6/9
"Mukuro, a moment?" The young soldier turned to see Mitsuru approach her at the school gates Tuesday morning.
"Hm?"
"I trust you're recovering well from last night?" Mitsuru asked. "...It was certainly a close call."
Mukuro nodded. The full moon had brought not one but two very powerful Shadows that had challenged them in Tartarus itself when they'd gone in looking for the missing Fuuka Yamagishi, their foes having managed to hold the advantage until some fortunate developments. "I'm fine," she said, giving a small, reassuring smile.
"Good to know," Mitsuru said with a relieved smile. "Yamagishi, Moriyama and Kuzuryu are all recovering nicely at the hospital, as well. They should all be released in the next few days."
"What happens next?" Mukuro asked, recalling Moriyama not being a Persona-user and the other two having just awakened to their own.
"Moriyama doesn't remember a thing from the Dark Hour, and the chairman said it's unlikely she'll be brought back in now that we've dealt with those two Shadows," Mitsuru explained. "As for Yamagishi and Kuzuryu, we'll need to invite both to the dorm once they're cleared and explain to them what happened. Yamagishi's power is especially remarkable and would be very helpful to us in navigating through Tartarus."
"And Kuzuryu?"
Mitsuru nodded. "I'll ask her to come as well. Kuzuryu's aggressive demeanor may be useful when aimed in the right direction. With how she handled herself, I believe she could lend us a good deal of additional combat power as we continue explore the higher floors and make facing Shadows easier as well," she explained. "Both, I believe, would potentially be great assets to us in their own right if they accept."
Mukuro smiled a little. "I'm sure they will," she said. Fuuka seemed to want to help and was likely to join without question and Mukuro doubted it'd be difficult to convince Natsumi to join if it lent her more opportunities to use her new power she clearly reveled in back there.
"Optimism helps," Mitsuru chuckled lightly. "We'll know for sure once they're out of the hospital..."
The second-years of the team, however, seemed to have their own opinions on the matter already after classes had ended for the day.
"Well," Yukari said, coming over to join Mukuro and Junpei, "...I found out Kirijo-senpai and Sanada-senpai are going to go pay Yamagishi and Kuzuryu a visit at the hospital today, so may as well head back to the dorm..."
"I ain't complainin'!" Junpei said with a chuckle. "I'm still a little beat from last night, so may as well just find somethin' random to do to kill time tonight while bein' on standby!"
"You could always get a head-start on studying," Yukari offered, earning a withering look from the boy.
"So, you think they're hoping to talk them into joining?" Mukuro asked, attempting to dissolve an argument between the two before it could start.
"Who can say, it kind of worries me, though," Yukari said, a hint of unease in her tone and face as she looked away. "You think Kirijo-senpai was for saving Yamagishi-san because it was the right thing to do, or because Sanada-senpai already determined she was a potential Persona-user and had need of her?"
"Considering when we decided on the operation, I'm sure it wasn't an ulterior motive," Mukuro replied. "At the very least Akihiko was genuine about not wanting to leave her there and save her no matter what."
Yukari nodded, though still somewhat uneased. "I suppose you're right," she said.
"Yeah, plus we got not one but TWO outta the deal!" Junpei chimed in as the three went into the halls to head to the entrance. "...And it's two cute girls, may I add!"
"You're saying that to the wrong crowd, Stupei," Yukari pointed out with a slight raise of the brow.
"Hey, c'mon, not that nickname again!" Junpei protested. "I mean, aside from Fuuka-chan we got Kuzuryu, too! She seemed pretty enthusiastic the way she fought back there so I'm sure she'll be great to have on the team, too!"
"That's... one way of putting it," Yukari muttered. "...Not sure she's someone who'll be easy to share a dorm with, though."
"You may have a point, but Fuuka-chan seems like a real bona fide cutie, though!" Junpei offered, getting a facepalm from Yukari in response. "...Hey, tryin' to be optimistic, here!"
"We don't even know if they'll say yes, though," Yukari said. "...I just hope they're not being pressured or anything... I sometimes feel like Kirijo-senpai would do anything to achieve her goals."
"I couldn't say, but like I said, I think she really did genuinely care about Yamagishi's life past just her use, it wasn't like she knew what Fuuka's Persona's abilities were since she'd not awakened yet," Mukuro offered. "I mean... I can't speak for Yamagishi, but she seemed like she wants to help, and Moriyama's alive because of her. Natsumi... well..."
"...I kinda got a "loose cannon" vibe off her, honestly," Yukari said. "Is it really a good idea to bring her on-board, too?"
"So long as someone aims it where they want it, a loose cannon has its uses," Mukuro replied. "Fenrir is a disciplined group but there were those among us who were... bloodthirsty. Drop them somewhere you want no survivors, they got the job done."
"That's... eh..." Junpei began, before quickly shaking his head. "I mean you're the total opposite, but still... knowin' people like that?"
Mukuro scoffed. "Everyone has their use when you know where to use them," she said. "Mitsuru, though... she's got that air of authority to her. A soldier is supposed to follow orders."
"You still took Sanada-senpai's side though yesterday," said Yukari.
Mukuro nodded, blushing lightly. "...It felt like the right thing to do. There was a time I'd not even so much as question an order I'd just do it."
"Hey, leave no one behind, right?" Junpei asked. "You may be a trained soldier n' all but you ain't a robot."
"It just makes me wonder about Mitsuru sometimes, if no one spoke up would she have opposed the mission into Tartarus and just... left Fuuka there?" Yukari asked.
Mukuro paused, taking a breath. "I couldn't say. Out of all of you I know her the least."
"Eh, why don't we get our minds off it and head on to the strip mall before we head back?" Junpei asked with a grin. "C'monnnnn, Yuka-tan, it won't be weird or anythin'! We all oughta celebrate savin' Fuuka and maybe-possibly-hopefully gettin' a few new teammates to lighten the load and give me incentive to clean my room?" he added in an attempted tone of coercion and a spreading eager grin.
Yukari sighed, shaking her head in defeat. "...Fine, I guess we can do that."
"Suh-weet! Think it'll help my rep having two cute girls having beef bowls with me?" Junpei asked hopefully.
"Don't hold your breath, just be glad beef bowl actually sounds good right now," Yukari muttered, getting a small, but genuine smile from Mukuro as she walked along with them to the entrance and they headed off to the station.
6/11
Evening had fallen at the Iwatodai Dorm, with Mukuro, Yukari, and Junpei having followed a message from Akihiko to gather in the Command Room. Two new additions were now seated on the sofa with Akihiko as Mitsuru had left to greet the chairman downstairs.
"The hell's going on? Why'd you make me come out here, Senpai?" Natsumi Kuzuryu asked, arms resting on a throwpillow in her lap and glaring at Akihiko.
"Just wait, I'm sure we'll find out!" Fuuka Yamagishi said reassuringly, if a bit nervously, seated next to her.
