Chapter 15: The Fall
…The fuck? That liar Chairman!
"The hell…?" Junpei looks around
"The guys in suits…They've transmogrified." You trying to take Fuuka's label of captain obvious Ken? Koromaru barks angrily.
"I thought we ended the Dark Hour!" Junpei turns to Mitsuru in confusion. "Senpai, what's going on…?"
"I don't know."
"Apparently, I was right to have my doubts." Akihiko doesn't sound too surprised. .
"Yeah, something didn't feel right." …wait so we all had the same bad feeling? …This…is not going to end well is it…Ken looks down
"No way…" Junpei shakes his head in disbelief when all of a sudden a bell starts ringing in the distance.
"Hey…do you hear that? It sounds like a bell, but…where is it coming from?" I don't know any more than you Yukari.
"Where's Ikutsuki?" Mitsuru's father frowns. "Well?" he demands. How the fuck am I supposed to know? "Why is he late? He's got Aeon with him, doesn't he?"
Mitsuru is just silent.
"Mitsuru." Akihiko looks at her his voice seems to snap her out of whatever stupor she's fallen into.
"Everyone…Prepare for battle!" …You've gots to be shitting me. "We're heading for Tartarus."
"Umm…to do what?" Fuuka questions.
"I don't know…but, that's where the sound is coming from." There's something…ominous about that bell. "We have to find out what's going on."
With that we head towards Tartarus quickly, along with Mitsuru's father.
Tartarus…
Shit. Damn thing's still here! …Aeon and Ikutsuki are standing at the entrance.
"Ikutsuki-san!" Akihiko's the first to speak.
"Aeon? What are you doing here?" Aeon just stares blankly at me. "Aeon?" It's like…he doesn't recognize me.
"He's here merely to fulfill his role-as a weapon."
"What?"
"Ikutsuki-san, what's this all about?" Junpei demands.
"You said the Dark Hour and Tartarus would disappear if we defeated the 12 Shadows. That's why we fought so hard! But, now-"
"…What is your intention." Mitsuru cuts Akihiko off and steps forward. "It was all a lie, wasn't it? You knew from the beginning that the Dark Hour wouldn't disappear."
"Excellent deduction, Mitsuru. Unfortunately, your realization has come too late." Jackass! I grab my evoker.
"…You tricked us?" Ken stares at him in horror.
"Everything is as I planned…it is not unexpected that the Dark Hour and Tartarus remain. In fact, I never intended for you to rid the world of them. Quite the opposite, actually."
"What the fuck's that supposed to mean?" I demand.
Ikutsuki grins. "The 12 Shadows were parts of a whole…They were destined to be reunited. …And that was accomplished in no small part, thanks to your efforts." …wait…he can't mean-! "Soon Death, the almighty, shall arise and bring forth the Fall…"
The…Fall? …Didn't Pharos mention that?
"…Death?" Ken…
"What are you talking about?" Akihiko glares at Ikutsuki in rage.
The end of all shall come and free this world from despair. The death of everything…but also the beginning." …I always thought he was a bit of a loon but…
"What the hell are you talking about?" I feel a pit in my stomach. Pharos…he kept warning me about the fall…about how he didn't believe it could be avoided at first.
"Ten years ago…I, too, was a scientist for the project we've spoken of. The experiment went awry, but that is not why the Dark Hour and Tartarus were born. They manifested as a result of harvesting the Shadow's power-just as the experiment was designed to do." Wait…this has all gone as planned? "That is why your grandfather gathered so many Shadows…" he smirks at Mitsuru. "To bring about the Fall."
"That can't be…"
"People have filled the world, yet turned it into a void! The only hope of salvation lies in ruin!" He's grinning full force now. "According to the prophecy…The Fall will be orchestrated by "The Prince". And once the Prince has delivered us all, he shall rule the new world as King! The man who tried it ten years ago failed. But I will not; I shall succeed!"
Fucking crazies everywhere!
"Man, he's totally lost it…" Junpei mutters shaking his head.
"I apologize for deceiving you, but this was for your sake as well. If you follow me for just a little while longer, you, too, will find salvation." …so he's crazy and an idiot.
"Idiot! This plan of yours is-"
"Don't worry; the ignorant will be saved equally…" he smiles at me as if he's doing me a goddamn favor!
"…I have a question for you." Yukari looks up at him.
"Yes?"
"In the video from my father…he said to defeat the Shadows…was that a lie, too?"
"Ah…he did record that himself. …Of course, I had to make some modifications."
"…You doctored it?" Mitsuru takes an offensive posture. …I mean come on can we just kick his ass already? …Though…Aeon…I look over and Aeon still has that blank emotionless look on his face. He hasn't said a word the whole time…
"I corrected it. Your father was a superb scientist." directed at Yukari no doubt. "He may not have known it, but I truly respected him. While others focused on the Shadow's abilities, he explored much more important things. But unfortunately, he could not comprehend the magnificent potential of the Fall."
"What…?"
"He left that recording at the expense of his life." Mitsuru's body is beginning to tremble in anger.
"It would seem so, …But, it did prove rather useful, so I'm sure he's happy."
"So you were behind it all? You used both me and my father!" Yukari seems to be getting ready to fight as well.
" "Used" is such an ugly word….It was for the sake of the world, so how could it be wrong?"
"It was for the sake of destroying the world you psycho!" Damn! To think I actually trusted this bastard! I held my evoker up to my head.
Ikutsuki sighs. "…How disappointing…I had hoped you would see the light. But, you are just children, after all. I suppose it can't be helped. Aeon! The time has come for you to fulfill your role. Capture them, and prepare them to be sacrificed!" He grins manically at the last line.
"Sacrificed? Aeon! Stop!"
"…Understood." What? He sounds…so robotic. "Energy output…at maximum." Maximum?
"Aeon! Stop! Please!" Aeon doesn't hesitate and the first person he looks at is me.
"Target locked."
All I see is a blur of blond and screams from the other SEES members before everything fades into black.
Gekkoukan High School Observatory…
…what? Uh…Damn. Aeon…wait what the hell? I look around. Why the fuck are we attached to crosses? Is this crazy bastard planning on crucifying us?
Junpei groans next to me.
"Junpei!"
"Huh? What the hell!" He looks around. His yells awake Yukari and the others.
"What is this?"
Fuuka just gasps as she looks around herself helplessly.
"Damn it….I can't get these off!" Akihiko squirms but it's completely ineffective.
"Father!" Mitsuru's looking straight ahead. Oh. We sort of forgot about him didn't we? Aeon is restraining him.
"Ikutsuki…What is the meaning of this?"
"It is just as it appears….They are to be sacrifices-harbingers of the Fall. The arrangements are complete; the prophecy shall be fulfilled."
"What?"
"You son of a bitch! I'm gonna rip your head off!"
"My my, what a commotion…Aeon, direct your aim at Mr. Kirijo."
"Affirmative." Aeon aims his gun at Mitsuru's father.
"Father!"
"You traitor! Are you insane?" …yeah Mitsuru's dad is a little late to the "are you insane?" party. We already got the answer to that.
"Of course not. …You know, your father was an unlucky man. Even you, his son, after all this time, do not understand his vision."
"My father was wrong. Death as deliverance…That is not an ideology anyone should ever embrace!"
"Fool…! You are but a nuisance now. …Aeon! Go on ahead and give this man his honorable "deliverance"!"
"Wait! Please, Aeon! Nooo!" Mitsuru's frantically trying to break through her bonds.
Aeon is just standing there.
"What are you doing, Aeon?"
"I…can't…" Aeon lowers his hands and just stands there as if frozen.
Ikutsuki sucks his teeth. "Fine, I'll do this myself! Ten years…" he takes out a gun. "I've wasted ten long years! I'm not like your father…I won't make any exceptions!"
Aeon's grip was lax and Mitsuru's dad manages to free himself and pulls out a gun himself.
"Wha-!" the two of them fire at the same moment.
"Father…" Mitsuru's dad slumps towards the ground. "Father!"
"Urgh…damn it." Ikutsuki grabs his stomach and his hand comes away sticky with blood. "Aeon…execute the sacrifices! Let's end this…!"
Aeon turns to face me.
"Aeon!"
"Snap out of it!"
Aeon trains his guns on me but his eyes…they're not focused. "Minako…? Minako…" he murmurs. He gasps softly.
"Finish them, Aeon!"
Aeon's eyes are focused now and I shut my eyes tightly as his guns are brought up.
"Why are you hesitating!"
Aeon still stands in front of me his eyes though seem to be gaining focus.
"Oh damn it! I'll do it myself-!" What? He holds up some sort of trigger. …wait? Oh no! Huh?
"ARGH!" suddenly there's a white flash. Koromaru? Ikutsuki drops the trigger and Koromaru growls just then Aeon brings his guns up and fires, I close my eyes tightly.
Eh? I hit the ground. Ow! Wait…I'm alive? He released us?
"Wha…? You damned defective weapon!" He falls to his knees still holding his stomach. Koromaru growls low at him. "Blasted dog!"
"You're all alone now, and you're injured on top of that." Akihiko steps towards Ikutsuki and picks up the trigger throwing it off the rooftop. Ikutsuki then begins walking backwards. "Looks like this is it, Mr. Chairman…"
Ikutsuki laughs. "You don't get it, do you? It's useless to search for hope or reasons to live in this pathetic world! A world this depraved must be started over form the beginning!" Yukari shakes her head in disgust. "And then! At long last! I will rule over the new world!" he laughs manically as he walks towards the moon. What the hell is he doing? "I…I was so close…" he laughs some more and falls off the building.
"…Father…father…" Mitsuru's sobbing as she shakes her father's body. He doesn't make a sound. "Father…" she touches his cheek gently tears trailing from her eyes. "One time, my father made a promise. He swore that he would atone for endangering our generation, even if it cost him his life. But, I…I wanted him to live…I…I became a Persona-user to protect him…" she breaks into sobs clinging at her father's corpse. All we can do is watch in silence as she cries her heart out. When her sobs quieted and she laid there stunned Akihiko picked her up and we headed back to the dorm. Just like Shinji we had to leave the bodies behind.
11/5/09
I wake up and go about my daily ritual, as I pass Mitsuru's room I hear her sobbing. Biting my lip I quietly walk past and get ready to head for school.
After School…
Akihiko's sent me a text message. "I need to talk to you all. Meet me in the command room when you get home." probably about Ikutsuki's crazy ass. I flick my phone shut and head for the front gate. Hopefully training with Tatsuya will get some of this rage out.
Dorm, Command Room…
Everyone's here with the exceptions of Mitsuru and Aeon.
"The Chairman's room has been cleared out…" Fuuka bites her lip as she speaks.
"Well, that's no surprise considering what he did." Akihiko
"Aeon isn't here either…"
Yukari sighs. "I just can't believe all of this…"
"It's in the papers, too…" Ken picks up a paper from the desk. " "Sudden Death of Kirijo Group's CEO." They blame it on illness, though."
"Yeah…It's never the truth." Akihiko leans back in the chair.
"…Nope." Ken looks down at that…and there's a moment of silence.
Junpei looks around. "Mitsuru-senpai's not here, huh…?"
"She's an only child, so there's a lot of matters to be settled, including the funeral and the family business. I'm sure she'll be busy for at least a week."
"That sounds rough…I hope she'll be okay…" Yukari.
"So, what're we supposed to do now…? …What'll happen to Chidori?"
"No word yet. They're probably too busy to be thinking about that. In fact, the entire Kirijo Group must be in a state of shock."
"I hope Aeon is alright…" Fuuka wrings her fingers together.
"Yeah…"
"What the hell…? Am I just supposed to wait for them to get their act together?" Junpei sounds tired though…I suppose we all are.
"Mitsuru is meeting with the Board of Directors. That might explain the delay."
"I see…but still, what are we going to do? We have no idea how to get rid of the Dark Hour…We don't even know what we're fighting against." I wish I knew Yukari.
"What was that he said about "The Fall"?" Grand…you just had to remind me Ken. "What would have happened if we had been sacrificed?" Other than us being dead?
"There's so many unanswered questions…" Fuuka murmurs.
"No use worrying about that now."
"…True. But, there is one thing we know…Tartarus is still around, and there's a bunch of Shadows inside it. We should train, so we're ready for whatever it is we might have to face."
"I agree." Ken and Koromaru barks to show his support.
"All right, let's break for tonight. Rest yourselves well…even if you can't sleep."
"Got it." Yukari nods.
"I hear ya…" Junpei gets up and leaves and shrugging I head for my own bedroom. …The fall…I wish Pharos was here…he may have been cryptic but at least he told me something. I fall asleep the second my head hit's the pillow.
Velvet Room…
You've gots to be fucking kidding me.
"Welcome." Igor beams at me. Ugh. I just want to kick him. "As I'm sure you are aware, you are currently in a dream. Now, then…there has been a change in you recently. Have you noticed? And I am not referring to your change in circumstances." A change?
