4/21
Last night's encounter, be it been a dream or some kind of vision like when she'd first arrived... Mukuro still wasn't totally sure, had been on her mind for much of the day. The strange boy and his cryptic words bothered her, with her history as a trained mercenary having made her used to briefing that gave her exactly what she needed to know while the boy had been vague.
Unfortunately, there was little she could do about it. She'd kept it to herself as she'd recalled Yukari had apparently known nothing of the boy when she'd come to the dorm. She also wondered about this "end" he'd spoken of and what it meant.
...More unanswered questions...
As class finally ended for the day, Mitsuru had told them to meet at the lounge once they got back to the dorm, though Yukari had wanted to stop by a local strip mall near the train station first.
The young mercenary paused a moment to take in the place as she and Yukari arrived. The other girl having wanted to pick up some dinner there as well as show Mukuro the place in case she ever wanted to visit. The place was built into a large, three-story building in which several shops lined each floor, including a second-hand bookstore and a fast food chain called Wild Duck Burger on the lower floor, and several other restaurants including a sweet shop, a beef bowl place, and more on the floors further up, along with a manga shop.
"So, about yesterday," Yukari said, leading Mukuro to the spiral stairs. "That was... that was real amazing, I gotta say! I admit, I'm a little jealous."
"Hm?" Mukuro looked over at her.
"I froze up, and my area of combat skill begins and ends with archery club," Yukari said. "You, though, out there against those Shadows, you beat them on your own. I doubt I could do that."
"If you'd like, I could train you, some," Mukuro replied. "A longbow isn't quite my area of preference, though. If you want to know firearms or melee weapons, though..."
"Uh, yeah, I doubt even Mitsuru could get us access to that first option to store in the dorm!" Yukari said with a sheepish laugh. "Melee weapons, though, I dunno. I guess I just don't feel comfortable getting into close range with an enemy."
"How's your aiming skills?" Mukuro asked.
"Good. I guess," Yukari said. "I can certainly hit the targets during club..."
"I see," the dark-haired girl replied, noticing Yukari's concern. By her guess, Yukari did have plenty of skill with a bow, but from her behavior on the night that giant Shadow had attacked and taking time to recover from the injury she doubted the other girl had much, if any experience with one in real combat. The young mercenary chose to keep note of that.
"Also, guess you remember Akihiko was injured on the night you collapsed. A Shadow got a hit in, hurt his ribs pretty bad so he's out of action for a while." Yukari explained as she led the way over to a place selling takoyaki. "...Also, I was a bit uneasy working alone with Mitsuru-senpai."
"What do you mean?" Mukuro asked.
"I dunno, maybe I'm paranoid, or I'm just worried I'll mess up," Yukari said. "I-It's not that I don't like her or anything," she backtracked. "Just...
"If you're concerned about your ability to handle a fight, if you want to go out again during the Dark Hour, I can supervise," Mukuro offered. Admittedly, she thought, she'd have liked to assess the skill level of those she worked with.
Yukari laughed a little. "Maybe I should," she said as they reached the shop, Yukari ordering a a dish for herself and one for Mukuro, who regarded the food with curiosity.
"Never had takoyaki before?" Yukari asked with a smirk.
"Not since the time my sister told me they were actually eyeballs after I bit into one," Mukuro replied.
Yukari broke into a laugh. "I promise, Mukuro, they are eyeball-free. It's just octopus, it's real good!" she said, taking one of hers up with a toothpick and eating it, savoring the taste and giving Mukuro an assuring smile.
Mukuro gave a small, sharp exhale as she accepted her tray, taking one up and eating it. It was savory, crisp outer texture with seasoning, soft inner texture. It was actually quite good. "Hm... you win," she conceded.
Yukari giggled. "Mukuro, I kinda feel there's a few things you missed out on in being a teenage girl," she said. "Anyways, Mitsuru, she's... I dunno. Again, it's not like I dislike her or anything..."
The girl took a quick, aggressive bite of her next takoyaki, taking the entire thing whole.
"Junpei, though" she grumbled once she'd finished. "I'm not hostile... am I? Did he have to listen in on when Mitsuru dropped by to tell us to meet up in the lounge? I swear, he can never mind his own business!"
The girl angrily gulped down another takoyaki as Mukuro ate one of her own.
"You two have known eachother for a while, though, haven't you?" the young mercenary asked.
"Yeah, I guess we were friends, then, but why's he gotta say stuff in like the creepiest way when he comes over?" Yukari protested. "I swear, the less I gotta deal with him, the better!"
"I doubt he means anything by it," Mukuro replied. "He didn't come off that way with me."
Yukari rolled her eyes. "Maybe. I swear, though, some guys just have no clue how to talk to girls!"
"I'm... not really an expert on that, and I never really gave boys much thought either," Mukuro replied.
"Oh? Not even one crush?" Yukari asked.
"With the life I had, there were a lot of more important things to keep my mind on. Dating and romance weren't exactly high priority," Mukuro said.
"I see," Yukari said, eating another takoyaki. "Well, you may wanna brush up on it."
"What do you mean?" Mukuro asked, looking confused as she ate one of her own.
Yukari giggled a little and shook her head. "...Nevermind. We should probably head back to the dorm, now. Don't wanna keep Mitsuru-senpai waiting..."
"Welcome back," Mitsuru said as Yukari entered the dorm, followed by Mukuro. The older girl was seated in the armchair as she looked over at them.
"What's this about, Mitsuru?" Yukari asked.
"Well, after you two went to bed last night, Akihiko decided to go against orders and sneak out to spar with Shadows despite his injury," Mitsuru explained.
"And what does that have to do with us?" Mukuro asked, folding her arms. "If you intend to blame me for his decision..."
"No, not at all," Mitsuru said, waving her hand dismissively and looking over at the clock on the wall. "...Honestly, he should have been back by now."
"What happened?" Yukari asked, concerned. "I saw him at school he looked fine."
"You'll know when he gets back," Mitsuru replied. "He's fine, it's more a matter of what happened while he was out. It's good news for us, actually."
A moment later, Mukuro and Yukari heard the door open behind them as Akihiko stepped in, carrying his uniform blazer over his shoulder.
"Sorry to keep you both waiting!" he said with an apologetic nod. Mukuro glanced at him in curiosity as she noticed he'd left the door open.
"Okay, he's here, what's this all about, exactly?" Yukari asked.
"Got someone to introduce," Akihiko said matter-of-factly before turning his head towards the open door. "Hey! Hurry up!" he called.
"Hold your horses! This is freakin' heavy to pull up stairs, you know!" a familiar, male voice called from outside.
Mukuro blinked. Yukari's eyes went wide with horror before the voice's owner stepped in with a backpack and a briefcase almost as big as himself.
"J-JUNPEI?!" Yukari cried out, recoiling in shock. "W-What the hell's HE doing here?! W-Wait, don't tell me...!"
"This is Junpei Iori from Class 2-F. He'll be staying here with us as of today," Akihiko explained.
"Waz-zup!" Junpei said, his face lighting up and giving the girls a big grin as he looked over at them. "Ikusaba! You and Yuka-tan? That explains a lot!" he said with a chuckle.
"Wh-what's going on here?!" Yukari asked, staring agape in disbelief at Akihiko and completely ignoring Junpei's greeting."H-He's seriously staying here?! You gotta be kidding me, this is a prank, right?"
"No prank. When I went out I actually bumped into him," Akihiko said. "He has the potential and he awakened to it, so I told him about us and he agreed to help."
"You mean a Persona?" Mukuro asked. "You awakened to one?"
"Yup," Junpei said. "Not exactly my proudest moment, though! He found me curled up at the convenience store, cryin' like a baby! Like I was out pickin' up some late night snacks then suddenly everything goes dark and I'm surrounded by coffins instead'a people. Embarrassing but c'mon who wouldn't do that?"
