Author's Notes: I'm limiting combat dialogue to 4 people now. Having all the Investigation Team members talk at once is very hard. Not to mention having all of them fight one battle is inefficient. Rise Kujikawa is currently not in Inaba. She returned to showbiz if you knew about her social link.
Kimi no Kioku in the story represents Aigis's feelings for the protagonist more or less I'm going to use his name later. Technically composed by Shoji Meguro and sung by Yumi Kawamura (not Aigis's VA) but still in the story it is Aigis's original speech in song form.
Ok, I made some mistakes. Aigis will not eat anymore, but she is around food and does do something to not be socially awkward.
Chapter 3: Changing World
Monday 4/30/2012
There was no school today. Hades was still stuck in my mind. I decided to go outside today. Surprisingly I saw the Investigation Team as I was walking around. Despite the initial suspicion, they greeted me kindly.
"Sup Aigis, you look great today." Yosuke complimented. I was not wearing my usual school uniform. Then again, uniforms were no longer necessary at this point of my life. Still, I wore a short skirt and my Gekkoukan High jacket.
"You sure love your school uniform don't you?" Chie commented.
Of course I do, it was where I spent my most precious time with my friends.
"So what are you guys doing here?" I asked them.
"We're going to go singing!" shouted Teddie in excitement.
"If you don't mind, you could join us." Yukiko invited. I had nothing better to do so I accepted her offer.
We walked briefly to a nearby karaoke bar. "Party of seven." Naoto paid the clerk.
"It's fine, I'll pay for myself." I offered.
"No, we invited you." Naoto insisted. I ended our conversation before it escalates into a conflict over who pays.
We rented a fairly large booth with enough room for all of us. Chie ordered drinks while Kanji, Teddie, and Yosuke were messing with the equipment.
"So who wants to go first?" asked Yosuke enthusiastically.
"Let's draw sticks." Yukiko held out seven chopsticks. We all picked one and they were numbered from 1 to 7.
The chopstick I had was number 7. "That means you go last." said Yukiko.
Teddie seemed disappointed, "Aw, I wanted to hear Ai-chan sing."
Yosuke sang first followed by Kanji, Chie, Teddie, Naoto, Yukiko, and me.
He selected an upbeat rock song and sang along. We all laughed when he messed up and applauded at the end.
Kanji seems to like to give off a manly presence as he chose a punk metal song and shouted into the microphone. Hardly symphonic, but still it was decent.
Chie sang a song called "Your Affection." it was pretty hip.
Teddie sang a romantic love song while making gestures towards Chie, Yukiko, and myself. We all pushed him away to the guys and they punched him in the face.
Naoto sang a J-pop title that recently gained popularity called "Reach out to the Truth."
Reach out to the Truth? I thought. His voice was quite feminine and then I realized that he was actually a she.
"You never knew?" Yosuke, Chie, and Kanji said in astonishment.
"No, it never occurred to me." I replied.
Yukiko giggled and it was her turn to go sing. She sang a song called "Never More." The lyrics were quite touching.
"You're up Aigis. Knock em dead." Yosuke cheered.
"Woot, we get to hear Ai-chan's beautiful voice." Teddie was enthralled. I had never sung before and in front of an audience.
"You can do it Aigis." Chie and Yukiko cheered.
There was only one song that came to mind. I searched for the appropriate music. As soon as the opening plays, I began.
Kaze no koe hikari no tsubu madoromu kimi ni sosogu
Wasurenai yasashii hohoemi kanashisa ni kakushita hitomi wo
The voice of the wind sheds droplets of light as you doze off.
I will never forget your kind smile and the sorrow hidden within your eyes.
Negau koto (tsurakutemo) tachimukau yuuki kimi ni moratta yo dakara yuku ne
Yume no naka (mezametara) mata aeru yo
Even though it hurts (to make a wish), I received the courage to fight from you, so I will goIf I awaken (from a dream), I'll be able to see you again.
Tooi kioku mune ni hime utau
I will hide my distant memories in my heart and sing
Hakanaku tayutau sekai wo kimi no te de mamotta kara Ima ha tada tsubasa wo tatande yukkuri nemuri nasai
Eien no yasuragi ni tsutsumarete love through all eternity
Because you protected this ephemerally floating world by your own hand
Now simply fold your wings and sleep restfully
Be wrapped up in an eternal tranquility, and love through all eternity
Yasashiku mimamoru watashi no kono te de nemuri nasai
Waratteta naiteta okotteta kimi no koto oboete iru
Wasurenai itsumademo kesshite until my life is exhausted
Sleep, by this hand of mine that gently watches over you
I remember you laughing, you crying, your anger
I will never forget for all time until my life is exhausted
"That was beautiful, where'd that song come from, I want to download it." cried Yosuke. Chie and Yukiko were enthralled, "That song was so beautiful." Yukiko cried. "There, there." Chie patted her.
"Whoa, I never thought robots could sing like that. Then again I heard of something like Vocaloids." said Kanji in amazement.
