Thursday was… interesting. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this or not, but when I change Persona, I change slightly. I can hide it easily, and the change is slight, normally just little urges to do stuff, or maybe I see things in a different light, or I treat people slightly different. I'm used to it now though, and I can deal with it to an extent that no-one notices.

This however, was… new.

I went through the school day with Pale Rider, my newest Persona. I had to say, it was incredible. Its speed and attack power were unlike anything I'd ever seen before in a Persona.

Then again, he was the fourth horseman of the apocalypse! Dude!

And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

Yeah, I actually looked that up in my bible. It confirmed what I already suspected, that Personae are based of mythology and religion, but that wasn't what surprised me about hosting the Rider.

It was the change in my perspective.

It was like… everyone was going to die.

Of course, I knew that first hand, but instead of it being a matter of a few decades, it became seventy hundred thousand hours until someone my age kicked the bucket.

Or forty two million minutes, or two and a half billion seconds until my classmates died.

Yes, those numbers are the same timeframe and yes, it's about seventy years, so if you're born, you have exactly 2,522,880,000 seconds until you are seventy years old.

Life is short.

And yet… people waste time. They sit around and complain about how bored they are, never actually going out and doing something.

That was another thing I noticed under the Rider's influence. Boredom. We live in a beautiful world, an advanced country, with so many mysteries still unexplained even within our own country and yet… we have the audacity to say that we are bored!

No, that's wrong… We have the imagination to live in such a majestic world and invent boredom! Humans are… We are incredible… No wonder we interest the Reaper so much.

I just realised. I missed the perfect chance to say "Tell me your name, horse master, and I will tell you mine" to the Reaper last night. DAMMIT! I'm not gonna get another chance like that again!

Speaking of missed chances, I found myself in the same train as Chihiro after school, while headed for Bookworms. I met her on the first day, the girl who bumped into me, remember? Well, turns out that she's in the student council as well as me, but far from the confident Hidetoshi, she's really shy. Turns out she has some kind of fear of men. If that's not a chance for a social link, I don't know what is. I took a good hard look at her on the train. It was faint, but her Arcana was there. Justice.

There is no Justice. Only Me.

Influence of the Reaper, I know, but it had to be said. I was wondering how I could start the social link off, when I saw some guy grab her arse.

Sick bastard... people actually do that? The poor lass was disgusted herself, but she wasn't resisting other than cringing. The train was packed, but she could still spin around and slap the guy.

Oh, right. Androphobia.

I started moving my way towards them, "Excuse me, pardon me…" when I saw the actually start fingering her.

Oh hell no, this sicko is going DOWN! I jumped up, grabbed the luggage bars, swung and landed on his shoulders, driving him to the ground. I stepped off him and he got up "What the hell kid! Who the fu-"

I grabbed him by the throat and forced him against the train door. "IF I EVER, EVER, SEE YOU DO THAT AGAIN, YOU END! YOU HEAR ME?"

I must have looked like hate incarnate, because it was running down his leg and I was now standing in the puddle. "Disgusting…" I grunted as the train pulled into the station. It wasn't my stop, but I hit the door open switch. "Get out of my sight…" I warned, kicking him off the train Spartan style.

I turned around and saw everyone was looking at me.

Well, I did just lay a beating on a guy inside a packed train, so what did I expect?

Well, up yours, train people. I couldn't have been the first passenger on this train to realise what was going on.

So I walked over to Chihiro and asked "You okay Chihiro-san?" Really I should have been using Chan, or Kohai, but again, best to be careful.

"H-hai… ano… a-arigato, A-Arisoto-senpai…"

Okay, nervous stuttering was harder to translate, but thankfully she used simple terms. "You sure?"

She shook her head forcefully. "Yes I… I'm fine… I've gotten used to it."

Holy crap… "This happen often?"

She shook her head, softer this time. "No, only once or twice a week…" she replied, with a hint of shame. "…It's okay though…"

No, it's not, and you know it isn't. "Where you headed?" I asked, as the doors closed and the train started moving again. A load of people had gotten off and gotten on, so we weren't the centre of attention anymore.

"Um… Iwatodai… Why?"

That was a coincidence. "Same here! I'm headed for the bookstore, you?"

She seemed surprised at that. "Me too. Um…" she blushed, as if talking to me was a great effort. "I- I never thought you would be interested in books... Senpai…"

Good, this was moving up to a conversation now. "Mostly English novels, but I'm getting into some Japanese titles too."

"Oh, you know English?"

"Brought up there."

