Chapter 5: The First Night Of Hell Exploration.
April 20th, 2009. 7:50 AM. Gekkoukan High School, Entrance.
*Music: Persona 3 OST: Want To Be Close*
*3rd Person P.O.V*
The brothers arrived at school, walking towards the gates and noticed some girls talking, and once again, eavesdropped on their conversation.
'Let's see which rumors these girls are talking about today...' Takeru thought to himself.
"Good morning. I'm always so drowsy on Monday mornings..." A girl said.
"Yeah, me too. the only thing you can do is sleep through the first period." The second girl agreed.
"Wait... Tomorrow is when we have morning assembly!" The second girl remembered. Takeru had to resist the urge to facepalm. He hated to be at an assembly.
'Seriously?! Good grief...' He mentally complained.
"Ughhh... I'm too lazy for that. I'll pretend i didn't hear..." The first girl groaned. Takeru heavily agreed with her. Then, the first bell rang.
"*sigh* Nothing new. But we'll have that stupid assembly. I hate it here..." Takeru facepalmed. Makoto agreed. Then, they went to class.
April 20th, 2009. 12:30 PM. Gekkoukan High School, 2nd Floor, Classroom 2-F.
Makoto, T.K, and Junpei were talking about some things, and Takeru being dissapointed about the assembly tomorrow. Yukari stood up from her chair.
"*yawn* I thought i was gonna fall asleep in there." Yukari said, feeling tired.
"*groan* Don't remind me, Yukari-senpai..." T.K complained, also feeling tired. Yukari was about to say something, but suddenly! The classroom doors opened, and behind them was Mitsuru! Everyone was shocked to see her. Well, everyone except the brothers and their friends. Even so, Takeru's feeling a little nervous seeing her in Makoto's classroom.
'Kirijo-san... If she's here, that means something important is going to happen back at the dorm...' He thought. She walked over to Makoto's desk, and asked:
"Can i have a minute?"
"Sure, what's up, Kirijo-san?" Takeru said. Then she told them:
"Come to the lounge when you get back to the dorm. I have something to tell everyone." Yukari is surprised, then sweatdropped. Junpei then said:
"Oh, are we having that talk?" Takeru then jabbed an elbow to his sides.
"Keep your voice down, Senpai!" Takeru warned him.
"Ow! Sorry..." He apologized.
"Anyway, I'll save the details for later. See you there." After that, she walked away from the classroom. And closed the door. The students went back to doing their thing.
"Wow, she didn't waste any time leaving..." Junpei said.
"I agree..." Takeru agreed.
"That was... Rather blunt of her." He continued. Yukari, with an uncomfortable face said:
"She's problably busy with things like Student Council, unlike us." Unconsciously leaking some jealousy towards Mitsuru.
"Huh. She's a Student Council member? I didn't know that..." Takeru is a little surprised.
"Whoa, Yuka-tan! Do i sense some hostility?" Junpei said, liking how things are going.
"Junpei's right, Senpai. When you said that Kirijo-san was busy with Student Council, i was thinking you said that with a hint of jealousy." Takeru told her. Yukari tried to explain herself.
"Well it's not like i don't like her... She's just..." She trailed off.
"She's just what?" Takeru asked.
"...Never mind." She said. Lunch break was almost over, so Takeru went back to his classroom, and the other three was getting ready for their next class.
*Music Ends.*
April 20th, 2009, 5:45 PM. Iwatodai Strip Mall.
*Music: Persona 3 OST: When The Moon Is Reaching Out Stars*
*Takeru's P.O.V*
Since we were told to go back home early by Kirijo-san, Makoto and i decided to go back home along with Junpei.
We were once again at the strip mall, walking away from the same stores. The only difference is that there's two students, one who's wearing glasses with messy brown hair, and looked like a Senior. The other one has slick black hair, almost squinting eyes, and he's wearing a yellow armband, which means he's a member of the Student Council.
Some girls are seen walking inside Wild-duck burger, and another student, who looks like a foreigner, has blonde hair, and he carries a fan in his hand. He's looking at the burger joint's sign. And, when we almost arrive at the dorm, the same jock is seen running around the strip mall.
We were talking and laughing at each other's inappropriate jokes, even though i didn't understand most of them. Still, I found those funny.
*Music Ends.*
April 20th, 2009. 6:20 PM. Dorm, 4th Floor, Command Room
*Music: Persona 3 OST: This Mysterious Feeling*
When the three of us arrived at the command room, Chairman Ikutsuki was sitting in his chair, while Sanada-san and Yukari-chan were seating next to each other. Kirijo-san is on the couch. And all of them were talking about something. Junpei seated on the chair next to Yukari, While Makoto and i took the couch. I was sitting next to Kirijo-san.
"Okay, everybody's here. I'd like your undivided attention." Ikutsuki said, gathering everyone's attention.
"For a long time, Mitsuru and Akihiko were the only Persona-users we had. But that number recently jumped to six." He told us.
"I mean, when we had five people, i was already was going to propose this. However, an extra hand would help. Therefore... Starting tonight at 12:00 AM, I'd like to commence the exploration of Tartarus." He dropped the news onto us. I'm starting to get very excited!
"Sorry... I asked this yesterday, but what's this Tartarus thing again? I know T.K told us the details from a Mythology standpoint, but... How does that relate to what we do?" Junpei asked.
"I was thinking the same thing. Why are we exploring the Underworld?" I agreed.
"You haven't seen it, Junpei?" Yukari asked.
"Hm...?"
"You have, Yukari-chan?" I asked back. She nodded.
"It's no surprise... ...since it only appears during the Dark Hour." Ikutsuki told us, the three of us; Me, Makoto and Junpei were confused. Junpei asked:
"The Dark Hour?" Then, i was shocked.
