A/N: So this chapter is a bit of a throwback to one of my earlier chapters. It's not as long as my last two updates but it is quite dialogue heavy and gives what I hope is a fresh introduction to Yakushima. To give you an overview, I'll be rearranging the sequence of this arc and spreading the events across 3 more chapters. So we'll be spending a good amount of time in Yakushima before going back to Port Island.
Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter.
His senses returned.
First, the touch of a soft, delicate quilt that covered everything but his head. Then, the salty aroma of a gentle sea breeze, which he heard ruffle something on his right. And finally the voices. They came from his left and as distorted as they were, he was able to distinguish two very different ones.
"–should get some rest. You've...so long already," one voice said.
"–fine. Besides, it's... anyway. I was responsible for..." the other voice replied.
What are they talking about? Something about me? He concentrated harder to put his speculations to rest and hearing the voices transform from soft whispers into a tone suitable for public speaking, Minato's eyes snapped open. Bright light assaulted his vision before clearing to reveal a ceiling fan and he sat up. He instantly regretted doing so as pain shot through his head. He placed a hand to his temple, closing his eyes as he waited for the ache in his head to subside. When he felt it wouldn't be back for a few minutes, he opened his eyes again and focused on the clean white sheets before him. Seeing them in combination with his intensified senses, a turbulent mind, and now the refreshing fragrance of perfume, he could only think: hadn't this happened before? Some time ago when he pretended he was hung over?
He told himself yes. The signs were there after all. A medical ward of some sort, aching muscles, the rising feeling of throwing up. All he needed now was for Yukari to yell 'You're awake!' and everything would be exactly how it was–
Something tickled his nose.
His thoughts stopped as his brain registered the scent and he couldn't help but let a small smile form. It was a distinct scent he knew quite well; spicy yet sweet, subtle enough to tease but not overpower. Only one person had such an aroma and turning to his left, he saw Mitsuru. She sat beside him, dressed in a white sleeveless turtleneck and slim black pants, her luscious red hair a delight to see. Standing next to her was Akihiko, who wore a simple red t-shirt and beige pants. They were both a little startled to see him awake so early but also relieved that he was conscious.
"This isn't that hospital is it?" Minato asked. His throat was so dry that his voice came out like a frog's croak.
Mitsuru smiled and shook her head. Then she filled a glass of water on a small side desk and passed it to him. Minato took small sips, letting the water trickle down his throat, and listened as she spoke.
"You're in the medical ward of the Kirijo Mansion on Yakushima Island," she said. Her tone was just right; loud enough to be heard but soft enough to ensure his ears didn't ring. "After you passed out and didn't show any signs of recovering, the Chairman and I decided that it would be best to take you to a less populated area just in case that...that Persona of yours would appear again. Since this isn't the first time something like this has happened to you, we also wanted you to be treated by members of the Group who know about all this."
"Not to mention we ran out of believable reasons to justify for getting you a place in the hospital," Akihiko added.
"That as well," Mitsuru said, chuckling as she glanced at Akihiko. Then she looked back to Minato. "Anyway, how are you feeling?"
Minato, for a moment, wanted to answer the way he did when Yukari asked that very same question. Let's just say I feel like I've had way too much to drink, he'd said. It remained an appropriate description of his current condition though he remembered that back then, he was somewhat annoyed that Yukari had disturbed him so and did not mind toying around with her. In comparison, his senpai had been considerate enough to speak softly and even stayed by his side for quite a while if what he had heard earlier was true.
"Pretty terrible," Minato said, his voice still quite coarse and his head still heavy. "How long have I been out?"
"About two and a half days," Akihiko answered. "Not as long as last time but that's probably because you're used to summoning."
"I see. And the others? Are they here as well?"
"They arrived here a few hours ago," Mitsuru said. "In fact, since you're up, now might be the best time to explain to them just what we've been so secretive of that involves you. Akihiko, do you mind?"
"Yeah sure, I'll go get them. Hopefully they're not lost," Akihiko said. He turned and left the ward.
Hearing his footsteps fade, Minato lay back into the pillows and looked out the open window. Not too far off in the distance was a golden line of sand that stretched into the horizon, separating the ocean from the forest. The sound of distant waves crashing and folding into each other became more apparent as he relaxed and the breeze that blew into the room was just lovely. Despite the strong sense of déjà vu, this place was light-years ahead of Tatsumi Memorial Hospital in both comfort and atmosphere.
