A/N: Well, here we are again. The updates have gotten painfully slow and I can't say that the rate I churn out chapters will improve soon due to time constraints in life. Sorry about that. I've used my profile for update notices, so if you want to know how slowly the next chapter is coming along… The last five or so chapters haven't been beta read, so we are stuck with my mediocre grammar. I try hard with it, but it is what it is. Hopefully, the grammar doesn't cause your eyes to bleed. I am attempting limit adverbs, "to be" verbs, and passive voice. The exception being when characters are talking. Overall, not sure if it makes the chapter easier to read. Also, trying to figure out how to space out blocks of text (250 words or so) as some of the thinking paragraphs can get hard on the eyes in my opinion. I've found that I nitpick far too much in trying to word things a certain way and I spent an inordinate amount of limited time on the first 1500 words or so of every chapter. This chapter had one additional section to it, but I cut it off because the chapter seemed to end well where it ended. I believe that is all for the mechanical kind of stuff. I'm always up for responding to your questions, should you have any.
Anyhow, it's a good feeling to get this chapter out. It helps us catch up with other characters that haven't had as much screen time as others. It's probably bit overkill with how much we delve into their thoughts and motivations, but I think that's better than the alternative. For clarification purposes, Shinshoudo is the owner of the antique store at Paulownia Mall and the author of the Old Documents you find lying around, in case you don't remember. Parts of this chapter are dense, I found myself having to edit certain sections more times than usual. Though, some of that is going back to my terrible grammar. Some things are left unsaid, but the gist is clear I think. I really want to get to the incidents with the next full moon because I feel it will be a good platform to catapult the story into the next phase. Regardless, thank you for the feedback in the previous chapter. The beginning of the chapter is a direct response in learning more about what happened at the end of the last chapter in the Velvet Room. Also, I feel it will help the reader to understand the underlying dynamics of the residents. Hmm, I do wonder sometimes if I should point out more things in the author's note, but that leaves less for the reader to discover on their own and the notes are already way too long. On and on we go. Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, too. Assuming in the high likelihood that I don't get a new chapter up this year. See you all in 2015!
Reader Reviews:
Yoshikunitsu: Thanks for the welcome back! Yeah, asking questions is just a part of her disposition. I did take a step back from her perspective for this part because I think her part is set up well for the next full moon. S.E.E.S. I believe accepted Minato at first without too much concern for his background because they needed as many members as they could get. As you mentioned, it would probably behoove Minato to pick his spots with a bit more care. Minato's struggles I hope are given more depth in this chapter. I would say avoiding his past social links is part of the problem and that he has his doubts like everyone else. It's just that for him, his worries impact the people around him at a much higher level. As a couple of readers suggested, we get a deep dive into the state of the Velvet Room to help explain what just happened and details of other happenings. I think I touched on all of the anchor points that I want to get through in this chapter and looking ahead, things should link up well even if they may seem a bit trivial at first. Thanks for sticking with the story.
Ventusblade: Haha, thanks. I just like to keep my expectations low, so that I have a place to build the chapter. There's always parts of the story that make me cringe when I reread them later, but it just means there are places to get better. As for Hamuko learning more about Minato, it isn't something I have set in stone. I always thought a climactic moment a lot further down the road would do it justice. But then, I may just be a sap for that kind of thing! It's a central plot item that pervades so much of the story, so I do hesitate to pull the trigger on it. Especially, with my previous experience in earlier chapters that required rewrites when I tried to open smaller plotlines. So, not soon, sorry!
crymblade: I agree, Minato seems to be going through the motions. Things will begin to change though. The last chapter focused more on Hamuko and this chapter more on him. The Shirokawa stuff as I said in the author's note will help move things along. Good to see you again.
Fan of Fanfics21: Hmm, I suppose that is possible. I'm not sure about it though because the story is more driven by the characters more than anything else. It's something that I'll have to think about. The name you mentioned would fit well of course.
VastBlueSky: Yeah, the updates are a lot slower than I would like, too. Sorry about making you wait for so long.
Jozern: Thanks for the encouragement!
FallenRaindrops: Wow, haven't seen you in such a while. I know that feeling as well, but it's good to see that you're still around! Hope to see you in future updates.
Sir Godot: I'm glad you picked up on some of the subtle things in the previous chapter. While I wrote the last chapter, I had to dig from the bottom of the barrel in trying to figure plot points to touch on. I felt that during the game that Junpei's behavior didn't get explained thoroughly before the Shirokawa event. Sure, it seemed like he didn't like having someone else as a leader, but the portable version seemed to cement his dislike even more with him taking orders from a girl. The team dynamics or lack thereof will come to rear its head soon, so I'm excited about that. I tried to speak to that aspect in the previous chapter and the impact will be felt in the next one for sure. I do try to sprinkle things here and there, even when the chapter can seem an exploration of more everyday behavior. I really do appreciate your continued support and input.
