6/15 Mon - Tatsumi Hospital - Afternoon - Fuuka

I rushed to Tatsumi Hospital after school let out. Kazuki-kun has been asleep for 17 days now. It worries me that he's been asleep this long, however, thoughts like those won't make things better; I have to believe he'll be alright. However, that bizarre report on his recovery still gets me. The doctor taking care of him said that his wounds were completely healed as if nothing happened at all. I don't think someone at the dorm healed him since no one mentioned doing so… I'm just glad he's recovered, all I need to do now is wait for him to wake up.

I was stuck in the hospital for two days at most, going through examinations for my physical and mental statuses relating to my Persona. Nothing negative came up, so I was released early.

Visiting him in the hospital again is nostalgic, yet new, in perspective. The reason he came here last time was because a Shadow injured him. I couldn't believe his reason for wounding up here in the first place. That's not to say I'm angry he lied about it, in fact, I completely understand. However, I wished he told me anyway, as unreasonable as it sounds.

After speaking with the receptionist, I head up to the floor Kazuki-kun's staying on. Making it to his floor, I walk through the familiar corridor that holds other patients. It must feel terrible to be cooped up in this place for more than a day or two, especially if you have no one to visit you.

I stop at a door in the middle of the hallway. Pulling the door open, a man with dark hair sits next to Kazuki-kun. There's a glint of sorrow in his eyes.

"Um, excuse me," I call, careful to not raise my voice.

His attention turns to me, surprised by my surprise appearance. However, he quickly regains his composure. "Oh sorry, I didn't know he was getting other visitors."

"Do you know, Kazuki-kun?"

"Kazuki-kun?"

"That's his name."

"Yeah, I know, but… I see."

"I'm sorry, but who are you?"

"Oh, right, I'm Toudou Naoya. What's your name?"

So, this is him...

"Yamagishi Fuuka, it's a pleasure to meet you. So you're, Toudou-san?"

"Nice to meet you. Did Kei tell you about me?"

"Yes, he has."

"Then has he told you about his time in Mikage-cho?" All I can do is nod. "I see..." Toudou-san re-takes his seat next to Kazuki-kun. "Everyone there ridiculed him for existing. His life over there wasn't easy. But, there must be a silver lining since someone came here to see him… I'm grateful for you being his friend…"

"Well, I'm, um..."

"Or maybe you're his girlfriend or something."

A brief, hearty chuckle says he's only joking, however…

"Yes, I am."

His pupils expand, taken back by this revelation.

"Really!? I was just kidding! That's great! In that case, can I ask you a favor?"

"Of course."

"Can you look out for him? I know he can be difficult sometimes, but he is a good kid."

His request comes from a genuine place, one that's foreign to me between me and my parents. I'm kind of jealous. Be that as it may, I feel at ease knowing someone like this was taking care of him up to this point.

"I promise to look after him."

"Then I have nothing to worry about." He gets up from his seat, heading for the door "...This might come off a bit nosey, if not, rude, but why did you take an interest in Kei?"

"Because he helped me when I needed it most. He's a kind person."

"That's good to hear. Sorry for asking that out of the blue. I'll be leaving now. It was a pleasure meeting you."

"Wait!" I bow in front of Toudou-san. "Thank you for believing and giving him your support!"

"Are you kidding me, I should be the one saying that to you… Oh, I know, when I come back to Port Island, the three of us should go get something to eat."

"I would love that."

"Great, then I'll treat you kids the next time I see you. Take care..."

Toudou-san leaves the room. It's odd, he was acting open with me, but for some reason, I feel as if he was holding back. What that is I can't tell, however, it doesn't matter.

I move over to the seat by Kazuki-kun's bedside. I wonder what I should say to him the moment he wakes up. Maybe I should tell him about me joining, SEES? I don't know, perhaps it should be something more…

"Huh?"

He groaned, I heard it perfectly. That must mean…

"Kazuki-kun! A-are you awake?"

He groans again, this time, his eyelids slowly open up. "Mhm... Yeah, I'm awake. Where are we? Is this the hospital?"

"Yes, you've been unconscious for two weeks now."

"Seriously? No wonder I feel stiff. All I remember was passing out when I got here. For a moment there, I thought I was gonna die."

"Luckily, your wound healed significantly, so you should be fine."

"That's good, thought I was gonna have to stay here for a while. I'm not exactly a fan of hospitals."

I take the seat next to his bed.

"So, how many times have you visited me?" he asks.

"Actually, this is the first time I'm visiting you. Ever since that night, I've been busy."

"Busy doing what?"

Now's the time to tell him, if I don't, he'll know eventually. I have to, I can do it! It was my decision, so I have nothing to worry about.

