shove them at me…but that's not important right now." The grimace fades. "Um…are you still hungry? Want to get some real food?"
"Sure." He laughs a that.
"I keep forgetting how much you can eat. Let's go." Before we can leave.
"Oh, Akihiko-senpai!" Oh for the love of- its those two idiots from before. "Omigosh, I'm like, so jazzed to run into you here again." Its clown makeup girl.
"Say, why're you here with Junpei's girlfriend?" the girl with buns gives me a look. What? If that idiot-! "Like, stop stealing all the single guys when you've already got one for yourself!" They glare at me.
"What are you two retarded? He obviously does not want you. Buzz off! Besides I'm not stealing anybody. Akihiko is not your damn possession, you clowns." I hear an amused cough behind me. Oh…
"No one was talking to you." Girl with buns sneers at me.
"Well you were talking about me so-" Akihiko cuts me off.
"As you can see, I'm here with Minako right now. We'll have to talk some other time. Let's go, Minako."
"Huh? Hey..!" Clown girl protests when Akihiko grabs my hand tightly and drags me all the way to the dorm entrance.
"…Oh, sorry. Did I hurt your hand? …Sorry about what happened back there."
"That's not your fault, those two are just idiots." He laughs.
"I'm glad to hear you say that…well the it's not my fault part anyway. All this about me showing off and taking someone else's girlfriend…" ugh. I had pretty much forgotten about that. Why the hell would anyone think Junpei and I were dating? "There are people in my class saying things about me, too…" he looks relieved. I guess they really must have been bugging him about it. "…I had fun today though." he shoots me an smile. "It's nice to have sweet things once in a while. Say, aren't you in the cooking club? Maybe you could make me something sweet sometime." I have some sweet fries… "Like…pancakes sound good."
"Pancakes?"
"…I like them." he laughs again. "Does that seem like the kind of food I wouldn't like?" he laughs self deprecatingly. I feel as though our bond has grown stronger…my inner strength increases as well. "Now, let's go home." with that we go into the dorm.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"Welcome back." Mitsuru greets the two of us. I head back upstairs to study again.
7/4/09
Gekkoukan High School, Front Gate…
"Mornin'. You know, soon it'll be a full moon. Are you nervous?" Yukari approaches me.
"I'm fine."
"…Seriously? You're amazing, Minako. I guess we have to do this no matter what…"
"Have you heard that stupid rumor that I was dating Junpei?"
Yukari looks just as baffled as I am. "No…who the hell would think that?"
"That's exactly what I was wondering! Apparently these two girls came up to Akihiko and I when we were eating and claimed I was trying to steal all the single guys. What's up with that?"
"Ohh I see."
"See what?"
"It was probably his fan club. They want you to stay away from him."
"…good grief. Why not just say so instead of pretending I'm dating…Junpei of all people."
Yukari just gives me a look. "Would you listen?"
"Well no but-"
"They probably hoped Akihiko wouldn't want anything to do with you if he thought you were two timing him with Junpei."
"But Akihiko and I aren't dating!"
"Well I know that, but they don't."
"Ugh. So I'm going to have to deal with this the rest of the year?"
Yukari shrugs. "I'd just ignore it if I were you."
I sigh resigned to my fate and with that we headed to class. I head to Naganaki Shrine and pick up my two Regenerate 3 cards. I head over to talk to Maiko.
"Um…I…I…!" she's crying.
"What's wrong Maiko?"
"M-My dad, he-" she bursts into loud wails. She runs into my arms and keeps sobbing while I awkwardly pat her head. I wait for her to calm down. After a few moments she pulls away wiping her teary eyes. "Dad, he…he…he…he hit me! I don't know what to do…"
"Why did he hit you? Did you do something?"
She shakes her head. "I don't think so…" she sniffles some more. "All I did was say I wanted to know the real reason they were getting a divorce. …They told me I was too young to even understand it. So I kept asking, but then Dad got angry and…and he…"
"Hit you." She nods.
"…Then Mom said since I was so annoying, that it was my fault." Wow. Her mom's kind of a bitch. "I'm not sure they love me anymore…I bet they wouldn't care if I wasn't even here at all!"
"That isn't true, Maiko."
