9/24 Thursday 10 days until Full Moon
Fuuka greeted Minako that morning, mentioning that it actually feels like Fall now. She sighed. “I hope the fighting ends before winter comes.”
“Well, there's no way of knowing...”
“True.”
Stress. Stress. Stress. Ugh. Well I don't feel that tired so I'll stay up.
Ms. Ounishi continued on, saying that men are most stressed about their jobs and women, their husbands. Husbands seek comfort at home and pass it to their wives who then take personal hobbies.
Kinda sounds about right.
Ms. Toriumi informed the class that there wouldn't be any afternoon classes, as they were clean up for the festival that didn't happen.
Welp, this'll be a thing.
Minako was assigned to work with Yukari, Junpei and Aigis in the science room. Their job, clean up photos from the photography club. “Well, let's get this over with. Umm...let's break down into groups of two. One person takes down photos, the other binds them together,” Yukari ordered.
“Let's do this quick,” Minako said.
“Geez, you're so serious all the time. We're allowed to take this easy, y'know?” Junpei told her. The group set to work, Minako still completing her share as fast as she could.
“Sucks for the photography club that they took so many pictures and no one got to see any of them,” Yukari said. “Oh, isn't this from the summer fellowship? Look, here's Minako. You guys went to a school in the countryside, right?”
“It was a nice place,” Minako responded.
“Lucky! They had a hot spring too, didn't they?”
“I wanted to go in one too,” Aigis mentioned.
“We'll be going to one soon enough,” Junpei told her.
“Are you talking about the school trip? That's in November. Talk about jumping the gun,” Yukari said to him. “I can't believe we're going to Kyoto.”
“Eh, it's where everyone goes. I really wish they wouldn't make us go to all the shrines and stuff,” Junpei said. Kenji popped in, agreeing with him. Kazushi was right behind and they had the cleaning supplies. Minako went back to work as they chatted over nail pullers or something, eventually their conversation died down when Yukari told them to get back to work.
Kenji eventually got into the subject of stuff that got cancled. Specificity, the subject fell onto a cross-dressing pageant. Kenji actually mentioned he was thinking of joining, to Junpei's disbelief. Kenji countered that he would still look better than Junpei with Junpei saying he'd be better than Kaz at least. And Aigis joined in, saying that she'd look the best because she IS a girl.
“Minako-san, what do you think? Whose cross-dressing would be the most 'super cute?'”
They HAD to involve me in this didn't they. Hmm...nah. Staying out of this.
“No comment.”
“I know how it is...” Kenji started. “You're trying to say, 'I can't bring myself to admit Kenji-kun would be the cutest!', right?”
Minako did an actual facepalm to that. “Better stay away from Kenji, Minako, or else the stupid'll rub off.”
“Alright, you guys get out of the way. You're holding everything up,” Yukari told the group.
“You know if you just judge by appearance, Yuka-tan is already 'super cute.'” Junpei remarked.
“What're you trying to say?” Yukari asked.
Junpei, you are heading down a dangerous path.
“Uh, nothing...” Junpei responded to Yukari.
“He is saying that your personality is not cute,” Aigis explained to Yukari.
“Yeah, I got that,”
“Ai-cah, you gotta know when to speak up and when to stay quiet,” Junpei told her. “If you don't learn, Yuka-tan's gonna give you the evil eye...”
Oh so that's what we're calling it now?
Yukari made a lunge at Junpei and began choking him. Minako slipped inbetween the two, yelling at them to break it up. Somehow, that reminded Kenji about the fact that she never wore her maid outfit. Minako sighed and got back to work, ignoring the chatter that was going on.
That was not fun. Minako sighed. Okay, today is Thursday so...Saori should be around, I think.
And indeed, Saori was around. Minako went to the library with her, Taraka bringing her closer to the Hermit.
Hmm. Slow crowd today. And Saori's not looking good...
“Don't let it get to you,” Minako said to her.
“Minako-chan...” She smiled happily. “You shouldn't be talking to me. If someone sees you, they'll get the wrong idea, like when we were both called to the faculty office together. I don't want to get you involved.”
