Authors's Note: This took awhile, but please enjoy. Added new elements to the story. Read and Review.
P.S. If you are wondering about Aigis's "energy supply" she recovers it from sleeping now. Too many logic holes, but hey it's Shin Megami Tensei. Common sense is boring.
Chapter 4: The Magician's Arrival
Aigis, Aigis. A voice called from the darkness. I could not see anything in the dark. The voice drew ever closer.
Aigis, you must listen to what I have to say. The voice was all too familiar.
"Wait!" I shouted. I tried to see through the darkness with all my might, but to no avail.
Aigis, I can only talk to you because you are the one who can transcend the world. Your ties are unbreakable remember that. All life shares a sea deep within its soul. The power of the soul is the key to averting the world's destruction. Please, don't make the same mistake I made though.
The voice began to fade. If that was who I thought it was then… I ran towards it ignoring the darkness. "Where are you?" I called.
The voice was gone, gone for good. Suddenly I quickly got up as if from a nightmare.
Thursday 5/3/2012
It was still 4:32 AM. There are still 2 hours and 18 minutes until sunrise. I lie back down and stare at the ceiling, unable to sleep. However my mind drifted off to the Velvet Room.
"Welcome again." Igor greeted. "I have summoned you here to make a request of you."
I stared at him with a puzzled look. Igor did say that I could work part time for the Velvet Room, but I didn't think he would summon me.
Igor continued, "Everything that has been in the Velvet Room will always find their true self in the end. Now it is my turn to go pursue my true self."
"But Master." Margaret interrupted. "Who will fulfill your duties?"
He gave an assuring expression. "I will embark on a journey. You who have found the answer to life no longer require my services. You returned to the Velvet Room for a reason."
"I will give you our final farewell gift. My request is that you use it wisely." Igor held out his hand and a small book appeared.
"This is the compendium. With this you may store all your personas without worrying about losing them in the fusion process. I will also teach you how to fuse personas on your own without requiring visiting the Velvet Room." Igor moved the book over to me.
I grabbed the book feel knowledge surging through my head. Knowledge of the arcana, their roles, function, and fusion combinations.
"Master if you leave the Velvet Room will be….." Margaret hesitated.
"You may also go on a journey as well Margaret. There's nothing holding you back. Aigis, you have my finest regards. My recent guest also interested me so. Now, it is time to go." Igor said and stuffed the handkerchief in his coat.
The Velvet Room disappeared. The key for it also vanished without a trace. Before I realized it, time had passed. It was 9 AM in the morning.
"Morning, how long do you plan on sleeping?" Ryotaro opened the door and greeted. I rose from the futon and folded it neatly back the way it was last night.
"I got to go to work, Nanako doesn't have school today so she's downstairs. If you're hungry you can help yourself to whatever's left." Ryotaro left.
From downstairs I heard "Nanako I'm off." and the sound of a door closing.
Narukami, if my hunch is correct he should also have the wild card ability. I went downstairs after awhile. There was a knock on the door. "Coming." Nanako said loudly.
As soon as I got downstairs, I looked towards the door and see Chie and Yukiko outside with Nanako.
"Nanako-chan good morning." Yukiko greeted politely. The two of them noticed me behind Nanako, in the house.
"Aigis? What are you doing here?" Chie looked surprised.
Nanako told them how her father picked me up and offered to let me spend the night here.
"You could've stayed at the inn." said Yukiko.
"Since he offered, I would think it would be impolite to refuse." I said.
"Really? I don't see the logic in that, but it's all good." smiled Chie. I asked them what they were doing here.
"Actually we come and play with Nanako whenever we're not busy. I think she's a little lonely after Yu left." said Yukiko.
I nod understandingly. "Why don't you come with us? It will be fun." invited Chie. This would be a great chance to get to know them better.
We walked for a bit along the Samegawa Flood Plain. A place where the water flows clearly during the day.
Afterwards, we went to the central shopping district where shops were open for their usual business. What caught my eye was a shop I had never seen before. It was where the shop that ran out of business stood.
"What is it Aigis?" asked Chie.
