6/15 Monday 22 days until Full Moon
Yukari greeted Minako this morning, noting the fewer cases of Apathy Syndrome but that it swings up by the next month.
“By the way, what do you think of Mitsuru-senpai?”
Uh...she's a strong leader and really admired by the student population and smart and beautiful and...what the heck am I thinking!?
“I-in what way?”
“Yikes, that's not what I meant. Don't you think she kinda forced Fuuka into joining?”
“No.”
“Well Ms. Toriumi, I believe the right conjunction is “And” for this particular sentence.”
“That's absolutely correct! You'd make a great composition teacher someday, Minako.”
Minako could feel the admiration from others, making her more unique in their eyes.
“With Fuuka on the team, we're getting more girls on board!” Junpei told Minako after school. “Yukari, Fuuka, Minako and Mitsuru-senpai...it's a paradise!”
“Junpei. That's way too creepy. And I have a high tolerance for you and creepiness.”
“You know how Akihiko-senpai is always with Mitsuru-senpai? Even Akihiko's fans can't stand up to Mitsuru-senpai. She's special. It's not fair, but there's nothing we can do about it. She's the only exception though. You and Yukari-san are a different story...”
Yeah, I still don't believe I'll be able to break through the mass of fangirls at the moment.
Alright. It looks as if I can hang out with Ri- hello. Why is Fuuka hanging around?
“Oh Minako-chan, are you busy? It'd be nice if you were hungry too...”
“I'm down. I'm up for any food.”
“In that case, would you do me a favor? I want you to taste the lunch I packed. To be honest, I don't have very much confidence in my cooking but today I think it turned out okay.”
...I think I can handle whatever she can throw at me.
“Sure thing.”
“Oh thank you! Please come with me.”
Well someone's enthusiastic.
So...the home ec room. Seems kinda empty without the sewing machines.
“Um, I want you to try this for me.” Fuuka told Minako, giving her a boxed lunch. “I hope you're hungry.”
...oh god, what is with that smell?! Ugh. It doesn't even look good.
“Please eat it up!” Fuuka beamed at Minako.
Well I did promise her...
…
OH YUCK! I can even chew this anymore! Blech! Blech!
“H- how was it?”
“I can't lie Fuuka. I can't eat any more.”
“Huh? Oh no, Minako-chan, you don't look well! Spit it out! Hurry!”
Minako quickly obliged, grabbing a plastic cup and guzzling down water afterwards.
And I though those concoctions were bad.
“Sorry that I aksed you to try this all of a sudden. To tell you the truth...um, did you notice? Look at the blackboard.”
“A cooking club?”
“Yep! I decided to start one! Then again, I'm the only member so far. I'm going to keep trying my best, so would you mind stopping by and trying my new creations sometime? Actually...to be honest, I want you to join too. Cookbooks don't make much sense to me. And instead of just cooking and eating everything by myself, cooking for you would inspire me to try harder. So, h-how about it? Would it be too much trouble?”
She needs all the help she can get. Besides, I do know my way around cookbooks as I got tired of take out food all the time. Besides, I wanted Big Sis to have a good meal to come home to after she was done with work.
“Alright. I'll join!”
“Really!? Thank you! Oh, um, we'll meet on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.”
AKA everyday Bebe is not here. Mondays and Saturdays I can easily do.
“I'll try my best, so let's work hard at it!”
Yeah, helping Fuuka shall be a good thing.
Thou art I and I am thou.
Thou shalt be blessed when fusing Personas of the Priestess Arcana
'sides, FOOD!
“What should I do? There's still more ingredients that I couldn't fit inside the box.”
Leftover rice, lots of vegetables and some beef...let's try blending this and see what comes out...
...
Hmm. I guess this is some dog food. Well now I can be friends with a dog.
“Wow...that's amazing! You made that without even looking at a recipe. If we find a cute doggy in the neighborhood, we should give it this.”
My memory is trying to tell me something. I just don't know what.
