5/18 21 days until Full Moon
Minako overheard the gosspiers, in the middle of reviewing for their finals for the day, mention that the PE teacher was hospitalized.
Hope he gets better. Pan means bread...pan means bread...
Okay. Feeling good. Somethings were off but...this is not so hard.
5/19 20 days until Full Moon
Minako nearly shouted, “Pan means bread!” when the question popped up in her Japanese test.
5/20 19 days until Full Moon
Earth is faster than the speed of sound...and quit thinking of blue hedgehogs.
5/21 18 days until Full Moon
Hard water is high in...minerals.
5/22 17 days until Full Moon
Why the interesting Kitora tomb is in Nara!
5/23 16 days until Full Moon
Almost over!
Akihiko met up Minako at the gate. He told her that he would be free for Tartarus. “You've been doing a good job leading the team in Tartarus. Would you mind continuing after I come back? That way, I can focus on regaining my strength.”
“Sure. Leave it to me!”
Kinda used to it anyway.
“I already talked to Mitsuru and she was okay with it. Good luck.” he said. He then also made a note that if she wanted to hang out, he would be free Mondays and Fridays, being board out of his mind.
I recognized everything. This is a very good sign. I think I'll do alright.
Alright. Time to fuse up for a Hanged Man for Maiko, the shrine girl.
Minako reached into the compendium for Orpheus and with Omoikane and Jack Frost, fused Inugami.
Hanged – Inugami Spirits of dogs said to possess humans in Japanese lore. Those possessed go crazy. Omyoji, or Japanese sorcerers, summon them to do their will
“All of these new movies were released during Golden Week but..they all sucked! I'm sure everyone else who wasted their money on those turkeys is saying the same thing.'' The movie fan said.
...hey now! That movie genuinely scared so it wasn't that bad. And I visit the Dark Hour on occasion!
“Recently...this girl has started coming around here. She wears this white dress with this puffy lace. I don't know what kind of fashion it is, but it's not my style.” The station attendent said.
Hmm...sounds like a Gothic Lolita. Not my type but maybe she can pull it off.
“Oh hi! What are we going to play today?” Maiko asked.
It seems like it was only yesterday that I last played with her. Minako smiled as they played, Inugami bringing her closer to Maiko. After awhile...
“I'm hungry. Can we go to Wild-duck burger?”
“Sounds excellent for I'm starved as well.”
“Yay! I can't wait! I wonder which toy they are giving out today!”
Minako smiled as she saw Maiko dived into her food. “This is yummy! I love going out to eat!”
I wasn't raised with the best chef in the world and she had a love of French Food not to mention her work kept her away most of the time so...it was more of a treat when we made our own supper.
“Mom and Dad never argue when we go out to eat. They never used to argue. But, why would they get a divorce?”
I have no idea what the situation is. But I guess in general...
“They fell out of love.''
“...fell out of love?”
She didn't like that explanation, didn't she?
Maiko started to sob. “I don't want them to get a divorce! Do they really hate me that much?”
“No! It's not your-”
“Divorce is dumb! I hate it!” Maiko cried loudly. Minako did the quickest thing she could and pulled her arm around her and drew her close.
“Hey, hey. It'll be alright.” Minako hummed a song while giving Maiko reassurances about her parents and herself.
“I'm sorry...I know it's embarrassing when I cry...I'll try not to cry anymore.”
This girl...she could use someone to help her out.
Minako smiled and said farewell to a cheered up Maiko as second Hanged card slipped into place.
Everyone was in the lounge that night, congratulating Akihiko's return to full health. He mentioned that they found another Persona-user, a girl, to Junpei's delight.
“Fuuka Yamagishi. Do you guys know her?” Akihiko asked.
Yukari recognized her but said that she tended to get sick a lot. Akihiko confirmed that he found her in the hospital but wondered if such a sick girl is okay for battle.
“What? We're giving up on her already?” Junpei said in bewilderment. “I was going to offer her some private lessons.”
Oh now THAT'S classy. Minako and Yukari gave looks of disgust at Junpei.