"I am referring to the change in your mentality. That is why I have summoned you here tonight. Going forward, there is one thing you mustn't forget." With that he waves his hand and the contract I signed appears on the desk. "I see you recognize it…shall I remind you of your commitment? "I chooseth this fate of mine own free will."." Chooseth this fate of mine own free will my ass. I glare at him before sighing.
Then again…if I really didn't want this I'd pack up and go home and live the rest of my days in relative peace. "There is no need to worry…whichever path you choose, I shall respect your decision. However, only you will bear the responsibility for your actions…no matter what end they may bring about. Please remember that. Well then, I bid you farewell." Everything goes dark again.
11/6/09
I went ahead to practice today.
Gekkoukan High School, field…
Practice goes on as normal. "Alright, let's call it a day here!" Rio's looking better.
"Let's clean up, then! Oh yeah, Rio. Did you give any thought to that group date?" the short haired girl turns to Rio as she's picking up rackets."
"Hmm…You know, you can leave me out, I don't need a boyfriend."
"C'mon…you need a better man to love than Kenji. Seriously."
"I don't think one exists…" Oh gag me with a spoon.
"Great, then we're all doomed." Glasses girl adds sarcastically.
Rio laughs in response. After the cleanup everyone leaves but Rio and I.
"Oh, Minako…this feels like it was a while back, when it was just the two of us practicing together. Stuff like group dates and everything…" she chuckles. "They're all being nosy, aren't they?" Very. "I…never thought that I'd be asking other people about things like love." She at the now empty field. "I thought it was right to sacrifice everything and devote myself to the club…no matter how tough things got, knowing I was getting better and showing results would relieve my suffering. …But I had forgotten something very important." she turns to me with a grin.
"…To have fun. I forgot the joy of tennis. Take a look at this," hm? What's that worn out old book? "It's a beginner's guide. When I first started playing tennis, I was so excited I couldn't even sleep. I'd read this in bed, while I ate, even during class. I want to give this to you. I want you to have the thing that gave me so much inspiration back then." she hands me the book. "I think…It'll help me remember that I'm not alone. So…please." I take the book and place it in my bag.
"Thanks." Not to sure what I'm going to do with it…but
Rio laughs. "I'm the one that should be thanking you. It's all because of you that I came to realize all these things. You've been with me every step of the way, giving me the extra push that I needed. You always kept an eye out for those around you…" Of course. One should be aware of their surroundings and what makes the people around them tick. Hm…I wonder where I learned that. "…Thank you." she bows to me with a small blush on her cheeks.
Thou art I
And I am thou
Thou hast established a genuine bond
The innermost power of the Chariot Arcana hath been set free
We bestow upon thee the ability to create Thor, the ultimate form of the Chariot Arcana.
The familiar warmth spreads through me again.
"You know how it's one-on-one in tennis singles tournaments? That's why I thought that I didn't need anyone else. I was fine as long as I did my best by myself…but it's not something you can attempt alone. If you don't have "friends" with you…it's almost impossible to advance forward. One person, by herself…is really weak. We all need someone to rely on…" she laughs. "Though…I'm only 17, anyway!" she looks embarrassed. "Hey, let's change and get to Duck. Everyone said they'd meet us there! C'mon Minako!" with that we head to Duck and meet the others there. It's fun but I spend most of the time eating and watching Rio laugh along with the other girls.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
My cell is ringing. "Hello? This is Theodore. I sense intense power deep within Tartarus. It seems a path that was blocked is now open…please be careful. Have a nice day." with that I sigh as I close the phone. …after everything that happened I don't even want to go to Tartarus.
"…Where have you been?" Akihiko greets me when I come in. "Looks like Mitsuru won't be coming back for a while…I'd like to think that she'll be okay, but…I'm not so sure this time." he sighs heavily. He's worried about her too huh? With a sigh I head back upstairs and go to study.
11/7/09
For a lack of anything else to do I call up Tatsuya and he agrees to an impromptu lesson.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
Hm…Aeon's back. He's looking down at the ground shame-faced. "Minako-san…" he looks up at me briefly before looking away again. San? When the hell did he bother with honorifics? Especially san? "I…I am sorry. Even though Ikutsuki was controlling me I still nearly took your life. You…whom I swore to protect." He looks so lost… "I…"
"Aeon…it wasn't your fault."
"…" he's still silent. With one last worried glance at him I head back upstairs to study again today.
11/8/09
It's Sunday so I go train with Tatsuya before heading to see Akinari.
Naganaki Shrine…
I sit down next to him and we sit in silence for a couple of moments. The breeze as always is gentle and relaxing. It's not too cold today fortunately I look at Akinari to see his condition. He seems…well or as well as he could be anyway.
"I'm still writing more of my story…How much did I tell you about?" I open my mouth to tell him before he continues. "Oh right…the pink alligator and the bird become friends, right?" I nod and he runs his hands over the book at his lap before he continues with is story.
"This was the alligator's first friend, and he was very happy. …They started going to the river every day, and the little bird would sing while the alligator listened. But again, the alligator couldn't catch food easily because of his color…Pink is such an odd color, his prey in the jungle saw him far away and had plenty of time to escape. He became so hungry that he was dizzy most of the time…and he accidentally ate the bird one afternoon as it slept in his mouth." My eyes widened. Oh. Was not expecting that. "…Of course, he realized his mistake immediately. He drank swamp water to induce vomiting…but the bird was already dead when he retrieved it. …After that, he couldn't bring himself to eat anything." I feel tears prickling at my eyes and quickly wipe them away. "…That's as far as I've written. I haven't decided on an ending."
"How…depressing."
"Is it really that dark? I dunno…for me, it's hard to tell. The words I use come out from my life, you know? So, they may seem depressing to you…but to me, that's just life." Just life huh? Knowing you're going to die, to feel yourself doing so and being unable to do anything at all but wait for the end. …It is depressing. I…would probably go mad if I had to suffer from such a fate.
"So, before, I mentioned I was writing a diary…That was a lie. I was writing my will." He scowls. "I couldn't face reality…and I was essentially screaming curses into my notebook. But for now," he calms and looks sad "I'm writing my story in the same notebook. It probably isn't very good, but it contains some things that I've learned during my short life…when it's done," he smiles at me "I want you to read it. …I mean, meeting with you is the main reason I started writing it." as he says this he looks directly in my eyes and I feel my inner strength increase. "I'm really trying to come up with a good ending, but I can't decide…I don't have much time to spare. …Well thanks. I hope we can chat some more later."
"I'll see you later, Akinari."
He nods and with that I head off.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"…S'up dude?"
"Hey Junpei." without another word I head upstairs and study. Between Aeon's guilt loaded looks in my direction and Mitsuru's absence I just don't want to go to Tartarus. Besides, what reason is there now?
11/9/09
Morning, Homeroom
…huh? What's everyone giggling about?
"Alright everyone, today we have yet another transfer student…" What the hell? Again? "As you know, this is our third. That makes it a hat trick." the class just stares at her in silence. She glares at us in return before turning to a boy standing next to her. "…Please introduce yourself."
"My name is Ryoji Mochizuki." …he's pale with blue-grey eyes, his hair is black and he's wearing a scarf…and…this uniform is weird. Though…something's familiar about him…and why does looking at him make me feel so strange? Like…a part of me that was missing has finally returned to me. I shake my head. What a stupid thought. "I would be grateful if you could show me the ropes."
"…Hey, he's kinda cute." Some girl murmurs.
"I was thinking the same thing." her friend giggles.
"Let's hope that…girl stays away from him." I feel glares on my back and sigh. I'm not in the mood for this shit.
"…Nice to meet you." …god damn it! He's looking dead at me!
"Urgh. Again? Why does every guy have to be interested in her. She's not even all that pretty!"
…I sigh.
"Ryoji lived overseas for a long time because of his parents' work, so he may not be used to all of our customs. Be sure to explain them to him."
"I'd be grateful."
"Now then, you need a seat. Let's see…that one's open. Second from the left, in the front."
"Um…Ms. Toriumi? Technically, that seat's taken…"
Ms. Toriumi scowls. "You must be present to be a member of this class, so as far as I'm concerned that seat is available." Jeez. "Life is nothing but a game of musical chairs. The rest of you should be careful, too."
Yukari sighs. And Aeon's glaring at the new guy as if his willing his eyes to smote the guy on the spot.
"Good morning." He looks at Yukari cheerfully. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name."
"You…are a threat." Aeon snarls.
"A threat? I haven't even asked her out on a date yet."
"A…date?" He looks at me curiously.
"Now…is not the time for this Aeon."
He scowls before glaring at Ryoji and I'm surprised at the venom in his gaze. "Stay away from her."
The transfer student looks between the three of us in confusion.
"Huh? A love triangle?"
"Already?"
I just smash my head against the desk and groan. Why me?
"I understand a bit of your frustration Aeon, you haven't been a new student very long and already you have to share the spotlight." …I don't think that's it. She sighs. "I wish your classmates would pay attention to me for a change…hey, are any of you even listening?"
…No they're too busy making ridiculous rumors about a love triangle.
After School, Homeroom…
I gather all my books and start to head out the door when.
"Heeey, Minako!" Junpei calls out. …Damn it. I turn to face him and he's there with the transfer student…Ryoji something. "C'mere, over here!" I sigh inwardly as I walk over to the two of them.
"What is it?"
"You know the new transfer student, right? Has he been introduced to you yet?" Wasn't he introduced to the whole class? "Anyways, this is Minako Arisato."
"Hello." …grand.
"She transferred here earlier this year." …Junpei…one of these days…
"Oh…I see. I'm Ryoji Mochizuki. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you, too."
Instead of responding Ryoji just stares at me for a second…his stare feels familiar in a vaguely weird way.
"Hey, what's wrong? What're you two gaping at?" Eh? We were just staring at each other? Urgh.
"Hm? Oh, um…" Ryoji's the first to speak up. "I just got the strangest feeling when I looked at Minako-chan…" …so I'm not the only one. Fantastic. That's totally not an ill omen at all. "It's like…as if I know her from somewhere."
Junpei bursts out laughing. "Wow, that's one of the oldest pickup lines in the book!" It sure is…
"Th-That's not how I meant it…anyway," he gives me a bright smile "I hope we'll get along." He offers his hand and I shake it as I shake it.
Thou art I
And I am Thou
Thou hast established a new bond…
Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Fortune Arcana…
…oh come on! Womanizer boy is a damn social link?
"I get the feeling that we'll become good friends." Yeah such good friends that we'll have a bond that can withstand the test of time. I sigh inwardly. "I'm looking forward to chatting with you more."
"Stay away from her!" My eyes widen as Aeon practically throws himself in front of me. WHAT THE FUCK? Where the hell did he even come from? "Minako-chan, get behind me. Ryoji-san," he hisses the san in such fury that I'm stunned "stay away from Minako-chan!"
"…Oh, um…Aeon-san." he looks absolutely baffled. "Are you Minako-chan's boyfriend?"
"Boyfriend?" Aeon's anger fades into confusion. "…I am a male friend of hers yes."
…there's a few moments of awkward silence.
"That's…not what I meant." Ryoji looks at the three of us in confusion.
"Yikes…What's all this about…?" Junpei sighs.
"Aeon…knock it off!"
"But…" I just glare at him causing him to sigh and walk away. I might as well go see Akihiko today.
Gekkoukan High School, Outside Clubrooms…
"Akihiko…" I walk up to him and he looks up at me.
"Hey, Minako." he sounds distracted he's probably still thinking about Mitsuru I suppose.
"Uh…want to spar?"
"Spar huh? I…I'm not good for it today."
"So let's just hang out then."
He gives me a somewhat sad smile. "I just…want to think for a while."
"Oh…okay." feeling a bit dejected I head back to the dorm.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"'S'up dude. That Ryoji's a pretty nice guy. But Aeon was all paranoid about him…I wonder why. He was practically foaming at the mouth."
"He's a threat." Aeon snarls.
Junpei sighs. "That's all he keeps saying…" I frown Aeon turns and walks upstairs with a troubled look on his face. I decide to play with Koromaru for tonight.
Koromaru scratches his hind leg with a sad look on his face. Does he want me to brush him again?
"You want me to brush you?"
He barks an affirmative and trots off when he comes back he has Fuuka's doggy brush in his mouth. He lays down patiently and I brush his back. Hm? I look at the fur around Koromaru's stomach…ah his wound. I frown at it and he lifts his head up and gives me a low whine looking at him I tentatively touch his stomach but unlike before he doesn't grow and back off. …I guess he trusts me more now? With that I felt my inner strength increase. He yawns stretching out on my lap as I continue to brush him. As I sit with him I notice Akihiko's eyes on me.
"Akihiko? Is something wrong?"
"Huh? Oh…no it's nothing." He looks away hastily and practically runs to his room. What the hell was that about?
11/10/09
Gekkoukan High School, Front Gate…
"…Mornin'" Yukari walks up to me in front of the school. "I heard Mitsuru-senpai is coming back today."
"Is she okay?"