“I don't mind it at all,” she smiled and said to her.
“You should though, but I'm glad to hear you say that.”
Yeaaaah, bit late to not be involved now.
“Um...I might be transferred to another school,”
“What? When?”
“Once the paperwork is done. My parents said that I'm an ungrateful child and a shame to my family. They are going to send me to a private school far away. That's...fine with me, but I don't really like that I'm going to be separated from you.”
Oh boy. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that that is happening but...geez. This is my friend, I'm losing!
“I need to start packing. Still I don't really have much luggage to take along. Whenever I came back from overseas, my room would be empty... just like it is now. I... don't need anything.”
Minako said farewell to Saori and spotted an eighth Hermit card appear before her.
“Hello! Are we going to Tartarus today?”
“Nope, we're going out to dinner later. Don't give me that look, we're good! We rescued several people and made it to the top. We'll be just fine.”
“It is difficult to determine a Shadow's strength,” Aigis told Minako. “Particularly these last three. Please be prepared for the worst.”
We're good. Seems like we're hitting THAT stage in the tone of the dorm.
“Akihiko-senpai said that Shinjiro-senpai is a good cook. Cool huh? I never would have guessed. There's more to him than meets the eye.”
Speaking of which...I wonder how that meal is going.
“What's up Minako? How you doin'?” Junpei asked her.
Well that's...very basic.
“I'm okay.”
“C'mon man! Liven up! You're young! You should have some fun!”
...what has spurred this on, Junpei?
“Shinjiro-senpai is by himself a lot,” Fuuka noted. “Does he like to be alone? Or is he just shy? To be honest, I'm a little worried about him. He must be so sad being alone all the time...”
Uhh, there are the loner types in this world. Though...she has a point.
“The news has been reporting that the number of The Lost is increasing,” Mitsuru told Minako. “I wish we could receive good news for once.”
Yeah...
“I'm on my own, huh.” Shinjiro remarked to Minako. “Well, I don't care what you guys think about me. I'm doing things my way and there's nothing you guys can do about it.”
I think he overheard you Fuuka.
“Mitsuru can complain all she wants, but we only have three Shadows left,” Akihiko told Minako. “Once we defeat them, there won't be anymore news about The Lost. We're so close.”
Yeah...still nagging at me about that.
“Alright Ken-kun, up for a meal?”
“Yeah. Well, let's go.” Virture brought Minako closer to the Justice.
Ahh, the warm food. The smells. The taste. The feeling of- hmm? Ken's not eating much today.
“What's the matter?”
A long pause from the seemingly depressed Ken. “I'm sorry. Um...I always make you listen to me talk. It's like I'm depending on you too much. It's not good, huh..”
“Well, actually I want to hear more.”
“But it's no fun to listen to a little kid like me...Why...are you so...”
So nice? Hmm. I wonder why myself.
“Um, Minako-san, I'm going to be serious here, so please listen to what I have to say. Remember the manga I talked about before? The one with the alien hero who fights bad guys?” He was quiet for a bit but then, “I threw all of them away.”
“I'll buy you a different series.” Minako said without hardly thinking.
“No, it's okay. Thank you, though.”
Aww. But I could probably find some fun ones.
“Fighting isn't a good thing, but, I enjoyed reading it.”
“Don't worry about it.”
“But, reading it got me all excited. It was really cool when tons of bad guys were dying, too. ...That can't be good.”
...well that could be read in several ways. One is the childish part or the other could be a taking pleasure in violence part. Either way...he looks ready to cry...
“I hate that I feel that way.”
...I'm sure hope this is more on him being like a child...
“You're okay the way you are.”
“It's okay...” Ken looked at her puzzled. “Why do you say things like that? I'm... trying so hard. I... I want you to notice me. ...oh...”
...well that wasn't intended. So I guess this is more about him and his “childish” behavior. But...enjoying action manga isn't bad and I don't I look down on him for it.
“I'm sorry, um...let's eat. Does your food taste good, Minako-san? I was getting worried that yours might taste bad too, if you're with me.”
Lies from the darkest demons! Food is delicious no matter who the company!
“That's not true.”