"It was... unusual," Mukuro remarked. The first time she'd experienced the Dark Hour and her awakening had been a few days apart and while she certainly hadn't panicked she had been extremely on edge the whole trip to the dorm.
"Understatement!" Junpei said. "Akihiko here found me, then these monsters suddenly appeared and came at us! That's when my Persona showed up! He got me home after, thought I was dreamin' at first, I don't remember a whole lot else, but he said it's totally normal in the beginning of it all."
"Not in my experience," Mukuro replied. "Mine was... different."
"Eh, I doubt it's a big deal! We're all Persona-users, right?" Junpei asked. "Which reminds me, gotta say it was a real shock findin' out about all this, and that you and Yuka-tan are part of it, too?"
"You of all people, though?" Yukari asked, folding her arms.
"Hey, be a little more stoked," Junpei said. "It'd be nice to have another guy around, right, Akihiko?"
Akihiko couldn't help but scoff a little. "A bit, yeah," he said with a small smirk.
Yukari glanced over at Mukuro, then at Junpei. "Sure... whatever you say."
"Then it's all settled," Akihiko said. "It's good to have you on board, Junpei, especially since that means now we can get ready..."
"Ready for what?" Junpei asked.
"Is it that matter you discussed the previous night?" Mukuro asked, recalling last night's converstion before her personal shadow sparring session.
"That would be correct, Miss Ikusaba," Chairman Ikutsuki said, stepping into the dorm. "Ah, Mr. Iori! Akihiko's told me about you!"
Junpei gave a nervous smile. "Oh, right, Akihiko said you were in charge!" he did a quick, polite bow. "It's an honor to serve, sir!"
Ikutsuki chuckled merrily. "No need for the formalities. Call me Ikutsuki or "Chairman", or even "The Chairman Informally Known As Ikutsuki!"
Silence filled the room. Even Junpei did not seem taken by the chairman's bad joke, or simply didn't get it.
"...Uhh... Yuka-tan, was that meant to be-" Junpei started
"Trust me, that's somehow not his lamest one," Yukari muttered.
I'd hate to imagine what that is, Mukuro thought to herself, still recalling the ones she heard last night.
"Well, anyway, enough with introductions! Let's all head upstairs and get to what our next course of action is!" Ikutsuki said, spreading his arms out with enthusiasm.
"Uhh, wait... where am I staying?" Junpei asked.
"Second floor," Mitsuru said, already on her way up.
"...And I gotta lug this up those stairs? Gimme a break," Junpei grumbled.
"Here..." Mukuro came over, taking the handle of the large briefcase and bringing it to the stairs.
"Mukuro, you sure about-" Junpei started, his words cut off as she began to heave it up the steps. "Whoa! Hang on! Don't strain yourself lemme give ya a hand!" he shouted, bringing up the rear to push while the others headed on further up, Yukari glancing back before following the others upstairs.
"Phew! You alright?" Junpei asked once the briefcase had made it up the stairs. "Pretty heavy, huh?"
Mukuro offered a shrug. "Nothing compared to basic training."
"Basic training?" Junpei asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion with a matching expression to go with it before Akihiko came jogging back down the steps.
"Oh, right, almost forgot. Key to your room," he said, pointing to one of the doors down the hall and handing the key to Junpei. The light-haired boy looked over at Mukuro smiling in approval from her feat of strength before heading back up the stairs.
Mukuro noticed Junpei still looking at her, waiting for her to explain. She'd already shared enough with Yukari, and it was evident the chairman, Mitsuru, and most likely Akihiko knew all there was to know about her prior to coming her. "...They're waiting. I'm sure everything will be explained, then" she said, leading the way upstairs.
Joining the others on the fourth floor, Mukuro and Junpei were led inside along with Yukari, Akihiko, and Mitsuru by Ikutsuki before he took a seat in his armchair.
"Now that we're all here," Ikutsuki began as the others took their seats. "I'd like your undivided attention: For a long time, Mitsuru and Akihiko were the only Persona-users we had, but that number's recently jumped to five. For that reason, I believe it's finally time, starting at midnight tonight, that we commence the exploration of Tartarus..."
"Tartarus? What's that? Sounds like a toothpaste," Junpei remarked.
"The name of the place where sinners go in Greek mythology," Mitsuru said.
"So... basically it's Hell," Junpei mused before his eyes suddenly went wide. "Wait, you mean we're going to Hell?!"
"No, not exactly, we simply named it such," Ikutsuki said. "I suppose you've not seen it for yourself, Junpei. It only appears during the Dark Hour."
"Dark Hour? Right, when it got all scary and people were in coffins?" Junpei asked.
"Yup. It's actually the perfect place to train when you think about it," Akihiko said. "Shadows, those things you saw, the place is infested with 'em! Think of it as a Shadow nest."
"...Soooo, yeah, sounds like Hell," Junpei quipped.
Mukuro's interest was immediately piqued even further.
"So, we're going into this "Tartarus" place and fighting Shadows?" Mukuro asked, folding her arms and looking at the chairman with intrigue.
"It's a little more complicated then that, but that is the gist of it, yes," Ikutsuki explained. "As it appears during the Dark Hour along with Shadows, who gather and nest there, we believe it is somehow connected to it. Now that we have enough people, we can more safely explore it for answers."
"Wait, what about your injury, senpai?" Yukari asked, looking over at Akihiko in concern.
"He hasn't fully recovered yet, so he'll remain at the entrance," Mitsuru replied.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Akihiko muttered, not hiding any of his disappointment.
"Oh, I'm sure he won't be too jealous provided you all don't travel in too far," Ikutsuki said with a chuckle. "As I said, since we are dealing with Shadows and Tartarus seems to be linked to it somehow, it's not something we can continue to put off."
Mukuro smirked. "I'm certain I can make up for the loss. Just point me where you need me."
"Indeed, your set of skills will certainly come in handy, but it's not a task for anyone, even you, to perform alone," Ikutsuki said.
"Doncha worry! I got your back!" Junpei declared.
"Have you ever been in a fight?" Mukuro asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, took baseball for years, so I know how to swing something that'll bring on the hurt!" Junpei said.
"...That doesn't answer the question," Mukuro said, folding her arms.
"...No, technically, not, but I'm sure I'll catch on," Junpei replied, before blinking in realization "Wait, you've been in fights before? And what was that about basic training?"
Mukuro gave no answer, simply gazing over at Ikutsuki in silent approval to share the details.
"Miss Ikusaba has had quite a life, Mr. Iori. Over the last few years she was with a mercenary group, Fenrir-"
Junpei's eyes widened. "Fenrir?! I heard stories of 'em, they're like a merc group aren't they? You mean she's part of 'em?"
"Raised and trained," Mukuro replied, pulling up her glove and revealing the tattoo on her hand.
"Formerly, actually, she was sent here to complete her education, but also because of having been here ten years ago, I believe you've been filled in on that?" Ikutsuki asked. "That is the only connection we have on those who carry the potential."
"I... I see..." Junpei could only stare wide-eyed at Mukuro.
"Junpei, c'mon! It's rude to stare like that!" Yukari protested.
"S-Sorry," Junpei said, shaking his head and trying to stop staring. "I just... wow... lookin' at you I wouldn't have guessed. You must have a lotta stories..."
"None worth sharing," Mukuro said. "And before you ask, yes I have."
"No, I was more just... surprised, I guess... I don't see a scratch on ya," the boy replied.
"...Are you implying you're checking out her legs, Junpei?" Yukari asked in a suspicious tone, raising an eyebrow at him given below the neckline Mukuro's uniform left little skin anywhere else.
"N-NO! Not like that!" Junpei protested, blushing immediately. "I-I mean, lookin' at her I'd have sooner thought she was... like, a model or somethin', not a soldier..."
Mukuro looked away, feeling her own face redden a little. "...Lucky, I guess," she muttered, in response to his earlier remark.
Mitsuru cleared her throat. "If we can please redirect this conversation back on track," she said sharply. "What about you, Mr. Chairman? Will you be accompanying us?"