"I don't know….but, I'm sure she's feeling kinda down. I don't blame her, of course." yeah seeing your parents die in front of you has a way of doing that.
After School…
I head for the Velvet Room I might as well see if Theo has any new requests. As I look over the requests I can't help but blink. He wants to visit the school? Of all places? Shrugging I take the card and hand it to him.
Gekkoukan High School, Front Gates…
"So…this is Gekkoukan High School. It's difficult to wrap one's mind around such a beautiful place transforming into Tartarus. …Hm?" a couple of students that are leaving stare at Theo and I as we walk past.. "We seem to be under some rather intense scrutiny." …This sucks. "They must be able to feel your power too. The denizens of this world seem to have keen senses." he nods solemnly. …I sigh, I wish that was the case. "Here, come closer to me. Stay in my shadow." Okay. Not helping! He grabs my wrist and pulls me close to him with a gentle tug. …Fantastic. They're staring more now…and why are those girls all glaring at me? For pete's sake they don't even know who Theo is!
"Don't worry, I'll protect you." …that really isn't the problem Theo. "Now, let's head inside the school." With that we head inside walking side by side the whole time. Seems like Aeon has a rival for the whole personal space violation ability.
We don't make it too far though. As soon as Theo sees the school store he asks about it. "Is this…a vending facility? If that's the case…then…" he walks over to the store. "Excuse me, I'd like to purchase a "school lunch."." …they don't sell those here…
"Oh…yes?" The vendor looks at him like he's insane. Not that I blame her.
"They don't sell school lunches Theo, though they do sell bread."
"Bread…" he frowns. "…Well, they say that having bread for lunch can be a pleasure in itself." He looks so down about it though. He was really looking forward to it? "I may as well buy one as a gift for my Master…" with that he gives the vendor a charming smile. "your longest bread roll, please."
"Sure. Give me a moment." She takes out some bread and he pays for it before turning back to me. "Now then, won't you guide me on a tour of the school?" A tour huh?
Homeroom, After School…
I might as well take him here.
"Ah…a classroom. It's here that you spend such long hours each day. …Does it go something like this?" he walks over to a desk and sits at it before turning his full attention to me. "Please, go on, my "teacher"." Oh ha-ha. Might as well play along I step up to the podium and try to think of a question he can't answer.
"What title did Masakado claim?" He's not from this world so I doubt he cares about such things.
He chuckles. "Remember to whom you're posing the question. "New Emperor," of course." …talk about self-confident. I pout a little I wanted him to get it wrong. "I now have a much better understanding of what a lesson is like for you. Shall we head elsewhere, then?"
Art Room…
"A human figure cast in plaster. What is this ersatz human used for? A living human would seem much more beautiful to me." he glances at me. "Though if the object is to always keep one close at hand…That may be somewhat understandable."
"Yeah. They're used for displays mostly."
"I see." He looks over the sculptures and his eyes drift over the room. They are brushes and paints everywhere. Why don't the art club bother cleaning up after themselves?
"Hey. Let's go to the music room."
Music Room…
"Ah…a piano." He sounds excited. I look over at the large piano in question. Can he play? I certainly can't.
"Can you play?"
"Well, certainly I can produce the correct notes according to the music on the sheet." he frowns "But I doubt that could be called good music…I never understood the difference before, but I think I can appreciate it more nowadays. I wonder why…" …that is strange. Maybe it has to do with emotions? I mean…granted he was pretty emotional when I first saw him but it feels…more authentic now.
"Let's head to the track."
"The…track?"
"It'll be better if I show you."
Sports field…
"This…circle is a track?" I nod. "Do people run around it?"
"Yeah. That's what it's for."
"Though… I doubt they'd get anywhere." he frowns as he regards the track. "Going nowhere….Ah, now I see. It was designed with a profound philosophical point in mind…." he smiles knowingly at this. …Philosophical huh?
"Well let's go to the rooftop."
He looks at me curiously. "Why there?"
"It's a nice view."
Rooftop…
Theo looked out towards the sea. "Ah. It is a extremely nice vantage point. One has many advantages here."
I chuckle lowly and the two of us stay there for a bit.
"Well those were the most important bits." I stretch as I speak. "There's nothing more to see."
"I see…" does Theo sound somewhat disappointed? Regardless the two of us start heading back to the front gate.
Gekkoukan High School, Front Gate…
"Thank you very much for guiding me around the school. My knowledge of this world is that much deeper now. If it is all right with you, I'd like to again go…" he frowns. " "again"…? That's odd…" The way you phrased it was kind of odd…oh that's not what he means? "Why did I come here? And why with you…? What…is this desire I have to know more about you…?" I watch him. I always thought these trips were curiosity about this world. "…" He continues to frown before he looks down at me and that blush and pout of his returns. "Oh, pardon me. You must be exhausted. I had you chaperone me to so many different places…Let us go. Please, may I take your hand?"
"Sure."
With that we walked back to the Velvet Room.
Velvet Room…
"Thank you for answering my request. Well then…thank you for showing me around Gekkoukan High School. I shared the bread that I bought at the school shop with my master. I took advantage of that opportunity and suggested that we have school lunches delivered to the Velvet Room…however, it would seem that there are too many difficulties to make that a feasible addition to our routine." He pauses and gives me a strangely sad look.
"Gekkoukan isn't just part of your world…it's a place that you inhabit on a daily basis. Coming into contact with such a place, saturated with your very presence, was an exciting opportunity for me. That's why I…" He falls silent and looks away. "…I will put that aside for now." Huh? Okay then… "…There's more that I need to consider. Instead, let me give you a reward. It's another special gift. With this, you can fuse Hell Biker. He's a frightful "man", but he's also a part of you…like the rest, he emerges from the sea of your soul. Please take this." He hands me a red muffler.
I eye it before throwing it into the Bag of Holding. Why a muffler of all things unlocks a Persona I don't understand. It's getting late so I head back to the dorm.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"Hello." Aeon greets me when I come in. He still has that solemn expression. "Mitsuru has just returned to the dorm. She looked exhausted, she went to her room without speaking." Is he concerned?
"She'll be okay."
"…Hopefully."
"Hey Ken…let's go out to eat tonight."
His eyes brighten as he follows me out.
Iwatodai Strip Mall, Wakatusu Restaurant…
Ken orders a calcium meal but he doesn't seem to have much of an appetite today.
"Is it nasty?"
"Um...it's definitely not good." That sucks. "…But that might be my fault. I can't really taste it well…" he's awfully down today. "I'm sorry…"
"About what?" The food? "I don't care about you not eating it. Order something else if you like."
Ken shakes his head. "It's not that it's…um…how I always make you listen to me talk. It's like I'm depending on you too much. It's not good, huh…"
"It's fine Ken."
"Minako-san…" he looks down again. "Why…are you so…" So what? "Um…" he looks shyly at me. "Minako-san…I'm going to be serious here, so please listen to what I have to say…remember the manga I talked about before…? The one with the alien hero who fights bad guys…?" he stares solemnly down at his plate and stirs around his food aimlessly. "I threw all them away."
"Why?"
"Because…" his voice is soft that I have to strain to hear it "Fighting isn't a good thing. But, I enjoyed reading it."
"Don't worry about that Ken." I guess seeing people die in front of him would turn him off the whole superhero comics.
"But…reading it got me all excited. It was really cool when tons of bad guys were dying, too…" he looks down in silence for several moments. "…that can't be good." his eyes water. "I hate that I feel that way…"
"Ken…if you want to change…you can." Personally I think he's fine the way he is but…
He nods. "I…want to change…right now, if I can." He looks up at me. "How long do I have to be a kid…? I want to be recognized…" he looks away from me with a strange expression on his face. "I want you to see me as…"
"See you as what Ken?"
"I'm sorry, um…Let's eat." Talk about a quick dismissal. What is with him and Akihiko? "…Does your food taste good Minako-san? I was getting worried that yours might taste bad too, if you're with me…"
"…Ken…don't worry so much."
"I-I see, I'm sorry!"
"And there's no need to apologize."
"I…oh." he looks down at his plate before slowly forcing the food down. "…You're so nice, Minako-san." he blushes slightly. "I'd…like to have dinner with you again. …I mean it." with that we finish our meals before heading back to the dorm.
11/11/09
Hm…I call up Tatsuya and ask him for another lesson after school. As always he agrees…what does he do all day? After that I work at Chagall Café until late and go straight to bed.
11/12/09
'Huh? Minako-chan?" I turn on the monorail and there's Ryoji he's waving and walking towards me. "G'morning!" …it is way too damn early to be that cheerful.
"What a coincidence…" my voice is dry.
Ryoji chuckles. …no wonder he and Junpei get along so well. "Some people might call it "destiny."." What kind of lame pick up line was that? He looks at the window. "Look…the sun's shining off the ocean beautifully. This view really lifts my spirits."
"Really?"
"Yeah." he turns to me with the same bright smile on his face. "Of course, having you here with me probably helps a lot too, Minako-chan." he laughs. …I think I understand a bit of Aeon's irritation now. "Oh, we're almost at school already. That's a shame…" he sighs.
"Why do you find it boring?" Granted it is but still.
He shakes his head. "Nope, it's really fun. You know…it's probably because I know I can see you there." …and he just had to say that. I barely even look at him most of the time except when that strange melancholy hits me from looking at him too long. "Everything's glimmering there, just like this ocean…" at his laughter I feel my inner strength increase. "Oh, we're here. I hope today turns out to be fun!" with that the two of us walk to class together.
After School
I head for the home economics room. I might as well go to cooking club today. Nothing important happens other than me making some more chocolate truffles….hm…Fuuka's are pretty normal tasting too. Afterwards I head to train with Tatsuya before heading to the dorm.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
Akihiko greets me when I walk in and Aeon still looks troubled. …Is he that worried about Ryoji?
I invite Ken to with me to eat again. Maybe he'll open up to me some more.
Iwatodai Strip Mall, Wakatusu Restaurant…
Ken's eating…rather eagerly. It's the calcium meal again…I thought he said it was bland? Hm? What's that black mark on his wrist?
"Ken…"
"Yes? What is it?" he looks up at me.
"What's that?" I point to his wrist.
"…Oh." he blushes brightly. "Indian ink…um, from calligraphy class." He roughly rubs at the ink.
"Don't worry too much about it. I was just curious."
"But…I hate being dirty." he speaks softly continuing to rub at the mark. "I forgot that I had homework. It was to write the name of something that I like. But, I couldn't think of anything…"
"So what did you end up writing?" He must have wrote something. I think…
"Y-You promise not to laugh?"
"Yeah. I promise."
He looks down. ""Omelet and fried rice."." He blushes again. So that's his favorite food or something?
"How about I make that for you?" It should be easy enough.
"Huh…? Y-You don't have to!" he's embarrassed but has a happy smile on his face. "Um…" his expression turns more serious. "You really are nice, Minako-san…everyone else is, too. Yukari-san bought me some ice cream the other day…she said that she wanted to have some. But, she didn't buy any for herself. Junpei-san always gives me the toy that comes with the candy he buys. Even though he only gets a piece of gum…he says that he likes the gum better than the toy, but that can't be true." Ha. At least I'm not the only one. "…Everyone is so nice." he smiles at me. "…There's…no need to be so nice to me." He looks down as he speaks and all his previous joy seems to have vanished. "That goes for you too, Minako-san…" …he looks ready to cry.
"Is something wrong with being nice?"
"Th-That's not what I mean…please don't say it like that." His voice chokes up and his eyes glimmer a bit more. "…six years…" he looks up at me then "we're only six years apart." …and? He looks down again. "Six years…between you and me." he sighs at this and I feel my inner strength increase. "Um, there's something I'd like to ask you…"
"What is it?"
He stares at me for a few more moments before rapidly shaking his head. "Oh, actually…never mind."
"Never mind?"
"…Never mind!" He shouts before shoving food back into his mouth. Ooookay. We finish our meal in relative silence before heading back to the dorm.
11/13/09
I head to class as always.
After School
"Hey, Minako-chan." Ryoji approaches my desk. "Do you mind showing me around?" Showing him around? Aeon who's still sitting next to me opens his mouth angrily. Oh god no. Not again.
"Uh…sure. I'll meet you at the front gate." Aeon turns to me incredulously no doubt about to start with his "He's a threat." spiel. "Enough Aeon." Aeon's jaw clenches and he stands. …Huh? I couldn't have hurt him could I? Saying nothing more Aeon turns and storms off. Ryoji stares at Aeon's back for several moments.
"Uh…"
I shake my head. "It's not important…he'll be fine. I'll meet you at the front gate then." with that I turn and leave quickly. I can't get Aeon's betrayed expression out of my mind.
Gekkoukan High School, Front Gate…
"Oh, Ryoji-kun. Are you going home?" He's surrounded by girls as he walks to the gate. Oh you've gots to be kidding me. First Akihiko and now him?
"Ah, Minako-chan." He's noticed me apparently. He waves happily and starts walking over when that damn girl with buns from before walks right in front of him
. "Ooh, it's Ryoji. Hey, are you going somewhere?" And with that they all swarm him giggling and squealing.
