Chapter 11: Cult of Personality

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.

Another day and another book reread. I have locate a bookstore in this city... preferably one that sells books in English. Stretching out my tired limbs, I headed upstairs to freshen up before going into my room for my stuff.

{Morning Darky!}

"Morning Amy..." Double-taking I just stared at the pixie why began to blush under my intense scrutiny.

{W-what's wrong?}

"Okay... Maybe it's me, but I think there something different about you." Walking up to her as she flutter in the air trying to examine herself, I plucked her out of the air. "There's the problem... when we first met, you were the just a bit smaller than my thumb. Now you're the size of a PS3 controller..." Shaking my head and letting her fly out of my hand, "I'd congratulate you on your change but I'm on a sugar low and it'll just come out sarcastic. So just settle for this for now." Giving her a peck on her forehead, before grabbing my duster and backpack and heading downstairs again.

I had just made it to the landing when two soft things pressed up against either side of my arms. I didn't even look, "You know, there was a time where I would have loved to have such beauties press up against me like you two are now. But at this point in my life, between the disdain I have for the current existing religion slash occult and the slow saturation of weirdness of my life, I feel I must ask... why are you two clinging on to my arm?"

{I am to remain beside you until you attune with me and to protect you from the lilim.}
{I am suppose to remain beside you until you attune with me and because the angel is beside you.}

"Can either of you two turn invisible, like Amy can?" Pointing above me Amy quickly flickered before giggling a bit. She maybe ten times her original size, but at least she can still turn invisible.

Feeling something grab my collar, lilim forcibly pulled me toward her and pressed her lip to mine. Wow. She has soft lips and they taste like cherry. That scientific observation was quickly replaced by two others. First, if she was sucking out my soul? Oddly painless and for a succubi-like being, the kiss she was giving me was really chaste. No tongue, no open mouth, just lip-to-lip contact. Dragging her tongue across my lips as we pulled away, I saw her eyes flash silver before turning back to their normal color. Placing a hand innocently over her mouth, "And now I can too."

Smacking my lips a bit (and yes, I know I've been mentioning lips a lot in the past few minutes. That was a new sensation for me, so sue me) my voice was a we pitches too high, "Okay." I was stumbling to the door in a daze when someone started crying. Turning around, I had apparently forgotten all about angel.

{I-I can't... turn invisible l-l-like that... F-for for m-me to become invisible... I need to be your g-guardian...}

Groaning I just pinch the bridge of my nose and deeply considered skipping school today. Thankfully Amy decided to chip in, {I can turn her invisible but it's going to tire me out.}

"No worries. I don't plan on another run tonight."

With that little problem dealt with, I headed for some CBB. Using the remainder of my energy I mustered up a smile, "Morning Auntie Cai."

For a while she just stood there and stared at me, it also didn't take long for Uncle Cai to just stand at the doorway by the kitchen. I was seriously feeling creeped out. Waving my hand a bit and snapping my fingers snapped them out of it, "Hello?"

"Oh! Hello Dark sweetie. How have you been?"

"We're not even going try to unring that bell."

"Aha. Well..."

"It's okay. I'm not going to ask if you don't want to share. I'm just here some breakfast."

"Much appreciated, I'll go pick out some good ones for you. Is this for here or to go?"

Taking a glance at my cell, "Three for here please and three to go."

Demolishing the three buns I slowly sip the tea before paying for my order and leaving.

"Sir Dark, perhaps you should consider easing your gluttonous habits."

"I actually agree with the angel there or, at the very lease, chew a bit more. A few times back there, I though I saw your jaw unhinge and your throat expand before rapidly contracting to crush your food and force it down."

"... I was going to give each of you a bun for breakfast, but in this case..." Handing a bun to Amy who uncloaked and was reaching hungrily before tearing another in half and taking in the aroma.

Lilim broke immediate and started to rub her face against my thigh while begging. I quickly handed off the food before her head could go any higher. Looking back this, I feel manipulated... Angel didn't cave, but I handed one to her all the same when her stomach started to growl.