"Hold on... You're telling me, that EVERY Dark Hour, a gateway or a dungeon that is part of Hell in Mythology appears?!" I asked in disbelief. Sanada-san nodded. And with a cocky smirk, he says:
"Just like the Shadows... Interesting, huh? And it's the perfect place for us to train. You can think of it as a Shadow nest."
"You hearing this, Grim?" I mentally asked my Shadow.
"Yes... Yes i heard. Tartarus is the place to hone both your abilities and mine. I can hardly contain my excitement." He told me, getting more excited than me.
"Yep! Me too! We better be ready..."
"Indeed." As the both of us were talking via telepathy, Junpei comments on what Sanada-san was saying, getting back my attention back on to the group.
"Whoa... Their nest, huh...?"
"Wicked." Makoto agreed.
"But, Senpai... what about your injury?" Yukari-chan asked, feeling a little concerned about him. Kirijo-san decided to step in.
"Since Akihiko isn't fully recovered yet, he'll only come as far as the entrance." After she said that, Sanada-san is dissappointed.
"...Yeah, i know." He reluctanly said.
"Well, i'm sure he won't complain, as long you go too far in." Ikutsuki said.
"Since we're dealing with Shadows, Tartarus isn't something we can't avoid." He told us. And, like Sanada-san, Junpei gained a cocky smirk, and stood up.
"Relax, I've got your backs." He declared. But i wasn't sure.
"You sure, Junpei? We didn't see your Persona yet..." I told him. Yukari's sharing the same feeling, being worried.
"I'm not so sure about this..."
"What about you, Mr. Chairman?" Kirijo-san asked, wondering what would Ikutsuki do after we go to the place.
"I'll stay here. As you know, i can't summon a Persona..." He said, closing his eyes, with a dissappointed face. After that, the six of us; Me, Makoto, Yukari-chan, Junpei, Sanada-san, and Kirijo-san went out of the dorm to go to the place where Tartarus resides...
"Well, Grim... This is only the beginning of our crazy journey..." I told him.
"Exactly. But... Stay focused. You may never know what is going to happen." Grim agreed, and warned me.
"Okay. Whatever happens, there will be times that i will need you to appear in front of everyone."
"Indeed. But for right now, we need to get going." After that, we went on our way.
April 20th, 2009. 11:59 PM. Gekkoukan High School, Entrance.
We arrived at the gates of the school... for some reason. Of course, since school ended, the gates are closed. Sanada-san, went to check the time on his phone, while Junpei and i are confused.
"This is it? THIS is the place?" He said, with a face of disbelief.
"I mean... Some people say school is Hell, but they didn't mean it literally!" I exclaimed.
"Why HERE?" Junpei asked. Sanada-san responds:
"Just wait a few minutes... It's almost midnight."
*Music Ends.*
"And, if it's almost midnight, always remember everyone, when the clock strikes twelve..." I started to say the saying, while Sanada-san's phone was displaying the time, It was 11:59:55 PM. Then, on the last line of my saying i put on a replica of Grim's mask on my face and mimicked his voice.
"The Dark Hour begins..." And when it hit midnight, it happened. Again, the sky and the moon are in an eerie shade of green, water turns into blood, and normal civilians turn into coffins. But... What i didn't expect, and nobody else, except Kirijo-san and Sanada-san, is that the school building is starting to distort and build something else...
"Wh-what in the...?!" I exclaimed. Everyone stayed quiet to see the school transform. The buildings are floating, some objects were sent flying, and a gateway has appeared. I was both scared, and excited. The structure is growing in size, almost looking like it's reaching the moon! When the transformation ended, in place of the school building, was an almost 200-story tower! In front of the gate, in the middle of the door, there was a clock like symbol.
April 20th, 2009. Dark Hour. Tartarus, Outside Entrance.
*Music: Persona 3 OST: The Voice Someone Calls*
"This is Tartarus-- the labyrinth that reveals itself during the Dark Hour." Kirijo-san introduced the tower to us.
"So it's true... Every midnight, school turns into Hell..." I said, feeling amazed. Junpei looks around.
"Labyrinth...?" Then he gets scared.
"What are you talking about!? What happened to our school!?" With a horrified face, he asked these questions to Kirijo-san.
"Once the Dark Hour passes, everything returns to normal." Kirijo-san continued to explain, seemingly ignoring Junpei's questions.
'I think this place will help me find some clues about my sister's whereabouts...' I thought to myself.
"This is the "nest" you were talking about!?" Junpei, still in disbelief, exclaimed to everyone present.
"But, why!? Why did our school turn into a giant tower!?" Junpei asked, everyone else didn't notice, but i saw Kirijo-san do a VERY minor flinch and looked away. when he asked that and stayed silent.
"...She flinched." Grim also noticed.
"I know. She's hiding the fact that she knows what happened to the school." Junpei is confused, and asked again:
"...You don't know, either?" She answered:
"...No."
"She's lying, i can feel it." Grim said the obvious to me.
"If she's lying, she must have a good reason for it..." Regardless, i agreed with him. To lighten up the mood, Yukari-chan says:
"I'm sure it's complicated." Telling the obvious to everyone.
"No shit..." I agreed with her.
"Who cares anyway? It's not like it would change our minds about fighting." She continued.
"True, true."
"Well, maybe now we'll find out." Sanada-san told us, gathering attention to him.
"Mitsuru and i have only gone in to take a peek; this will be the first time exploring it." He gained a cocky smirk.
"Exciting, isn't it?" After he said that, i had a determined face, and my hand was gripping tight to my katana.
"Yes, it is... I can't wait to let off some steam..." I told him. He continued:
"There has to be some kind of clue in here about the Dark Hour..."
'And about my sister...' i mentally added.
"Akihiko. I respect your enthusiasm, but you wont be accompanying us today." Mitsuru told him. He sweatdropped, and got an annoyed face.