"I'll be staying here," Ikutsuki replied, giving an apologetic, yet exaggerated sigh, "As you know, I can't summon a Persona."
"So where is this Tartarus place, exactly?" Junpei asked.
"Trust me, you'll find out soon enough," Akihiko said with a sly smirk.
"Everyone gear up, and we'll head out shortly before the Dark Hour hits," Mitsuru ordered.
Mukuro wasn't sure what to expect on where their destination would be, but she was, by her own silent admittance, surprised at where the group had now found themselves standing.
"Wait, THIS is the place?!" Junpei asked in disbelief, looking at Gekkoukan High's closed iron gates that barred them from the courtyards.
At the moment, it was nearly midnight, the group still clad in their school uniforms, with red armbands with the word "SEES" written on it in English letters. Junpei had brought along a broadsword, Yukari a bow and quiver of arrows, and Mukuro a combat machete. Mitsuru herself had a rapier sheathed on her belt while Akihiko had reluctantly come unarmed after Mitsuru had made it clear to him he would not be joining Mukuro and the others this time and wanted to make sure it stayed that way.
"This is the school," Mukuro said, raising an eyebrow. Aside from the distant sounds of some nocturnal wildlife, there was no one around but them, and the school appeared to be completely empty and closed down for the evening.
Akihiko took out his phone, checking it. "Give it a minute, we actually arrived just in time, it's about to turn midnight."
Sure enough, seconds later, Mukuro watched as a thick darkness swept through the entire area, a sickly green light bathing everything after as all the sounds of night-time animals and all else went dead silent. Seconds after that, the ground began to tremor.
"W-What the hell?!" Junpei cried out.
"Look!" Mukuro pointed behind him, causing the boy to promptly turn and see that something was happening to the school...
The tremors grew even more intense as the building suddenly began to bend, twist, and break apart, its features reconfiguring like a puzzle box as it suddenly stretched like rubber and spiraled upward at a rapid pace. Crystal and metal spires coated in the red blood-like substance burst from cracks and seams that formed, arches and windows, ledges and balconies growing out of the warped mishmash of masonry with a loud grinding sound as it grew ever taller and wider, spanning further and further up into the clouds as the ground shook violently at the group's feet.
Mukuro was speechless, she stared in awe and disbelief when the tremors settled and the transformation before her eyes seemed to finally conclude.
Where the school once stood, now loomed a massive tower, impossibly tall, and the same sickly green glow emitting from it that also came off the moon itself. The structure was far from normal in any sense, more like someone had taken pieces from models of various building structures from the distant past to the present day and stacked them on top of eachother and crushed them together like randomly assorted building blocks. What was once the school's clock tower had been fragmented and spread in various parts of the eldritch structure, crimson liquid resembling blood seeped from some of the balconies and open arches, its top disappearing into a swirling maelstrom of clouds far, far above that produced a sinister, howling wind that seemed to pull some sort of flaky substance from the trees up into it. Glowing formations resembling clocks adorned its surface here and there, its windows positioned without rhyme or reason it was impossible to discern from outside just how many floors it could have possibly had. Before them, beyond the gate, the front resembled the entrance to an ancient Greek temple, with large columns surrounding a archway with crystal formations forming the shape of a star around which a large, golden clock frozen at midnight sat above the doorway leading in at the top of stone steps.
"This," Mitsuru said, turning to face the group, "...Is Tartarus. The labyrinth that reveals itself during the Dark Hour."
"What're you talkin' about?! WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO OUR SCHOOL?!" Junpei cried out, still stunned by what he'd just seen.
"Once the Dark Hour passes, everything returns to normal," Mitsuru explained.
"Then this is what we'll be exploring?" Mukuro said, stepping forward as she gazed at the grotesque formation on the other side of the gates. "...But why our school of all places for something like this to appear?" she asked.
Mitsuru went quiet, looking down at the pavement.
"You... don't know, either?" Junpei asked.
"...No. I don't," Mitsuru said softly.
"I'm sure it's complicated," Yukari offered. "Who cares, anyway? It's not like it should change our minds about fighting, right?"
"It's possible we may find clues inside," Mukuro said. "There's bound to be something, if it's connected to the Dark Hour. It'd be a good idea to keep a lookout for anything potentially worth noting while we're inside."
"Very likely," Akihiko said, looking back at her. "This'll be our chance to find out. Back then, Mitsuru and I only took a peek, but now this'll be our first time exploring it. Pretty exciting, huh?"
"Akihiko, I appreciate the enthusiasm but need I remind you with your injury you won't be joining them until you've recovered?" Mitsuru asked as she took out a key and unlocked the gates. "Let's go, we'll continue briefing once we're inside."
"...Wow, it's just as cool on the inside!" Junpei said as he looked about.
"But it sure is creepy," Yukari said, taking an arrow from her quiver cautiously.
The inside lobby was no less bizarre then the outside, looking nothing like the inside of the school by Mukuro's silent observation. The floor had a gold and white and blue pattern, entering into the circular main area in the shape of a keylock, surrounded by black and white marble floor resembling a randomly arranged, broken checker pattern. To the right, a strange golden arch sat over a glowing green panel on the floor, and a parked motorcycle sat to the left.
The ceiling was supported by a ring of columns, and through windows at the end, Mukuro could see more formations shifting and even floating about in random directions, and in the opening above them, spanning far, far up, the same ill green light of the moon poured down and bathed the place with its illumination.
What was far more noteworthy, however, was the tall set of stairs leading up to a doorway framed by what appeared to be a massive, golden grandfather clock face with three smaller clock faces adorning it, the opening that served as a door shaped like a keyhole as well surrounded by gears.
Mukuro did not pride herself on understanding architecture much further then navigating through it quickly and efficiently, and knowing what places served well for cover, but even she could tell nothing about this place made any sort of sense. It was like Tartarus operated entirely on its own rules and reality.
"Understand, this is only the entrance. The labyrinth lies beyond that doorway at the top of those stairs," Mitsuru explained.
"So, you three, your mission is you'll be getting a feel for the place. Go on up ahead and have a look around," Akihiko said.
"That, Mukuro, is where you come in," Mitsuru said. "These two lack experience in combat, so we'll be appointing you as leader for important decisions. Since this time will be scouting what we're in for, we're not asking you to go very far, and I'll be feeding you information from here..."
Mukuro nodded, though she noticed Yukari still looked worried, and Junpei looking disappointed.
"You sure about that? I mean, she's trained but she's still a girl!" Junpei protested, before his face flushed with embarrassment at how he suspected his wording sounded from the looks he immediately received. "...N-Not to sound rude or anything! I mean it doesn't feel right to me to be just lettin' her be the one puttin' herself in harm's way first instead'a me!"
"You weren't here to see her fighting them before," Yukari said.
"Heh, yeah, you really missed out!" Akihiko said with a chuckle. "Really, Mukuro, soon as I'm healed up, I'd kinda like to spar sometime!"
Junpei looked aghast. "F-For real? You really just ask a girl to-"
"I'd love to," Mukuro said, giving the older boy a faint smile of her own while Junpei could only let his jaw hang open a moment at the exchange.
"O-Okay, sure. Uh, Mukuro, you just speak up and I'll have your back, okay?" he asked.
"And you'll need it against what you're up against. On that note," Akihiko said. "I trust you two can summon your own Personas without any difficulty, now?"
Yukari nodded. "I think so, yes," she said.
"Of course! You can count on me!" Junpei said with a confident smirk.
"Good," Akihiko said. "These are Shadows we're talking about. They take on a lot of different forms and have all sorts of different abilities, so without Personas, you're screwed."
"Furthermore, they're drawn to negative emotion, so do not panic as that will only attract more of them. If it gets too overwhelming, you find an exit immediately," Mitsuru said. "There's no shame in retreating when you must."
"Understood," the young soldier said, brandishing her combat machete.