Class had nothing notable to speak of, just more of me listening to some music. I was going to head into the city to look for a bookstore, but Orobas told me to go and make friends. Grumbling a bit, I shuffled over to Junpei while he was talking to Benji.

Wow. I now feel like a complete jackass. Apparently his name is Kenji and he really isn't a bad guy. My feelings for him might be a bit skewed considering he's paying for my ramen but the point is there.

"Dude, I can't believe you're out of cash."

"What did you expect? The breakfast I've been cooking for you guys didn't just fall out of the sky. And Kenji, I'm really sorry about having you to pay my bowl, I promise-"

"Don't worry about it." Slugging me in the shoulder with a wink, Kenji continues to chow down while talking to me. Honestly that would push me to say something but Orobas was practically shouting into my head to shut up and keep eating, "Anyways, I told you I'd take you to a good place for ramen and this ramen tastes great doesn't?"

"Hell yeah mate!"

"Glad you appreciate it. I bet this place puts something in their ramen... Something that no other ramen shop uses. Some sort of secret spice..."

{Orobas: Set a bet. Wage what you owe Kenji...}
"It's cinnamon, allspice, and the organs of pig, cow, and chicken."

For a while both of them just stare at me. Giving them a moment to recover I reach over to Junpei's bowl, who gives me a sharp whack with his chopsticks, "No way dude! First off, this is mine and second, there's no way you can taste all that."

"I'll bet you the price of my bowl that I'm right."

"Okay! You're on dud-"

"Dark, how many times do I have to tell you that your bowl is my treat?"

"Three times." Winking at Junpei, "I was kidding."

"Good-"

"About eating your bowl. I'd rather have Kenji's. He's the type that appreciates the subtle flavors by not spoiling with soy sauce or chili paste."

Laughing a bit, Kenji just smiles at me, "I admit that I get all geeked up when I eat here, but you're one of the few that can appreciate the subtle distinctness of the soup."

"Of course. When something is this masterfully crafted, I owe it to the chef to at least give my first tastes of his craft unblemished by other flavors. That and my annoying first few slurps really told me all I needed to know about his skills."

"Seriously... Wow! You're not the kind of guy I'd normally hang out with, but I guess looks aren't everything."

Having finished his first, Junpei dropped off his cash before heading out first, leaving me behind with Kenji. For a bit longer we sat quietly enjoying the noodles and soup.

"So. Dark. I hear you, Yukari, and Minako are close." Shaking his head in disbelief, "Damn boy. You work fast! I mean, you just transferred here and already you go the school's most popular girl. Nevermind the fact that you're also in a hugging relation with the school's kindest."

{Orobas: Be gentle.}
Holding up my gloved hand to silence him, "Let me stop you there. Yukari is just a friend. Nothing more, nothing less. Minako is a bit more complicated, but she is only like a sister to me."

Nudging me with an elbow, "You say that now, but after a while, you're gonna hafta decide if you want to pick one or try your luck." I was really resisting the urge to drown him in his soup for that remark. It's that kind of thinking that's really fucking up this world. Unable to read my facial expression or just high on the tasty ramen, Kenji just crosses his arms in front of his chest while nodding in a knowledgeable way, "You're starting slow, building that foundation... I can't blame ya though. A man's gotta be aggressive nowadays." Snapping his fingers, "Hey! Let's hang out after school again sometime. We'll get some food and I'll tell you my..." Looking over his shoulder and by the doorway before leaning close to me to speak in a whisper, "... secret plan. Wait till you hear it, dude. You're gonna flip!"

As he leans back with a grin, time froze for me.

No way... no fucking way!

The shattering of glass was also the shattering of my hopes as the spooky voices began speaking to me, "Thou shalt have our blessings when thou choosest to create a Persona of the Magician Arcana."

As it turns into dust and scatters over, I had to regain my composure as time began again.

Glancing at his watch Kenji begins to panic a bit, "Gah! It's already nighttime? I'm going to miss out on my favorite TV show! I gotta go, see ya!"

