Thursday, April 10, 2009
Tatsumi Port Island Hospital - Waiting room
- Are you all right Yukari? - Akihiko asked as he sat down next to her.
- No. Why am I so weak? I was supposed to protect him, but he ended up protecting me - replied Yukari.
- Relax Yukari, it's not your fault, you did your best. The time will come when you will be able to use your power in the right way - said Akihiko who was trying to give encouragement to her partner, which didn't seem to have any result, because she knew what they were thinking about her
Their small conversation was interrupted when Mitsuru made his appearance together with a doctor.
- The good news is that Arisato just needs to rest. After all he just woke up his Persona, all we can do is wait - Mitsuru informed the others.
- We found nothing wrong with him, the only thing we can do is wait for him to wake up, I can't tell you how many days it will take. So the best option you have is to leave him here to make sure there is nothing wrong with him - suggested the doctor.
- Do whatever it takes - said Mitsuru.
- Mitsuru-senpai, do you think I could see him before we leave? - asked Yukari
- I see that you are very worried about our companion Takeba - said Mitsuru with a slight smile, making Yukari blush - Doctor If he can?
- Of course she can, but not for long. Please follow me - indicated the doctor.
- Very well, Mitsuru and I will wait for you outside. Don't be late - said Akihiko.
Tatsumi Port Island Hospital - Minato's Room
Upon entering the room, Yukari saw Minato sleeping peacefully, he was dressed in his clothes.
- Very good this is it. The boy seems to enjoy sleeping quite a lot - commented the doctor.
- You should see him in class, whenever you see him, he is already sleeping - replied Yukari.
- Very well, I will leave you alone with him for a few minutes. Remember to let him rest - said the doctor - One question, how much do you know about him?
- Not much, we just met a few days ago - answered Yukari - Why?
- Nothing important, one more thing. Take this with you before you leave - the doctor gave him the headphones and the player that Minato always carries with him - Maybe he will need them when he wants to wake up, now if you excuse me - said the doctor before leaving.
- Arisato-kun, I'm so sorry. I was supposed to protect you, but it was you who ended up protecting me. Actually, I'm really sorry, you had to risk your life just to protect me! - Yukari said - It's not fair, you don't know anything about us and you didn't hesitate to protect me. Instead, we know everything about you, I swear that when you wake up I will tell you the whole truth. I promise you Arisato-kun
Yukari had no idea why he was watching Minato, but he seemed to be so at peace with himself that he always looked at him with those lifeless eyes.
- Do you really love to sleep? - asked Yukari with a chuckle - You are so strange Arisato, trying to sacrifice your life, like someone like me, but... After all, we don't seem to be so different.
Friday, April 17th, 2009
Gekkoukan High School - After school, classroom 2-F
A week has passed and Minato was still sleeping, Yukari seriously wondered how he could sleep so much, and the only visit he had was from Yukari, not even Mitsuru and Akihiko bothered to visit him something that upset Yukari quite a lot.
- Are you going to visit him again? - asked Junpei
- Yes, after my practice with the club. I'm going to visit him, let's hope he wakes up this time - Yukari answered.
- Seriously, how did some hamburgers send him to sleep so much? I mean, I ate them and look at me, I'm still as good as new... Maybe I should have a check-up - commented Junpei - You are aware of all the rumors, aren't you?
- Yes I know, but I don't care about them. I mean, what's wrong with visiting a friend? - asked Yukari
- Says one of the most popular girls. Although I understand your point of view, I quite like the guy, apparently my jokes are to his liking, I mean, he's always speechless every time I tell a joke.
Tatsumi Port Island Hospital - Minato's room
- Good afternoon. How are you doing, sleepyhead? - Yukari asked as she entered the room - It's been a week, when do you plan to wake up? By the way, I brought a surprise for you, I brought your headphones - leaving it on a table near him, then proceeded to take a seat.
- I guessed that these headphones are very important to you Arisato-kun. I wonder why - said Yukari letting out a sigh - I tried to convince our senpais to come and visit you, but they refused. They should have some more consideration! Considering that it was Akihiko-senpai who brought that shadow to the dorm...They don't know what it's like to wake up every day and know that you won't see your parents again...I think you understand my pain Arisato-kun
- Come on, wake up at once! I can't take this burden of conscience... - said a defeated Yukari.