"I know... you don't have to remind me." He said.
"Wow. Broken record much?" I mumbled, but Sanada-san heard that and flinched and unfortunately for me, Kirijo-san also heard it. She was smiling, but i can sense a dark aura around her. I was getting nervous.
"Excuse me, what did you say, younger Yuki?" She said in a disturbingly sweet voice.
"N-n-nothing, Kirijo-san! Ahahahahaha! Ahhhh..." I quickly said. Sanada-san whispered to me:
"If you don't want to get executed, don't make Mitsuru mad. Got that, T.K?"
"Okay. I won't make her mad, Sanada-san." I said to him. Makoto patted me on the back with pity. He said the obvious to everyone:
"Okay, guys. Let's go inside. T.K, stay close to me."
"Right! Let's go, Nii-san!" Then, we went inside the tower.
April 20th, 2009. Dark Hour. Tartarus, 1st Floor, Entrance.
As we went inside, we took a look around the place. It's cool, not gonna lie. There was some pillars, the walls were the floating remains of the school building, there's a green device on the right, kinda like a teleporter of sorts. There was a clock on the left, with a motorcycle with equipment on it. And of course, the most obvious thing. The stairs that lead to the next floor. at the top, there is a small door in the form of multiple golden clocks. The ground pattern was like a chessboard, black and white tiles all around.
"*whistle...* This place is very mysterious..." I said, still amazed about what happened to the school.
"Whoa... It's just as cool on the inside..." Junpei comments, looking around the place.
"But it's sure is creepy..." Said Yukari with a disturbed face.
"And quiet... Maybe a little too quiet..." I said, keeping my guard up at all times. Kirijo-san then warned us:
"This is only the entrance. The labyrinth is beyond the doorway at the stairs." Pointing behind her at the door.
"Plus, Cerberus isn't here, so we're safe here." I told everyone. Sanada-san said the instructions of today's field mission.
"First, we'll have you four get a feel of the place. Why don't you go and have a look around?" Yukari then gets surprised!
"What!? By ourselves!?" She exclaimed. Mitsuru said the rest of the instructions.
"We're not asking you to go very far, and i'll be feeding you information from here."
"You're the navigator, Kirijo-san? Sweet!" I praised her. Junpei asked something smart.
"So, you two didn't plan on coming in the first place?" Sanada-san nodded.
"That's right. We're also going to appoint a leader to make any necessary decisions." Hearing that, Junpei gets excited.
"For real? ...One of us?" Then, like a kid, he raises his hand and jumps up and down.
"Oh! Oh! Me me me me! Pick me!" Akihiko was staring at Yukari, then at me, then settled his eyes on Makoto.
"You're in charge." He declared. Makoto gets surprised and said:
"Me?" Junpei then gets annoyed.
"W-Wait! Why him!? He doesn't look like a leader!" He exclaimed.
*SMACK!*
"Ow! What the hell was that for, T.K!?" He cried in pain. I smacked the back of his head.
"Because i felt like it. And to cure your jealousy." I told him, taking a page off my brother's book. Then Sanada-san declared another thing:
"Takeru, i'm not capable to fight, but i'm appointing you as the sub-leader. You will be the second-in-command of the group. It will start as a group of four, but as we get more members, the party will be in groups of five." I was surprised! And Junpei gets more annoyed.
"Really!? It'll be my honor, Sanada-san!" I said, getting into a military stance.
"You too, T.K?! C'mooooonn!!" Junpei whined. But Yukari says a fact about us.
"But, they HAD fought them before..." Junpei gets more surprised.
"Seriously!?" He said in disbelief.
"That's true, but there's another reason. You two." Sanada-san said. Then, he got his Evoker, and pointed at his head. With a smirk, he asks a important question:
"Can you summon your Persona without any difficulties, like they can?" Yukari and Junpei sweatdropped. Junpei gained a cocky smirk, and said:
"Y-Yeah, of course i can!" In an almost trembling voice.
"I think so." Yukari said.
"These are Shadows we are talking about here. Without your Persona, you're screwed." Sanada-san warned. Yukari sweatdropped at that and said:
"I'm aware of that." Then, a good idea came to my mind.
"Kirijo-san! Permission to speak." I said to her.
"Granted. You have an idea, correct?"
"Yep. Listen. Yukari-chan, Junpei, you said you two can summon your Personas without any difficulty like us, right?" I asked them. They nodded.
"Sooo... How about we put that to the test?" Makoto gets interested.
"Okay. So, what's the plan, sub-leader?" Makoto asked me.
"Well, Captain, i propose a practice spar here at the entrance. To see if they can do what they said, and show us what they are capable of. You can consider it like an initiation." I told them. Kirijo-san and Sanada-san liked that idea. With a smile, she said:
"Sounds like a plan. Here. Pick up your weapons." Mitsuru handed Makoto his short sword, Junpei a two-handed sword, and Yukari a bow.
"Okay, now that you guys are strapped up, let's do a 2 vs 2 fight. Me and Junpei, against Makoto and you, Yukari-chan. It's good training for our teamwork. Any objections?" Everyone shook their heads no.
"Good. Now everyone, get into position." I instructed. Me and Junpei were standing side by side in one corner, while Makoto and Yukari were side by side at the other corner. The Seniors are spectating the match.
"Let's do our best, Junpei!" I said to my teammate.
"Yeah! Let's kick some ass, T.K!" We hi-fived.
"I'll protect you, Yukari. You can count on me." Makoto told her, feeling worried about her. She waved him off.
"Don't worry, Makoto-kun. Unlike us, they don't have a teammate with ranged attacks, so we should be fine."
"Everyone ready?" Akihiko asked. We nodded.
"Then... Let the battle begin!!" He declared! The battle is on!