EmD23: Hmm, I wasn't so sure myself if people having the same Persona at the same time was possible or not. If it is a break from established canon, then that's fine. I will be sure to explain why later on in the story why establishing that part is important. And yeah, I do hope to build more aspects of Minato's Hanged Man aspects real soon.
polarpwnage: True, true, I can see where you're coming from with that. I think I'm going with the interpretation that most of his attributes were fueled from his former powers (Wild Card and Death). So, he hasn't forgotten what he learned before, but I would say he's going to grow into not trying to do everything on his own to an extent. Just my opinion, but I feel if he didn't start at such a low point it would be harder for him to grow as the story goes on. Still, thanks for pointing that out.
Biscione: No worries about being selfish. After all, you're curious as I'm sure other readers are as well. I would say the Margaret subplot is something that will grow over time depending on how much help Minato needs. It would be natural for him to lean on her, since she seems to know his past and present in detail. The way I had it plotted out, her role would focus more towards as the end as you surmised. Can't say much more though, sorry! I did go through with the second part of your review though and gave Elizabeth more of a scene at the start of this chapter. Can't say I can increase her scenes much more though since that could get difficult with running out of ideas for her. I don't want to dilute her part just by adding her to parts when she isn't needed. I didn't start out with having Mitsuru become paranoid like this, but I think it just fit well with where the story focused on. In this chapter, I think the tone of the paranoia shifts a little away from fear towards obsession. Seeing that Minato has not intentionally harmed her or anyone else on the team, it felt like a good transition. Though, I may end up eating my words if it turns out it wasn't very good, aha! The answer to the last part of your question is actually related to the previous point with Mitsuru as you'll see when you read the chapter. Thanks for reading!
masterofstrings: Ah, too much praise! Thank you, though. I think the story still has many areas to improve upon, but it's good to hear something like this.
SweetsAndSkulls: Thank you!
Eating Upside Down: Before I say anything else, thank you for spending the time in writing such a detailed review. It's clear that you spent time reading through the story and it's too bad that it isn't your cup of tea. That's fine as not everyone is going to like this.
Chapter 27: Belief
June 26th, Friday (The Velvet Room)
Elizabeth P.O.V.
Having seen Hamuko out of the Velvet Room, Elizabeth lingered near the exit, watching her guest's silhouette grow fainter into the world outside. Despite knowing the Christmas Star she would receive produced no presents, the blonde-haired woman looked forward to the child's next visit. Of course, she hadn't always felt this way. The attendant remembered having reservations about working with a new guest after having invested so much into Minato. She went even as far as to abandon her duties as a resident in a fruitless attempt to save him from his fate. In the end however, the blue-haired boy managed to free himself and knowing that her efforts held no significance in his return, she wondered if the trip had been worth the trouble. A rude awakening awaited her upon returning to the Velvet Room, where she found her elder sister, Margaret in charge of primary duties. This left Elizabeth to work with an inquisitive guest who embodied the opposite characteristics of everything she had grown accustomed to while working with Minato. Hamuko's energy seemed to jolt the perpetual staleness of the room as the girl seemed to possess a vibrancy of life that reminded Elizabeth a little bit of herself. Reflecting back on those events, the attendant could see how the child grew on her so much in a short amount of time.
"I find it surprising how much you have connected with our other guest, Elizabeth," came Margaret's cool voice. "Do you intend to wait there until her next visit?"
"Perhaps, sister," Elizabeth replied in a carefree tone. "I wouldn't expect you to understand what I'm thinking about."
"Is that so? I find that difficult to believe coming from someone who is so naïve."
Elizabeth turned around to meet Margaret's gaze and said, "How scathing of you as usual. Judging me when you lack any knowledge of what goes on outside of here."
"Elizabeth, I fear that you have become too enamored with what goes on outside of the Velvet Room," Margaret answered, grimacing in disapproval. "All of these strange tales that about colas, clubs, and schools are of no interest to me."
"Yet, you listen with interest to my stories." Elizabeth began to sway side to side, remembering the hypnotic rhythms of the establishment called Club Escapade. The Velvet Room could use a disco ball like the ones she saw in the club, although she wondered if their master would agree to such a proposal. His pointy nose could appear even larger in the reflections of the spherical ball and she knew that he possessed a complex about it.