"Are you…sure? But then, why are they so mad?"
"It's probably just stress Maiko. They need to work that out themselves."
"But who knows how long that'll take! What if I ran away from home…? I want to find out…how they really feel about me. If they love me, then they'd try to look for me, right?" Well yeah but… "It's a secret, okay? Don't tell Mom and Dad I'm running away." I don't even know who your parents are Maiko. "I know you won't tell." I feel her trust in me. Our bon strengthens and I feel my inner strength grows. "Well, I have to go now. We can play more later!" Maiko runs off. I sigh. I don't feel like doing anything else today. I wander around until it gets dark and then head back to the dorm.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"Oh hello. You probably already know this, but the next full moon will be on Tuesday of next week. I'm sure some kind of Shadow will show up. Please be ready." Speaking of that. I head to Paulownia Mall. I need some more supplies. I went to the police station.
"Hey. That Salary man that went missing…I couldn't make out the full picture from questioning him, but you're the ones who saved him, right? The police can't accept gifts, so this is yours. It's a hefty sum for you kids. He hands over 40000 yen. I turn to leave. "There's still more…the missing girl the other day…I tried questioning her, but…her answers didn't make any sense. She said that some kids saved her from a attack by a black thing. She left a reward with us, so I'll hand it over to you." I got a Shirt of Chivalry. I decide to go ahead and talk to President Tanaka.
"My schedule is so packed I don't even have time to breathe. I don't usually deal with your average Joe, you know." considering you took 40000 yen from me I think you owe me. "If your dormant potential turns out to be a mistake in my judgment, it's an instant goodbye to you. Alright, let's add a new word to our vocabulary today. Repeat after me! "Placebo"! The stress is on the middle syllable."
"Placebo."
"Splendid! It's so charming how you say it!" He's awfully pleased about such a small thing. "A placebo is a "pretend" pill. Basically it's medicine to ease your mind. It's a miracle breakthrough that will make you feel fabulous! Enjoy a relaxing drive while taking in the beautiful scenery! Our incredible supplement will help you get the most out of life! These are part of our unique line of products."
"Is that legal?"
"Oh yes, of course. I'm free to sell them as I please!" He's awfully impressed with the fact that he's ripping people off. "We may not be providing tangible benefits, but we do provide peace of mind. People will pay handsomely for that, you know. Take emergency supplies, for example…People feel safe just because they have them. But, it's merely a false sense of security. …That's it for today's lesson. You can pay me back when you make your first million." Okay…I think I understand him a little more. I feel my inner strength increase as a result.
"Have you been keeping your promise? You didn't tell anyone, did you? If you go back on your word, I'll upload your picture to an internet dating site for former prison inmates!" with that he leaves. Shrugging I turn and head back to the dorm. What a weirdo.
7/5/09
I head to the theatre to work for today…I got 9000 yen for working today. As I walk to and from work I can't help but be alarmed at the vast amount of Apathy Syndrome victims hanging around. I head for Paulownia Mall and call to tell Mitsuru I won't be back in time to go to Tartarus.
Huh. There's some monk here. I talk to him…and he won't talk to me unless I give him some booze. I go down to the bartender. He wants me to take everyone's orders down. After I do so he takes the monk some brandy. I tell the monk that I arranged it so he starts talking to me.
"You look awfully young, kid. You still in high school? What're the employees here thinking' letting' you in…? Well, since ya got me a drink, I'll pretend I'm your parent so ya don't get thrown outta here. …Well? C'mon, kid, sit down. Havin' to look up at ya is strainin' my neck." I sit next to the monk. What kind of monk drinks anyways? "So, you wanted to see where adults spend their time, eh? Well, don't worry, in two or three more years you'll be old enough to hand out here unsupervised. Just take it easy, kid. You'll be legal before ya know it. No need to rush." …but that's not why I'm here… "actin' like an adult only makes ya look more like a kid. Heh…I guess that sounds funny comin' from an alchol-drinkin' cigar-smockin' monk, eh? I nod.
"It does…how does that cigar taste anyway? It looks nasty."