Teddie was cheering.
Naoto coolly tilted her hat to cover her face. She seemed to respect me a bit more. I felt closer to the Investigation Team as we laughed, cried, and sang our hearts out.
I am and thou and thou are thy. A new bond has been formed. Fool rank 3
The fool? I thought that SEES already represent the fool for me. New bonds form between us.
Our bond started off stronger because we fought together and I really get along with them because of Orpheus.
"By the way that song just now wasn't in the track list." said Naoto. It was the only song I knew. The music was by someone named Shouji Meguro. Even Kanji and the rest of them were amazed at how well I sang. It seems my charm and courage increased a bit.
"You could be a star like Rise." said Chie. "Rise, as in Risette?" I knew who she was. I didn't expect them to be so familiar though.
"She's a member of our little group. Although she left for showbiz a couple of months ago, she was our supporter other than Teddie." said Chie.
"Let's not forget Narukami-senpai." said Kanji. I was wondering who Narukami was. "He was our leader last year. Real amazing guy, he could wield multiple personas like nothing. But he only stayed for a year and left last month." Kanji's tone slightly got sadder.
"Don't worry Kanji. As long as our feelings for him are still there, we will meet again one day." said Yukiko.
We left the bar in good spirits. Naoto suddenly brought up something, "Aigis, I did a quick background check before we got here."
The air was suddenly tense. All my legal documents were handled by the Kirijo group. Although I have freedom to go as I please, legally I am required to report to the Kirijo group for anything important.
"Your name is Aigis Kirijo. You are a foster child adopted after your parents died ten years ago. You are 18 years old, attending Okina U. as a major in the sciences. Of course most of the information here is fake and forged." Naoto put the file back in her coat.
"Naoto, do you really have to do that? I don't really care whether or not Aigis is a robot. She's just like any other human." groaned Yosuke. Kanji and Teddie also voiced their agreement.
"Sorry, it's just a professional habit of mine to inquire into people's backgrounds." Naoto covered her face with her hat. On our way home, we passed through the central plaza where there was a massive TV on one of the buildings.
Next on Japan's Sports News: Rookie all star, Junpei Iori makes it all the way to the National League. Here are his comments.
Junpei: Well, I would like to thank all my friends for all their support. Without them, I probably would've ended up some drunken bum on the street. A shout out to all my best friends, Aigis, Mitsuru, Akihiko, Yukari, Ken, Koromaru, Fuuka, and ….
The speaker distorted the last part. I heard everything else though. A sense of happiness fills me as I see Junpei on the screen. He's become so much stronger and lives his life strongly.
"You're friends with THE Junpei Iori?" exclaimed Chie. It appears Junpei has become famous since we last met.
"I am a huge fan, he's only started out last year, but he became an overnight success story." said Chie.
The team seemed impressed. "You're a very interesting person." Yukiko complimented.
"We all used to live in the same dorm two years ago." I told them.
"But still, knowing someone who is a friend of a famous person is like the same thing. You can even introduce us to him." said Yosuke.
I've gained a lot of respect today. The news report continued.
Junpei Iori is now on tour and traveling all over Japan playing exhibition matches. The next game will in the Yasoinaba area on May 6.
It is encouraged to come to the game, bring your friends as all money made by Junpei goes towards helping the less fortunate recover.
Junpei: Thanks for your support. It's only a bit, but together we can change the world to a better place.
"You hear that? He's coming to Inaba!" Yosuke said excitedly. Chie, Yukiko, and Teddie seem excited.
Those last words at the end, they reminded me of the vow I made to him. "Your right, together we can change the world. Change into a world where humanity no longer yearns for destruction." I murmured to myself in resolution.
It was getting dark so after saying good bye to the Investigation Team at the station, I returned to the dorm.
Tuesday 5/1/2012
Today, there was nothing to do. I had begun to realize that my few hobbies include eliminating shadows, sleep, and follow a daily routine. I checked my social links before deciding to go visit Adachi. He seems to enjoy my company.
At the prison, I passed by the courtyard where the inmates are given some degree of freedom. Basically all they do is work out and fight. I saw Adachi over at the edge getting handled by a larger man.
"Hey, sorry I didn't mean to spill your soup last night." Adachi was trying to talk his way out. In the end the guy punched him clean in the face and left.
I walked over to the fence where Adachi was on the ground rubbing his cheek. "Damn, that guy hits hard." Adachi muttered. He noticed me a bit later.
"So, you saw all that?" Adachi had an embarrassed look. "Prison life can be tough. I don't mind. This is my punishment and I humbly accept."
I began to wonder why he was even in prison in the first place. Adachi looks like a nice guy. "Why did you commit those murders?" I asked carelessly.
Most people would be offended with that question, but he just kept a straight face and answered.
"Why? It was because I was bored. Bored with life and all the crap it threw in my face." Adachi said the last couple words in an angry tone.