"Do not try to justify such childish antics to me. I listen to your musings because you have no one else to tell them to. Besides, need I remind you that as a resident our primary responsibility is to serve our guests under the direction of our master? Then again, I suppose your curiosity in such frivolous manners helps to explain why you neglected your duties in the first place."
"There is no need to remind me of that fact again," Elizabeth snapped. She tried her best to ignore the smirk on her sister's face. "If you must know why I frequent trips outside of the room then I will tell you. Interacting with our guests within the Velvet Room has become rather dull at times. There are only so many ways that one can make a Fusion Forecast and open the compendium. After all, learning more about our guests and their world enables us to better provide for their needs, no? I do not go on trips with Hamuko just for the sake of my curiosity and enjoyment. Seeing her behavior in normal settings allows me to learn things about her that I would not have been to otherwise."
"I fail to see the use of learning such mundane details when the Velvet Room conforms itself to the needs of our guests," Margaret reasoned. "Furthermore, why burden Hamuko with your requests for artifacts that Minato provided you with before. What is the use of receiving the same items twice? Do you just amuse yourself by watching her struggle to obtain Jack Frost dolls from that device called a skill crane?"
"What better way to guarantee the return of a guest?" Elizabeth gestured towards the exit of the room. "Hamuko has not complained to me about my errands and she appreciates the rewards that I bestow to her for the inconvenience. Thanks to my ploy, she visits the Velvet Room quite often. Maybe, you should give Minato some requests or even ask to go with him somewhere seeing that he seldom appears here. I am certain that he would comply, considering how much of a gentleman he is. It would give this room a welcome respite from your severe presence."
"It seems that I cannot reason with you," Margaret retorted, her cheeks beginning to flush in anger. "You will continue to do and say as you wish. You are fortunate that our master puts up with your nonsense."
Before Elizabeth could say anything in response, Igor held up his hand, requesting that she desist and Margaret took this as a sign of her victory. However, Igor addressed her sister as he said, "Margaret that is enough. There is no need to conceal your envy of the relationships that Elizabeth has with our current guests as she has prior experience as an assistant. It is also natural for you to be curious of what goes on beyond this realm. Even if the way Elizabeth explains her excursions could perhaps be less eccentric, I believe she raises a valid point when she says that you need to expand your perspective."
Igor's statement caused Margaret to widen her eyes in shock for a brief moment and the flabbergasted look on her face was one Elizabeth would remember for future posterity. In an attempt to regain her composure Margaret stated, "No, master. You are mistaken. Fulfilling my obligation as a resident of the Velvet Room comes above anything else. There is no need to concern myself with other matters. I do not intend to abandon my responsibilities like she has."
"Wanting to know about the world outside is not a sin. A resident has their duties in this room, but I do not see any reason why you must remain here at all times. Perhaps, exploring other avenues will allow you to better understand the role we play in the universe. Indeed, I feel that you remain too rigid at times in subjugating your own free will, while your sister seems to ignore half of the things that I say."
"I'm not sure I understand," Margaret answered. "I do not see the benefit of leaving the room just for the sake of vain curiosity. How would that help me better assist my guest?"
"Very well. I suppose it is too much to ask to change your mind so quickly." Igor tapped his fingers in thought on the table where Persona fusion took place. Then, he proceeded to say, "As you are well aware, our dear young man continues on a path that no guest has ever traveled. Such as it is, not even the cards offer a hint about his future. At the same time, he does not seek the guidance of the Velvet Room for he must feel that our services provide little to no value for his situation. That must change. Your current efforts while admirable are not enough to reach him. Since his return, Minato does not inspire confidence in his progression towards a satisfactory goal. In fact, his actions follow no distinguishable pattern, are reactionary in nature, and signify uncertainty on his part. The power of choice remain with our guests, but so do the consequences. I worry of the fragile state of his mind as the inevitable alterations to the progression of events in this timeline may cause him to lose his way. Time is of the essence, if you are to help guide him during this difficult time."
"But, he continues to reject my overtures. He feels different from what the compendium shows me."
"Continuing to view Minato's memories while useful does not provide an accurate glimpse of his present state of mind," Igor said with a twisted grin. "That is to say, one cannot ascertain the true character of our guest without speaking with him directly. Whether the change in his mentality is due to current circumstances or something else altogether, I cannot say for certain. Regardless, it is my hope that with your assistance he can find the reason for his existence. It would be most regrettable if the young man continues to not take advantage of the new beginning that fate bestowed upon him."