The only aspect which he couldn't place as better or worse was the presence of Mitsuru. Not Yukari. Mitsuru. It would not have been such a big deal if Shirakawa Boulevard hadn't happened. But it had. Whether it was true or false, the feelings she had for him were there and the confusion of it all still plagued him like a virus. Now that they were alone however, it was the perfect opportunity to ask her and escape this state of ambivalence. What held him back was not figuring out what to say, but how to say it. How could he bring it up in the most natural way possible? And without making his question a slurred babble?
"How long has this mansion been here?" Minato asked slowly. There. That ought to break the ice a little.
"Quite a long time. It was already here before I was born," Mitsuru said. "This island is home to the Kirijo Group's main research laboratories so the mansion was built as a place we could stay. Being the only heir, my father always made sure I was exposed to the Group as much as possible. So often, he would bring me here during school breaks while he went about his business."
Minato nodded. Save for the rustle of trees and the roar of the ocean waves, there was only silence. An awkward one at that too. Keeping a relatively calm face, he clenched a fist beneath the white sheets. Never before had speaking to her been so difficult and knowing that he had let it happen for the second time, Minato wanted to shout. Not at her, but at himself for being such a coward. And, he supposed, at the Lovers Shadow. If it weren't for that abomination, all this would not be happening. If it wasn't for that abomination, I would never have known of the possibility that Mitsuru-senpai could feel this way either. I would have just continued down that pointless path of being smitten.
"Arisato, can I say something?" Mitsuru said suddenly.
"S-Sure," Minato said.
"Ever since you told me about how your Personas could speak to you, I only passed the information to Akihiko and the Chairman. I didn't want Takeba and Iori hearing about it because I felt that they wouldn't understand. By withholding information, I thought I could protect them while at the same time, making sure you were okay. However, now that I've seen the consequences of what I've done, I can't help but think that the reason you lost control is because of me. Because I wanted to keep everything a secret." She paused and looked away from him. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm sorry for letting you go through all that pain. So if you...resent me for that, then I understand."
Her voice was tremulous, as if it hurt to say those words. But where her logic was correct, her assumption was not. Thinking he resented her because of her mistake that turned his Personas into a pack of savages? She's blowing things way out of proportion and taking the blame again, Minato thought. I have to make her stop it. She can't keep doing this to herself. Taking his eyes off the empty bed in front of him, he pulled off the sheets, got off the bed, and embraced her. He didn't care if his head was spinning from her scent and his headache, or that he was wearing a hospital gown. As a friend, he knew she needed this.
"Arisato!?" Mitsuru said, her face reddening by the second.
"Mitsuru-senpai, I don't resent you. At all. So you made a mistake, putting me through all that," he said. "It's something people do all the time."
"But I put you and everyone else in danger! Instead of protecting all of you, I did the complete opposite! You must at least be mad at me for what I've done."
Minato let go and leaned on the edge of the bed. He shook his head. "I'm not mad. I actually think what you've done is admirable. Trying to protect us all? That takes a lot of devotion most people don't have. I know this isn't something you'll easily let go but I'm not going to put the blame on you. Or Junpei. Or anybody else for that matter. This problem was mine to begin with. So I'll be the one who learns from it and ensures it doesn't happen again. That I promise you."
She held his gaze for what felt like an hour. And seeing he was serious, Mitsuru loosened up and leaned back into her chair. "Are you sure you're okay with this?"
"Positive," he said, flashing her a smile. "If not, feel free to lock me up in Tatsumi Memorial Hospital for however long you want."
Mitsuru giggled. "I'm happy that someone like you exists."
Minato tensed. There was something about her tone of voice, and her giggle, that made him nervous. Eyeing her, he found that her hands were in her lap, and her eyes were off to the side. And was that a slight blush on her cheeks?
"You are?" Minato said. The response sounded fine in his head but hearing it aloud made him feel stupid. He could think of better things to say than that. "I mean, what makes you say that?"
"Well, after everything that's happened, you're not doubting yourself," Mitsuru said. She looked at him. "Back when I first formed S.E.E.S. with Akihiko, there was one other member I didn't mention. Aragaki Shinjiro."
Minato's eyes widened and his mind traveled back to the scuffle in the back streets of Port Island. "Shinjiro? You mean the Shinji Akihiko-senpai is always talking about?"
"Yes. I'm not sure if Akihiko has told you but one night, during what was just another ordinary mission, Shinjiro lost control of his Persona. Instead of targeting the Shadow, his Persona attacked and killed an innocent bystander. It was an unfortunate accident and upon learning that the bystander had been killed, he resigned from S.E.E.S. the very next day."
