Chapter 8: Renegade

Disclaimer: I do not own Persona 3, work at Atlas, or own the myths and legends mentioned in my story

Warning: There will be strong language, graphically detailed violence, crude humor, dark angst-y moments, deep thought, and the occasional feminine joke. The list will potentially change to reflect changes in the story without advance notice. You have been warned.

Son of a bitch! Everything hurt like a bitch! But time had stopped and I had card choices again. Shit choices all around. Another two of sword, one of cup, and one of wand. Sword seems to give me an actual sword, I don't remember what wand means, but cup is the bearer of water and represents the chalice of life. At worst, it'll revive the shadows for a round two. Reaching out I used the mess I once called my right hand to seize the card. When time started up, the card dissolved into... fairy dust? No clue, but I had to force my hand into the shape of a tube. Placing one end on my lips, I blew outwards and the dust scattered into the air and settled on all of us. When I felt a rib set itself and some energy returned, I could tell I made the right choice. Looking around, everyone gave me a curious look as some of their wounds began to heal and color returned to their face.

We had survived. That was prize enough for me, it would help me through anything for the next few days. While Minato and Mitsuru asked to be filled in on what had happen, I couldn't help but look over at Minako. She just glared and turned away to help fill in what Junpei didn't see. I didn't miss the fact that she only referenced me as Phatiamos and with a bit of an edge to it as well. Shaking my head, I had just planted my right hand on the ground so I could stand up when everything screamed in pain. For those taking note, this is the exact type of moment where curling into a fetal position and cradling your mangled hand is perfectly manly. I shed two manly tears.

Yukari had rushed over to me, "What's wrong!" It didn't take anyone long to figure that it was my hand and I was in no position to resist Yukari when she pulled my hand from its cradle and she immediately turned her away to vomit. I totally didn't blame her. I was surprised that she was the only one to vomit, there was no way that from the moment she gasped until the upchuck that everyone else ignored it. If it wasn't for the lack of blood, the picture of my own hand would've made me vomit. My pinky was practically bent to the back of my hand, the fingernails that were torn from the fingers dangled from the strip of flesh that it attached to, and worst still was my palm. The center sported a cut so deep, Junpei swore to me that he could see bone, that, and when I hammertossed Magician MKII, the mask filleted everything leading down to my fingers.

Slipping my left hand under my pinky, I crack the finger back into position. It was a dull pain, but it was really the sound that turned my stomach, it sounded like an old tree branch snapping. Using the pain to focus my mind, I swap Orpheus for my newly acquired Pixie but couldn't use dia since I didn't have my- a faint scraping sound made me look up. My evoker scooted slowly toward us. Sniper-low-crawling toward it, I picked it up so Amy could lie down and take a break. "Thanks sweetie." Giving me a thumbs up, I place the barrel to my temples, "Yukari, you focus on what's left of your healing on Minato and then Junpei. I'll cover Minako. Let's go pixie, I needs healing!" Pulling the trigger twice, a ghostly version of pixie appeared and showered me with sparkles. It turns out I had more broken rib bones than I had first thought. ... Clicking my teeth, I pull the trigger again and this time, the blood stopped streaming from my hand and the flesh grew back. Fingernails were still torn... Bang. Watching my fingernails reattach themselves and the subsequent feeling gave me violent willies.

Finally removing the evoker from my hand due to my glove lumping up over the trigger, I scooted on my ass over to Minako. Since she was looking away from me, I had to give her a small poke to get her attention, "Minako~ Would you like me to heal you?" She didn't turn around, just shook her head. Wrapping my arms around her, "Hey. It's okay, we made it out of a bad fight relatively unscathed. Your brother's patching up, Junpei's walking, you didn't get hit. We're all fine. You can stop crying."

Sniffling a bit, "I'm not fine."

Reaching up under her chin with my right hand, I squeezed her cheeks together with my fingers. Granted, I couldn't see it, but I'm sure it was cute, "Trust me when I say this. But you are always fine."

"Stop hitting on my sister!"

"Stop being useless in a fight!"

"I'll kick your ass!"

