neko-neko-aishizu: Thanks for the correction. I'm glad you enjoyed the fic.

XxXTwilight-SinXxX: I plan on it. And sorry about scaring you…not :P

Chapter 2: The Butterfly Effect

Here I am. Back on the train to Iwatodai…I've noticed on the way here the voices seem to have gotten quieter. I'm not sure why but it's a welcome reprieve. As I sit here I can't help but remember everything, Shinjiro, SEES, my friends at school, everything is in such a painful blur of memories that I can't help but shut my eyes hoping to block out some of the images. I feel things that I've forgotten coming back, speech, memories, dates, places, emotions. All of it in a giant whirlwind that seems like it's never going to stop.

"Don't cry…Minako this is how it's meant to be."

"Hold my hand?"

"Let's go…leader."

"I'll always protect you."

"Thanks…Minako."

"Senpai!"

"I was thinking about becoming a teacher?"

"It's painful deep inside."

"You taught me how to be strong."

"See ya later kid."

"You'll shine on your own someday."

"Meaning of life…"

"If you should ever need me…"

"Due to a malfunction in the switching system, today's rail schedule has been greatly altered. We apologize to any customers who were in a hurry. The next stop is Iwatodai…Iwatodai. This is the final train bound for Tatsumi Port Island. Please take care to board before our departure."

So here is where it begins. I stand up picking up my bags. It had been a pain to get the weapons through customs but they had allowed it. I walked slowly through the streets the only sound being my footsteps and the bristle of my long coat. The only reason I wore the thing was because of its high neck collar.

"Ah-let-" Erebus had continued crushing my throat as I thrashed about. I couldn't even try to pry his hand off my throat. No…I simply had to lie there and wish it was over.

Absentmindedly I rubbed my throat. The mark was vivid and I still feel the ridges from where he shoved the chain against it. It's an odd sensation being strangled while you're already dead.

Then the Dark Hour kicked in, I need to reach the dorm at around the same time so I continued onwards to the dorm. I opened the door and there was Pharos waiting for me.

"Hello." He gave me his smile again. So…he remembered nothing still? He's holding the contract. "If you want to proceed, then please sign here." He points to a blank line at the bottom of the page. I blink slowly at it. "It's a contract. There's no need to be scared." He attempts to give me an encouraging smile at this.

"I'm not afraid."

"Huh?" his eyes widen a bit as though stunned.

I sign my name before handing it over. He frowns at this. "You're not going to ask what it's for?" I can't help the bitter smile.

"To ensure I choose my fate of my own free will right?"

Pharos is silent for several long moments. "I…see." He frowns in confusion.

"It's all right. I know what I have to do."

He gives me a suspicious look before holding the contract tightly to his chest and vanishing. Hm…maybe I should've pretended not to know any better.

…It is odd though. As soon as he merged with me all his memories were lost. I wonder why. My eyes flicker to the left…ah Yukari.

"Who's there?" I turn to face Yukari who is trembling as she points her Evoker at me. "Don't tell me…" She steadies herself but she's still trembling. It would be easy for me to incapacitate her…easier still for me to kill her. I can sense her fear, the bitter tang of it swirling around her, the sweat on her brow, her eyes wide as they stare at me.

"Wait!" Mitsuru walks forward and no sooner than she steps into my line of vision than does the Dark Hour end.

"The lights…" Yukari looks me over again. Finally realizing I'm not a shadow I suppose.

"I didn't think you'd arrive so late." Mitsuru gives me a small smile. "I'm Mitsuru Kirijo, one of the students at this dorm. This," she gestures towards Yukari "is Yukari Takeba."

"Who's she?" Yukari looks me over curiously.

"She's a transfer student. It was a last minute decision to assign her here." A last minute decision she says. I can't help but chuckle lowly.

"Hm?" Mitsuru gives me an odd look.

"I'm sorry." I really have to stop slipping. "I'm rather tired. It's just jetlag."

"Ah yes. We can discuss this tomorrow in any case. Takeba, would you show her to her room?"

"Oh. Sure."

It's not long before we reach my room I tune out Yukari's explanations and yawn. "Oh yeah…on your way here, did you notice anything…strange?" Yukari gives me an uncertain look.

"No." nothing was strange about the Dark Hour…at least not anymore.