"I want to check out that store over there." I answered. We walked to the store. The sign said "Shinshoudo"
Inside it was fairly dark as it was dimly lit with few lights. "Welcome." the shopkeeper greeted.
"Talk about your sketchy stores." commented Chie. Yukiko and Nanako both browsed through the wares and brushed off dust from a lot of the stuff.
"I can feel it. You are Persona users am I correct?" asked the shopkeeper.
"How do you know about personas?" gasped Chie. Yukiko and Nanako divert their attention to the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper was very suspicious. "Well, it looks like my services are useless to you however because you only have one persona. We can't waste it." said the shopkeeper.
"Let's go Nanako." Yukiko grabbed her hand and left the store.
"Come on Aigis." followed Chie.
I stayed and waited. "I assume you can provide services for someone with more than one persona." I said.
"Why of course, simply give me a persona you don't need and I'll fuse it into a powerful weapon for you. It does cost some yen though." said the shopkeeper.
I pulled Metatron out of the compendium and gave him to the shopkeeper. "Interesting, this will surely make a powerful weapon." chuckled the shopkeeper. "It will be ready for you in 2 days. Come pick it up then."
Afterwards I pulled Metatron out again for my repertoire of personas. I noticed the note on the side of the book.
Daily Compendium Usage left: 3/5
Outside the Velvet Room, the Compendium is limited to a daily limit. The limit does increase if certain criteria are met. -Igor
I shouldn't complain since it was a free service. I still have 3 uses of the compendium. "Hey Aigis, you still in there?" called Chie.
"I'll be right there." I called back. I waved goodbye to the owner and left. Throughout the rest of the day, we went shopping. I got closer to Chie, Yukiko, and Nanako. It was getting dark out and I do not have any plans for the evening.
I think it would be fine if I took a small excursion into the Midnight Channel without telling everyone. I won't go far and I'm never alone to begin with.
To be honest, I would expect the TV I left on the side alley to be collected and returned, but it was still there. I went inside.
The fog still envelopes this world, obscuring all vision. I can see clearly without those glasses now.
The fog only blinds the ones who live in illusions. You who has obtained the truth may walk undeterred.
"Izanami?" I asked.
The Underworld, Hades has now opened its gates to you. Slowly, it ever expands until it reaches your world. I have no intention of interfering with humanity however I will guide you through my domain.
A fair woman appeared from behind the mist. "Shall we?" she led the way to the gates. I went on through. It led to a large lobby like Tartarus with several distorted decorations hanging in an ominous fashion.
"This lift goes down to the first block of Hades." said Izanami. "May you find the truth at the end of your journey."
"Is there a way for me to return if I go?" I asked. It was very important to be prepared for the worst case scenario.
"There are access points scattered throughout the underworld. There are also other methods of escape should you find yourself in peril." explained Izanami.
Understanding the risks, I stared at the great lift with resolve. This world, I'll definitely protect it.
The sound of gears churning was overwhelming as the lift slowly descended downwards into the unknown. The ride was dark and there were few torches to light the area. During the descent I saw it, below me a great expanse of burning landscape laid before me. Dotted with metropolitan towers and jagged rocks there were several shadows on the surface.
The lift finally arrived at its destination. The grand door opened and I stepped forward into Hades.
I shouldn't explore very far because I don't have a full party. Analyzing my surroundings, this is what people would call hell. Still, it is all a reflection of the human mind. But an extremely powerful conscience must have gathered it together.
Throughout my life, I've learned that the sea of the soul is vast and has no limit. Hades must have a source. I proceed deeper into the wasteland. It was quite vast when I saw it from the lift, but when I'm actually exploring it, it seems even vaster.
I should return, and I searched for an access point. To be honest, I had forgotten to ask what they even look like. I can only assume they look like the ones in Tartarus. I was correct. I found a green dome on the ground, but there were shadows around it.
The shadows have taken notice of my presence and attacked. I went for the smaller ones first as I can easily dispatch them with my machine gun. I reloaded all weapons in my hand and fired a spread shot from my fingers.
The smaller shadows dispersed leaving only the larger masses of black anamorphous ooze to deal with. One of them reached an arm out to grab me. "I need your help!" I shouted and summoned Athena.