"I'd kick yours too if the shadow didn't already!" Minato was held down by Yukari. For a brief moment, it looked like pixie was hovering over Yukari's shoulder and whispering something to her but the image disappeared and I didn't think much about it. I couldn't think more about it. Minako had rolled up my right sleeves and bit down on the exposed flesh of the back of my wrist. "Sweet evil Jesus! Someone get her off me! Get'er off! STOP STARING AND GET'ER OFFAME!" When she finally stopped, thankfully before it got deep enough to bleed, I would have normally licked the saliva off my wrist seductively just to mess with everyone, but I was tired and hurting.

Shaking out my wrist, I picked up the exhausted Amy from the ground and placed her on my shoulder to rest. I'm sure Mitsuru and Junpei was making a fuss, but I couldn't be bothered. "Mitsuru? Is there any more shadows on this floor?"

I- Just a moment. No, I can detect nothing further. I would recommend that you return back to base. Allowing you guys to press on was a bad decision on my part.

"Already on our way back." Turning to address the group, "From the crossroad, I can see a glint on either side and something slightly glowing ahead of us. I know we're all tired and this is honestly going against everything. But I need you guys to rest here while I go and investigate. No arguments. I still have some energy left and is healthiest. I'll be back as soon as I can. Relax." Heading left first, I opened the briefcase to find a snuff box. I didn't even bother to investigate further. Checking to see if the briefcase was attached to the tower in anyway and finding nothing, I just pick the whole damn thing up and took it with me. As I head to the opposite glint, Orobas?

Orobas: Yes Summoner?

Please remind me to buy a Zippo tomorrow.

Orobas: Understood. Summoner?

Yes, Orobas?

Orobas: I'm glad you survived.

Awww. Thanks.

Orobas: It would be troublesome if you died this early.

Thanks Orobas... I love you too...

Giving ma peeps the double thumbs up as I pass them. Reaching the next attache and dead end I quickly open it to find it filled with cash. Snapping it shut, I snatch that as well before dropping both cases off with the group before heading to my last stop. Last-ish. Apparently there was just a small side thing about ten feet from the green glow, a quick peek revealed it to be a staircase. No chance. Shaking rather disapprovingly at the temptation, I check out the green glow. "Mitsuru? Can you hear me?"

Yes, Dark?

"I've found a device, for the lack of a better description. It's green and kind of resembles the DDR on the ground floor. Please advise."

DDR?

"Oh for- Nevermind. Would you kindly call the others to my position, I'll take over from there. And tell them to take the two metal briefcases with them." For a few moments, I just stood there feeling... bubbly. It was weird, but it was probably something brought on by the aftermath of the battle. When the rest of the party showed up I pretty much give them the choice between heading up a floor or let me use the do-hickey first and see if it takes us downstairs. Everyone apparently felt risking another floor would be worth it. Of course, I immediately activated the device. It wasn't painful, it was just weird to feel your body get pulled apart and then put back together again in another spot. But it did in fact take me right to the ground floor. Waving at Mitsuru, who was probably informing everyone else about my safe appearance, we just waited a bit as the others teleported to our position. I wasn't going to lie, I was knew that Mitsuru really wanted that meeting now, but we were all tired. The longer she was forced to thinking about my actions and... things, the worst it was going to be. "Guys, we're done for tonight, but I think we should have a meet before heading to bed." Holding up my hands to stop the groans before it could start, "I know. Trust me, I know. But I want to get it all out of the way first."

About halfway back to the dorm, still Dark Hour mind you, my cell phone goes off. That got me some looks. Shaking my head, I fish out the phone only to not recognize the number. ... Answering it anyways, "Hello?"

"Hey kid! How are you feeling?"

"L-"

"The one and only. Look, I figured that pixie might not be the best start, I got a recent acquisition for you."

"I'd love to do a pick up, but I'm a bit far from-"

"Don't worry about it, I'll deliver it to your dorm in half an hour or so. Meeting's on the fourth floor right?"

"Ye-"

"Wonderful! I'll see you in a bit." Click.