She blinks a little in shock. "No? Nothing at all?"

"No. Why is something suspicious?" I question her she takes a step back at my question quickly shaking her head.

"N-no! I'll see you tomorrow then." She scampers off.

"Hm…" With a sigh I open the door and head into my room. I suppose they have the cameras turned on…without hesitating I begin to undress for bed. I don't bother covering any of my scars, Mitsuru would find out about them one way or another. I crawl into bed pulling the covers over my head hopefully I won't dream again tonight.

When I wake up the sun has just barely come up, I quickly take a shower and head downstairs Mitsuru is already sitting down at the lounge.

"Ah, there you are." She frowns somewhat. "Did you have trouble sleeping?" No. I just can't sleep for too long before the nightmares kick in.

I shake my head. "No. I usually get up this early."

"Well in that case we can continue our discussion from earlier." I take a seat next to her. "You will only be staying here temporarily. Just long enough for us to get you a room in another dorm." I nod. "For the time being just make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you."

Mitsuru looks me over then before closing her book and setting down on the table. "Is there anything you need in terms of school?" Ah. My scars, at least I know for sure they were watching me last night. I won't be able to wear normal uniform if I want to cover them all. Not to mention changing into gym shorts. I shake my head and Mitsuru gives me a suspicious look but says nothing. I suppose she figures she shouldn't pry. "Very well. There is however dress regulations at school and your current outfit isn't within the guidelines." I look down at my slacks and long sleeve shirt, I had bygone the coat and settled for a sweater even though I felt more vulnerable. I can already hear Ekoda's rant.

"…" I can't say anything to that. But the last thing I want is for them to stare at me. To wonder why I got those scars and start asking questions that I can't answer.

"I'll take care of it Arisato. But I expect an explanation." I look up at Mitsuru whose brown eyes are locked on me.

"…" She says nothing about my silence but instead returns to her book. I close my eyes and simply listen. I can here Mitsuru's heartbeat, the soft flicker of pages, her slight movements; I can sense her life energy so vibrant where I am nothing but a void. I then extend my senses to the whole dorm, I can sense everything the insects scurrying around, Yukari rummaging around in her room for clothing, Akihiko sleeping.

I find myself adrift in their energy, it's so comforting being here, so warm…

"Ah! Mitsuru-senpai! I can't find-!" Yukari runs down the stairs and cries out. "Oh. There you are! What are you wearing? Our school has a uniform!"

"Takeba," Mitsuru gives Yukari a stern look "just take her to school. I'll deal with it."

"Uh…okay." Yukari looks curiously between Mitsuru and I. "So…you ready to get going?" I nod and stand and the two of us head to Gekkoukan.

Yukari goes on about the school's history again on the way there.

"Well here we are! Gekkoukan High School." She gives me a bright smile. "Well you should head to the faculty office so they can tell you which class you're in." I nod and turn. "Wait! Um…" I turn back to face her.

"Is something wrong?"

"About last night…." I arch a brow. "Could you…not mention what happened?"

"Sure." I turn again and head to the faculty office. I hear Rio muttering about not being in class with Kenji and Yuko and Kaz arguing, I walk past Bebe and Professor Odo discussing something, right before I open the door to the faculty office.

"Oh are you the new student?" Ms. Toriumi turns to face me she looks me over with a grimace. "I was told to expect this, immigrants never bother-." She took a deep breath "Look there's certain regulations here-" The telltale sound of Mitsuru's heels can be heard outside.

"Professor Toriumi. Could I speak to you for a second?" Hm. Mitsuru has a way of making a question seem like a demand yet not sound rude. Ms. Toriumi leaves for a moment and I don't bother eavesdropping. I already know what it's about. Toriumi comes back into the room with a bit of a sigh.

"Your name is Minako Arisato correct?" I nod. "You're in 11th grade and you parents…" her eyes widen and she looks up at me. "I'm sorry. I didn't have time to read this beforehand."

"It's fine. I would just like to know my homeroom." Besides it loses a lot of its punch when you know it's happening before hand.

"Ah. Well I'm Ms. Toriumi, I teach Composition. Your homeroom will be my class which is held in 2-F. Today is the welcoming ceremony so you should follow me to the auditorium." As I nod she mutters under her breath. "I am not looking forward to explaining this to Ekoda."