Resting my head on my palms, polish off my bowl of ramen and begin to leave. Stop as I reach the door, turn to look at the chef in the back, "I was right wasn't I?"

Looking around at the now empty shop the old man just stares at me before a tiny crack at the corner of his mouth becomes a small smile.

Nodding back at him, I tap my index finger to my lip before exiting.

Orobas?

{Orobas: Yes, Summoner?}

What. The. FUCK?! You were controlling my conversation with Kenji!

{Orobas: Not controlling per say... More like guiding.}

What the fuck?!

{Orobas: It's part of what we do. We demons would guide you and your conversations while personae would directly influence those people that share their Arcana. It's nothing harmful, it just gives you a distinctive edge.}

Is that what was happening with Yukari? Those times I would see a pixie by her ear?

{Orobas: Yes. That was persona pixie soften your words.}

Fucking great... This is only for Social Link purposes right?

{Orobas: I guess we could potentially be used to get you out of trouble, but you are going to need more personae or the same Arcana. Though I'd imagine it would be more akin to hypnosis rather than direct mind control.}

Basically nothing they wouldn't do normally. Gotcha... Orobas?

{Orobas: Yes Summoner?}

Is it just me or is it too bright to be nighttime like Kenji just said?

{Orobas: The time is thirty minutes after five and if you wish to go shopping, I believe you are looking for books to read during your late hours.}

Thanks. Is there one nearby?

{Orobas: There is one called Bookworms nearby that is open for another half-hour or so.}

Gotcha.

It wasn't much of a walk to find Bookworms, it actually took more effort for me to open the door and walk inside. Far as I was concern, I was in heaven! Shelves filled with books as far as the eye could see.

From somewhere with in the labyrinth of shelved literature came a voice, "Welcome! What would you like today? We have some fresh mackerel."

Against my better notions, I decided to go and investigate by heading deeper into the store. At the counter stood an old man that looked a lot like the Quincy's grandfather from Bleach. An woman as old as the man is seated beside him bobs her head at me, "Sorry, but as you can see, we don't sell fish here."

Waving my hand in front of me, "It's okay, though, I won't say no to a cookbook about preparing mackerels."

The two just chuckle a bit. I have no idea why, I really could have done with that cookbook.

The old man just stares at me for a bit, "Ah! You're a student, aren't you? You must be from Gekkoukan High, right?"

Nodding, I brush aside my duster a bit to reveal the BMW symbol for my school.

Clapping his hands in delight, "Wonderful! That means that you've seen the persimmon tree there."

Placing a hand on my chin, I was trying really hard to recall seeing any fruit bearing trees...

"What's with that look? Do you think I'm making this up? I'm serious! It was planted right besides the walkway (we have a walkway?!) in a courtyard (there's a courtyard too?!) at the school."

"I'm sorry, he's just rambling. Just ignore him."

"No worries. If it's there, I'll find it. While I have your attention, do you have any books that are in English?"

"Just to your right, dearie."

Passing up another Art of War, I snagged a book on musical terminology, city gardening, Japanese dessert making, and something on meditation/relaxation techniques. As I headed towards the counter something caught my eye turning to double check if I was hallucinating... again... I just could risk this being just a trick of the eyes. Shifting my books to my left, I reach out to touch the book. Just by touch alone, I could tell it was old, the cover was densely weaved cloth fibers and the gold lettering read The War of the Three Kingdoms. I could not pass this up! If I had to steal this, I'll pay them back bit-by-bit later! I was not going to have someone else own this!

Taking the stack, I gently placed them on the counter, "Bit of light reading? While I appreciate someone who does a lot of reading, don't you think you should spend more time outside and exercising?"

"Reading relaxes me."

Chuckling, the old man scans each book individually, "Interesting choices."

Shrugging, "I'm a man of many talents."

The smiles disappear when he reaches the book on the bottom of the stack. Running his hand over the cover as though it was something precious, "Do you know what you have here?"

"More than anything else."

