Chapter 9: Turn the Page

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.

I awoke... no. I was awaken with Orobas nagging in my mind. I looked up to see wooden planks and mild darkness. It took me a while to remember where I was, but not why I was there. Even under the offering box, the dawn's light was piercing the darkness. It was time to go. Crawling out slowly, clearing the area so no one sees me, I give my tired joints a stretch. Smiling to myself as I imagined my joints popping to the tune of Strauss's Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Would have been epic. Orobas, I'm up. What time is it?

Orobas: Still time for you to sneak into your dorm for a shower and a change before school.

I had a snide remark somewhere, but I was in awe at how clean I really was. There wasn't any bugs or rats under there. Just some dust and leaves brought about by the wind. Turning around, I fish my pocket for some coins and toss it in to the box. "It isn't much and I can't promise I won't be back, but to which ever spirit that inhabits this place. Sorry for bothering you and thank you for putting up with me for the night." I didn't get to see the glint amber eyes hidden in a bush or the flash of white fur, but the soul that shared the shrine with me will eventually be my closest friend.

Thankfully Amy remembered to unlock everything for me and I made it to my room and then to the bathroom with no trouble. Had to give the shirt and pants I was wearing a quick handwash after a shower, it wasn't as clean as it should have been, but at least there was no noticeable stains or smells. Wiping the fog from the mirror, the greeting I got from my reflection was at least an honest 'You look like shit.' I'm not surprised. I still remember the nightmare, the memory. At least it didn't affected me like it normally did. Redoing my bandages, I notice the circle was getting bolder. Now that I have some time to think about it, it might be a zero. It would make sense seeing how everything was using tarot as a motif. I'll ask Lucifer and Igor later.

Clean and rebandaged I head out of the bathroom just to, quite literally, run into Mitsuru. In this moments, you notice a few things. First was the fact that she looked gorgeous! I mean, I'm sure she just woke up and all, but hot damn! She looks like she just walked out of a spa-salon combo. Second, without her high-heel boots, turns out she's around the five-four range. Lastly, I don't thinks she's a morning person. At least not until she freshens up. Reason being? She is giving me a really mean glare. That or I did something wrong. Leaning towards the former. Smiling, "Morning Mitsuru."

"Dark..."

I waited for more seeing as how she seems to have more to say, but when nothing came out, I just sidestep for her, "All yours."

"... Thank you... You're up early..."

"I know, I guess I'm still wired from last night. Anyways, I'm heading out early. Later beautiful." Waving, I head right to my room to gather my stuff. With nothing better to do, I decided to take Amy with me so long as she promises to remain invisible and stay out of trouble.

Nodding to my music, I make a quick pit stop to CBB, at least, that was the plan. I didn't expect to see broken glass or a couple of 'punks' hassling the owners. Gently brushing Amy off my shoulder I walked into the store in time to hear the leader waste oxygen.

"... Get that geezer? We advertised for you, now you pay up. Unless. You. Want. 'Accidents'. " The last part really bothered me. The fucker had his arms around the old man's shoulder and started slapping him in the face to highlight those last words, and they were filled with arrogance and cockiness...

Not gonna let that stand. Or them for that matter. "Uncle Cai. Auntie Cai. (just remembered their last names and they insisted I call them that... shut up!) Are you alright?" That caught the punks by surprise. I guess there were other people that walked by... I hate those people. But that didn't matter, I now have something to vent on and I think I still have something from last night I need out of me.

They looked at each other before looking at the biggest one. Predictable. Strutting towards me, he tried to loom over me. He wasn't in a fighting stance, he thought he could intimidate me by spreading his arms wide, make himself look big. Bless. Soon as he was three feet away, he opened his mouth, probably even put some bass in that voice of his. "The fu-"

I didn't want more oxygen wasted, I took a step forward and struck with a hammer-fist right to the hinge of his jaw. The sound and feel of it being crushed. ... Love it. One out of five hammer-blows used. The big guy was now on the ground, paralyzed in pain with his lower jaw flopping around.

This the time little guy stepped up. The one that's always got something to prove. He probably thinks himself as being lightning, he's probably got a switchblade or boxcutter in his pocket. Didn't matter to me. Once he got up in my face he just started cocking his head back-and-forth at me, talking shit about what he was going to do and daring me to make the first me. So I did, I spat at him. The moment it took him to get his switchblade, press the button, and thrust it at me, I had snaked my arm under weapon arm and up to his head. Digging my fingers into his scalp, I wanted him to see me. The first time my fist went up, it came down as a hammer to his nose. The next two went to his cheekbones. As soon as his legs started to buckle, I let go of his head and placed my hand under his armpit. With a immediately lift behind his shoulder, I heard him shit himself when I dislocated his shoulder.