Staring at my phone, I wasn't sure what to say to the others but they pretty much figured that since I was only able to get out the word 'hello', it was pretty much one-sided.

It was well past Dark Hour when we made it back to the dorm. While everyone headed upstairs, I made a quick stop to grab a can of Cielo Mist for Amy at her request, I making it upstairs about another recap of the Flashmob of Hate. I just stood by the doorway while Amy sipped from the straw.

Despite the how well the stories of Junpei and Minako corroborated with each other, it was obvious that neither Mitsuru, Akihiko, or Ikutsuki believed it.

The Chairman shook hi head, "I'm sorry if I seem rather hesitant to believe, but it is impossible for anyone to have more than one persona."

"Seriously and what's all this about magical fairies?"

Pouting a bit, "But it's true! I saw a fairy heal my brother and we all saw Phatiamos-san summon the same fairy to heal himself!"

"Minako-san, while I admit that the wounds you have sustained are mostly gone, that could just as easily be the effective healing from Takeba-san or a misreading on Mitsuru's part. Magical creatures do not exist."

"Says-"
"Says the boss lady and chairman in charge of a group of teenagers who summon personas to fight demonic creatures in an spooky towers that only appears in a paradox timeline."

I glared at Minato for stealing what I wanted to say. He just smirked at me. Seeing how Akihiko just wasn't going to believe it and Mitsuru was just getting annoyed, I give Amy a gentle nudge. "Mitsuru-san, no offense to you, but I think I can honestly tell you that, your readings were right, there was another healer with us."

"Dark-san, I would recommend that you stop with the childish antics, you still have to answer for your reckless behavior-"

A popping sound stops Mitsuru's rant before it could start, Amy chose to appear in that exact moment about a foot in front of Mitsuru's face. Twirling in the air before striking a cute pose, Amy giggles a bit before introducing herself, "Hello! I am a pixie demon contracted to Dark. My name is Amy, would you like to be my friend?"

Oh I loved how quiet everyone got. Everyone except Minako, she just squealed at how cute Amy is. I wiped away my grin and leaned against the wall to sip my soda nonchalantly when Mitsuru slowly turned her head my way, "Dark?"

It was getting hard not to laugh out lot with the face Mitsuru was giving me, "Yes Mitsuru-san?"

"Is this for real? I'm not dreaming am I?"

"Well. I would say this a one hell of a dream with me in it. But I'd be happy to give a nice groping if it would settle your doubts." It was hard at first, but I'm pretty sure I was able to keep a straight face while both my hands started to wiggle in a perverted manner at Mitsuru. My pervy-moment was cut short when my phone went off, "Hang on." Flipping open the phone, I had received a single text message:

May I come in?

Shrugging my shoulders mused to myself, "Why not?" Before I could type in the text, Lucifer pulled open our meeting room door in a rather grandiose fashion and stood there to bask in our attention. i just leaned there with a raised eyebrow. He was dress rather fancy, three-piece tuxedo fancy. Though, there was something wrong with his pants. Looks like someone hosed his left-side with water, judging by the glint and cling. All the same, "Lucifer?"

"Feels good to be in the spotlight again. Hey kid, how are you holding up?"

Everyone's reaction was pretty much a spit-take on who this guy named Lucifer was and how he got in here. Ikutsuki walked up to the man to address him, "Excuse me sir. I'm not sure how you got into this dorm, but if you don't leave I will call the polic-"

Nearly smashing into Ikutsuki's nose when he held up his palm to silence him, Lucifer just glares at the chairman, "Excuse me! I'm trying to have a polite conversation with my object- PERSON! Person. Person of interest here. In regards to how I came in, I was invited. Anyways, I heard you got into a nasty brawl."

"Nasty is putting it mildly."

"Yeah. I see you healed up nicely. I guess that means you don't need the piece of Dark fillet that was your palm?"

"No. You can have it if you want... is that's what's bleeding in your pocket."

"It was an act of kindness. If everyone was out of spiritual energy to use healing spells, you could always have it grafted on. Since you don't want it any more, you got a garbage that I can?"

Holding up my hands in disgust, "Please don't. That's biohazard."

