Author's notes: If you are wondering.
Abel's statistics:
Arcana: Strength- really, you don't see him as a caster
Weak to: Pierce cuz Cain uses a frigging beam rifle.
Nulls: Other physical attacks.
Resists: Electricity and Almighty(unique)
Skills:
Hassou Tobi
Vorpal Blade
Heaven's Blade
Heat Riser
Tempest Slash
Victory Cry
Enduring Soul
Soul Splitter (unique to Abel)- Deals severe slash damage to 1 foe. Has following effects based on enemy type.
Persona/Persona users: 25% chance of instant death. 75% chance of SP drain.
Shadows: SP drain.
Compendium: One of the many sons of Adam, a humble shepherd killed by his brother Cain. The first homicide on Earth and his burial inspired mankind to bury the dead.
Overpowered? Yes, but then again I must also beef up the enemies.
Chapter 12: Exposed
Thursday 6/7/2012
Heartful Cry rings through the air. I got my phone and answered the call. "Hello?" I greeted.
Hey, this is Maya. Remember me? Your fellow sister? Well if you have time and would want to hang out…
It was 8 AM in the morning and class was about to begin, but Maya would be disappointed if I refused so I decide to not go to class today.
Nice, I'll meet you at the plaza. She seemed happy. "Skipping class today?" Yukari asked. She was brushing her hair and checking the mirror. "Well it seems you got plans, but you should be careful. I've been seeing people with apathy syndrome on the streets again."
"So the full moon draws near." I remarked. Yukari looked serious, "Just like old times." she sighed. "I wonder what Mitsuru-senpai is doing. She surely can't be ignoring this."
I wonder as well what Mitsuru is doing. She doesn't seem to have made any moves and neither did she contact any of us, her friends.
"Well whatever, no use fretting over it now." Yukari finished brushing her hair and we left the dorm. "I'll be going to class." Yukari waved.
The plaza was the central most area in Okina. It was a gathering place for people as it has many shops and buildings nearby. It is similar to Paulownia Mall. I saw Maya sitting on a wooden bench by the fountain.
"Aigis-chan, it's been awhile. You haven't been with the sisterhood for a long time. We were starting to think you became one of them." Maya looked concerned or was it upset?
"Them?" I wondered what she was talking about. Maya discreetly points to a man lying in the corner. He was not moving and had an emotionless face. "I see." I said sadly.
"That weird thing happened again. This time it was 5/21. I remember it clearly. Of course I was scared and cuddled up in my sheets but it happened.. again in like years." Maya seemed over reactive.
"I don't know what's going on, but some of the sisters can vouch for me. You believe me don't you?" said Maya. She stared at me intently as if she was peering into my soul.
I can sympathize with her. The Dark Hour is something most people shouldn't have to experience. I really must investigate this further.
"Well let's go shopping." Maya perked up and dragged me into one of the stores. After several hours of browsing through clothes, Maya and I left carrying several bags. Most of them belong to Maya.
"That was fun. Aigis-chan, I never knew you looked so good with just about anything." Maya seemed envious. "Thanks for going with me today. It really got my mind off 5/21."
"Of course." I replied. Maya cheered up. I want to help Maya through the Dark Hour. I felt concerned for Maya and the others like her. It's fine now, but someday the Shadows will come.
My genuine concern has deepened the bond between us. Fortune rank 5.
"I really do think the world is going to end. But now I suddenly don't want it to. I mean who else would carry all this for me?" she said jokingly. "Well I'll take those." she got her things and returned to the sorority dorms.
In my bag, I had a scarf, not that it would be a good idea to have on in the summer, but it was the only thing that caught my eye. I went back to the dorm.
"Hey Aigis, how's your day?" Yukari asked casually as she lay on the sofa reading a book. "You just missed the weather report; it said it was going to rain tomorrow."
Fuuka looked up from her laptop, "There's a rumor that the Midnight Channel shows an image of your soul mate on rainy days. If you turn off your TV before midnight on a rainy day it shows."
"Well we've been to the inside of the TV so the rumor is true, but I never got the chance to actually watch it from here." replied Yukari. They both had curious looks on their faces. Yukari sat up, "Let's all watch it tomorrow then. We got a big TV in our room and we can always go in just in case something happens."
"That's a great idea Yukari-chan." Fuuka nodded. "Aigis, you don't mind right?"
"I wonder." I replied. "Maybe we might see something interesting."
Yukari and I returned to our room after relaxing in the lounge for a bit.