"It tastes like leaves believe it or not." he laughs. "You seem to be optimistic about the future…Well, don't get your hopes up too high, kid. That way you won't be disappointed when things don't work out. Cuz then you'll hafta smoke and drink just to get through the day…You're nothing' like those punks I see runnin' 'round town these days." He looks me over. "…Always bein' taken in by the police for questioning…" he snorts in amusement. "…I'm gonna remember your face, kid. And next time you come in here, I'm gonna have you thrown out. Got it?" I got to know the monk better.
Thou art I…
And I am thou…
Thou hast established a new bond…
Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Tower Arcana.
I'm getting a little tired. "Well, when you've had your fill, go home…and don't come back." I doubt that monk. I go back to the dorm.
7/6/09
Gekkoukan High School, Front Gate…
"Yo, what's up?" Junpei walks up to me. "Tomorrow's the big day."
"Yeah."
"Dude, I'm totally stoked…like right before a tournament or somethin', ya know? Now, I know how Akihiko-senpai feels before he gets in the ring…as Junpei talks excitedly about the next full moon Shadow I shake my head in fond exasperation. I wish I could be excited about this.
After School
I head to Paulownia Mall to do some last minute shopping. There's a whole bunch of apathy syndrome victims in the mall just staring at the ceiling. It's unnerving to say the least. I can finally afford an Invigorate 3 so I buy one. I also buy two more Cadenza stones. I head back to school. I might as well go to Tennis Club practice. It would be a good warmup for tonight.
Gekkoukan High, field…
Rio and I are alone because the other members have yet to come back. I crouch in the basic position.
"That's right, always keep your knees in mind. Alright, I'll serve next, so…Oh."
"Heeey, Rio!" Some brown haired guy is running over. It's…Kenji I believe? He's in my class.
"Kenji…what do you want?"
"I've got some homework that I just don't understand at all. Could you do it for me instead? Or tell me how to do it?"
"Homework…?" Rio scowls at him. "I bet you just slept through class again." Kenji laughs guiltily in response. "…What do I get in return?"
"Ooh, so you're up for it? Lucky me!" Kenji smiles. "I'll give you my love in return. Love, baby!"
"Nobody needs that! …How about you buy me a special at Hagakure?"
"Yikes, that's steep…" Rio glares at him "Okay! I'll be waitin' around until you're done."
"Yeah, yeah…" he leaves
"Oh, sorry…I ended up loafing around." I shrug.
"I don't mind. Though you two get along well…"
"I guess…we're childhood friends, I've know him since preschool…he's like a younger brother to me. That's all." She laughs. "He's been coming here a lot lately, and he's starting to be a pest…"
"What's wrong?"
Rio looks down. "Sorry its just…" I can't understand the rest of the sentence because she mumbles it. Though I guess it's probably our missing team members.
"They'll eventually come back." I hope.
"Yeah…" she bites her lip. "It's like…I don't want to pretend nothing happened, and I'm not going to say this is my fault. …I know that I need to be more mature about this, but…" she's becoming exasperated. "All that stuff about having never been in a relationship and stuff…that's none of their business."
"Don't let stuff like that get to you."
"Yeah." she's still annoyed. "Minako-san…Do you have…someone you like?" Do I? Not really. Junpei is more like an annoying brother, Akihiko gives me cool big brother vibes, and Theo…well I'm not sure how I feel about Theo. Hidetoshi and Bebe are just friends and Tanaka…I'm not even going there.
"Nope."
"I-is that so…" she seems relieved at my answer. "I don't get romance. It seems like so much trouble, and there's no big reward for doing it." As she opens up to me I feel our bond deepen and as usual my inner strength increases. "Let's go back to practice. I'll serve Minako-san so you…Uhh…Is it okay if I just call you Minako? I feel like it fits you better."
"If I can just call you Rio. Sure."
She nods with that we finish practice and I head back to the dorm.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"…S'up, dude?" Junpei greets me as I walk into the dorm.
"Hey…" Everyone's here today. I take the chair across from the Chairman.
"Tomorrow's the day. If we lose, then pretty soon the city will be full of The Lost. …Just thinking about it gives me the willies. We better win…It's all on our shoulders. Dude, I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight…If you wanna go to Tartarus, count me in." I shake my head.
"It's better if we conserve our strength for tomorrow. We can't take the risk of getting tired because of Tartarus tomorrow.