"You mortals and your nitpickiness. Fine! I'll have it incinerated in a hospital or something. Anyways I can see you're getting along with pixie."

"Oh god! Is it because I revealed her to the others?"

"No, I don't care about that. If they chose to try and burn you at the stakes, that's your problem to deal with. I'm actually here to bring you another summon." Reaching behind the door way, he, rather forcefully, pulls a young, blue-skinned girl with purple hair. She wore something that resembled a bit like a ballerina's spandex thing, but instead of a tutu, she a had belt made of massive teardrop shaped sapphires. Something about her screamed 'India' to me. The moment he pulled her into the room and let go of her hand, she just took off and slammed back first into a corner before going fetal-position.

As everyone slowly turned to glare at me, I gathered all of their collective disdain and channeled it into a deadpan stare at Lucifer.

"Oh come on! Don't look at me like that. She is an Apsaras, I'm sure you know a few things about them. Anyways, she's from the Priestess arcana, attune with her and you'll find that she's great help on your little excursions. Good luck." Giving me a wink and fingergun, he basically sprints out of the room, only stopping in the hallway long enough to answer a question I had.

"How the hell do I attune to her?"

"Several ways. The long way would be to gain her trust and then befriend her with actions and running errands for her. The easier way would be to break her spirit through violent beatings and raping. I don't care which, but get it done and prove to me that I can send higher-level demons your way. Later!" Shouting from the other end of the hallway, "SHE LIKES STRING INSTRUMENTS. A GOOD MUSICIAN MIGHT BOUND WITH HER FASTEST! ..."

Turning to face my firing squad, everyone was thinking it, I was just going to set the record straight, "I'm not raping anyone! Does anyone here play a guitar or violin? Junpei? You play?"

"Guitar."

"Go get it." As soon as he scampered off, I collapse against a bookshelf with a groan. I didn't say anything until Junpei came back and with the guitar, "So yeah. I'm a summoner and I can contract demons of various myths to do my bidding."

"Dark-kun? This doesn't mean you'll be sacri-"

"Dammit Yukari! You're afraid of ghosts and your first thought is whether or not I'll sacrifice you're soul?" Sighing a bit, I felt bad. Looking over, I could see a ghostly form of pixie sitting on her shoulder. Seeing how Amy was still fluttering in front of Mitsuru... "Look, I'm sorry." The pixie began whispering something into Yukari's ear, "I didn't mean to snap. I-"

"That's okay Dark-kun. I'm sorry. You're tired and you did lose a lot of blood. I didn't realize how stressful this might be for you." The pixie nodded her head and just disappeared.

Amy, on the other hand, decided to flutter over to Minako and sit on her shoulder. Minako's coo-ing brought Mitsuru's attention back to me, "Ahem. Okay. Say I believe that you are some sort of summoner. When exactly were you going to tell us about your-"

"Honestly? Never. I wasn't going to tell anyone a damn thing and attribute their ability to my ability to carry various personae AND!" Cutting Ikutsuki off before he could start, "And. I can carry multiple personae. No offense. But whatever you thought you knew, turns out you were wrong. I am the exception to everything. Through me, I can see your persona, what abilities they have and how ordinary items in this world affects them and you. Still don't believe me?" Sitting up, I just looked at them. I no longer needed to focus. Pointing at Akihiko first, "Your persona is one half of the Gemini constellation, the immortal Polydeuces. You can channel lightning and healing spells along with a quick right-cross. Mitsuru's is the Amazon queen Penthesilea and is capable of using ice and some healing as well. The powder in the snuff box I found? That will restore some spiritual energy. The Cielo Mist? It heals and restores a bit of energy as well. The battle before the skirmish, everyone has learned some new skills, how do I know that? I watch your persona teach it to you."

"Dude. Is that why you walked in to get that whupping."

"Yeah. I could hear your persona, they were practically begging to be let out. When you refused because you were scared, they lashed out, which in turn affects you."

Raising his hand like a child, I give Akihiko a nod to acknowledge his presence, "That gentleman?"