Friday 6/8/2012
The sound of rain pelting the window served as a good wake up call. Yukari was still sleeping and I gently tapped her and aroused her from slumber.
"Ugh, it's still early…" yawned Yukari.
"Sorry, I thought you could use a wake up call." I said softly.
Yukari stretched out and yawned some more, "Whatever, just don't wake me up anytime before 7." she got up and went to the bathroom.
The students were reluctant to attend class due to the heavy rain. Many students decided not to attend today's lesson which means the professor has more time to focus on each student individually. I manage to make up for all the days I had skipped.
"Hey let's invite Junpei-kun to watch the Midnight Channel with us." I suggested. Yukari did not look amused, "Doesn't he have a TV in his dorm room?" Yukari asked in an annoyed tone.
"Well this might be important for him as well and he is our friend." I stated my reason clearly.
"Yeah, but he can get on my nerves sometimes." said Yukari. "He invites himself into the dorm anyways. Not like anyone cares because our dorm is half empty."
We returned to the dorm and invited Junpei to come over. Junpei grinned devilishly, "Heh heh, this is the first time you girls actually invited me to something. So.. got anything in mind?" he chuckled.
"Get your mind out of the gutter Stupei." Yukari sighed, "We we're just wondering if you wanted to watch the Midnight Channel tonight.. with us."
Junpei seemed excited, "Of course I would. I mean it's more fun to watch with friends; especially with 3 beauties."
Now I can see why Yukari find Junpei irritable. But he is a nice guy at heart.
"Everyone, I've found out something online." said Fuuka. "Apparently the reason that there are so few students here is because of the murders that occurred around last year. The case has been solved but people are said of have gone missing."
"Gone missing?" Junpei looked confused.
"They have not been found for long periods of time and when some of them were found, they had apathy syndrome." explained Fuuka. "Some of them were students here."
"How did they ended up missing?" asked Yukari. I was beginning to suspect an obvious conclusion.
"It's the Shadows! It has to be them!" Junpei exclaimed.
"No, I would have sensed them." Fuuka pondered in her thoughts. "It must have happened in a place where I can't scan."
"But Fuuka, you can find anyone in the city." said Junpei.
"Are there any areas outside of your scan range?" I asked.
"No, I have a clear image of everything in the city and lesser clairvoyance for long range scanning, but it must have happened outside Okina." said Fuuka.
"But the bodies were found here so they can't have all just left the city, get eaten by shadows, and come back." Yukari was as perplexed like everyone else in the room.
We continued talking about the subject until it was a quarter before midnight. Everyone gathered into our room.
"Dibs on the futon." Junpei wrapped himself in the futon and lay in a comfortable position in front of the TV.
Yukari, Fuuka, and I sat on the beds.
"Twelve seconds before midnight." I announced. Everyone stared anxiously at the screen waiting for what is to appear.
It was midnight.
The television screen turned a muggy yellow. "Whoa, it turned itself on." Junpei looked impressed. We continued to watch silently.
On the screen, we saw images of the battle with Erebus….
"Why is this here?" Yukari stared suspiciously at the screen. "I mean how is it showing that battle."
"The Midnight Channel reflects the hearts and minds of the viewers." I said.
"That does make sense, but…" Fuuka mumbled softly as she continued to watch.
We couldn't see ourselves. There was only the image of Erebus relentlessly attacking the seal. His statue wouldn't budge, but it seemed so sad…. so lonely.
"Hey, let's stop watching this. It's really depressing." said Junpei. "Hardly as fun as I thought." he muttered.
Everyone was silent. I slid the door of the closet so it we couldn't see the TV anymore. After a brief pause, we all decide to go back to our rooms and go to sleep.
Saturday 6/9/2012
"Hey, about what we saw last night." Yukari looked as dispirited as I am. "Why did it show that? I know it means something to us, but…." Yukari pondered the meaning of what we saw.
"Remember our promise. I still have not forgotten the resolve we all had to face that thing and to move on with our lives. I made a promise that I intend to keep." I tried to cheer her up.
"You're right, this is no time to be depressed about what is already done. We got too many things to do." Yukari looked up and we head to class.
There will be a final exam lasting the whole week starting on Monday. Afterwards classes will be closed for the summer vacation.
"Aw man, I have not been studying. They should've told us a week before hand." Yukari was complaining about how sudden the announcement was. One of the students looked at her, "It's college, get used to it. They expect us to consistently study so they won't have to slow down when it comes to finals."