*BATTLE START!*
*Battle Music: Persona 3 OST: Unavoidable Battle*
I took out my katana and went into a mid-level kendo stance. Junpei was holding his sword like a baseball bat. Makoto was holding his sword to his left side, while Yukari was swinging her bow side to side.
"Okay, the rules are simple. The first team to knock out the other one, wins. The same result happens if one of teams forfeit the match. I'll be generous and let your team make the first move. Okay, Nii-san?" I told everyone. Makoto nodded.
"Okay, but don't expect me to go easy on you, T.K!" He agreed.
"Orpheus!" He twirled his Evoker and summoned his Persona!
"Agi!" He played his harp and launched fireball at me!
"Gah!!" I was weak to Fire, so i was knocked down by the blast.
"T.K! Are you okay!?" Junpei said, worrying about me.
"Ugh... I'm fine..." I said.
*1 MORE!*
"One more! Keep going!" Yukari exclaimed, and Nii-san ordered Orpheus to use another attack.
"Bash!" Orpheus hit Junpei using his harp, dealing moderate damage to him.
"Ha!" Yukari shot some arrows at me, hurting my legs and my shoulders.
"Not bad, but not good enough! It's time to show you what i can do!" I then got up to do a counter attack!
"I am thou..." I was spinning my Evoker, and summoned Hercules!
"Zio!" He launched an electrified bow at Yukari, and knocked her down!
"Ah!!" She exclaimed, after taking the hit.
"You okay?" Makoto asked.
"I'm alright... I forgot i was weak to Electricity!" She complained.
"See, this is what i told my brother back at the dorm. Not only Shadows have weaknesses, but WE have them as well. As you all saw, i'm weak to Fire, while Yukari can't handle electric attacks." I explained to everyone.
*1 MORE!*
"You da man, T.K!" Junpei complimented me as Hercules holds his sword, ready to attack.
"Cleave!" He yelled and did a slash at Makoto's torso, hurting him a little bit.
"Take that!" Junpei runs up to Yukari-chan, and used his sword to hurt her while she's down!
"Persona!" Makoto yelled, using Orpheus to attack!
"Agi!" He tried to knock me down again, but this time, i was prepared!
"Too slow!" I exclaimed, dodging his fireball making Nii-san frustrated. After that, Yukari-chan got up. And is preparing to shoot a bow at Junpei.
"Please hit!" She fired it, and hit Junpei in the knee.
"Ouch!! Nice shot, Yuka-tan!" He praised.
"But now it's my turn!" He said.
"I can't lose to him! Hermes!" He took out his Evoker and after he pulled the trigger, A figure with a knight helm for a face, wearing a blue to purple vest, Pants, and his feet don't have toes. He's entirely made of metal, and it has bird-like features on it. That, was Hermes, Junpei's Persona!
"Cleave!" Hermes declared, and drop-kicked Makoto! making him fly a few feet away! He was about to hit the ground, but landed safely. I was staring at my teammate's Persona.
"Junpei! Your Persona is Hermes, The Messenger of the Gods from Greek Mythology!? Cool!" I said in awe.
"Heh! I know, right? And, did you see how powerful it is!?" He boasted. But what i saw coming and he didn't, was Orpheus' attack!
"Bash!" Orpheus was gonna use his harp to hit Junpei!
"Look out!" I screamed, and tackled him out of the way.
"Whoa!" He exclaimed while being tackled, barely dodging Makoto's attack. But, no time to scold him! We need to get serious!
"Persona!" I yelled, and made Hercules attack!
"Zio!" He launched another electrified arrow at my brother, knocking him down!
"Not bad..." Makoto said.
*1 MORE!*
"One more for good measure!" I exclaimed.
"Zio!" Hercules launched the arrow at Yukari, also knocking her down!
"Oh no!" She exclaimed. The two of them are down! Time to do the thing!
"Here's our chance! Let's get 'em!" Junpei told me.
"Right!"
"Get back here, you son of a--!!" Junpei screamed as we did an All-out Attack on my brother's team! They recieved heavy damage, but they are still standing.
"Keep at it, Junpei!"
"You got it! Check this out!" Junpei summoned Hermes to attack Yukari-chan!
"Cleave!" Like Makoto, Hermes drop-kicked Yukari sending her flying for a little bit and she fell into the ground face first. After struggling for a little bit, she got up, and stood by my brother.
"Ugh... I'd never seen Junpei fight like that..." Yukari complained to Makoto.
"Whew... Yeah... Even T.K is being serious. Looks like he considers me as his rival." Makoto agreed. Little did we know, on that moment, he gets an evil grin on his face!
"But! He didn't see your Persona, Yukari! If you summon her, he will get distracted! You have healing skills?" He instructed and asked. She got into a sassy grin.
"Damn right i do!" Yukari prepares to put her gun to her forehead, hesitating for a bit, but at that moment, she remembered Grim's words.
''If something like this happen again, you might get yourself, and those you were trying to protect killed.'
'Be brave, and be more determined, damn it!'
With those words, she has a very determined face. She can do this!
"Gotta be brave! Io!!" She screamed, and pulled the trigger! And summoned a dark skinned woman, the same shade of skin of Orpheus, She wears a pink dress, has blond hair, her eyes are closed and she doesn't have a mouth. Her wrists are chained, as is the rest of her body, and she's sitting on what looks like a cow's head, using it as a chair. Her name is Io! And she was Yukari's Persona!
"Dia..." She whispered, and healed Makoto back to moderate strength. Again, i was in awe seeing her Persona.
"Io... One of Zeus' many wives in Mythology... Who unfortunately was turned into a cow by him... It's so sad..." I said, feeling pity towards it. Junpei noticed her healing ability, and got scared.
"Damn it! Yuka-tan can heal!" I didn't pay attention to what he was saying as i was still staring at Io.