Velvet Room
-My head hurts, where am I? - asked Minato confused where he was, the last thing he remembered was being on the roof of the dormitory and having protected Yukari from that monster...
- Welcome once again to the Velvet room - he was greeted by Igor with his characteristic smile - I see that the one who came to your call was Orpheus, this power is called Persona, a manifestation of your psyche. A Persona is a facet of my personality.
- Persona? A facet of my personality? - asked Minato in confusion
- Now that I remember, Orpheus said something similar.
- Imagine a mask that protects you while you face all kinds of adversities. However, all that said before, I must warn you that its power is still very weak - said Igor.
- Are you kidding? I took down a giant monster all by myself! Wouldn't that be an achievement? - said Minato
- When you use your Persona's ability, you must channel your inner strength. The power you possess is known as the wild card, it grants you the ability to possess multiple Personas, interestingly, you are the first user to have the Fool's arcanum.
- Arcane of the Fool? Wait a minute, are you talking about the Tarot Arcana? - Minato asked
- Oh, I see you already have experience with the Arcana. That's good to know, it will make it much easier for Personas to understand - said Igor.
- Yes, a friend and I in the orphanage always read a book of the Tarot Arcana, besides it was the only book available - commented Minato - Let me see if I understood, the Persona are related to the Tarot Arcana - to which Igor nodded - If Orpheus is from the Fool's Arcana, what does the other one have to do with it?
- It has to do with Thanatos, the other belongs to the Death Arcanum. Which makes him even more special; even though his power makes him possess several Persona. Every user has his main Arcana, but in his case, he has two main Arcana, how intriguing…
- We must tell him that in addition to possessing several Personas, he can summon two at the same time, however, if he tries too hard he will be able to meet death in person - commented Elizabeth with a smile that disturbed Minato a little bit.
- Well, it's time for you to return to your reality. We shouldn't keep you anymore, next time we meet you will have more answers, so I recommend you to be patient, until next time - Igor said goodbye.
Tatsumi Port Island Hospital - Minato's room
When Minato woke up he immediately realized he was not in his room - An unknown ceiling - said Minato, he heard someone who seemed to be surprised, so he looked to his left to find his roommate.
- What a nice awakening. If they started waking me up like this every day, I wouldn't complain.
- You finally woke up! How much more rest did you need to sleep? It's been a week! - exclaimed Yukari
- A week? That explains why my body feels so heavy
Recalling the events on the rooftop, she couldn't help but wonder how her partner was doing, after all she was the one who received the most damage of the two.
- Takeba-san are you okay? - Minato asked sitting on his bed, observing that his knee was bandaged - What were those things?
- You mean the shadows? They are what we fought with and we used what you used that night, that power called Persona; your power was something incredible - said Yukari - And yes I'm fine, I just have some bruises, but I'll be fine. Wait a minute, it's me who should be asking you if you're okay! Geez do you have any idea how worried I was?
He started to look at her in his own way, his lips half-open. His eyes showing surprise, did he hear right? He just said he was worried about him; he remains in the same position for several seconds, something that did not go unnoticed by her.
- Arisato-kun, are you okay? - could be heard as she was indeed worried about his condition.
- Yes...I'm fine - answered Minato, his answer with a certain insecurity, which Yukari could notice.
- Arisato, are you absolutely sure you're okay? - asked Yukari again
- I'm fine...It's just very strange to know that you were worried about me - said Minato with a confused look.
- Says the person, who risked her life for someone she just met - said Yukari sarcastically.
- She has a good point
Yukari for some strange reason wants to know more about him, in his eyes he sees her as someone who lost the meaning of life a long time ago and she wasn't entirely wrong seeing your parents die like that, it took away all hope in this cruel life. She had to tell him everything she has wanted all these days, ask for his forgiveness and tell him everything, he must know.
- Arisato-kun. I'm sorry - Yukari finally said, ducking her head, those words she had wanted so much to tell him all the time he was asleep.
- Why? You didn't do anything - said Minato confused at her sudden behavior.
- I was supposed to protect you, but in the end it was you who protected me. That's why I'm so sorry - Yukari still had her head down, she didn't dare to look at him.
- That being so, I can't blame her. After all, the way to release that power is a peculiar thing.