"Much as I enjoy getting away from those gossipy pleb hens at my dorm, I didn't think boredom would compete," Natsumi grumbled.
"The chairman'll explain everything," said Akihiko, hearing the knob turn as the doors parted open, Mitsuru and chairman Ikutsuki walking in.
"Welcome, Fuuka Yamagishi and Natsumi Kuzuryu, correct?" the chairman asked with a warm smile as he took a seat in the empty armchair at the head of the room's long table, Mitsuru sitting down on the sofa with Akihiko and the two new girls.
Fuuka promptly rose and bowed. "Y-Yes!" she said quickly, before sitting back down, Natsumi meanwhile just smirked, cocking a brow.
"You've really never heard the name "Kuzuryu", before, Chairman?" she sneered before standing as well. "...Nice to meet you," she said, though her tone losing none of its sarcasm. Ikutsuki did not appear bothered, though.
"Well, opposite as night and day, these two!" he said with a merry chuckle. "It was merely a chance to introduce yourselves. As for you, Miss Yamagishi, no need to be nervous. Both of you are free to have a seat."
Once the two had sat back down, the chairman spoke again. "...Now, to start things off, I'd like to mention everyone did an excellent job at uncovering the truth, with some good news as well: All three girls who'd been gone comatose have regained consciousness following the defeat of those Shadows."
"That's great news!" Fuuka sighed in relief.
"From what I understood, each of them came to the school before midnight, and waited for the security guard to leave, and once the Dark Hour came, they were immediately attacked by the Shadows at the gates," the chairman explained.
"Like what I first saw when I was there that night," Natsumi mused.
"You were very fortunate to have chosen then when we were there as well to come, or you may have ended up in their predicament or worse," said Mitsuru.
"Correct," the chairman nodded. "...And because of the situation's similarities to an old ghost story, rumors began spreading. I take it that's what piqued your interest to investigate, Miss Kuzuryu?"
"That and overhearing Ikusaba and the others talking about sneaking in that night," Natsumi said.
"How did you find out about that anyway?" asked Mitsuru.
"I just held my thermos cup to the door while you guys talked and listened in. My brother and I did that with our dad's meetings all the time," Natsumi said with a proud smirk. "...Plus, I was already suspecting my... club-mate," she added, her smirk spreading as she looked at Mukuro, "...of witholding something from me so I figured why not bust her?"
"You were already getting a vague indication something was off with the monorail's sudden change of where it was," replied Mukuro.
"It's the club's job to investigate that stuff, isn't it?" Natsumi asked, gazing back at her from across the table.
"Well, I knew right from the start it wasn't a ghost!" Yukari quickly interjected.
"This was all my fault, though," Fuuka sighed.
"Where would you get that from?" asked Yukari. "You were a victim in all this!"
"But... all the rumors and everything started because I was absent for so long," Fuuka said softly, looking down at her lap.
"Is your real name actually "Welcome" with how much of a doormat you can be, Yamagishi?!" asked Natsumi. "You didn't choose to get yourself trapped in another dimension or whatever the hell that was and disappear on everyone!"
"As Kuzuryu... very bluntly put it, not your fault, Yamagishi," said Yukari.
"Furthermore, I don't think we would have won that fight if the two of you hadn't been there," said Mitsuru. "Yamagishi, you helped save our lives, which isn't something just anyone could have done so have pride in that."
"Take the praise, Yamagishi," said Natsumi. "...I know I did pretty well, myself, all things considered, and best of all, those damn headaches I've been having finally went away, too!"
"Headaches, random fevers, those are sometimes a symptom of someone with the potential on the verge of awakening," Ikutsuki explained.
Natsumi nodded. "Right, Kirijo mentioned something about that,"
Ikutsuki chuckled. "Well, I have to say, yours was certainly unexpected, all this time you were right under our nose as well, Kuzuryu!"
Mitsuru nodded. "Indeed. You both awakened to a special power, one that can help others."
"A... special power?" Fuuka asked, bewildered.
Natsumi cocked a brow. "...That Stand-thing that appeared when I put that fake gun to my head, right?" she asked.
"I don't know what a Stand is, but we call this power a "Persona"," replied Mitsuru. "The point we want to make is... our group absolutely needs your abilities. For starters, Yamagishi," she said, looking over at Fuuka, "...Your Persona's skills seem to focused on support. It's something that'd greatly benefit us in our missions both in surviving combat and for exploration. Kuzuryu, yours seems entirely combat-oriented, and would do well to bolster our offense and provide greater variety of abilities, as we saw was especially crucial against the Shadows we encountered the other night... so I'm asking if we can count on the two of you to help us?"
"You're... asking me to join you?" Fuuka said softly.
"No shit, Yamagishi," Natsumi said with a smirk. "Can't speak for her but count me in. Even if it wore me out, that was pretty damn fun back there and I have a ton of stress to let off... be nice to have something no one'll complain about me taking it all out on!" The blonde leaned back on the couch, grinning. "...You got my word I'll do my part!"
"...I appreciate the enthusiasm, Kuzuryu. What about you, Yamagishi, are you comfortable with joining us?" asked Mitsuru. Fuuka still looked uneasy, timid, even.
"...K-Kirijo-senpai," she gasped.
"Yamagishi, no one's going to force you. If this feels too dangerous then it's better you don't," said Mukuro. "It's all your choice."
"Ikusaba...!" Fuuka looked the young soldier's way in surprise.
"If you are up for it, though, I think you'd make a good addition to the team!" Akihiko chimed in.
"Sanada-senpai..." Fuuka still looked unsure as she looked over at the older boy who'd spoken.
"Look, I'm with Mukuro on this," said Yukari. "...If this feels too dangerous don't be afraid to decline. We aren't trying to pressure you and I think if you need some time to think about it, then-"
"...I'll do it!" Fuuka declared, a self-assured nod and determined look in her eyes. "It would be my honor to help!"
"You sure...? asked Yukari. "...Um, look, before either of you jump on this, you should also know if you're serious about joining you'll need to move into the dorm."
"Did I stutter? Besides, I can't stand the one I'm already in," replied Natsumi.
"...I'd rather live here then at home, anyway," Fuuka said.
"Thank you both. We really appreciate it," said Mitsuru. "We'll have the school work everything out and start getting you both moved in by tomorrow."
"Wait, aren't we dragging them both in a little fast?" asked Yukari.
"You heard Yamagishi, she said yes, and I said yes, and my family takes promises very seriously, so what's the problem, Takeba?" Natsumi asked with a proud grin as she playfully slapped Fuuka's shoulder. "We handled ourselves pretty well against those "Shadow"-things, right?"