June 27th, Saturday (Gekkoukan High Office, Early Morning)
Ikutsuki P.O.V.
Ikutsuki crossed off another day on his calendar, counting down the remaining ten days until the next full moon. If precedent from the last month's operation held, then S.E.E.S. may encounter two Arcana Shadows again, speeding up the timetable of the Fall. Not that he complained about the possibility of having to alter his projections again, as that would mean that his plan reached its halfway point. S.E.E.S. continued to exceed his expectations in their ability to defeat the various fragments of Death. With each successive victory, he started to believe that these children could see the unification of the pieces through until the end. Even if luck played an uncomfortable part in all of the battles so far. Perhaps the argument that natural Persona users surpassed those implanted with artificial ones deserved more merit. The artificial puppets obsessed over trying to live out their lives and needed medication to have any use. For now, Ikutsuki considered their attention-seeking behavior a minor nuisance with childish revenge requests forming a small distraction for the police force. Besides, if they brought too much attention to themselves, he could dispose of the lab rats without a problem. Things looked good to him, but regardless of how smooth things had proceeded, he knew not to get too far ahead. As a former scientist, he knew many unknown variables could still come into play and throw his plans awry before the experiment could finish.
"I need to take care of the final preparations for the trip to Yakushima soon," he muttered, while pulling some paperwork needing his signature.
Later on, as he stood watching the slow trickle of students arriving from his office window, Ikutsuki remembered the days when he used to work here. Of course, this area served as the research laboratory for Shadows back then, but his role forced him to the fringes of the building. In hindsight, his limited duties proved a blessing when he learned of Eiichiro Takeba's misgivings from Shinshoudo before she quit the company. When Yukari's father separated Death into thirteen parts, Ikutsuki ran at the first sign of trouble, aided by the fact that he worked far from where the hotshots did their experiments. As the only scientist who survived the incident that day, Ikutsuki helped formulate and push the story that the team leader of the project caused the explosion in a fit of madness. Even if the Chairman had respected Eiichiro for his brilliance in researching more than just the abilities of the Shadows, he lacked the vision to appreciate the magnificent potential of the Fall. His former colleague may have delayed the salvation of humanity, but he just delayed the inevitable. Waiting those extra ten years may have been worth it as events came back full circle. To think, that Yukari would make her father's sacrifice in vain with her own hands brought chills to Ikutsuki.
June 28th, Sunday (Park, Lunchtime)
Minato P.O.V.
Minato found himself navigating a winding route to a park on the outskirts of Iwatodai that Margaret suggested as the place they would meet up today. Getting away from everyone else after a full week of school and grinding at Tartarus, even for a short while, felt like a welcome reprieve. As he walked past the entrance, shouts of children filled the air. Quickly, he grasped the headphones around his neck and pulled them over his ears. Checking the time on his phone he realized he arrived too early for the meeting, so he found a bench, and began to drift off to sleep due to the soothing beat of the music.
"It isn't polite to keep someone waiting, Minato," a voice said.
Startled by the close proximity of the voice, he opened his eyes, and found himself being watched by Margaret, who for some reason wore his headphones. A stern gaze etched her delicate features and he wondered how long he had been out for. "I'm sorry, Margaret, I didn't get enough sleep yesterday because of Hamuko wanting to go to Tartarus again."
"I am aware of that," she said, nodding in understanding. "She seems dedicated to rescuing every person that my sister tells her of."
"I guess it can't be helped," he said, trying to rub the sleep from his eyes. "At least, it's for a good cause. By the way, can I ask why you're wearing my headphones?"
His question caused her to crack a thin smile as she replied, "I found you indisposed for our meeting when I arrived, so I took the liberty of discovering what type of music may have caused your condition. You have rather eclectic tastes, if I may say so."
"I guess that's what happens when I hang out with such a random group of people because of trying to max social links last time," he replied. "Um, may I have my headphones back, please?"
"Yes, you may," she replied. "On one condition."
He didn't like the sound of that, but assented. "What is it?"
"I would like a pair and an accompanying music player as well for the next time you visit me in the Velvet Room. This should cover any expenses you occur." She handed him a purse similar to the one Elizabeth brought for whenever she deluged the water fountains in the mall with money.
"Um, this is way too much, Margaret." He handed her back the purse after taking a little less than he would need to buy her what she wanted. "Do you have any preference on the color?"
"Gold, of course," she said, a twinkle in her eyes. "I believe that would stand out well enough for Elizabeth to notice them."
"Alright then, I'll take care of that. So, uh, what's the real reason that you wanted to see me out here today?" He couldn't imagine she would want to meet over something as trivial as that, given how serious she took her duty as an assistant.