Class was over and we were free to do as we wished. Yukari immediately went to the library to study. I decide to take a different approach to studying. Considering that I will be tested on my knowledge of general math, physics, chemistry, and biology it would be best to go to the labs on campus.
Some of the students were performing several experiments. I observed and took notes. The teacher of the class gave supplementary lessons for anyone interested in biology. This is more effective than reading at the library.
Math and physics were subjects I was proficient at so I did not need to study there. I am more than proficient at calculating where projectiles will land and the force of impacts.
It was getting late and I decide to return to the dorm.
"Hi, finals are coming up aren't they?" asked Fuuka.
"I was wondering, what courses are you taking Fuuka-san?" I asked.
"Well, I'm taking some of the basic math and science courses, but I am going to get an engineering major." said Fuuka. She seemed slightly embarrassed, "It's not a very feminine job choice is it?"
"You are free to choose what you want." I smiled. Fuuka straightened up. "Well the finals shouldn't be that bad. I just wish it wasn't so sudden."
"Summer vacation does seem a bit early don't you agree?" I stated. Fuuka nods in agreement.
"Funding has been reduced over the years, it has been becoming harder to pay the teachers so they close certain classes over the summer and start it early." Fuuka explained which classes were available over the summer and which weren't. Some classes could only be taken during the summer so I asked for more information.
Summer classes:
Film Production
Art
Natural Science
Biochemistry
Psychology
"Unfortunately there aren't any classes that I'm interested in." Fuuka was disappointed. "Well I'm going to go study." she returned to her room. I did so as well after watching the news for anything that might occur.
Sunday 6/10/2012
There is no class today. "Where are you going?" Yukari asked as I was about to leave the dorm. "I am going to visit a friend." I replied.
In the visiting room there was the man in the blue suit once again. He appears to be discussing something important with Adachi.
"So you are not lying when you said you killed Mayumi Yamano and Saki Konishi. However the method used to murder them is…." he paused.
"Yeah, I threw them into a fucking TV for the 500th time." Adachi sounded annoyed. "I don't even know why you are even defending me, a murderer."
"Even if you are found guilty, they will more or less sent you off to a mental institute." the man sighed. "Well I believe you are innocent and no matter what, I will find the truth." he got up and left.
"So I'm guessing you heard all that?" chuckled Adachi. "Man do I feel like running wild. Everything and everyone are so annoying. They don't see things for what they are. Well I don't find you annoying, but."
"If I am being a nuisance then I shall leave then." I said sadly.
"No, it's just that I think you've wasted too much time on me. Maybe it was too soon to think that I could have friends. I wouldn't want both of us to suffer so next time you won't see me the next time you come here." Adachi smiled sadly. "Next week is when everything ends; my future, my life, our friendship, everything."
"No please, don't lose hope. If you truly value our bond then…." I pleaded.
"Not even you can save me from myself. I feel it growing stronger. It's resurfacing once again." Adachi seems like he has a headache.
Rank up! Devil rank 9
One of the guards nearby took him back to his cell. I decide to return to the dorm afterwards. I feel sad watching Adachi, he is beginning to lose hope.
"Sup." Junpei greeted. "Why the long face?"
"It's nothing." I answered still having the same expression.
"Well let's go explore the TV again. It'll be good training." suggested Junpei. I agreed and called everyone to meet me at my room. We all entered one at a time until everyone was through.
Inside of the TV, the world was the same monotone yellow it always was except for the entrance to Hades. It was lit by bright red torches.
"Hello ladies…. and Junpei." a familiar voice comes towards us. In the distance a silhouette of a round bear appears.
"Must be Teddie." Yukari sighed.
"Who's Teddie?" Fuuka asked. It was her first time meeting him. He was with the Investigation Team during the last exploration so the only member she saw was Rise.
"A pervert like Stupei here." replied Yukari.
"Hey, I'm not that bad with the ladies!" Junpei shouted.
"Good evening Teddie." I greeted as he came into view. Teddie seemed happy.
"Ai-chan great news! The last time everyone went down there we beat the guardians. They were some tough Shadows but we got them good." said Teddie enthusiastically. "Oh, Fuuka-chan I heard about you from Rise. So… you want to go out with me?" Teddie makes his attempt to seduce Fuuka.
Fuuka was blushing, "Um, you look like a nice guy Teddie-kun, but I think you will find someone better for you."
"It's a 5 foot bear." Junpei rolled his eyes.