Dropping the second guy, I kick the opened blade towards the two remaining punks. "Go on. Pick it up. You'll need it against me. Ah uh uh!" I had already drawn my bowie when they started to move their hands. "You reach for a gun and I'll gut you before you can point it at me. Pick up the knife or I kill you now."

"You think so? What if I put a bullet in the old lady's-"

"You will find two metal spikes where you knees used to be before Auntie Cai can hit the ground. I will then put my thumbs into your eyes, drag you to the kitchen, and watch as I bake you in the oven at one-hundred degrees. Let the Mister and Misses Cai go, give them your guns, and I'll let you leave with your limbs attached." I was getting a bit full of myself at this point. I didn't even notice the big guy getting up with a big piece of glass in hand. If it wasn't for him suddenly groaning and convulsing as he hit the ground, I'm pretty sure I'd have to leave Japan as well.

They didn't know what happened, but when it looked like the big guy was about to shank me, he suddenly collapsed, that was more than enough to convince them this was a bad idea. Slowly handing their guns to Mister Cai, they started to walk towards the entrance. Before I side-step in front of them, big-ass knife tapping against my thigh.

"Hey man! I thought you said we could-"

"I said you could leave with your limbs attached. Don't remember saying I wasn't going to make an example out of you."

"Come on! We won't come back. We swear!"

"You swear! How. Cute. No. I know people like you. You say that now, but in five minutes, you'll get a few more guys. Get brave because your number and start messing with people too good-natured or scared to say anything. No. I need you to know that if you ever come back. I will find you and you will end up in the bottom of the sewer. You want to leave without getting cut? There's a toll. ID." Nodding to the counter beside them, "Right there. Don't have any ID? You have a knife. Leave a finger."

The moment Uncle Cai verified the IDs were in fact theirs, I let the walk past me. Far enough for me to drove the point of my sneaker into the leader's balls before jumping up and kneeing the last thug in the back of the head, dropping him like a rock. Heading back to the leader, I put my shin across his throat and being to let my weight settle but holding myself up so I don't accidentally crush his windpipe. Punching him as hard as I could in his chest before slapping him across the face, "Hey. Look at me. Look at me now. I have your attention? Good. You feel this fear. You feel it? This is what it feels like each time you and your group goes around to show you're a big man. I could kill you all with no effort. But I don't. Do you know why? Because I'm strong, I have power. Only the weak needs to bully others. But I'm going to give you a chance. When you wake up, you're going to go to the cops and confess everything you've done. You're going to accept your punishment and grow up. But here's the kicker. You will be responsible for the safety of this shop. If there is a break-in, if it gets robbed, if something happens to the two here. I will find you and there is nowhere you can hide from me. Okay?" Nodding as best he can, I lift my leg off his neck and sat on his chest. Catching my breath, I grab him by the head and slam it straight into the ground.

Do more. They don't deserve any mercy. One is as guilty as the entire group!

As my fingers tightened around the punk's hair, a hand found it's way to the back of my head. No. It was a pair of strong hands. The first held the back of my head, the other placed itself over my forehead. A male voice began to speak, it was strong yet gentle. It spoke humbly and carried no drama, "Father. Father, please help this child. Father of light, banish the darkness that he may see. Father of truth, expose the lies. Father of mercy, ease his pain. Father of love, honor this good child's heart. Amen." The hands immediately began to feel hot. Red-hot! I must have started to fail, but the hands on my head held fast as a second pair of hands gently placed themselves on my shoulder. As the heat began to seep into my head, I could feel it settle just behind my eyes. In that moment, something within my mind shattered and for me, it was like the clouds finally parted. Everything just looked brighter. Gently, I find myself being guided to the counter, "Easy. Easy there. It's okay."

Seated at the counter, I couldn't help be see the what I had done and it made me sick to my stomach to know that I did that. But Uncle Cai, he just looked... disappointed? It was hard for me to say what it was exactly, it was just a mixture of sad and remorse. Not fear or anger as he quietly wiped the blood from my hands.