"Eh!" not everyone in the school knew me you know. "Um… Sorry, I… I didn't mean to pry…"

"Don't be!" Didn't this girl have any self esteem? "That's what conversations are about!" Gotta get this back on track. "My mum was English, but she met my dad at Tokyo University and moved here when she married him." I explained. "I was born over here, had a sister but moved to England when I was eight to live with my Aunt and Uncle, Mum's brother, when mum, dad, granddad and little sister died."

As expected, shock horror. "It's fine, but don't apologise for it." I explained, keeping the ball of conversation rolling. "What about your family?"

"Um… My dad works in an office in Okinawa, s-so it's mostly just me and m-mom at home…"

"Do you see him often?"

"Um… y-yes… Once every few months or so…"

We struggled through the conversation on until we reached Bookworms. Bunkichi and Mitsuko were talking to each other behind the corner. Bunkichi nodded when I came through the door with Chihiro and said "Dear, Minato-chan is here… So, could you please cheer up?"

Mitsuko wiped her face and said "I… I understand their reasoning but… If that tree were removed I… I feel like the memory of our son will vanish with it…"

The lady doth protest too much, methinks. "Fighting like this won't help you know." I said, however.

"We're fine," Mitsuko said, turning to me. "We're not fighting, I was just fretting…" A smile returned to her face. "Sorry to make you worry." She seemed genuinely touched.

Bunkichi turned to me. "Apparently, the rumour was true… they really are going to cut down the persimmon tree…"

"That's awful…" I said, frowning.

Bunkichi nodded sadly. "We went to the school to say goodbye, but…" Bunkichi trailed off.

"It just reminded you of your son's death…" I finished for him. The couple seemed really depressed. "It'll be okay." I added, smiling slightly.

"See dear!" Bunkichi perked up. "That's exactly what I said! If you keep crying, what will your admirers think? Right, Minato-chan?"

I nodded. "I might start crying too!"

We laughed a bit, but Bunkichi suddenly turned serious. "Now Minato-chan, a man must never cry in front of a lady friend."

Oh, right! I looked behind me and saw Chihiro browsing some books. "You shouldn't ignore her like that just to talk to some old fogies like us now!" Mitsuko added.

"She's a friend from school, not like that." I replied, smiling sheepishly, "You're right though. But since I'm already here," I leaned onto the counter, "I'll help you first. Your best bet is to start gathering signatures for a petition against cutting down with the tree. I'd start with contacting your son's old students."

"No, it's okay." Mitsuko seemed appreciative of the suggestion. "We don't want them to go to all that trouble for us, and it probably won't work… but thank you."

SMASH

Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to make a Persona of the Hierophant Arcana.

"Now get going Minato-chan!" Bunkichi hissed. "You don't want to keep a girl waiting."

I nodded, humouring the old man, and walked over to Chihiro. "Find anything you like?"

"Oh!" I seemed to have surprised her. "Um… Well… This place has such a good selection… I-I was having trouble deciding…" She looked at the bookshelf, embarrassed. "Um… What kind of books do you read S-Senpai?"

"Whatever takes my fancy at the time." I answered politely. "Usually the classics or manga."

She seemed impressed. "I- I didn't think you would be into that… The classics aren't very entertaining, but I can respect what the authors were trying to accomplish."

Not very entertaining? "Are we talking about Western Classics or Japanese Classics?"

"Oh!" she gasped. "Um… I'm sorry… I forgot you grew up outside the country didn't you?"

I laughed. "I forget myself sometimes." It's true, but very rarely. "Some of the western classics are brilliant…" I scanned the bookshelf until I found what I was looking for. "What about manga?"

That perked her up. "I love manga too. I have a whole shelf of Shoujo."

"Really?"

"Yeah," she answered, loosening up. "I tend to get frustrated when the main character can't ask out the guy she likes, because I can relate to her…"

"Same here." I caught her confused expression. "Other way around of course." I passed her a book from the shelf. Translated version of Pride and Prejudice. "Have you read this one?"

"Um… No, I-I haven't…"

"This, is a classic. You'll enjoy it." I leaned over a pile of books, stretched out while standing on one foot and slipped some money into Bunkichi's hand. "I've already paid for it, and I've already read it so you can't refuse."

"OH!" she seemed genuinely shocked. "Um… Um… T-Thank you, S-Senpai… Um…" she seemed to be hesitating. "Is… Is it boring to hang around with… a nerd like me?"

Aaand cue the perfect response in three… two… one… "I don't know, is it boring to hang around with a nerd like me?"

"Huh?" she seemed confused. "Um… No… Not at all…" she blushed slightly from behind the books she clutched to her chest.

"Then no, it isn't boring to hang out with you."

SMASH

Thou art I… and I am thou…

Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to make a Persona of the Justice Arcana.

Eeeuuyes! Score!