“Where have you been?” Akihiko asked Minako. “Let's go to Tartarus tonight. I know the full moon is still a ways away but the Shadows are getting stronger. Besides, I need to train Polydeuces. So whaddya say?”
“Yes. It's about time we went. Fuuka? Tell everyone we're going to Tartarus.”
Dark Hour
Mitsuru talked to Minako as the group entered Tartarus. “From now on, Yamagishi will support us, and I'll take part in the expoloration. I've also decided that I'll allow you to select the members of your battle party. I realize this is a big responsibility but I believe you can handle it.”
Junpei and Mitsuru for sure. And new rule. Newcomers get a spot on the next mission, no matter what. Instinct says to bring Yukari. Contrasting this instinct is the fact that Akihiko is in excellent condition tonight. Bleh. Let's go fusing first.
Now what was that combo for Oberon again...ah yes! Slime and Zouchouten! Set back my funds though.
Oberon – Emperor Fairy king and husband to Titania. Was cursed as a child and has not grown any larger since.
And...he's at level 17! Request down!
Theo was impressed with Oberon, making note that he is a facet of her personality and re-infored her that they grow with her social links than with fighting thanks to her own growth. He suggests making many friends and deepening her relationships with them.
And an outfit for Akihiko. Makes sense, being of the Emperor arcana and all.
Forneus needs to go. But I have the duo fusions with the other personas...let's try a triple and see what comes up.
Mokoi, can't fuse. Take-Minakata, can't fuse. Fortuna, can't fuse. Mithra, can't fuse. So it's in between Rakshasa and Principality. Physical versus Hama. Hama wins. Wait! I'd be fusing Oberon. Scratch that.
Rakshasa – Strength Demon of Hindu myth. He is an enemy of the gods and attacks humans to feed off of them. His hideous appearance strikes fear into those that see him. Can shift his shape to deceive his enemies.
Alright. Compromise. Akihiko will come up for the lower half and Yukari for the upper half with one boss fight each.
Floor 41
“Huh. The block didn't change. Kinda a let down.” Minako noted.
“There's a shadow on the 50th floor! Please be careful.” Fuuka informed the group.
This Beam Naginata is awesome!
Minako giggled. ''Seems that Jack Frost doesn't want to leave me just yet,” she thought as the grabbed the card from Shuffle Time
Floor 42
“Huh? The strong one might actually be closer than I thought. I'll double check.”
So soon to be separated from Akihiko?
“This will be to my advantage.” Mitsuru said as she hit the weak spot of the Jealous Cupids. “The enemy's down! Let's finish this!”
“Right! Let's go!”
“You'll fall by my hand!”
One all-out attack later, the cupids were finished and Minako picked up Inugami from the Shuffle Time.
A quick Garu-ing from Nigi Mitama and the Phantom Masters were slain, giving Yomotsu Shikome to Minako.
...and Mitsuru Bufu-ing more Cupids gave her Archangel again.
Well, now I have my Hama Persona.
...This is getting ridiculous.
Phantom Mages kept coming and Minako kept getting Personas, Omoikane and Forneus to be exact. Hitting the cap of Personas to be kept, Minako discarded Forneus. Got an Emperor already.
Level 43
Fuuka reported that she could sense the Shadow getting closer but couldn't sense it just yet, urging the team to go up higher.
“Argh!” Minako yelled in frustration at another Gold Shadow vanishing from her grasp.
Level 44
Fuuka confirmed the location to be at the 47th floor. Three floors off.
“Red! And oh shoot. I forgot those requests.”
The Lustful Snakes, weak to Ice, fell quickly to Mitsuru.
Unicorn? Don't believe I've ever had that one before.
Level 45
“You are almost to the 47 th floor! Are you okay?”
“A bit tired from before but...alright!”
Don't believe I've ever had Chimera before either. Might as well take it.
Floor 47
After a quick trip down the portal to heal up, the group took on three golden beetles.
“Great.” Junpei said. “More of these guys.”