“I-I see. I'm glad to hear that. You're...so nice, Minako-san.”
Aww. He's blushing!
“I'd...like to have dinner with you again.” He smiled happily at her. “I mean it.”
The two chatted on their way back, Minako spotting a fifth Justice card.
9/25 Friday 9 days until Full Moon
Minako spotted the two gossipers. They talked about The Lost and how it was spreading...and one mention she wondered if it could spread around the world.
Need to remember what I'm fighting for...
...I feel so uneasy these days. Maybe I should talk to Akihiko-senpai. Minako met up with the Star, Setanta bringing her closer to him.
Turns out that Akihiko brought her to the Sweet Shop. “I heard this place is popular. A-are guys allowed to go in there?”
Minako giggled. “It's completely okay.”
“I-I see. Then...let's go.”
The two enjoyed some cake inside the shop. Minako, much more so.
“That was rather sweet.”
“Did you not like it?”
“Oh...I mean, I don't hate having sweets... but I don't really have them that often, so I was surprised at how sugary it was.”
Can't say I'm surprised.
“And...it seemed like you like eating sweet things, so...”
Oh yeah! I did mention that last time didn't I?
“Still, it was like having a lump of pure sugar in my mouth. Yukari sometimes gives me sweet snacks once in a while. She'll say she'd be screwed if she eats any more, then shove them at me...but that's not important right now. Um, are you still hungry? Want to get some real food? It doesn't have to be something sweet.”
Just then, those two girls from awhile back came up to him. “Omigosh, I'm like, so jazzed to run into you here again,” one of them said.
“Say, why're you here with Junpei's girlfriend? Like, stop stealing all the single guys when you've already got one for yourself!”
Whhhy me?
“I'm not Junpei's girlfriend.”
“Huh? Who asked you?”
You. Minako glared back at the girl.
“As you can see, I'm here with Minako right now,” Akihiko told the girls. “We'll have to talk some other time. Let's go, Minako.” The two headed off towards the dorms, ignoring the two girls. “Oh, sorry. Did I hurt your hand? Sorry about what happened back there.”
“It's not your fault, Senpai.”
“I'm glad to hear you say that. All this about showing off and taking someone's else's girlfriend...there are people in my class saying things about me, too.”
Yeesh. Really, really glad I'm not dating anyone.
“I had fun today. It's nice to have sweet things once in a while. Say, aren't you in the cooking club? Maybe you could make me something sweet sometime. Like...pancakes sound good.”
“...okay.”
“I like them. Haha, does that seem like the kind of food I wouldn't like?”
Ah, no not really. Just...its not that very sweet. Nice to see him open up though.
“Now, lets go home.” The two entered the dorm, Minako noticing a fifth Star card.
“'sup dude. Now that Chidori is getting better, I should focus on training. Besides those Apathy freaks are popping up everywhere.”
True. But we are good.
“Hey Ken? Why are you always in your room?”
“No reason, really...”
...alarm.
“Hey, Shinjiro-senpai! Mind if I hang out with you?”
“I don't mind.” Yamato-orochi brought Minako closer to the Moon. “Well, let's do it today. You better not go anywhere, all right. Just be patient and wait for an hour. Tell the other guys that too.”
“...what're you making?”
“Dinner. You're gonna eat too, right?”
Well, yeah but...details would be nice.
Minako watched Fuuka and Shinjiro prepare...slowly as Fuuka was still learning.
“If you two need any help, just ask,” Minako said to them.
“Nah, stay put. It's way too crowded over here. 'sides, we're trying to keep it a secret.”
Well, surprise meal. It should be good.
“I-I'm sorry Minako-cah. If only I was better at cooking...” Fuuka said.
“Just hush up and watch what you're doing. A piece of eggshell just fell in there,” Shinjiro scolded her. The two continued to work...Shinjiro continually correcting Fuuka's mistakes. Junpei eventually came over, noticing the good smell and was mildly surprised that Fuuka was making it. Koromaru also looked nervously over and Aigis reported that he was anxious about this. The commotion brought down Yukari and Akihiko. Akihiko wondered about leftovers and Shinjiro said that there would be more than enough for everyone.