"Um… I- I had best be going now…" Chihiro mumbled.

"Want me to come with you?" I offered,

"Oh, it's… It's okay!"

I shook my head. "It's no problem, really."

"But… Don't…" Oh shit, she's looking for an excuse. "Don't you have exams to prepare for?"

Nope. Already prepared. But I did have a Junpei to prepare for exams. "If you're absolutely sure…" I shrugged, realising I was overstepping my bounds.

"It's fine." She insisted. "I-I'll see you later, Minato-san." With that she walked out the door.

SMASH

Huh?

Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to make a Persona of the Justice Arcana.

Holy crap, twice in two minutes?

I am good.

"Ah well…" Bunkichi clapped me on the shoulder. "Better luck next time Minato-chan…"

"Actually…" I smiled at the old man. "…I think I did alright…" turning to face him, I added "She was calling me Senpai until just now."

Bunkichi caught on and grinned. "You sly dog…"

Grin. Bunkichi knows where it's at.

Back at the dorm, Junpei was playing on his PSP.

Wait, no it wasn't. Junpei's PSP was black, but he was playing on a white one.

"Oh, this?" Junpei answered when I asked about it. "Special edition, just came out. Want my old one?"

Actually, Elizabeth had mentioned me getting my hands on a handheld gaming console, so I jumped on the offer. "Sweet! Thanks."

"No probs, let me get it for you."

By the time he got back and handed me the old console, Yukari walked in. "Alright, time to hit the books!"

"What?" Junpei whined. "But you just got here, Yuka-Tan!"

"Well, we missed out last night, so we need to make up for it." she reasoned, dumping her school bag onto the desk

"I'll just go grab some supplies from the store," I said, getting up and walking to the door. "Anyone want anything?"

"Hey, don't you go bailing out on me!" Junpei shouted.

"Relax Junpei, I'll be back in twenty minutes." I gave him a look that translated to 'Enough time to go to your room to get your books, then save your game and hide it before Yukari confiscates it."

"Fine then," Yukari said, picking her bag up again. "Meet back here in half an hour. Don't you dare be late."

Yep, Yukari was serious about getting a good grade. "Be right back."

Half an hour later, I was cooking chilli and nachos in the kitchen.

Elizabeth ended up returning the PSP, something about making the player forget about the passing of time by sending electrical shocks up the arm affecting perception lobes in the brain.

Whatever. I got my reward anyways. Curse seals. They looked like the exploding tags from Naruto, which gave me an idea involving the kunai I'd be buying by the dozen tomorrow.

Anyway, right now I was cooking chilli and nachos for six. You never know who else might decide to join our little group.

"Hey, Minato-kun, you coming?" Junpei shouted.

"Yeah!" I told him, spooning the chilli onto the plate of nachos. "Hang on!" I sprinkled the cheese on top and debated whether or not it was worth microwaving it while I made them wait.

"Minato!" Yukari shouted. "Come On!" Righto then.

"Coming!" I grabbed the large dish and carried it into the lounge. "Brain fuel." I explained, placing it onto the table.

"Nice!" Junpei grinned, reaching for some delicious meat and fried corn, "Thanks man!"

"Thanks." Yukari added, reaching for some herself. "Now, let's get this over with. What shall we do first?"

Since we were in the same class, we all had the same subjects. Physics, Biology, Chemistry, History, Mathematics, Literature, Japanese, English, Business Studies, Health and Fitness, and General Studies.

So starting Monday, we would have six days in which to do eleven exams, so that made two a day, with Saturday afternoon off school. Results would be posted on the school notice board on Monday during lunch, which surprised me. Back in England, your results are given to you individually, probably to preserve the dignity of those who didn't do well.

Not here in Japan though. Here, they display your success or failure for everyone to see. They even rank you, like in races. I heard from Kenji that last place has to wear a dunce's hat until the next set of exams, but I doubt it. The humiliation of even being last place would be punishment enough.

"Hey, I heard that there might not be a Health and Fitness exam after all!" Junpei said, munching on his food.

"What are you talking about Stupei?" Yukari replied. "Of course there is!"

"No, seriously!" Junpei leaned forward, taking another nacho piled high with chilli. "He was caught up in a car accident the other day, so he's on leave for the rest of the year."

"No way…" Yukari whispered.

"Way!" Junpei nodded.

"Actually, Iori is correct." Mitsuru just walked in. "Mr. Takezawa was severely injured when the road he was driving on collapsed, and he will be unable to leave the hospital for some time. Even then, he has handed in his notice."

"What? Why?" Yukari was surprised, but I knew the answer.

"He's retiring off the compensation money, isn't he?" I smirked.

