8/26 Wednesday 10 days until Full Moon
Ken...nah. Still broody. Yukari and Akihiko are out. Fuuka and Junpei are worried about broody boy. Mitsuru's nose is at the grindstone. So I guess this means I should check on Aigis...who's chatting with Koromaru it seems.
“Koromaru-san has an intense desire to go somewhere,” Aigis informed her. “Furthermore, it appears that if he does not go today, he will not be able to go at all. Please listen to Koromaru-san's request, Minako-san.” Koromaru woofed at Minako.
...a dog. Not certain if I can get away with this but there's no loss in not trying.
“Sure thing, Koro-chan!” Koromaru barked happily at that.
“Koromaru-san is very happy. I, in turn, am happy for Koromaru-san.”
...that's actually a really nice smile Aigis.
Ah! It's the movie compilation of the show “True Battles of Real Men.” Not my type of show but evidently... Minako glanced at the obviously eager dog. ''...it's something he's been looking forward to.”
“Okay, Koromaru, I have a plan. I'm going to have to hold you.”
Minako tried her hardest to pass Koromaru off as a highly realistic doll but she wasn't able to get on through the management. Probably didn't help that he was squirming at Minako holding him by his stomach.
“Sorry about that. I know that was uncomfortable for you, and it didn't even work. Are you mad at me?”
Koromaru shook his head but still whined softly. Judging by the fact that he was looking unhappily at the movie poster, Minako guessed that he was more sad at missing the movie.
“Don't worry about it. Listen, I promise- no swear- that I will get you the DVD when it comes out.”
That perked Koromaru right up as he barked happily around Minako. The two went back to the dorm.
“Where have you been?”
“Ask Koromaru.”
“It's hard to train when it's hot, but it's easier to stay loose. So if you're going to Tartarus, count me in.”
“NO.”
Unless rescue mission.
“There's going to be a full moon soon after vacation ends,” Mitsuru reminded Minako. “Prepare yourself for it.”
...it's that time of the month, when everyone gets antsy over the full moon being near despite us being prepared.
“Summer vacation will end soon, and school will be in session,” Aigis told Minako. “This poses a problem. I will not be able to stay by your side when you are at school. That worries me...
...what you are saying worries me. How in the heck would we get Aigis into school? She still seems...off.
“Ken's only going to be staying for the summer, huh?” Yukari asked Minako. “Well, I guess he'll be heading home soon. Even though he wasn't here for very long, it's still going to be sad to see him go.”
...I wonder. Didn't Ikutsuki say he had the potential? Would they really let that go?
Minako smiled and walked Koromaru, Titian urging her on. It was just a simple run to the shrine but while there, he found a Trafuri Gem for Minako.
8/27 Thursday Half Moon
Ken is still brooding so let's see what's going on in the lou- why is Junpei eating that ramen so quickly?
“Um...hey Yukari.”
“Look at that hat wearing idiot. He's eating hot food in boiling weather! Just watching him is making me sweat! Minako, don't look at him. That brand of stupid is contagious.”
“...”
You really aren't helping my liking of you here. Besides, it's taste that defeats heat! I sometimes want some hot chocolate during the summer and is that bad?
“Yow! Hot, hot, hot! I gotta hurry or I'll miss the trailers!” Junpei said, shoving down his ramen. “But I gotta eat first, or I'll faint on the way over.”
Minako snickered. “You know I could just buy you a Bauer Bar on the way over?”
“Oh, hey, Minako. I'm thinking about catching some flicks. Wanna come along? The lineup today is choice, man!”
“Sure thing. I'll tag along. But hurry up! We gotta see those trailers!”
“Hey! Hey! Just one more minute to finish eating!”
Ah. American action movies. Why am I not surprised this would be Junpei's choice?
“Dude, is this seriously non-stop? Oh, I'll buy you popcorn once we're inside. The caramel one tastes aweseome here. Well, let's head on in.”
Minako enjoyed all of the action driven plot, even if the stories were sometimes horrible.
“Dude. Why couldn't I have been born in the U.S.A.? By now, I'd have it all. Saving the babes! Fighting for my country! And everyone would be like “Ohhhhh, Junpei!”