"...Yes, that's another topic I would like to discuss, actually," Ikutsuki interjected. "These special Shadows, we've had another encounter this month. While we still don't know where they're coming from, exactly, it seems there's been a lot of suspicious coincidences, from the sudden spike in the number of "Lost" afflicted by Apathy Syndrome, and more importantly that they always seem to appear alongside the full moon," he explained. "...This, I believe, helps us plan for the future."
"So, next full moon is showtime, huh?" asked Junpei.
"Knowing when to expect them is a big advantage for us," said Akihiko.
"I agree," said Mukuro. "Know your enemy, prepare for them better."
"...And then, on the day of the fight, we'll be ready to get in the ring with 'em!" Akihiko added, smirking eagerly.
"That should be everything," Ikutsuki explained. "Mitsuru, you and Akihiko should probably get Kuzuryu and Yamagishi back home for the evening," he said, before turning his attention to the two younger students. "...As for the two of you, get ready tomorrow and you'll be moved in the day after."
"Oh! Of course!" Fuuka said, standing and bowing quickly. "Thank you again, Chairman!"
"Yeah, yeah, just don't mess up my windwall," Natsumi smirked as she stood as well, glancing over at the others and her smirk spreading. "...Looking forward to working with all of you!"
Once they, the third-years and the Chairman had left, the remaining three students had returned to the lounge downstairs.
"Well, Fuuka-chan's a real sweetheart! Smart, modest, kind... Can't wait to get to know her more!" Junpei said excitedly.
"Can you sound a little less of a creep when you say it?" Yukari frowned.
"You DID want more girls, didn't you?" Junpei teased, getting an eyeroll from Yukari.
"Fuuka seems easy to get along with. As for Natsumi, well... she did say she'd do her part, I guess... just she's kinda..." Yukari looked unsure how to summarize the girl.
"I'm sure she'll behave. She seemed happy to join so I doubt she'd do something that'd get her kicked out," said Mukuro. "...And if she did, I'm sure Mitsuru and I can handle her."
"I hope you're right," said Yukari, still showing unease. "Natsumi was all for it, but it felt like Fuuka wasn't given much of a choice, I still don't feel right about it... I just hope she can manage."
"If she's doing what Mitsuru was originally doing for us, then she'll at least be out of the line of combat," Mukuro offered.
"I hope so," said Yukari. "We'll also need to find out if like the past full moons, Tartarus has changed at all."
Mukuro nodded, likely Theodore would contact her soon if it did. With a few hours left before bedtime, and recalling her exam scores, the young soldier decided to spend the remainder of the evening studying, though her thoughts were still on the two new recruits and what Tartarus may yet hold in store for her and the others.
6/12
Fuuka Yamagishi closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she pushed open the door to her class. Today she'd be officially returning to school and all it implied. As she stepped inside, the room went silent, all eyes were now on her and making her feel even more nervous then she already was, and not helping was the silence being replaced by whispers of "ghost girl", causing her to wilt towards the door.
"Oh, Fuuka! You're here!"
Fuuka turned and saw Natsuki Moriyama approach. Gone was any of the malice she was used to seeing in her and instead a genuine look of relief. "M-Moriyama-san?"
"I heard you started living in the dorms?" Moriyama asked.
Fuuka nodded. "I am, yes. I'll be moved in after school."
"You're looking glum, today, though... as usual," the other girl said. "...So, if you got something on your mind, you can always talk to me, alright? You could probably use a friend, huh?"
Fuuka gave a small, timid smile. "Th-Thank you. I-I could, yes," she said. "Thank you, Moriyama-san!"
Moriyama chuckled. "Hey, c'mon. You don't gotta be so stiff! Just "Natsuki" is fine from now on!"
Huh... Wonders never cease, Natsumi Kuzuryu thought to herself seated at her desk as she watched the two talk.
"Hey, Mukuro, ya got time?" Mukuro looked up from putting her things back into her handbag for the day as she saw Junpei had approached.
"Is everything alright?" Mukuro asked, cocking her head in curiosity.
"Eh, it'd be better I explain somewhere outside school," Junpei explained. "...Hagekure Ramen sound good? I'll treat ya! I'll even get ya the special! Plus, Yuka-tan and Mitsuru-senpai are gonna be cleaning out and settin' up Natsumi and Fuuka-chan's rooms, so not much else to do, right?"
The dark-haired girl raised an eyebrow at him, even more curious, now, from his apparent generosity. Whatever was on his mind must've been important. "I don't have any plans," she said.
"Sweet!" Junpei grinned. "Let's get going, then!"
By the time they'd made it to the restaurant and gotten their meals, Mukuro soon discovered the reason behind Junpei's invitation as he frowned a bit after slurping down some noodles from his bowl.
"I guess... you haven't heard, huh? What a thing to come back to after somethin' like a fight to the death," he muttered, staring at the wall.
"What do you mean?" asked Mukuro.
"It's what I brought ya out here for. Just don't get mad at me, alright?" asked Junpei, anxious.
"That depends," Mukuro replied, casting a suspicious gaze at him.
"No, I mean I'm just the messenger, or maybe "concerned friend" is a better way of puttin' it?" he asked. Junpei took a deep breath. "...Supposedly... there's... and I just heard about it, alright? There's... these photos of you goin' around at school."
"Photos? Of me?" Mukuro asked, her pale face going red.
"H-Hey! Good news is, nothin' weird or lewd!" Junpei said quickly, though noticing it did nothing to ease his friend, and he could understand why. "...Sorry. Eh, like I said not like... naked or underwear photos-level creepy, but... of you in your gym clothes. Other girls're in 'em too, but you're apparently right up in the center, so... whoever took those photos had to be aimin' specifically at you."
Mukuro's face grew redder as she looked down at her bowl. Flattering as it felt that boys would find someone like her attractive, this felt very invasive and made her feel self-conscious in a way she really didn't like. It wasn't like when she was with Akihiko where she'd get the butterflies in her stomach feeling, rather she felt ill and even if the photos weren't of her undressed she felt like something had been violated.
"...Do you know who it might be?" she asked, her tone gaining a hint of sharpness as she looked back at Junpei, who wilted under her gaze. Mukuro could look very frightening when she was angry, he remembered, even if her anger wasn't at him.
"No, I don't!" he said quickly. "If I did I'd have told ya! I wouldn't protect someone doin' that shit to a friend! School's a public place, it's like peepin' on ya while you're in the shower or somethin'!"
Mukuro's chopsticks creaked ever-so-slightly in her tightening grip before the young soldier realized getting angry wasn't going to solve this, and instead paused and took a deep breath to try and calm down. "...How'd you find out about this?"
"One'a the guys in a different class found one," said Junpei. "He came up to me and was like, "Hey, isn't this girl in your dorm?" I made sure it got torn up and thrown away, but... turns out it was just a copy, the original's still out there," he sighed in defeat.
Mukuro stared at her steaming beef bowl, closing her eyes as she tried to calm down more, taking another deep breath letting out a sigh of her own. "...It could be anywhere, and who knows how many copies there are." she grumbled, her teeth gritting.