"Will you knock it off already? It gets kind of old." said Yukari.
"Aww, don't worry Yukari-chan, you can come too." Teddie smiled innocently.
"So why are you here?" Junpei asked.
Teddie seemed confused, "Why you ask? Well I live here." he answered.
"Anyways putting that aside, weren't we here to investigate further?" I interrupted. "Fuuka-san please support us from here."
"Alright I'll do my best." Fuuka holds her hands in prayer and her persona manifests around her.
"I'll stay here. I can't bear to leave a poor maiden alone." said Teddie.
"Nope, we have a nice spot open for a 4th party member and you are in it." Junpei dragged Teddie to the lift. "Come on guys."
"Don't worry, I make sure to escape if shadows come from the entrance." said Fuuka.
The first two floors were easily cleared because we have defeated the guardians. Most of the shadows here are too weak for us. We took the lift to the third floor.
This floor has a lot of shadows. Be careful. I'll try and find the guardians. Fuuka spoke within our minds.
Upon arrival to the third floor, we were greeted by several shadows. Yukari and Junpei both point their evokers to their heads.
"Persona!" they shouted in unison as they fired. Isis and Trismegistus released a blast of wind and flame to annihilate the shadows.
"There's more incoming!" I shouted. I called forth Athena to defeat the shadows. Athena lunged forward and pierced any shadow foolish enough to get close.
"There's no end to them! Kamui, set them on ice!" Teddie smacks a card with his hands. His persona appears and blasts ice at the enemy. The shadows were frozen solid and are unable to move.
"Now is our chance!" I switched Athena out for Abel. Hassou Tobi! Abel dashed with insane speed at the frozen enemies. Carving them up swiftly, there were no traces left except for dissolving black ichors.
"Damn! Where'd you get that Persona from?" whistled Junpei.
Yukari looked amazed as well, "Wow, I've never seen that Persona before."
"Me too!" gleamed Teddie. "I thought only Sensei could use lots of Personas."
"Who is Sensei?" Junpei asked, "He sounds really cool if he could use multiple Personas."
"He is!" Teddie's eyes shone with admiration, "Without him, we wouldn't be able to face ourselves and stop Izanami."
"Izanami?" Yukari looked puzzled.
"She's the Goddess of the Dead. It was her who created the Midnight Channel to reflect humanities inner thoughts." explained Teddie.
"Let me guess, she's one of those beings that can't be defeated." said Junpei.
"We bearly pulled through. It was all thanks to Sensei that everything returned to normal." Teddie explained what happened. We listened with wonder.
"So even now people are still….. Aigis." Yukari looked down.
"No I still believe that one day people will change, but we have to be the ones to work for that." I replied.
"That's deep." Junpei nods. "Well I don't feel like exploring anymore after clearing all those shadows let's head back."
Alright everyone, stay still, I'll warp you all back to the entrance. A wave of light washed over us transporting us back to Fuuka.
"Did you guys find anything?" Fuuka asked. We shook our heads in disappointment. "Well don't worry, there were a lot of shadows. We can go again next time." said Fuuka.
We said good bye to Teddie. "Here I'll make an exit." Teddie taps his foot and a stack of Television appear. "Thank you." I replied.
In my room everyone seemed tired and returned to their respective rooms. Junpei went back to his dorm, "Man I wish this place was co-ed." he complained as he left.
Monday 6/11/2012
Exams begin today. Yukari woke up early in the morning for last minute cramming of information. I decided to go about this normally and see what happens next.
The test was surprising short. It consists of only one question, but it appears difficult.
Subject: Math
Question: Find the derivative of f(x)= 4(cosx-sinx)2 +8sinxcosx
The question was not multiple choices. I calculated and thought over several possible answers only to have it reach 4. I put 4 as an answer and I felt confident about it but I looked at the blank space beneath it and decide to write down the calculations.
Tuesday 6/12/2012
Exams are still ongoing today.
Today's subject was physics. The question asks for the distance a projectile travels before falling to the ground. The projectile size was the size of a 9mm bullet and it travels at the exact speed. This was a bit too easy.
Wednesday 6/13/2012
More exams today. I was beginning to get tired of this.
Chemistry was something that did not appeal to me much. Yukari said she was going to be out late. I went to sleep early.
Hey there. I woke up to an eerily familiar voice. "Pharos?" I wondered. I looked over to see the boy in striped prison pajamas.