Behind him, I could hear Auntie Cai calling the police and my heart plummeted to my stomach. The resulting sloshing of stomach content made me want to hurl. I was in so much trouble that I started to panic, but Uncle Cai just placed his hand on my shoulder, "The violence you did here cannot be condoned, do you understand?"

I just nodded numbly.

Patting me on the shoulder, "Good. Normally I would say you'd need to be punished, but I can see you're doing that to yourself right now. You can fight and I can see you have some discipline, so tell me. Why did that just happen?" His voice was calm and even. His eyes just looked at me.

I couldn't answer him. I wanted to tell him, but the moment I opened my mouth, several squad cars pulled up outside the door. At that time, I was seriously considering running face first through the windows in order to hide my identity.

Apparently, the Cai's didn't plan on reporting me, but instead placed me inside the store when the punks showed up, I had tried to stand up to them when they ganged up on me. Before they could beat me some muscle-bound meathead in a hockey mask showed up and brutalized them before running of. When the cops tried to interview (pronounced: interrogate) the Cai's insisted that I was still in shock at the near beating and should be left alone. When given the choice between school or the hospital, I gladly accepted Uncle Cai's offer to drop me off.

In the car, there was an awkward silence up until we were parked right in front of the building. I couldn't look at him, not with what I had done. But I still felt that I need to clear the air, "Look. I'm sorry for what I did. It went psycho on them and you covered for me. I want you to know that I'm not dangerous and you did the right thing... And I won't ever darken you store again."

"That's not why I helped you."

"?"

"I don't what you're up to or what you may have done, but I can feel that there is a darkness in you that you refuse to let go. I'm not saying my wife or I will be able to help you, but at the very least, I want you to know that there's someone here that will ease the weight of the cross. 'Joy shared is twice the joy.'"

"...'Sorrow shared is half the sorrow.' A Swedish proverb. 'A true gentleman doesn't burden others with his ills.' Alfred Pennyworth. I like that you think I'm carrying a cross."

"You're not?"

"Jesus carried a cross. I'm carrying things that I should be strong enough to endure and finally carry with me to hell. "

"So instead of Jesus, you're Penance?" We just stared ahead as the students began to rush into the class. I was the first to start snickering, he followed after. "Look. I'm not saying I want you tell me everything. But you might need someone to tell your pains to. So until you find that person, you'll have to make do with me. Even if I you don't tell me the main course, I'll take crumbs." When I didn't say anything for a while, "I kept you out of jail, least you can do is visit my shop again some point later today."

"Fine..." Grabbing my bag from the backseat, I head to class only to be redirected to the auditorium.

Now, I'm not saying I didn't like Mitsuru's speech. But. Education really don't play much of a role in my future. My plan is to get great at bartending until I hit middle age, so around forty or so and then start up a gaming store near my old neighborhood. From there, I can double as a place to tutor kids or at least provide a hang out spot for boardgamers.

Feeling a tap on my shoulder, I pluck out an earbud and turned to Junpei, "Dang… That was freaking amazing. So, you have any idea what she just said?" Judging from the looks the twins and Yukari was giving me, I was gonna have to explain a few things to them.

In class I learned that that Ms. Toriumi favored specific poems over the ones presented in the textbooks and I could probably bribe her with cake.

Soon as classes ended, Yukari sped off to her archery club, leaving us, the Dark Hour newbies, to our own devices. While I was tempted to duck out on them and head to CBB, I decided that I could do with a distraction, so when Junpei mentioned an arcade at the mall, I pulled him into a bro-hug.

Exiting the building our pointless chatter was quickly interrupted when we saw a gaggle of girls surrounding something. Apparently I just called Akihiko a something.

Junpei just grinned from ear-to-ear, "Man, take a look at that... I didn't use to talk to him much, but now I've got a good excuse. I know he's the captain of the boxing team, but... Who woulda thought he'd be such a chick magnet!"

"Akihiko is rather good looking..." Me and Minato immediately looked Minako who started to blush up a storm. Trying to recover a bit of her dignity she begins to pout and stomp her feet, "What? I'm allowed to look too! Or is there a double-standard where you guys are allowed to gawk."

Between Minato and me, we shared a telepathic bro-moment where outsiders would only see a series of slight head movements ranging from nods to slight head shakes and even eyebrow movements. Huffing a bit, I decided that I'll take the bullet, "Okay. Minako. Let me put it this way. How would you feel if Minato or I started to walk around with a group of girls that actively followed us because of our brains and/or good looks?"

