10/28 Wednesday 6 days until the Full Moon
Well it’s been awhile since I visted Bebe. Like a long while. Seiryuu brought Minako closer to the Temperence.
“Minako-sama! I ‘ave come up wiz a great idea to show Japan’s charm to my uncle!” Bebe exclaimed to Minako. “I will show ‘im a kimono, and make ‘im understand the beauty of Nihon!”
“Well, it’s a nice idea.”
“Since you agree, Minako-sama, I ‘ave nozing to be afraid of!”
Well, I dunno if it will work actually but you know, can’t hurt.
“Ze kimono eez a Japanese treasure! If I show it to my uncle, he will surely let me stay in Nihon. Zee sign will be…ze mascot of ze Sweet Shop! I zought of zis design because Minako-sama took me there!”
It’s good to see him ready and having a plan for what to do.
“I am no longer confused! I will ‘urry up and make ze kimono! I will sew like ze wind!”
Meanwhile, Minako began to work on her scarf project that Bebe suggested awhile back. After a long while, Minako returned to the dorm, a seventh Temperence card appearing before her.
“’sup dude.”
“Oh hey Junpei! How’s Koromaru?”
“Koromaru is freaking awesome dude. He’s not afraid of battling shadows, even though he’s so small. I’m taking out the next Shadow for Koromaru!”
Minako chuckled at that.
“Do you think Koromaru knows the next mission is going to be our last?” Yukari asked Minako.
“I think so.”
“So do I. Koro-chan has animal instincts.”
“It seems like Koromaru-san can sense the change in how everyone feels,” Aigis said to Minako. “The battles with Shadows are coming to an end. We will avenge the death of Koromaru-san’s owner in this next operation.”
Hmm. Yeah. With all Shadows gone, I guess Koromaru can just be a dog after this.
“Hello Ikutsuki.”
“The team’s morale seems to be high. Yes, yes, that’s very good. I will be looking forward to celebrating our victory.”
“The end always makes people nervous,” Ken noted to Minako. “So what about you, Minako-san? Are you nervous?”
“A little.”
“Yeah, me too. When I think about the Dark Hour disappearing...I get chills.”
Yeah…everything that haunted me after the accident will finally be gone. Scary...
“We haven’t been going to Tartarus much lately,” Akihiko said to Minako. “You should have a better strength training regimen. We don’t want to have any regrets, so train as much as you can.”
Eh, we’re good.
“Hey Koromaru. Want to go for a walk?” Koromaru barked happily at her with Hanuman bringing her closer to the Strength.
Koromaru looked pleased to be at the shrine but suddenly he growled. Just then, Minako heard voices. “I heard this place is totally haunted! C’mon let’s go in!” a man said.
“No way, I’m scared! You’re up to something funny aren’t you?” a woman asked him.
“Dammit, it’s locked…Guess we’ll have to break down the door.”
Oh god no! No damage to the shrine allowed.
But before Minako could do anything, Koromaru rushed off ahead and growled threateningly at the man. She overheard some sort of threat about a pound at Koromaru. “What’re you doing?” Minako yelled at the man.
“Huh? Stay outta this, ya brat!”
“Time to call the cops then.”
“W-what?!”
“What’s her problem? C’mon, let’s just go.” The woman walked off with the man following her. Koromaru stood on guard, growling at them.
“Hey, it’s all right now,” Minako said to Koromaru. He barked happily and wagged his tail at her.
Yeah, we protected this place.
Koromaru arfed and nuzzled Minako, as if thanking her for her help.
Yeah, this place is way too important for Koromaru to let something happen to it.
Koromaru then barked and then, the two resumed their walk. Minako spotted a sixth Strength card as they finally returned to the dorm.
10/29 Thursday 5 days until Full Moon
“The next chapter is about enzymes…Are you worried it’ll go over your head? Don’t worry,” Ms. Ounishi said, “You are most familiar with these enzymes, the ones in your own body. Let’s see if you can tell the class, Minako. Consider milk, which contains lactic acid. One type of enzyme’s function is to break lactic acid into glucose and galactose, what is that enzyme called?”
“Lactase.”