"Still, though, you must be pretty popular with the boys! This kinda thing ain't exactly normal!" Junpei said with a playful grin. "Think I'll be in danger of having a picture of me taken with you?"
Mukuro couldn't help but smile a little at Junpei's attempts to cheer her up. "If whoever it is thinks we're a couple, that might make you some enemies if I'm as popular as you're saying," she said. "...Still, I don't appreciate it being done to me. I'll have to find who it was and... deal with him."
"Ehh, he must've not heard how you handled Akihiko's fanclub, huh?" Junpei said with a slight chuckle. "Plus the way you kicked those delinquents' asses that night? Howabout you let me handle this one for once? I owe ya!"
He frowned a little. "In the meantime, just... be careful, alright? Watch out for any suspicious guys at school and... lemme know, alright? Once photos get out they can be a little hard to stop."
"Junpei..." Mukuro blushed lightly at his concern. Junpei despite his words knew she could handle herself but his worry and desire to help her put an end to this was something she appreciated.
The sound of glass shattering rang within her mind at those feelings.
"Now," Junpei mused, quickly swallowing a mouthful of noodles. "...How to go about gettin' the original picture. I'll figure it out, don't let it bother you too much, alright?"
"Why would someone want photos of me, though? What would they even do with them?" asked Mukuro.
"Wow, you really did spend time away from normal teen stuff," Junpei said wide-eyed "Um... It's... eh... better I don't answer that. Just trust me on that I'll get to the bottom of this! Leave it to Junpei Iori, Ace Detective!" he declared proudly as the two of them resumed their meal.
Mukuro stirred from her slumber as she felt a presence in the room. Her eyes fluttered open to the sickly green moonlight of the Dark Hour providing her room's only illumination through the windows.
"You've prevailed yet again," a familiar young male voice said, causing her to turn, discovering her room did indeed have another occupant besides herself, now. The strange young boy had once more returned, smiling down at her as he stood by her bed.
"You again?" Mukuro muttered, laying on her back and sighing. "...I take it you're referring to the fight in Tartarus last full moon?"
The boy nodded. "Yes. Tell me, do you... remember what I said before, about everything coming to an end?" he asked. "I... recalled something else..."
Mukuro raised a brow, beckoning he continue, but the boy frowned in response.
"...I believe the end is unavoidable," he said. "...But it's kind of weird, it doesn't feel that inevitable anymore, considering the vast potential inside of you. Your power has changed quite a bit..."
"I suppose it has. We have two more teammates, now," said Mukuro, recalling Natsumi and Fuuka would be moving in and become residents at the dorm tomorrow.
"I see, well..." the boy looked down at the floor a moment, then back up at her with a hopeful smile on his pale face. "...Do you think... if you don't mind, can I be your friend? I'm really curious about you. What do you say?"
Mukuro stared, confused. Not what she expected to be asked. Still, if it meant learning more about him, she decided it wouldn't hurt to go along with it. "...Okay, but... who are you, exactly? Do you have a name?" she asked.
"A name?" the boy asked. "...Oh! I see! I need a name!" he declared in realization. "My name is... Pharos." He chuckled warmly as he smiled at Mukuro in gratitude. "I know we'll get along great!"
Reality darkened even more, and time itself truly froze as Mukuro heard Theodore's voice echoing within her mind.
I am thou... thou art I...
Thou hast established a new bond...
Thou shalt be blessed when creating
Personas of the Death Arcana...
At the sound of glass shattering, reality returned to as normal as the Dark Hour permitted..
"It's getting late, so I'll be going, now," the boy, Pharos, said, smiling as he briefly glanced outside at the eerie green moon. "...I can hardly wait till next time we get to meet! Bye, now..."
The boy vanished before her eyes in a puff of black smoke, Mukuro glancing over at the calendar on the wall and suspecting it'd be in a few weeks. Still, one thing had stuck out in her mind as she closed her eyes again; her new connection to him being described as the Death Arcana, despite knowing so little about him or what the purpose behind his visits truly was...
6/13
Lunch had finally come that Saturday. Mukuro had listened as Junpei and Yukari went back and forth with eachother while she ate quietly. She'd gotten a call from Theodore that morning that another part of Tartarus had opened, allowing for exploration once more, presumably with the destruction of the two Shadows they'd fought during the last full moon.
"So, ya think we can go further, now?" Junpei asked once Mukuro had brought it up.
"It's happened the other times, so it'd make sense if it did, right?" the young soldier asked.
"True, I'm sure the others have suspected as much, too," said Yukari.
"Plus, now we officially got Fuuka and Natsumi on the team!" Junpei stated. "I'm sure they'll be excited about it!"
"...Oh, good, you're all here."
Mukuro, Yukari, and Junpei looked up from their lunches to see Mitsuru approach them.
"What's up, Senpai?" asked Junpei.
"Yamagishi and Kuzuryu's dorms are being set up, so they'll be living with us from today onward," the older girl explained. "Furthermore, I know this will sound sudden, but the chairman will be coming by again this evening. For that reason I'd like everyone to gather at the usual place tonight."
"That is sudden," said Mukuro, cocking a brow. "Did he say why?"
"Apparently, he's prepared some special gifts for all of us, he didn't go into further detail," said Mitsuru. "I know it'll be busy with our new recruits both moving in, but I'd appreciate it if you could all come by..."
As Mitsuru turned and left, Junpei's curiosity was piqued. "Special? Whaddya suppose she meant by that?" he asked, looking at the others.
"I dunno, this is Ikutsuki-san we're talking about," said Yukari. "...He's probably just gonna tell us some new joke he made up."
"Ugh, he has to be out of his mind to think any of the ones he's made are funny," Junpei muttered, before his face suddenly lit up. "Well in the meantime soon as school's done I'll keep lookin' into who's behind that whole photo thing, Mukuro!"
"..."Photo thing"? Something going on I should know about?" Yukari asked, confused.
"...Someone took a photo of me in gym class and spread it to some of the boys at school," said Mukuro, finishing her lunch. "...I'd be glad to get this resolved the sooner the better."
Yukari frowned in disgust. "Seriously?! That's so creepy! Why are guys such perverts?"
"Hey!" Junpei snapped in protest. "I'm the guy helpin' her find the creep responsible!"
"Fair enough," Yukari sighed. "Just... try not to beat him up if you find him, Mukuro... no matter how much he deserves it for invading your privacy like that."
"...I can't promise anything but I'll consider it," said Mukuro as she looked over at the clock which indicated lunch would be over soon.
"Hey, while you're waiting, why don't we stop by the mall after school since we've got time before the chairman comes over? Maybe get your mind off it with some "girl time"?" Yukari offered.
Mukuro couldn't help but smile a little, deciding she probably could use something fun to wind down a little before whenever their next Tartarus mission happened.