- Takeba, I want you to look at me and be attentive to what I will tell you - Yukari finally looked up, to notice his gaze, those gray eyes that she thought didn't convey any emotion, now seemed to convey concern. For her? - Don't beat yourself up about it. I did what I thought was right at the time, it was my own decision, so you shouldn't blame yourself, okay?
What surprised him the most was not the words he expected to hear, but the smile he gave her after those words. It had been a long time since she had seen a smile like that, such a pure smile and she couldn't deny it, actually, she was blushing, it was the first time she saw him smile, it was only for a few seconds, but she didn't want it to end.
- But what am I thinking about? - were Yukari's thoughts, she had only come to thank him for saving her, but she was blushing about it.
After several minutes she had calmed down, he still had his gaze fixed on her, which made it all the more difficult, to tell her the whole truth or she couldn't be at peace with herself.
- And how do you know her at that hidden hour? - Minato asked, taking Yukari by surprise, she knew he had recently awakened her power.
- Do you know of the existence of the Dark Hour? - asked Yukari in confusion
- Dark Hour? That's what they call it, what a name - said Minato.
- But how do you know about the existence of the Dark Hour, if you have only recently awakened your power Arisato-kun? - Yukari continued asking
- Simple, I've been experiencing it for 10 years - answered Minato honestly.
I heard it right, didn't I? He said that he has been experiencing this for 10 years, she not long ago awakened her power, but he for 10 years.
- The first time he experienced this "Dark Hour" was when he was 7 years old. You are the first people I know who experienced this besides me - said Minato.
- Arisato-kun, I know everything about you - said Yukari.
- What do you mean? - asked Minato
- I have read your file, both disciplinary and psychological. It's something Mitsuru-senpai gave us, to know more about you, I swear! It was just for that, I know I had no right to read it," said Yukari.
- So you read my file, but let me tell you that what you read doesn't compare at all to what I've had to experience
- But, what I mean is... I'm just like you - said Yukari, taking Minato by surprise - My father died 10 years ago, he worked for the Kirijo group, so, if I stay around here for a while I'll really know what happened to him, that's why, that's why, I reside in the dormitory. And my relationship with my mother is not the best after my father's death.
- And here I am, blurting all this out to you as soon as you wake up. All this time I've been waiting for you to wake up, I swore to myself that I was going to tell you everything, it wasn't fair that you didn't know about us. While we knew everything about you - said Yukari, Minato could tell how he really cared about her - And it feels good to finally tell this to someone, so thank you for listening to me.
- Anytime Takeba-san, however, don't think that because you know my story you will get along better with me - said Minato between laughs - Oh relax, if you think I'm going to hate you or something like that, you are very wrong
A part of her was happy with the way things had turned out.
- You certainly are someone very strange Arisato-kun - said Yukari also with laughter.
- What can I tell you? I'm a guy full of surprises, I don't like formalities, so you can call me Minato - he suggested.
- Let me repeat it again, you are someone very strange Minato-kun. In that case you can call me Yukari too - she also suggested the same idea.
- It's okay Yukari-san, I just hope your fan club doesn't want to kill me for that fact - which provoked laughter from both of them.
- Oh right, here's my phone number - said Yukari, handing him a piece of paper with her number on it - When you need anything, just let me know.
-Thank you and at the same time I'm sure many in the Gekkoukan would kill for this - said Minato - I must be prepared, if they try to kill me for it too.
- I hope you don't dare to sell my phone number - said Yukari with a playful smile.
She had been worried for days about the reaction she would present to him, no doubt he was a very strange boy in her eyes, but she couldn't explain it, but she feels they can trust him.
- I should be getting back, I will let the others know that you woke up, Alright now stay and be a good patient, feel free to call the nurse whenever you need to. Goodbye Minato-kun, I hope to see you soon - said Yukari saying goodbye to him and leaving the room.
- All right, what do I do now? - Minato asked himself. He observed his surroundings once again, he could notice how his headphones were on the small table next to him - I guess it was Yukari, she's a very strange girl.
Someone opened the doors of your room, it turned out to be the doctor of the hospital - I see you finally woke up, you had all the staff who attended you worried
- As you can see, I'm still alive. Now let's get straight to the point, judging by the clothes I'm wearing, who has seen her? - Minato asked seriously
- Me and the nurses who did the work, none of your friends know - replied the doctor.
- I am thankful that you did not disclose it - said Minato.