“Yep, you got it.” She then noted that some people get stomachaches from milk, because their bodies don’t produce enough lactase and it’s the same with alcohol. “But if you’re wondering if you have that particular enzyme…don’t try to find out until you’re 21, okay?”
I guess it’s time for the cooking club. Paravati brought Minako closer to the Priestess as Minako met in the Home Ec room for the second day in a row.
“I’m going to cook on my own today,” Fuuka told Minako. “It’ll be really delicious, so look forward to it! What are you going to make toda, Minako-chan?”
“I think I could use a few more Sugar Cookies.” The two set out on their individual projects, the cookies coming out as good as usual.
“Are you done, Minako-chan? I just finished up now, too.” Fuuka giggled. “I got done pretty fast. Look, look.” Rows of rice balls were lined up on the plate before Minako with Fuuka pointing out which ones where which.
Here goes nothing.
…holy crap, this is good.
“You’ve mastered rice balls!”
“Yep! There are 22 conditions that must be met for making a good rice ball. I’ve met all the conditions, so there’s no possible way that it wouldn’t be delicious.”
Looks like analyzing worked out well for her!
“I didn’t think I was making enough of an effort before,” Fuuka explained. “No, that’s not it. I just wasn’t putting in enough effort the right way. I just thought about trying harder. That wasn’t right. Thinking about how you can fix your mistakes is how to really put forth a better effort. If you can’t do something that others an, then that’s the effort you need to reach their level. It seems so obvious now, but I didn’t understand it at all. All I did was envy your skills. I’ll never again think that my goals are doomed from the start. Thanks, Minako-chan.”
Wow. I’m seriously impressed. Was it really just me that…no of course not. She’s also doing this for not only her team’s sake but for her own sake as well.
“Oh, I have more on this plate too,” Fukka said, pointing out said plate. “This one’s tuna, that one’s natto, and this one’s mentaiko. And on top of that…I even have a supreme one where I mixed in all the ingredients! Eat up!”
Minako enjoyed the rice balls, spotting a ninth Priestess card before the two headed back to the dorm.
“Hello!” Ken said to Minako. “The next full moon will be on November 3rd. That gives us five more days…”
“Don’t worry. I believe we’re ready. Um...want to head out for dinner?”
“Oh! S-sure!” Dominion brought Minako closer to the Justice.
“So…” Minako cleared her throat. “Thought of what you’re going to do after the next operation.”
“Oh well…I’ll likely visit Mom’s shrine first. Tell her that everything is done. Though Akihiko-san tells me I still can’t visit Shinjiro-san so my second option is out.”
“Still in critical condition?”
Ken looked down glumly. “Yeah.” Ken sighed heavily.
“Hey, we’re doing this for his sake as well, all right?”
Ken nodded. “I do wonder what he would think about…us.”
“Uh…well, I think…maybe…yeah. He’d be yeah.”
10/30 Friday 4 days until Full Moon
This early in the morning? Only one thing…
And sure enough, one more person was trapped within Tartarus.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised it’s this close.
And as it turned out, Edogawa was subbing in for Ms. Teriuchi again. He explained about summoning magic, something that greatly interested Minako. He explained that they were rather popular in fiction and gave a few examples.
I could nap and rescue said person sooner but NO! This has to be what interests me.
“Look around, man. We’re surrounded by ordinary students,” Junpei said to Minako. “We could be just like them next month, huh…”
“Oh, Minako! Want to head somewhere to eat?” Yukari asked.
“Sure.” Titana brought Minako closer to the Lover. The two headed out to the strip mall, Minako ready for whatever food came up but…
“Wuck… won’t do. It’s fattening. The sweets shop…also is fattening,” Yukari mentioned Ramen, beef bowl…This place is full of fattening stuff!”
Dang it! She noticed.
“Ugh! It’s getting to the point that I’m starting to feel a bit… I think I’m gonna buy that DVD that helps you lose weight while dancing! Have you heard about it? I’ve heard it’s on the top of the sales charts right now. Oh, but do you think the people downstairs will hear? I think you have to jump around and stuff…”
Heh I…wait no! That car is headed right for Yukari! Quickly, Minako moved to pull Yukari back from the street she accidentally stepped on. She just made it, with the car speeding off.
