9/10 - Thu - Tartarus - FL: 120 - Kazuki
My footsteps echo across the new section of Tartarus. Embedded in the golden walls are glittering gems, dazzling to the human eye. Their splendorous sheen is annoyingly bright, bordering on distracting. Not to mention, the golden walls and floor are reflective. This place is…gaudy. Yeah, that's the best way to put it. Pools of blood stain the floor. If it weren't for the blood, I would've forgotten I was even in Tartarus.
The shadows here, as expected, are stronger than the batch from the bottom section, but they haven't given me any trouble so far; shadow-mog had a huge hand in that. It trivializes the journey through the section. However, that doesn't mean I can let my guard down.
Right on cue, a Shadow, garbed in a suit of armor, holding a lance in one hand and riding on a horse with no legs, turns the corner in front of me. Its eyes – er, at least I think it has eyes – train on me.
"Here it comes," I mutter.
Immediately, it whips the reins around its horse, gearing it up to charge. Around its spear, lighting cracks, coating it in elemental power. It thoughtlessly charges forward. It'll close the distance in 4 seconds flat. It would be enough time to summon my Persona, but I can't since I'm using Shadow-mog. But I don't need it. A single swing… That's all it takes to dismantle the enemy in front of me completely. Magical power shot out of my sword, tearing everything in its path. All that remains is rubble from the walls.
"Alright, that's it. Better get back."
I went up - what - 5 floors? It's enough for now. Going any further, I might encounter a guardian. There's a portal next to the stairs leading to the previous floor.
…
Enveloped by a jade green light, the crystals I got from Shizuka returned me to the lobby. A part of me expects the others to greet me. They're asleep in their rooms back at the dorm. It's silly to think they're here even though I snuck out to come to Tartarus alone.
"Five floors all by myself. Man, I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it."
Lately, I've been coming to Tartarus by myself. Shizuka's been distant, avoiding me inside and outside the dorm, cutting into my training. And going just once a week isn't enough anymore. I need to keep fighting to get stronger. With Shadow-mog, I can defeat more powerful enemies, and I'll be helping everyone if I do.
Outside the labyrinth, White petals fall from the trees beside the path to the school gate. Fresh air fills my lungs, filtering out the sterile air inside the dungeon. Feels like I can relax when I get out of there. Not like I have anything to worry about, but it's just a habit I made when I started out. But who knows, I might just do away with it.
Tomorrow night, I'll come back and go another five floors. Yeah, at this pace, I can do it!
9/11 - Fri -Iwatodai Dormitory - morning - Kazuki
Ugh…my head… I hate the morning. Not only that but waking up this early in the morning is pure pain. Today is the first day back to school since that demon attack. Everyone in the dorm is still unaware of what happened. I'd like to keep it that way; explaining how I solved it might be troublesome.
"Yo!" Jun swings his arm around my shoulder from behind me.
"You seem happy?" I point out, skipping the greeting.
"Nah, not at all. Just when I was gettin' used to no school, we just had to go back."
"I know what you mean."
It's not that I hate school, or at least nowadays, but going back right after break isn't something I'm ecstatic about. But you won't hear me saying that next to Kirijo-senpai.
"Hey, can I ask you something? Man to man?"
"Um, sure."
"So, there's this girl… She's a bit weird but pretty cute, and she's got that gothic lolita look goin' for her." All I can picture is one of those dolls wearing a Lolita dress. "...I was wonderin', maybe you can give me some advice? What should I say?"
"Oh, umm…"
Not again! Sanada-senpai asking me this stuff was hard enough; this is just a disaster waiting to happen.
"Well, maybe you can just talk about things she likes?"
"That's it? I guess she likes art, but she was pretty vague 'bout it."
"Then why don't you try talking about it some more with her?"
"Sounds good. Hope she's willin' to open up a bit. Thanks, man."
"No problem."
Crisis averted. Honestly, dating advice really isn't my thing…
"Where are the girls?" Jun asks as we head out of the dorm.
"Yeah, where are they?"
Shizuka probably went on ahead, and the others, save Fuu-chan, are in clubs, so they have to leave early. Ken leaves early to get to his school. It isn't that far out, but the kid goes ahead of us anyway. But there's one more person I haven't seen yet…
"Aigis isn't here?" I state, relaxed at her absence.
"Probably upstairs, still sleepin'. She's so damn lucky; robots don't need to go to school." Suddenly, from the kitchen, Koro strolls up to us, waging his tail with delight."...Or dogs!"
