Chapter 8: Troubled

Author's Note: Hey everyone! I'm back! Did you miss me? Of course you did! Just kidding! Anyways I apologize for the delay; I really really really want to apologize for not updating. My life's been a wreck since the last time, but it's pretty stable now. To be honest, I don't really feel the beginning part was my best writing but later in the chapter I feel I've recaptured my style. I appreciate everything you guys have done for me, and I'd like to thank each and every one of my fans out there. Thanks again and I hope you enjoy the chapter!

8:00 PM; 4 hours before the Dark Hour

Mitsuru paced back and forth in the lounge of the dorm.

"Geez, these idiots. They should've been home an hour ago…" Mitsuru sighed, worry apparent in her voice.

Yukari, who was reading a magazine on one of the couches, could see that Mitsuru was genuinely worried about the guys… but most likely just Yuki, she thought.

"You know they probably just stopped by Paulowana Mall or Hagakure. Or maybe they got lost, knowing Akihiko," Yukari joked, hoping to lighten the mood.

Oblivious to the joke, Mitsuru was suddenly very angry with Akihiko.

"I swear if that Protein Junkie got Makoto lost, I'll execute him on the spot," she vowed, balling her hand into a fist.

Mitsuru thought about it for a few more moments before coming to the realization that Makoto was with them. He wouldn't let them get lost. That thought had calmed Mitsuru down a bit, but she was still concerned.

Moments later, the door swung open.

"We're home!" proclaimed Akihiko.

Both Mitsuru and Yukari had made their way towards the front door to greet the late arrivals.

"Where on Earth have you been!?" Mitsuru demanded.

"Hehe, well you see…" Akihiko started.

"He got us lost again," Shinjiro clarified.

"Damn Shinji. I thought we talked about this?" Akihiko said, feeling betrayed.

As Mitsuru began to lecture Akihiko about the importance of using a map, Yukari had noticed Yuki wasn't with the other two.

"Hey, where's Yuki-kun?" she'd asked.

This sudden realization stopped Mitsuru midsentence, as she looked all around for any sign of Makoto.

"What do you mean? I thought he got here before us," Akihiko questioned.

"We thought he was with you guys. Did you separate somewhere?" Yukari asked.

"Well, we did leave separately. He said he had to take care of something, or something like that," Shinjiro clarified.

"What? Where did he run off to? Do you know?" Mitsuru rattled off.

Mitsuru was even more worried than before. Not knowing where he was looked as if it had physically hurt her. Only Yukari noticed this, as the guys were deep in thought.

"He didn't really tell us, per se…" Akihiko said.

"Try asking the other idiot who was with us," Shinjiro suggested.

"The other idiot…?" Mitsuru asked to herself.

"You mean Iori? Does he know where he is?" Yukari asked.

"Most likely. He talked to him before running off and doing his own thing," Shinjiro added.

Mitsuru looked up, determination in her eyes, "We must question Iori as soon as possible."

"Hold up. Yuki-kun might just be running a little late. Let's give him the rest of the night and if he doesn't show up, and then we interrogate Iori," Yukari suggested.

"I can't rest not knowing where he is. What if he's out during the Dark Hour? I can't just leave him out there alone. He doesn't even have his Evoker on him," Mitsuru cried.

"We just have to trust that he'll make it back before then. Besides Yuki is pretty strong so he should be able to handle himself," Yukari assured.

"Besides we have no idea where Iori lives… though I don't think that'd be a problem for a Kirijo. Still, we should assume that Yuki will be back soon," Akihiko said.

Mitsuru could sense that they were trying to cheer her up.

"Very well," Mitsuru sighed dejectedly. "I'll trust your words, but if he's not back home by the morning, there'll be hell to pay.

He never showed up…

The Next Morning

Yukari's Perspective

Mitsuru looked awfully depressed.

She's not in her usual Queen Bitch mode this morning, I thought as Mitsuru made her way to the kitchen. I followed her in and she was in complete shambles. Dark bags had formed under her eyes, probably from lack of sleep. Speaking of eyes, hers were as red as her hair. Paths where tears had fallen were highly visible on her face. Her hair was a mess, to say the least. Even her uniform had been sloppily thrown on.