“Heheheh. C'mon. I'm a guy. Whaddya expect!?”
...well class really isn't Junpei's thing.
“We're lucky to find another Persona-user. However, it can't be helped if she is too weak to participate.” Mitsuru mentioned to Minako.
“It's disappointing that Fuuka can't join us. But don't worry, I'll be back in no time.” Akihiko said to Minako. “Or did you want her to join instead of me?”
“Don't be crazy!”
All help is nice. Sure it's too bad about Fuuka but I'm glad you're here to help.
“Really? Oh that's good. Junpei said he wanted Fuuka instead of me.”
5/24 New Moon
Hmm? My phone?
Rio called asking Minako if she wanted to go out anywhere today.
Ara Mitama is saying go for it.
“Sure.”
“Great! I'll see you later.”
The two hung out at the arcade, playing all types of games. Minako bested her at the arcade cabinets but Rio was more skilled at the other games.
“I wonder how many years it's been since I lasted played whack-a-mole. It was so nostalgic that I really got into it. It's fun playing it once and awhile.”
She's much faster than I am, that's for sure. Igunami enjoyed the workout though.
“My right hand is still hurting...I think I hit it a little too hard.”
Oooh. She should get some ice for that.
“But I feel like I still haven't had enough...”
Well, don't want to risk her hand getting hurt some more so...
“Wanna go karaoke next?”
“Oh, that sounds like a good idea. I haven't really been in that often so don't laugh if I'm not a great singer.”
Heh. Now let her be impressed with my singing skills!
'Phoenix Ranger Featherman R! Episode 14: Love bomb! Sometimes the only strategy for victory—is an abject apology.
Heh. The Power of Remorse.
Huh. Normally, I'd sleep but I feel more like studying...something must be wrong with me. Can't switch my brain off.
5/25 14 days until Full Moon
Yukari met up with Minako at the gates, remarking on Junpei's depressed attitude and remarking that results were to be released today.
Judging by the stuff I went over, I believe I did extremely well.
“Anyway, I heard from Akihiko-senpai about Fuuka. Turns out that thing about her being weak was just a rumor. Wouldn't it be great to have another member on our team?”
YES. Speaking of which, we need to get to Tartarus.
Results are...I'm in the Top 10! Excellent! Oh and I'll probably get that reward from Mitsuru.
Ms. Toriumi went over the test in class, explaining in great detail what was the correct answers.
“You could have written about the bullying in Gekkoukan High. That's ridiculous though, there is no bullying at all around here.”
Dense much? There is always going to be some sort of outcast that everyone dislikes.
Minako stayed up and heard her answers.
“Oh it's you Minako, are you going home?” Akihiko asked.
“Want to walk home with me?”
“Okay, then do you want to stop by somewhere? There's something I'm in the mood for.”
The Akihiko fangirl swarm appeared quickly and glared angerly at Minako.
Oh god. I can't take this! Can't stay near Akihiko.
“S-sorry. I need to go somewhere...”
Minako opted instead to go to the fangirl-free student council, Forneus making her more in tune with the Emperor. She found him talking to a teacher telling him to do something. A fellow member asked Hidetoshi what was up and he explained that he was told to do something to make the school a better place. The other students got riled up, saying that only the president could do something like that.
“Um...did something happen, Chihiro?”
“S-someone found a cigarette butt in the boys' bathroom,” she explained in a hushed tone. “...and that teacher wants us to look for the one who did it.”
“Well someone broke the rules, and we should find out who. It's our responsibility, right?” Hidetoshi said. “Look, you have two choices. Either help out and prove you're trustworthy, or refuse and raise suspicion. We have to deal with a lot of BS around here, don't we Minako-kun.”
I want to stay out of this. But I guess I won't be able to.
Hideotoshi left with other angered members following him. Chihiro went off to report to Mitsuru. Minako spotted a third arcana card and decided to stay out of the trouble and go to the dorm.
“'sup dude?” Junpei welcomed Minako home. “Yeah, my grades were...well you know...aw, just leave me alone man.