"That's the spirit!" Akihiko said with an approving chuckle. "No, let's..."
Mukuro blinked in curiosity as Akihiko did not finish his sentence, he and everyone else seemingly frozen in place. It was then a blue glow emitted from nearby, and Mukuro saw a wooden door of the same color had appeared in the corner, a soft hum from the shimmering light around it. The felt something in the pocket of her uniform as well, something small. Opening her blazer, Mukuro took out the key that she'd woken up with from a past visit to the Velvet Room. She didn't remember bringing it with her, rather it seemed to have come to her on its own.
Light peered through the keyhole on the door's lock, matching the key's own as she held it. Drawing closer, Mukuro noticed the door did not seem to feed into a wall or anything, it simply stood in place as if propped up. Raising an eyebrow in curiosity as the key and the keyhole glowed brighter, she cautiously placed the key inside the lock and turned, the door suddenly swinging open and the young solder was immediately bathed in blue light...
Mukuro blinked, her eyes adjusting as the blue light faded and she once more found herself in the strange elevator that was the Velvet Room. Igor was seated across from her as before at his chair behind his table, and a man stood behind him in the shadows, cradling something in his right arm.
"Welcome back," Igor said, his fingers steepled as his large eyes and beaklike nose peered over them. "I've been waiting for you... the time has finally come, in which your power will be truly weilded and tested for the first time."
"Yes, I was told this place nests those monsters called "Shadows"," Mukuro said. "Do you know anything about it?"
"This tower that you are about to venture into, is a terrible distortion... but how does it come to be and for what purpose does it exist? Regrettably, you are not capable of truly answering those questions yet," Igor said, a hint of regret in his tone. "That, however, is precisely why now you must be made aware of the true nature of your power."
"What do you mean?" Mukuro asked.
"Most who awaken to the power of Persona only have access to one. Your power, however, is quite different," the man standing behind Igor said, smiling as his gold eyes gleamed from the shadows.
"...It's much like the number 0," Igor said. "Empty, yet holding infinite possiblities! You see, you have the potential to possess multiple Personas and summon them as needed!"
Mukuro looked at the strange old man in curiosity. She didn't sense that one that had saved her from the giant Shadow that attacked the dorm like she did Orpheus anymore, and wanted to ask how she was to do such a thing but she suspected he was about to answer as his grin seemed to somehow widen with impish amusement as though he already knew this to be on her mind before he proceeded to speak again.
"...When you explore this place of distortion, you will face many enemies, and when you defeat them, you may see glimpses of the faces of possibility before you," Igor explained. "It may make little sense right now, but you will know when this phenomenon occurs. When it does, seize what you have earned, and the more of these faces you welcome into your heart, the more your power shall grow accordingly!"
Mukuro still wasn't entirely sure what Igor meant, though it sounded to her that defeating these creatures called Shadows would allow her to awaken to new Personas she could use as well. The young soldier made a mental note of this for when she got out of here an resumed the mission she and the rest of SEES were about to undertake.
"Now, my spare time grows scarce. However, when you visit again of your own accord after you have taken in some of these faces of possibility into your heart, then I shall tell you then of my true role," Igor stated. "Before I forget, however, allow me to introduce the other resident of this room. Step forward, Theodore..."
With a gesture of Igor's long, gaunt hand and the lanky arm attached to it, the man in the shadows behind him stepped forward. He was fairly tall, and, by Mukuro's observation, rather dashing. His fair yet handsome face, his sharp gold eyes, his slicked back silvery blond hair, his humble yet welcoming smile, his immaculately pressed uniform which consisted of black dress pants and shoes, a navy-blue blazer with sky-blue stripes on the sleeves and chest and gold buttons over the breast and the black cuffs over a black dress shirt and a metallic blue tie, and his hands wearing pearl-white gloves and a small blue hat similar to that of a bellhop with a silver button sporting the same image as the Velvet Room's carpet. In his right hand was a large tome.
"H... Hi," Mukuro said, giving a small bow, feeling a hint of red come to her face that she attempted to subside quickly. She was no expert on the matter and a little behind on popular culture, but even Mukuro could assess the young man may as well have been a male idol with his looks.
"A pleasure to become better acquainted, Miss Ikusaba," the young man, Theodore, said his voice smooth as silk and formal as ever as he gave a polite bow, not acknowledging the dark-haired girl's brief bout with social awkwardness to her relief. "I am Theodore. I look forward to assisting you upon your return."
"Now, it is time for you to return to reality," Igor said. "Until then, farewell..."
"...Mukuro? Hello?" Mukuro heard Yukari's voice in her ear.
"Hey, 'sup? You spacin' out or somethin'?" Junpei's voice spoke in her ear as well. "Don't be like that coach who nodded off during the championship games!"
Mukuro shook her head abruptly as reality, or what passed for reality given the nature of Tartarus, returned to her field of vision and and she noticed the rest of SEES staring at her in concern.
"Hey, you alright?" Akihiko asked, Mitsuru meanwhile had been fiddling with the motorcycle that was parked in the tower's lobby.
"I am, yes. I was just investigating this door," she said, gesturing to the closed Velvet Room door.
"Door? I don't see any door," Junpei said, cocking an eyebrow in confusion.
"You mean our surroundings? The place you may have noticed shifts a lot, though I assure you down here they lead nowhere," Mitsuru said as she continued working at what appeared to be a computer on the motorcycle. "You're wondering about this? It contains equipment to help me search for information and navigate in here. Think of it as a smaller, simpler, portable version of what you saw in the command room at the dorms."
Mukuro folded her arms, closing her eyes and sighing. By her guess, none of the others could see the Velvet Room door nor enter it or feel its presence.
"Um, you looked a little flushed for a second back there, too," Yukari said. "What exactly happened?"
Mukuro resumed her cold, impassive expression as she gazed over at her. "Nothing. Leave it at that," she said, if a bit abruptly. "I trust we're all ready to proceed?"
"Hell yeah!" Junpei said with a cheer, tightening his grip on his broadsword. "Don'cha worry, we gotcha covered!"
"Ready as I'll ever be," Yukari said, giving a nervous smile as she readied an arrow.
"Good," Mukuro said, glancing back at Akihiko and Mitsuru. "Let's go, then."
"Excellent. You will proceed through the labyrinth until I say otherwise," Mitsuru said. "My Persona can interface with this machine and provide you audio support and observe your progress remotely so I'll be able to help supervise. As your combat skill greatly exceeds Takeba's and Iori's..."
"Gotta put it like thaaaat?" Junpei whined a little, blushing in embarrassment.
Mitsuru cleared her throat. "...Keep an eye on them."
"I will," Mukuro said, her machete ready as she made her way to the tall stairs leading into the clockwork door. "Yukari, Junpei, let's go."
The other two followed, unsure what the young soldier had in mind as they followed her up the stairs and into the darkness beyond...
Mukuro paused in her tracks as she reached the end of the stairs, Yukari and Junpei coming up behind her. Even she, a trained mercenary, could not shake this sense of dread that filled her body as she took in her surroundings.
Ahead was a series of corridors, turning in random directions. Columns ran up the walls supporting an arched ceiling that seemed almost completely pitch-black. The floor had the same checkered patterns between green diamond-patterned outlines, with strange patterns resembling the star-like designs of stained-glass windows at each split in the hallways. The only illumination came from the sickly green glow shimmering through the windows that lined the walls, regardless of where they were positioned. The halls were silent other what what sounded like a distant howling wind despite there being no apparent breeze. Spattered around the walls and floor was the same bloodlike substance.
The place made the young soldier feel a hint of discomfort. She knew maze-like structures, she knew dangerous places, but this one... it was unnatural, sinister, nothing about it felt like anything of this world.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a startled yelp from Yukari behind her.
"What is-" Mukuro turned to see what the other girl was talking about, only to find to her surprise where once was a stairway and door, Yukari and Junpei and now herself were face-to-face with solid wall.