"You're wide open!" Makoto exclaimed, as he summoned Orpheus again!
"Agi!" He launched a fireball at me, and i was too late notice it!
"Ah, crap-baskets!!" I screamed, before getting hit in the face by the attack!
"Guaaaaahhh!!!" I was sent flying and hit my back into a pillar, making me cough up blood. I fell onto the floor, struggling to get up.
"*cough* *cough* *cough* That... Was... A low blow, Makoto! But... You're doing good!" I praised and complained at Makoto for his performance.
*1 MORE!*
"Nice, Makoto-kun!" Yukari complimented, and Makoto Ordered another attack from Orpheus!
"Bash!" He then brought down his harp by Junpei's face, getting a critical hit!
"Shit!" Junpei exclaimed, falling on his ass on the ground. It's their turn to do the All-out Attack.
"Here's our chance for an All-out Attack!" Yukari pointed out.
"All right, let's do this!!" Makoto screamed.
"Let me at 'em!" Yukari exclaimed, and they started to beat us up with an All-out Attack! Well... we're barely able to stand up after that, so... I made a decision.
"Okay... We can stop now. I've seen enough. Good job, everyone!" I told everyone, making our team forfeit, so my brother's team won this time. That was a good training session, and i'm happy for everyone.
*BATTLE END.*
*Victory Theme: Persona 3 OST: After The Battle*
"Whew... That was one intense training battle!" I said, feeling very sore and tired.
"You can say that again, Takeru! But i wouldn't mind doing this again sometime!" Junpei agreed, and he wanted to spar again.
"Well, for your first battles, the both of you did good. I'll be good as a leader for you two." Makoto congratulated his classmates.
"Thanks! The two of you would do a great job leading us into battle!" Yukari is in high expectations of us.
"We all got a little stronger after our training, so, in no way the Shadows will be able to defeat us!" I told everyone, feeling our Personas' power getting stronger.
*Music Change: Persona 3 OST: The Voice Someone Calls*
After our practice spar, and with Yukari-chan healing us back to full capacity, the seniors were surprised of our performance in battle. Sanada-san is very impressed, while Kirijo-san is smiling at our progress.
"Well now... You proved me right. You two CAN summon your Personas without any difficulty." Sanada-san told Junpei and Yukari.
"See!? I told you i can!" Junpei boasted.
"Wow... I didn't think i could pull this off... But i am glad i did!" Yukari-chan is surprised at herself.
"Great work, guys! Now that we are warmed up, we can get ready for the real mission." I congratulated and reminded everyone what we REALLY came here to do.
"Thank you for the show, Sub-leader Yuki. Now... The four of you are ready to go inside. Let's go." Kirijo-san told us.
"Right!" The four of us said at the same time. However... As we approached the stairs...
*SHATTER*
Makoto and I were surprised when we heard a glass shattering noise, when we looked to our right, we saw a strange door standing out. It was a black door with blue light coming out of it. Yukari looked at us with an raised eyebrow, being confused. We didn't notice it because we were walking in the direction of the door.
"This door... Has a familiar sensation to it..." I told him, getting closer to the door.
"I know. I wonder what's inside...?" Makoto asked me.
"We're about to find out, 'cause we're here." I said to him. When we arrived at the door, the Velvet Keys that Igor-sama gave us was starting to glow. I know what that door is now! It's our way in to the Velvet Room! We opened the door and went inside.
*Music Ends.*
April 20th, 2009. Dark Hour. Velvet Room.
*Music: Persona 3 OST: Poem Of Everyone's Souls*
We were inside the Velvet Room again, but this time, we were awake and in our physical bodies. Makoto took his seat on the harp-shaped chair, while i took the bow and arrow one.
"I've been waiting for you. The time has come to wield your power." Igor-sama told us.
"The tower that you are about to venture into... How did it come to be? For what purpose does it exist?" He asked us, but as i was about to answer him, he continued:
"Regrettably, you are not yet capable to answer these questions."
"Right..." I said to him.
"That is why you must be made aware of the nature of your power." He told us. Curious, i asked:
"What IS the nature of our power?" But before Igor-sama could answer, Makoto asked something else:
"About that door..."
"It leads here, although no one but you two can see it." Igor-sama told us.
"Ah, i see. But, back to my question, what is our power, really?" I asked. The long-nosed man is happy to answer.
"Your powers are unique. Especially yours, Takeru-kun."
"It's like the number zero... It's empty, but at the same time it holds infinite possibilities." He said in an enigimatic way. I realized what he was talking about.
"Infinite possibilities...? Wait! That's the Fool arcana from Tarot! It's also known as the Wild Card!"
"Correct! You, my boys, are able to use multiple Personas, and summon them as needed." Igor-sama dropped a huge bomb onto us. And my jaw hit the floor of how surprised i was when i heard what he said. Makoto's eyes widened as well
"SAY WHAT!? We can summon more than one?! That's awesome!" I screamed.
"I agree... That means we will be very strong." Makoto nodded.
"And when you defeated your enemies, you will see the faces of possibillty before you." He said in a mysterious way.
"There may be times when they are difficult to grasp... But, do not fear. Seize what you earned." He continued.
"I understand." I understood, or at least tried to.
"Your power will grow accordingly... Be sure to keep that in mind." We nodded. Then, the long-nosed man turned to look at me.
"As for you, Takeru-kun, Not only you are capable of having the ability to have multiple Personas, you also have the ability to change your starting Persona's Arcana." He dropped another bomb, making my jaw drop again.
"I can do WHAT with Hercules!?" I asked.
"Yes... You can change your Persona's Arcana, as also your proprieties, and your specialty." Igor-sama said.
"Cool!" I exclaimed.
"My spare time will soon be scarce." He told us, making us have a serious face.