"Alright... Kazuki-kun, I officially joined SEES."

I was able to keep a straight face, but how is he going to react?

"Are you sure about it?" he asks me, serious in his expression and tone.

"I am. After what happened that night, I can't let my abilities go to waste. If there's something I can do to help you all, then I'll do it!"

…He doesn't seem to be taking this negatively or reacting with disapproval.

He simply smiles. "Cool, then welcome to SEES."

He extends his hand to me. It's almost laughable how worried I was telling him. I take his hand. The warmth from his merges with mine, radiating a warm sensation in my hand. It's just a handshake, so why am I embarrassed?

"Well, since you're going to be a part of SEES, we should celebrate after I get out."

"What about the celebration for when you get released from the hospital?"

"Oh yeah. Then how about we celebrate both, how's that?

"That sounds wonderful. However, that's not the only thing I wanted to talk about… Did you…mean it?"

He raises an eyebrow at the question. "Mean what?"

"That you would…protect…me no matter what.?"

"Do you really need to ask, of course I will."

I know it's stupid of me to ask, really, really stupid of me. But I wanted to hear him say it again. Though, I never imagined someone would ever say that to me. Oh my, it's Iike I'm a princess being protected by a prince… A princess and prince… Ah, I'm too old to fantasize about that! Be-besides, I don't want him to be the only one trying his best, I have to prove my worth as well.

"Th-then I'll do the same. Since I have this power, I'll use it to protect you and everyone else."

Why am I so embarrassed, I was able to say this without a problem a moment ago. Even with a Persona, I still have a long way to go. Let's just change the topic, that's a good idea!

"I have something else I want to tell you. When I got back to school, Natsuki and I became friends. I know it seems odd, but I genuinely think she wants to be my friend, so I want to be hers as well… Knowing how you feel about her, is it…okay to be her friend?"

"Nah, you don't have to ask me. If she's sorry, then it doesn't matter what I think."

He gives me a thumbs-up, the official stamp of approval, or so it seems. Kazuki-kun probably does have a problem with me being Natsuki's friend but is keeping quiet about it…

We talk to each other for a while about minor topics that came up lately. Even though this stuff isn't important, I'm glad I can talk to him at least, that's more than enough. The afternoon sky turns to an orange hue. Curfew is coming up, I'll need to get back soon.

"It's getting late, I'll be heading back for the day. I wish I could stay a bit longer though."

"Don't worry, you can just come visit me tomorrow."

"That's the plan. Tomorrow, I'll bring something good to eat."

"Thanks, you're the best!"

Hold on. Something to eat…? I almost forgot!

"Before I go, I met Toudou-san."

Kazuki-kun's expression widens, disbelief written on his face. "Naoya was here? For real!?"

I nod. "When he comes back to the city, he thinks we should go and get something to eat together."

"Awesome, just awesome!" I've never seen him so happy before, it's cute. Well, since I've said what I needed to, I should be on my way.

"I'm leaving Kazuki-kun."

"Okay, I'll see ya soon."

"Make sure to get plenty of sleep."

"Yes, ma'am.

I exit the room, quietly closing the door behind me. My hand is glued to the handle of the door. He was smiling, that;s good, that's very good. Right, now I'll get home for the day before night. Kirijo-senpai is one I would not like to displease, so I better book it.

Port Island station - Midnight

"Damn, I'm late!"

It's way past evening and it was just about midnight. I'm supposed to be on my way to the Iwatodai dormitory now.

"Crap, where is he?" He told me he would be waiting here for me! Now I just feel like an idiot. I guess I'll just have to walk there all by myself, in the dark...without someone to walk me. "The hell Makoto..."

The clock on my phone is 11:59 A.M. In mere seconds, it hit 12 A.M. Hm? What the hell? My phone isn't turning on. Well, isn't that just great! Looking up from my phone, the station walls have a dirty green to them, the air feels colder and heavier than before. Blood is oozing out of the walls. The moon turned into a nasty yellow.

"W-what in the hell is this?"

"The Dark Hour."

I turn to see someone standing far to my left. It's a boy, he looks about my age. His purple hair is a notable feature. That's definitely dyed on.

"So, looks like we have someone with potential," The mysterious kid says.

"Potential?"

The purple-haired kid groans. "It'd be a pain in the ass to explain it to you. You kinda look like a pain in the ass to explain anything to though."

He isn't even trying to hide being an ass.

"Well, can you direct me to the Iwatodai dormitory? You see, I can't read maps too well." I only got here because of the help of some of my old classmates and strangers.

"Dormitory?"

"Yeah, it's in Iwatodai."

"Iwatodai dormitory?"

"Yes, for Gekkoukan high students."