- I have something called ethics, I can't divulge those things without the patient's consent - said the doctor - But seriously boy what happened to you?
- Believe me, you don't want to know - said Minato - When can I leave? I don't like hospitals.
- We just need to do some more check-ups, to know how is your current condition - replied the doctor - After that, you can go back to your girlfriend.
- She is not my girlfriend - Minato knew who he was referring to.
- Aren't you two boyfriend and girlfriend? Wow, and that she visited you during the whole week - commented the doctor leaving Minato puzzled - I suggest you rest a little more, we will wake you up the moment we do the check up - the doctor left the room.
- Aren't you two sweethearts? What a disappointment, I was already writing a song for both of you - said a voice that Minato recognized instantly.
- Orpheus, is that you? - asked Minato
- I'm glad you remember me. Orpheus here ready for any order you wish to give - said Orpheus.
- How are you supposed to forget someone who is supposed to be a facet of your personality? - Minato asked sarcastically - What do you want?
- I need to know about many matters, of utmost importance - said Orpheus.
- Alright, I'm listening - said Minato.
- Okay, first of all, it's a pity that Yukari is not your girlfriend. Secondly, as Igor told you, I belong to the Fool's Arcanum, which makes a lot of sense - said Orpheus.
- It makes sense, after all your life was a life full of adventures, you challenged and explored new things Master of the ropes, and all that represents the Madman's arcane - explained Minato
- I'm glad you spared me all that explanation, I'm liking you more and more, Master Minato - said Orpheus.
- But I have a doubt, the first time I met you, you didn't look like that. So why do you look like that now? - asked Minato
- To begin with, the beautiful aspect that you observed in our first meeting, was when I was still alive and I was in all my splendor - answered Orpheus - Now when the time comes to summon a Persona, we assimilate the form that was given to us in the sea of souls. Now to answer your question about the metallic body. It has to do with my story, as you know during my journey to retrieve my late wife and failing in the attempt. As the years went by, I despised all the gods except Apollo to whom I am forever grateful for my golden lyre. Then, I was destroyed by the Maenads for not honoring Dionysus, who only left my head intact, the wretched one.
- That's why your head is the only one intact - said Minato.
- And my voice is processed through a speaker embedded in my stomach. Don't forget that detail - said Orfeo
- Orpheus, you have had a very difficult life, not to mention your death - said Minato.
- And that's what unites us master Minato, never forget that "You are you, and I am you" - answered Orpheus.
- I guess it can't be helped that you are a facet of my personality. But what about Thanatos? - asked Minato
- That's a mystery, which we'll have to find out. All we know is that he has quite an affinity for curse abilities, as expected of the herald of death - replied Orpheus.
- Now that you mention it is true, I remember that when we fought against those shadows as Yukari called them, you created fire by touching the strings of your lyre - said Minato.
- Is that so? Those are the abilities that each Persona possesses. As you can see I have an affinity with fire, but my weaknesses are related to electric and curse attacks - explained Orpheus - But let me clarify something my weaknesses are your weaknesses too. Let me repeat that you acquire MY weaknesses.
- So if I acquire your weaknesses, that would mean that I will also acquire other people's weaknesses, right? - Minato asked
- I'm glad you understood that so quickly, you are someone very special after all you are a wild card, don't you know that, let me correct myself We are special! - exclaimed Orpheus
- The power to possess several people, I go back to my hometown and all those things happen, what a bummer - said a displeased Minato.
- You know, it wouldn't hurt to know what the Arcana of our allies are. We could get a lot of information about that and be a better team - said Orpheus.
- Wait a moment Orpheus, I have no intention of joining them, - declared Minato.
- What? Why not? - asked Orpheus
- Don't you think it's strange; how did they know I could move during the Dark Hour? This is not a coincidence, most likely they have been watching me for some time and if I had to guess it was the Kirijo Group, after all it is a well known company - answered Minato
- You have a good point, not for nothing did they read your file. So they already had the idea that you had the potential - said Orpheus - How long have they been watching us, what do we do then?
- Follow the doctor's recommendations, go to sleep - answered Minato, settling down on the bed.
- I got a sleepy master, lucky me - commented Orfeo - But don't worry, that girl Yukari will be your girlfriend very soon, I have many plans to execute, I know they will be a sure success. You just wait and see
- Why did I get a Persona like you? - asked Minato sighing. His life would never be the same again