The rest of the day was rather uneventful minus all the whispering and stares because of my clothing. Fortunately the day was over and I started packing my bag. Junpei should be here soon.

"Huh. That boy Junpei Iori hasn't been seen at all today."

"I heard he was riding his bike and ended up in an accident."

"Really?"

What? How did Junpei get in an accident?

"Yeah. I heard he broke his leg pretty badly."

"Ouch."

"Though honestly I think his pride might be more hurt then his leg!"

"Why do you say that?"

"He was trying to impress some girl!"

"What else is new?" more giggles and laughter.

I finish packing my bags and start walking back. …Odd. Yukari hasn't come to pick me up either. I keep walking and trip crashing hard into someone.

"Oof!" Who did I land on? I look up and my eyes widen. It can't be. "The one day I leave early…urgh."

…

Shinjiro?

"Are you going to get off me anytime soon?"

"Oh." My eyes widen and I scamper off of him. He's not wearing uniform not that it's overly surprising. "I'm sorry." Shinjiro…

"I'm not mad." He sighs a little. "You don't need to look like I'm going to hit you."

What's going on? I'm not supposed to meet Shinjiro until September, and Junpei was supposed to talk to me, Yukari was also supposed to meet me after school. Is this a result of the butterfly effect?

"Hm…so you're the girl they were talking about." He mutters almost to himself.

"Hi. I'm Minako Arisato, I just transferred here." I introduce myself and offer out my hand. I just…want to be sure he's real…not just some figment of my imagination.

He looks down at my hand before awkwardly shaking it. "Shinjiro Aragaki." I sense it…him. I'm sure that it's his life energy and I felt the Moon Arcana within me resonate. It's definitely him…but how am I supposed to change the past when it's all screwed up like this? How am I supposed to know what to prepare for? Then of all times my stomach decides to growl. I forgot to eat again…I sigh rubbing my stomach gently. Maybe I can get something on the way back.

"Hm…" Shinjiro looks questioningly at me. "Do you know your way around here?" I open my mouth to say yes but pause. I'm supposed to be new here it would be suspicious if I knew my way around. Besides this way I can hopefully convince Shinjiro to lead me around and see exactly how much has changed.

"No…I don't even know the way back to the dorm I'm in…" I tug on a strand of my hair sheepishly.

"Hm…what dorm are you in?"

"They never really gave me the name come to think of it…" They never had. Did our dorm even have a name? "I know there were only three students in the dorm Mitsuru Kirijo-"

"I know the dorm you're talking about." He looks me over then. "So…you're one of them?"

"One of them? What exactly are you talking about?" His eyes widen a bit. I don't like the lie but how else am I supposed to save them?

"Uh…nothing." I give him a quizzical look. "Anyways I'll show you back to your dorm at least-" My stomach growled loudly. "Okay. We'll go get something to eat and then I'll show you to your dorm."

So he showed me around Iwatodai pointing out the shops and the areas I should avoid going alone and at night. He led me to Hagakure. I sat down next to him awkwardly. What was I supposed to say without sending alarm bells?

"Go ahead order something."

"Um…yeah…" I looked at the menu. "Can I just have the special?"

The cook nods and we each pay for our meals. I eagerly dig in. Yum. I've forgotten how good this was.

"So…" I looked up at Shinjiro curiously. "You know Mitsuru-senpai?" Shinjiro looked away briefly.

"Yeah. We know each other from way back." No sooner had he said that then did he shake his head. "Sheesh what's gotten into me? Anyways it's getting late we should head back to the dorm."

I nod and stand up and we walk back to the dorm. "So…uh…you're new here right." I smile inwardly. Shinjiro wasn't exactly the best at small talk. "How are you finding it so far?"

"It's okay…I wasn't here to long yesterday I came in a little after midnight-" SHIT! Why did I bring that up? I cringe and Shinjiro's eyes narrow in suspicion. "Not that anything odd happened…" Oh great bring more attention to it why don't I?

"Meow…" a small kitten meows weakly. I look up at Shinjiro who still looks down at me suspiciously. Ah. He mustn't have heard it. Gently closing my eyes, I reach out and there it is…I can sense its life…so small and fragile.