"Hmm... Oh, right." He puts his hand forward. "Hand me that map."

"What, why?"

"Cause I need it." This guy was getting scarier looking. "...Listen, I don't wanna hurt someone weaker than me, but if you don't give me that map then I'll have to take the damn thing from you. So give it up."

I show him the map. As he reaches for it, I whack him with my other hand, right across his face. While he is staggered, I run for it. I ran towards a back alley. Shit, he's catching up to me quickly!

"Head for the hospital." Huh, what was that voice? "The hospital will be the safest place for you."

The voice feeds me directions to the place. As I make my way to the hospital I can feel my heartbeat growing louder and I run.

Tatsumi Hospital - Dark Hour - Kazuki

I'm lying out on the bed, looking out in the window. The Dark Hour hit the world now, it took away the pretty lights that were shining brightly from the building. It left me time to think about everything so far. My life has taken a turn for the better, yet the caveat is there. I've landed myself in the hospital two times already, both being visits this year and for major injuries. Plus, there were some complications with my team but they seem to be cleared up… But is it really behind me now?

The distinct sound of glass shattering outside my room catches my attention. Is it a Shadow? It'll probably be okay if I stay inside my room, but… Yeah, no, I can't go to sleep knowing there's an enemy outside my door. Guess I'll go see what it is, beat it with Janus, and catch some beauty sleep.

Tatsumi Hospital - 3rd floor, Dark Hour

So glad my room's closet had a spare set of clothes, I seriously don't wanna fight a Shadow wearing a gown. I found the broken glass a few doors down from my room. There's some blood, just a small drop, nothing alarming. Can't be a Shadow since they don't have blood, and if they do, it ain't red, that's for sure.

"E-excuse me..."

"Whoa!"

"Ahh!"

A girl with chestnut-colored hair and crimson-red eyes is hiding in the room behind me, scared half to death, from what I can tell.

"Hey, are you okay, what happened!?"

"I-I was attacked!?"

"By a monster?"

"Wha- No, I was–!"

She hisses in pain, clenching her hand. Blood trickles down it.

"You're hurt! Why didn't you tell me!"

"It's nothing," She says as she tries to hide her wound.

"I can't just let you bleed like that. Come, let's–"

"Where are you!?"

A masculine voice breaks through the haunting silence of the hospital, his voice echoing across the halls.

"Crap, it's him!

"Who!?"

"I think she's referring to me!" I see a guy with purple hair rear his head from the corner of the hallway.

"Who are you!?"

"None of your damn business who I am!"

"Why are you after this girl!?"

"I just wanted to know where the Iwatodai dorm is, but she didn't want to hand me that damn map, and I'm sure you can figure the rest out for yourself."

"What are you talking about!?" He cracks his neck, getting close to us. "So you wanna fight? In that case, come at me!"

"No, he'll kill you!"

"It's okay, I got this."

This is the second time I'm fighting a human, and the first time didn't go so swimmingly. I have to be careful this time.

"Honestly, fighting weaklings is a pain in the ass, but fine. If you wanna die so badly, I guess I ain't got a choice but to oblige."

"Persona!"

"Huh?"

Janus flies from my soul, at my enemy. He just stands there, watching Janus get even closer. He's struck by Janus and sent skipping across the halls of the hospital. Was that enough? Maybe he wasn't strong enough to handle it…

"Ahh... that kinda hurt." Kinda? That was a full-contact blow from Janus! How the hell didn't that knock him out!? "...Okay, now that I let you get your free blow–"

"Free blow?"

"Yeah, it's a handicap for you."

"Why do I need one?"

This guy…is he just like the other one?

"Cause when I fight weaker people, I like to give them a chance to put me down in one blow… It never works out for them."

Shit, I have to mount another attack. "Ja–"

He dashes forward, almost disappearing from my sight. Wha– How is he able to move that fast!? He's a blur moving across the corridor.

"Geez, you're slow." A swift thump right to my solar plexus puts me on my knees. "Is that it? Well, that's boring."

Not done yet.

"Jan–"

My head rocks back, it felt like he used his foot to hit my chin. I quickly grab it.

"Huh?"

"Janus!"

He's hit with a mean right hook, bouncing around the ground and walls until he's back where he started. Now that had to have done damage.

"Damnit, that was a cheap shot."

"Come on, what are you made out of?"

"You look down at me or something? Cause if you are, then…"

A blue flicker snaps around the enemy's leg. Suddenly, blue flames engulf his leg. They wildly dance around his leg, burning the ground he stands on.

"Y-you're leg."

"Yeah, now watch this."

He's coming!

"Stand back!"

