Chapter 4
Velvet Room
"Welcome Back, young man."
Somehow, it didn't surprise Ben particularly to find himself in a room full of blue again. After the experience that preceded his loss of consciousness, a return to the Velvet Room seemed entirely predictable
"Looks like I'm still alive." Ben muttered
Off in the corner, Elizabeth chuckled, and even Igor himself smiled. "Indeed, you are still very much alive, my dear Ben" he confirmed. "You merely lost consciousness after manifesting your 'power' for the first time."
"That thing…" Ben trailed off, leaving his question unasked
"That was a Persona." Igor answered the unasked question. "A Persona is a manifestation of your own Psychi. It would seem Hades was the one who heeded your calling. Which says interesting things about you."
"How so?" Ben asked
"Normally one would start his Journey from the Fool, yet you called upon one from the Arcana of Death." Igor said
"Like the Tarots?" Ben asked, as Igor's smile widen
"That is correct."
"Hades huh?" Ben thought. "Seems fitting I guess."
"So just what is a Persona, anyway?" Ben asked. "I can tell it's power, and I get that it came from within me, but…"
Igor folded his hands, bracing his elbows on the tabletop as he leaned forward. "A Persona is, to put it simply, a kind of mask. It is a facet of your own personality, come to the fore as a 'shield' between you and threatening external stimuli, much as a mask shields its wearer's true face. Its power is of you, yet also apart from you, between your true self and your foes. Although," he added, seeming apologetic, "your power is still quite weak."
"Still weak?" Ben asked.
"Your ability, however, evolves as you as you develop your Social Links-your emotional ties with others. The stronger your Social Links, the more powerful your Persona ability. Please remember that. Now, then..." Igor paused, smiling. "Time marches on in your world, I really shouldn't keep you here any longer than I already have."
"Wait, what about when I summoned Hades," Ben began, "something strange happened afterward. That thing that-"
"I am sorry," Igor interrupted, "but I fear there is no time to answer that question now." The scene around them was starting to waver. "When next we meet, you shall come here of your own accord, and I promise to answer your questions then." Igor smiled and a waved a hand. "Until then, however… Farewell…"
The almost overpowering blue of the Velvet Room faded out.
Hospital
The blues of the Velvet Room faded to blackness, a blackness that was gradually lightened just faintly; Ben realized it was sunlight shining upon his closed eyes. As Igor had suggested, he'd finally returned to the world of day, conscious once more after who knew how long inside his own mind.
He also quickly perceived that he wasn't alone, hearing the faint sound of someone else's breath. Cracking open his eyes -slowly, to avoid blinding himself- he took in the hospital whites that had replaced the Velvet Room's blue, he cautiously turned his head to find Yukari Takeba sitting on a stool beside his bed, watching him with worried eyes.
"How long was I out?" Ben thought
Yukari's eyes widened at his movement, and a relieved smile broke out on her face. "Ben-kun, you're awake! I-" She broke off. "Um. Sorry. How are you feeling?"
"Hungry," Ben admitted, carefully sitting up as he glanced around the room, "…Where am I, anyway?"
"This is Tatsumi Memorial Hospital," she answered, sagging in visible relief. "It's close to the monorail station…and under Kirijo Group control." She let out a deep sigh. "Thank goodness… I was starting to wonder if you were ever gonna wake up, y'know? It's been a week," she added, before he could ask.
"Please tell me you've not been watching me throughout the entire week?" Ben muttered
"I was really worried about you," Yukari went on, glancing away. "I know it must have been hard summoning a Persona the first time, but none of the others had that kind of reaction to it."
"Guess I'm just special," Ben said dryly.
"You saved my life, y'know? I couldn't just leave you alone after that. Um… speaking of which, They couldn't find anything wrong with you," Yukari assured him, smiling again. "Of course, that's part of why I was worried… But the doctor figured you were just exhausted. The Dark Hour has that effect on people, and summoning a Persona… especially the way you did…"
He nodded, remembering the way Hades had somehow given way to what he assumed to be a completely separate Persona.
"So, what were those things, Shadows?"
Yukari nodded. "They're what we're fighting against. And the power you used, we call it-"
"Persona" Ben interrupted her.
"Oh, Yeah, you said that just before you summoned didn't you? How'd you know that?"