Instead of replying right away, she pursed her lips, and gave him a look bordering on exasperation. "I think you should find the reason I am here rather obvious. It is because your lack of progress in your current journey concerns me."
"What do you mean? I thought I've been doing well enough in helping my teammates survive."
She placed the palm of her hand on her forehand and sighed. "Minato, what you're doing right now is simply not enough. You need to do more. My master and I agree that you are reacting to events instead of dictating them."
"Could you be a bit more specific, Margaret?" he asked.
"The majority of your actions so far, while noble in intent have been redundant in nature. Fuuka would have survived without your assistance and Hamuko would have stopped the monorail. What I am trying to say is that you are spending your time changing events that have an insignificant impact in the big picture. You are making attempts at improving your own standing in the circle of your colleagues. However, do the results so far satisfy you? Especially, with Mitsuru, who seems to have developed a certain paranoia about you. I would say at best what you have achieved mixed results, which does not bring me confidence in your ability to eliminate the need for Hamuko to become the Great Seal. Do you honestly feel that at the rate which you are going Erebus will not contact Nyx to bring forth the Fall and you will not done enough to fight it? If you believe that is the case, then I find that laughable."
Margaret's words hurt and he didn't bother trying to reply to her assertions right away. Up until now, he thought he did the best he could under the circumstances. Yet, as she pointed out, his interventions were not necessary overall. In fact, they drew unnecessary attention towards him that could hinder his future relationships with them. Should he focus on trying things he hadn't done before, but then he wouldn't have an idea of how things would turn out. And what about the Fall? How could he expect to turn the tide of humanity's negativity? He didn't have the power, let alone a plan. Just a faint hope that things would work in the end, if more people had the courage to stand against Death on that fateful day at the end of January. From the start, he knew that he wanted to prevent Hamuko from sacrificing herself as the seal as he had done, but deep down, maybe a little part of him wanted things to turn out that way. Someone else to taken the burden of such a fate away from him.
"What is the source of your hesitation?" she demanded. "Why do you not say anything? Or were your words from our previous meeting hollow?"
"I haven't forgotten what I said last time," Minato mumbled. "But, what guarantee did I have that previous events would unfold the same way as last time? I couldn't just stand around and hope that Hamuko would've stopped the monorail. As for saving Fuuka, I wanted to build trust with her before anyone else could sway her opinion of me. I see what you're saying, but there have been exceptions like that battle with the Reaper which should never have happened this early in the year."
"If you want to go down that route, then what will happen if Hamuko fails to grow her social links to the extent that you did? What would you do then?"
"I don't know," he answered, perturbed by the ramifications of such a situation.
"Minato, you can continue down the same path for now, but you would admit that you spend an inordinate amount of time stuck in the inertia of indecision, no? I would advise you to continue to intervene when you see the need to do so, but at the same time, will yourself to go out of your comfort zone, and take some risks in your choices. Otherwise, the narrative may differ a little, but the ending will remain the same. Also, I must ask why you did not visit the Velvet Room if you felt this lost."
"Just to hear Igor say that I am a guest with an uncertain future?" he said, in spite of himself. "No thank you. As for an actual reason, I guess it's like you said just now. My own indecision. No matter what I do, there will always be negative consequences. My existence here in itself is a paradox. My knowledge of what happens in the future is useful only if events here proceed in a certain way. Changing the timeline could result in more damage than good."
"Things can end up worse than your world ending?" she said in an incredulous tone. "So, you will do nothing instead? You will just live your days away like this? Wallowing away in hypotheticals?"
"It isn't that simple," he said, still having some doubt. "I'm… I'm just uncertain. Can't you sympathize with that? When I see the newspaper with reports of people attacked by Shadows, there are familiar faces that I remember from the past. Each time I ask myself, should I have done something? But then, who am I to choose who lives or dies? I never asked for this kind of situation. With each passing day, I think the knowledge that I have is more a curse than a blessing."
"Would it satisfy you if things repeated themselves? I did not realize you were this selfish. You do not seem worthy of the respect that my sister and master have for you. You will make mistakes, but isn't that all in an effort to try and accomplish something greater than just your own well-being? The Fall could very well be inevitable, but you have achieved the unthinkable before. If you held half of the belief that I have in you, then we wouldn't even need to meet like this."
Her words may have alternated between criticism and encouragement, but he could feel the kindness in them. Tough love, perhaps, but he appreciated having her support nonetheless. Any remaining skepticism he had about her melted away. He couldn't imagine having this kind of conversation with Elizabeth. "Margaret, do you have any advice on what I should do then?"