"Hm…I do hope my hypothesis is correct." The Chairman doesn't look overly concerned that it's wrong however. "This is indeed interesting."
Yukari is sitting in the back, alone for some reason. She has an angry look on her face. …It's probably best if I leave her alone.
"Arisato, as usual I will be counting on you to take the lead." Mitsuru smiles slightly in my direction. "I'm sure you will prove to be quite capable as you have so far." I nod and she turns back to the book in her hands.
"Though what kind of Shadow do you think it will be?"
"If my hypothesis is correct it should be of the Hierophant Arcana. It will be enlightening to see what form it takes."
"I just hope everyone is okay afterwards." Fuuka's concerned voice was soft but still carried.
"Ah don't worry Fuuka! Junpei's here!"
"If I was her that's what I'd be worried about…"
Junpei scoffed at me. "Whatever. We can't all have your skills, illustrious leader."
What the hell is that supposed to mean? "Don't hate because my Persona's better than yours Junpei." instead of responding with some teasing remark, he looks angry. What's up with that? "Anyway…I should be off. I need to go study." I don't want to get into an argument especially not the day before another one of them show up.
"So you can make top 10 again?" He snarls.
"Junpei-kun?"
I suck my teeth but make no other remarks and storm upstairs.
"What was that about?" Yukari asks me as I pass her.
"Junpei's just being an ass." With that I go in my room and throw open a few textbooks.
7/7/09
Gekkoukan High School, Front Gate…
Fuuka walks up to me smiling. "Good morning, Minako-chan. How are you feeling today?"
"I'm fine. I feel kind of good actually."
"Oh good! We're going to have a quick meeting tonight about the operation. So, please return to the dorm immediately after school." After school I head back to the dorm…I mostly watch TV until the dark hour hits.
Dorm, Command Room…
Fuuka's scanning for the Shadow with her Persona. Apparently its named Lucia.
"Any luck , Fuuka?" Akihiko breaks the silence.
"…Just a moment…I found it! I sense a strong presence!"
"Hey, we were right!" …Urgh. You didn't even come up with the idea Junpei. I'm still pissed off about last night.
"Or so it would seem." with that the Chairman writes something down on that notebook of his.
"It's located in Iwatodai…insdie a building on Shirakawa Boulevard." Fuuka's voice has this weird vibrating quality to it.
"Hmm, Shirakawa Boulevard…They've been finding The Lost in pairs lately…Now I understand why." The Chairman writes something else down.
"In pairs…huh. Oh, I get it." at the last bit Mitsuru seems to be a bit awkward for some reason. Fuuka dismisses Lucia.
"Why, what's on Shirakawa Boulevard? I'm not familiar with that area…" I find myself wondering too.
"I've heard about it, but…"
"that's where all THOSE hotels are. That explains a lot!" Junpei whistles. Oh…Oh. I get it now. "You've heard about 'em, right Fuuka? Where people go to…ya know…"
"Oh..?" Fuuka blushes a bit.
"Ugh, you have the dirtiest mind…" Yukari glares at him.
"Nonsense…They're no different than ordinary hotels. The rooms are a bit fancier, that's all." whatever you say Chairman.
"Aw man, that's it?" and trust Junpei to be disappointed about something like that.
"I don't know about this…maybe I shouldn't go…" at least you have a choice Yukari.
"You're just like a little kid, Yuka-tan…Wh-Whatever! Fine. Let's go. But this time, I want a piece of the action!"
"Y-You do!" You have gots to stop egging her own Junpei. You just make it worse for yourself.
"So, who's gonna take the lead?" who do you think?
"Arisato, as I said last night. You're in command. I see no reason to change leaders now. And Yamagishi, I want you to handle support during the operation." Meh. Nothing unexpected.
"I'll do my best!"
"Alright, then I'll let you decide on the rest of the team. Let's do this." Akihiko nods at me in encouragement. "We've been training together often lately so you'll do fine." I hope so. I take Mitsuru and Akihiko since Yukari practically force herself into the party. I would have taken her anyway but still…
With a warning from the Chairman to be careful we're off.