“So who's hungry?!” Minako shouted to the group. A chorus of “Me's!” replied back.
“Shut up and shiddown,” Shinjiro said to the group. Everyone chatted happily about the feast to come with the occasinal yells from Shinjiro to stop talking being somewhat ignored. Two hours later...
“Is...all of this for us?” Yukari asked.
“Whoa...is this some kind of party?” Junpei asked as well. There were various amounts and tastes. Tomato pasta, sweet and sour pork, fired chicken, paella, omelette with fried rice and a whole lot more. Fuuka said she'd get Mitsuru and Shinjiro asked Akihiko to get Ken. They came down...and were surprised about the food.
Shinjiro ordered the team to dig in. Oh. My. Goodness. This is the feast of my dreams here! Everything is soooooo good. Everyone couldn't help stuffing themselves...well almost everyone.
“Huh? Aren't you going to eat, Ken-kun?” Fuuka asked when she noticed that Ken wasn't eating much.
“Oh. I-I'll have something...Thanks for the food...”
“Yeah...” Shinjiro said in repsonse.
...I really need to talk to Akihiko about all of this.
Still, everyone enjoyed themselves and eat as much as they all could. After the cleanup was done, Minako and Shinjiro retired the the lounge with some tea. “Looks like everyone enjoyed it,” Shinjiro said, laughing quietly.
“Let's do it again some time!” Minako repsonded.
“Sure, if the opportunity comes up.”
That food...was glorious.
“If you hadn't brought up the idea, I probably never would've done something like this. It was so simple, and all I had to do was do it...”
So I was the catalyst for this? Huh.
Shinjiro coughed. “Today tired me out. I'm gonna go to bed. You should head off to bed soon. 'Night.”
“Good night, Senpai.” Minako spotted a sixth Moon card before heading off to bed.
9/26 Saturday 8 days until Full Moon
Numbers. Magic. Funny how this world works that even something as boring as math could be thought of as magic.
“What is the collective name for the for the four holy numbers in numerology?”
“The Tetractys.”
“That's correct. The actuarial tables predict a happy future for you.”
...so numbers could reveal your inner-self and public self. Huh. And I bet some girls are going to try to use that compatibility thing.
“Hey, Minako-chan. Are you going to the cooking club with me?”
“Sure thing, Fuuka!” Ganga brought Minako closer to the Priestess.
Minako cheerfully made her Sugar Cookies. “Last night was really fun wasn't it?”
“Oh yes! Shinjiro-san is such a good teacher. I feel a lot more confident about trying out some new recipies.”
“Just don't get too crazy.”
“It was kind of strange about Ken-kun. He really didn't seem to want to eat too much.”
“Yeah...he usually eats quite a bit when we go out.” Fuuka shot Minako an odd look. “Alright, that could have been worded better.”
“No its not that. Just that you look so worried.”
Minako sighed a bit. “I guess I am. Obvious huh?”
“You know, you can tell me about it, if you want.”
“Thanks. But I think it's nothing.”
“Where have you been?”
“With Fuuka, thank you very much.”
“Shinjiro-senpai is a really good cook, despite how tough he looks. That was a really good meal. There's more to him than meets the eye.” Yukari told Minako.
Same statement, affected slightly.
“Hey Senpai! Don't mind me hanging out with you today?”
“I don't mind.” Yamato-orochi brought Minako closer to the Moon. “Mind if we step out for a bit? It's just...I feel uncomfortable.”
“Did something happen?”
“It's nothing like that, but...”
Hmm. Wonder what's up? Minako followed him out of the dorm.
Shinjiro sighed. “...seriously. Sorry. Those guys keep yapping at me.”
“Yapping at you?”
Shinjiro was quiet for a bit. “You remember how I cooked for them yesterday? They keep going on and on about how delicious it was and how I should do it again. Aki keeps pushing these requests at me, Fuuka's throwing cookbooks at me, and whenever I walk past the kitchen, they all stare at me like they're just waiting for me to do something.”
“...I have my hopes up, too.”
“Hey, don't look at me like that. Haha. Well...I'm glad they liked it.”