"Sorry, ladies, but I've already got plans for today." he smoothly dodges all of them with a brilliant smile. "Maybe next time…"
"Whaat? When's "next time" gonna be?"
"Tell you what, I'll make sure I see you in your dreams tonight." …Is he serious?
The girl with buns squees "Awww!" …a real charmer huh.
He laughs. "Please! You're all so cute; I can't choose just one of you. I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he keeps smiling as he weaves his way through the pack of girls "but I've already decided on my princess for today." He's reaches me and takes my hand causing every single girl there to glare at me. …I just can't win.
I sigh. "You just had to do that didn't you?"
He frowns. "I…" he falls silent. "Sorry…" Huh? I didn't expect that.
"I'm not mad." More annoyed than angry but-
"It's just that…I'm sorry. I feel like I shouldn't be saying things like this to you." Sheesh. He looks me dead in the eye. "I want to be more sincere with you. I wonder why…" his grip on my hand tightens, but not painfully so.
"Urgh. Talk about the school bicycle." The girl with buns shoots me a dark look as all the girls stalk off. …good riddance.
"Oh…sorry." he looks at their retreating backs before looking down at our entwined hands with a smile. "Aeon-san's going to get angry again if he sees me holding your hand." …Still what is with Aeon? It's like he can't stand Ryoji. "But…I wonder why…" He frowns once more looking at the ground. "For some reason, Aeon-san too…I feel like I know him, and it's on the tip of my brain…but I just can't remember it!" he shakes his head in frustration with this I feel my inner strength increase.
He looks back up at me with a smile. "Oh…I shouldn't let myself get lost in thought while you're with me. So you're going to show me around right?"
"Yeah."
"I want to see all the places you like to go to."
"Really? Fine let's head to Duck and get something to eat."
"Duck?"
"Hamburger place. Food's great."
Iwatodai Strip Mall, Duck Duck Burger…
I order a meal and happily start biting into it.
Ryoji looks over me at amusement. "Do you come to eat here often?"
I nod still eating. Ryoji looks around as if he's never been in a restaurant before.
"Minako-chan…"
I swallow and look up at him. "Hm?"
"What other places do you like to go to?"
I think for a while. "I love going to the Bookworms nearby. It's run by a nice elderly couple…and Naganaki Shrine is where I've met a couple of interesting people and it's very peaceful, I work at the theater and at Be Blue a lot too."
After I'm done eating we visit each of those places, Ryoji's strangely content with me leading him around and explaining everything to him while he just looks around and tells me he's happy as long as he's with me. I feel my cheeks warming as he speaks. As much as I hate it I think I'm growing fond of him.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"…Hello!" Ken greets me when I walk in. Is he eating ramen? "Junpei-san doesn't seem like his usual self…so I wonder why he's going to see Chidori-san. Hmm…maybe her Persona went out of control." Ken seems someone distress by this. I go to see Mutatsu who as usual gives me some rather…questionable advice. …Well at least it's not as bad as Tanaka's.
11/14/09
After class is over I head to Bookworms.
Iwatodai Strip Mall, Bookworms Bookstore…
"Um, dear, you spelled it wrong." Mitsuko looks amused as she looks at a letter. "There are two k's…"
"I know, I know!" Bunkichi sighs. "I just forgot to write the second one.
Mitsuko turns more serious. "I feel bad for Minako-chan and all the people who've been campaigning to save the tree…"
Bunkichi turns and spots me. "…Oh! Speak of the devil." I walk over to him and look curiously over the paper before I can speak he continues. "I'm writing a letter-something I haven't done in ages. But, I can't remember how to spell half these words! Am I finally losing it? I used to have an amazing vocabulary."
"What's the letter for?"
Bunkichi chuckles winking at me. "Sorry, can't let you see it. Top secret."
"I'll tell you when the time comes, Minako-chan." Mitsuko looks over the letter again.
"Well, aren't you curious?" Of course I am.
"Of course. I can't wait."
Bunkichi chuckles again. "We feel the same way. Everyday, we just can't wait to see you! Lately, I even feel smarter! Maybe I should go back to school…" noticing my expression he laughs. "Just kidding." with that I feel stronger inside. "I hope we can clean up the store before you come back next time…."
"Oh I don't mind."
"Well…you should go Minako-chan. We don't want to give it away after all." Mitsuko gently shoos me to the door.
"Alright. I'll be back later though!" with that I wave and head back to the dorm.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"Welcome back." Mitsuru… "I will join you at Tartarus tonight. …I apologize for worrying everyone." her voice is mechanical and her face…it's…a blank stare as though she's not really there. "Our only priority now is to do something about Tartarus." she smiles one of those false smiles I've gotten used to seeing on others. "…I will do my best. Well, the school rip is next week, so that should be fun." Oh yeah. I had forgotten. "…But unfortunately, Amada and Koromaru will have to stay here."
Ken is eating ramen and doesn't react at all to the news.
"Okay…Fuuka. We're heading to Tartarus."
"Uh…" she looks at Mitsuru and me before nodding. "Okay. We'll go as soon as it's close to the Dark Hour."
Tartarus…
I fused Pazuzu, Chernobog and Narasimha to create Thor of the Chariot Arcana. He's strengthened by my bond with Rio. …and he's holding something within himself. I switch Aeon for Mitsuru, which…was not the best idea. We nearly get killed a few floors later when Mitsuru was distracted and I nearly got cleaved in two, needless to say we quickly headed back to the dorm after that.
11/15/09
Early Morning…
Hm? My phone is ringing. I swear if its Theo…
"Hello, this is Ryoji Mochizuki. This is Minako-chan, right?" …I'm going to kick Junpei's ass the next time I see him. Who the fuck told him to give my number out? "Do you have some time to spare?" …damn I was going to go see Tatsuya and then Akinari today.
"Yeah. Sure." Urgh. I'm going to make this up to Akinari…
"Why don't we go out somewhere? The weather's great."
"Alright."
"That's great!" …and yet another morning person. "Just thinking about seeing you makes me happy." I feel my lips quirk up in a smile even as I mentally roll my eyes. "I'll head over immediately." with that he ends the call. It's not even twenty minutes later that he comes to the dorm and the two of us head for Chagall Café we talk the whole way mostly about things I like. It's odd how curious Ryoji is about me, he is satisfied just by me talking about myself for some reason.
Paulownia Mall, Chagall Café…
"This place is interesting."
"Why?" I mean it's just a café. Granted the coffee's great but…
He turns thoughtful. "You know, that's a hard question to answer." He looks around as if trying to engrave the café in his memory. I look down at the table and can't help smiling bitterly. The exact same table Shinji and I had sat at. "You know, all these people around us…I'll bet they're all couples." Hm? I look around and…he's right they do all look like couples. …What the hell? Did I come in on lover's day or something? …did he plan this? …I eye him trying to search for any decent.
"Is something wrong Minako-chan?" He frowns as I shake my head.
"No. It's nothing." He gives me one of his warm smiles and I feel my heart race.
He smiles then. "Being lovers means that there's nobody else in the world that you care more for, right? That'd be wonderful, if it were really true."
"It'll happen to you someday." I can't help but smile at the few memories I had with Shinji, needling him, eating ice cream, talking with him. It is a wonderful thing.
He laughs. "I see. You know, sometimes I think…I would still like you, no matter if you were a guy or a girl." …that's his way of telling me he's bi or something? Still that comment gives me warmth.
"What do you mean?"
He gives me a confused look. "Is that such an odd thing to say?" Yes it is. "I'm positive that I've know you before…when I'm with you," he looks down sadly "I get this feeling that I'll find out how I know you, and we'll become closer. But…for some reason, that makes me want to cry. …I've never cried before."…How odd that I feel the same way…though he's never cried before? Everyone's cried at least once. Maybe he means since he come here, but with his words I feel my inner strength increase. "I…want to spend time with you alone like this. If I'm not bothering you…would it be all right if I asked you out again?"
"Sure. No problem. I enjoyed today." I did. I like being around him, granted he gives me that melancholy feeling but there's a comfort, a familiarity even in that. Its odd how much I'm drawn to him as if he was a part of me that I'd lost.
"I see…I'm happy to hear that. …Oh, that reminds me. That school trip's coming up soon, right? Let's find some time to go somewhere together while we're there. Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it…" Oh yeah.
"Sure."
"Good." he shoots me another of his bright smiles. "It'll be nice getting to know Minako-chan better." With that we finished our meals and went our separate ways.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"Welcome back…" Mitsuru still sounds a bit out of it. "I apologize about yesterday." she looks somewhat ashamed. "I wasn't in top form and I put all of you in danger. I…will not do so again."
"Mitsuru-senpai…"
She gives me a small smile. "I'm fine now."
11/16/09
I go straight to training today before heading back to the dorm.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"Hey, the school trip is tomorrow! I'm so psyched! …It kinda sucks that we're only going to Kyoto though."
"Hm, Junpei-san seems to have his energy back." Ken looks over Junpei. "I guess there was no reason to worry about him."
"Huh? What're ya talkin' about? I'm always energetic! By the way, you better behave while we're gone. Don't go throwin' any parties, got it?"
"I won't. Oh, and please don't worry about bringing me back a souvenir."
"…Hey, are ya tryin' to use reverse psychosis on me or somethin'?"
"No, of course not. …It's just that Kyoto has a lot of great-tasting snacks."
Snacks?
"I hear they have really good namayatsuhashi there…" Ken mumbles. …Hm. I'll pick him some up.
I walk Koromaru before going to my room. I waste a good four hours packing before heading into bed.
11/17/09
And today's the trip.
The whole train ride I spent listening to my MP3 player. Ryoji sits next to me and I feel the warmth of his leg the whole way there.
Kyoto station…
We rode a bullet train here.
"Kyoto, huh…? Talk about a clichéd place to go on a school trip." Junpei sighs.
"Huh? Don't you like it?" Ryoji looks around eagerly. "I think it's a beautiful place to have some good memories of while we're still young."
"Is that so…? Ya know, every now and then, you sound like an old man." I snicker.
"Really?"
I look ahead and see Mitsuru walking with the seniors. She still has that depressed look on her face.
"She came…" Yukari sighs in relief. "Thank goodness."
We took a tour bus, again I was sitting next to Ryoji but this time he kept dragging me into their conversations. He has this way of getting me to speak and laugh even when I don't want to.
Higashiyama-Sanjo, Godaigo Inn…
"We're finally here!" Junpei stretches as he walks. "Whoa, nice place!"
"It IS an expensive area, after all." Yukari looks impressed too.
"Hey, what's that umbrella for?" Ryoji points to a large umbrella near the entrance. …Hm…Most be decorative.
"It's for decoration."
"…I see. So, that's the style here in Kyoto, huh? Say, why don't we go hang out somewhere together after this?"
"Now? Isn't it a bit late?"
"True…" he thinks for a moment. "How about I pick you up in your room later?"
"What are you trying to pull?" Yukari glares in irritation at Ryoji. "Watch yourself around this guy, okay leader?" …should you really be calling me leader right now? "He'll go after any girl with a pulse."
"Leader?" Ryoji looks baffled. I stiffen please please don't ask why she calls me that- "…That's no way to refer to someone with so cute a name as Minako-chan's. Oh, and I don't just go for anyone." he turns to me and looks me dead in the eye. "I want to get to know you better because…you're you." I feel my cheeks burning. "…Though I must say, we're getting along pretty well already." he chuckles. …Gah. He just had to make that sound dirty didn't he!
"Huh? What's with that chuckle?" Yukari looks between me and Ryoji quickly. "Wait, don't tell me, are you two…?" Wait what?
"You are a menace!" Aeon snarls. I face palm. Damn it.
"Ugh, sheesh…" Yukari sighs and pulls Aeon to the side in an attempt to calm him down.
"So, where were you guys gonna go at your old school, Ryoji? …Somewhere interesting, I bet. Kyoto's so typical, don't ya think?" Junpei turns away from Yukari and Aeon's whispered words to Ryoji.
"Hmm…I don't really remember." He doesn't remember?
"…Are you serious? That's the highlight of the year!" Yukari turns back to us and walks back over. Aeon looks strangely subdued.
"Really?"
"Hm?" Aeon looks over at the pond in the courtyard. "…Is this one of the open-air hot springs I have heard about?"
"Uh…no Aeon. That's the courtyard."
"Yep, this is the courtyard, Aeon. Do you wanna walk around later?" Fuuka offers.
"Come on, you can talk later. You're blocking the hallway. Girls, your rooms are that way. Why don't you go get unpacked?" Ms. Toriumi walks past us after speaking.
"…You heard her." Junpei looks at Aeon.
"We'll see you later, then. This way, Minako-chan." with that I head towards her when Junpei interrupts with a grin.
"This way, Minako-chan."
Ryoji chuckles. "I'm looking forward to seeing the rooms, Minako-chan." …why does everything he says to me sound like innuendo? Either he's a pervert or I am…or maybe it's the both of us. Though his words cause me to look at his lips. Would kissing him be so bad?