Jun bends down to pet his head, rustling his white fur. I do the same. Petting this dog is like ascending to a higher plane of enlightenment. Brushing your hands across his white fur is enough to wash away your worries. But he doesn't like it when I pet him for too long, and hearing him whimper is not fun for anyone. So, for the sake of being a good friend, I relent.
I wave him goodbye as I step onto the sidewalk. "We'll be back, Koro."
"Hold down the fort for us, 'kay?"
He barks, affirming to do just that. Jun closes the door to the dorm and joins me on my trek to school.
Gekkoukan High School - Classroom: 2-E - morning - Kazuki
Jun and I went our separate ways after reaching our homerooms. Everything seems alright. That hole in the wall - the one I made - is patched up. The mood of the class is as lively as ever; everyone talks amongst themselves about what was on TV, their time off, and other stuff.
Shizuka is in her seat, avoiding eye contact with me again. What did I do to deserve this? I seriously need to speak with her during lunch.
Next to my seat, Natsuki and Fuu-chan are talking to each other.
"Morning," I greeted the both of them.
Their attention rounds onto me. Fuu-chan's welcoming smile helps me settle into my seat.
"Did you guys hear about the transfer student?" Natsuki says.
"Transfer student?"
Only two of them come to mind; one is missing, and the other is in a coma in the hospital.
"Yeah, it's a girl. I think she's a foreigner."
Girl, foreign… No, nothing, I got nothing.
"What class is she in?" I ask.
"2-F."
That class definitely has a magnetic effect on transfer students. Wait, I'm also a transfer. Do I just not count or something?
"Wanna go find her during lunch, Fuuka?"
"W-wouldn't that be rude?"
"Come on, just for a second."
Ekoda-sensei saunters into class, shutting the door behind himself. Irritated, as usual, he orders everyone to be quiet and take their seats. I'm honestly not in the mood for class. When he calls my name, I'm out like a light…
"Kazuki-kun," Fuu-chan whispers. "...I didn't mention it, but–"
"I hear talking."
Ekoda-sensei's sharp ears make us cut the conversation short. Whatever she had to say must've been a big deal; she seemed worried. It'll have to wait till lunch. Meanwhile, my desk has a date with my head…
Gekkoukan High School - Class: 2-E - Lunch - Kazuki
Waking up at the tail-end of class is a wonderful thing. I'm refreshed, awake, and ready for lunch. But it's only a matter of time before Ekoda-sensei figures me out, so I better not get too comfortable sleeping in class.
"Fuuka, let's go see."
"What about lunch?"
"We can eat after we're done checking her out. Let's go."
Natsuki walks to the door, waiting for Fuu-chan.
"We might as well," I tell her, standing from my seat.
"But I already know who it is."
"You know a foreigner?"
She shakes her head, seemingly frustrated. "It'll be faster to show you."
Fuu-chan leads the way out of class. We follow Natsuki to the classroom next to us. A small flock of boys stand outside the classroom, peering inside from the window. All of them look mesmerized by what they're looking at.
"Boys," Natsuki says, sounding disappointed in them. "Hopefully, you don't end up like them, Kei."
"Of course not."
At least, I hope. A spot opens up near the window. We take it within a moment's notice. Multiple students inside stare at the transfer student beside Yuka-chan and Jun. An air of mystery and stillness surrounds the girl. Their blond hair is the first thing to register to me. Wearing the winter uniform despite being summer seems odd, yet it makes them stand out…
"Kazuki-kun?" Fuu-chan calls, growing more concerned.
"He's totally drooling all over her."
No…it can't be… No way… The blond hair, her white legs and hands, and those blue eyes!
"Fuu-chan, why is she here?"
"I tried to tell you."
Her attention hones on us, but most likely me.
"Threat detected!"
The new girl; a beautiful foreigner that looks too perfect to exist, but to me, a pain in my ass. Aigis is the transfer student.
Gekkoukan High School - Class: 2-E - afterschool - Kazuki
The final bell rung two minutes ago, but even that isn't enough to get me out of my slump. Ugh, I'd rather deal with monsters any day of the week, but Aigis, I just can't. She has had an eye out for me since we met. Also, calling me a "threat" doesn't help either, and it's not like all this magically goes away during battle. We don't mix well together.
Fuu-chan and Natsuki went off to go study in the library. I'd go, but I won't get another chance to speak to Shizuka if I do.
"Shizuka, Kazuki." An all too familiar voice stops me, shy of standing from my desk. Kirijo-senpai stands in the doorway. "...May I speak with you two?"
Just the two of us? Not like it's odd, but what could she want from us? Shizuka, without a word, rises from her seat with her bag. Well, might as well follow suit.