"Phatiamos-san, in your case, you should also add 'mysterious bad boy with baggage aura' to the list."

"Wait, really?"
"Wait, really?! Dark? Mysterious bad boy?"
"What the hell sis?!"

Blushing a bit again, "It's true. Anyways, I would feel left out and a bit jealous. But you guys would be complimenting too if Akihiko-senpai was a chick!"

"To be fair, Yukari has nice legs and Mitsuru is just gorgeous, but I don't talk about that with you around."

Taking a step back, I immediately point to Minato for that statement, but Minako still turned towards me before pouncing and starting biting my shoulders. My pained screams drew Akihiko's attention.

Looking relieved, he pushes his way past the crowd to reach us. "Oh, it's you guys. I hope you guys are free this afternoon?"

"Hell yeah! Whatcha got in mind?" Judging from Junpei's enthusiasm and goofy grin, he certainly thought he was going to get lucky.

Despite not getting a response from the rest of us, Akihiko nodded, "I want the lot of you to meet me at Paulownia Mall." Raising an eyebrow as I was struggling to shake Minako off my back, "You know where it is right? I'll be at the police station. I'll see you there."

Shocked at the location more than I was, Junpei sputtered his first thoughts, "Th-The police station?" In time, reality settled in and Junpei's shoulder slumped in disappointment, "Wait, we're not hanging out with your friends?"

"Who, these girls?" Akihiko jerked his thumb over his shoulder at them. This action, for whatever rhyme or reason caused the mob to raise up a ruckus. "I don't even know their names. They talk so much they give me a headache. Anyway, I'm gonna head out... don't keep me waiting."

The horde of fangirls all sighed simultaneously, a few even reached out towards the retreating figure, "Aww… Akihiko Senpai!" or "Why can't you be more friendly?" was heard but went largely ignored. But after a few feet of separation, the group immediately trailed behind him.

Looking at the other dudes, both were staring in shock. Junpei, just looks at us, "Man, how can he not know their names?"

Minato nods in agreement, "Seriously, I mean, just look at them!"

"Guys, I just had a funny thought. You know how sci-fi movies or horror movies usually have a swarm or tiny critters like bugs or birds or nanomachines attack? They usually swarm up, over, and around a victim and when they swarm down again, there usually nothing left but some clothing or bones?" Watching them nod, "Now take that scene and imagine the fangirls as the swarm and Akihiko as the victim." Junpei and Minato reacted like children, making faces and such. Minako just stayed quiet but I could feel her wiggle and squirm a bit. Grinning. "Amy? ZAP MINAKO!" As soon as Minako squealed and fell off me, I turned to stare at her, 'perverted old man' mode in full-throttle. "Ku ku ku. Minako~ JUST HAD A LADY BONER AT THAT MENTAL IMAGE!" Sticking out my tongue and shaking my head comically, I took off towards the school gate with my arms flailing in the air. Orobas?

Orobas: She just realized what you said. She just punched out her brother and kicked Junpei in the groin. Faster please!

The moment I felt Minako's fingertips, I broke into a sprint. The sudden change of speed threw her off and with my free-running experience, she had no chance of catching me before I got to the station just as the train doors were closing.

Needless to say, I had some free time to check out the mall, Orobas acted like a GPS to get me there. After some initial exploration, I down next to the police station and waited for the others. I couldn't miss it. It was right across the entrance and actually had a sign that said 'Police' on it in English. Randomly passing a few songs, I tapped as one of my favorite songs started to play.

...
Bad news on the doorstep;
I couldn't take one more step.
I can't remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride.
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died.
...

Orobas: Summoner! You're singing! Also, the demon from the wreckage has arrived!

My eyes practically exploded. Yeah, I could see Minako stomping her way over here with Minato and Junpei limping behind her, I couldn't help but notice the crowd surrounding me. Pushing myself off the wall, I heard a few tinkling sounds. Looking down I find a modest pile of coins at my feet. Clearing my throat, "Um. thank you for listening to my singing. You presence is the fuel I need to win any singing competition! WHOOO!" As the crowd dispersed, I got a few claps, thumbs up, and even a few 'Good luck, kid.' Squatting down, I scrape together the various coins and stuffed them into my pocket. As soon as Minako reached kicking distance, I pressed my back to the door and easily slipped into police station. "SANCTUARY!" My shout of desperation resounded off the walls just as Minako nearly kicked the door off its hinge.