The girl backs into the room and the purple-haired boy moves like he did before; I can see him, but I can't react in time. He pivots his body, throwing his weight with the leg that's on fire. There was barely enough time to react with Janus, but even with its help, this burns like hell. If this had hit me directly, it probably would have melted through my body.

"This place is too cramped. Let's go outside."

"Huh–"

He pushed me through a window with the leg Janus stopped. Ho– Holy shit! I'm falling, I'm falling! Shit, shit, shit! It's a four-story fall, but at this height, I'll probably die on impact. Summon, I need to summon!

"Janus!"

He managed to cushion my fall but I still hit the ground hard. Crap, I am…never…doing that…again.

"God, man. You're pathetic. Can't you put up a better fight or something? Cause if you can't, you'll really die here."

My heart skipped a beat. There's no cocky bravado or any joy, just the simple truth of the matter. He treats it with a serious attitude. Actually, I can't even say this guy is having fun messing with me; he seems more irritated than anything else.

"Remember the name Masaru Katsu, 'cause I'm–" He takes a giant leap back. Four daggers are lodged in his previous spot.

"Whose there!?"

"I suggest that you stop right now, Masaru."

Katsu sucks his teeth, bothered by the new arrival. "Great…" A figure, clad in black lands between both of us. It's that masked guy from before! "What do you want?"

"I was told to bring you back."

He makes a face like he's a delinquent being scolded by a teacher. "...Thought nobody noticed me leaving."

"You can't escape their eyes."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it already."

The masked guy and Katsu begin putting distance from me. Katsu turns to face me. "You, what's your name?"

"Kazuki Kei!"

"...I'd get stronger if I were you. If it weren't for this guy, you'd be dead."

The two figures disappeared into the darkness of the Dark Hour… Damnit! I'm not battle-crazed or anything, and I don't care how strong I am, but what he said boils my blood. And the worst thing, I can't argue against it. This feeling of powerlessness…it's awful.

"Are they gone," the girl from before asks as she walks over from the entrance of the hospital.

"Yeah, they're gone."

"Thank goodness. I thought for a minute there, I was gonna die…"

"It's okay, you're safe now."

"Good, but that being said...you were awesome!"

"H-huh, oh, it was nothing."

"Nah, man! You were an ass-kicking machine!"

"Ah, shucks." I start blushing from all the compliments. First time I ever got this many compliments about my fighting, even though I did poorly. More importantly, I need to get back to the dorm since I'm out of the hospital. Although, what am I gonna do with this girl?

"Hey, where do you live," I ask the girl

"Oh, I'm supposed to be living in Iwatodai as of now." She shows me a piece of paper. It's a map of the city and directions of where the dorm is. Wait, does that mean she's a Persona user?

"You're living in the dorm?"

"Yes."

"Then, in that case, wanna come to the dorm with me?"

"Sure, beats going there while looking over my shoulder in this creepy ass place."

My eyes naturally land back on her wounded hand.

"Let me see your wound!"

"Oh, right!"

There's no wound? The blood stains are still there, but it's as if nothing happened. Her skin looks as smooth as silk and white as a snowflake.

"Staring a bit too much, aren't you?"

No, stop! Get your mind out of there, Kei!

"How did your wound heal?"

"I don't know, I've always been a fast healer."

That doesn't explain why that wouldn't leave a mark. Ah, whatever, at least she's fine. I just want to go home at this point.

"Where do you live? I'll walk you home."

"I just got here, I'm supposed to be living in a dorm."

"You're a transfer student, too?"

"Too? Are you one?"

"Yeah, came here in March." Wow, that long, huh? It's already been two months since I started fighting monsters and met Fuu-chan, it's surreal. "What dorm are you heading to?"

"This one."

She hands me a pamphlet… Hold on, this is the same one I had when I was accepted here, and it leads to the Iwatodai Dorm. So she's a Persona user too…

"Looks like we're going to the same place."

"Really? You live there?"

"Yeah, it's a co-ed dorm."

"Whoa, co-ed, that sounds weird, doesn't it?"

"Does it, I never thought much of it."

Come to think of it, how did the school even allow it? Is it because of Kirijo's influence? If that's the case, wouldn't it be even weirder? Actually, what does everyone outside of SEES think of us…? I guess I'll just have to hope we're not seen as a bunch of weirdos. Whatever, none of that matters right now. I have to get this girl to the dorm.

"Follow me to the dorm. We'll talk about this tomorrow."

"Okay!"

We head down the streets of the empty city. This girl seems to be getting used to the Dark Hour already... Hmm, never got her name.

"Hey, can I know your name? You know, since we're gonna be dormmates." I put my hand out. "I'm Kazuki Kei."

The girl forms a warm smile and takes my hand. "I'm Arisato Minako. It's nice to meet you!"