"Akihiko-senpai never mentioned that. He only told me how he and Shinjiro were good friends since childhood. Nothing about having the potential."
"Well he does have the ability but the point is, you're different to him. Where he gave up and doubted his power after losing control, you haven't. And that means a lot to me. It makes me happy that I've placed my trust in someone who is confident in their abilities, and not discouraged by the blunders they have made."
I had no idea she thought like this. Maybe those feelings are really for real. Telling himself not to waste anymore time, he stepped forward and took one of her hands in his. She blushed at his touch and seeing her this cute made his cheeks heat up as well.
"Mitsuru-senpai?" he said with the most steady voice he could conjure.
"Y-Yes?" she said.
"I...I wanted to...a-ask you if..."
He trailed off as familiar voices just outside the medical ward made themselves known.
"...Yuka-tan. There's real-life maids here! How can you expect a guy to not make a big deal over it?"
"Well, Akihiko-senpai isn't all fussed about it."
"Oh yes he is. He just doesn't want to admit it. Come on Akihiko-senpai. You agree with me right?"
There was a moment of silence. Then Akihiko spoke. "To be honest, not really. Even though I haven't been here before, I've been around Mitsuru for so long now that the novelty has worn off."
"Seriously? Man, you really know how to suck the joy out of everything," Junpei said.
"Um, I think I'm missing something here," Fuuka said. "Why is Junpei so riled up over maids?"
"I think it's best if we don't tell you," Yukari answered.
As soon as they entered the ward, Minato let go of Mitsuru's hand and sat on his bed. Annoyed as he was that his friends had to arrive when he was in the middle of something so important, he was also grateful for their timing. His approach in asking was simply dreadful; the words he wanted to say tripping and tumbling over in his mouth. Looks like I have to rehearse this. Or at least figure out the words. He made a mental note to himself and turned to see his friends approaching. They had all changed into attire appropriate for the season: Yukari in a pink tank top and light blue pants, Junpei in a black singlet and dark blue jeans, and Fuuka in a bright aqua green sundress. Once the greetings and pleasantries were all out of the way, Yukari walked over to where Mitsuru was seated.
"Um, senpai? I'm sorry about the other day. I got a little carried away that I didn't stop to think about how you would feel," she said.
"Don't worry about it," Mitsuru said. Her composure was back; any trace of the nervous, blushing girl gone. She glanced at Minato and remembering his words, turned her attention on Yukari. "Withholding information was my mistake. And I apologize for that. You all have the right to know as much as possible. Of course, there isn't much more I can tell you regarding the incident ten years ago since what I've told you is all I know. But if it pleases you, I can ask my father if he knows anything more, and tell you why you've often been seeing Arisato around Akihiko and I."
Mitsuru then went on to explain the latter. From the first time Minato informed her that his Personas could talk, to their five repeating words, to how she and Akihiko thought his emotions were connected to his Personas' behavior and thus, decided it would be best if they monitored him. Where it was appropriate, Minato chimed in to add his testimony; Akihiko doing the same when the juniors needed further clarification. Minato was surprised his classmates absorbed the information fairly well, with no extravagant interruptions or outbursts. Even when they moved to the topic of those five words and how he had somehow known of the Shadows' arrival, they just agreed with what was the current theory.
"I...I had no idea you three were doing something like this," Yukari said. She sighed. "Now I feel bad for thinking that you guys were hiding something from us. You were just making sure he was okay."
"Well, I think what they did wasn't wrong Yukari," Fuuka said. "I mean, if we had known about this, I think we would have been afraid of our own Personas as well."
Yukari agreed. "Yeah, you're probably right." A smile formed on her lips. "Anyway, how much longer does Minato need to stay here? We can't have a vacation without everyone involved."
"I just woke up so I got no clue," Minato said. "Though I'm pretty sure it should be sometime this afternoon."
"After one more check-up in about an hour's time I believe. Then he's free to go," Mitsuru said.
"Great!" Yukari said. "You'll be coming too, right senpai?"
Mitsuru stood up. "Me? Not just yet. I have matters I need to tend to." She looked out the window for a moment. "Although...since we're going to be here for another three days, I could probably spare a few minutes showing you around so you know where everything is."
Yukari and Fuuka beamed at this and soon, everyone sans Junpei began to leave.
"Junpei! Aren't you coming?" Yukari asked.