Shirakawa Boulevard…
On the first floor Fuuka tells us she sense a Shadow on the 3rd floor. Huh. This doesn't look like it'll be that bad. With that we head up the stairs fighting weak Shadows along the way.
Hotel Champs de Fleurs, farthest room…
There's this Shadow…it has two crosses next to it. It looks like some sort of Shadow sitting on a throne with some female like figure with a plant for a head. …as far as Shadows go though-
"This thing's the boss? Huh…It's more normal-looking than I expected." Yukari somewhat disappointed? Odd. Though I have to agree with the normal looking, as far as Shadows go anyway.
As soon as the battle begins I boost Akihiko's attack power with a Tarukaja spell. I'm using Tam Lin for this battle. Yukari falls to it Zionga and then completely collaspes when it uses Mazio. I use Recarm to wake her up. Akihiko and Mitsuru are consistently kicking its ass using Sonic Punch and Bufula in that order. I ask Fuuka to scan it for any resistances/weakness. Damn. The stupid Shadow ruins my Tarukaja spell I placed on Akihiko, I use another one. The damn Shadow uses some ability that inflicts fear my skin feels cold all over. I use a Me Patra gem to clear it. Yukari uses Media to heal all of us. I place a Tarukaja spell on Mitsuru as well. Youch! She did a lot more damage than Akihiko does! I use Tarukaja on myself just as Akihiko knocks the Shadow on its ass with a critical hit we all out attack it and do a good amount of damage. Ah damn! It cancelled the effects of my Tarukaja spells! I recast them beginning with Mitsuru. But Akihiko lands another critical hit and we finish it off with an all out attack. As a result of the battle Tam Lin has grown in strength.
"Good job. You succeeded once again." is it just me or was that a little too easy? I head for the door but it won't budge. I fucking knew it.
"Huh? I still sense a Shadow in that room!" Oh joy we got ourselves another two for the price of one special. Fantastic. "It's not the same one you defeated! But…where is it hiding?" I look over and see a huge mirror that doesn't show our reflections.
"Hm? Is it just me, or is there something strange about this mirror?" It's not just you Yukari. I look deeper in the mirror and suddenly my vision whites out.
Hm? Where am I? Some sort of…hotel room? What…am I doing here? Urgh. My head…feels so foggy. Like I was having…some…dream? Oh. Never mind. I can't remember why I'm here either…ah…that…feels good…someone I don't know who is sucking on my clit. It feels so good. The warm tongue goes deeper into me before pulling away and blowing a gentle breathe on my clit. I shiver in anticipation and the tongue resumes its play. I can't help but moan my nipples hardening the tongue alternates between rough and fast and gentle. And then I feel fingers, probing fingers at my thighs hitching me legs further apart…the tongues goes past my clit and deeper inside me. Tasting me. Hands roam up my body in a gentle caresses touching my stomach and eventually my breasts. The mouth on my clit pulls away and then I feel another gentle breathe. What a tease - wait
What was I doing?
It…was…something…important. I think. Was it? The hand on my right breast begins to squeeze teasingly before my hardened nipple is played with being squeezed and released teasingly. My moans are louder now and echo through the room.
[Embrace your desire…]
What a strange voice…and why is it echoing in my head? Ooh…this feels so good…maybe I should do what it says. My hips buckle slightly and I feel his hands gliding over my body while he…ngh…Whoever it is they are…ooh.
[I am the voice of your inner self…Enjoy the moment…That which cannot be felt is merely a dream…The present is all we have.]
What? No…my inner self…doesn't sound like that…at least…I think it does…This isn't right. But- uh…I feel a stickiness down there. The tongue laps at it eagerly…oh…what…uhh.
I try to jerk upward again but whomever it is holds me down. After a while the licking stops. My face is burning as they begin to kiss their way up my stomach.
[The future is but a fantasy, memory a fabrication…let your desire free you from your shackles. Such is my wish.]
No. That's all lies. I can't- no I won't believe it. You are not me. I…I look down while an amused chuckle escapes from my partner's lips. Familiar grey hair…my partner looks up and is that…someone I know? Our eyes meet.
[Pleasure is what you truly want. You stand before the doorway to bliss. You cannot deny your instincts…Embrace your desire…]
Oh. God. Everything comes flashing back to me. The Shadows, SEES, our battle. Akihiko…his lips are moist and his face turns completely red. I feel his erection against my stomach.