"So, whaddya wanna do first, maybe karaoke?" Yukari asked as the two girls arrived at the Paulownia mall together.
"Um..." Mukuro blushed at the thought of singing in front of others, getting a giggle from her friend.
"Oh, come on! I bet you have a really nice singing voice!" Yukari said with a reassuring smile. "I think I'm pretty good, too, so if you want, I'll even go up and sing with you. We'll be a duet so you don't have to feel embarrassed being up by yourself!"
"Maybe... another time," said Mukuro, still red in the face.
"I'd think a soldier wouldn't be afraid of a little singing," Yukari teased playfully.
Mukuro opened her mouth to argue but couldn't think of a response that'd defend why someone who'd been in numerous death-defying situations would show hesitation at singing in public, and Yukari's offer to join in. "So long as you're on the stage with me," she said softly.
"Well, I did say we could be a duet, so long as you just don't chicken out on me!" Yukari said with a smirk as the two headed for the stairs to the club, only to pause at the sound of a child crying for his mother.
"Hm?" Yukari looked over, seeing the distressed young boy by the fountain and rushed over, Mukuro following.
"What's wrong?" she asked the boy. "Are you lost?"
"N-No," the boy sobbed between tears as he struggled to speak. "M-Mommy told me to wait here, she gave me some money, b-but... she's... she's not coming!"
"Hey, it's okay, don't cry," Yukari said softly, crouching down to the child's height and giving him a reassuring smile. "I'll stay with you until she gets back, alright?"
Mukuro, meanwhile, felt concerned of a potential worst-case scenario, but chose not to say it aloud not wishing to distress the child further. "...Maybe we should take him to the police station?" she asked, noting it was right nearby in the mall court.
"That might be a good idea," said Yukari, standing up and offering the boy her hand. "Here, follow me we'll go right over to the police station right there. They'll help find your mom so don't worry!"
Entering the station, Yukari and Mukuro found Kurosawa at the desk. The man looked up, raising a brow from under his hat at them. "Oh, it's you kids. Something the matter or came to...?"
"This boy lost his mother, do you think you can help find her?" asked Yukari.
"Sure. I'll get some officers and we'll take care of it," Kurosawa stood up and gave the boy kind smile. "It's alright, don't worry we'll get this sorted out."
A few moments later, Kurosawa had gotten ahold of the boy's parents and reunited them, making Yukari relieved enough she felt comfortable leaving and she and Mukuro returned to the mall's court.
"What a relief," Yukari sighed. "I'm glad that all worked out, but still..." Her expression hardened. "...What were his parents thinking, leaving him all alone like that?! Makes me so angry!" she fumed.
"My foster parents barely paid me any attention, either," said Mukuro.
"My mom's no different," replied Yukari, still flustered as she stared at the nearby fountain. "I... remember telling you we aren't exactly close anymore. If you asked me what kind of parent she is, I'd just tell you she's a terrible one, but... she wasn't always." She sighed as she attempted to calm down. "...After we lost dad, that's when she changed. She'd keep going through guy after guy, probably living with one of her boyfriends right now for all I know, and honestly... I'd rather not know what the hell she's up to!"
Mukuro frowned, she could understand the empty void losing a loved one created that led to her joining Fenrir and the missions she readily took during her time with them. Yet still, she thought, Yukari's mother had her daughter to still take care of that was in grief as well, didn't she? Mukuro had no one left, she'd lost both her parents and her sister in a single horrible night.
Given Yukari's bitter state on the matter, though, the young soldier chose against disclosing those thoughts out loud.
Yukari took a deep breath, running her hand through her hair as looked at her friend. "Know what, how about we change the subject, alright?" the girl shook her head, her thoughts about her mother refusing to leave entirely. "...Look, you're the only one I told all this to, so please don't tell anyone else about it, alright?"
Mukuro nodded, giving her friend a small, reassuring smile and heard the sound of glass shattering within her mind as she felt a stronger connection with Yukari.
"...Um, remember karaoke?" asked Yukari. "...Well, looks like it'll wait after all. I'm not... really in the mood for it, anymore... let's maybe grab some take-out at the strip mall and head back."
Mukuro let out a deep sigh of relief she hoped her friend didn't notice as they turned to leave.
As evening fell, Mukuro had since gone to her room to change clothes, while Yukari had felt restless and the chocolate pocky sticks she'd been munching on did nothing to calm her concerns that were on her mind. Both Fuuka Yamagishi and Natsumi Kuzuryu had finished being moved in to the dorm, and the chairman would be arriving soon with whatever "gift" he'd been referring to and all she could feel was a need to get these concerns out of her system.
Getting up, Yukari decided to make her way over to the kitchen, where she knew Natsumi had currently been lurking. "Um, Kuzuryu?"
The blonde had several bags of food she was currently putting away. Seasonings, proteins, vegetables, noodles, rice bags, fruit, and more. Pausing from her work, she raised a brow at her. "What do you want?"
"S-Sorry, didn't mean to... interrupt anything. Got a minute?" Yukari asked, wondering if this had been a good idea.
"Depends," Natsumi replied, closing the refrigerator door and turning to face Yukari with her arms folded and a dangerous smirk on her face. "...Well?"
"Just... um... wow, you buy out a whole convenience store, here?" Yukari asked with a nervous laugh.
Natsumi let out a haughty chuckle. "As if I'd set foot in one for that!" she scoffed. "I filled dad in on what was going on when I found out no one here really cooks and decided I'd be generous enough to pull my weight, here, so I went grocery shopping at an actual food mart."
"You carried all this back yourself?" Yukari stared at the various bags still not fully emptied.
"Don't be stupid. I made Iori come with me to help carry them. He became the most compliant pack mule I've ever seen in my life once the promise of decent-quality meals became apparent!" Natsumi declared with a laugh before noticing Yukari's stare. "...What? Starting tomorrow I'll be cooking the dinner meals."
"You can cook?" asked Yukari.
"Of course I can cook! Ask my big bro he'll tell you about the crowds the fried noodles I made last summer festival brought in!" Natsumi stated proudly. "Yakuza bosses tend to raise daughters to be ideal home-makers, so I learned a thing or two growing up!"
"I guess it has been a while and we do need someone who can," said Yukari, never recalling Mitsuru doing much more then brewing tea and her own skills were... she liked to believe simply out of practice and Fuuka's had a less-then-favorable reputation around school.
She was interrupted from her thoughts when she saw Natsumi her head in curiosity at her. "...So, was that all, Takeba?"
"I just... you're okay with being here and what it all entails?" Yukari asked, feeling the other girl's gaze.
"...I said yes, didn't I?" Natsumi asked. "Gonna look a gift horse in the mouth, Takeba? It sounded to me like this Persona stuff's not a common thing and I'm not turning down a chance to prove my worth!"