It's been awhile. How are you feeling? I've come to remind you that there will be a full moon one week from today. The Dark Hour will invoke and there will be an ordeal. Pharos said cryptically.
"I have a question." I asked before Pharos faded. He looked intrigued. "What was it like? To be inside him for 10 years."
Pharos smiled, It was interesting. I felt so many things. At first I only cared about whether or not I would be able to escape, but over time I grew attached to him. Sometimes I felt things he felt, saw things he saw, and developed emotions.
"I see." I said dully.
What is done is done. I am with you now and I hope that we can be friends when this is all over. Pharos faded back into the deepest recesses of my soul.
Thursday 6/14/2012
It wasn't the last day of exams, but today is the last subject I have so it was the last test for me. The biology exam was a series of free response questions. I have observed living beings long enough to understand their anatomy and functions. The questions are easy concerning basic material, but I was unable to understand anything more complex.
I saw Yukari leave another classroom so I decide to say hi to her. "Hey Aigis, how was the final?" Yukari seemed tired. "I still have another class so I'm going to go study."
"I don't think I did well in chemistry, but I hope my academics have improved since high school." I said hopefully. We talked for a bit before Yukari went to the library. Since all my friends might have exams I decide to return to the dorm.
There was nothing to do. For the whole afternoon, I watched TV. On the news there was an article about Adachi's trial. Apparently it was going to be held on Sunday at a nearby court house. Then there was the weather report. It was going to be sunny all month long with scattered showers.
Friday 6/15/2012
There was no class today due to exam, but I had already finished mine. Today would be a good chance to prepare for the full moon.
Okina did not have a metal works unlike Inaba so I took the train there. I arrived in Inaba sometime in the afternoon. I went to the central shopping district to buy supplies. After I was done, I went to the food court at Junes. I sat down at one of the tables.
"Well fancy meeting you here." Naoto greeted. "Aren't the university holding final exams today?"
"I see you are well informed, but don't you also have school?" I replied. Naoto took a seat across from me.
"Well I mostly got my education at home and I only attended Yasogami High School because of the case, but now I go because I have friends there." Naoto said coolly.
"Being a detective sounds interesting." I stated. "Oh, about our discussion from before."
"The results? I have them, but so far there are no leads." Naoto showed me a file. Now to know once and for all. "Can we go somewhere private? Someplace sterile would be best." I said.
"Sure, but why?" Naoto looked at me wondering.
"Naoto-san…"
Naoto gave an understanding nod. She called Teddie over and asked him to let us into June's storage room. It was very cold in there, but that makes it ideal. "Don't stay there too long or the boss will get mad." Teddie said before he left.
"So why do we have to be here." Naoto tried to stay cool as cold as she was. She obviously didn't want to show weakness.
"It is for preservation. Do you have anything to take DNA samples with?" I asked. Naoto takes a kit with swabs from her coat pocket.
I begin taking off my ribbon.
"W-what are you doing!" Naoto shouted looking flushed. "I- I didn't know you…."
"Please calm down." I said. "I want you to take the swab and take a bit of the genetic material from my heart." Naoto regained her composure.
She was staring with a curious expression. "Stop it." I blushed. "Could you please hurry, it's embarrassing." I looked away shyly.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Naoto begins to move the swab closer.
"Wait." I stopped her. "Don't take too much; it's very precious to me."
"I won't." Naoto moves the swab to the Papilon Heart. I felt a quick rub. I shrieked and pushed Naoto away.
"Ugh…." she groaned. It appears that I may have used too much force.
"I'm very sorry." I bowed and helped her up. "It's just that….. well nevermind."
Naoto was gripping the swab tightly as to not let it get contaminated. She puts it in a plastic bag and sealed it. "Erm, thank you, but what is this?" she asked.
"It's….. genetic material of a certain man. I think you should have it tested." I looked away. "We should leave now… Please don't let anyone know about what happened here."
Naoto looked confused, but she understood. "Yes let's not…. it's for the best."
That awkward moment brought us closer together. Hanged Man rank 3
I got the supplies I bought and quickly went back to Okina not saying a word for the entire time. It was only a wild guess, but I showed my heart for the second time. Even if it's only for her investigation I have a very good feeling that the results will be…
Chapter 12: End
Author's Notes: Longer than I would expect, but then I skipped a whole week thank god now the story might go somewhere.
Naoto is a detective and she carries the basic tools a detective would have.
Meh leave a review and tell me what you think.
Must improve battles, but it takes up so much space to do so.