"Uh, mornin'," I said, attempting to start a conversation.

"Huh?" Mitsuru had chirped, having been caught off guard.

"Oh it's you…" she'd said with such venom. "Listen, I really don't want to hear your voice this morning; so if you're going to criticize my appearance I suggest you get it over with now."

Why do you always assume I have something negative to say…?

"Well for starters you look absolutely horrible," I laughed aloud.

"Tch, I assumed you had nothing intelligent to say. After all, it was you who suggested we not look for Makoto," Mitsuru fired back.

She's right. I had suggested we leave it alone for now, though Akihiko could share the blame. I'll admit, I did feel a tad bit guilty. But there was no way I was going to let her get away so easily.

"So just because he didn't show up, you fail to dress like a proper human being. It's the second day of school and already you're looking trashy. I swear my mother looks better than you. Seriously, stop feeling sorry for yourself," I said, fully aware of how rude I was being.

"Why you little…," Mitsuru said, as she began to grate her perfect teeth.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Yuki ran off with some other girl. Especially to get away from you," I laughed and laughed, unaware of how hurt Mitsuru was.

"You think so?" she said, barely audible.

My laughing had died down when I noticed Mitsuru on her knees, crying into her hands.

Ugh, this is why I have no friends. Isn't it?

"H-hey, I was just kidding. Yuki-kun wouldn't run off with some random girl," I said reassuringly to her.

She began to look up, our eyes meeting. She looks so pathetic…

"I mean, why a random girl when he obviously has me," I said, in a lighthearted tone.

Mitsuru's sobs had subsided into coughs and a small snicker.

"You wish… bitch," she managed to get out.

"So then stand up! Go back to your room and make yourself look presentable. After all, I'm sure Yuki would be disgusted to see you looking like this," I told her.

She coughed," Trust me he's seen me in worse conditions."

"Ew, really?" I couldn't even imagine. "Then dress the way our Representative should be dressing."

Mitsuru had stood up, pride in her eyes. "You're right. Thank you, Takeba."

She'd made herself out of the kitchen and headed upstairs.

Way to go, Takeba… You might actually have a few friends this time.

Later that Morning

"Crap, crap, crap. We're going to be late!" I exclaimed as I rushed into Gekkoukan High.

Mitsuru was following close behind, looking better than her normal self. It was because of her that the two were running late.

"My apologies, Takeba. The price of beauty, huh?" Mitsuru apologized.

"Beauty? Is that what you call it?" I quipped back.

As we were speaking the bell had rung to begin morning classes. Soon after we'd arrived at the door of our classroom 1-A. We were both panting beforehand, but quickly regained our composure. Mitsuru reached for the door and slid it open. I could see the disappointment on her face when she saw that Yuki was nowhere in sight.

"Ahem, Miss Takeba. Any reason as to why you are late?" Tachinomi-sensei had questioned.

"I apologize sir. It's my fault, really," Mitsuru had said.

"Wha-? You're fine Miss Kirijo, take a seat." Tachinomi said with a smile. "As for you Takeba, detention."

"For what!?" I exclaimed.

"For making Mitsuru feel bad," he replied.

My mouth went agape, as I had tried to process what just happened. And since when were they on a first name basis?

"Sir, if she is to receive detention I feel as if I deserve it as well," Mitsuru said.

I was finding it hard to process all of this information.

"Nonononono, I couldn't do that to you Mi-chan," he said with a twinkle in his eye.

Gross.

"But it'd hardly be fair…" Mitsuru got cut off.

"Fine. See me after class," Tachinomi seceded.

As I proceeded to take my seat, a voice called out from the back. Of course it was Akihiko.

"Late on the second day and a detention. Tsk, tsk, tsk. For shame, Takeba. For shame…"

"Mr. Sanada, Mr. Aragaki. Detention." Tachinomi responded.

"But I didn't even…" Shinjiro began.