"Hm?" Yukari looked at the blonde, curious of her words, causing Natsumi's brow to furrow.
"What? I'm sure you got your reasons, I got mine, alright?" she asked.
"I... see," said Yukari. "Anyway, also I wanted to let you know the chairman will be coming by soon so head up to the command room once you're done, here."
"Yeah, got it, I'll be there," the other girl stated with a dismissive gesture as she resumed putting groceries away without another word. Yukari watched her a moment, deciding she'd gotten her answer and headed upstairs to find the other person she'd meant to talk with.
"Yamagishi? Are you in there?" she asked when she'd reached Fuuka's dorm room door and knocked.
"It's unlocked! Come in!" she heard Fuuka's voice call from inside. Opening the door, Yukari found Fuuka's room had indeed been fully furnished, baskets of flowers adorning several of the shelves and a stereo system with several manga and CDs sat below them on a cube shelf and a pull-out vanity was near the bed, and a TV placed in the other corner near the bed. Fuuka herself was seated on a cushion on the floor at a square table typing away on her laptop.
"Oh? You've already finished unpacking, I see?" Yukari asked. "...I could have helped out if you needed it."
"Well, I didn't have too much with me, so I unpacked a lot sooner then I expected!" Fuuka said with an apologetic smile.
"I see, no need to apologize, though. I came by to let you know to head to the command room since the chairman should be by soon," Yukari explained. "...Are you... good with computers, by any chance?"
"I am, yes," Fuuka said with a nod.
"Think you could teach me?" asked Yukari. "I'm... really not good with that stuff."
"Sure, if you'd like me to!" replied Fuuka, if a little shyly.
Completely the opposite of our OTHER new teammate, Yukari thought to herself. "Were you looking into something?" she asked, noting Fuuka had been busy typing away when she'd come in.
"I was, yes," Fuuka replied. "I figured I should... maybe get myself familiar with everyone's defining characteristics and whatnot, to prepare for battle..." the teen looked down at her laptop, frowning a little. "I-I can't do any... actual fighting, so I need to make myself useful!"
"I see," said Yukari, noting Fuuka's unease. "...Well, listen, you're both a really hard worker and you've got an amazing ability, too, Yamagishi-san! Now that I think about it, everyone in this dorm is pretty amazing, huh? Sanada-senpai is hands-down one of the strongest, and Ikusaba-kun has a power unlike anyone else's!" she stated. "Then Kuzuryu-san really took to her power quickly, I bet Kirijo-senpai's strong, too, and Junpei... well... he's whatever... but what do I have? I'm only half the person everyone else here is. I couldn't even do anything last full moon! Maybe I don't need to be here after all."
"That's not true at all!" Fuuka said, shaking her head as she looked up at her. "I was told that a Persona is the power of one's soul, also known as your other self. That's why I think a person's personality and feelings are reflected in their Persona," she explained. "...For example, Takeba-san, your Persona has healing powers, right? It's because there's a kindness in you that no one else has!"
"...Heh, I'm not kind at all!" Yukari said with a slight, amused laugh. "I just... don't want to see anyone go down or get hurt is all."
Fuuka gave Yukari a reassuring, knowing smile. "...Well, by contrast, you saw Kuzuryu-kun's. Her Persona's element is "Dark", and focused on offense."
"Certainly fits her personality, that's for sure," Yukari mused with a slight chuckle.
"...Aw, I'm flattered!"
Yukari yelped in surprise as she turned and saw the Natsumi standing outside the door, arms folded and a faux-innocent look on her face.
"...What?" the blonde asked. "You said to meet up in the command room and I heard my name."
Fuuka giggled as Yukari struggled to catch her breath.
"Don't do that!" the latter girl protested indignantly at Natsumi's retreating form before looking back at Fuuka. "...Umm, right! He's probably gonna be here any minute so yeah we should probably head on up. Also, you just call me Yukari, alright?" she asked. "...I hope you'll like it here, Fuuka!"
Fuuka nodded, closing her laptop. "I'm sure I will!" she said with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Yukari-chan!"
A half hour later, everyone had finished arriving and gathered in the command room. Ikutsuki had taken his usual seat at the armchair at the head of the table while Mitsuru, Fuuka, Natsumi, and Junpei took the couch, Yukari, Mukuro and Akihiko taking up the seats on the opposite side. On the table was an unopened metal briefcase.
"Sorry for calling you all again so soon," the chairman began, "...but in light of getting two new members to our ranks, I brought something special today!"
Chuckling at the curious stares he was receiving, Ikutsuki smirked. "Well... let me just show you first before I explain what it is, exactly," he said, standing up and opening the briefcase. Mukuro blinked in surprise as she leaned in, peering at the contents, the others sharing interest as well. Folded up within was a coat made of some kind of leathery protective material, what appeared to be a set of some kind of cartridges, and a red armband similar to the ones SEES already wore for their missions, though this one looked more solid and resembled a form-fitting spaulder armor plate, with the SEES logo and the Gekkoukan badge embedded in its center.
"...As you can see, I'd like to provide you with new equipment!" the chairman explained as he sat back down. "...After having spent some time in development, we're now ready for the battle testing phase!" The chairman's face, however, then grew serious. "...The Shadows are clearly getting stronger. As I understand it you just barely won the last battle, and we can only assume they will grow even more powerful, still. That's why you all need something more to stay in the fight, so from now on I want everyone to use these during our operations."
"Actual combat gear, essentially?" asked Mukuro.
The chairman nodded. "Indeed. With a matching armband! Annnnnd, wait for it..." he grinned, pointing to the cartridges. "...Your new trump card in the battle against the Shadows! Cartridges that enable the use of "Theurgy"!"
"Theurgy?" the young soldier cocked her head.
"Yes, it means "spiritual magic that could reach the gods" in Greek," the chairman explained. "...To put it simply, it synchronizes with the user's emotions, and when the right conditions are met, allows them to unleash an attack of immense power!"
Junpei's face promptly lit up, eyes wide with excitement. "Ohhhh, you're talkin' about like signature attacks! I've been waitin' for somethin' like this!" he beamed. "...So, how's it work?"
"Well, about that, it's... a bit difficult to explain," said Ikutsuki. "...I think it might be easier if you just try it out for yourselves!"
Mukuro's gaze flickered from the briefcase's contents to the chairman. "You're sure about this?" she asked.
"Don't worry, Ikusaba! It's all been well-tested and determined completely safe! I'm sure you'll get a chance to see it in action as you continue your battles! I even included a manual for it as well. Take a read, if you have the need. Oh! That even rhymed!" the chairman said, chuckling and causing Fuuka to blink at him in confusion and Natsumi to form an unimpressed scowl, both of which catching his attention and making him sigh as he could see none of the other members looked willing to dignify his joke with a response, either.