“My grades were pretty good,” Yukari said to Minako. “I'm glad the exams were easy. Going to Tartarus really tires me out, so I can't focus on my studies like I used to.”
“Hm, looks like my grades went up.” Akihiko told Minako. “Well I guess that makes sense, since I've been spending all my time studying. Oh, by the way, Mitsuru won't be back until later, so we won't be going to Tartarus today.”
...DANG IT!
Might as well earn some money at the cafe then.
5/26 13 days until Full Moon
Junpei's definitely not looking so hot today.
“Hey, how'd you do on the exams?”
“Better than I thought, actually.”
“Seriously? Man, I'm a laughingstock.”
Junpei...
“After the results were posted, two girls were talking nearby. They said I have a one-track mind..well I won't let it get to me! We might be getting another girl on our team anyways!”
...uh...
Quick trip to grab Frosty from the Velvet Room and...oh yeah! That Mitsuru-fangirl reminded me that Mitsuru has a reward for me!
“I would be happy just to be run over by Mitsuru-senpai! Bring on her burning hot wheels!”
“Hey Minako-kun.”
“Hello Hideotoshi.”
“I'm still looking for the smoker. Tell me if you got any new info.”
“Ameno. I saw your exam results...good work. Here this is from the Chairman. It's a reward for effectively balancing school and battle.”
...a set of cards. Okay.
Jack Frost made Minako more intuned with the depressed Junpei. They didn't chat too much as Junpei was still depressed from the grades.
“Hey! Look on the bright side! Soon, maybe even tonight, we'll get back into Tartarus! Shadow slaying!”
“Yeah...at least there is that.” Minako couldn't catch what Junpei mumered under his breath though.
“...where have you been?” Akihiko asked the two coming in. “Hey, let's go to Tartarus later. I need to get back into the swing of things. I can't leave all the fun with you guys.”
Junpei groaned and went up the stairs though.
“Um...let's save it for tomorrow.”
“Hey Mitsuru. Would you know anything about a triangular sword?”
“What are you talking about? Is this some sort of riddle? Triangular sword...a triangle...oh, do you mean a fencing epee? It's not exactly a triangular sword, but the blade's cross section resemebles a triangle. I have a few in my room. I'll fetch one for you.” And after a quick retriveal. “Do you plan to take up fencing? If so, I can spare you a few lessons if you can spare the time.”
“Thanks. I'll keep that in mind.”
“When I look up at Tartarus, I'm always amazed at how many floors are in it. The tower reaches to the skies...” Mitsuru sighed. “It's going to be a long journey.”
“That's too bad...her name is Fuuka Yamagishi right?” Yukari said. “I think it's easier to be around the other girls when they're in the same grade as me, like you.”
Ah but what if you were dealing with underclassmen?
I feel like turning in. Pleasant dreams and-
“Agh! What am I doing!? Dammit!”
I say a little prayer for you.
5/27 12 days until Full Moon
Hmm...this note says that there is a meeting here in the Home Ec room today. Hoorah for keeping awake in Languages class!
Inside she found Bebe hard at work at a sewing machine.
“Hello?”
“Oh!? Konnichiwa, hello Minako-sama! I haven't seen you since the bookstore! You came! I am very 'appy!”
“Heh. What are you doing?”
“I am learning the art of sewing! Zis eez tanoshii, very fun! Would you like to try?”
“Sure. Why not?”
“Honoto!? Really!? Arigatou, thank you! I am 'ere Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Before tests, they won't let me in. I was sad because I didn't have any tomodachi-friends-since I came to Nihon-Japan. But now I am happy!”
Well I can make this a Wednesday habit. And then keep them on par with-
I am thou. Thou art I.
Thou shalt be blessed when fusing Personas of the Temperence Arcana.
-Rio and Hideotoshi.
“By ze way...I was wondering how you bid goodbye in Nihongo-Japanese.”
“Genki de ne.”
“Wakarimashita, I understand! Genki de ne!”
Oh hello Ikutsuki.
“I am a little disappointed about Fuuka-kun as well. It is quite difficult to find someone who has potential. Would you feel more secure if you had more team members?”
“Yes I would.”