“Oh come on.” Minako told her friend. “It can't be-”
The beetles were swift and after buffing themselves up, attacked Mitsuru and Junpei quickly. Akihiko pulled a Zio on one that came near him, knocking it over.
“Oh excellent!” Minako exclaimed swiftly switching to Oberon. “We know their weakness.” Minako used Mazio against the group and the group swiftly beat up the Shadows.
“This is for your friends!” Junpei said, swiftly attacking the beetle.
Mitsuru pulled her Persona...but the Beetles were unafffected by the shards of ice. “Ice in ineffective,” she informed the group.
“Okay then. Keep everyone's health up.” Minako ordered. However, a round of Zio's from Akihiko took out the Shadows before Mitsuru even got a chance to do anything.
“Well...that was easy.” Minako said, picking up the three beetle horns.
“Um...sorry Akihiko. I kinda want to work with Yukari for awhile.”
“What!? But I can keep going!”
“I know. But Yukari needs to train as well.”
“Tch. Fine.”
Fusion time! And ooh! I've never had a Pyro Jack before! And then there's Gurr...and then there's Fortuna and...GAH!
Okay. First, Jack. And, wow. I'm at rank 8 already!
Pyro Jack – Magician Also known as Jack O'Lantern, he was an Irish farmer who persuaded Satan not to take him to hell. When he was refused entry into heaven, he wandered the earth as a pumpkin-headed soul.
Next. Gurr. I have a feeling this one might come in handy for when I actually get the Moon Arcana.
Gurr – Moon A demon that takes the shape of a giant bird in Sri Lankan myth. It is thought to be a derivation of Garuda.
And...I lost my chance on Fortuna. Ah well. Maybe later. Naga for now.
Naga – Hermit Half-snake, half-human, they are divine beings in Hindu mythology. Worshipped as bringers of fertility.
Floor 47
“So Junpei,” Minako asked with a smirk. “What are your thoughts on the current line up?”
“Seriously? It's totally awesome with-” Junpei stopped himself before realizing the glares Yukari and Mitsuru were giving. “...uh...well balenced?”
“I'll take that.” Minako said.
Floor 49
These Manicial Books are going to get real annoying, real fast. Being weak to only Mudo and all...especally since I don't have a Persona that has Mudo skills. I really hope their Marin Karin doesn't hit us as I don't think I have anything to counter act it.
Floor 50
“These lions are mine!” Junpei shouted as he used Agi against the Enslaved Beasts.
'Floor 51
Fuuka finally located the Shadows at Floor 57, six levels away.
Two more Lustful Snakes were taken down, with Minako collecting the scales.
Dark Eagles, weak to Electricity. Excellent!
“Get back here you son of a-!”
“GAAAAAH!”
“Oh no!”
Just as Minako began falling unconscious, a warm glow emitted from her pocket, healing her and her entire team.
“Ugh...be wary of countering from those Beasts.”
“I will show no mercy.” Mitsuru found the weaknesses of the Snakes for the group, allowing an easy all-out-attack.
One request, down.
“Oh um...do you need something?” Mitsuru said. “Sorry, I guess I'm not used to these clothes. I'll be able to concentrate in battle, don't worry.”
...I am not going to express my thoughts on Mitsuru in those Battle Panties.
“Alright!” Junpei happily exclaimed as he took down the Killing Hands.
Floor 55
Why am I not surprised the flaming tables are weak to ice?
Floor 57
Note to self: switch to Pyro Jack when facing those hands.
Floor 58
Heh. Very strange things, humunculi. So close to being human and yet so far.
“FINALLY! Defeated a Golden Shadow. But I don't think I'll have much use for these gloves.”
Floor 59
“Alright. We are refreshed.” Minako said to the group after a portal hop.
“I don't know about you guys, but I'm feeling a breeze.” Junpei said. Up ahead, the Intrepid Knight was ahead of them.
“Okay then. Yukari, stick to healing. Mitsuru, attack! And Junpei, listen to me.”