Minako grinned. I don't think it works that way.
“Man...why'd I have to be born in Japan?”
The two headed back to the dorm.
“Oh, hey,” Yukari greeted the two back.
“Hey, Mina-tan! Wanna walk Koromaru together?” Junpei asked Minako.
“I-I should stud-”
“Oh come on! Summer is the time to be free of work! Where we enjoy the time we have without the worry of school.”
“You still have homework you realize.”
“...anyway! Come on.”
“Well...okay then.”
Koromaru barked happily as he got to the shrine. “Yo, Koromaru, your tail's gonna fall off if you wag it too much,” Junpei said to him. “Don't wear yourself out, okay?”
The two began chatting as Koromaru left them to run around. “Man, the movies today were great, huh? A guy watches something like that, and he feels like he can take on the world! But the coolest part was how the heroine understood the main dude by the end. Even being a super-badass would suck if no one knew about it...”
“Huh. Well you actually have a point. Though I kinda like my couples to be more action-y together than for the girl to just wait for the guy to rescue her.”
“Eh, I can see that. You do seem like that type of girl who wants a partner in crime than for someone to look after her.”
“Partner in crime? What are you implying?” Minako grinned.
“Eheheheh. It's just a figure of speech!”
“I prefer the term, Battle Couple!”
The two talked for a bit more before Koromaru came up. “Hey, there he is. He looks hungry. Well, wanna go back?”
8/28 Friday 8 days until Full Moon
Let's see, mental checklist. Junpei, Yukari, Koromaru, Akihiko. So Aigis, Mitsu-
Just at that moment, Minako heard a knock on her door. It was Mitsuru! She came to inform her that there would be a meeting that night.
...I have a guess at what this will be.
Ken's still broody, so he and Fuuka are out. Mitsuru is STILL working so that leaves...Aigis.
“There is a meeting tonight. I will relax until then. Do you have any suggestions on how to relax, Minako-san?”
“I'd suggest movies! They're quite a fun way to unwind.”
“The..movies? I see...so going out is considered to be relaxing, too. Then let us go and relax.”
This is my first time really alone with Aigis. Or my first time around much with Aigis since that beach.
“'Ninja War.' Does this refer to opposing platoons of ninjas on the screen? According to Junpei-san, 'Ninjas are the coolest of the cool!'”
Can't argue with that.
The movie was surprisingly informative on the history of ninjas, though Minako had the feeling that some of the antics were played up for the screen.
“I have updated my information on ninjas. Ninja is the ultimate status that a man can achieve. In combat, the power of their body is equivalent to that of highly advanced special weapons. They were war machines, with unparalleled fighting skill. Given these facts, I am curious as to why their existence has ceased.” Aigis pondered this. “Was it an ice age? Perhaps the proliferation of the internet? An enigma I may never resolve. Thank you very much for today. I shall now call you Minako-ninja from now on.”
Well! I have no objections to that. This is kinda of funny, her classification of ninjas.
“...that was a humorous joke,” Aigis said to Minako.
And...it was a joke. Kinda hard to tell when she is being funny.
“Good, you're all here,” Ikutsuki said to the SEES members. “Please come in,” he then said to the door.
This is what I think it is isn't it?
And in entered Ken.
SO FREAKIN CALLED IT!
“You must be kidding,” Akihiko said shocked.
“After running several tests, we've learned that he has more than adequate potential,” Ikutsuki explained. “I called this meeting so that I could introduce him, since he'll be joining our squad.”
“B-but Mr. Chairman, he's still in elementary school,” Mitsuru interjected. “Besides...”
“Besides...what? His ability is quite promising. With the proper training, he could be a big help.”
“But is HE okay with it?” Akihiko asked.
Hmm...our senpai know something don't they?
“Actually, I asked to join,” Ken said. “I believe I can be of some assistance. Now, I finally know why I was given this power.”
“So as you can see, it was his own decision.” Ikutsuki said to the goup.
“Nice to meet you all. I'll try not to get in anyone's way.” Ken polietly said to the group.
Minako smiled warmly. “Nice to meet you too, Ken.” She offered a handshake to him.
“Thank you!” He said and shook her hand back. Akihiko still looked a bit uneased at this.