"...Honestly? Not one giggle?" he bemoaned, shaking his head. "...Well, anyway, I'm glad I came in today, regardless. With Yamagishi-kun joining us with her Persona's skills, Kirijo-kun can go back to being a frontline fighter, which means along with Kuzuryu-san joining as well, SEES will have quite the new lineup after today... so what better time to roll out this new weapon, wouldn't you all agree?"
"It'll certainly improve our chances," said Mukuro. "Speaking of manuals, do you think you can supply us with ones based on military gestures? I'm versed in all of them and I think if the others are, as well, we can move more covertly when exploring Tartarus, and help us keep the element of surprise on our side when engaging Shadows."
"Hm, that is a good idea, Ikusaba!" Ikutsuki nodded. "I'll see what I can do, I doubt such a thing should be too hard to get ahold of." The chairman's gaze noted the clock on the wall. "Well, look at the time! I would like to stay longer and talk about all this, but I've been extremely busy with the investigation into these large Shadows. Ikusaba, this one belongs to you. The rest of these special uniforms will be delivered here before the end of the night, all of them... suited... to each of you!" he chuckled, an awkward silence following.
"...C'mon! A little extra positivity is good for a healthy mind! Between new state-of-the-art battle gear, and the fact I believe we're on the verge of a breakthrough, there's plenty to feel great about!" the chairman said with a proud smile as he stood up. "...I'll let you know of anything we find out. Kirijo-kun, I'll leave the rest up to you! Have a good night, or if you decide to test them, have a good fight!"
"...And there he goes," Yukari muttered as the chairman chuckled at his rhyme and left, closing the door behind him.
"I sort of thought this before, but he's rather laid-back, isn't he?" asked Fuuka, eyes also on the door.
"...I swear if I hear one more of those stupid jokes he's gonna need to learn sign language," Natsumi grumbled, sinking into her seat.
"...Trust me, you'd better just get used to them," Yukari sighed as she looked back apologetically at the two girls.
"That aside, I think we should give it a go, like he said," said Mukuro. "I'd like to test these out, get an idea of what they can really do for us."
"I second that," said Akihiko, smirking.
Mitsuru nodded. "I agree. Since everyone's already here, now might be the best opportunity," she said. "Soon as the rest of our equipment's here let's head into Tartarus. I've been wanting to get back into the swing of things, anyway, and this will serve as a good test for our team's lineup with Fuuka's backup, plus it'll provide Natsumi a chance to familiarize herself as well. Is that acceptable to you, Ikusaba?"
Mukuro nodded. "We want a unit that's at optimal efficiency if we're going to proceed further. I imagine also with the defeat of those last two Shadows another roadblock may be gone as well."
"That's perfect, though! This trump card stuff's really gettin' me so pumped up!" Junpei declared. "I'll be all like "Take this! Super Ace Junpei Attack!" ...Or somethin' like that!"
"I'm a little nervous since it's my first time, but I'll follow your lead, Ikusaba-san!" said Fuuka.
"Just Mukuro's fine," the young soldier said with a small, reassuring smile.
"O-Okay, then!" replied Fuuka with a nod.
"Can't believe I'm saying it but I'm with Iori-kun on this. Point me where you need me and I'll gladly wipe out anything that gets in my path!" Natsumi said with a sinister yet eager smile.
"Then it's settled," replied Mitsuru. "We'll go into Tartarus tonight once everyone's geared up. Do you have any weapons training, Kuzuryu?"
"I got some with katanas," Natsumi replied. "Trained by a swordswoman of ours who usually hangs around my brother. I actually ordered one off that shopping network a while back when I got bored one Sunday."
"I see. Well, that's good to know. You'll definitely be putting those skills to use on our upcoming missions, then," said Mitsuru. "Your Persona's power will also boost you, it'll be easier to explain when we go tonight."
Mitsuru looked at the clock on the wall, there was still several hours left before midnight. There was no telling how things may have changed and what awaited now that two more of the full moon shadows had been slain. "Everyone... be ready."
The hours passed, till midnight at long last finally struck, and the Dark Hour enshrouded the city, Tartarus once again rising to the heavens from where the school normally stood.
The doors slowly closed themselves shut behind SEES as they entered, Akihiko and Mitsuru at the front. The former adjusted his new gloves that'd come with his new uniform, a vest to maintain full mobility of his arms. Mitsuru gave a crisp swing of a rapier she held tight in her grip, her new uniform's back billowing lightly behind her with each confident step.
Close behind came Junpei, his uniform strapped around his waist and a shoulder belt supporting a polished new two-handed claymore sword sheathed and strapped to his back. Yukari approached alongside him, wearing her new uniform coat loosely and gripping a new bow in her hand, a quiver of arrows strapped over her shoulder ready for use.
Behind them, Fuuka and Natsumi entered, with Mukuro herself bringing up the rear. Fuuka donned a uniform more resembling a poncho, with a headset and earphones completing her new it while Natsumi wore her new coat unzipped and with the sleeves folded to better accommodate her small form, smirking as she gave a small practice swing with a shiny new katana.
Mukuro, wearing hers zipped with the sleeves also up like a tactical vest, combat machete sheathed at her hip and Evoker holstered as she glanced back at the closed entrance briefly before returning her attention to her teammates, old and new. All of them geared up and with the new SEES armband armor on their left shoulders.
The young soldier couldn't help but smile to herself as they entered Tartarus' main lobby area together.
"Ohhh man! This is awesome!" Junpei cheered as the group reached the foot of the stairs. "We're like a super-elite task force!"
Mukuro nodded. They looked more like a unit now, they felt like one, even. "...Just don't let it go to your head," she said with an approving smile. "There's wearing a uniform and being what it stands for."
"Heh, trust me, I ain't lettin' ANY of this go to waste, soldier!" Junpei said with a grin.
"You say that when you aren't even wearing it the right way?" Yukari asked, raising a brow critically at him. "...Then again, it does look like everyone's outfits are a bit different from one-another," she said, glancing at the others.
"Guess the chairman decided to go the stylistic route, huh?" asked Natsumi. "Still, pretty damn comfy!"
"They're all made to compliment our physiques and fighting styles," Akihiko explained. "They were actually testing the prototype out on me, but it feels even better then it did before!"
"It's certainly very light and sturdy!" said Fuuka, turning in place as she looked over her poncho.
"It does resemble the materials I've worn on missions in Fenrir, durable yet lightweight to avoid inhibiting movement," said Mukuro. "I'm looking forward to seeing what it can do for me."
"It might be the same material, actually, or even the kinds used in spacesuits, too!" Fuuka mused.
"Don't those things cost like a fortune to make, though?" Natsumi asked.
"Considering the gravity of our team's mission, Kirijo Corp spares no expense on anything it deems necessary to get the job done," said Mitsuru. "This new armband, in particular, isn't just for decoration, either."