"Are you there? Hello?" Mitsuru's voice suddenly spoke from the small communicators on the SEES member's belts.
"We're here, yes," Mukuro said. "If you wish for us to return immediately I'm afraid that may not be an option anymore..."
"I noticed. I saw you all vanish as soon as you entered the door, I'm seeing what you three are with my Persona's ability. The labyrinth's structure changes constantly, this is why support and navigation are so imperative," Mitsuru answered.
"You coulda told us that sooner!" Junpei protested, brandishing his sword as he turned and looked around cautiously.
"There is a way to return to the entrance," Mitsuru replied. "I'll be able to pinpoint one once I get a lock on it, but I'll need you to explore a little to find it. You'll want to look for a gold, arching doorframe structure like the one you saw at the entrance.
"This place is nuts!" Yukari cried out, readying her bow and arrow. "How do we keep from getting lost?!"
"Stay together at all times," Mukuro said, her pale blue eyes examining every corridor in her field of vision for any potential threats as she began to slowly advance ahead down the eerie passage. "Stay close and keep your eyes on me until we run into enemies."
"If you get separated, contact me immediately and I'll guide the others to you. Stay put and remain calm unless an enemy finds you." Mitsuru's voice stated.
"That all makes me feel a whole lot better," Yukari remarked sarcastically as she brought up the rear while Junpei remained close to Mukuro, his eyes darting about for any danger as well.
"Speaking of which, from your current position, you can expect to counter enemies very soon," Mitsuru explained. "They shouldn't be too tough but don't underestimate them. Proceed with caution. Mukuro, your mission is to eliminate all Shadows wandering this floor before you leave. Do you think you can handle that?"
"I believe so, yes," Mukuro replied with a nod, pausing as she heard a slithering noise nearby that had begun to get closer. "One's coming now!"
Sure enough, the slithering grew more frantic as a hideous croaking noise accompanied it, becoming progressively louder as an amorphous mass of tar with an uncanny, empty-eyed gray mask crawled towards them...
...Followed by three more...
"Get ready, everyone!" Mukuro ordered, brandishing her machete and swinging it at the one in the front, striking it. The Shadow gurgled as it recoiled, the strike cutting through its semi-solid body like it were going through mud but showing little concern for the apparent injury, assuming it had even been injured to begin with.
"This ain't good! HERMES!" Junpei shouted, as he quickly took his evoker out with his left hand and placed it to his head and pulled the trigger.
In a flash of blue light, a humanoid figure covered in black plate armor rose up behind him, its head covered in a gold racing helmet with silver wings where the ears would be and a gold gorget over its neck. Attached to a pair of gears on the greaves covering its ankles were a pair of large, golden metal wings rising to nearly to the waist of the Persona itself that promptly fanned out, firing a blast of flame at the Shadow Mukuro had struck.
The young soldier frowned a little, these Shadows, it seemed, were more resilient to physical attacks as it promptly shrieked from Hermes' fiery burst.
Taking note, she took her own evoker out as well. "Orpheus!" she called out, pulling the trigger as her own Persona rose up behind her, firing a blast of flame as well at the enemies, managing to scorch another and keep the others at bay.
"Can you hear me? I did a scan. These Shadows' bodies soak physical attacks. Aim for the masks!" Mitsuru called out. "They also appear weak to fire as well."
"Got it!" Yukari shouted, taking aim and firing an arrow at another one of the Shadows, striking it right in the forehead of its mask. The Shadow howled in pain as its body promptly dissolved away into smoke.
"One left," Mukuro said, sneering darkly as she turned her machete, leaping over the two that were singed and plunging it into the remaining Shadow's mask before swinging upward to slice it clean open and it, too, dissolved away instantly.
"Those two are still weakened! Try taking them out with everything you've got while they're distracted!" Mitsuru coached.
"You bet!" Junpei said with a wide grin as he raised his broadsword, charging at one and swinging it down, chopping one of the Shadows in two while Mukuro had sprung backwards, plunging her machete into the remaining one and both Shadows melted and crumbled apart into nothingness.
"Pretty hardcore, ladies!" Junpei cheered, offering a high-five to Yukari and Mukuro who stared in confusion.
"Don't get too cocky, there's more on this floor and they likely heard you," Mitsuru's voice warned. "Proceed to the right, I'm detecting Shadows there as well..."
Mukuro paused, as she noticed a faint blue light appear before her where the Shadows had been, condensing into a spinning blue tarot card. A second passed as it stopped spinning, revealing the image of a small, female fairy-like creature with butterfly wings and a blue unitard and boots.
"Greetings," a soft voice said in what felt like her mind as the glowing card vanished. "I am Pixie, my power is yours to weild, now..."
Mukuro's eyes widened, feeling a sense similar to when one had just learned something very important as she felt a new power in her along with Orpheus.
"Mukuro? What's going on?" Mitsuru's voice cut her thoughts, the young soldier noticing Junpei and Yukari looking at her in confusion, as well. "I'm sensing something happened, are you alright?"
"Dude, that glowy light, I just saw it go like... "fwoom" into your chest, you okay?" Junpei asked.
"Yeah, that was kinda freaky," Yukari said, worried.
"I'm... I'm alright, I think," Mukuro said, regaining her stoic gaze. "I'll need to see something. Let's find our next enemy."
It did not take long, for moments of wandering and backtracking down winding and aimless halls later another Shadow had heard the small group and charged at them. This time, Mukuro held her evoker and thought of a different name, a different image in her mind.
"PIXIE!"
The fairy-like creature appeared this time, thrusting its hands forward as a strange crackling light struck the Shadow in the front, causing it to recoil in pain.
"The hell?!" Yukari shouted agape.
"Another Persona?! Hang on, two more enemies!" Mitsuru's voice called as two more Shadows joined it.
"H-HERMES!" Junpei shouted, using his evoker as he fought off the surprise he felt as well, his Persona firing a burst of flame at the approaching foes. The one Pixie's spell had hit exploded into smoke instantly, the other two crying out as they were engulfed in flame.
Without warning, another emerged from the hall, swinging its gaunt arm as it struck Junpei. The boy cried out, staggering back to face the new enemy.
"Hang on!" Yukari shouted. "I summon you, Io!" She took her evoker, summoning what looked like a feminine figure with long wavy blonde hair, shackled and chained within a lidless coffin shaped like a cow's skull, the chains around her wrists connecting to its horns and her feet shackled together above the snout while she was positioned upright as though she were praying.
A green light emitted from the Persona before it engulfed Junpei, the boy standing up straight again.
"Hey, it doesn't hurt anymore! Thanks Yuka-tan!" Junpei said with a grin as he turned and saw Mukuro had already turned her attention on several more Shadows, blasting them with Orpheus' flames.
As the Shadows dissolved away, Mukuro took a breath, pausing again as she noticed another shimmering blue light from their fight, which, from Yukari and Junpei's perspective, flew right at her chest as the other did, her body briefly shimmering as it did.
"There it is again!" Yukari said. "That's gotta be it, Mitsuru! She was able to use another Persona!"
Mukuro turned, the latest edition to her supernatural arsenal a small, androgynous, imp-like creature that introduced itself as Alp. "...That seems to be the case, yes" she said.
"You're bein'... awfully calm about it," Junpei said, raising an eyebrow. "...I mean, that's unusual, right? Usin' more then one?"
"It is. I actually remember seeing her use two back when she first awakened," Yukari said. "Hey, how come you didn't try summoning that other one? That one seemed real strong."
Mukuro shook her head. "I don't know... I can... barely remember it. It's like a fog when I try to bring it out," she said. She did admittedly feel that, it was like that Persona no longer existed inside her, or if it did, she could not sense it or whatever was necessary to bring it forward. "We should continue our investigation. With the ones I've picked up, we should have extra advantage."
"Heh, got no issue with that idea!" Junpei said, turning his blade with excitement and grinning widely.