"Lucifer. Bringer of light to humanity. The Prideful Angel. Overlord of Hell. Don't worry. The contract is with me only. I fail a summon or attunement, I get brutally murdered and you guys will be safe."

"Why you?"

I know Mitsuru didn't mean it to be rude, but I really wasn't getting that feeling at the moment. While I could feel something bubbling within me, it was more like a extreme sense of annoyance. I just took off my glasses and started to rub my eyes before shrugging, "Because I was born? Because I walked into the dorm first instead of the twins? Maybe it's because I'm a remorseless monster with no conscience who wouldn't think twice before breaking a sentient creature's spirit in order to use it in-"

Having not paid attention to Amy, she swooped in and plucked a nosehair, effectively silencing my rant. Throwing it at me like a harpoon, she flutters in front of me with hands on her hips, looking rather crossed, "Dark is not a bad man! Dark is good! Dark will take care of us! Dark only act bad because he doesn't want people to know!"

Glaring at Amy, I cocked my left hand passed my shoulder, but she didn't even flinch. She knew that I wouldn't hit her and I knew I wasn't going to win. I didn't look around, I didn't care. If they believed I was going to bitchslap Amy, they would do something. If they didn't believe I would, they it didn't matter. Throwing my hands up in a sign of surrender, scooch over to pick up Junpei's guitar, I gave it a few test strums.

Orobas: Summoner, do you know how to play?

Honestly? A little bit. Practicing on a guitar was part of my recovery process for my hand.

Of course, I usually didn't have my glove or bandages on that jumbled up the frets. For a few good moments, I had seriously considered sending everyone out of the room and then violently smashing the guitar over Apsaras's head before beating her into submission.

Orobas: Summoner! There is another way!

You can read my thoughts?

Orobas: Not read, I would not invade your privacy like that. But. You were broadcasting. Any minder reader would have picked up. If it was still the Dark Hour, Penthesilea would have immediately picked up those images and Mitsuru's mind would have been force to bear witness to what you wanted to do.

This is going to be a problem isn't it?

Orobas: Perhaps. But regardless, if you switch your current persona from pixie to Orpheus, he will allow you to strum left-handed.

I can do that?

Orobas: Only you, yes. Outside of the Dark Hour, each persona will provide a fraction of their protection, weakness, and attributes. But more importantly, you gain a small amount of their innate abilities. With Pixie, your demeanor becomes a bit more cheerful, harder-working, and capable of performing pranks with little-to-no repercussions. With Orpheus, you gain his mastery over string instruments.

Normally I would harp on how Orpheus only offers that one ability, but I was tired and just didn't give a damn anymore. As soon as I focused on the change I could feel that change mentally. Instantly I felt angry and tired and scared, the blissful state that seem to hold it back? Gone. Closing my eyes, I forced everything done. I placed it all in a small box and tossed it as far as my mind would allow. Puffing a bit of air, I pick up the guitar and it felt like an old friend. Tuning up, I started with the intro chords to Smoke on the Water. No go, only made her curl up tighter. Something softer... Green Grass and High Tides? She seem to relax a bit but still balled up. Stopping before the speed up I was really racking my brain for something.

Orobas: What about Hotel California?

Shrugging, I started to play a bit. Of course, being me, I could help myself and started singing, I even did the echo by myself...

Orobas: Good good! You've got her attention, but she's not getting any closer. Do you know any songs that are softer? What about your lullaby?

Enter Sandman?

Orobas: No! The other one!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kama*mental cough*e?

Orobas: Yes! Don't hesitate now! You have her attention! Play and sing!

Grumbling, I stand up to stretch my back. I could hear Apsaras gasp, but I had to focus and let Orpheus's influence take over. It was strange to play a song originally meant for a ukulele on a guitar, but with a bit of tuning, it was close enough.

How strange it was to play the song again. Here's the honest truth about me. I can't play an instrument for shit. Even on those music games, I totally sucked. But! When it came to vocals... There was a reason I was lead singer in choir back in elementary school. From the moment I started the 'oooh', I had my eyes closed. So much easier to focus on something if you can cut out some distractions.