“Ah…Th…anks…” Yukari said in shock. “That was scary.”
“I was scared too.”
“Yeah…”
Oh dear god! I don’t need anyone else dying. Not anymore.
“Oh…Minako, you’re hurt.”
“I just scraped my hand. It’s not really much.”
“Why…why’d you help me!? What were you gonna do if you died!?”
“So it’s okay if you die?!”
“That’s not what I meant! I mean you’re…you’re our leader! And…what would I do if you died? I’m tired of all this! I’m sick of all the people around me dying!”
…we do think a lot in some regards Yukari…
“Sorry…You saved me too… Haha, I keep bombarding you with all this personal stuff all the time,” Yukari was quiet for a little while. “Sorry, I’m a little confused. Haha, I’m a kid, aren’t I…? I’m…gonna head back…Sorry.”
Yukari ran off, Minako spotting a seventh Lovers card as she ran.
“…where have you been?”
“…at Wuck’s.”
“Although cultural anthropologists have determined the dates of attack and recovery, people are still concerned, since no one has figured out the cause of the Syndrome. Next up, another report regarding a missing person in Minato-ku. Takeko Hiraoka (75), a housewife, was reported missing earlier today. Once again, the police ask for the public’s assistance in finding this missing person.”
“Yeah, we’ll go save her tomorrow Fuuka.” Minako said to her as she overheard the report.
10/31 Saturday 3 days until Full Moon
“The moon will be full soon…We’re almost done,” Yukari said to Minako. “Let’s give it everything we got.”
“Of course.”
“After this is all over, let’s celebrate.”
“Aigis, something up? You looked down during class?”
“I was wondering what will become of me once we have defeated all the Shadows. I hope I can continue to attend school.”
“I’m sure you can,” Minako smiled at Aigis and said.
“Oh Minako-chan!” Fuuka said to her, “Do you want to come to the cooking club today?”
“Sure thing!” Paravati brought her closer to the Priestess.
“I get the feeling that you are hiding something from me Minako-chan.”
“Oh?” Minako unintentionally began whisking her Banana Cupcake batter quicker. “What about?”
“How are you aware of what people are going to be trapped within Tartarus?”
“Oh.” Minako quietly breathed a sigh of relief. “If I say I have connections, will that help?”
“Hmm. It depends.”
Minako chuckled. “Let’s just say it’s also where I always get my newer Personas. How’s that work?”
“I guess…” Fuuka didn’t really look satisfied but didn’t press any further.
“…Where have you been?” Akihiko asked.
“With Fuuka, thank you!”
“We have three days left. I can go to Tartarus whenever you’re ready.”
“Good thing we’re going now!”
Dark Hour
First thing first, Minako headed into the Velvet Room. She first fused Seiryuu and Kaiwan for Dionysus….
Dionysus – Moon The Greek god of wine and theater. He had two births. When his mother died while bearing him, Zeus took the premature infant and let him mature a proper birth in his thigh.
…Hanuman, Dominion and Paravati for Yaksini…or so she thought. Instead she got Decarabia in a Fusion Accident.
Decarabia – Fool One of the 72 demons of the Goetia. He comes in the shape of a star and has vast knowledge of herbs and jewels. He can also control birds at will.
Unfortunately for Minako, that left her with no good fusions left that were new to her or that she didn’t currently have on hand so she rage fused Kaiwan back with Lachesis, Succubus and Mot.
At the very least, I can use it for Mot’s Mamudoon.
Floor 158
“Oh my dear! Please take me away from this place.”
“We found her Fuuka, let’s go back.”
The old woman took notice of Junpei. “Young man, you saved me from the creature that was nearby.”
“Aheheh. All in a hero’s line of work!”
“Ah, how very noble! Like how my husband was. You should find yourself a nice girl, young man.”
“Way ahead of you, ma’am!” Junpei chuckled.
11/1 Sunday 2 days until Full Moon
Not interested in the knife but the extra Balm of Life will always be welcome. Minako placed her order for the shopping items.