"I understand you youngsters and your interests in video games, but this a close historical record of something that happened to the Mainland. This is nothing like those romanticized versions."

"I understand sir."

"I don't think you do. This is not the first time someone your age has bought this, probably not going to be my last. The first few times they returned it in a few days. Twice I found it tossed aside near a trash can. One time..." Brushing his hand over a corner, I could now see a dark discoloration.

For the first time, in a long time, I felt angry and sad at the same time. I never understood how people could burn books like that. So much lost during a dictator's rise to power that is now lost to time. Placing my hand over the cover of the book, I look the old man deep in the eyes, "I swear. If you don't tell me they paid in cash, I will break in here and find the receipts of the past owners and hunt them down. I will never burn a book or a work of art. Especially if it has to do with the history of my people."

For a while we just stare at each other, until the old man smiles and pulls the book away from me and places it under the counter, "I like you, I don't doubt you'll give the book a good home. But I think I'll hang on to it until you can show me your resolve. Anyways, I doubt someone your age will be able to afford it anyways."

Time to start skimming from the pot after each Tartarus run!

He wasn't kidding! The other four books emptied my wallet! All the same, I at least had something to read during my down time. Reaching the dorm as fast as I could, I practically kicked in the door. The moment we crossed the threshold and I closed the door, Amy unstealthed angel with a groan. Between huffs, Amy was able to wheeze out a request, "Next... time... five... min... minute... break please..."

"HOLY CRAP DUDE! DID AMY GET BIGGER!"

Groaning at Junpei's outburst, I ended up having to explain that I had no idea why Amy was now the size of a PS3 controller. When Junpei hinted how Amy might grow bigger would be for my 'benefit', I pulled out a pencil from my backpack, "Finish that thought and I'll give you a choice. Would you rather have this pencil stick out of your forehead or where your crotch is- I correct myself- was?"

"Anyways, Dark, where have you been all this time? Made a new friend and bought some books."

Placing the books on the table, everyone just grabbed one and read the title aloud.

"Phatiamos-san. These are some... interesting reading..."

"That's putting it mildly, sis."

{What a curious form the tomes have taken.}

{Indeed brother. What does tome on Urban Gardening mean?}

"It means how to best grow plants in the city Minako-can."

"Yukari? I didn't say anything."

{Is that so? Thank you very much Handmaiden-of-the-White-Heifer.}

As the penny dropped for all of us, we silently turned our heads to look behind Minako who was too scared to blink.

Behind her stood two ghostly figures. I'd described how they look, but they were standing directly under the hanging lamp near the dining table and that just made them look like humaniod shaped lights. I have no idea what's going on but I was sure as fuck did not feel like aiming before I shoot. Feeling my left hand start to split, I point it towards the figures, "Identify yourselves!"

{Orobas: DON'T TOUCH THEM! THEY'RE PERSONA!}

{That was rude nephew.}

Throwing my left hand upward so the gate could close without giving everyone nightmare fuel, the spectral figures stepped away from the lamp and revealed themselves to be Artemis and Apollo. While they looked very much like they did as persona, out of the Dark Hour and away from Tartarus, they actually looked solid. I mean, I can see through them. But that's because I'm a freak and even then it actually required some focus on my part. Speaking about focus. I think I've been focusing on Artemis's curves for three seconds too long.

While I couldn't see what she was doing, I could feel her pressing up to me. It wasn't what I thought it would feel like. It wasn't cold like how people describe being touched by a ghost. This was more like the caress of a gentle spring wind on a hot day. That is, if the spring wind was somewhat tangible.

Giggling as she tried to cuddle up to me, {Aww. Embarrassed? How adorable. It's okay nephew. We are family after all. There's nothing wrong with getting to know each other better.}

"Stop flirting with my sister's persona!"
{Stop flirting with Darky!}
{Stop tempting him!}
{Stop feeling up my master before me!}

"STOP TELLING ME TO STOP AND ACTUALLY STOP HER!"