Some~where over the rainbow
Waay up high.
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Once in a lul-la-by. I-I. I-I. I-I-I.
Some~where over the rainbow
Blue birds fly.
Annnd the, dreams that you dreamed of,
Dreams really do come true. Ooh ooooh.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
Wake up wehre the clouds are far. Be~hind,
Me ee ee eeh
Where trouble metls like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me oh
Some~where over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dream that you dare to,
Oh why, oh why can't I?

At some point during this first bit, Apsaras felt comfortable enough to start dancing and humming while I sung, from the video recording I'll get to see a few days later, it was interesting. It wasn't in tune to the song and at the same time it wasn't conflicting. Eventually I'll also find out that the term to describe what she was doing, will turn Orpheus and her into one of my greatest assets during the early days SEES.

Moving on. By the time I sounded out the last few notes, I had to wipe away a few tears. I loved the song, but at this moment, it brought back a lot of painful memories. When I could see again, I noticed the girls all had the waterworks going, and for the dudes I got at least a single manly tear. Feeling something being lifted, I turn to see Apsaras try to relieve me of the guitar. Letting go, she gently places it against the wall, before turning and violently kicking out my feet from below me. Slightly dazed I just ended up watching what was going on. She didn't waste any time, straddling my lap, she grabs me by the collar, and pulls me up to a seated position. From that point on, she just gazes into my eyes.

I'm going to be honest here as well. Getting manhandled like that might turn some people off. But I found it extremely erotic. She was not built like an amazon (though, I'm pretty sure I would be turned-on by that as well) but she was built like a dancer and was more flexible than Olympic gymnasts. So yeah, sue me. I found it really hot.

Focusing back on topic, I'm sure the others tensed up or something. Least I hope they did, otherwise if things had gone south, they would just be sitting back, watching me get murdered by a failed summon. For a while, neither of us moved. We just stared into each other's soul. For a demon, her soul was pure and clean like the waters she was born in. That made me hesitate. She was not a fighter, did I really want to risk her purity for my own sake? I'm not sure what she saw in my soul, but it was enough to make her sob and I'm pretty sure she wasn't sobbing because my soul was a beautiful place. She just sat there, biting her lower lip while trying hard not to cry. She pulled me into a hug and she started whispering something over the top of my head. I didn't know the language was and even if I did, I was busy. Physically I was repeatedly tensing up my thigh muscles to keep the oncoming erection from growing, mentally I was fighting off the against the urge to motorboat her. Pulling my head free from her chest, she placed a gentle kiss to my forehead. Smiling sadly at me, she took my left hand in hers and gently nuzzled the leather glove, "I will help you in any way I can..." Rolling up the duster sleeve, she tapped the crystal bracelet before turning into a puff of smoke.

I just stared at the bracelet. It was something I picked up at a family outing once and gave it to my dad since it was simple and the least gaudy thing, just a year later, he gave it back to me saying how it didn't feel right with him and knew it would be better with me. If that wasn't predestination then my name isn't Sol-.

"Holy crap dude!"

"!" Holy shit! I forgot that they were still in the room!... Did I just squeak... fuuuuuck! Turning to face everyone, I just gave them a weak wave. I'm not sure how they expected me to respond to the shiny-eyed stare they were giving me, but I sure as hell wasn't looking forward to the fallout that was going to happen. "Uh... hi?"

"Dark. I never knew you could play or sing so... passionately..." Did Mitsuru just call me by my first name? Sweet! The blush is just icing! All the same, I didn't expect everyone to agree with her. My signing couldn't have been that good.

Suppressing an embarrassed smile and failing, "I'm not that good. Singing is something I did when I was younger, the guitar was all Orpheus." Shrugging, "What can I say? I'm a rebel with all my various skills and exceptions to rules."

While they started to heap on praise, the sound of shattering glass filled my ears. As time stopped, a voice echoed around me. ''Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to create a Persona of the Fool Arcana...'