“I hear Shinjiro-san’s condition hasn’t changed, and the doctors have pretty much given up any hope of recovery,” Ken told Minako. “It pains me to think about him but the only thing I can do right now is to fight for the both of us. I’m going to defeat Strega and make the Shadow and the Dark Hour disappear.”
“Yeah, for Shinjiro-san’s sake, we will.” Minako smiled at Ken and said.
“I cannot understand the nervousness you all are feeling,” Aigis said to Minako. “But I know that everyone will be giving their all in this battle…and so will I. This will be the last time we fight, so we must do our very best.”
“I don’t think Strega will simply allow us to defeat the last Shadow,” Mitsuru said to Minako. “They will either try to stop us outright, or secretly set a trap for us. What do you think they’ll do, Amano?”
“I would think…stopping us.”
“Yes, I agree. They will most likely try to stop us outright. Even if they were to set a trap, Yamagishi would be able to detect it.”
“I feel like Shinjiro-senpai will wake up after everything is over,” Fuuka told Minako. “I don’t have any reason for thinking that, but it just feels that way.”
That would be great if that was right. We’d have just a little bit more time with him.
“There’s going to be a full moon soon, huh…” Yukari said. “Let’s win this one and go tell Shinjiro-senpai the good news. But I’m already getting so nervous…I just need to stop thinking about it and relax.”
“On the next episode of Phoenix Ranger Featherman R! Episode 37: Here Comes the Emperor” Who could possibly eat more than Owl, and love more than Condor!? And now the news. The newest handheld gaming system has officially gone on sale today. Mile-long lines have formed across the country!”
Oh yeah! It’s that Laystation Go thing. Eh, I can’t see the appeal really.
“All those Apathy Syndrome victims make me worried. If you look at what’s really going on, it’s spreading through the entire country, with more and more victims all the time. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a major policy meeting about this soon.”
Oh! Akihiko-senpai and Junpei are at the mall!
“Oh hey, Mina-tan! You thinking about going to the police station?” Junpei called out to her and said.
“All we really need is the best equipment possible,” Akihiko told her.
“That’s tomorrow’s business,” Minako told them.
Minako popped into the Velvet Room looking for a new Sun Persona. Far too unfortunately for her however, Jatayu was a ways out of her reach.
Dang it. Need to fuse something in order to make room for grabbing Quetzalcoatl. Alrighty, let’s see about something new…
She decided on fusing Clotho and Decarabia for Throne…
Throne – Justice The third of the nine orders of angles. It is said that they carry the throne of God. They are angels of knowledge.
…and then nabbed Quetzalcoatl again to make her feel closer to…
“Why don’t you have a seat? This bench is too big for me alone,” Akinari asked Minako.
“Of course!”
“Hey, how do you feel about a pink alligator?”
“That sounds wonderful.”
“I thought so too. I knew you’d understand.”
Well, pink is a nice color and all.
“See, it’s the main character of a story that I’m writing. He was born in the calm forest of green, but he turned out pink. He’s so visable that he can’t hunt for food easily, so he’s always especially hungry. The other animals dislike him and consider his coloration disgusting. …Almost like he’s cursed. So he started living alone. …But then he made a friend. His friend was a bird – but a bird that was unable to fly. So the bird would stand on the alligator’s back and practice his flying.” He smiled sheepishly. “It’s a bit embarrassing to talk about. But, anyway…how does the story sound to you?”
“I need to hear more.”
“I mean, I’m still planning things out at this point,” he smiled and said. “I’ve never tried writing a story before, so maybe I’m not good at it. But, I’m writing it for myself, so that’s what matters. I hope you can take something positive away from it, though.”
I’m certain I can. Though the story seems very sad.
“I started thinking about it the other day, actually. I wanted to write an upbeat story of my own to cheer me up. Maybe I can find some meaning to my life, I can put that in my story. When I write…I can see you in my mind. It seems as if you’re telling me to not die just yet.”
…that’s…well…I’m glad for that.
“The wind is going to start blowing soon. I can feel these kinds of things now. I hope I have enough time. Let’s go home. We can talk again some other time. …be careful.”
Minako headed back to the dorm, a sixth Sun card appearing before her.
“Welcome back,” Mitsuru said to Minako. “The day after tomorrow is the day. It’s been a long journey, but we’re finally here. We’re the only ones who can defeat it, so don’t let your guard down until the very end.