Gutteral noises were heard from further down the dark corridors as Junpei gleefully took a stance, broadsword ready, Mukuro herself drew out her evoker, ready to give Alp a test drive while Yukari readied her bow...
"...There don't seem to be anymore enemies present, and I've found the gateway," Mitsuru's voice stated through Mukuro's communicators as the latest Shadows met their untimely demise at the group's enthusiastic hands. "Turn your first left..."
"Understood," Mukuro said, walking past her teammates and taking lead again. Sure enough, a glowing, gold arched door frame emitting a green light at its base stood at the end of the otherwise empty corridor, the other two still confused by what they saw as they followed.
"Welcome back," Mitsuru greeted as Mukuro emerged from the gold archway in the lobby, followed by Yukari and Junpei. "...How was it?"
"I'd like to come back as soon as possible," Mukuro said, sheathing her machete before folding her arms and glancing back at the stairs. "...There's more to this place and we've barely touched the surface."
"Hm," Mitsuru couldn't help but smirk approvingly. "Nice to see that confidence. You seemed hesitant at first when you found yourselves trapped."
"I did agree to this, didn't I?" the young mercenary asked. "It's a reason I'm here, correct?"
"A reason, yes, once you had awakened," Mitsuru replied.
"Well I never knew I had this kinda power!" Junpei said, thrusting his hand in the air before slumping. "Whoa... feelin' kinda beat after those fights, though, like the wind knocked outta me..."
"It's what you get for bouncing around so much like a little kid so much," Yukari said matter-of-factly.
"Speak for yourself, Yuka-tan, you look a bit worn out, yourself," Junpei retorted.
Mukuro couldn't help but feel an odd fatigue start to come over her as well, similar to what she'd felt after the giant Shadow had been defeated on the dorm roof, though thankfully she didn't feel like she was about to faint this time.
"That's the effect of the Dark Hour," Mitsuru explained. "...You become fatigued more easily. It doesn't matter how healthy or fit you are, unfortunately. It's a matter of exposure to it. Over time you'll adapt and become more resilient by continuing to train during it. Still..." Mitsuru smiled. "...You all did exceptional. Junpei, Yukari, you caught on fast. Mukuro, you handled yourself to my expectations. Well done all of you."
Mukuro heard the sound of glass shattering within the recesses of her mind at the older girl's words, giving her teammates a faint, but approving smile as well.
"If we can, next time I'd like to assess their combat skills," Mukuro said. "If any of them do something that should disable me, I want to know they can adjust accordingly."
"May be a good idea," Akihiko said with a smirk, looking at Junpei and Yukari, the former smirking as if daring such a challenge and the latter looking more cautious. "Wouldn't mind bein' there for it, if only I hadn't gotten injured!"
"Restrain yourself, Akihiko," Mitsuru said with an irritated sigh. "Furthermore, I had one other thing to address..."
"Her ability to... like... cheat the system?" Junpei blurted out between breaths as the fatigue was hitting him harder.
"In less crude terms, yes," Mitsuru said, looking over at Mukuro. "Normally people have only one Persona. You seemed to have some sort of power irregularities, and you summoned an entirely different one then what we'd first seen, like that night at the dorm..."
"I don't know anything about it," Mukuro said. In all honestly, she thought, she didn't. Igor was vague on it other then that she simply had a unique ability to harbor and use multiple Personas. "...But it seems to be something I'm able to do."
"I see," Mitsuru said, regarding the other girl curiously. "...As it stands, it would potentially serve as a fine asset in our exploration of Tartarus, as it would make you quite versatile as a Persona-user. In the meantime, let's head back to the dorm. We're done here, for now and the Dark Hour will end, soon."
"A shame, it was getting interesting," Mukuro said, her hand tracing the handle of her machete. "...Like being on a battlefield again."
Akihiko chuckled. "I like the way you think. You'll get another chance, soon. Trust me. Just save some for when I'm able to get in on the action, too."
"UGH! I'm starved, too! Think I'm gonna grab a late-night snack at the all-night near us," Junpei interrupted.
Mukuro paused. Junpei's words seemed to have a contagious effect and she could feel her own stomach rumble, causing her to quietly close her eyes and maintain her dignity best she could.
However, it was clear Akihiko had noticed as he chuckled. "I got some protein shakes back at the dorm, you both should have some, it'll make all the aches and pains you'll get tomorrow a non-issue!"
"Ugh, REAL food, please!" Junpei groaned, though Mukuro showed interest.
"Honestly," Yukari muttered, her and Mitsuru making their way to the door already, followed by Akihiko and Junpei.
Mukuro turned, glancing back at the tall stairs leading up to the foreboding doorway and the eldritch labyrinth she'd only gotten her first glimpse of tonight, her brow furrowing as she wondered what lie further beyond its twisted corridors before she followed them out, feeling the fatigue of the Dark Hour as well and suspecting she'd sleep especially well tonight...
4/22
"Hey, Ikusaba!" Mukuro turned and saw Akihiko come up to her at the school gate. "Didn't get to catch you on the way outta the dorm, how'd that protein shake work out?"
"It worked well. I don't feel any soreness," Mukuro replied with a smile. "How's your rib?"
"It's all better. Guess I'm ready to-" Akihiko's confident words were cut by an immediate wince from Mukuro's sudden and unexpected poke.
"...You were saying?" the dark-haired girl asked, cocking her head and suspicion.
"Yeah, you got me," Akihiko said with a sheepish smile, nursing his side a little. "Just getting so bored. Can't do boxing club or anything till it's all healed up or I'll be out longer. The life you had prior, you'd get that, right?"
"With injuries, no," Mukuro said. "Being benched between missions, however, yes."
"Good to see someone gets it," Akihiko said shaking his head a little. "I considered the idea of swiping Junpei's hat and sneaking in with you next time but the consequences just aren't worth it. Still, being this bored, it's like dying of thirst or something."
"Something like that," Mukuro replied with a fond smile. "Missions always let you know you're still alive and I'm glad it's not as behind me as I thought it was."
"Heh, guess we're alike in that regard," Akihiko said as they reached the entrance. "Junpei's got spirit but he shoulda taken my advice last night. Yukari had to practically drag him out with all the muscle cramps he was dealing with when he woke up today... anyways I should be heading in. There's also that assembly today. Catchya later, Ikusaba!"
"Mukuro is fine," the young mercenary said.
"I'm fine with that," the tall boy said with a more eased, pleasant smile. "...Later."
As Mukuro watched him head inside and prepared to go in herself, Mukuro paused as she felt watched, and looked over, noticing several girls standing together and all of them giving her very harsh looks.
"...Is there a problem?" she asked sharply, though already suspicious of what they wanted.
"There is, actually! Who do you think you are, coming here and stealing Sanada-senpai away from us?!" the lead girl snapped, approaching with her posse.
Mukuro immediately wished she'd said nothing and just went inside, the good mood she'd been in had now been wiped away. She recalled Junpei mentioning Akihiko was popular but she couldn't believe it was to an extent she had to deal with catty stalkers.
"I'm not stealing anything from you," she said, glaring at the other girl and folding her arms. "He was checking up on me over some protein he gave me last night after I'd been at a gym all night."
She immediately regretted her words as it'd not occurred to the young soldier how the other girls may have interpreted it and their expressions going from momentary horror to pure rage and contempt confirmed the worst.
"Y-Y-YOU WHAT?! HE DID WHAT?!" one girl shrieked.
"You... you HUSSY!" the lead girl cried out, clenching her fists before bringing her arm back to strike her.
The girl's hand hit nothing but air as Mukuro expertly leaned out of its way just in time before it could hit her, the young mercenary gazing at her with a cold glare as if daring her to try again.
The girl decided to press her luck, gritting her teeth as she swung her open hand again, but this time, Mukuro grabbed her wrist with her gloved hand, her expression unchanging as the rival girl struggled in vain to force her hand forward despite how senseless it'd be without the momentum, but she was clearly too angry to register that.