"No idea. Plus you've been mentioning it for a while now"
"Well, We'll explain it all to you later. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. I…"
Yukari seemed to be trying to get something off her chest. "I wanted to tell you that I'm sorta like you…"
"What do you mean?" Ben asked
Yukari stood up, facing the window. "My dad died in an accident when I was little... And my mom and I aren't exactly on good terms... You're all alone too, right?" Yukari's head fell down, looking guilty. "To be honest, I already know about your past... But, it didn't seem fair, so I wanted you to know about mine..."
"Fair enough."
"My dad…" Yukari glanced away. "He passed away in an accident when I was little, and I've kind of spent the last few years staying away from my mom as much as I can. We don't get along very well anymore…" She hesitated. "You're all alone too, right?"
"Not quite," he said quietly. "I have a Butler. But… I guess you're right."
Yukari nodded. "It was back in '99... There was a big explosion in the area. My dad supposedly died in the blast, but nobody really knows what happened... He was working in a lab run by the Kirijo Group."
Yukari's head rose slightly as she unloaded herself. "So I'm hoping that if I stick around long enough, I'll find out something. That's why I'm going to Gekkoukan High, and why I was there when this happened to you." Yukari laughed bitterly "...Of course, I panicked and wasn't much help... It was my first time fighting them, too." Yukari really looked dejected, almost to the point of tears. "I'm sorry... You wouldn't have to go through all this if I wasn't such a coward..."
"It's not your fault. I was scared too." Ben said. "For a while at least."
Yukari looked directly at Ben. "Really? But still…"
"Still nothing." Ben interrupted. "You don't owe me an apology."
She stood. "Well, I should get going. I'll let the others know you woke up. And take it easy, okay? Be a good patient! You're gonna need your strength."
"I'll see you at school tomorrow, then," he said. "Take care."
"You too."
Next Day
"Mornin'," Kotone greeted with a cheerful smile, as she caught up with Ben. "Looks like you're back on your feet. Everything in one piece?"
"Feels like it." Ben said
Kotone paused just in front of the shoe lockers. "By the way," she said. "I know you just got out of the hospital, but Ikutsuki-san wants to talk to you after school. Come to the fourth floor when you get back, okay?"
"Got it," he said
After School…
After yet another boring lecture, Ben bent to pick up his school bag to leave, which was also when Junpei wandered over to his side, his usual grin on his face. "Hey, man! what the hell happened to keep you out of school for a week? Some of us were startin' to wonder if you'd caught some horrible disease, and your Dorm mates weren't talking."
"Had a killer headache." Ben said. "I'm okay now."
"Yeah, sure?" Junpei asked, before changing the subject. "So. You headed home?"
"After I grab a bite." Ben hoisted his bag and made for the door. "Wanna come?"
Junpei hurried after him. "Let's go dude!"
Evening…
Returning to the dorm after an exhausting meal with Junpei, Ben wasted to no time in heading towards the fourth floor
Kotone was waiting for him when he reached the top of the stairs. "There you are!" she said, smiling. "Okay, let's go. They're waiting for us." She reached for the command room door, before the two entered
While inside, Ikutsuki, Mitsuru, Makoto, Yukari and Akihiko were waiting for them, seated around the table, on top of which sat a briefcase
"Ah, there you are," Ikutsuki greeted, with his usual friendly smile. "I'm glad to see you're all right; after so long in the hospital, I was starting to worry. Please," he added, gesturing to the seats, "sit down." He said, to which Ben complied
"I assume Yukari has told you why you're here. But before we get into that…" Ikutsuki nodded at the boxer. "I believe I mentioned him when we met. This is Akihiko Sanada, the other senior on the team."
Akihiko waved a black-gloved hand. "How ya doin'?"
"Hard to say. Regardless class was boring today, so that seems consistent." Ben replied dryly.
The boxer chuckled, acknowledging the point, and Ikutsuki smiled. "Well, then," the Chairman said, taking control of the meeting again, "let me begin by asking you a question: would you believe me if I were to say that a day consists of more than twenty-four hours?"
"At this point, that shouldn't be a question." Ben said
"Then you're aware of the Dark Hour," Mitsuru stated, leaning back again. "The hour when machines stop, and the world goes strange. We call it the Dark Hour, and frankly, it's why you're here. Because of the hour that's hidden between one day and the next."
"I know." Ben said, causing brows to be raised
"You've been experiencing it before now." Makoto deduced
"Yes."