Whatever Akihiko and the police officer was chatting about was immediately brought to a close as they gave us a rather confused look. "Uh. Anyways, these are the guys I was talking about earlier. (TRAITOR!) I was waiting for you guys.' Akihiko motion towards the cop who was sizing each of us up but ended up just glaring at me last, "This is Officer Kurosawa. He helps keep our squad well-equipped. And this is from Ikutsuki-san and from last night..." Handing us a wad of cash each, it totaled to roughly seven thousand yen. I have no idea how much that equaled in U. S. dollars, but considering I only need to match or exceed the numbers I see in Japan whenever I shopped, I really stopped thinking about it. "You can't fight empty-handed, so find something you like. Officer Kurosawa has connections, but these things still cost money."

"Of course they do. Nothing in life is free." Grumbled the jaded cop who was still glaring at me. I know it's stupid, but I'm not the kind to stand down to authority that was giving me shit because of who or what I am. SO I glared right back at him without blinking or flinching.

"I realize that." Akihiko just kept notice the focus Kurosawa was giving me and the decided that standing in the line of fire was a bad call. "Well, I'll see you later. Thanks again."

When he left , Kurosawa and I continued our staring contest for a bit longer before he spoke, "I've been informed about you lot. My job is to maintain peace in this city regardless of the circumstances." Looking away from me finally, his voice was tinged with shame and powerlessness, "I'm just an ordinary police officer, but it doesn't take a genius to know something strange is going here. I'm only doing that I think is right. I don't have that much, but you should be able to find what you need. Don't expect any guns though, there is far too much red-tape for me to acquire that without suspicion."

Looking though his stuff, my eyes clicked and next to each item I could see the name of the item in my hands and various numbers of pluses, minuses, or a zero. Orobas?

Orobas: The plus means the item will benefit you, while minus means it will be more of a hindrance. The more pluses or minuses on it, the greater the benefit or penalty will be up to a maximum of five. The zero means that it will provide neither nor. Some items will provide boosts and ailments. Use those wisely.

Why not just quantify everything though numbers?

Orobas: We figured that this was easier that figuring system in which numbers corresponded to strength. That and it would be a complete pain to do. Oh and you are able to determine what would help who in the party just by focusing on the person in question.

Nodding to myself, I really couldn't argue with that reasoning or awesomeness. Looking through the bounty, I couldn't find a damn thing I wanted to use. There were swords and polearms and bows, but not a damn knife anywhere.

"Problem?"

"Do you have knives, machetes, handaxes, or spikes?"

"No."

"Fuck... Junpei, put down that sword, it's not going to help you as much as the other."

"But it doesn't look as cool."

"Do you feel stronger when you pick it up?"

"Hell yeah-"

"Buy it. If it doesn't help you tonight, I owe you dinner." That was enough for the twins to let me decide what to buy for them. With nothing to buy for myself, I had everyone pool the cash together and bought a bow with my cash first for Yukari before using the pot and getting everyone better armor. Stopping before I left, I couldn't get over the fact that I basically got nothing for myself, turning around, "Do you have any handcuffs I can buy?"

Exiting the store with some new toys, I waved the others goodbye and sent Amy back to the dorm first with the Minako. There was no point putting it off any longer.

For once, I was not looking forward to visiting CBB, but I did say I would swing by... and something told me that not visiting would hurt them deeply.

Standing outside the store, I really couldn't help but feel like shit. Other than the broke glass and plywood in its place, the Cai's actually closed the store early... Fuck!

This is how I found myself seated across from Uncle Cai with one earbud on and not focusing on the song playing with no words said.

"So. Dark... Where did you learn to fight?"

"Back in America. I used to be sick so I got enrolled into various martial arts. After a while, something happens, I leave, and the cycle repeats itself."

"Cool."

"Yup."

Silence...

"Ever tried qigong?"

"When I was little. But after my grandpa forgot to pick me up from class three times too many, I decided to take classes within walking distance of my home."

More awkward silence...

"So... Anything you want to tell me? What I mean by that is, is there anything bothering you that you want to tell me?"

After contemplating it a bit, I smirk spread across my face, "I'm a magical wizard that summons mythological beings ranging the spectrum of alignments to fight against evil in a magical time paradox that doesn't exist for anyone else."

Staring at each other for a moment, I started to laugh and then he joined in. I only stopped laughing when he stop and asked me in a serious voice, "Are you the only one?"

"Wha? I was just joking. That stuff doesn't actually exist."