…
Senpai leads us inside the student council's office. Immediately, all the hairs on my back shoot up. Aigis is already here, and as expected, she's not gonna let her suspicion of me go unnoticed.
"I have a favor to ask of you two," Kirijo-senpai says. "...Now that Aigis is going to school, we have to help her adapt to society and how humans behave." Good luck with that. "...She's still unfamiliar with the city outside of the Dark Hour."
Hold on, is she telling us to be tour guides!?
"You want us to play tour guide?" Shizuka repeats, raising an eyebrow.
"I am sorry for thrusting this task onto you two, but you two are the only ones who can at the moment."
"What about Sanada-senpai?" I ask, hoping she somehow missed him.
"He has a club meeting."
Damn. Forgot he was captain of the Boxing club.
"What about the others?"
"Takeba is busy with Archery, and I can't get ahold of Iori." His phone is probably dead. "...I'm going to be busy with a Student Council meeting."
"And Yamagishi is busy tutoring her friend," Shizuka finishes. "Which leaves us."
"Again, I apologize."
I can't just say no thanks when she says it like that. Besides, it'd be unreliable of me not to help my senpai.
"Don't worry, senpai. We can show her around," I bitterly agree.
Shizuka narrows her eyes on me. She doesn't look happy, that's for sure.
Senpai flashes a smile at me before walking over to Aigis. "Then I wish you all the best of luck. I'll see you all back at the dorm."
She takes her leave. The two girls look at me, both with different expressions; rather, one with expression, and the other without.
"Did you have to say 'we'?" Shizuka opens, making her frustration crystal clear.
"I didn't mean to–"
"Where will our first destination be to?" Aigis asks.
"Um, we can…"
"Let's just go to the main areas we frequent. The quicker we get this done, the better."
Shizuka slides open the door without another word. Aigis follows her outside. Umm…I think I owe her a massive apology after this.
Iwatodai station - afternoon - Kazuki
Touring the city with Aigis turned out to be grueling. She kept doing and saying things that made her stand out. Not to mention that she keeps her eyes trained on me like she's waiting for me to try something. Honestly, I kind of regret signing onto this now. Shizuka did a better job than me at showing her the city, and even diffused several nasty situations.
"What is that building for?" Aigis asks like a child seeing the city for the first time.
"That's a building," I answer, barely holding back my impatiens.
"And that one?"
"...That's a building as well. And the one next to it is a building, and that one is a building, too."
I let my impatience get the better of me. Aigis doesn't seem upset or even affected by my sarcasm.
"...I comprehend… These structures do not match those in my databank."
"Databank? You mean your memory?" I ask, dropping my guard for a moment.
"Yes. The geographical and Architectural data in my databank differ from their current state."
"How old is your?" Shizuka asks.
"A decade old."
"Were you operational then?"
"Correct. However, my activities during that period have been corrupted, making it impossible to recount my mission at the time." All this robot talk reminds me that she is a robot, which in itself would be cool if she weren't hostile. "...Although…there is a lingering piece of information… A 'feeling' perhaps? A desire to meet someone, to seek out a specific human. Yet, I cannot find them…"
The expression on her face and voice don't properly convey it, but for a moment, I swear it sounded like she was upset. Maybe it's someone she met during her activation. But I never expected her to hold sentimentality, let alone a desire for others…
"Then how do you know if this person exists?" Shizuka daringly asks, not even blinking at her question.
"I am unsure myself, but I am certain."
"What if you never meet them?"
"But I must. I must seek them, I must…be by their side."
Aigis lacks the understanding to express emotion like normal people, but I think despite that, she has a natural sincerity. One can say it's because of her programming, but it's stronger than that, better. If she does find them, what would she do, how would she react?
"The sun is setting," I point out to the girls.
The afternoon sun sinks behind the towering buildings of the city, marking the end of our tour around the city.
"Kirijo-san said we must return to the dorm around evening," Aigis repeats.
"I know, but it went by so quickly…"
I know I was belly-aching about this all day, but a part of me sorely regrets not having more fun with this. Maybe if I tried, Aigis and I could close the gap between us. It's not like I want to hate her, but…
"Aigis, why do you think I'm a threat?" Both the girls bring their attention to me. They don't show it, but I can tell they're confused. "...When we met, you attacked me, but I never did anything to you, or to anyone else."
"You are a threat," she says, practically ignoring what I had said. "Whenever you are around, my sensors go off."
"Sensor?"