"Th-The hell?! How'd she...?!" one of Akihiko's fangirls gasped.
"Let go of her, you boyfriend-stealing bitch!" another girl cried out.
Indeed, even Mukuro's would-be assailant looked a bit scared, now, despite her fury. Mukuro, despite her annoyance, knew deep down she had better things to do then involve herself in a petty schoolyard brawl that, her still being new, would likely get her in a lot of trouble if she took this to the next level.
Exhaling sharply through her nose, Mukuro forced the girl's hand downward and released her grip, the girl immediately stepping away from her and nursing her wrist.
"My God, she looks so scary, now! Think she was in a gang or something before coming here?" one of the girls murmured nervously to their leader as Mukuro let her harsh gaze on them linger a moment before turning away.
"Th-This isn't over unless you stay away from Senpai!" the lead girl stammered angrily as Mukuro went inside, choosing not to dignify this with any more of her time and deciding to find herself a drink to calm her nerves before going to class.
...Still, recalling their brief conversation and prior interactions, she couldn't deny maybe she could see some of the appeal Akihiko seemed to have, though maybe for reasons different then his apparent fanclub. Maybe not all different reasons.
Shaking those thoughts from her head, Mukuro focused on her immediate self-appointed mission of finding the nearest vending machine.
It wasn't long into the day before Mukuro was once more seated in the school auditorium alongside Yukari and Junpei, the former having filled her in that elections for Student Council had happened during her time in the hospital and they were now announcing their members. Mukuro watched in silence as said members were announced...
"Head of the Student Disciplinary Committee, Kirotaka Ishimaru!" the student at the podium announced as a sharp-featured boy with short spiky black hair, thick eyebrows, and deep crimson eyes marched onstage and gave a bow to the audience.
"I am honored you have selected me! I will serve to the best of my ability! No sea is too stormy when a man's feet are firmly planted within the current, and I will ensure any and all rulebreakers and delinquents who may give you adversity are always dealt with appropriately!" he declared, sounding like he'd just just graduated out of basic military training as he clenched his fist with fierce determination. Even the student doing the introductions seemed dumbfounded for a second before continuing.
"...Our Treasurer, Chihiro Fujisaki!" she continued.
After the first person, Mukuro and Junpei were a little taken aback by the next one to arrive onstage, a very petite girl with short, layered almond-colored hair that went down to the base of her neck and big hazel eyes. She looked almost doll-like with how fair-skinned and lithely built she was standing next to the much taller Ishimaru, who stood ramrod straight as though he'd just been ordered to fall in by a drill instructor.
"Th-Thank you all for giving me this chance," she said, her voice soft and timid as she gave a bow, redness appearing on . "I-I look forward to serving you as well..."
"The guy's clearly got a whole tree up his ass, but duuuuude... she's... just... adorable!" Junpei squeaked, starry-eyed and raising a fist to his chest with glee, earning an annoyed groan from Yukari seated next to him.
"Honestly, do you even have a type, Junpei?" she asked quietly, Mukuro choosing not to say anything as the student at the podium continued.
"And finally, please welcome our Student President, Mitsuru Kirijo!" she declared as Mitsuru then entered from backstage and approached the podium to a round of applause.
"Thank you," Mitsuru said with a polite bow.
"So... she did get elected after all," Yukari whispered. "Well, can't be too surprised, she is the most popular girl in the school, after all..."
"Are you jealous?" Mukuro asked, noting Yukari's tone.
"N-No! W-Why would I be?!" Yukari stammered, stunned by the girl's blunt, but apparently not malicious or accusatory question.
Junpei couldn't help but chuckle. "I'm thinkin' a liiiiittle bit!" he teased, seizing his chance at a retort after Yukari's earlier snipe and earning an annoyed huff from her. "...Still, you ain't wrong, Yuka-tan! There's like this aura around her, plus doesn't the Kirijo Group own the school, too?"
"They do, yeah, I try not to think about it," Yukari muttered, folding her arms.
"I'd like to first say I am honored to be chosen, and will carry out my duties with the faith you have placed in me," Mitsuru stated from the stage as she now stood behind the podium. "...As I begin my term as Student Council President, I'd like to share with you my vision of this coming year..."
Mitsuru took a second to look at the crowd before them, as if wanting everyone's gaze to meet hers as she showed a confidence of willing to look them all in the eyes as she spoke again. "...It is my firm belief that each of us must accept the responsibility of bettering our school. However, change cannot occur without sustained effort and an unprecedented level of commitment. That is why we must restructure our daily lives to accommodate this lofty goal. I'd like for each of you to dig deeply into your well of motivation, and re-evaluate your convictions, to imagine a bold new future without losing sight of the realities around you... that, is the key... I am certain that many of you have your own visions of the future, and for us to reap the full benefits of our education, your participation, ideas, and enthusiasm are all essential. Thank you..."
"Dang, that was freakin' amazing!" said Junpei, staring in awe amidst the resounding applause from Mitsuru's speech.
"It was," Mukuro said, smiling a little.
"You understood it all?" Junpei asked, looking over and chuckling. "That was like, way more mature and smart-sounding then anything a high-schooler would say. Betcha if it were anyone else we'd be laughin' our asses off!"
"It's more then that," Mukuro said as she watched Mitsuru step away from the podium to join the other Student Council members. "Her confidence, her stance, all of it as if she'd just knew what she'd say without having to prepare it or anything... my sister, before the accident, she was like that, too... so smart and mature for her age..." She gave a fond smile. "...and she always knew how to make people listen even as young as we were."
"Hm, guess some people are just real good at that. The things I could do with that sorta talent, I tell ya," Junpei mused. "...I mean, you're pretty sharp, too, ya know. You got her whole speech n' all!"
"Shh!" Yukari whispered pointing as the principal took the stage and resumed the assembly.
Once classes had finally ended for the day, Mukuro recalled the talk about school clubs already filling up, and word had been a few sport clubs had still been open. She made a mental note to secure a spot in one as a way to help keep herself in shape when she had the chance. She'd also noticed on her way through the halls a closed door leading into the Home Economics room with a sign in a language she was certain was European in origin judging by the characters used, though she did not know which, and it sounded like there was talking inside.
Curious, the dark-haired girl put her ear to the door, it sounded like a girl and a boy were talking, the girl sounding distressed and the boy sounding regretful though also in a language she didn't know.
Mukuro's eavesdropping was suddenly interrupted by someone bumping into her.
"S-Sorry! I didn't... I didn't look where I was going!" a very meek but apologetic female voice stammered as Mukuro turned, seeing a very pale girl with messy shoulder-length hair and a rather anxious look on her face, or at least what Mukuro could discern given the gray respirator mask covering the entire lower half of it as the girl scrambled to avoid dropping the school bag she'd chosen to carry in her arms despite the strap being over her shoulder. She also wore full gloves and black stockings rather then kneesocks with her uniform. "Oh, were you looking at Home Ec? Sorry, I don't know the language but I think one of them's going back early..."
"Going back early?" Mukuro asked, confused.
"Foreign exchange students. The girl's apparently rich, though... o-or so I've heard," the disheveled girl said.
"I see," the young soldier remarked, giving the closed doors a last glance as the other girl stood herself straight.
"Sorry, I was... on an errand for someone," the girl said, looking back with discomfort.
"It's fine," Mukuro said, attempting to sound reassuring to calm the other girl. "...You need help carrying that?"
"No, no, I'm alright. Umm,you look a little worn, though. If you ever don't feel well, uh..." the girl shook her head. "...Nevermind, unless I'm helping in the clinic you..." her voice became a whisper. "...Should probably steer clear..."
The girl's eyes went wide as if remembering something. "I... I should go. B-Before he tries his so-called "medicines" on anyone again!" she suddenly stammered out, tone and eyes full of worry. "Sorry again for bumping into you! Sorry!" she quickly went around Mukuro and broke into a jogging pace and disappeared down the hall seconds after.