"Are you arguing with your elder, Aragaki?"

"No sir…" Shinjiro said, as he slumped into his seat. "Thanks jackass."

Akihiko merely smiled at him, "No problem, Shinji."

Lunch Break

Soon after lunch had begun, Mitsuru and I turned to Junpei who was completely unfocused.

"Hey, Iori!" Mitsuru had yelled.

This was enough to snap Junpei out of his daze. "Wha-? You actually remember me?"

"Unfortunately," we both replied.

"That hurts y'know."

"Never mind that. Where did Yuki go yesterday?" Mitsuru asked.

"Oh, Makoto? Didn't he go home?" Junpei questioned.

"No he never showed up. Dumb and Dumber over there told us to ask you," I said.

"He just said he had something to take care of. I don't know anything else," Junpei admitted.

"Hmm, was there anything relevant that you did before he ran off?" Mitsuru questioned further.

"Well I did steal the school keys… I mean, nothing important," he laughed awkwardly.

"You did WHAT?" Mitsuru demanded.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It was sitting right there, so I had to take it," he pleaded.

"Never mind that, where is the key?" I asked.

"It's right here."

Junpei pulled out the key and dangled it triumphantly in front of us. Mitsuru was quick to snatch them up.

"H-hey! Give them back," Junpei cried.

"Absolutely not," Mitsuru said sternly.

"Why would you take them?" I asked.

"Well for starters, I can get into the school anytime I want. Y'know, in case I forget something," he told us.

"And…" Mitsuru urged him to continue.

"Well it can also unlock the roof. It's locked from the inside so you'd pretty much be trapped if you didn't have one of these," he said pointing to the keys.

"Is there a chance he might've gotten trapped on the roof?" I asked.

"It's possible, but what reason does he have for going there?" Mitsuru questioned.

"Well my plan was to bring babes up there and…" Junpei trailed off as he saw Mitsuru's glare. "Uh, never mind."

"Detention, after school, for stealing these keys" Mitsuru said coldly.

"B-but you're just a student, you can't do that!" he complained.

"Do you really want to argue with me?" Mitsuru was looking really scary.

"Detention. After school. Got it," he replied with a heavy gulp.

Mitsuru turned her focus to me and in a hushed voice said," We have to get to the roof right away."

"Yeah, let's go…"

The bell suddenly rang signaling the end of the break.

"Or maybe not," I said.

After School

"Alright students, detention is in session. Let's see: Takeba, Sanada, Aragaki, and Iori? What the hell are you doing here?" Tachinomi questioned.

"Uh, well… you see…" he began.

"I gave him a detention," Mitsuru responded, to which Tachinomi was surprised to hear.

"Yes yes, of course Mi-chan," Tachinomi said. I swear I saw Mitsuru cringe. "Um, may I ask why?"

"I caught him peeping into the girl's bathroom," Mitsuru answered.

At first Junpei looked relieved that Mitsuru had covered up his true crime, but rocketed out of his seat in disbelief.

"What? I'd never… well not never, but I didn't even…" he began to stammer.

"Yo, Junpei! Really, man?" Akihiko expressed his disappointment.

"Y'know that should result in expulsion…" Tachinomi said as he set his eyes on Junpei.

"I think he deserves another chance, it's too early in the year for an expulsion. Besides I'll just execute him sometime in the near future," Mitsuru said.

"Right… anyways, I'm going to have a word with Mi-chan. Don't you delinquents dare say a word," Tachinomi warned.

I couldn't exactly here what they conversed about, but I think I heard him say that she is in charge of our merry band of "delinquents". They both walked in as Tachinomi-sensei began speaking.

"Alright, today Mi-chan is going to be in charge of this session. I have… 'Business' to take care of, so I'll be leaving. Good luck, Mi-chan," he ended with a sappy smile.

Before Mitsuru could even begin Akihiko began to spout nonsense.

"Alright! The After-School Detention Squad proudly inducts two new members: Mitsuru and Yukari!" He said with a fist in the air.