The more, the safer.
“Thankfully, Akihiko-kun has rejoined the team.”
“Alright Mitsuru, can everyone go?”
“Yes.”
“TARTARUS TONIGHT!”
“We can hear you. We are in the other room you know.” Yukari said.
Dark Hour
“I finally get to join you guys. But that doesn't mean you can slack off alright?” Akihiko said.
...I thought long and hard about this but it seems like I have no other choice.
“Yukari, can I talk with you?”
“Yes. What's it about?”
“Well...” Minako slowly pulled out the Battle Panties.
“A-are you serious!?”
“I wouldn't force this on you but...it has a stronger defense than what you have on now.”
“...fine. But you owe me one.”
Might as well do some fusion. Minako pulled Apsaras and Forneus together to fuse Archangel...or so she thought...
“Oh this is a wild card.” Igor said.
“What the-!?”
“I-I aM Slime! I aM oNe WI Th Yo U!!”
''Minako blinked a few times as Slime entered her soul.
Fool – Slime A primitive monster with a viscous body. There are various theories to it's origin, but it is still under debate. Said to compulsively collect shiny objects.
She also gave Theodore the epee, who noted it's color and how it was used to disarm opponents. He joked that he was wearing blue to make Minako more relaxed.
Mitsuru made told Minako of the change in the barrier and that they group can proceed as they headed up. And sure enough, as the group got close to the barrier, it faded away, leaving the next block open for exploration. The group swiftly made their way up to the nineteenth floor.
“Agh. We haven't faced any shadows yet.” Junpei said.
“I know. I'm just itching to get back into battle.” Akihiko responded.
“...you guys realize that we will eventually get overrun with Shadows?” Yukari said. She was very quiet and Junpei and Akihiko both couldn't keep from averting out of embarrassment.
“Well, right now I spy a shadow right next to these stairs. Attack!” Minako yelled as she charged into battle with the Soul Dancers. Everyone slashed and stabbed and Akihiko used his Persona for the first time.
“And that's how it's done,” he said as he pulled the trigger and the Shadow falled to Polydocues' Sonic Punch.
At Floor 20, Mitsuru alerted to the team that she could sense a great power three floors above them.
In a battle with the Heat Balance, Minako gave a critical hit towards them with a naginata slash. Yukari motioned to her. “Alright. Let's do it!” The two rushed towards another Balance and knocked it off it's...edge.
“Here's our chance for an all-out-attack! Let me at 'em!”
“...is anyone else sick of the fighting and ready to move on?” Minako asked as they encounted their fourth Shadow on the same floor.
“What are you talking about? This is excellent training.” Akihiko responded.
“I still don't like the nosedive your MP is taking.”
It was only until after the fifth battle that they found the stairs up to the Twenty-third floor.
On Floor 24, Minako vanquished Phantom Mages with everyone pulling their best magic (and in Junpei's case, attacks) against the non-elemental affected Shadows.
Well...I guess I can't miss what I can't have...but I still wish I had Archangel. But ah well. I have enough lanterns for Theodore.
Floor 25.
“Well, this is the boss floor.” Minako said.
“Think we are ready?” Yukari asked.
“Health wise, no. TO THE ENTERENCE TO HEAL!”
After a healing session from the clock and up the portal...
“Geez. This run hasn't been good on my wallet. Where's the windfall?”
Akihiko gave a small cough.
“Okay! To the fight?” Junpei asked.
“CHARGE!” The trio turned the corner to find three flaming Tables. Minako grinned. “Bet I know what they are weak to. Jack Frost!” Three Bufu's later, an all-out-attack was commenced. However, they hit back hard. “Agh! HOT HOT! Too hot!” Minako was knocked off her feat by the fire. However, the Shadows ignored her and settled on focusing on attacking Akihiko and Yukari. Junpei covered for Yukari, the lesser hit while Akihiko healed himself and Yukari healed up Minako.
“Okay. One more time. I think this'll work.” And one round of Bufus and an all-out-attack later, the Shadow was defeated.
“You alright Minako?” Akihiko said. The entire team clustered around her.