"My advice? Focus on saving Shinjiro and Chidori from themselves. Both played roles in helping bring forth the Fall, but given your talents, they could help spring a reversal of sorts."
"That actually sounds like a good idea," he said, finding many reasons to support her suggestion. "Especially Shinjiro, since every passing day makes it harder for him to survive using those drugs. He did admit that he passed along information to Strega before he joined S.E.E.S. again, so I see how preventing too much of that happening could help. Akihiko may not obtain Caesar as fast, but I think he would gladly exchange that over his best friend not dying later. Chidori's death always did seem tragic and she even broke away from the rest of Strega at a point too. Having that happen sooner would hamper Strega's efforts in their cult later on. That cult may have been the biggest reason for people losing hope and believing the Fall as salvation. No doubt, it will be a risk, but saving them seems worth it."
Margaret put a comforting hand on his shoulder and said, "Perhaps, there is still hope for you after all."
June 30th, Tuesday (Hamuko's Room, Dark Hour)
Hamuko P.O.V.
A gentle breeze caused Hamuko to pull up the blankets all the way up to her nose in an effort to keep her dread at bay. Not because she feared the dark, but because she knew that she locked the door and windows before getting into bed. Add to that, the start of the Dark Hour and she knew Pharos now resided in her room.
"Hi. It's been a long time."
"Not long enough," she opined, more out of being woken up than out of spite.
"You aren't glad to see me?" he said, looking crestfallen.
"No, no it isn't that," Hamuko answered, not wanting to upset him. "It's just all you ever bring is bad news, Pharos. Though, I guess knowing beforehand is better than not knowing at all."
That seemed to cheer him up a little as he sat on the foot of her bed, his eyes still with a hint of sadness in them. "Can you guess what I'm going to tell you today?"
Hamuko shrugged and said, "I think so. That there's another full moon in one week, right? Another ordeal that will put my life in danger even more than last time."
Her morbid sarcasm caused the boy to chuckle. "You're used to it by now, right? The next full moon will be in one week. But…"
The boy broke eye contact with her, unable to finish his thoughts. "What is it, Pharos? What's wrong?"
"I wish I could tell you what it was, but I have a feeling that something bad will happen to you during the next full moon. Please be extra careful, okay?"
"You can't tell me anything more than that?" she entreated him. "Do you mean something bad out of the normal stuff?"
He shook his head and vanished into the shadows of her room, leaving her to wonder if the boy knew something that she should know. Pharos had been correct in all of his predictions so far and she didn't like the sound of his latest one.
July 1st, Wednesday (Iwatodai Dorm, Afternoon)
Mitsuru P.O.V.
Steam rose from her tea as Mitsuru braved a small sip from the cup. She could feel the drink burn the roof of her mouth, but she tried to pass it off as nothing out of the ordinary. Though, she knew brushing her teeth later could prove painful. Not that her behavior registered with Akihiko, who focused on tying the strings of his boxing gloves again.
Putting the cup down on a tray she said, "Less than a week separates us from the next full moon. Do you think we are ready, Akihiko?"
He looked up at her and replied, "Yeah, I think so. We've been in Tartarus so much these days that sometimes I think we live there."
"I would have to agree. Arisato-chan continues to push everyone there as often as possible. Even with the inevitable increase of strength of the Shadows I think we will hold our own this time."
"Don't worry too much," he replied confidently. "We're ready."
Now that they had a dialogue going, Mitsuru decided to say what she really wanted to discuss. "I am not sure how to broach this next topic, but will you listen?"
"Yeah, of course. That's why I'm here," Akihiko answered, putting aside his gloves on the coffee table.
"I am starting to believe that I have been too severe on Arisato-kun," she stated.
"You aren't one to change your opinions easily," Akihiko commented. "What made you change your mind?"
"As I have said before, if his intent were to sabotage our team, it seems he had numerous opportunities to do so. I admit that my expectations for him were too high because of the fact that Arisato-chan has excelled even though she joined S.E.E.S. at the same time he did. That bias has clouded my perspective of his behavior at times. By this point, I would have liked for him to assimilate into the team as well as she has, but I shouldn't equate the two of them together. By nature, he seems reserved, bordering on apathy at times, but that does not make him any less important to us."
Akihiko stared at her with a bemused expression. "I hear what you're saying, but with the way you've acted around him, I wouldn't believe you thought that about him. Let alone, what he or the others may think with your sudden change of heart."