"uh…"
Wait…my head feels clear now.
[It took long enough!]
Tam Lin?
[It's the second Shadow!]
[That's a lie…]
No…my head is completely clear now.
[The Shadow is manipulating your friends as well. We must be quick.] Akihiko turns red as a tomato and runs into the bathroom. The shower begins to run.
I stand shaking my head. Though…how could you reach me Tam Lin?
[Null Charm remember?]
Oh…Huh. Good thing I gave you that card then huh?
[Not necessarily. You probably would have broken the spell through pure strength of will. This just speeds the process along.]
You took your sweet time though!
[Well I *am* one of the Lovers Arcana. I didn't want to stop until I was sure that wasn't what you wanted.]
And you took that long to figure it out?
[Well I never actually figured it out. I just thought now was as good a time to stop you.]
…Oh screw you Tam Lin.
[I think that's more what you and your human friend-]
You say another word and I'll fuse you! I swear I will!
There's only silence afterwards.
"Oh, I can finally reach you!" …that's just great Fuuka. Thanks for taking your time. "Can you two hear me?"
"Yeah I hear you." I sit up adjusting my clothing. My underwear are on the ground and I flush. I should probably shower I'm sticky all over my thighs.
"I'm sorry I couldn't contact you sooner…The Shadow was interfering with your thoughts…and you all got separated. The enemy is still in the same room. Please regroup and hurry there. Akihiko-senpai, can you hear me?"
"Y-Yeah, loud and clear!" his voice is slightly panicked.
"Um…Did something happen?" Akihiko comes out of the bathroom fully dressed. "All right, let's go. Um.." he closes his eyes a grimace on his face. "About what happened earlier…could you keep it a secret? Please…"
"Yeah. I need to…clean…" with that I walk back into the bathroom and shower myself. I clean myself thoroughly my face as red as a tomato. I'm aware of the window in the bathroom but I trust Akihiko to not spy on me. After that I walked out of the bathroom. Akihiko and I avoid eye contact and leave the room awkwardly. As we walk into the hall and prepare to leave Fuuka once again interrupts.
"I'm sorry…I never expected there to be another Shadow. Its power is blanketing the whole building. I'm pretty sure it's in that one room you were in before…But, it somehow sealed the door, so I don't think you'll be able to get in. I'll try to find out if there's a way to break the seal…Please join the others. They're on the floor above you."
With that we head for the next floor.
"Oh, Minako!" Yukari looks relieved to see me. "I can't believe there was another one…That was the worst! Hey, Minako…were you guys okay?" I glance at Akihiko who turns away red in the face.
"How were you guys?" I know I'm blushing but damn it. I'm going to destroy that Shadow.
"W-We're fine! Nothing happened!" Mitsuru's awfully defensive for nothing to have happened. There's an awkward silence for a few moments after her response. I end up thinking about what happened between Akihiko and I.
"I got it!" Fuuka's voice nearly makes me jump out of my skin. "It's the mirrors! They're giving off the same energy as the Shadow! Maybe the seal will vanish if you break the mirrors…"
"I remember this one mirror we saw on the 3rd floor was different from the others…when I stood in front of it, I felt kinda strange…"
"You mean the one that showed no reflection?" I can't help but ask. I wonder if she noticed it too.
"Yeah!"
"So we need to smash the mirrors that don't show us our reflections then. Got it." With that we start scouring the rooms. The first mirror is in room 205, the second in room 304.
"You've broken the seal on the door! You should be able to fight the Shadow now." Good because I'm going to take pleasure in beating the shit out of it.
Hotel Champ de Fleurs, farthest room…
"How dare you pull shit like that with us…I hope you're ready to die!" couldn't have said it better myself Akihiko. Let's do this!
The Shadow is some giant heart with weird wings. The heart has a male and female symbol interlocked circling around itself. It has a pink mask on top of the heart body and this weird sort of golden thin armor. It just looks weird. I open up with Tarukaja on Mitsuru. Akihiko uses Sonic Punch while Mitsuru Bufula. The heart manages to charm Mitsuru.