Mukuro watched the odd girl leave before continuing on her way. Seemed the school had more to it then she initially expected, without counting Tartarus. The girl had been right, though, she could still feel some of the effects of the Dark Hour, though Mitsuru had advised waiting till she felt fully recovered before going in again as next time they'd attempt to make it through as far as possible.
By the time she'd gotten outside the school entrance, however, she heard Junpei call from behind as he came jogging up to her, before quickly nursing his legs.
"Ughh! Why didn't I just take the protein like he said?! Guess no going back to Tartarus tonight," he grumbled, even Mukuro couldn't hide her amusement.
"It happens after strenuous activity," she said.
"Yeah, you'd think I'd remember that," he said, still nursing his legs. "Anyway, just wonderin' if you were headed back."
"I was, yes," the young mercenary replied.
"Count me in," Junpei said, the two of them making their way to the gates together. "...So, I was also hearin' about Mitsuru-senpai's big win and all, no one else came close in the election, kinda wondered why they bothered when she's got a background like that. Rich, family owns the school, straight-A student, top of her classes in the honor roll to boot! People like us are just ordinary by comparison. Then ya got..."
"OHMYGOSH! AKIHIKO-SENPAI!" a girl squealed loudly with glee.
"WAIT FOR US!" another cried out.
Junpei noticed Mukuro's brow furrow before both turned, seeing Akihiko emerging from the school making his way to the gate, a group of girls Mukuro recognized as the ones who accosted her that morning flocking to him like hungry crows as he did not break stride or even seem to acknowledge them in the least till he paused several feet away from them at the gate.
"Man, I know he and I didn't exactly know eachother before this but now I guess I got an excuse to!" Junpei whispered as he and Mukuro watched Akihiko stand in silence amidst the hormone-fueled cacophony surrounding him. "I know he's captain of the boxing club n' all, but damn, how's he such a chick magnet?!"
"You're seriously asking me of all people?" Mukuro asked, looking over at him.
"Uh, yeah! You're a girl, you gotta tell me there's somethin' about him that must be real special!" Junpei replied matter-of-factly. "I mean look at him! You don't even see girls flock like that on TV! Wonder where they're going."
Almost as if on cue, Akihiko, somehow ignoring the voices speaking to him all at once, looked over at Mukuro and Junpei. "Hey, you two wanna join me at Paulownia Mall? You know where that is, right?" he spoke to them over his would-be harem.
"Huh? You mean us?" Junpei asked.
"Yeah. You and Mukuro," Akihiko replied as though the answer should have been obvious to the other boy.
"You, uh, look like you got plenty of willing company, though," Junpei said, noting the girls surrounding the older boy. "...Not that I mind, of course!"
"Who, these girls?" Akihiko asked, scoffing in disgust as he gave the other girls a brief, disinterested glance-over. "I don't even know their names, and honestly I'm getting a headache from them talking so much."
Junpei and the girls stared agape, both in at the boy as he walked away from the latter and approached the two, giving Mukuro a small smile. "...I was gonna pick up some stuff at the mall before heading back, Mitsuru says the chairman wants to speak with us again tonight." His smirk widened a bit. "With last night's mission and all, it means more Tartarus exploration soon, hopefully I'll be good to go, soon. Wanna find some things that may speed things up and keep me from losing my touch."
"I may have an idea," Mukuro said, bringing her hand to her chin and doing her best to ignore the absolutely venomous to the point of corrosive glares she was now getting from Akihiko's fans, though none dared approach, whether it be out of fear from that morning or looking bad in front of their crush.
Junpei blinked in confusion, wondering what was on the girl's mind.
"Welcome back," Mitsuru greeted the three as they entered the dorm together. "What're those?" she asked, noting the food bags.
"Military rations! Pretty awesome, huh?" Akihiko said with a smirk, holding up one of the bags. "Everything the body needs for optimal performance and sustenance in demanding activity!"
"I thought they'd be good to have on the night we return to Tartarus," Mukuro explained. "I'm not a cook by any stretch but I do at least know how to prepare them."
"Hm, that sounds like a meal-y good idea!" Ikutsuki chuckled from his seat at the armchair in the lounge, earning an audible sigh from Yukari from where she sat at the table further back studying.
"Once we're ready to return, we'll attempt to explore as much of Tartarus as possible chairman," Mitsuru replied. "Having meals suited for such activity certainly does have merit, I'll admit."
"With any luck, that means we'll come closer to solving the mystery of the Dark Hour, and the Shadows," Ikutsuki said.
"It also means to be prepared as much as possible," Mitsuru said. "It may be to our benefit having some down time, as it gives Officer Kurosawa time to have a new supply of weapons prepared and sent to us soon for when we go back in."
"Who?" Junpei asked.
"He's a police officer, he doesn't have potential to enter the Dark Hour but he helps however he can," Ikutsuki explained. "He handles supplying our armory. As for myself, I was once a researcher for Kirijo Electronics, which was how I gained the position of chairman of the board. That is also what makes this dormitory such a convenient location to conduct SEES activities... Kirijo Electronics has been able to produce hardware able to function in the Dark Hour to help us with such activities."
"Like that motorcycle Mitsuru-senpai keeps in Tartarus?" Junpei asked.
"Indeed," Ikutsuki said. "...And speaking of Tartarus, well done on your first night exploring it! Unfortunately, while I was taught mental disciplines to enter the Dark Hour unharmed so I could carry out my research, I am, alas, unable to summon a Persona. Still, if you need help with anything, do ask, even if I can't be of help!"
"Still though, the whole usin' somethin' that looks like a gun and pointin' it at yourself to summon a Persona. It's kinda crazy to think about," Junpei mused.
"Well, such immediate stimuli is the ideal way to summon one to our knowledge," Ikutsuki replied with an apologetic smile. "We go with what we know. It's all still quite mysterious, isn't it?"
"I still feel like I hiked up Mount Fuji," Yukari said. "I could barely shoot straight in Archery Club! Still, I guess we gotta grow more accustomed to the Dark Hour to have it affect us less, right?"
"That is correct, Yukari," Ikutsuki said, his expression growing more serious. "...We cannot lose sight of our mission, as it seems there's been peculiar rumors around the school. Students think ghosts eat peoples' souls when they're near campus... I suppose they're sort of right, in a way... and now I'm hearing a few around the city are mysteriously dropping dead in the middle of the night. Not many, but it's unlike Apathy Syndrome..."
The chairman turned up the volume on the TV.
"Investigators are facing a difficult case as there are not witnesses," the reporter on TV narrated. "...This is the 12th instance of such an incident. A team of investigators are working hard to track down any leads..."
Mukuro's gaze lingered on the TV, the reports mentioning authorities not ruling out the possibility the victims had been murdered, though nothing concrete. She was no stranger to such things, but she was trained to take lives when necessary, not study cause of death.
"The sooner we can find answers in Tartarus, the better," Ikutsuki said, watching the TV with concern. "...I have my suspicions things may only get worse from here. Cases of the "Lost" have also begun again, as well. You'd all best get rest and prepare for the time being... we have no idea what else awaits us in that place."
Mukuro gave a nod as she headed to the kitchen to help put the food away before heading upstairs. She could certainly understand Akihiko's grievance: she didn't like waiting. There was so much to have answered between the mysteries of the Dark Hour, Tartarus, and her own role regarding Igor and the strange boy who had warned her of an end approaching...
A/N: And another chapter done. Was originally gonna end it after the Tartarus trip but it felt too short so I added another day in. Mostly straight-forward in parts, I know, things'll branch out more with so many free days ahead leading up to the next Full Moon and social links finally beginning to open, several of which (as well as a few minor roles) will, as hinted, be Danganronpa characters as a chance for Mukuro to build relationships with them in a situation where she's not under her crazy sister's thrall.
0 - The Fool: Rank 2
Mukuro's Personas: Orpheus, Pixie, Alp