“Hey, don't worry kid. We got your back,” Junpei said to him. “It may be hard at times, but stick with it.”
“Yes, got it!”
Well now. We have Ken Amada on our team. Hoo boy. Too bad I have to wait until the week after to write to Maya. Oh! It'll be the day after the Full Moon too. Full letter, here we come.
“Oh hey, Akihiko. What's up?”
“Ken's a pretty amazing kid. Even Ikutsuki-san thinks so. He's young, but he thinks like an adult.” He then got a worried look on his face.
...yeah. I'm going to have to ask you what's up. Thanks for unintentionally reminding me of that.
“I'll be joining SEES as of today. I promise I'll do my best,” Ken told Minako.
“I have no doubt you will be.”
“He is very decisive. I believe he would make a great addition to SEES,” Mitsuru said to Minako. “His age worries me though. We will need to keep a close eye on him.”
“We can do that.”
“Hello, Ikutsuki.”
“I am very impressed with Ken. He is quite brave for his age. When I was in elementary school, I was a real scaredy cat. I used to cry and run away when a bee would come near me.”
It's the wasps you gotta look out for!
...but when I was his age, I was still in a pretty dark place. Sure I was getting better but it wasn't until middle school when I really began to improve. Funny that.
Minako headed up the stairs, finding the juniors, plus Aigis, conversing. Aigis was in the middle of explaining to the group why the spear was a good weapon for Ken when Minako sat down. “Going into battle at his age...Ken's da MAN!” Junpei said. “If he sticks with me, I'll show him how it's done. He can call me, Junpei-senpai.”
“Stop acting like a little kid. Ken-kun's more mature than you are.” Yukari scolded Junpei.
“Ah come on. Let him have his fun. This is the first time he's been a superior to anyone else I bet, Yukari,” Minako said.
Fuuka giggled. “Junpei-kun and Ken-kun look like brothers. They make quite a pair. Junpei-kun is the silly older brother, and Ken-kun is the reliable younger brother.”
“Yeah, Ken couldn't asks for a cooler older bro than me!”
“But I consider you bro! Does this mean I'm the sister in the middle of this relationship?” Minako gasped playfully. “Anyway, I'm going up to study.”
“Even your 'sister' is more responsible than you, Junpei!” Yukari remarked.
“Well then you haven't seen much of 'sista!'” Junpei said back.
8/29 Saturday 7 days until Full Moon
Alright! No clue on Mitsuru but maybe Ken or Fuu- DANG IT PHONE CALL!
It turned out to be from Theo, informing her of someone within Tartarus.
Well two is usually how many wander in so I'm not that surprised.
“Hey Ken! What's up?”
“Now that I've joined SEES, I see you all differently. I'll do my best as a SEES member.”
So...serious Ken is serious. Don't think I'll get accepted to a movie unless he's interested.
“With Ken on our team, we have more manpower,” Mitsuru noted to Minako. “Although he's still a child.”
You and Akihiko both are worried much more for Ken now that he is a member. Kind funny that.
“Ken-kun's joining yesterday was a surprise,” Fuuka said to Minako. “I think he wasn't sure how to bring it up but I'm glad he's looking better now.”
Saravati is saying take her out.
“Wanna go to the movies?”
“...Sure, that sounds like fun. I was actually thinking about going, because the theme today seems interesting. This will be fun!”
Hard science fiction? Wonder what that's about.
“I always wondered what they meant by 'hard' science fiction. So the last time I passed by this theater, I asked the ticket clerk. He said, 'It's a science fiction story that could really happen.' Maybe it's just me, but I'm not very interested in movies where people travel in time or cast spells. I'd rather see movies and think, '10 years down the road, this could happen.' Like the way everything around you gets more and more high-tech. That's my favorite kind of sci-fi. Oh sorry! I got a little carried away. We still haven't seen the movie yet. I hope we can get good seats.”
Why am I not surprised at this. Not in the least.
Minako enjoyed all the movies, helping her think about what could happen in the near future.