"Let me be clear, Akihiko. I believe he is on our side for now, but there remain so many unanswered questions that I have about him. Think back to when he arrived at this dormitory, the way he summons his Persona, the way he controlled Penthesilea. I could go on and on, but would you not agree that such events would merit my suspicions of him?"
"Yeah, of course," Akihiko admitted, looking thoughtful. "I also remember when he first asked you for the paperwork to attend Gekkoukan that you accepted because we needed all the team members we could get at the time. Something still is bothering me, though. I know you well enough that you wouldn't just act like this without a reason."
Mitsuru hesitated, unsure how to respond.
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, Mitsuru."
"When we met that Shadow called the Reaper, do you remember how everyone escaped save for Arisato-kun and myself? That experience of just the two of us fighting together against such an overwhelming enemy, it is not something I have been able to forget. We needed to implicitly watch out for each other or we would have faced certain death. You can imagine trusting each other in that situation proved easier than normal circumstances."
"Wait, it was that bad?" Akihiko said, looking alarmed. "Why didn't you or Fuuka say anything about it?"
Mitsuru ignored his interruption and said, "Even though we exchanged heated words at first which I'll get to in a moment, his actions spoke volumes about his character. Just when I thought we would escape unscathed, the Reaper appeared from behind us. Arisato-kun pushed me through the transporter just after the Shadow released flames that burned everything in its path, risking his own life again. How many times has he thrown himself in harm's way without regard for his own safety?"
"So, that was why he was on fire then," Akihiko muttered to himself. "It sounds like he's saved both you and me now, Mitsuru."
"I think the time has come for a more hands-on approach," Mitsuru stated. "The misunderstandings have to stop and I want to learn more about him. I am going to go through with what we discussed. You did tell Arisato-kun what I said, correct?"
"Yeah, I did, Mitsuru," Akihiko said, grabbing the back of his neck. "I don't know if he understood the message though, it was pretty vague. I just hope you know what you're doing. This isn't like you to try something so direct, making him join your club at school. I don't know, since you two don't get along that well. And you just said, you two argued even in such a dangerous situation."
She rose out of her seat and went to stand by one of the lobby windows before turning back to Akihiko. "Before we contacted Yamagishi about our status, Arisato-kun told me disconcerting things about my own behavior; about how I manipulated everyone around me for personal gain. I argued otherwise, but the more that I think about it, the more it feels true. It felt like he could see through me."
"You're only doing it because you have to," Akihiko interjected.
She sighed and said, "In the near future, I will have to tell the other members everything that I know about the Dark Hour and Tartarus. Deceiving them may have been for the sake of saving lives, but I still feel guilty about it."
"It's not your fault, Mitsuru," Akihiko reassured her. "You had nothing to do with the original incident."
"I would not blame them if they decided to leave S.E.E.S. upon learning the truth," she added. "I just hope that some of them remain when they see it is for the greater good."
An uncomfortable silence fell between them as she sat back down, to sip her lukewarm tea and Akihiko fidgeted with the buttons of his vest.
"Are you sure about this, though?" he asked, breaking the silence. "We just got a decent group together and letting them know what happened seems like a waste. We're on our way to getting rid of the Dark Hour forever. It seems like a shame to let our efforts so far go to waste just like that."
"They will learn the truth eventually, Akihiko. But, to your point, I see no harm in waiting a bit longer."
Minato P.O.V.
After checking both vending machines and failing to find any Cielo Mist, Minato came away disappointed. Grumbling about the laziness of whoever restocked the machine, he decided to head to the convenience store for his fix. Before he hit the base of the stairs, he found Mitsuru and Akihiko engaged in a quiet conversation. Not wanting to bother them, he attempted to sneak past the counter without them noticing.
"Arisato-kun, do you have a minute?" Mitsuru said, just before he reached the doors of the lobby exit.
"What is it?" He put on a blank expression that he hoped would convey his lack of interest in talking with her. "I'm a bit busy right now."
"Sit down, Minato." Akihiko waved him over. "What's the rush? You don't want to talk to us?"
Not really, he thought to himself as he slouched in the seat closest to the lobby exit. Sitting an equal distance away from both seniors.
"Akihiko and I were discussing the school activities that our junior members partake in," Mitsuru said. "Most of our members are engaged well, especially Arisato-chan, who I believe is a member of over half a dozen clubs as of this moment. Also, Takeba and Yamagishi participate in archery and cooking clubs respectively."
Not this topic again. Why wouldn't they just leave him alone? "Junpei isn't in any clubs, is he?"
"Iori, I believe, is better suited to focusing more on his studies before he makes any attempts at extracurricular activities," she replied, brushing off his feeble attempt at an excuse. "Which brings us back to you."