Her spear struck down the arm leaving the shadow writhing in pain. "This is the end." I ordered Athena to use Akasha Arts to strike down all the shadows. I feel, fatigued. Hades must also increase the stress accumulated. I better leave now before more shadows come.
"Back already?" greeted Izanami.
I stared silently at the Goddess of the Dead. "This is my domain so I remain here. However my influence expands along with Hades." she said.
My concern increases even further as Hades approaches the world. Tonight though, I must rest. Then again, I'm still in Inaba and the train doesn't leave at this hour. Guess I'll stay at the inn.
"Welcome." the hostess greeted. "Oh, you're that guest that stayed with us previously." she remembered me. Well I did stay for quite a long time here once.
"I would like to spend the night." I said. She led me to a vacant room.
"Don't worry about paying. I heard from Yukiko that you are her friend." the hostess bowed and left.
I made the bed and lay down. Sleep overcame me as I closed my eyes and the darkness blankets my world.
Friday 5/4/2012
It was the middle of the day when I had awoken. I really should make the most of Golden Week. Yukiko didn't seem to be around so I went outside. I took the train back to Okina and visited the prison again.
"Adachi, you're one lucky bastard having a beautiful lady here visit you so often." the guard shouted and called Adachi to the booth.
"What brings you here?" Adachi said in a happy tone. "I'm sure it's not to ask me about the Midnight Channel anymore. I told you everything I know."
"No, I'm just here because I have nothing better to do." I said sarcastically. I really was starting to become interested in Adachi. Mainly because I enjoy hearing the stories about his life, although he doesn't seem to be too proud of it.
We talked for a long time and felt the bond between us deepen.
Rank up! Devil rank 4
I hear whispers from the other inmates.
"Man, I'm so jelly of Adachi. He's got a bitch all to himself."
"Let's show him his place. We'll jump him next time at meal time."
"Adachi-san, maybe you should go to bed early tonight." I advised.
"Really, why?" Adachi doesn't hear the whispers, but then again I have better hearing.
"Sure sure." Adachi nodded.
I really hope what I heard doesn't happen.
I went around town and spent the evening seeing the stars. They're so much more clear out here in the countryside. I wonder if you are up there as well.
I returned to the dorm and decided to study. It was getting late and afterwards I decide to sleep.
Saturday 5/5/2012
Today and tomorrow are the last two days of Golden Week. I have a feeling I should visit Adachi.
First of all I had to go pick up my new weapon then I went to the prison after storing safely at the dorm.
At the prison, the guard called Adachi over. "Thank you Aigis. Going back to my cell early was a great idea. Some guys got jealous and think that you're my girlfriend and decided to jump me. Man, if it weren't for you, I'd be hurting till next week." Adachi expressed his gratitude.
Rank up! Devil rank 5
"Your girlfriend?..." I asked. Adachi took a deep breath and settled down.
"Yeah, they think you're my girlfriend. I mean what reason does one such as yourself have of visiting a criminal like me so often. Some of the guys are pretty envious, but still even they have people that care about them." Adachi seemed despondent.
"Don't you have people that care about you?" I asked gently. Adachi gave a sad smile.
"I used to. But when I came to Inaba after getting demoted from the city, it went all downhill. I stopped keeping touch with my friends, my family, and even my lover left me. Worst of all, I killed her myself." Adachi had a crazed tone in the last bit.
"But I digress, my ties have been cut. There's really nothing left for me, but to rot in this prison for what I have done. He let me live to atone, but I don't really know how." said Adachi.
"That's not true. I care about you. I believe that one day, you can change and change others around you." I said. If I teach people to appreciate the ties they have then maybe.
"You're right. Let's go out sometime if I'm ever set free." Adachi cheered up.
Visiting hours ended and we parted. I remembered that tomorrow, Junpei will be in the area. I should buy some tickets for his game. To my dismay, all tickets were sold out. Then, I saw a man selling the tickets on the street.
"Buy your tickets here! See the ace, Junpei Iori tomorrow! It's a great deal. Come on, they're all sold out." he waved.
Right now would be the best chance I have so I quickly approached the man and asked him how much it would cost.