"…Well, I will see you later." Aeon turns to Junpei and waves and starts following me to the room.
"NO! Junpei, Ryoji-kun, Aeon, guy's room! Minako come on!" she grabs me and drags me off. The last thing I see before I'm dragged is Aeon's confused and lost expression. After I'm on the right floor I change and jump into bed.
11/18/09
Hm…today we're visiting historical sites. Most of the day is spent doing nothing.
There's a knock on the door, it's still early so everyone's gone but me. Getting up I open to door to see Ryoji standing there.
"Ryoji-kun? What are you doing?"
"I came to see you." He flashes me one of his smiles and slips past me into the room. "All alone huh…"
"Is there something you wanted?"
He grins at that. "Minako-chan…"
"…don't even." I deadpan he laughs I guess it wasn't as effective with a smile on my face.
"I was just wondering if you'd walk with me tomorrow."
I arch a brow. "You sure your "fans" won't have anything to say about that?"
"We can just go alone then." he adds cheerfully. There's another knock at the door.
"Minako-chan!" It's Aeon. I sigh heavily as Ryoji frowns at the door.
"…Sure. I'll see you tomorrow Ryoji-kun." With that I shove him out the door directly in front of Aeon despite his protests. "Goodnight." I slam the door on both of them and hear Aeon's "Stay away from her!" diatribe before I throw myself into bed and plug some headphones into my ears.
11/19/09
Today we have a walking tour of Kyoto. Mitsuru and Yukari seem to have grown closer and Mitsuru's lost the depressed look that was on her face. Ryoji, Junpei, and I walk around together for most of the day. Aeon's somewhere with Fuuka.
Ryoji invites me to walk around with him, we spend most of the day browsing shops (mostly food shops).
"I was unaware Minako-chan had such a large appetite." He grins as I devour some candy.
"Oh ha-ha." I lick my lips to get the last bit of sugar and he smiles.
"You missed a spot." He gently rubs his thumb against another bit of sugar. …He's…so close. I feel my heartbeat racing as our eyes meet…and it's like he's drawing me in.
A loud shriek pierces the air I turn to the source of the sound. It's one of Ryoji's fans.
"What the hell!" she looks ready to march over to us when shooting me a grin Ryoji grabs me and runs.
"Hey!"
The two of us run and run, well more like Ryoji drags me and I run ahead to keep my arm from wrenching off before we stop by a crepe stand.
"WAIT!" I yank my hand out of his and look at some of the crepes. Yum. Chocolate and strawberries. I order one and start happily munching on it.
Ryoji looks over and buys a green tea one.
"Let's eat over there." He points to the bank of a nearby river. According to a tour guide yesterday that river was called the Kamogawa.
Kyoto, along the bank of the Kamogawa river…
I sit down on the ground next to Ryoji and eating a second chocolate and strawberry crepe.
"A green tea crepe…that color's a little off-putting." He takes a bite of his own. "Oh, but it's delicious. …You can't find this in Iwatodai." He chuckles. "It makes me kind of happy."
"That's what makes traveling fun." I enjoy eating different kinds of food.
"So, you get to discover a lot of new things when you visit new places…" he laughs again. "If that's the way it is, I feel like I'm always traveling." he turns to me and moves closer. We're so close that our legs are touching. "Hey, here's something I didn't know. The light reflects off the river in a different way than it shines off of the ocean…"
"Isn't that because it's flowing?" I turn to the river and the setting sun does reflect of its surface. Creating a beautiful sparkling reflection.
"Oh, that might be it…the water's on a journey, too. I bet that must be fun." He has a peaceful smile on his face. It's nice here. "…That reminds me, this place is filled with couples, too." …and damn him for mentioning this! There are a bunch of couples here. "They all look like they're having fun. …What kind of things do lovers talk about?"
Shinjiro...he and I talked about plenty of topics they ranged from depressing to happy and pointless. Though…most of them were depressing. Shinji…thinking about him brings some sadness but mostly just the memories of his words and my promise to live by them. So with a somewhat shaky smile I turn to Ryoji.
"I guess…depressing topics."
"Hmm…I see." he looks thoughtful . "I wonder if you can only discuss the most heart-breaking things with those closest to you…" his gaze intensifies as he looks at me. A few moments past by of absolute silence.
"Is something wrong?" Maybe I shouldn't have said that.
"Why you, I wonder…?" He looks down at the river as he speaks. "Sure, you're nice, and pretty, but…I don't think it's that. It's just…you…" his voice is gentle. With that I feel my inner strength increase. "…Hey, would you be willing to see me like this after we get back from the trip? Um…the day after we get back is the 22nd. It's a Sunday." what is with him intruding on my Akinari time? "I'd like to spend some more time with you…" His voice is so sincere that I pause for a moment.
"Sure."
"Oh, I'm so glad! I was getting anxious about what I was going to do if you'd said no. Then, the 22nd it is! Don't forget." he laughs happily before turning to me. I guess that whole going from solemn to bright is a trait Junpei and Ryoji share. "Do you want to go back?"
"Nah. Let's…stay here a little longer. I want to watch the sunset." It's nice here and we sit in silence for the rest of the day watching the sunset.
"Hey. Ryoji-kun?" I turn to him.
"Hm?"
"Did you ever think about…what you wanted to do with your life?"
He flashes me a smile. "I…I want to do this. Visit new places, see new things. I'd be happy if Minako-chan went along with me."
My cheeks heat up and I turn away from him to look at the setting sun. I…might actually take him up on that…if he goes.
"Is there anything Minako-chan wants to do?"
I finish off the last of my crepe and wrap my arms around my legs as I draw them to my chest. "What I want to do…" to be perfectly honest I had never given it much thought before. Though if nothing else. "It'll sound silly…but-"
I turn to see Ryoji looking intently at me.
"I always wanted to create something beautiful…It was never a specific thing but…" I look away from him back towards the setting sun. "I want to leave something beautiful in this world. Something that would last forever." I chuckle self-depreciatingly. "Silly isn't it?"
"Not at all Minako-chan." He moves even closer to me and gently brushes a strand of hair out of my face. "I think you'll create something very beautiful." His words aren't anything special but his tone and expression…I feel a smile on my lips bright and vibrant. I wouldn't think it but…he makes me happy.
Tucking my hair behind my ear he looks around. The sun has nearly completely set and a cold breeze is blowing causing me to shiver. "It's starting to get a little chilly." he says this tightening his scarf around his neck. "…I wonder if winter's just around the corner. Should we get going?"
"Yeah." He leans down offering me his hand. I grab it and am comforted by the warmth as he pulls me up. "Let's go shopping first." While the sun is setting it's not completely dark yet.
He gives me another brilliant smile and we browse souvenir shops. As we walk around I spot a small wolf necklace piece. It's a brilliant silver and I walk over to it.
"Would you like it?" Ryoji leans over me as I nearly jump.
"Geez! Give a girl some warning!"
He just chuckles and looks at it. "It's very beautiful." The wolf while silver has ruby for eyes and looks powerful yet…docile. It's a strange creature…but stranger still is the feeling that I know it. …As if it was mine. How strange. He walks over to the seller. I'm too distracted by the shining eyes to notice what he's saying. "Minako-chan. It's yours."
Huh? "What? No- you didn't have to-!"
"I wanted to. It's a gift. Besides, I got something for myself as well." Huh. Guess those ridiculous rumors about him being rich were true.
"Thanks Ryoji-kun."
He chuckles. "Hearing my name in Minako-chan's sweet voice is thanks enough." Cheerfully he grabs my hand and the two of us head back for the Inn together.
Godaigo, 3rd floor…
Hm? Someone's knocking? Someone probably forgot their key…
I stretch and open the door. Right outside my room is Fuuka.
"Fuuka?"
"Ah. Minako-chan! Mitsuru-senpai and Yukari-chan wanted to know if you wanted to go to the hot springs with us."
"Hot springs…sure. Let me change."
"Okay! We'll see you there!" with that she walks off. I head back in my room and quickly get ready.
Inside the hotel, outdoor hot spring…
"Wow! This hot spring is huge!" Yukari looks around eagerly. It is huge. Happily, I sink into the water and moan. Oh. This feels great. Hm? Was that a splash?
"…who's that? Is someone there!" Yukari yells.
"…What's the matter, Yukari? Did you see something?" Mitsuru looks up at Yukari whose standing and picking up a towel.
"Did you…did you just hear that right now?"
"Hear what…?" Mitsuru didn't hear it then?
"What about you, Minako-chan? Did you hear something…?" Fuuka turns to me she's already standing and has her towel covering her.
"Yeah."
"…You did, huh? Fuuka, could you check over there? I-It could be a ghost…" …even if they did exist why the hell would a ghost making a splashing sound? I swear…her fear of ghosts is getting pretty damn ridiculous.
"Um…but…I, Uh…okay…" …oh come on! They're both scared of some non-existent ghosts? With that we split up into groups. Yukari and I in one group, Mitsuru and Fuuka in the other.
"Okay, I'll go around from the left."
"O-Okay. Then I'll head right…come with me, Minako." Her voice is small at the last bit. …she really is that scared of some ghosts huh. We don't make it ten steps before Yukari grabs my arm. "Oh, wait! Could there be other guests in the bath, too?" If there was why not answer? "If that's the case, would we be causing trouble, walking around like this…?"
"Is anyone here?" I yell. There's no response.
"I-I guess not…" Yukari sighs. "Was it really a ghost…?" she laughs but it cracks. "Who am I kidding?" she sighs and we keep walking. Hm…I don't think there's anything here. "Hmm…I don't see anything particularly suspicious…"
I check the hot-water supply but…nothing.
"Nothing here…I-I'm not scared, you know?" Sure Yukari. Sure. Suddenly there's a splashing. Yukari practically jumps in my arms. I stare at her for a few moments but she's not letting go. "Wh-What was that? An animal?"
"Probably a person. …Ya mind?"
"Uh…oh!" she lets me go hastily. "But…how can it be a person? No one answered when we called out before." she pales and looks around. "Maybe I was just hearing things…should we go check up on Fuuka?" …No. I'm not dealing with you jumping at every single noise for the rest of the trip. Whatever that was I'm going to find it.
"Let's check ahead first."
"Wh-Why, is there someplace over there that seems suspicious?" That's when I notice it. There's a hollow in the rock. Something could easily squeeze in there. …Probably a monkey. I'll show it to her and I'll be able to rest in peace.
"There." I point to it.
She looks up at it and grimaces. "I was kinda deliberately avoiding that area. It feels like something might…jump out." she looks over it again. "Wait a sec…wouldn't that mean a person could hide there?" she looks at me. "Let's check it out!" Sure. We go forward and- What the?
"Huh?" …Oh. Apparently Aeon, Akihiko, Junpei and Ryoji were there….wait a-. Damn perverts!
Yukari screeches and I cringe. That draws both Fuuka and Mitsuru to us.
"Uh, we, uh, um…"
"Junpei-kun…that's not going to help." Aeon says simply.
"W-Wait! Th-This is just a misunderstanding…!" Akihiko looks fearfully at Mitsuru.
"Silence!" Mitsuru screams. Oh. Ice Queen's pissed. "I'm going to execute you all!" Execute?
Aeon takes that as his cue to walk over to me. "I warned you." he doesn't even spare them a backyard glance.
"Traitor!" Junpei glares at Aeon's retreating back. I grab the extra towel I had and dip it into the water and ring it. Aeon calmly walks past Mitsuru who doesn't spare him a glance. "Wha- why does Aeon-!" Junpei protests don't last long under Mitsuru's withering glare.
I smirk and start twisting the towel. Ryoji's eyes widen as he realizes what I'm about to do.
"Wa-wait! Minako-chan! OUCH!" I hit him and it makes a satisfying crack in the air. There's another squeal and I continue with it going on and on until he starts running and sprinting throughout the hot springs.
"PERSONA!" Ah. My eyes widen into saucers. Oh. She froze them. And…her Persona's changed? It looks more like a dress wearing dominatrix, whip included, now. All of the guys, with the exception of Aeon were completely frozen in place. I look at the in amusement, apparently they've been turned into human popsicles.
We look at their frozen forms for a few moments before bursting into laughter, well with the exception of Mitsuru who simply smirks.
"…Perhaps they should be defrosted? It shall raise questions if other guests see them." Aeon points out. Buzz kill. With a sigh I look around for a bucket. I don't really want to use my Persona to unfreeze them because more likely than not they'll end up with burns. Not that they wouldn't deserve it.
11/20/09
"Everyone remembers what time we're meeting at Kyoto Station, yes?" Ms. Toriumi address the class. "Then, please be on time. If any of you are late, I'm the one who will be blamed." with that she walks off.
"Well…Let's go. Oh." Fuuka spots Junpei, Ryoji, and Akihiko sitting forlornly on the benches.
"G-Good morning…" Junpei murmurs submissively.