...shouldn't be so greedy but that food was GOOD.
“Do you think it's funny that I did that? You think it isn't like me? I mean, there's nothing wrong with having good memories to grow up with. We've got two kids at the dorm, anyway. One big one, and one tiny one.” He smiled to himself for a bit. “How about you? Did you have fun too?”
“Definitely!”
“Haha, good to hear.”
Good memories huh?
“Making memories is important. People can go on as long as they have good things to look back on. They'll be able to go on without being led astray.”
Hmm...
“You know, you...shouldn't you be doing something else? You shouldn't be with me like this. Don't you...have more fun things to do?”
I'm neglecting my studies a lot but that's not necessarily fun per se.
“It's fun being with you.”
“Well...all right, then.”
Someone is embarassed~ But...he is opening up more to me. But...this talk about memories...
“Might as well stop by somewhere, since we're already out. You want some ice cream from the convenience store? My treat.”
Minako had a good time with Shinjiro, a seventh Moon card appearing before her as they went back to the dorm.
9/27 Sunday 7 days until Full Moon
Sorry Akihiko and sorry Rio but I have a date! Well, guess date's not a good word for it buuuut...
A new recording? So soon? Alright then...
The 25th...that was the night of the dinner. Huh? Is this Mitsuru's room? Kinda gaudy. Is she taking a show- ohgoodness. Uhhh. Yeah. Bathrobe. That's a thing. Okaaaay. And Mitsuru knows nothing about fashion. Sounds about right. Aheh. Kinda fun that she wants to wear cute things. And yeah, elegant is more your style. And...yeah. Oh god, mental images forming. Ohhh god.
“You should eat healthy and get ready for winter,” Shinjiro told Minako. “Shadows aren't our only enemies; don't forget about Strega. You're gonna need to build up your stamina.”
Yes, Mom.
“Are you at all disappointed that the Culture Festival was cancelled?” Mitsuru asked.
“No, not really.”
“Oh, never mind then.”
Okay.
“Ken-kun seems so depressed lately,” Fuuka noted to Minako. “I wonder what's wrong.”
..me too.
“On the next episode of Phoenix Ranger Featherman R! Episode 32: Wing's Return! The demon's overstay their welcome! And now, the news. Apathy Syndrome's spread shows no signs of stopping...''
“The mysterious incidents that happen at midnight...I'm positive of it,” A reporter woman muttered to herself. “I've been checking around and it's a very suspicious time. Healthy people get Apathy Syndrome at midnight, and the first victim was taken at midnight...There's something very suspicious going on around that time.”
Aheheh. Well it is interesting that someone did pick up on that.
And oh my goodness, that taxi driver fell to Apathy Syndrome.
Minako stopped by the Velvet Room, fusing Clotho, Leanan Sidhe and Virtue for Quetzalcoatl
Quetzalcoatl – Sun An Aztec deity, known as the “Feathered Serpent.” He created humans by sprinkling blood on the bones of people from a previously created world.
“Oh, it's you,” Akinari said to Minako. “Why don't you have a seat? This bench is too big for me alone.”
“Sure thing.”
“Then, this bench shall be our meeting place.” Quetzalcoatl brought Minako closer to the Sun. “You're...not like the others.”
“You think so?”
“I honestly didn't expect you to come back.”
You don't know me that well then. Of course he doesn't though.
“Nobody treats me like a normal guy...not even my family. I can tell by how they look at me. The pity in their eyes is unmistakeable. I don't need their curiosity any more than their sympathy. I'm sorry, but...I don't expect anyone to pity me. Dying isn't so unusual isn't it? What is there to gain by staying in this world for a long time, anyway?”
“...you may be right...”
“You must have a hopelessness festering inside you as well, then. I can't remember a time without it.”
Yeah...I guess so. Deep down inside...
“Hey. Thanks for coming today. You don't seem like anyone else. I'm not sure how to describe it exactly, but...you don't look down on me the way everyone else does.”
Well, I don't. He's just another person, one who's very lonely.
Akinari coughed loudly. “Dammit. What did I do to deserve this body?” He wheezed and said, “I hope we can meet again.”