“Excellent! Wonderful! Let's go on! More floors to explore!”
And to the team's somewhat amazement, somewhat not, they followed their leader up the stairs.
The next few floors, the Shadows came in shorter brusts. Only a few per a level. But one of the Shadows, the Spontaneous Books...they proved disastrous.
Junpei! Knocked out with nothing I can do about it! Magaru! How I dislike thee!
“Akihiko, take them DOWN.”
A round of Zio's later and the Shadows were defeated. Minako used the Revival Bead on Junpei to perk him up.
“Ugh. Thanks.” He said.
A few floors later...
Floor 30
“Ugh. Stairs. Where are they?” Minako said.
“Wait!” Junpei pulled her back before turning a corner.
“Akihiko, what's that red Shadow?” Yukari asked.
Akihiko blushed as he explained that the Red Shadows were extra-powerful Shadows. Minako readied her naginata and slashed the back of the Shadow. They seperated to form two muscular men. “These are the Steel Gigas.” Mitsuru explained. “They are weak to electricty.”
“Akihiko, you know what to do.”
“I can't lose to an underclassman.”
“DANCING HANDS!” Minako viciously attacked the Shadows, taking them out.
Floor 32
Mitsuru alerted the group that three floors up there was another Shadow.
Floor 35
“Red Shadow. All in?” Minako asked.
“All in.” Junpei, Akihiko and Yukari responded.
And the fight was a breeze thanks to Akihiko.
Floor 36.
“Okay. Boss. Akihiko, catch!” Minako threw a Snuff Soul to Akihiko and she and him made use of it, strengthening them up.
The group took a good look at the Shadow. “One statue. Wanna bet it's more troublesome than the Tables?” Minako said.
“It's higher up in the tower. It has to be!” Yukari said.
“Alright, be cautious now.” The four surrounded the Shadow. “Mitsuru analyze.” Minako pulled a Bufu on the Shadow who just...raised it's defenses. Akihiko's Persona punched at it critically. One all-out-attack later, the analysis came back. It blocked wind. So Yukari and Junpei just attacked.
“Alright! Yukari, heal. Junpei, attack and Akihiko, do what you want.” Minako, once again attacked with a Bufu with the Shadow...just attacked Akihiko. And on and on it went. It wasn't until it was near the end of it's health that it used Magaru...and just attacked Akihiko with it's extra turn. One Bufu and one Sonic Punch from Akihiko later and it was finished.
“We did it.” Akihiko said.
“Anyone else believe that was a let-down?” Minako asked.
And even though the floors above were not filled with much Shadows...once again they kept being attacked by them.
“FINALLY!” Minako sighed in happiness as she found the top floor. “Done for the night.” She smiled, grabbed the old document and headed back down the stairs.
First thing first, Minako gave Theo the three lanterns as part of his quest. He mentioned that he would use them to help with his clerical duties as the lighting is, obviously, very dim here. He also noted the new old document she gave him.
Gotta look that over.
Next, Minako fused up her Personas. Nekomata and Forneus were fused to create Nigi Mitama...
Temper. - Nigi Mitama One of the four aspects of the human soul, as described in Shinto teachings. It is associated with gentleness.
...Alp and Inugami for Yomotsu Shikome...
Hermit – Yomotsu Shikome A demoness in Japanese mythology that lives in the world of Yomi, the netherworld. She is the first demon Izanami sends after Izanagi.
...and Ara Mitama, Slime and Omoikane for Zouchouten.
Chariot – Zouchouten Virudhaka, protector of the South, is one of the four Heavenly Kings in Buddhist myth.
Alright. We are done here! Time to head home.
“Weird. Kirijo's Ergo Reasearch branch plans to build a lab on this island. I wonder what for...”
So Mitsuru's company is somewhat behind this. Why am I not surprised?
Academics: Average
Charm: Ingenue
Courage: Ordinary
Personae
Jack Frost – Magician – Level 12
Nigi Mitama – Temperence – Level 13
Yomotsu Shikome – Hermit – Level 10
Zouchouten – Chariot – Level 16
Comments