"I was designed to counter Shadows. I come with an assortment of equipment to attack, as well as detect them… Yet, I can detect things other than Shadows; humans, lower lifeforms, animals, even other creatures that are not Shadows, yet not human." Huh…? Not human or Shadow? That can't be right. "...Observing you, Kazuki, I am unable to draw up a conclusion on what you are."
What I am? I'm human…isn't that obvious? Co-come on, how can I not be? Maybe it's just because of Shadow-mog, or something like that. Yeah, yeah, nothing else.
"Aigis," Shizuka spoke up, appearing somewhat annoyed. "Stop filling his head with nonsense. Perhaps your sensor is still nonfunctional."
"That is a possibility, but you–"
If looks could kill, then Shizuka would've murdered us both in an instant. She flashes an intense glare, pouring every ounce of anger and resentment behind it. I'm not the target of her ire, but it's like there's a knife stabbing into my spine.
"Ah! I… I have to go!"
Shizuka turns her back on us, leaving just as quickly. What the– What just happened?
"Shizuka, wait!"
"We have to go back, so let's go back already."
Shizuka is, almost frighteningly so, able to control her emotions, making it hard to tell how she's feeling; even subtle cues fail to come out of her perfectly calculated exterior. Yet, she threw it to the waist-side and demonstrated her annoyance.
I catch up to her, blocking her path. "What happened?"
"I was just worried we'd–"
"Stop lying to me! I know you're not concerned about that."
Immediately, her stoic mask falls, revealing a more irritated version of herself. "I don't see how it concerns you!"
"I'm just…you've been distant for a while now. Can't I know what's wrong?"
"No," she says, flat in delivery. "...You wouldn't understand, you wouldn't get it."
"But…I thought we were friends?"
"What gave you that idea?"
A painful jolt rippled through my heart. My legs go numb, barely keeping me up. Shizuka's eyebrows pull upward, and her mouth gapes. She turns away from me.
"...You'd regret being my friend…so just… Bye."
Then, she vanishes from my sight, leaving without catching anyone's attention. My eyes dart all over the station, desperate to find her, on the ground, near the entrance/exit of the station, the rooftops, and even the sky. She isn't here anymore… The station feels smaller now.
"Did Shizuka-san leave ahead of us?" Aigis asks, unaware of the mood.
Would it be right to blame Aigis for Shizuka's sudden departure? Can I even pin the blame on her…? No, she didn't understand what she did. I don't either, and that fuels the pain in my heart.
Dark Hour - Tartarus - FL: 122 - Kazuki
The golden, glittering, yet hollow hall of Tartarus lost its glow when a stray shell shattered the wall behind me. Its impact is deafening and sickening enough to make the thought of it hitting me nauseating. Lightning roared across the halls and fire torched the sky, giving off the smell of burnt firewood and melted plastic.
15 meters across from me, a Shadow in the form of a tank centers its barrel on me. Its muzzle flashes blue. Blue lightning claps the ground next to me. A small crater warps the ground. Several more flashes of blue strike the ground as I make my way at it. Getting hit by it doesn't matter. I can take the blow, hell, I prefer it to use lightning.
Halfway there, an orange and red flash shoots out of it. A huge fireball barrels out, burning the tight corridor. Its heat grows the closer it gets. An attack like this could burn me alive…if it ever hits. I dispel the raging inferno with a swing of my blade. Flames twist around in the air, slowly dissipating as they dance wildly.
"Is that all?"
My sword falls low below my waist. The other two Shadows disappeared with a single strike. I got a feeling this one knows that, that's why it's keeping its distance. But that won't stop me. Another second or two is all I need to close the distance.
Streaks of lightning shoot out its muzzle. Shadow-mog makes it easy to see them coming and to dodge them. Each bolt that brushes past my body fills me with euphoria. I mean, why wouldn't I? The way my body feels, acts, and reacts is awesome!
I leap on top of it, digging my sword into its metal skin. Its head shakes around, trying to throw me off. A waste of effort with my sword lodged in its head. Every slight movement tears further into it. Black ooze spews from the hole. Then, I cleave through the metal shell of the Shadow with a simple flick of my sword.
Its body disappears into black smoke. My feet tap the ground, followed by a hollow echo that resonates throughout the hallway. No Shadows stand in my way to the next floor… I should head back then.
Victory was achieved, but I don't feel relieved or glad it was over, just a stronger craving. An unbelievably strong craving for more action. My brain keeps screaming to fight and all my fingers twitch at the thought. But right now, it's pointless; no one is here to praise me. This was only to relieve tension and to see how far I could come on my own. From now on though, I'll come here with everyone and fight. With this power, I can live out my ideal life, that's what it's for after all.