Akihiko just closes his eyes groaning. Huh. It did take us about four hours to defrost the poor bastards. Mitsuru had taken some damage control as to why the hot springs were unavailable for the rest of the guests.
"Um…" Ryoji doesn't look comfortable sitting down. Good.
I turn and keep walking, Fuuka and Yukari do the same. Aeon shakes his head and follows us. Mitsuru strolls right by without even glancing at them.
The trip back is rather uneventful with the girls glaring at the guys who just look exhausted. I spend the whole time playing games and listening to music.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"…Hello!" Ken waves at us when we come into the dorm. "Wow, that was fast…how was Kyoto?"
"Aw, man…I'm so tired." Junpei sighs as he drops his bags. "…But, it was a lotta fun. I brought you back some "souvenir stories," so I'll tell ya them later."
"…Oh, okay." Ken looks disappointed. "I can't wait to hear them."
"We can't go to Tartarus tonight; we're all too tired. Let's go tomorrow night…even though we don't have anything to fight for anymore." with that Junpei and the others head upstairs with their bags.
"Ah. Ken…" I reach in my bag and take out the Namayatsuhashi. "This is for you."
"Ooh, namayatsuhashi?" he unwraps it quickly and bites into it. His face quickly brightens in delight. "Yay! It's got the sweet red beans! Namayatsuhashi with sweet read beans is the best! Thank you for the souvenir." he frowns then. "By the way…I noticed that the girls seem to be holding the guys in contempt. But I can't imagine why…" Meh. He doesn't need to know. During our conversations Akihiko and Junpei returned and sat far away from everyone else they look depressed, though they deserve it.
I go ahead and walk Koromaru, Ken asks to come with me the three of us head to Naganaki Shrine.
Naganaki Shrine…
Koromaru runs around eagerly. "I'm not surprised to see Koromaru so happy. You guys were gone for a while…It seems like you guys had fun on the trip." He looks at Koromaru running around with a small smile. "Everyone's been talking about it non-stop in the lounge…Only Koromaru and I were at the dorm, so it was really quiet. I can't remember the last time things were so quiet around there." I guess the kid missed us. I don't blame him being alone with just Koromaru in that dorm would have drove me insane. "I stayed up watching late-night shows with Koromaru in the lounge…then I'd doze off for a while. But it was too quiet, and I couldn't get much sleep." He looks down at this. There really was no one he could have stayed with during our trip?
"Are you alright now?"
Ken nods. "Yeah. I'm fine." Koromaru comes trotting back. "Ah, welcome back. Hm? Are you tired? …I feel like I know what Koromaru's thinking lately. It's probably because we spent so much time together alone these past few days." that makes sense, with that we headed back to the dorm.
11/21/09
I headed to Bookworms before going to see Tatsuya.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"Hi, how was your day?" Fuuka greets me when I walk in.
"Fine."
"…Ryoji-kun was just here. He came to hang out with Junpei-kun. It's not often that we get visitors here."
"Yeah…Do you think it's okay? I'm actually surprised that he's not with a girl." Yukari looks the lounge and frowns. "…Hey, where's Aeon?"
"I saw him on the 2nd floor." Ken adds.
"Really? Hmm…maybe he's with Koromaru. It's not like them to be gone."
Dorm, 2nd floor…
Aeon is sitting down with a troubled look on his face. "I don't know…it's just something about him…I don't want the others around him. He's dangerous…" Koromaru whines in sympathy.
"Aeon?" I walk over. Aeon looks up at me.
"Minako…I was simply asking Koromaru for advice." …he's asking Koromaru? Sheesh. "I've been troubled lately…" he trails off with an oddly vulnerable look.
"Aeon-"
He stands. "I'll take Koromaru for a walk tonight."
"Can I come?"
Aeon shakes his head. "I'd rather be alone if you don't mind. I need to think." with that he and Koromaru head downstairs. …Oh. With a final look at the door as he leaves I turn and ask Fuuka to prepare to go to Tartarus tonight.
Tartarus…
On the 180th floor we ran into another trio of powerful Shadows. Yay. They're three giant stone statues holding a small set of scales in their right hand and a giant sword in their left. Of course due to Odin's ridiculous strength this battle is a breeze. Once they dissolved into Shadow Goo, I gathered up the attack mirrors they left behind. There were three of them along with a Balm of Life. The whole way up Aeon, while not distracted, had been oddly silent and contemplative. Was he still thinking about Ryoji?
On the 183rd floor after a battle with four gracious cupids (who like most things died after a single Maziodyne attack) Odin began glowing brightly. Hm? Suddenly a small accessory appeared in my hand, apparently it's called a Drapnir.
Uh…what does it do?
[It increases the effectiveness of spells such as Dia being cast upon the wearer.]
Thanks.
There's silence in my mind then and I throw the Drapnir into the BoH. 190th floor we run into a single powerful Shadow. It has a tendency to use Hama skills but most of the time they're either aimed at Ken (who nulls them) or miss. That done I leave Tartarus…I've had enough for today.
11/22/09
There's no school today but I promised to meet up with Ryoji. Gah. I'm late…I was so tired from yesterday I overslept! Quickly I get dressed and head to the café.
Paulownia Mall, Chagall Café…
Ryoji smiles up at me as I enter, I wait for him to comment on my lateness but he doesn't, so I sit and order.
"Going to Kyoto was fun. Going out with everyone, seeing and eating so many different things…then we'd go to bed and wake up and do it all over again the next day. It was amazing. It was a lot of fun…"
"Yeah it was."
"Yeah, you were laughing a lot, Minako-chan." he laughs. "Did you see this? I bought it at one of the souvenir shops." Now that he mentions it…he's wearing a ring?
"Why did you buy a ring of all things?"
"I guess…it's proof of the fun memories I've made. I felt like I wanted a reminder of those times. And then I saw this in the store…" he caresses it with a sad smile. "Rings are mysterious…when you get used to wearing one, it's as natural as if you were born with it. At the same time, it feels constricting. But when I look at it, it reminds me of the good times I had…I think that rings are things that bind memories to the person who wears them."
Thinking of Maiko and the ring I wore on my finger I nod.
"I understand."
Ryoji laughs. "I see you have your own." He looks at my bead ring for a moment. "Did someone give it to you?"
"A little sister did."
"Huh? You have a sister?"
"Yeah. She's adopted but…" I smile. Maiko's a cute kid.
"What she's like?" So I told him about Maiko. He gives me a fond smile after I'm speaking. "You're very nice Minako-chan." Nice huh?
"This is my treasure. I hope I'll get more and more treasures as life goes on…I'm sure that will be the case….if I'm with you." he gives me a bright smile, with that I felt my inner strength increase. "…" he looks down troubled. "Are you the one I've been waiting for all this time…? I know you…I feel like I've known you for a very long time…" he mutters this to himself in distress.
"Ryoji-kun?" …at first I thought it was just pick-up line crap but…I feel like I know him pretty well too. "What's wrong?"
"Oh, it's nothing." He doesn't look like it's nothing. "I was just…thinking." His expression brightens. "Minako-chan is very cute if I may say so." I blush and look away, leave it to him to change the subject.
"Anyway! Do you want to head to Game Panic? I feel like challenging you in some good old Virtual Fighters."
"You're on!" with that the two of us paid for our meals before heading to Game Panic. I ended up losing, though it was by a hair sulking I headed back to the dorm with Ryoji cheerfully waving me goodbye as we went our separate ways.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"Hello." Aeon…he still looks troubled. I eye him once before heading back to my bedroom to sleep.
Bedroom, Dark Hour…
…What the? Why the hell is the alarm blazing?
"Sorry to wake you! Um, I'm not sure how to say this, but…you need to go to the 4th floor and please hurry!" This sucks. I was in the middle of a damn good dream too!
Dorm, Command Room…
"What's going on?" Yukari runs in after me.
"Yamagishi sensed something! …Other Persona-users. They're outside Tartarus!" …what?
"Other Persona-users…? Don't tell me it's…" Ken's fist clench as he speaks. No fucking way. Those bastards jumped off a bridge for crying out loud!
"…Strega. They're still alive." Akihiko finishes.
"Those bastards…!"
"First, the Dark Hour won't go away, and now Strega is back? What's happening!" Yukari scowls.
"How many are there, Yamagishi?" Yamagishi? You taking cues from Mitsuru now Akihiko?
"There's only one, but…I thought she was in the hospital…"
"…Huh?" That caught Junpei's attention.
"No…she's…she's inside…" Fuuka screams.
"What's wrong?" Mitsuru steps forward.
"…Long time no see." What the?
"Chidori?" Junpei stammers. What the hell? Did she posses Fuuka or something?
"She's speaking through Yamagishi?"
"I can't stand the sight of you all anymore. So, I've decided to do something about it. Come to me…" Fuuka shakes her head and groans.
"Yamagishi!"
"I'm…all right…" Fuuka pants from exertion.
"What the heck…? I thought she was…! Junpei," Yukari turns to him. "Do you know what's going on?"
Junpei just stands there in silence tightly clenching his fists.
"Junpei!"
"No, damn it! I have no idea!" he snaps. "Just leave me the hell alone!" he runs off.
"J-Junpei? Junpei, wait!" she turns to him but the door slams with a sigh she turns to face the rest of us.
"This is most likely a trap. But, we're dealing with Strega, so we must pursue this. …And if we confront them, we may gain some insight into our current situation." Mitsuru begins digging through the bag for equipment.
"Please be careful. I only sensed one person, but the other two may be nearby." as cowardly as Strega is they probably are. Fuuka dismisses her Persona and looks over us.
"Indeed…Arisato." Mitsuru turns to me. "We have no idea what they're planning, so choose your allies wisely. We'll go after Iori once you've made your decision."
"Alright in that case…Akihiko, Aeon and Ken, with me." They nod grab their equipment and we're off.
Outside Tartarus…
…Junpei's already here…as is Chidori.
"Chidori! What's going on? Why are you doing this?"
Chidori is silent and simply looks at him.
"It doesn't make any sense! I mean, I know I'm not that smart, and I've done a lot of stupid stuff…but, we shouldn't be fighting like this!" She's going to attack him!
"Junpei, move!"
"Whoa…!" He dodges Chidori's axe just in time. Psycho bitch! "Hey, that was dangerous! You coulda killed someone there!" Chidori sucks her teeth. "Chidori…! Why?" Because she's insane is why.
"Get back, Junpei! It's useless trying to reason with her!" Akihiko takes out his evoker.
"No! It's too dangerous!" Fuuka shakes her head. "…I know how you feel, Junpei-kun! But please, just back up!"
"Medea…" Chidori summons her Persona.
"AEON!" I scream.
"Understood." he charges her and hits her hard in the stomach.
"Don't-!" Junpei pleads but Chidori takes a few steps back and…what the hell? Did Aeon just miss? She shakes her head mournfully.
"I don't belong here…I've always know that." …what the?
"I…have failed." Aeon looks down at the ground ashamed at the fact that he missed.
"ODIN!" I use Mind Charge. I want to take her out with a single blow.
Akihiko lowers her defense, Aeon boosts my attack and then I use Thunder Reign. With a shrill scream she falls to the ground defeated. …either Odin is ridiculously strong or Strega just sucks. …Maybe a bit of both? I did feel a lot stronger than the first time I had fought them.
"Chidori!" Junpei runs over to her the second she hits the ground. He helps her up but she slaps his hand away.
"I told you…don't touch me…"
"Chidori, please…tell me why you're doing this…" …she's obviously insane Junpei.
"What I fear most isn't death. What I fear most is…attachment. Once I become attached to something. I fear that I will lose it. That's why we only live for the moment. But you…you brought me pain…pain that I didn't want…pain that I never asked for."
"Huh…?"
"When I'm with you, Junpei. I fear everything. I fear loss…I fear death…I fear that my time with you will end…that's why I…"
"Chidori…?"
"I'm sensing…" Fuuka looks around in alarm.
"What? What is it Fuuka?" I turn to her.
"It's the others from Strega!" Motherfuckers!
Takaya and Jin emerge from inside Tartarus. Takaya sighs as he eyes all of us.
"So then…" Ken glares at them.
"There you are, you sons of bitches!" Akihiko looks ready to charge them as well.
"Chidori…I see that it is too late, you've been poisoned by them…" Takaya shakes his head.
"What the hell does that mean, you friggin' ghost!" Junpei stands protectively in front of Chidori.
Takaya laughs. "I am no ghost. Fate permitted me to live, even though I wasn't attached to life…you might say I was…chosen."
"Oh great. Psycho boy thinks he's the "chosen one". Fabulous." I snarl.
He glares at me but Junpei interrupts.
"You bastard! I've made up my mind! I won't let you do this to her anymore! I'll protect Chidori with my life!"
"Jun…pei…" Chidori looks up at him.
He turns and looks down at her turning his back to Takaya. "Chidori, don't stay with them! Come with me!" …Damn it Junpei!
Takaya laughs as he takes out his revolver. Shit! I'm too far!