"Is that true Dark?"

Of course it isn't true! That's all I had to say, but something about the look he was giving, I shouldn't lie to him. I couldn't. "Every word. I'm not alone. I have my demons, my personae, and my team."

"Then why is it that you raged out today?"

"Because those punks were doing wrong! Everyone saw but no one wanted to get mixed up! While maybe I shouldn't have done all of that, I sure as hell don't regret it!" At that moment, Auntie Cai walked out of the kitchen with some tea and scones I guess. As a cup of tea was poured for me, the smell of jasmine wafted into my senses.

Placing a hand on my shoulders Auntie Cai poured a cup for Uncle Cai, "Dear, I think that's enough-"

"I was scared." I didn't need to look up from my tea to know that I just surprised them. "Last night's mission was our first time in and it nearly because our last time. I didn't want to be a leader, but now that I am, I am so scared of failing. They are just children and they made their first kills yesterday." Placing my hands over my eyes, I was just lying to myself, that maybe if no one could see the tears, and if I can keep my voice nice and even, they might believe that I wasn't crying and that it was just from a yawn. The more I spoke, the more the tears flowed, "I have to keep my leader role. If they don't respect me, they might get killed when ignoring my orders. They're suppose to be my friends. I want them to follow my orders because they know I have their interest at heart, but I don't know if I can balance so many roles. Worst part? I don't trust myself. I have tasted true power. Something that no one had at the time and I abused it. I abused it for all its worth and what I did? I can never tell another soul."

They were both kind enough to let me recover by pretending they were mulling over everything I just said. "Look, I'll be honest. I'm not sure if I can always offer a bit of advice but if you need to talk to someone, don't hesitate to come by. As for your fears about failing your friends, just keeping doing what you're doing. You came back safely didn't you? I have faith that you will do just fine in leading your friends. Go with the grace of God."

It was strange to say, but I actually felt much better than I did this morning. How curious. If I didn't swing by this morning, what would I have done? Probably just kept going like nothing had happened. Hoping to not make a habit of this, I was about to head back to the dorm when my phone starting chirping. Fishing it out of a pocket, it notified me that I had a new message.

Come if convenient. If not convenient, come all the same. ~Lucifer
PS: I know that's from Sherlock Holmes, so save yourself the smartass remark.
PPS: Entrance is in the hallway besides the police station in the Paulownia Mall.

Popping by the mall, I must say, I didn't expect to see the Velvet Room door floating in the middle of the backdoor. Course, last I check, the Velvet Room door wasn't a double-door nor did it have a red one as it's double. Deciding that nothing could possibly go wrong with using the Velvet Room key on a door that wasn't the Velvet Room door, I just undid the lock and walked right in.

Another flash of light and apparently, I was right.

"Hey kid! Welcome back to the Satin Room! ... Wow. You seem... cheery-er. Good for you. Especially consider who your new demon is." Whistling, Lucifer waves his hand and slowly I met my new demon.

"... No. Fucking. Way. Is she-?"

"Yup."

"Are those-?"

"Totally real."

"Why is she-?"

"Not a clue, but she's all yours. Attune with her the same way you did with Apsaras and you'll have your fourth demon in no time."

"But what the hell is the dorm gonna think with me bringing a-"

"Not my problem. Well, will you look at the time! If you don't head back soon, you'll miss dinner. Last I check, you were planning to make another run through Tartarus tonight and I know how you feel about having your plans messed up."

Shoving me and my new 'demon' toward the exit, I was determined to at least get one full sentence in dammit! "Please tell me she isn't going to look like this when we exit!"

"She's not going to look like this when she exits... if she doesn't want to."

"Wait! Wha-"

"See ya later kid!"

Finding myself face first on the floor of a mall was not my idea of anything, but all the same, I just stayed there until my phone chirped twice. First was a message from Lucifer:

Forgot to mention. If you can't tell by looking, she a breed of demons known as Angels from the Justice arcana. Good luck!

With nothing to say to that, I just move on to the next message. Oh! It's from Mitsuru. She's asking where I am. "At the Mall. Summoner meeting with Lucifer. On my way. Send." Standing up, I dust myself off and decided to look for Angel. I wasn't sure what she was going to look like outside of her demon form. But still looking like hot blonde chick dressed in bondage gear... not what I had in mind. Turning around to face the double-doors, I immediately being violently shouting and kicking, "You told me she'd look different! How the hell is that different!? She still looks like she's an American, European model in bondage gear and blindfold! GODDAMMIT!" A squeak behind me, followed by a soft thud against a wall instantly brought my tirade to a stop. Angel was in the corner of the room shivering. Puffing out some air, I slowly approach her before squatting down in front of her, "Are you okay? Don't worry. I won't hurt you. I didn't mean to scare you. Christ." Immediately she let's out another squeak and lurched as though I had physically struck her. OROBAS!