Minako lowered the Knight's defense, while she ordered Junpei to buff his defense up. Yukari tried and failed to Garu the Knight.
The Knight struck, Garudyne-ing...Yukari. Minako then buffed up Mitsuru's attack, Junpei just attacked, Yukari...got her arrow countered and Mitsuru bufu'd the Knight.
The Knight Garudyne'd Mitsuru, who withsood the attack. Minako just thanked her lucky stars Junpei was not getting noticed and Zio'd the Knight.
And so the patterned continued, with Junpei strangly not getting attacked. Until he Mind Charged and Magurla'd the group. However, everyone survived with Mitsuru being the hardest hit.
And eventually, the Knight fell without doing much damage to the party.
“Sheesh. Wonder why that guy didn't notice me at all?” Junpei asked. “Don't answer that,” he then immediately told Minako.
Floor 60
“Welp, we are in 'few shadows' range. We must be near the top.” Minako noted.
Floor 63
And sure enough, after defeating a few Shadows, they made it to the top. Minako grabbed the document and headed back down.
Minako quickly turned in the scales to Theo. “Alright guys. That's it for the night! Time for sleep.”
They built a research facility here; they want me to join the team, but I have a bad feeling...
Research gone bad. Sounds like an anime. Though as Junpei pointed out, this is a very anime-like story.
6/16 Tuesday 21 days until Full Moon
Mitsuru told Minako that she could go to Tartarus without her but if she and Akihiko weren't around, they were not to go.
Bleh. Concoction. Why do I put myself through this?
Minako agreed to hang out with Junpei, Pyro Jack bringing her closer to the Magician. The two took a walk out to Naganaki Shrine.
“So...what's up with that bruise under your eye?” Minako asked.
“Please don't stare at it so much. It's just a punch.”
“Who did it?” Minako asked.
“Um, w-well, who cares! Don't bother asking, okay? It's really lame! I don't wanna say it!”
...I think I know who did this.
“Well, in any case, I don't think there's going to be any more photos of you going around.”
“Thank you!”
“Huh? Uh, umm...haha.”
Hee. It's fun to see him this red in the face.
“I think...this is my first time.”
“First time for what?”
“I thought that if I laughed my way out of everything, I'd never be in trouble. That's...why I try to avoid having serious conversations whenever I can. You know all those times when everyone sits around and talks seriously? I really don't like those, so I'll goof around. I thought I could breeze my way through things and try to be fun. It's so much easier than having to do stuff like understanding other people. But after meeting you...and the others, I've changed a little. Not everything about everyone's cool, right? Everybody has parts of them that are cool or lame but they are all doing what's best for themselves. After seeing you all like that...I think I got scared. There's no way you can understand each other unless you say what you think. Staying quiet and trying to act cool won't tell anybody anything.”
...wow. Amazing really. He does have a very good intuition once he lets things ponder.
“Seeing someone way smaller than me put everything they have into something...it made me ashamed of myself. I've never tried my hardest in anything. I don't take anything seriously. That's why I never gain anything...and why I'm never happy. I realized...that I'm not living my life at all.”
“That's not true.”
“Haha. Thanks.”
You have come to realize so much. Now you just need to apply that.
“When I got back those pictures of you, it crossed my mind. In the end, I just wanted you to trust in me. Like, if someone like you could trust in me, then I might be worth something but...trying to get you to rely on me to solve this is just wrong. You're...an important friend of mine, after all.”
Yeah. And you are an important friend of mine too. The best friend I've ever had.
“It sucks that this place doesn't have swings. Don't you just get the urge to swing once in a while? I used to ride swings a lot when I was a kid. I'd get close to the sky and think that I could go somewhere else...somewhere that isn't here...that's what I'd think about when I was on a swing. Lets ride on one together sometime. You know how to get two people on one swing right? One stands, the other sits!”
Minako laughed happily and talked a bit with Junpei about her past, the ninth card sliding into place.
“Oh hey. Mitsuru-senpai has gone from supporting us to fighting with us. She can do anything...I'm so jealous.”