"Hey don't go that way!" Shinji starts after me as I walk into the alley. "Are you out of your mind?"

Here it is, hiding behind the garbage can. I kneel down beside the can and reach for the kitten with both hands. The poor thing is trembling and no bigger than my hand, it must be really weak. "It's sick…"

"Hm?" Shinjiro kneels beside me. The kit shivers in my hand; it's adorable, with a beautiful auburn coat. It's eyes are scrunched and closed and I can hear its little heart beating wildly in fear of the large creatures that picked it up. He frowns at the kitten's state. "It needs to be seen by a vet." He looks around at the trash. "It was probably thrown out." He sounds resigned as he says this.

"So…is there a vet nearby?" Shinji shook his head. "Though I've asked the Pharmacist about animal medicine before, he should be able to help us."

So we headed for the Pharmacy quickly. The kitten's little claws dig into my hands, it's nothing more than a slight pressure but it's somehow comforting.

"Hello, Shinjiro-kun." The pharmacist gives Shinji a warm smile. "Have another one for me?"

"Uh…yeah. We found it in the alley." Shinji looks back at me awkwardly I can't help but chuckle what a softie. "I think it's sick." I walk up to the pharmacist and let him see the kitten in my hands. The pharmacist looks it over, and takes it off my hands for a second.

"Well the good news is the little fellow just needs some water, food and shelter and he'll be back to normal in now time. It's a good thing you found him. He wouldn't have lasted much longer." The pharmacist hands me back the kitten.

I frown. "Oh...there's probably no pets allowed at the dorm." We had Koromaru but he was a special case. "Could you hold him for a bit?"

Shinjiro looks down at the small kitten in my hands before sighing and offering his hand. I hand the kitten over and the two of us walk back to the dorm. I think I like the name Shin for the kitten…yes, Shin is a good name.

I stop before I enter the door and turn to Shinjiro. "Hey…I can visit Shin right?"

"Shin?" Shinjiro looks at me in confusion.

I smile at him. "Shin's the kitten, Shinjiro-senpai!"

"You named it?" He gives me a baffled look. "After me?"

"Yup." I walk back up to him and give Shin a small rub behind the ear. "Take good care of him for me…"

"Eh. Hold on-!"

"I'll see you tomorrow!"

"Wait a minute-!" I don't give Shinjiro a chance to back out before running into the dorm. I hear a cry of frustration as I chuckled heading up the stairs; Mitsuru gives me a look of bafflement but doesn't say anything. As I reach the top of the stairs I frown that snake Ikutsuki hadn't been there with Yukari, if time keeps changing like this…

Hopefully Igor invading my dreams will go properly. I close my eyes and prepare to dream.

When my focus regained I was sitting inside of the Velvet Room.

"Ah. There you are."

So this time was different as well, for one thing Theo was standing next to him.

"Hello again, I'm sure you're aware of what has occurred?" Igor's eyes held that strange glint.

"I…believe so."

"And you still plan to abide by your contract no?"

"Yes." What choice did I really have?

"I'm glad to see you are safe." Theo gave me a warm smile.

"Thanks Theo."

"Well then, I shall see you soon." Yeah…I'm really looking forward to that. With a brief nod I head out of the Velvet Room into the peaceful oblivion of sleep.

When my eyes open I hear a knocking at my door.

"Hey…can I talk to you for a moment?" I stand and open the door and there's Yukari looking rather nervous. "I'm sorry about ditching you yesterday but something came up." Something came up? Yukari looks rather pale as she says this.

"It's fine. I managed to make my way back. Some guy named Shinjiro Aragaki helped me out."

"Shinjiro Aragaki?" Yukari looks curious at that. "Hm…I wonder who that is?" She shakes her head. "It really doesn't matter, Minako-chan you don't mind walking back to the dorm again today do you? I…still have things to take care of."

What the hell? "Sure."

Yukari gives me a relieved smile. "Well we should get going now then. Don't want to be late to class!" there was something shaky in her smile and I could sense fear and panic around her. It wasn't because of me I could tell but what happened?

The two of us head for class and Yukari's happy go lucky façade falters for a bit and she stares at the ground gloomily during the trip there biting her lip in nervousness.

…This butterfly effect is going to cause no end of trouble isn't it?