Orobas: It is exactly as you think. She is extremely sensitive to holy words being used in a blaspheme manner. The greater the blasphemy, the greater the pain. I have heard of cases where Angels actually display bruising as though from a physical assault. I would also recommend that you curb your swearing and cursing as well. While it doesn't hurt as much, it's akin to plucking the feathers out of her wing. Considering the age you are living in, I would recommend that you find a way to attune with her, that way your presence will act as a filter for her.

Any advice on how I'm going to get her back to the dorm?

Orobas: How much money do you have?

Not a whole lot.

Orobas: Stick to the shadows while using foliage as cover. Avoid heavy traffic areas where you can. Good luck summoner.

Oh, the words I would have shouted if Angel wasn't here... For a while, we just idled there. Holding out my hand, Angel hesitatingly accepted my offer to help her up. Kicking open the backdoor and triggering the alarm, I practically dragged Angel with me for about three blocks and a half of winding alleyways, before stopping to check our location. Actually, I stopped when I finally heard Angel inhale sharply. Turning around to look at her, I noticed that she was favoring her feet... Looking down at the ground, while not riddled with glass, was a rather jagged asphalt. Something that was going to hurt for people who probably did very little walking. I was doing wonders for her first visit on Earth. Shrugging off my duster and draping it over her. Getting down to a knee with my back to her, I pat my shoulder "It's gonna about the same if you have to walk without shoes. Least I could do is give you piggyback ride."

Watching her waving her hands in a fluster? Totally adorable. And when she spoke, her voice was soft and pure, "I-I cannot accept this. I am an angel, a guardian that should be serving you."

"And I am your summoner. If I do not take care of my summons, how will that reflect on me? Look, I vow not to touch you inappropriately, now hop on."

"I-I should not-"

"I have two choices ahead of me right now. I can kneel like this all night on this, rather jagged, asphalt. Or. I can sweep you off your feet and care you bridal-style. Of course, I can order you to accept my offer, but I don't want to do that or will you force me to do something like that."

Finally giving up, she had the foresight to slip her hands into my duster and button it over the two of us so it didn't look as suspicious. In turn, I was valiantly trying to keep my hands from sliding up her thigh as I sprint back to the dorm.

Just to get things cleared up, it only took me fifteen, twenty minutes to make it back to the dorm on a dead sprint. The reason I wasn't inside was simple. I had no idea how to explain the mostly nekkid, blonde supermodel that was riding piggyback with bloody feet. After ten minutes of settling my accounts, I just thought to myself, 'fuck it.' and gave the door five hard kicks. Mitsuru answered the door and apparently everyone had just sat down to a meal of take-out.

"Dark? Do you know what time it is? When I texted you and you said you were 'on your way' I expected you."

"Mitsuru. I am really not going to get into this right now. Because things about to get awkward. 'Cuse me." Carefully sliding pass the threshold, I gently settle into my chair before unbuttoning my duster. Here comes the hurricane... The moment I get up and reveal Angel, the whole room started talking.

"Dude! Where did you get the hottie?"
"Dark! What in the world-"
"Phatiamos-san why is she dressed like-"

Sighing, I pull my bowie from the back of my pants and gently tap it on the table with a deadpan look on my face. Very quickly everyone went quiet. "Alright. Now that I have your attention. I'm only going to say this once. Listen up. She's an Angel, my newest summon. I have no idea why she's dressed like that, she was when I got her. She is also extremely sensitive swearing and blasphemy until I attune with her. So. Until I tell you otherwise. Before you start swearing or using the Lord's name in vain, keep this in mind. I can pick locks, owe several razor blades, just bought five tubes of superglue, and is hypercreative with a sick sense of humor. I'll leave the rest to your imagination. Any questions? Good. Mitsuru, would you kindly run upstairs and get me my medkit? Angel cut her feet on the way here."

After carefully patching up Angel's feet, I skipped dinner and just rested on the couches in the lounge after reminding everyone that we were still going to make a run in Tartarus tonight.