"What?" Mitsuru and I said, almost completely in sync.

"It's kinda what we call ourselves, y'know?" Akihiko said, full of pride.

I don't think you should be so proud being in detention, I thought.

"Whatever, let's just get to the roof," Mitsuru said.

"And the After-School Detention Squad is off to the roof! C'mon Shinji" exclaimed Akihiko.

"Yeah, yeah I'm comin'," the replied

And with that, the five of us proceeded to the roof.

Once we reached the roof, disappointment flooded Mitsuru. There was no trace of Yuki at all.

Mitsuru slumped onto one of the benches, tears forming in her eyes. The air felt quite heavy, since none of us had any idea of what to do. Junpei was probably the most confused though.

"You know, it's kind of chilly up here. I'm just going to go inside…" Akihiko said as he reached for the door handle, only to find that it was locked.

Shinjiro began to panic," Shit, shit, shit. What if we're trapped here forever!?"

He started to hyperventilate, until a jingle of a key diverted everyone's attention to Mitsuru.

"Here's the key. Could you all just leave me be for a moment?" Mitsuru asked.

"Thank God!" Shinjiro exclaimed as he snatched the key from her hand and furiously began trying to open the door.

"You're tellin' me pal. I'd hate to be here during the Dark hour…" Akihiko said.

Suddenly, Mitsuru looked up at Akihiko. "Wait. Repeat what you just said?"

"You're tellin' me pal?" Akihiko said in a quizzical tone.

"No, you dunce. The last part," I scolded.

"I'd hate to be here during the Dark Hour?" he repeated.

Junpei was even more confused than before.

"What… what if Makoto got trapped up here on the roof, then when the Dark Hour came around he was transported to Tartarus?" Mitsuru said excitement in her voice.

"It's possible. It might be worth the try," I said.

"Alright! So let's just camp out up here until the Dark Hour rolls around!" Akihiko exclaimed.

"No you idiot. We don't have our weapons, let alone our Evokers…" Shinjiro clarified.

"What do you mean?" Akihiko said as he whipped out his Evoker. "Don't you carry yours with you?"

"OK! What the hell is going on? What's the Dark Hour? What's Tartarus? What's an Evoker? AND WHY DOES SANADA-SAN CARRY A GUN!?" Junpei yelled, bewildered.

"There's no time to explain…" Mitsuru started.

"Of course there's time!" Junpei interrupted.

"Let's get our gear and meet back up here. That's an order!" Mitsuru continued.

"I'm feeling kind of dizzy go on without me, I'll just take a quick breather," Junpei said, walking over to one of the fenced off ledges.

No one really paid any mind to him as we all flooded out of the door. Since I was the last one out, aa realization came over me. Junpei has no key to get back in.

Whatever, he'll survive, I thought as I shut the door.

I could hear muffled pleas of help, from the other side.

"We'll be back for you tonight," I promised as I caught up with the others.

Meanwhile in Tartarus

Makoto's Perspective

"C'mon Orpheus, we gotta hold out," I said as I looked up to the Persona.

He looked as tired as I was, after all we've been holding Shadows off non-stop for nearly an hour.

As long as Fuuka's safe, I don't care what happens to me…

"Yuki, please don't exhaust yourself," she cried.

"It's alright. I'm strong… Mitsuru said so…" I managed to get out.

Suddenly I found myself falling backwards and I was suddenly lying on the floor.

I could feel myself fade in and out of consciousness. I turned to my side and reached for my Evoker, but lacked the strength to reach it.

Mitsuru… Mitsuru… Mits…Mi…..

Author's Note: So that's that. I had a good time writing this chapter and I hope you had a good time reading it. I'd appreciate it if you'd review; each one means a whole lot to me. Feel free to PM me with any question, as long as it's not too strange I'd be more than happy to reply. Thank you all, and I'll see you next chapter.

P.S: If you're looking for a great Persona 4 FanFiction I would 100% recommend Façade by KlonoaDreams. It's seriously one of the best Fanfics I've read and makes me wish there was a Female Protagonist for Persona 4.