"Yes, according to the manual, there are a bunch of different features built into it!" said Fuuka, taking out a small booklet she'd been carrying and flipping through its pages. "It gives a readout of your vitals, and a monitor that helps you determine when you can use your Theurgy!"
"I'm still curious about that," Mukuro said. "I don't remember the manual saying much on it, either."
"Just load the cartridges your uniform's pouches carry into your evoker when it alerts you," Fuuka said. "Maybe they don't have enough data on it or how it works yet?"
"Only one way to find out!" said Akihiko with a smirk as he glanced up the stairs.
"I'd say then let's make learning about it and how it works into our objective for tonight," said Mitsuru. "...So everyone, be sure to stay alert. Yamagishi, you'll be here serving as our backup as I mentioned before; this time I'll be joining the others in battle. Ikusaba, you'll lead as usual."
Mukuro nodded. The more they could find out about this 'Theurgy' that the chairman had spoken of, the more of an asset it could potentially be in further exploring Tartarus.
"Kuzuryu, you'll be accompanying us as well. I want to get an idea of your skill level as well as assess what abilities your Persona has before we proceed further into exploring the labyrinth's higher floors," Mitsuru explained. "Furthermore, this will also help you become further accustomed to the Dark Hour, as it tends to have a tiring effect on those still not fully used to it."
"Heh, I can't wait!" the blonde grinned, giving her blade a small twirl.
"I'll come, too!" Yukari stated, taking a step forward. "W-With you getting back into combat, Senpai, and it being Kuzuryu's first real trip in, it'd pay to have someone with a healing Persona, right?"
"That'd be a good idea," said Mukuro. "I doubt it's anything we can't handle after last full moon but it pays to be prepared for anything."
"Then it's settled. This will be our team for this trip in," said Mitsuru.
"Hey, wait a sec I wanna go in, too!" Junpei protested. "I was so psyched for this and you're puttin' me on standby?!"
"I'd like a chance to make sure my skills are still sharp after the close call we had with those two big Shadows but they got a point. Mitsuru's been out of combat much longer then me, and Kuzuryu still needs to be evaluated. Having Takeba will provide support and they need Mukuro to lead," Akihiko explained. "You and I are gonna guard Yamagishi, for all we know Shadows could still come in and we can't leave her here by herself!"
"I know I can count on you two for that," Mukuro said, giving Junpei a small smile and blushing a little from Akihiko's reasoning.
"Heh, well ya know what? Put it that way how can I refuse?" Junpei asked, grinning and his mood now vastly improved. "Don'cha worry, Fuuka-chan! Akihiko-senpai's hardcore and nothin's gonna get past me! I got your back!"
"Umm..." Fuuka blushed, though her face wore a look of uncertainty of how to respond. "O-Okay..."
Yukari rolled her eyes. "...Fuuka, if it gets too dangerous it's okay to leave him behind. Also, smack him if he tries anything funny!"
"Okay, got it!" Fuuka said, nodding with a small smile.
"Huh?! Y-You "get it"?!" Junpei yelped.
"Shot out of the saddle, Iori-kun," Natsumi remarked with an amused chuckle as she gave her katana a practice swing at the air.
Sighing at the dispute, Mitsuru decided to approach. "...Yamagishi, could you scout the area and find a good floor for us to start on?" she asked.
"Okay!" Fuuka closed her eyes, clasping her hands and trying to focus as her Persona manifested around her, the teen encased inside the bubble-like formation at the base of its flowing gown. A blue light rippled around the Persona and spread across the entire lobby like a wave of ethereal water. "Oh... it seems... different from before?"
"Well that's nothing new, right?" asked Junpei. "This place's floors change each night, don't they?"
"No, not like that, I mean it seems... distorted. It's probably just temporary, though," said Fuuka, her voice now echoing in everyone's minds from her Persona as she focused more. "I'll try and find a stable floor to start on."
"You can tell that much already? Wow!" Yukari marveled.
"Hm, it may be distorted due to the unusual way we entered last time, or because of those huge Shadows we fought," Akihiko offered. "...Not complaining but we have no idea what's gonna happen in here, then."
"All the more reason for our lineup for tonight," said Mitsuru. "If we're ready, then let's go."
"I'm ready as I'll ever be," said Yukari. "This new bow they gave me's pretty light and looks easy enough to use! I can't wait to see it in action and your new combat machete looks pretty cool, too, Mukuro!"
"Light, yet perfectly sharp and just the right length," Mukuro said, smiling and giving her own blade a twirl to test wind resistance.
"Guess we do owe the chairman extra thanks for the new weapons, these gloves feel like they can really get the job done when I get a chance to use 'em!" Akihiko said with a smirk and taking a few punches at the air.
"Be nice if he explained more before he took off," Yukari sighed. "Sometimes I can't tell whether he's actually helpful or not..."
"Every one of our weapons has been custom-made for each of us. You can tell because of the SEES mark engraved on everything," Mitsuru explained. "They really went out of their way getting them all made for us in such a short amount of time on top of that..."
The older girl looked over at Mukuro. "...As always, you're in command, Ikusaba. I studied that military signs pamphlet you had the chairman supply us with as well."
"Everyone's versed, then?" asked the young soldier, looking at the others.
"Got it," Natsumi replied.
"I got them memorized, yeah," said Yukari.
"Uhh of course!" said Junpei with an anxious grin, earning a suspicious look from Mukuro. Maybe it was best, she thought he sat this one out.
"Got 'em all down!" Akihiko said with a more confident smirk as he and Junpei took position to monitor the entrance. "Best of luck in there! Be sure to tell me everything if you get that Theurgy thing to work out."
"I found one!" Fuuka declared from within her Persona's glowing form. "Use the teleporter and I'll be able to send you up!"
"Then let's go," Mukuro said, leading the others to the teleporter as it switched on, glowing a bright green as it did. Her days of fighting solo like a lone wolf were now truly behind her, and whatever Tartarus had in store for them, now, the young soldier felt like they could take it on...
A/N: And another chapter done at last! Hope you all enjoyed and next time will be some more Tartarus and SL's after the next HoJ chapter!
0 - The Fool - SEES: Rank 3
I - The Magician - Junpei Iori: Rank 5
IV - The Emperor - Kiyotaka Ishimaru: Rank 2
V - The Hierophant - Bookstore Owners: Rank 3
VI - The Lovers - Yukari Takeba: Rank 3
VII - The Chariot - Aoi Asahina: Rank 3
IX - The Hermit - "MARY": Rank 3
XII - The Hanged Man - Seiko Kimura: Rank 3
XIII - Death - Pharos: Rank 1
XIV - Temperance - Sonia Nevermind: Rank 1
XVI - The Tower - Natsumi Kuzuryu: Rank 3
Mukuro's Personas: Omoikane, Jack Frost, Jack O Lantern, Inugami, Nigi Mitama, Zouchouten, Gurulu, Tam Lin