Another shower of sparkles and another itchy feeling in my palm, I was slowly feeling the adrenaline rush fade away. I know what's about to happen and I need to leave. Rule twenty. Yawning, "I'm sorry, but I'm feeling a bit tired. Any chance we can call it night so we can get some sleep?" There! I saw something! For a brief moment there was a look in the eyes of Mitsuru and the Chairman's. I didn't have time left to understand. Time was running out! Waving them a good night, I walk just to the end of the hallway before sprinting down the staircase.

The moment I got into my room, I hop into my chair and focus all my sense on my hearing and not the voice chanting 'rule twenty' in my head. There was the footsteps of Akihiko rule twenty and Minato heading into their room. rule twenty. I can hear Yukari and Minako flopping into bed from the sound of the spring. Ikutsuki was retreating and the door closing was signaled that he left. But where was Mitsuru? The chanting has turned into screaming and my hands were shaking so badly, I couldn't lace them together.

Amy had hitched a ride in my pocket when she saw me, "Dark? What's wrong? Why are you shaking?"

Smiling as best I could, but it was starting to become hard to focus on anything now. rule twenty "It's nothing. If you're tired, use my bed. It's fine. I'm just a bit wired from the fight is all. Go to sleep." Picking up my teddy bear as best I can, I set it down next to my pillow before placing my cell phone on the desk, "You canrule twentyrule twentyrule twenty cuddle with Teddy while you sleep. rule twentyrule twentyrule twenty I have to head out a bit. Do me a favor. When this thing starts to sing. Press this button and unlock this door and the one downstairs for me. Please?" I know if I asked her like that, she couldn't say no. rule twentyrule twentyrule twentyrule twentyrule twentyrule twentyrule twentyrule twentyrule twentyrule twentyrule twentyrule twentyrule twenty

Orobas: SUMMONER! rule twenty MAKE IT STOP! IT HURTS!

i NEED rule twenty you to do me a favor. rule twenty take a break! I need sometime alone!

Orobas: I cannot!

PLEASE! Please. i need sometime alone!

Orobas: ... I will be back by the dawn. Be safe.

As soon as I heard a soft click and felt no other presence, I slipped out the window. My climbing skills was shit, but I still made it to the second floor safely before letting go and barrel roll as much energy away from me as I could. I didn't care about the pain any more. I was sprinting down the road with a single destination in mind, all the while chanting 'rule twenty' aloud. Junpei showed it to my one time during our tour and I didn't know where it was exactly from the dorm, but time was on my side.

It didn't take long, but as soon as I saw the stairs, I started up two to three steps at a time. On my last step, I tripped and faceplanted on the stone floor, but it didn't matter. I pass the threshold and the shrine was right in front of me. Spotting the offering box, I scuttled on all four, fingers slamming into the hard cobblestone. What I was looking for wasn't a place everyone normally looked, I didn't even bother to get up. Instead I rolled under the stairs to the crawl space large enough to hide my entire body.

And I had just made it in time.

In the moment I was in the darkness, I started to cry. I just curled into a ball and sobbed as loudly as I could. For in this one instance, since my arrival to Japan. I was truly alone and isolated. I was with the darkness and here I didn't have to be anyone but myself.

In between choked sobs I confessed everything, "Rule twenty. When you are afraid of something, admit it. If only to yourself. I'm scared. I'M SCARED! I hate them all! I hate them for making me their leader! I hate them for looking to me for guidance! I don't want to be in charge! I don't... I-I don't... I nearly died. Why... WHY ME! Why not the twins. Why did I have to lead! Why couldn't I be normal! Why couldn't I have just lived in America... Why... why did everyone close to me die... Why did I have to be friends with you... Wh... did I have to kill ...you..."

As unmanly as it is, this is what I do. Find the most isolated location I can, sound-sink myself and cry and bitch about what's bothering me until I can get up and walk again. I don't know how long I did this, but in the end, I was tired out enough to fall asleep only to be plagued by nightmares. The car crash and this time a young man covered in blood before turning in a battered coffin as I take my leave of a metal container.

Author's note: A bit darker this time as we start to discover why Dark really left America and maybe a bit more about him. As always, leave feedback to let me know how you felt. Critiques are welcomed.