"He was retiring in a few years regardless, but yes, that would be correct, Arisoto." Mitsuru noted.

"Hey, Senpai!" Junpei started. "Can we go to Tartarus tonight?"

"We just went yesterday!" Yukari scolded him. "And we almost died, remember!"

"You kidding?" Junpei smirked. "I live for danger!" He turned back to Mitsuru. "Can we? Please?"

Mitsuru closed her eyes and smiled, tilting her head slightly. "How are your grades Iori?"

"How are yours?" Junpei began, but stopped. "Never mind… I already know."

"I'm currently studying college level material for your information."

"What!" Junpei whined.

"I've graduated, then dropped out of college a few months in." I piped in, "So I've already studied college level material."

"What?" Junpei was in shock. "You some kinda super genius or something?"

"School leaving age is sixteen back in England." I answered, reaching for nachos. "Then there are two optional years we call College, then University." I leaned forward. "I did September to February of college, then dropped out to come over here." I picked up the plate and offered some to Mitsuru. "Fair enough, the difficulty level over here is higher, but I still get bragging rights."

Junpei leaned back against the couch, moaning. "Man… Now I don't feel like doing anything at all…"

"Well, colleges are different from universities back home, so I'm probably not at Mitsuru's level yet."I shrugged.

"So, why'd you leave?" Yukari asked as I lowered the plate, Mitsuru having taken her fill.

I looked at her. "I thought you read my file?"

"Family reasons can mean a lot of things." Mitsuru explained. "I admit that I'm curious myself."

Sigh. "You know I've got a criminal record for violence, right?" I asked. "Well, couple of months ago, the local gang gathered all the guys to take me down." I said. "I knew the area and we were right next to a frozen canal, so I had the advantage." I shrugged and grabbed a nacho. "Dark Hour hit, I was pulling coffins out of a river of blood, and I decided that I'd had enough and wanted out." Bit a nacho. "Japan seemed a nice place to go live a peaceful life."

That got some laughs, so I decided to ignore the fact that I beat up some guys within three days of being in Japan.

I picked up a book. "Alright, History. What's the difference between the Palaeolithic and the Neolithic eras?"

Next day, Friday, I bumped into Mitsuru in the school courtyard. "Good Morning. Exams begin next week. Are you prepared?"

"So long as the Reaper doesn't mess with my exam paper, I should be fine." I joked.

Mitsuru chuckled slightly. Admit it, I am better at making jokes than Ikutsuki is. "Well, I'll look forward to seeing them." Mitsuru said. "If they're good, I'll give you something… consider it a reward."

"Oh, thanks." Probably something good.

You know, a lesser man would have commented on how suggestive her phrasing was, but I'm... wait.

"To be honest, I'm not as well prepared as I should be." Mitsuru admitted. "I'm still preoccupied with monitoring Shadows…"

"Well, I kinda need you there when I kill them." I said. "Unless the Yamagishi girl turns out to be a Persona user that can provide support?"

"Unlikely, but if that's the case, then I can return to the front line." Mitsuru sighed. "At any rate, the number of incidents have decreased since the last mission. If we can continue to defeat them, we may be able to rid the public of its fear…"

"So my theory was correct then?" I asked, doing a victory dance in my head.

Mitsuru nodded. "However, every time a new Shadow appears, it seems to be more powerful than the last." she said. "And even after Akihiko recovers, we still won't be at full strength…"

I caught that. "Were there any Persona users who left S.E.E.S. then?" I asked. "Like Akihiko's friend?"

She was shocked at this. "How do you know about Shinjiro?"

Yep, she knew. "I sensed his Persona when I met him at the hospital." I told her. "His strength is incredible."

Mitsuru nodded. "It is, but we each have our own reason for fighting." she said. "Shinjiro however, has a reason to not fight, and I would prefer if you didn't pry into his business. If he wishes to return, then he will only do so of his own volition."

I love my brain. It finds loopholes so easily.

Return out of his own volition, huh?

So something needs to convince him to return?

I stored the beginning of that idea onto 'Auto-plot' and nodded politely. "Alright." I said, phrasing my response carefully. "I'll keep it a secret from Junpei-kun and Yukari then."

"Thank you Arisoto."

Heh, Arigato Arisoto. Could be the beginning of a tongue twister.

-}+{-

There have been problems of people being unable to find my main story, Persona 3: Fairly English Story. This is because that story belongs in the Megami Tensei Section.

But fear not. I moved this Rebuild to the Persona section so you can find it. Simply click the link to my user profile and continue reading Fairly English Story from the chapter after the latest chapter of the Rebuild. This is merely a higher-quality version of the earlier chapters, there's no need to read the older versions if you don't want to.

SamJaz out.