"Junpei, move-!" No…not…not again…
"Huh…?" Junpei meets our eyes of shock and horror in bewilderment. Almost dazed he gently touches his stomach. The bullet…it had gone completely through…it was now stuck on the ground in front of him. Blood is rapidly covering his shirt he collapses and Chidori looks down at him.
"Jun…pei…" she leans over and shakes him but he doesn't respond. No…why? Why did this happen again?
I hear someone yell but…I can't just stand here! I won't let him get away with this! I grab my evoker but…what? Chidori's glowing?
"…Ah!" What? Junpei sits up taking a great gulp of air.
"Junpei-kun!"
"Junpei!"
"I…" Junpei looks around and touches his stomach tentatively. The shirt is a disaster but the wound…it's gone.
"It worked…" Chidori whispers in amazement.
"She revived him…I can't believe it…" Akihiko looks over Junpei stunned.
"Her power is the opposite of mine. Her Persona doesn't sense life; it emits life." Fuuka looks away from Chidori in concern. "But, in order to revive a person, she must…"
"I did it…" with that whisper Chidori falls to the ground.
"Chidori!" Junpei holds her in his arms.
"I can hear the life pulsing through you…" she giggles. It's hard to hear her but…she looks happy.
"Huh…?"
"Now I will live inside you, and we'll be together…forever."
"Wh-What're you saying…? Chidori…Chidori!"
"I'll protect you, Junpei…always…"
"I-I'll protect you too! Please…don't go!"
She chuckles and gently touches his cheek. "It feels so nice to be with you…"
"Chidori…!"
"Thank you…Jun…pei…I love you…" with that she takes her last breath.
Junpei shakes his head. "This can't be happening…Chidori…Chidori, answer me…" his voice wavers. "Chidori…!" He screams in agony clutching her to his chest.
"What a pity…" I turn to that bastard Takaya. "Such a meaningless death…"
"Meaningless?" Junpei looks up in rage.. He gently places Chidori down on the ground before standing trembling with fury.
"Hm?"
Junpei grabs his evoker. "PERSONAAAAAAA!" Hermes…wait…what? Why is Medea here?
"…Medea?" Apparently Jin was wondering the same thing. There's a bright flash of light and…did Hermes merge with Medea? It looks similar but it's red now…
"BURN IN HELL!" A huge fireball flies right for Takaya but Jin shoves him out of the way. Even Jin who absorbs fire attacks is sent flying backwards. Incredible. Such sheer power…
Junpei pants with exertion. "I refuse to…ugh…" he collapses.
"Junpei!" Akihiko runs to help him.
"My…that was quite a spectacle. Now, allow me to reciprocate." I'm going to kill him! The snake is smirking but his knees are shaking. Coward.
"Takaya, don't…" Jin snatches the revolver. "Don't forget about your mission! This is just a waste of energy!" Mission?
"I have something much greater to accomplish. And since you have no means of destroying the Dark Hour, I will let you be…for now. …But know that the day I shall finish this is soon approaching." …The knowledge of how best to kill him from my current position startles me. How did I know that? Just the amount of time just the amount of pressure…I start to go forward to fulfill it but the two cowards retreat back into Tartarus.
"Wait!" Junpei attempts to follow them but collapses again.
"Junpei!" Yukari runs over to him as well. She attempts to help him up.
"Let go! I…!" he manages to yank his arm out of his grip but before he can stand again Akihiko grabs him.
"She entrusted you with this life! Don't waste it." He looks pained at the last words.
Junpei takes a shuddering breath. "Chidori…" he touches her cheek. "Chidori, I…I…this is so hard. But…It's not just my life anymore."
"Junpei…" Yukari looks at him in sympathy.
"We should go." Mitsuru looks down at Chidori's fallen body. "I will…make arrangements."
Junpei gives Chidori one last sorrowful look before we all head back to the dorm in silence. There's really nothing I can say to Junpei right now.
11/23/09
I don't do anything but sleep today. I'm tired…and yesterday sucked. Strega killed Junpei and even though Chidori revived him…I stood there and did nothing, despite my vow for that to never happen again. What good am I if I can't even protect them? How can I claim to be their leader when I allow them to be hurt?
11/24/09 - 11/26/09
I have Career Experience for the next four days. Yay. The only good thing about it is that it gets my mind of what happened with Strega. Though I doubt Junpei has such luck.
11/27/09
Well today's the last day.
After School
"Minako-chan? It's Ryoji. I was wondering if you'd be willing to meet me at the Chagall café?"
"Uh…sure. I'll head there right now."
Hanging up I turn and walk towards Paulownia Mall.
Paulownia Mall, Chagall Café…
"I'm sorry to call you over without warning. Am I interrupting anything important?"
"I'm fine. Is something wrong?"
"Yeah…um…" Ryoji looks uncertain he bites his lip as if he's unsure of how to say something. "I was in the same group as Junpei-kun," he looks distressed as he speaks "but he never showed up at the beginning. He only came on one of the days because the teacher said that he had to…something seemed really strange about him though…I'd talk to him, but he didn't seem like he was listening at all. He looked like he was about to cry. …Did something happen?" He looks back up at me.
"He…lost someone important to him."
"…I see." Ryoji is silent for a moment. "People…die. I think that's something you just have to accept. …Do you think I'm being a little too cold?" He looks sad. …Why do I have the feeling someone's told me that before? "Junpei-kun is someone I care about. That's why I'm worried. I've never seen him this way before. I wonder…if there's anything I can do." as he says this I feel my inner strength increase. " "People die…" …I have a feeling like I've heard that somewhere. Wait…was it something I said before? I think it was to someone very important to me too." we spend most of the time in silence both thinking about our own troubles though even in that silence there is a sort of serenity there.
Dorm, 1st floor evening…
"…Hello!" Ken greets me. "Junpei-san's still not feeling well…I'm getting really worried now."
"After all he's been through…I can understand why he's feeling down. He got really lucky this week, though…no one realized he took some days off because everyone was at Career Experience. Well, I hope he's feeling a little better now…" Yukari looks in the direction of the stairs with a sad look on her face.
"…I'm going to defeat those Strega guys. I can't take this anymore…!"
"…I know how you feel. But, you don't have to do it all by yourself." Yukari gives Ken a smile at this.
"…I know." Ken nods.
I turn and head for Paulownia Mall…
Paulownia Mall, Club Escapade…
Mutatsu looks up at me as I approach. "…Oh, there you are." There you are? He was waiting for me? "I'm feelin' down today, kid. So listen to what this old monk has to say, will ya?" I sit next to him. "…Those folks downstairs, they're probably around your age, eh? It looks like they're havin' fun drinkin' and dancin', don't it? But, if you look closely, their eyes say otherwise. I bet they come here to relieve stress. But, I wonder if any of 'em are actually enjoying themselves. Stress won't go away unless you take care of its source. …You can forget about it, but it'll always come back. This place is more like a refuge for me than a club." He smirks at this. "If those kids wanna relax, we should switch the music to the Heart Sutra and…" Huh. That's the first monk like thing I've heard come out of his mouth. "…Hey!" He perks up at the idea. "There's a microphone over there, bring it over kid! I'll perform a live sutra reading." Oh no.
"Eh…"
"…Don't underestimate me, kid. My reading of the Heart Sutra will change your life!" he chuckles. "But, I guess you're right. This place is too small to recite it properly." He frowns. "I have a son…He's about the same age as those kids down there. He'll be 21 this year…if he's still alive, that is." With that I feel my inner strength increase. I yawn and Mutatsu turns to me. "You think it's okay to leave the future of this country in their hands? …I mean, what if they all end up like me?" Then we're screwed. "Well, it's not like I've got high hopes for the future anyways…all things are unique, yet not singular. …Oh, sorry, kid. I'm done talkin'. Go home before it gets too late, alright? …I'll see ya later." with that I headed back to the dorm.
11/28/09
Theo calls me early in the morning to cheerfully inform me that 3 people are stuck in Tartarus. Well isn't that just perfect? Sighing I hang up as if that floor wasn't enough of a pain in the ass. After school I head to Bookworms and help out around the store, afterwards I head to the dorm.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
As soon as I come in everyone's already sitting around.
"Arisato…could you come here?" Hm? What does Mitsuru want?
"Cheer up, Junpei…" Akihiko's sitting next to Junpei who looks gloomily down at the floor. I take the chair across from Junpei…damn he looks really down.
"Yeah…So, whaddya want?"
"This came for you. It's from the hospital." Mitsuru slides a sketchbook to Junpei.
"Is this…Chidori's sketchbook?"
"They were going through her items when they found that."
"Oh…um…I know I have to snap outta this, but it's just so hard…"
"I know how you feel Junpei…" I speak softly and bite my lip.
Junpei sighs heavily.
"Hey, Junpei, can I take a look?" Yukari looks interestedly over the sketchbook.
"You wouldn't be able to understand her drawings anyways…"
Yukari frowns and opens the sketchbook. "Wait, is this…?" she gasps.
Fuuka looks over her shoulder. "Wow, it's really good…"
"This is amazing…who wouldn't be able to understand it?"
"Hm?" Junpei stands and looks into the sketchbook as well. What the hell is in there? "Huh? Is this…!"
Aeon blinks. "It's a detailed portrait of Junpei. Granted it looks a little embellished…but it's him."
"The next page…and the next…" Yukari flips the sketchbook as she says it. "Every page is devoted to Junpei."
"Chidori…" Junpei sobs.
"Junpei…"
Koromaru whimpers.
"It's like she's telling me to stop moping around."
"She must be looking out for you." Fuuka and Koromaru barks in agreement.
"Hey…Minako." Junpei looks straight at me. "I promise to fight to get rid of the Dark Hour. I'm usually just lookin' out for number one. So it's been hard for me sometimes to accept that you're our leader, but…" he's silent for a while. "I'm sorry."
I smile at him. "Eh. I don't mind."
He nods. "I want you to know…I got nothin' but faith in your skills."
"Thanks. I'll be counting on you as well, we can handle this!"
Junpei grins. "The more I think about it, the more I got no problem following you. I've got your back to the end! Let's keep on rocking together…Leader." Leader huh. I grin offering my hand and with an answering grin he shakes it. With that handshake I feel my inner strength increase.
"Junpei…" Yukari looks at him tears in her eyes.
"Well…time for bed!" I stretch and head to bed. I know I should save those people…but seeing Junpei's sad expression I know I can't leave him alone in the dorm while we run through Tartarus. Those people should be fine if we go tomorrow.
11/29/09
Ryoji calls me early in the morning and asks me to meet him downstairs. I go ahead and the two of us start heading to the school of all places.
Gekkoukan High School Rooftop…
We snuck into school by climbing over the gates and we manage to successfully sneak onto the rooftop. We lay back on the benches staring up into the sky.
"I wonder if we'll get in trouble if someone finds us."
I turn to him and grin. "We'll just have to not be seen." The adrenaline from sneaking into school is pumping through me.
He chuckles at that. "I see, you're an interesting person. When I'm alone…I don't feel right. I think…I'm scared. Thinking about you…it scares me. The fact that tomorrow ill come…scares me…" He whispers sorrow in her face. "But I can't figure out why…Hey, Minako-chan…I-I…I'm…"
"You're Ryoji." Maybe that'll loosen him up. Apparently it did because the sad expression is replaced by his bright smile.
"Hearing my name from your lips makes it sound so wonderful…thank you." he looks down again. "I…don't want to lose you. Because you're important to me…that's probably why I'm scared. You're…the only one there is for me. The only one I want…So please, stay with me." I gently grasp his hand with my own.
"Yeah." I tighten my grip on his hand.
"Minako-chan…Yeah…thanks. You're the most precious thing in the world to me…more precious than my own life." he laughs in joy wrapping his other hand around my own. The warmth of his hand comforts me and I tighten my grip, it's comforting with that I feel my inner strength increase. "Minako-chan, look. The ocean's glimmering." I look up and stare at the sparkling seas. "Why does it hurt when I see things that are so beautiful…? It's so strange."
"It…hurts?" I ask curiously.
"Yes…" he gives me a sad smile as he runs his thumb over my lip. "Beautiful things…" he kisses me then his lips are warm and the kiss is gentle and bittersweet.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
"…Oh, hey. The full moon's almost here." Yukari greets me as I walk in. "No Shadows have appeared yet, but I'm still worried." I swear if another BFS shows up on the full moon….
"Fuuka, we're heading to Tartarus tonight."
Tartarus
1st person was on floors 164-169. They were on the 168th floor. 2nd person was on the 170th to 176th floor. We found them on the 175th floor. I headed to the Velvet Room and fused Setanta, Anubis, and Barong to create Uriel of the Aeon? Arcana. 185th floor 3rd person found.
I fused Laksmi, Kikuri-Hime and Atropos to create Hell Biker. He's a man…on a bike but his face is just a skull. Fused Thor, Pale Rider and Yamatano-orochi to create Quetzalcoatl of the Sun Arcana. Fortuna and Lilim to create Gurr. I then fused Jatayu and Quetzalcoatl to create Yatagarasu. I fuse Raphael, Decarabia and Uriel to create Abaddon. The giant Persona that threatened Takaya before. It laughs when I summoned it.