"But, please come again of your own accord. I will tell you about my true role... the manner in which i can best assist you." He told us.
"Until then... Farewell." He bid us farewell. We nodded. We then got up from our chairs, and went out of the Velvet Room.
*Music Ends.*
April 20th, 2009. Dark Hour. Tartarus, 1st Floor, Entrance.
*Music: Persona 3 OST: The Voice Someone Calls*
We stepped out of the door, and we are back at Tartarus. We are looking at tt. Junpei and Yukari went to where we are to check on us.
"Hey, are you two alright?" She asked us, and we turned around to see them.
"Yeah, what's up? You both look like zombies." Junpei told us.
"Nothing." Makoto lied.
"Don't tell me you just dozed off!" He exclaimed, but i decided to explain.
"Nah, we were just discussing our battle plans. That's what leaders do before they go into battle with their squad." I expertly lied to them.
"If you say so, Takeru-kun." Yukari said, although feeling a little bit of doubt hearing my words.
"Well, if nothing's wrong, let's go!" She told us.
"Right! Lead the way, Captain!" I told my brother, and he nodded. Our team composition is this: Makoto will be going first, i will go second, Yukari is third, and Junpei will be in the back of our party. The four of us started to go up the stairs and stopped in front of the clock-shaped gate that leads to the next floor.
"Are you ready?" Kirijo-san asked.
"Yes, we're ready." Makoto told her, and everyone else nodded.
"Good luck." Mitsuru told us. and we went upstairs to get to the REAL labyrinth within.
*Music Ends.*
April 20th, 2009. Dark Hour. Tartarus, Thebel Block, 2nd Floor.
*Music: Persona 3 OST: Tartarus - 1st Block*
Weapons in hand, we look around as we are now inside the labyrinth. The walls are green, the floor has a chessboard pattern, and in some corners was some pools of blood.
"So, this is it, huh...?" Junpei asked with a serious face.
"I hope i don't get lost..." Yukari said with a worried face.
"Don't worry, we can do this." Makoto reassured.
"Just try to keep up, though!" I exclaimed with a cocky grin.
"Can you all hear me?" Kirijo-san brought our attention, using her commuicator to contact us. Junpei is surprised to hear her voice.
"Whoa! Is that you, Senpai?" He asked, with a dumbfounded expression
"I'll be providing audio backup from here on out." Kirijo-san told us.
"Wait... Ya mean, you can see inside here?" Junpei is shocked.
'But we already knew that... Is he an idiot?' I mentally complained and facepalmed.
"It's my Persona's ability. I'd like to join you, but the structure of Tartarus changes from day to day." She explained.
"Makes sense." I nodded, agreeing to what she was saying.
"That's why outside support is imperative." She continued. Yukari-chan sweatdropped.
"Well, THAT makes me feel a whole lot better..." Yukari said with sarcasm, feeling worried. I patted her on the back.
"Now, based on your current location, you can expect to encounter enemies at any minute." Mitsuru gave the instructions. I nodded. and i got my serious face, hiding an evil grin.
"We have permission to eliminate them if necessary?" I asked, the hand holding my katana shaking with excitement.
"That is correct, Sub-leader Yuki. You and Leader Yuki are expected to defeat any enemies that can get in the way. But if your brother wants to, you can just ignore them. They shoudn't be too tough, but proceed with caution. Practice makes perfect." She instructed.
"Yes, Ma'am!" I exclaimed.
"Understood." Makoto nodded.
"Right!" Junpei said with a smile.
"Got it." Yukari agreed. having a smile on her face. The minute that Kirijo-san signed off, she muttered under her breath:
"Why is she always like that...?" While sweatdropping. Everyone got into battle posicions, and we awaited further instructions from Kirijo-san. Which she gave.
"Let's begin. Keep in mind, these are real battles you'll be engaging in." Kirijo-san warned.
"Now, see if you can eliminate all of the Shadows wandering around this floor." She continued. We then started to run around the place, finding a briefcase containing a bottle of Medicine, as we saw our first Shadow. It was a black blob with four arms and red eyes. Seeing this Makoto lifted his hand, saying that everyone should stop moving. Kirijo-san then chimed in to warn us.
"Watch out! I detect a Shadow in front of you!"
"I see it!" I exclaimed.
"What's the call, Senpai?" Makoto asked.
"Hit it before it hits you!" She instructed.
"Understood! Time to fight!" I exclaimed and my brother stabbed the Shadow from the back, giving us the advantage! Let's battle!
*BATTLE START!*
*Battle Music: Persona 3 OST: Mass Destruction*
The Shadow transformed into the same blobs that my brother and i fought, that being with blue mask with the roman number I.
"Takeba has informed me about your power, but nevertheless, aside from your brother, you have minimal combat experience." Kirijo-san told my brother, but we all can hear it. We are on the same line after all.
"Would you like me to explain the basics of battle?" She asked. Makoto shook his head.
"No, thank you. I will learn what to do while i'm fighting."
"Okay, but remember, when you use your skills, you'll be using your physical health, and using magic will use up your stamina." She instructed.
"Understood."
"Then proceed to defeat the enemy before you. Try using your attacks or your Personas." She told the last thing he should do. And he immediately summons Orpheus!
"Orpheus!"
"Agi!" Orpheus launched a fireball at the Shadow, making it fall to the ground.
"Well done, Leader! You've attacked the enemy's weak point!" She congratulated my brother.
"Here's our chance for an All-out Attack!" Yukari exclaimed.
"Let's go, everyone!" He screamed!
"Let me at 'em!!" We then proceeded to beat the Shadow up to a pulp! Killing it instantly.
"You have the potential to grow even stronger." Kirijo-san said to him, her way to congratulating him.
*BATTLE END!*
*Music: Persona 3 OST: Tartarus - 1st Block.