There. You admitted it.
“Say Akihiko, you wouldn't happen to have any protein would you?”
“Gonna start bodybuilding eh? Well, I have some leftover stuff for beginners, from back in the day. Hold on.” Minako waited for Akihiko to return. He gave her a small bottle of the protein. “Here you go. It's called the Ama-Pro brand. It's specifically formulated for guys who are just starting out.”
''Great. He thinks I'm going to be all muscular now.”
Minako stopped by the antique store and picked up a Google-Eyed Doll before heading to the Velvet Room. Theo took the protein and told her that he was to drink it. “Please don't be surprised if my muscles have increased in size when you return next time.”
Oh boy.
She then gave him the Google-Eyed Doll, which, now that she looked at it, did look a bit like Mokoi. He then asked for a strong medicine...
“HERE! Take it already!”
“This must be...that powerful medicine. It looks quite...poisonous. I should give it a try right now.”
Minako stared in disbelief as Theo drank the medicine down. “This...is special. It's a well made drink, with a smooth textue and a refreshing taste.”
WHAT!?
“Oh my, I drank it all. I think I can make something like this on my own...expect mine will be more 'effective.' I'd like you to try it when I'm done with it.”
I refuse!
Ugh...why am I working tonight again?
“Come on Minako! Try balancing these plates!”
Minako succeeded in balancing ten plates, making her feel more Tough.
6/17 Wednesday 20 days until Full Moon
“Shamanism.”
And don't ask me how I payed attention in class today. I don't know.
Evil. Vile. Liquid.
Minako attended Tennis practice, Zouchouten making her more in tune with the Chariot. But that wasn't too hard considering she and Rio were practicing alone.
Kenji appeared (much to Pyro Jack's delight) asking for Ms. Kanou, who wasn't around at any practice at all, Rio informed.
“But man where is she? She wasn't in the faculty office or anywhere else...do you know Minako?”
“Maybe she went home already.”
“Really? You think so too? Aw, maaaan. I'm so bummed I could fall over and die right here.”
“Why're you looking for her?”
“I got the tickets that Ms. Kanou wanted,” he shruged.
...so...you are trying to date her. Cute.
“You like Ms. Kanou?”
“Huh? What, can't I just be nice to one of my teachers!?” He responded blushing.
Tickets. To a concert!
“...why do you like her?” Rio asked.
“Huh? You're such a kid, Rio-san. Listen up, okay? It's got nothing to do with logic or reason. Love is something that just happens, whether you want it or not!”
Hmm.
“It...just happens?”
“But seriously, don't tell anybody about this, got it? I don't even want you and Minako-san talking about me! Okay?” Kenji then ran off.
“Love...it just happens to you?” Rio asked Minako.
Minako shrugged. “It looks that way.”
“He doesn't make any sense at all.” She said. “It'll never 'just happen' to me.”
What is love? I can't say. Haven't been in it myself.
“Let's get back to practice. Come on, we can't let someone like him get to us! I'll round up the balls.”
The two continued practicing, Minako getting exhausted but a fifth Chariot card slipped into place.
“Do you think the Lost will ever be cured?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“Yeah, maybe if we defeat a Shadow, the spirits inside it will return to their owners. But then again, they may just get digested.”
...I think I need sleep.
Academics: Average
Charm: Unique
Courage: Tough
Personae
Oberon- Emperor – Level 18
Pyro Jack – Magician – Level 18
Unicorn – Priestess – Level 11
Gurr – Moon – Level 15
Naga – Hermit – Level 18
Tam Lin – Lovers – Level 13
Berith – Hiero. - Level 13
Slime – Fool – Level 12
Zouchouten – Chariot – Level 14
Social Links:
Fool Rank 3
Magician Rank 9
Priestess Rank 1
Emperor Rank 4
Hiero. Rank 9
Lovers Rank 2
Chariot Rank 5
Hermit Rank 1
Hanged Rank 3
Death Rank 1
Temper. Rank 4
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