[It is about time human! Now I shall feast!]
Uh…
Hm? Apparently it's holding something within itself…
I then fuse Vetala and Lamia to create Loa. A giant skull with a snake going through the eye sockets. …Creepy. I then fuse Ghoul, Pale Rider, Loa, Samael, Mot and Alice to create Thanatos who's powered by my bond with Pharos.
That done I returned to the 201st floor where three powerful Shadows are waiting. After dealing with them the 211th floor had a powerful Shadow to fight. On the 214th floor we ran into another barricade sighing we headed back to the dorm. It was an exhausting day.
11/30/09
Ugh…I'm exhausted. After school Akihiko and I spend time training and eating at Duck. He's still acting pretty strange but it seems to have lessened.
Dorm, 1st floor lounge…
Hm? Ryoji's here…
"Oh, welcome back, Minako-chan." Fuuka waves cheerfully. "You're late. Ryoji-kun was just leaving."
"Minako-chan! Welcome back. Shame you weren't here. I was hoping I'd be able to see you. I'm sorry, but I gotta get going…I'll come see you again."
"See ya later, Ryoji!" Junpei waves.
As he walks past me Ryoji stops right beside me. Hm? "…Could I go to your room next time? I'll be looking forward to it…" with a shy grin he keeps walking. I feel my cheeks burning. Damn him! "See ya."
Akihiko looks between the two of us that strange pained look on his face. Saying nothing else he walks up to his room. …What the hell was that about?
"Minako-chan…are you all right? Your face looks a little flushed." Well thanks for the useful observation Fuuka!
"…Was that Ryoji-san?" Oh…Aeon he walks into the lounge with a frown on his face.
"Yeah, he said he was going home." Yukari answers.
"What was he doing here?"
"He's been coming here a lot, ever since he started hanging around with Junpei."
"…I thought visitors weren't allowed?"
"Yeah, but Mitsuru-senpai said that it's okay during the day." Junpei stretches out as he speaks.
"I don't think we need to worry about Ryoji-kun." Fuuka adds.
"He's…a threat." Aeon's eyes narrow into slits.
"Who? Ryoji-kun?" Oh no, not this shit again!
"Come to think of it, he WAS hitting on Mitsuru-senpai the first time he met her." Yukari sighs.
"…But, having him around has really cheered up Junpei-kun."
"Well, it's not like moping around's gonna bring her back…" Junpei picks up a magazine and flips through it.
"That is true but…" Aeon frowns and trails off giving Junpei a strange look.
"What is it Aeon?"
"…I am…jealous."
"Huh?"
"Being a weapon, I can not understand how it truly feels to "live"." He looks down at the ground.
"…But you don't seem that different."
"It is merely programming behavior…none of those emotions are truly my own." He sounds so lost when he speaks…he wrings his hands together "It is more accurate for one to say that I am simply "functioning" rather than living. If I was to malfunction I could always be repaired."
"Aeon…" I murmur. He…feels pretty humanoid though…
"So if we were all like you…we wouldn't have to worry about dying." Junpei sighs somewhat before looking up and wincing "Uh, sorry…hey, I don't have time to talk, I seriously gotta go study. Hey, shouldn't you guys be studying too? I heard math's gonna be killer." Well thanks for telling us that now Junpei!
"…You wait until NOW to tell us that? Well, I guess we should call it a night then…" Yukari sighs shaking her head and with that everyone with the exception of Aeon and I head upstairs.
"I should not be considered "alive". A weapon that possess a "life" is difficult to operate…as well as inefficient." He looks down. "I do believe I understand loss however, Minako…if anything were ever to happen to you…I'd-"
"Don't jinx it!" Shessh!
"I apologize…I'm just worried. You're very special to me and I want to always protect you. I desire to always be with you…no matter what happens." he looks in my eyes sadly for a moment before turning away "I…I should go. Good night, Minako." hm? Why is Aeon acting so…strange? He was…oddly vulnerable right then.
"Aeon-" before I finish he runs upstairs. Good grief. What the hell was that about? With a sigh I head to bed.
12/1/09
After school Ryoji approached me. "Hey, Minako-chan. If it's alright…could I go to your room?" …he's to the point. But instead of the grin I expect from him I see a sad look. What's wrong? "There's something I want to talk to you about."
"Sure let's go."
Bedroom…
He looks around. "I think this is…my first time."
"Really?" As much as he hits on people you'd think…
"Huh? Isn't it? I mean, I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've been in your room…" Oh. Talk about thinking in the gutter. "It just feels familiar for some reason…I wonder if it's just something that I've dreamed about." he gives me his easy going smile. "Or if I wanted to see it so much that it came to me in a vision…"
"Smooth line Romeo."
He laughs. "I'm being serious…I think that I did come to see you. Probably to become friends with you…" he laughs again. "But I got it all wrong."
"Got it all wrong?"
"I think what we have is different from just being friends. …I think of people like Junpei-kun and Yukari-san as your friends too, right? But I can't imagine thinking of them in the same way I see you…" he has a point. Kissing Junpei would probably be like kissing my brother. …Wait…when had I started thinking of SEES as family? "You have such a kind heart…" he says this in a whisper. "…You shouldn't give so much of yourself to me. I'll…probably make you sad." Make me sad? Why?
"I want to." I can't say anything more but I sit on the bed beside him and wrap my hand around his. His hand is trembling somewhat so I completely cover it with both of mine.
"It's just a feeling I get…even though you're so precious to me. It's probably wrong of me to feel this way…It's like…a forbidden love." his voice trembles at those last three words.
"Ryoji…"
He gives me a small smile. "I love when you say my name." even with that smile though I can see the pain in his eyes. And my inner strength increases. "Minako-chan…please touch me…make sure that I exist. Feel for yourself that I'm actually here." Gently I touch his cheek wiping away the small remnants of tears there.
"Your hand is so warm…It brings tears to my eyes…why is that? Please, tell me…it's painful deep inside."
"Ryoji…" He looks up at me and our lips touch it's a gentle kiss but it's heavy with sorrow and love. And as he touches me I feel a great joy and sorrow at once and the strangest feeling of all is that a part of me has finally found itself again.
We spent most of the day together…I fell asleep with his arms around me. In my dreams I could have sworn I heard a whispered. "I love you." against my ear.
12/2/09
Gekkoukan High School, Front Gate…
"Morning. I intend to do my best to make sure everyone is safe." Aeon greets me.
Huh? "Something wrong?"
"No," he looks away. "Please don't worry. I just wanted to tell you that." Huh?
After school both Aeon and Ryoji flee from the classroom like a bat out of hell. Did something happen with the two of them? As Ryoji is leaving he looks so sad and lost. I want to follow him but he turned and walked away. A bit confused and somewhat hurt I head straight to the dorm and to bed.
Dark Hour, Bedroom…
Someone's knocking at my door. Good grief. Groaning I yank the door open. "What is it?"
"Aeon's missing…we're going to have Fuuka search for him." Yukari grabs me by the wrist and drags me out.
"Let me change first! Sheesh!"
"Alright I'll meet you upstairs." That said she runs off. Groaning I change before leaving.
Dorm, Command Room…
"Fuuka? Did something happen?" I ask when I walk into the room. There's absolute silence. "Did something happen?"
Mitsuru shakes her head. "We don't know anything for sure…however, we can't find Aeon."
"…where would he go?" I mutter.
"I sensed a Persona, but it quickly disappeared. And soon after that, I couldn't detect Aeon's presence."
"It wasn't Strega is it?"
"Well, she hasn't sensed any of their members, but we can't be positive." Mitsuru keeps working on the console.
"I've confirmed Aeon's location. He's on the Moonlight Bridge!"
"Okay. Let's go. Let's strap up just in case it's Strega."
Moonlight Bridge…
…What the? Aeon! I walk over one of his legs and my eyes widen in horror. What the hell? How could this happen?
Koromaru runs forward barking angrily.
"Aeon!" I see him now and run forward. He's heavily damaged, both of his arms and one of his legs are missing. He looks like he's been fried as well.
"I'm…sorry…I…I failed you…" He looks up helplessly at me. "I…remember…everything…who I am…who "He" is…" He just spasms. I can do nothing but look down at him. "Minako…I now realize why I always desired to protect you…I…I am sorry."
"What happened?"
"I…I am sorry…"
"There's no need for you to apologize…" Ryoji? What's he doing here?
"You…!"
Ryoji looks distressed but…why is he not transmogrified. And what the hell happened between him and Aeon?
"Ryoji-kun? Wait, what're you doing here?" The question of the hour Yukari.
"Aeon-kun! Aeon!" Fuuka shakes Aeon who is no longer moving. …Did he break or something?
"What's going on…?" Akihiko takes out his evoker.
"It's all my fault…"
"Wha…you did this?" with that he holds his evoker to his head but Mitsuru stops him.
"Akihiko, wait. He's not showing any signs of aggression." she turns to Ryoji. "Tell us…who are you? …WHAT are you?"
"I'm the same as the beings you call Shadows."
"You're a Shadow?" Junpei stares at Ryoji in shock. …he's…not human?
"I'm the embodiment of all Shadows…The Appriser, born from the union of the 12 Arcana."
"The…appriser?" I look at him in confusion.
"I remember everything now…" he looks down at this. "The frightening truth about myself…and Shadows…it's all so hard to believe." He looks back up at us.
"…You know the "truth" about Shadows?" Mitsuru asks.
"I do…"
"What?" …Well Akihiko's placed his evoker away at least.
"The Shadows are here to facilitate the rebirth of the maternal being. The maternal being will begin to awaken as she is drawn to me. The Appriser."
"You? You're The Appriser?" …and it looks like Mitsuru's in the running for repeating shit we've already said prize…
"That's right…"
"What is this "maternal being"…?" Fuuka looks just as stunned as the rest of us as she speaks.
"She is a great entity…there is no comparable word in your language for her. Ten years ago, a man collected a great number of Shadows and contained them in a laboratory. That's where I was born." So Mitsuru's crazy grandfather created him? "…But the unification was interrupted and I awoke in an incomplete state. Not long after, I feel to Aeon…as he did to me."
"Aeon? Is that true? …Ryoji?" Junpei looks between the unresponsive Aeon and Ryoji.
"He knew he could not defeat me…so in an act of desperation, he sealed me within a child who happened to be standing nearby. That child grew up, carrying me inside her. And by a twist of fate, she later returned here…as a transfer student."
…What? All I can do is stare. I…had him inside me? Like some sort of parasite? And…Aeon forced him inside of me? …But…the two of them battled…so…the accident. It was their fault? My parents are dead…because of them?
"Yes…"Minako". I lived inside of her."
"Inside of her?"
"Her special Persona awakened…as did the 12 Shadows, all in order to become one with me." …So…that Persona that forced itself outside…Thanatos…
"Ryoji's the Appriser?" Junpei whispers as if trying to convince himself that it was real. I don't blame him…the fact that he was apparently inside of me for the last 10 years is hard to swallow.. "A-And he was insider her body…? None of this makes sense!"
"It's all my fault…I'm sorry. There's more I need…to tell you…" he collapses.
"Ryoji!" I run up to him but he's out cold.
"He appears to be exhausted…Let's let him rest…we have Aeon to attend to as well. We'll continue our talk later." with that we walked back to the dorm. As we walk back I can't help but wonder. Pharos…and Ryoji were one in the same…and the whole time…the whole intention of Pharos was to unify with the 12 Shadows. …What…what does this all mean?
End Chapter 15
Answering Reviews Time:
First off. *sighs in exhaustion* This chapter went through many revisions. The latest version was a whopping 83 pages before I just had to split it. Was way too long. Granted this is the longer half. So next chapter should be shorter. (Once I remove all of the cheese out of the MinakoxAkihiko ship. Though…I actually love it for the cheese T_T) Also Ryoji's scene is deliberately vague. It can be interpreted as them having sex or simply holding each other until they fell asleep. /shrug Don't' care it's up to your interpretation.
Kisdota-The Freak Gamer: Shinji's dead. I thought that was obvious by Fuuka's whole. "he's dea-" I mean…only one letter was missing. And then Minako reflects on his death… Ryoji's staying a male.
NightmareSyndrom: Oh good I was worried. It's kind of a mixture. At the current point I'm about level 70+ (which is usually the level you'd fight Nyx unless you grind…but I sort of want Messiah who you have to be 90 to use so…grinding. So yeah That said Strega sucks pretty hard even if you're at a low level. They're not dangerous at all. You have to be trying to die for them to kill you.
Tsuki Rae: Yes…I love Shinji too. *cries* …I just hope Minako doesn't look like a cold bitch for moving on to Ryoji so fast…
XxXTwilight-SinXxX: *pokes* read the AN's…read the AN's. *Tries using one of those weird pendulums for mind control.*
Hamujiro: Yes. I love them too. T_T That's why the next two chapters are gonna be painful as hell to write. T_T