After that VERY easy battle, our experience and Personas slightly increased, And the Shadow dropped a Snuff Soul.
"Easy!" I boasted.
"That was fast..." Yukari sweatdropped.
"Okay, let's keep going." The three of us nodded hearing my brother's orders. We kept exploring the place as we found some stairs that leads to the next floor of this place.
"There should be a staircase nearby. Can you see it?" Kirijo-san asked.
"Affirmative. It's right in front of us, Kirijo-san." I told her.
"Good. A staircase is the only way to proceed to the next floor. I can't allow you to go any higher today, but please remember it for next time."
"Yes, Ma'am. Let's get going." We continued to run around the place, until that we saw a slightly bigger Shadow. Kirijo-san then warned us about it.
"There's another Shadow in front of you!"
"We have our eyes on it." Makoto confirmed.
"You'll be in a disadvantage If your enemy gets the first hit in, so try to surprise your opponents and strike first." Makoto nodded. Again he sneaked behind the Shadow, slashed it with his sword and he gave us the advantage we needed!
*Battle Music: Persona 3 OST: Mass Destruction*
It is the same enemy type as last time, the Cowardly Mayas. This time, there are two of them.
"Now it's a good time for me to explain about attack proprieties, which are important to consider during battle." Kirijo-san said to us.
"Do you want to know more?" She asked. I answered before Nii-san could.
"Thanks, Kirijo-san, but we don't need it. After all, in our spar, i already explained about the elements and weaknesses."
"Right then, but i should warn you, If Leader Yuki says the word, i can analyse and figure out the enemy's weakness."
"Copy that, Kirijo-san." I nodded.
"The enemies that you're facing have a weakness than you can exploit. Why don't you give it a try?" He nodded.
"Mitsuru-senpai. Analysis." Makoto ordered.
"Roger. I'll attempt to analyse the enemy."
"Yukari, stand by." Makoto ordered again.
"All right." She nodded.
"You too, Junpei."
"All right, fine." He scoffed.
"Can you do that, T.K?"
"You're the boss." I nodded. We waited our turns then Mitsuru gave the information we needed.
"Everyone! The enemy is weak to both Fire and Electricity! Use Agi and Zio Skills!"
"Thanks, Mitsuru-senpai. Okay, guys! You can act freely now!" We nodded.
"Leave this one to me, Captain!" I exclaimed.
"Let's do this!" I summoned Hercules to use my skill!
"Zio!" He launched an electrified arrow at the Shadow, hitting his weak point!
"Sub-leader Yuki has knocked an enemy down!" Kirijo-san told everyone.
*1 MORE!*
"Go, T.K, go!" Junpei cheered.
"Hercules!!"
"Zio!" I struck the Shadow down with lightning! Time to surround them!
"We have our chance! Ready to beat them up?" I asked. Makoto nodded.
"You know it!"
"Time to send you to Hell!!" We then started to curbstomp the Shadows into oblivion! The were no survivors.
"Piece of cake!" I cheered!
*Victory Theme: Persona 3 OST: After The Battle*
"Great work, T.K!" Nii-san put his arm to his shoulder, giving me a one armed hug.
"Thanks, Bro!"
"You did great back there, Takeru-kun!" , Said Yukari-chan with a smile!
"Yeah! Nice one, T.K!" Junpei told me.
"Well, i feel like we got a little stronger. And i think that Hercules learned a new skill! I can't wait for our next battle!"
*Music Change: Persona 3 OST: Tartarus - 1st Block*
The next thing we did, Is that we found some money in another briefcase around the floor, and basicly explored more and more with Kirijo-san's guidance. We found another Shadow, slightly bigger than the last, and definitely bigger than the one before the last.
*Change to Battle Music: Persona 3 OST: Mass Destruction*
We engaged in battle, Kirijo-san tried to explain about one mores, which are the actions we can take after we knock down the Shadows, or our fellow Persona-users. There were three Cowardly Mayas this time, The Captain knocked down all of them, Junpei gave the tell, and we unleashed an All-out Attack, Destroying them.
*Change to Victory Theme: Persona 3 OST: After The Battle.
But before we can continue on our exploration, some mysterious cards have appeared in my mind, as also my brother's. Only we could see them. There's three of them. A card with the image of a female fairy wearing blue dress, blue shoes, and she had red hair. The second one is in the image of a coin. And the final one looks like a leaf, but more of a wand. I think these are the "Faces of possibillty" that Igor-sama was talking about. The cards shuffled around, but we both got the fairy. And after I got the fairy, at the same time i got her arcana, which is the Lovers. The image of the card is of a heart with a line in the middle, one half is blue with a silhouette of a man, and the other one is pink with a silhouette of a woman. The Arcana represents choice, betten the correct path and the easy path. Is a misconception that the card represents romance.
"*giggle* So, you are my new master?" I heard the fairy talk to me in my head.
"Yeah, i guess so. What's your name?" I asked.
"I'm Pixie! From now on, we are one and the same." The fairy, now known as Pixie, introduced herself. I mentally smiled at her.
"Nice to meet you, Pixie! I hope we can get along!"
*Music: Persona 3 OST: Tartarus - 1st Block*
After meeting our new Personas, The Captain says that we should get moving.
A few moments later, we found a REALLY big Shadow.
"I detect a Shadow in front of you." Mitsuru warned.
"Is right over there, Senpai!" Junpei exclaimed.
"How are you feeling? If you or your other party members is in bad shape, then use healing items prior to engaging the enemy." She continued. The Captain nodded. and he turned to us:
"How are you, guys?" He asked.
"No problems here, boss!" I said to him, doing an ok sign with my free hand."
"I'm fine, thanks for asking, Leader." Yukari-chan said with a smile.
"Yep! I can do this all day!" Junpei boasted.