"Hmm" Ikutsuki muttered thoughtfully. "As you've clearly realized, most people aren't even aware of it; only those with potential, and a tiny handful like myself, are capable of experiencing it. Every night at midnight, the Dark Hour occurs, and only we will ever notice it."
"You know all that, of course." Akihiko said. "But then you also know now that's not what makes the Dark Hour so interesting, don't you? You met them that night, last week. The twisted monsters… the creatures we call 'Shadows'. They're denizens of the Dark Hour, and they attack anyone outside the protection of a coffin."
"Talk about tough luck." Ben said dryly
"Preach." Makoto signed
The boxer grinned. "Actually, I kind of think it's the reverse. It's our job to defeat them. Exciting, isn't it?"
"Akihiko!" Mitsuru said sharply. "Why are you always like this… You just got hurt the other day, remember? And you're…" She shook her head. "This isn't a game, you know."
"It's all right," Ikutsuki interjected. "He does his job well, and that's very important, given the stakes involved." He turned back to Ben. "By now, you've surely realized we're an organized group. To be specific, we go by SEES: Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad. Led by Mitsuru here, with me as the adviser. It's members consist of Akihiko Sanada, Yukari Takeba, Makoto Yuki and Kotone Yuki. On paper, we're a school club…but in reality, we're dedicated to fighting shadows."
"We do the fighting, while he does the research." Kotone corrected
"Thank you for clarifying that, Kotone." Ikutsuki signed
"Anytime."
"Anyway." Ikutsuki continued. "The police are powerless to help, and someone needs to act."
"There are those like the Chairman, who can experience the Dark Hour but have no defense against its dangers." Mitsuru spoke next. "When a Shadow attacks, it may leave physical marks… but except against those who can fight back, the threat is more often to the mind than the body. They feed on human will and emotion."
"Apathy Syndrome." Ben realized
"Right." Akihiko said. "And those like us are the only ones who stand in the way."
"Essentially," Ikutsuki confirmed. "There are those who can function in the Dark Hour… and among those are individuals who can manifest the power of Persona. It's not well-understood, but its effects are known, and they're the important thing: those with the power of Persona are the only ones who can defeat the Shadows. It's all up to you guys."
Mitsuru stood, and opened the briefcase Ben had noticed earlier. "What the Chairman is trying to say is that we want you to join us, Strega. Persona users are very rare, and right now, we need all the help we can get. We've already prepared an Evoker for you. Will you lend us your strength?"
"Hey." Yukari voiced out. "If you say it like that, there's no way he would say no."
"I'm in." Ben said suddenly
"Are you sure?" Yukari asked
"No." He answered honestly. "But I don't really care that much."
"Deja Vu." Kotone signed
"Thank you so much," Ikutsuki said, smiling broadly. "I'm really glad to have you with us. Oh, and as for your room assignment…" He exchanged a look with Mitsuru. "Why don't you stay in your current room. I don't know what the hold up is."
"But chairman, weren't we…you know what, nevermind." Yukari said
Dark Hour
Cautiously opening his eyes, Ben caught sight of a short figure in a striped shirt, standing beside the bed. A familiar figure, at that.
"Hi, how are you?" the boy who had presented him with the contract the first night said, smiling.
"…How'd you get in here?" he asked slowly.
The boy chuckled. "Oh, I'm always with you…"
"That doesn't sound ominous at all." Ben muttered sarcastically
The boy looked at him with those eerie eyes, still smiling. "Soon… the end will come. I just remembered that, so I thought I should let you know."
"I literally just got here." Ben mentally signed "The end of what?" He asked
"The end of everything… although to be honest, I don't really know what it is yet. Just that it is an end." He chuckled again. "But… take heart. I can tell that you've awakened to your power, and quite an unusual power it is. A power with many forms, yet bound to none… a power that may yet be your salvation, depending on where your choices lead you from here."
"Well that narrows things down."
"Do you remember when we first met? I expect you to honor that contract… although I suppose it would be quite unlike you not to." His smile. "I'll be watching over you, even if you forget about me… I'll see you later."
He faded out again, leaving Ben in green-tinted darkness.
Next Day, Evening
He'd just hung up his coat when he heard a voice calling him below. "Hey, Ben!" he heard faintly. "Could you come down here for a sec?"
"Be right there" Ben called back, and reached for his school jacket.