“Hello Ikutsuki.”
“Well, what would everyone like for their last meal? Why don’t I order some buffalo WI Ngs? Or some ‘victory-yaki?’” He sighed unhappily. “They’re ignoring me. Well, I guess they’re too focused to enjoy my jokes.”
Let’s go with that.
“Ikutsuki-san seems to joke around a lot,” Aigis said to Minako. “But I am unable to understand his humor. My mind is already filled with thoughts…of the last Shadow…the Dark Hour…and The Lost…”
…she’s really struggling with how she’s going to live afterwards isn’t she?
“I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t been able to see Chidori,” Junpei said. “Well, we’re almost done. After we kill that last Shadow, I’m gonna go straight to the hospital!”
Minako chuckled. It’s really really nice to see Junpei like this. At least he has her after the battle.
“Oh Minako!” Yukari said to her, “I’m going to go on a walk with Koromaru. Want to come?”
“Let me write something first!”
Dear Maya,
In three days, I will be free from the Dark Hour. Free from what has haunted me in my childhood. To be honest, I feel nervous about that. I guess I’m scared of living my life normally it seems. But I shouldn’t be nervous about that. It’s what I wanted all along. Though of course, at times, like these, I really miss my parents.
But I can’t be down on that. I’ve made good friends here within SEES and outside of it. And all of those couldn’t have been made possible without all of this. I definitely wouldn’t have dated Ken otherwise, that’s for certain.
Anyway, um…well, you know about that. I dunno about the New Years thing. I can’t even hardly think past Tuesday. Maybe we can talk more about it when it’s done and over with.
Sincerely, Minako
Minako and Yukari ran after Koromaru all the way up to the Shrine. “Whew, I’m beat…” Yukari said, “You’re too fast for me, Koro-chan. I bet you’re having fun though. Alright, knock yourself out!” Koromaru then began happily running around the shrine. “I wonder if Koro-chan’s as psyched as I am.” She was then quiet for a little bit. “Just two days left. I’m getting more anxious about it… Everything will work out, I’m sure…”
“Yeah…I’m mean, it’s going to be really nice to finally get it done and over with.”
Yukari nodded. “Yeah, I guess I’m getting nervous for no reason, right?” Koromaru then trotted up to the two. “Haha! You look pretty pleased with yourself, Koro-chan. Why don’t we start heading back?”
11/2 Monday 1 day until Full Moon
Huh. I didn’t think I rush ordered these Balms of Life but I’m glad they are here though.
“Good morning!” Fuuka greeted Minako at the gate. “Well, tomorrow’s the day.”
“I’m ready!”
“Good. I’ll be counting on you! I’m positive a Shadow will appear tomorrow. Strega may be up to something as well. Anyway, please be prepared!”
“Tomorrow’s the day,” Junpei told Minako. “I know I’m not going to be able to concentrate on class. What about you?”
“I’m a little nervous.”
“Not good, dude. We better find a way to chill.”
“Tomorrow will be the final battle. Are you ready?” Aigis asked Minako. “If not, you should purchase the necessary equipment after school. Please make sure you are well-prepared.”
I’m getting on it!
After refreshing everyone’s equipment, and giving Dionysis to the Antique store lady to fuse with Minako’s basic naginata, Minako headed to the Velvet Room to fuse Kurama Tengu Saki Mitama and Naga Raja for Ubelluris.
Ubelluris – Hanged Man A Hittite mountain god. He carries the western sky. The gods placed the stone giant Ullikummi on his shoulders to create the world, but he didn’t notice the burden.
“Oh hi! What are we going to play today!” Minako played with Maiko, Ubelluris bringing her closer to the Hanged Man. “Hey c’mon! Let’s play on the jungle gym! Then the see-saw, Kick the Can, we can play ‘em all!”
“Alright then! Let’s go play!” Minako enjoyed herself playing all sorts of games with Maiko. Though she accidentally tripped near the end.
“Is your knee alright?” Maiko asked. “I’ll blow on your scratch. Mom does that all the time for me. Hey…we played enough for you to remember me, right? Don’t forget.”