"I will. I just want to have a quick word with Minato," he said. When everyone froze at his words, the memories of what his 'quick word' had done replaying in their heads, Junpei sighed. "Oh relax, it's not like I'm gonna do what you're all thinking."
"It's fine you guys," Minato said. "Go on and enjoy yourselves."
Mitsuru gave them both a suspicious look, which then changed into a mischievous one when she spoke. "Alright. But if anything happens, I'll personally execute both of you."
Minato exchanged a shocked glance with Junpei as she and the others left. Hearing Mitsuru speak of her execution and seeing the look of horror on her victim's face was always entertaining. When you weren't the one being threatened of course. She's joking. She wouldn't do that to me. Junpei on the other hand... He cut off the thought and turned to Junpei, who still appeared to be frightened. "You know she's just messing with you right?"
"Really? Man that's a relief," Junpei said, calming down. "To be honest, I couldn't tell. She looked so serious."
"It's her eyes. If you look closely, you can see that–"
Minato stopped and realized what he was saying. And who he was saying it to.
Junpei shook his head and chuckled. "It's alright dude. I ain't gonna say anything. Except that I'm sorry for being a huge pain in the ass. And a dick. And whatever else you feel like calling me. I didn't know arguing and sayin' all those things about you could lead to something so messed up."
"Neither did I," Minato said. "It's not all your fault though. I couldn't keep my Personas under control." He laughed lightly. "Guess we're both to blame huh?"
"No way man. This one was all on me. But hey, we're still cool right?"
"Of course we are."
"Thanks, man. I still feel like I gotta make up for my stupidity though. You got anything I could help ya with?"
Minato shifted his gaze onto the chair which Mitsuru had previously sat on. "I guess there is one thing that's troubling me."
"Mitsuru-senpai?" Junpei asked. When Minato said nothing and just nodded, Junpei placed a hand on his shoulder. "I thought as much. You guys looked pretty flustered when we came in."
"You saw that?"
"Yeah. Don't worry, I'm not judging you. It takes a guy with a lotta balls to go after someone like her. Though since she's on good terms with ya, I reckon you might have a shot." He let go of Minato and folded his arms. "So what's the deal?"
Minato took a moment to think about whether it was worth telling him exactly what happened in the love hotel. He supposed speaking to someone about it was healthy but seeing as that someone was Junpei, he wasn't as certain as he should have been. Then again, who else can I talk to about this? Certainly not Yukari or Fuuka. And Akihiko? He wouldn't get it. Leaning back on the edge of the bed, he decided to take Junpei's offer.
"Well, it all goes back to Shirakawa Boulevard," he said. "You know how you were suspicious that something happened between me and her? You were right. After the ambush, the Shadow played with our minds. I'm saying ours because I have a feeling that she may have seen something similar to me. Anyway, in that illusion, I was not only able to see her in the shower, but also feel her thoughts and emotions about me. I thought it had to be a lie since it was an illusion but when I woke up, I found her...lying on top of me. Like we had just, you know..."
Junpei's jaw dropped. "Holy shit! Seriously?"
"Yeah. She was acting unlike herself when she woke so that made me think perhaps those feelings of hers are for real. And that's what troubles me. Whether her feelings are real or fake. I was going to ask her about this just now but then you guys came in."
"I see. Man, I guess me not endin' up with her or Yuka-tan turned out for the better. Even if it means missing out on seeing... wait, what was Mitsuru-senpai wearing?"
Minato raised an eyebrow. "I think that's going off topic."
"Right, sorry." Junpei cleared his throat, failing to wipe the disappointed look off his face. "Well, you're not doin' the wrong thing by askin' her. It's the only way you're going to know. Hmm, when we came in, did you already ask her and just quickly dropped the subject or..."
"Nope. I couldn't even get the question out."
"Dude, in that case, all you need is practice," Junpei said, grinning. "Heh, you're lucky we're at Yakushima. There should be plenty of beach babes for you to practice on. And with Akihiko-senpai around..." He started laughing as, Minato thought, images of the three of them with attractive girls in bikinis flashed in his mind. "Oh man, this is going to be awesome!"
Minato could only smile. Maybe it had been better to tell Akihiko instead. Or keep the matter to himself. As good as those options sounded however, he knew telling Junpei was the right choice. Even if the good points of Junpei's advice was scattered throughout a sea of silliness, perhaps that was what he needed to refresh his tactics. Silliness. As he promised Junpei to meet up with everyone once his check-up was done, he wondered: had he been successful, what would Mitsuru have said?