Minako spotted a second Sun card as she headed back to the dorm.
“Where have you been?”
“Out.”
“Only three more Shadows left. I can't wait.”
Of course you can't. Akihiko the eager.
Minako spotted the juniors upstairs. “Hey, what's up?”
“We are discussing the potential of the remaining Shadows,” Aigis informed her.
“Dude, why can't they just all come at once? Then, we could get it over with,” Junpei said.
“Uh, you think you can beat 'em if you fight 'em all at once?” Yukari asked.
“Uhhh, that would be impossible!”
“Um...Fuuka?” Minako asked.
“Ken-kun, seems so depressed lately. I wonder what's wrong,” Fuuka mentioned.
“It's hard to tell. He seems like someone who always tries to figure out things on his own,” Yukari replied. “But, I'd be more than willing to help him if there's something wrong...”
“Yeah, I think we all would.”
“Oh, you received a letter today, Minako-chan. Here.”
“Thanks.”
Dear Minako,
Well at least some response is better than nothing. Big Sis worries about you, you know! That typhoon did some damage to some building but it seems like your high school was alright. It seems that it was built for any sort of weather, which is good.
That really takes me back when you mention your sleeping habits. You probably don't remember this but for the first few weeks I first took care of you, you slept around 16 hours of the day. The doctors noted that nothing was really wrong with you but attributed it to the trauma. Eventually, you slowly came around and dropped down to normal sleeping habits. And joined me in Featherman watching.
Hmm...I would think you would know what best to do if something is going on between two people you know. But, if it's because you are clueless as to what is actually going on, I'd suggest taking action. Maybe talk with someone how knows and figure out the why. And then, do something! You are a bit of a leader in your team right? So settle the dispute! Don't be scared. I'm certain they will listen to you. All you need to do is take that action.
Love, Maya.
Take action. Well, let's see about that.
“You want to go on a walk, Koromaru?”
“I'll go with you. I could use the exercise.” Akihiko said.
“Perfect.”
The two headed up for the shrine, running alongside the excited Koromaru. “Keeping up with you is a good way to train,” Akihiko remarked. He and Minako sat down at the playground. “When I was a kid, I found a stray dog, but we couldn't have pets at the orphanage.” Akihiko was quiet for a bit. “Ever since Shinji came back, I've been thinking about the past a lot.”
“Hmm. Me too, actually. Well, the wondering about the past bit.”
“Yeah, your parents died too right?”
“Mmhmm. Though I've been well taken care of. I had a wonderful guardian.”
“That's very good.” Koromaru ran back to the two. “Oh, you're all done? Well let's head back.”
“Say, what can you tell me about Shinjiro-senpai and Ken-kun?”
Dark Hour
Okay. Now, how to go about this. How can I reach him, to tell him that I'm here for him...how do I solve this...oh. Dark Hour. Geez, I've-
“Good evening.”
“Gah! Sorry about that Pharos. You caught me lost in thought.''
He giggled softly. “I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, but...there's only one more week until the full moon. I hope nothing serious happens, but who knows what the future will bring. So be careful. Remember, I'm always watching you. We'll meet again.” He vanished into the dark.
...well that didn't help me at all. Just made me...wait! Didn't Akihiko say it was October the 4th? Check of the calender...oh shit.
Minako Level: 43
Academics: Smart
Charm: Angelic
Courage: Badass
Personae
Quetzalcoatl – Sun – Level 22
Samael – Death – Level 40
Ganga – Priestess – Level 35
Setanta – Star – Level 30
Seiryuu – Temper. - Level 39
Orobas – Magician – Level 34
Taraka – Hermit – Level 41
Yamatano-orochi – Moon – Level 27
Social Links:
Fool Rank 5
Magician MAXED
Priestess Rank 7
Emperor Rank 6
Hiero. MAXED
Lovers Rank 5
Chariot Rank 7
Justice Rank 5
Hermit Rank 8
Strength Rank 4
Hanged Rank 6
Death Rank 6
Temper. Rank 6
Star Rank 5
Moon Rank 7
Sun Rank 2
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