I listened intently. "I was a small pitiful man back then. Then some brat made me realize that my life was worth living. I could've taken the easy way out, but now I spend my time here atoning for my sins." said Adachi.
His story was understandable. "When one loses hope, does one simply try to end it all?" I asked vaguely. Adachi was confused.
He smiled and said, "It is human nature to want everything to end after losing hope. Although I realized the worst part is that you want to bring everyone along with you whether they liked it or not."
My understanding of Adachi has increased. It seems we both have profound outlooks on life. Our conversation went on for a long time until the harsh sound of the bell called the prisons back into their cells.
"See ya." Adachi waved good bye.
Rank up! Devil rank 3
It was getting late, I should go back.
The nightlife in Okina was just like Port Island. It was a small town, but it had enough to keep me busy for the rest of the evening. I went to the arcade to play some games. Apparently I got addicted and stayed until midnight.
I looked at my desk and see my textbook there. I felt fine so I studied until late at night.
Wednesday 5/2/2012
Sunlight leaks into my room through the gaps in the curtains. My phone started ringing. I answered the call.
"Hey, is this Aigis? It's Shiki. I was wondering if you want to spend time with me today."
She sounded nervous over the phone. I wondered whether she has something important to say. "Sure." I replied to her call.
I really shouldn't wear my Gekkoukan uniform all the time. I checked my wardrobe for different clothes. Yukari gave me some of her spare clothes during high school. I forgot to return them and just kept them.
The pink cardigan fitted just fine and so did the skirt although it was somewhat tight around the chest area.
Shiki was staying in Inaba if I remember correctly. I took the next train over and found her waiting for me at the station.
"Hi." she greeted.
"Is there something you want to do?" I asked. She nodded and led me to a Chinese diner. "Chinese Diner Aiya" the sign said. It was a simple name.
We went inside and ordered a bowl of ramen each. Shiki was happily slurping her soup.
"Oh sorry, I really forget my manners when the food is this good." said Shiki. "Hey, you haven't touched yours yet."
I stared at the steaming bowl of ramen in front of me. I could consume it, but I have no way of processing the food and no way to which to remove waste. It would probably damage some of my systems as well.
"I'm not that hungry." I told her. Not a very creative or original excuse, but Shiki didn't seem to care.
"Well alright, but you shouldn't starve yourself. It's not healthy." she warned. I felt more and more distant from humanity after this. I have many shortcomings but this one hurts the most.
After she finished eating, I began to think about having a digestive system installed.
"I have a question." I said.
"What is it?" Shiki replied.
"What's the meaning of life?" I asked profoundly. I've found meaning already, but hearing someone else's opinion is good as well.
"You ask really strange questions." Shiki said. She thought about her answer and said, "I think that you should always try to work hard even when things get bad. Although, my self esteem really drops when I'm not around you."
I learned something about Shiki today. She has really low self esteem, but it seems I give her some confidence in herself.
Rank up! Strength rank 4
Since I was in Inaba, I might as well spend the evening talking with her. Our bond grows at a rapid pace.
Rank up! Strength rank 5
It was really late and I was walking along my way to the station when a car pulled over. I remember the man driving the car from the police station.
"Hey it's you." said the man. "It's a bit late. Wandering the streets is dangerous even here. Why don't you come stay at my place for the night?" he offered to let me spend the night at his house.
My internal clock states that it was past midnight. Trains stop leaving around this time and I had no choice but to accept his kind offer.
I got in the back seat. "My name is Ryotaro Dojima. I never got your name back then at the station." he said.
"It's Aigis." I replied.
"Hmm… Aigis." Ryotaro started driving. After 5 minutes we arrived at a fairy average house. There was a little girl inside presumably his daughter.
"Yo Nanako, I'm home." Ryotaro greeted her.
"Welcome home father." she replied.
Suddenly she became very cautious of my presence. "It's okay Nanako. This is Aigis. I found her roaming the streets at night and I thought it would be better if she stayed with us tonight." Ryotaro assured his daughter.
"Sorry, she's real shy around strangers." he told me.
"Hello Nanako-chan." I tried to be friendly, but she ran upstairs quickly and the sound of a door being shut is heard.
"You can stay in my nephew's room. It should be the same as I left it, but don't touch anything important." said Ryotaro.
Upstairs I found the room he mentioned. It was tidy and seemed like someone recently lived here. I laid out the futon and noticed the picture of a young man with soft gray hair with the Investigation Team.
"He must be Narukami." I remembered. This was his room and he moved last month. I guess that means that Ryotaro is his uncle and Nanako is his cousin.
As much as it interests me to know more, I should go to sleep.
Chapter 3: End
Author's notes: Yea, I'm going to rush the social links. Considering that Aigis already has plenty of arcana already at level 10 storywise, I feel that certain social links develop faster and thus rank up without the unique dialogue.
I also speed up the social link ranks because it slows the story to have to do detailed social links for every person and level.
Leave any comments. I know its not perfect and has some flaws, but please read and review.