"The enemy can use charm attacks! Please keep an eye on each other!" Why thanks so much for stating the now mother fucking obvious Fuuka! Mitsuru kicks Yukari hard. Ow. Yukari glares at Mitsuru but before she can do anything the stupid Shadow makes Akihiko panic so Yukari casts Patra on Akihiko. I throw a dis-charm at Mitsuru's head which knocks her out of it but the stupid thing tries to use that charm skill on me. Thank you for Null Charm! I use Tarukaja on myself. FUCK! Mitsuru's charmed again! GODDMAN IT! I throw another Dis-Charm at her. YES! Akihiko lands a critical and we use an all out attack on the stupid Shadow. It's close to death now. I cast Tarukaja on Akihiko again because it wore off. And use keeps using Sonic Punch. I use it on Mitsuru as well. …what a pathetic fight. We finish the damn thing off with a all out attack and take particular pleasure in ripping the thing apart.
That done we leave. Ugh. Today sucked. I hate these bloody Shadows.
Hotel de Fleurs, entrance…
"I'm glad you're all safe." Fuuka greets us as we come out.
"Thanks for your help. The enemy was sly, but you did well."
"I did what I could."
"And you too, Arisato, for withstanding the enemy's mental assault." Huh. Well if she doesn't know I cheated with Null Charm I'm not going to tell her.
With that I feel the bonds the members of SEES felt for each other has strengthened. And my inner strength has increased!
"Alright, let's call it a night." Akihiko sighs in exasperation. I don't blame the poor guy. With that both he and Mitsuru leave. Probably want to put this memory as far behind them as possible. I wonder if I'll be able to speak to him anytime soon without blushing.
"Oh, Yukari." Fuuka stops Yukari from leaving as well. "About that thing you mentioned the other day…"
"You found out something?"
"Y-Yeah."
"Cool." Yukari is awfully happy about whatever that is. "Tell me later." she turns to me. "Alright! We should head back, too. Fuuka a big role again in this one, so score another for the second-years! Come on, Junpei. What are you doing?" Junpei is hanging out on the back with a sulky look on his face. What is with him? You'd think someone shot his puppy or something.
He walks up to me. "Hey, Minako…What're you trying so hard for?" Other than to keep us all alive? What kind of question is that anyways? He sounds sullen.
"I'm compensating for you." I add sarcastically. If he wants to act like a child I can treat him like one.
He laughs bitterly. "Is that so." he sucks his teeth.
"Dude, what's the matter with you? Are you gonna keep sulking because a girl got to be the leader this time, too?"
"Shut up!" Junpei snaps before storming off. What is he 10? Who fucking cares whose leader!
"What's up HIS butt?" Yukari watches as Junpei leaves. I look at his quickly retreating back and shake my head.
"Maybe he'll get over it soon. I hope so. He's becoming a pain in my ass." I whisper the last bit. "Let's get going. I'm tired…" Yukari and Fuuka nod in agreement and we head back to the dorm.
End Chapter 8
Answering Reviews Time:
XxXTwilight-SinXxX : Yeah that's what I was aiming for with the roses theme. I'm glad you liked it! I also picked choices more in tuned with her character rather than the best amount of points. Makes it feel more real that way.
Ichigo Rocks : I'm actually not good at love triangles sorry. At this point I'm not even sure if Akihiko's feelings for Minako are going to be big brother like or romantic. Granted this chapter makes it far more likely to be romantic. (I couldn't bare to ship her with Junpei)
cartoon moomba : I have a few moments that didn't happen (just a few though) like going out to eat after seeing Akihiko, and the discussion with Junpei's surly mood. (I always felt that it came out of the blue. I hope I at least gave Junpei some reason to be in such a bad mood) the first time I played the game I was sort of like: What what? Why the hell was he so nice to me 2 days ago (I had went on outing with him) and is such a bitch now?
Kisdota-The Freak Gamer : I actually like this full moon Shadow but there's sadly not much to do with it unless the characters are going to be romantically linked. Since she's not paired with either Aki or Junpei it makes the whole scene weird. (Not to mention given Junpei's hissy fit afterwards placing him in this scene would just be weird) It actually would have made more sense to me if it defaulted to Mitsuru rather than Junpei.