{All right. That's enough sister. Remember your status} As Artemis pouted and pull herself from me, I couldn't help but wonder how I keep getting into these situations. {I'm sorry about that Possessor-of-My-Son. My sister found you rather easy to tease according to her}

Collapsing on my ass, I was starting to wish I was back in America again. Orobas?

{Orobas: After your first summoning outside of Tartarus and seconding summoning within the tower, the respective persona gains a minor sense of sentience. The experiences they gain now goes into the collective.}

So if I somehow end up boning Artemis...

{Orobas: Then Artemis, as a whole, will lose her virgin status.}

Grrrrrrrreat... Anything else?

{Orobas: In their current form, they can be outside of their own for up to twenty-four hours before the connection between body and persona decays to the point of no return. A simple cooldown period of one hour per four hour spent outside of the body reestablishes the connection. It should be noted that with a bit of focus, it should be possible to give the persona a tangible form to interact with the world, not unlike how you summon demons. Though doing so will dwindle the time to a one hour period and a six hour cooldown.}

Oh? Is that all? Cool. Anything else.

{Orobas: Well... a wandering persona during the Dark Hour might make it easy to be consumed by shadows causing the Apathy Syndrome. Oh and, in theory, it might be possible for a stray to take over the body, effectively evicting the form persona and basically sentencing it to death.}

"Fuck that shit! Umm... So. I was having an internal conversation with Orpheus..." Flinching a bit because Orpheus just sent a series of harsh chords rattling in my mind. Shaking the cobwebs out of my head, "Apparently since Minako, Minato, and I summoned our persona both outside and inside Tartarus, we effectively connected our persona to the beings they are modeled after."

"Whoa! Hang on a minute! You're tell me, that right now, Apollo is the Apollo from the myths?"

Nodding my head slowly before continuing, "They can maintain this form for about a day and will need an hour per each four spent outside our bodies to cooldown."

"Phatiamos-san? What happens if they are outside our bodies after the day?"

"Ever see the movie The Matrix? Remember that part where Orpheus told Neo about how the if the mind dies, so too does the body? Remember how that one bad guy started ripping out the connection cord that separated the mind from the body so it could play in the Matrix?" Looking around for the collective nods, "It's gonna be kinda like that. So some inherent risks, but at least now you can actually hold a conversation with your persona. I was debating if I wanted to tell you guys this, but there is also a chance that if your persona is a bit too far from you during the Dark Hour, it might get attacked and eaten by shadows. Oh and be careful of stragglers that might try to takeover your bodies while your persona is out of it. But I think I can assign angel or Amy to watch over you."

While the others gushed over the Greek gods, I couldn't help be feel like a bit of an asshole. Yeah, I didn't tell them about giving their persona a physical form in fear of what could happen to them... But I'd be lying if I said that that was all there was to it. In all honesty? I didn't like competition and I sure as fuck did not need any of them thinking they could be a summoner like me.

Feeling generous, I gave everyone the night off before heading upstairs to my room to being reading the book on mediation.

Three times now I about to cultivate enlightenment and three times I've been denied because of the din downstairs. Enough was enough!

Stomping down the stairs, I gave everyone of them a withering glare. "I was being nice, but this. Is. Ridiculous! Stop being children and act your damn age! Just because we don't head out to train at Tartarus does not give you the right to party like animals and you lot have been at it for hours! People are trying to sleep! Keep up this racket and it's either me booting you lot out the door or up to the roof! Keep it down!" Turning around, I head back to my room in a huff.

Turning to look at her nephew, "Your summoner is a bit too uptight. Can anyone blame us for wanting to share stories like this?"

Orpheus and lilim share a look with each other before replying in unison, "You have no idea."

Author's notes: Gonna try separating persona/demon lines from humans via {}. I would have used the greater or less than symbols, but they just disappear. Italics still represent thought or writing. Let me know how you feel about it and I might just go to past few chapters and add them in... as well as correct some mistakes... A little under a week before my month-long trip to China... gotta try and squeeze in another chapter before I go. Wish me luck!