"That's good to hear. But, stay sharp, let's go and get that Shadow!" We nodded at my brother's words. We charged, and my brother struck from behind, giving us the advantage once again!
*Change to Battle Music: Persona 3 OST: Mass Destruction*
There were four of those Mayas this time. Kirijo-san explained that syncronized attack we did in the battles prior to this one, which is the All-out Attack. She said that would be the last thing that she will teach about the basics. However, she warns that the Shadows will get stronger the further we advance, so if necessary, we can retreat if one of us is badly hurt. She also said that some battles, escaping isn't an option. This fight right now is one them. And she wished us good luck. (Not like we're gonna need it with these weaklings...) We did the same thing we did at the last fight, knocking them down, attacking at once, blah blah blah, you guys already know at this point.
*Change to Victory Music: Persona 3 OST: After The Battle*
Me and bro saw the cards again, this time, there are two of them, a Pixie, and a wand. The cards shuffled, we got the wand, increasing our experience. All of us got stronger, as well as our Personas.
*Music Change: Persona 3 OST: Tartarus - 1st Block*
I think that's the last of them. We ran around the place, until we stopped in a corridor that splits the path. One is to the left, and the other way is to the right.
"That's odd. Usually, there are more Shadows on the prowl..." Kirijo-san said, feeling suspicious.
"Yeah... After we took out that last one, the place had grown quiet... And i don't like it..." I said, always keeping my guard in check.
"Well, at least you all gained some experience in battle. Let's go back to the dorm for the day." She suggested.
"Roger that, we're going back." Makoto nodded.
"There should be an Access Point somewhere on that floor. You can use it to go back to the entrance. Since there's no enemies to worry about, why don't you split up and search individually?" She brought up an idea to my brother. He turned to us and gave us the order.
"Okay team, let's split up, and find the Access Point and get out of here."
"Right!" We all said at the same time. My brother and I went to the left, and Yukari and Junpei sent to the right. In the right side, Junpei found a Snuff Soul and reported to us. We found the Access Point, so gave the order.
"Okay everyone, time to regroup! Kirijo-san will give you the coordinates to the Access Point." We quickly regrouped with the other two, and we got inside the Access Point, teleporting us back to the first floor.
*Music Ends.*
April 20th, 2009. Dark Hour. Tartarus, 1st Floor, Entrance.
*Music: Persona 3 OST: The Voice Someone Calls*
*3rd Person P.O.V.*
The four Persona-users appeared back at the entrance, surprised by the technology that the place had. They rushed back to Mitsuru and Akihiko. Mitsuru has a satisfied smile.
"Welcome back." She greeted.
"So, How was it?" She asked, wanting to hear the feedback.
"No problem." Makoto said with confidence.
"Yep. Those guys were pushovers." I said, not feeling any exhaustion.
"I see. Well, if you gained confidence, that's the best thing you could of achieved." She's happy that they did good on their first exploration.
"Wow... I never knew i had that kinda power! We kicked some ass!" Junpei said with an ear to ear grin. But then, the adrenaline worn off on him.
"But damn, i'm beat..." He said, already feeling the effects after the battles. Yukari sweatdropped at this.
"That's cuz you were bouncin' around like a little kid." She said to him. Junpei retorts:
"You look pretty tired yourself, Yuka-tan."
"I'm still trying to catch my breath, actually..." She said, also feeling tired.
"That's the effect of the Dark Hour: You'll get fatigued more easily. Don't worry you'll adapt." Mitsuru explained and reassured.
"But, i'm surprised... You all did much better than i expected." She said with a smile. Takeru rubbed his head in embarassment.
"At this rate, they'll catch up to you in no time, Akihiko." She also took her time to rub in her classmate's face.
"Heh. We'll see about that." He retorted with a smile. After this exploration, the brothers felt their bond with the Squad get stronger.
*Rank Up! Fool Arcana: Rank 2!*
After all of the excitement, S.E.E.S return back to the dorm and rest, because they still have school the next day.
To Be Continued...
Level Up!
Makoto Yuki: Level 4.
HP: 89 SP: 60
Orpheus: Level 3.
Arcana: Fool.
St: 6
Ma:5
En:7
Ag:6
Lu:5
Weaknesses: Electricity, Darkness.
Skills: Bash( Deals light Strike damage on one foe.) Agi( Deals light Fire damage on one foe.)
Next Skill: Tarunda at Level 6.
Pixie: Level 2
Arcana: Lovers.
St:2
Ma:4
En:3
Ag:5
Lu:3
Resistances: Electricity.
Skills: Dia(Slightly heals one ally.)
Next Skill: Rakunda at Level 3.
Takeru Yuki: Level 4.
HP: 90 SP:62
Hercules: Level 4.
Arcana: Fool.
St:6
Ma:6
En:7
Ag:6
Lu:4
Resistances: Slash, Electricity.
Weakness: Fire.
Skills: Cleave: ( Deals light Slash damage to one foe.) Zio: (Deals light Electric damage to one foe with a chance of Shock.) Single Shot( Deals light Pierce damage to one foe.)
Next Skill: Tarukaja at Level 7.
Pixie: Same stats as Makoto's.
Yukari Takeba and Io: Level 3.
HP: 63. SP: 82.
Arcana: Lovers.
St:3
Ma:6
En:4
Ag:4
Lu:2
Resistance: Wind.
Weakness: Electricity.
Skills: Dia. (Slightly heals one ally.)
Next Skill: Patra at Level 4.
Junpei Iori and Hermes: Level 3.
HP:98 SP:59
Arcana: Magician.
St:8
Ma:3
En:6
Ag:5
Lu:3
Resistance: Fire.
Weakness: Wind.
Skills: Cleave: (Deals light Fire damage to one foe.)
Next Skill: Agi at Level 5.