"Guess it's about 50000 yen." he said. It was not a good deal, but I had enough to pay for it. I got two tickets. I saved the other ticket in case someone wanted to go.
It was close to midnight and I returned to the dorm. I was excited to see how Junpei has been doing and couldn't sleep. I studied to pass the night, but then I got sleepy. My motor shut down for the night to recharge.
Sunday 5/6/2012
Junpei is coming to Inaba today. I took the next train there.
When I got off at the station, I saw a large tour bus with several baseball players standing around signing autographs. Cameras and the media were present.
On the side, someone who appears to be their manager is sweating. "Where's Iori?" asked a reporter.
"I don't know! He sometimes just leaves and comes back when it's game time." shouted the manager.
The media went into an uproar and some of the fans seem disappointed. Still many people followed the bus from places far away. "Hey." Ryotaro greeted. He seemed busy.
"Noisiest this town's ever been in years. It's going to be a lot of work for me to make sure these guys don't riot." sighed Ryotaro.
"Dojima-san!" I heard familiar voices shout. I looked over to see the Investigation Team in the crowd as they barged their way towards us.
"Move it!" Kanji shoved people aside. Yosuke was getting crushed, Teddie was sandwiched between Chie and Yukiko which he enjoyed, and Naoto simply flashed her detective's badge and people moved aside.
"Junpei is not here." I said. They looked disappointed. "Then let's find him!" shouted Yosuke. They regained their excitement.
"Bet you I'll find him first." said Chie as she ran off.
"I'll follow her." Yukiko left.
Yosuke and Kanji went the other way and Teddie chased after the girls.
"He's really popular." commented Ryotaro. "I know it's rare for a big star to come here, but he's really something special. He's like a man of the people you know. Someone you can relate to."
"He wasn't always like that." I chuckled as I head off to find Junpei.
The noise from the media died down after walking a certain distance. "Tadadada! Who's the man?" I heard shouting from the park.
From the distance, I see a man in a baseball uniform swinging and playing baseball with some local kids. It must be Junpei.
"Do it again mister!"
"Wow, I wish I can be like you."
"Can you teach us how you do that?"
The kids looked at him with admiration. Junpei blushed and rubbed his nose in a confident manner. He looked over and saw me walking towards them. A large smile ran along his face.
"Aigis! It's been a long time." he ran over to me. I was happy to see him. We shared greetings and then we sat on a bench to talk.
"So what brings you to Inaba? I thought you and Yuka-tan were going to college together." said Junpei.
"I took a separate path." I said. I didn't want to bring up the Midnight Channel yet. It wasn't the right time. Junpei goes to a nearby vending machine and bought drinks.
"It's getting hot around this time of year. Even worse with global warming." he hands me a can of juice. I don't need to drink to live, but it does cool me down inside.
I feel much cooler after drinking that. "So why are you here Junpei? Inaba is a very small town for someone like you." I asked why Junpei came to Inaba.
"Someone like me? You think just because I became a famous baseball star doesn't mean that I don't get tired. I get tired of having those cameras following me everywhere. Can't even take a shit without them looking over the stalls." Junpei complained.
"So you brought the whole team just because you wanted a vacation?" I wondered. It's not logical for this to occur. Cold logic and reasoning, something I've always been good at when I was a mere machine, but now I didn't seem to care as long as Junpei was here.
It was nice to have friends around.
"Yeah, we're going to play exhibition matches in Okina. Gonna be around for the whole month signing autographs and squeezing R and R in between." Junpei finished his drink and stood up.
"I'd better get back before the manager gets his premenstrual syndrome. The commotions should've died down. Come cheer me on tonight at my game." Junpei left.
I sat for a few minutes before members of the Investigation Team came from all sides. Apparently they have not found Junpei.
"Damn, we've searched the whole town. We should stop senpai." said Kanji.
"Come on, this is the last place to check." Yosuke was catching his breath.
"Oh so you got the same idea as us?" Chie said.
"I really think we should give up." sighed Yukiko.
"Where are we going next kuma?" Teddie was still full of energy.
"It would appear Junpei Iori was recently here." Naoto tipped her hat coolly.