He descended the stairs to the lobby a minute later, finding both Makoto, Kotone, Yukari and Akihiko, waiting in front of the door.
"What's up?" he asked, joining them.
"That's what I'd like to know," Yukari replied, turning to Akihiko. "Surprises around here usually aren't good ones… Hey, what's that thumping?"
"There's someone I want to introduce you guys to," Akihiko answered. "Hey," he added, turning to the door, "hurry up, will ya? We haven't got all night."
"Gimme a break! This stuff is heavy, dammit!"
Ben and Makoto exchanged looks, on recognizing the voice, with Yukari wearing an expression of horror. "No. No, that can't possibly be-"
The left door swung open, and a cart of suitcases rolled in, pushed by a youth in a Gekkokan uniform, the beginnings of a beard, and a ball cap. It was Junpei Iori.
"J-Junpei?" Yukari blurted. "What is he doing… No! You can't mean-!"
Akihiko smiled, amused by the juniors' evident horror. "Junpei Iori of Class 2-F, as I'm sure you already know. He'll be staying here starting today."
Junpei chuckled, grinning when he saw his classmates. "Wazzup, guys? Heh, so this is the dorm you guys live in, huh? Pretty spiffy place!"
Makoto stared at him for a long moment, then turned, very slowly, to Akihiko. "He's staying here, Senpai? Does that mean what I'm afraid it means?"
Junpei feigned insult. "C'mon, Makoto! It sounds like you're not happy to see me!"
"I bumped into him the other night," Akihiko said, in response to Makoto's question. "He has the potential, so it's a good thing I found him before the Shadows did… I already told him about SEES, and he's agreed to join us."
Junpei grinned. "He found me cryin' like a baby in a convenience store, surrounded by a bunch of coffins. I don't remember much, but man That's embarrassing! Akihiko-senpai tells me that that's, ya know, completely normal. Bein' confused, not remembering it clearly later… that kind of thing. Takes some time before you get used to it. But you guys know that, right?"
"Can't relate." Ben said
"Seriously?" Junpei asked shocked. "Well it happens to everyone."
"But man, was I surprised," Junpei was saying. "I had no idea about this Dark Hour thing, let alone you guys! So that's why you were out for a week Ben? Man, that musta been exciting! What happened, you get hit pretty bad?"
Akihiko waved a hand, drawing attention back to him. "Right, then, introductions aren't really necessary here. I think we're about ready now…"
"Ready?" Junpei turned to him, exuberant as ever. "Oohh, you mean we're gonna do something? Sweetness!"
The boxer nodded. "With this many people, I think we can finally start exploring that place. It's about time we got past the entrance…"
Yukari inhaled sharply. "You mean… Tartarus?"
"Tartarus? Domain of Hades?" Ben thought. "Okay things just got interesting."
"Tartarus…? What the hell's that? Sounds like toothpaste."
Ben shot Junpei a look. "It's basically Greek mythology version of hell. Kinda ironic that happens to be the domain of my Persona."
"Tell me about it." Makoto groaned, making Ben raise a brow at him. "My Persona goes by Orpheus."
"Seriously?" Ben asked
"Seriously."
"I don't really know much about Greek myth." Yukari said. "Who's Orpheus in Greek myth?"
"A musician who went to Tartarus in hopes of retrieving his wife, Eurydice-" Ben started but was interrupted by Yukari
"Hold on Eurydice?" Yukari asked. "Isn't that Kotone's Persona?"
"Pause." Ben said. "Your sister's Persona is your Persona's wife?"
"It just shows we're super close, right step bro." Kotone said, throwing her hand over her brother
"Damn it Kotone, stop giving Junpei ideas." Makoto groaned
"Hey!"
"Anyway I'll explain the myth later." Ben said, as he started heading upstairs. "So senpai, this Tartarus?"
"You'll see it for yourself tomorrow night," Akihiko promised him. "For now… Let's just say it's the place where we think we can find the reason for the Dark Hour." He waved a hand. "The Chairman will give us the details tomorrow night, so be ready. And get plenty of rest tonight; there's school tomorrow, and then the Dark Hour…"
Author's Note: For Hades stats. He's strong against Fire and Drains Darkness. For skills, he has Bash, Maragi, Null Fear and Madoon. Not using leveling system, but in the Death class, Alice and Thanatos are the only Death persona's stronger than him.