Oh. She’s moving soon isn’t she?
“I’m leaving today…”
Even sooner!
“…an’ Dad said, I’ll always be his daughter. Even though we’re far away, we’re still family. So I don’t have to be sad. We’re gonna be far apart too but you and me are family. I mean, not really, but you’re my sister, okay? Forever and ever.”
“I won’t forget.”
“Me neither.”
Yeah, we’re going to be sisters. No matter what now.
“Keep this, okay? I…made it just for you.” Maiko handed Minako a Bead Ring. “It’s just like mine. Whenever I want to see you, I’ll look at this. Please don’t throw it away.”
Of course I won’t. How could I do that to my little sis!
“When I get big, I’ll come see you. I’ll save my money and buy an airplane ticket. Until then…bye-bye!”
Maiko then ran off quickly, with Minako noticing she was about to cry…
Well the gang’s all here…excepting Shinjiro. Minako sighed.
“Well, tomorrow will be our last operation,” Fuuka said to the group.
“Yeah…” Yukari chimed in. “We’ve been through a lot this last six months.”
“It was fun,” Minako said.
“Mmm…yeah, I guess it had its moments. Still…there was definitely our share of pain as well.”
“Well it was a lot better than doing nothing, right?” Junpei said. “Besides, we made some new friends.”
“…Yeah, I guess,” Ken quietly said.
“Well, it’s all been worth it if you ask me,” Akihiko said. “It’s been two and a half years since I got this power, and you don’t hear me complaining.”
“Sanada-san…”
Koromaru barked up. Fuuka chuckled and said, “Don’t forget, we got to meet Koro-chan too. In any case… two and a half years is a long time, right, Akihiko-senpai? Oh wait…it’s been even longer for Aigis hasn’t it?”
“I was asleep for much of the time, so I have not been in operation for very long,” Aigis responded.
“How about you, Mitsuru-senpai? You started before Akihiko-san right?” Junpei asked.
“Me? Yes, it was just me at first. Of course, back then, SEES didn’t exist, and this was just a regular dorm.”
“Did the chairman recruit you?” Yukari asked.
“No. I’ve been aware of the Dark Hour since I was a child. One time, my father’s research team was attacked by Shadows. That’s when I awakened to my Persona…when I witnessed the incident.”
“That’s what happened?”
“It seems I was the first. If that had never happened, perhaps none of you would have had to bear this terrible burden.”
“Senpai…” Fuuka said sadly.
“It would have happened to someone eventually. Besides, the enemy can’t just be ignored,” Akihiko said reassuringly.
Mitsuru sighed. “I suppose that’s true.”
Everyone is ready for this now. We all will defeat this last Shadow.
“Tomorrow is a big day…so make sure you get your rest,” Mitsuru said to the group.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for us,” Mitsuru said to Minako personally. “Let’s do our best in the last battle.”
“Hey I almost forgot. Tomorrow’s Culture day,” Junpei noted to Minako. “I’ll probably just stay home and rest, though. We’ve got our last operation coming up soon.”
“This is it,” Ken said to Minako. “I’m going to fight for my mom and Shinjiro-san.”
“This will make the Shadows disappear, right?” Yukari asked Minako. “Along with the Dark Hour, Tartarus and everything else? But what my Dad did…”
…this is all you can do. And it will make it right Yukari.
I guess I should have one last study session for me. Pffth. Like it’ll be the last.
Minako: Level 51
Persona
Dominion - Justice - Level 45
Titania – Lovers – Level 51
Nebiros – Hermit – Level 55
Quetzalcoatl – Sun – Level 45
Kaiwan – Star – Level 52
Koumokuten – Chariot – Level 43
Taraka – Hermit – Level 38
Throne – Justice – Level 55
Ubelluris – Hanged – Level 52
Social Links
Fool Rank 6
Magician MAX
Priestess Rank 9
Emperor Rank 7
Hiero. MAX
Lovers Rank 7
Chariot Rank 7
Justice Rank 8
Hermit MAX
Strength Rank 6
Hanged Rank MAX
Death Rank 8
Temper. Rank 7
Star Rank 6
Moon MAX
Sun Rank 6
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