"How did you know?" I asked. Naoto pointed to the kids behind her. They all have a piece of paper with Junpei's signature.
"Aww man, Aigis, you could've at least got us an autograph." groaned Chie.
I find no need to do so. As long as we're friends I can always ask for it, but it wouldn't mean much if Junpei wasn't as famous as he is now.
"By the way, did you get tickets for tonight's game?" I asked. They all smiled and held out their tickets. I guess I'll give the spare to anyone that wants it.
Tonight I went back to Okina early. The stadium was beginning to crowd with people when I arrived. To my surprise, I found Junpei waiting for me in the lobby.
"Hey, where are you sitting? Nah, doesn't matter let's go to the team's dugout." Junpei led me to an area in the front where I can see all the players. There was a security guard at the entrance.
"Only team members and authorized personnel allowed." he said stoically.
"It's cool, she's my friend." said Junpei and the guard nodded. He allowed us passage and we met with the rest of the team.
"Pretty cool huh?" bragged Junpei. It seems he's always wanted to bring a friend to this place for awhile.
"Yo Bropei, who's the hot chick?" wooed a teammate.
"Yeah, when did you get a girlfriend we never heard about?" joked another.
"Shut up! She's my friend from high school." Junpei shouted. Junpei gets along with his team very well and they've forged a strong bond.
I began to introduce myself, "My name is Aigis. Nice to meet you all."
Cheers, applauds, whistles, and cat calls were heard. "Don't worry about it. It's just that the team is one huge sausage fest. They'd hit on anyone." Junpei reassured me that I should not arm my weapons in case of any unwanted advancements.
The game started with the national anthem then the players got to bat. I took a rulebook and began to memorize the basic rules of baseball. After about 5 minutes I understand how the game works.
It was the last inning with all bases filled. Junpei was up next. I cheered him on. A resounding noise was heard. Junpei hit a homerun and it went all the way outside of the stadium. A massive amount of cheering was heard from the stands and the team as they run up to the field to Junpei.
The rival team left in utter defeat and after the game, Junpei stayed behind to sign autographs. We left together.
Outside Junpei was yawning, "Man, I'm tired. My hand freaking hurts." Then the last wave of fans came. It was the team again.
"Iori-san, can I get your autograph?" they all shouted except for Naoto.
"Since when were you a sports fan Yosuke?" mocked Chie.
"Hey, his signature is worth a lot to collectors." remarked Yosuke.
"Oh man." Junpei sighed. His phone started ringing. "Hello?"
Junpei hung up with an even more tired expression. "The hotel reservations are late. Hey Aigis, mind if I stayed with you tonight?"
"It's the women's dorm at Okina U. though." I said. Junpei didn't seem to care. I looked away, "I suppose it will be fine for one night."
The Investigation Team had big smiles on their faces when they heard us. "You gotta let us come too!" shouted Yosuke.
"But such a large group will surely attract attention." I warned. I'm concerned about the consequences of this, but it was a special night.
"Why not, I'll take the rap if anything happens." said Junpei. We all walked to the dorm. This late at night, there were few people and we managed to get to my room unnoticed.
"Wow, this is a nice place Aigis-san." admired Yukiko.
"Damn." said Kanji. He wasn't admiring the room, but rather the collection of guns in the closet.
"Don't touch those." I commanded. Kanji immediately closed it and sat down the corner.
"How did you manage to get those firearms here?" inquired Naoto.
"Connections in high places right?" Junpei nudged. I nodded in agreement.
"Anyways I'm going to hit the hay. I'll just take a spare futon." Junpei did so and immediately fell asleep. He snores loudly.
"Umm, now that we're here it's rather cramped." said Chie.
I locked the closet and laid sheets out on the floor for everyone. "Try and make do." I said. I was also tired from today. I feel that I should tell Junpei first thing tomorrow since everyone was here.
Chapter 4: End
Author's Notes: Thanks for reading, leave any comments and reviews. I'm not sure if I'm going too fast or too slow. Also some bad English is there for speech effect. Not sure if characters are slightly OOC because they are supposed to have changed and become better people.
The human soul is complex. Numbers and data cannot truly calculate the infinite potential inside.