Akihiko added, "You seemed to enjoy boxing club, but I don't see any spots opening up this year. It's a shame too, I think with some training you could become a good sparring partner for me. No one in the club is much of a challenge for me."
Mitsuru continued the barrage and said, "Your sterling academic record makes me curious about why you would not take the opportunity to join an activity that you would enjoy. It would be a shame for you to not explore your interests while you still remained in this school. All of us will need to return to our normal lives at some point and becoming more involved in extracurricular activities would assist in that transition."
"None of the open clubs I can join hold any interest for me," he replied, hoping that would end the conversation.
"It is my wish that all members of S.E.E.S. would at least participate in one club outside of ours," she pressed, her fiery eyes boring into his. "I would even go as far as to say it is mandatory for you, considering how well you do in your studies. If I were to put you in say, fencing club, would you oblige?"
Minato thought he had heard her wrong as he initially gaped at her proposal. Joining fencing club where Mitsuru presided would have seemed absurd even a couple of days ago. No doubt she planned this to keep an eye on him and who knows what else. However, his meeting with Margaret floated to the forefront of his mind as well as her words about stepping out of his comfort zone. He supposed doing this would qualify. If he learned anything from his first journey, it was that the minor choices ended up having the most impact later on. Though, at the moment, he couldn't figure out how fencing would have much use to him.
"I thought Minato would say no for sure," Akihiko said, with a look of surprise. "It looks like you've got him interested, Mitsuru."
"I guess there could be worse choices," Minato mumbled, wondering just what he was getting himself into.
"I will take that as confirmation of your choice," Mitsuru stated, looking rather pleased. "I expect to you see at next Thursday's practice after school for your introduction."
Still not sure how or why he signed up for fencing club with Mitsuru, Minato stumbled out of the dorm in a daze. On the way to the store, he passed the shrine, and heard someone cry out his name. Looking around, he saw no one around him and started to wonder if he started to hear voices in his head again. Pressing on, and almost out of the vicinity of the shrine, something thumped into the small of his back from behind. He almost keeled over from the impact, but managed to stay on his feet.
"Why do you keep ignoring me?!" a voice complained from behind him.
"Maiko?" he said in confusion, hearing her familiar voice. "But, I didn't even see you."
"I just knew it was you!" she said, beaming at him.
Her happiness rubbed off on him as he couldn't help but return her smile. "It's good to see you, too. Where were you though?"
"Umm…" She looked confused all of a sudden as she let go of her grip on him. "I was playing by myself on the monkey bars. Then, I could feel you passing by."
Unable to figure out much from her statement he said, "So, how have you been, Maiko?"
Wrong question, as this caused her smile to turn upside down into a frown. "My parents fight every day now, which is why I'm playing here by myself."
"No one comes to play with you these days?" Guilt started to bubble up inside him.
"Striped shirt and fireball head play with me a lot, but it isn't as fun as playing with you!" she exclaimed. "Oh, short skirt and baseball cap play with me sometimes, but they aren't much fun. Especially, baseball cap, he complains a lot these days."
Fireball head, she must mean Hamuko. At least, he had a new nickname for whenever she called him a blue turnip from now on. The rest of the nicknames sounded like Yukari, Akinari, and Junpei. Feeling he should do his part he said, "Hey, Maiko, do you want to play on the monkey bars some more?"
"Okay!" she exclaimed, and he gave her a running head start back up the steps of the shrine and followed once he lost sight of her.
However, once he got to the top of the stairs he couldn't find her. "Maiko?" No response. Wondering where she had gone, he felt a sudden inkling of where she went. Something stronger than an intuition, more like a strong instinct. Walking toward one of the benches, he found her crouching, where she sprang up once she noticed him coming.
"See! You wouldn't believe me, but you knew where I was too, right?" She jumped up and down in excitement.
After that little exchange, they proceeded to go through every piece of playground equipment at the shrine. Minato kept an eye on the fading sunlight as he tried to keep up with Maiko's frenetic energy. Before it could get dark he suggested that she go back home, but not before the two of them went together to the convenience store where he bought her a Mad Bull and he got his Cielo Mist at last. Seeing her safely back to her doorstep, Minato went back to the dorm, happy he got his soda, but his head full of questions. Just how, did Maiko and he know where each other were without looking? Could this have something to do with the Hanged Man Arcana again? That was the only common thread between them that he could think of for now, but he still had doubts about whether such a thing was possible. Chugging the last remnants of his soda, he headed back into the dorm, unaware of the eyes watching him from a distance.