“Wow. That was amazing. I wonder if our civilization will ever advance that far. Did you see that iron? It got rid of wrinkles on their clothes in half a second. To get that much heat out of an iron so quickly, you'd probably have to keep it charged...though it wouldn't have to be with electricity. It could be a gas hybrid. Or maybe they have a totally new energy source, but how would they power the iron with it?” Fuuka then realized she had been gushing. “S-sorry! The movie got me all excited, so I got carried away thinking about it. Let's see another movie together sometime.”
“Sure thing Fuuka!”
At the very least, she's better than Ikutsuki about stuff she gushes about. Generational gap?
“Greetings. One week remains until the next full moon will appear. As expected, The Lost are increasing in number.”
One week...ah, yes. Pharos.
“Hi, Junpei! I saw you by some girl as I was going to the movies with Fuuka.”
“Huh? Oh yeah...say Minako, is there anything I can get involved in?”
“Well, thats for you to discover.”
“Yeah, you're right. I have to discover it on my own.”
Hmm...something's up with him. But I guess I shouldn't pry. Junpei will tell me if he wants. He is my friend after all.
“Summer break will end soon. Have you finished all of your homework?” Mitsuru asked.
“Yes, Senpai.”
“As diligent as always. There is also going to be a full moon soon. I hope you are prepared to be busy again.”
“Right!”
“Akihiko-senpai has been acting strange lately,” Fuuka said to Minako. “He must be having a hard time with Ken-kun fighting in the battles. Akihiko-senpai is very kind, which is difficult to tell from his appearance.”
...sure that may be a bit of it, but I think there's more to it Fuuka.
“I should do my homework. I still have a little left,” Yukari told Minako. “But, I don't think Junpei has done any of his. He better not ask to copy mine, or I'll smack him!”
And I'll just tell tutor him if he asks. I don't think he will. His mind seems to be elsewhere.
“Someone needs to look after Ken,” Akihiko told Minako. “Can you do it?”
“I will.”
“Good. I'm counting on you.”
Looking after Ken-kun is one thing I can certainly do.
“A popular band sold every seat in the house for their latest concert. But on the day of the show, the audience was completely empty. It seems that most of the ticket-holders had contracted Apathy Syndrome.”
''I actually heard about that. The venue is Escapade. I should check there when I get info on the missing-”
“And now another missing persons report. Hirotaka Tanigami (25), an office worker in Minato-ku, has been reported missing. Police have asked the public for any information they may have in helping locate him.”
“Did you catch that Fuuka?”
“Yeah. Tomorrow.”
“If possible.”
“I can't...get the...groove...groove...groove...I...can't...groove...get...gro...Ugh...Auhhh...”
“...yep. The next Shadow is here, I'm betting.”
“It hasn't thrown off my groove yet, but I'm still getting kind of scared. You see that man over there? He's so...weird. I knew he was weird from the start, but wow! He's really out there. Watch, I bet he'll get kicked out pretty soon.”
“A dark past, sinking into the deep shadow...it enfolds the people who are involved and captures them...Who are the ones that are trapped? Hard as I try to see them, my vision blurs, and everything becomes obscure.... Can you see?”
...Ken. Akihiko. I know there is something going on. I will get to the bottom of it.
Bed. I hope I don't get any nightmares tonight...
Dark Hour
And there he is.
“Hello.” Pharos greeted her. “I thought I'd remind you. The next full moon will be in one week. Are you ready? Only a few trials remain. So, be careful. I look forward to seeing you again.”
Alright. Now let me sleep.
Minako Level: 33
Academics: Smart
Charm: Angelic
Courage: Badass
Personae
Pale Rider – Death – Level 27
Kusi Mitama – Fortune – Level 29
Genbu – Temper. - Level 32
Othrus – Hanged – Level 30
Power – Justice – Level 25
Take-Mikazuchi – Emperor – Level 24
Legion – Fool – Level 22
Titan – Strength – Level 23
Lamia – Hermit – Level 25
Shiisaa – Hiero. - Level 26
Sarasvati – Priestess – Level 27
Social Links:
Fool Rank 5
Magician MAXED
Priestess Rank 6
Emperor Rank 5
Hiero. MAXED
Lovers Rank 4
Chariot Rank 6
Hermit Rank 3
Strength Rank 2
Hanged Rank 6
Death Rank 5
Temper. Rank 6
Star Rank 3
