5/10 29 days until Full Moon
Ugh. Feeling wiped out. Well, I guess that's to be expected, fighting a monorail-Shadow and all.
Huh. What's up with the camera? It seems to have turned itself on...might as well see what it recorded. Sure hope it's nothing private...
5/10/2009 01:23:02
Ah. Ikutsuki is making a report. Now...what would have begun...
Wait...he's making puns. Ah well.
I know that luck played too much of a part in this...I guess this means that I should trai- oh great. More puns.
...he's going on a pun run. My goodness, this would be torture for certain people.
Well, now I know several of his jokes now...
“I can't believe I'm still alive.” Yukari told Minako. “If you weren't there, we'd all be dead. Thank you so much. I'm glad you're here.”
“Well...thanks Yukari.”
“I can't wait to fight again.” Akihiko told Minako. “When I'm in a battle, it doesn't last long. At least, no one gets hurt.”
But we are all likely to incur some damage in Tartarus. Stop being so nitpicky Minako, he wants to help others.
“I wasn't strong enough last time, which resulted in a difficult operation.” Mitsuru told Minako. “I apologize for that.”
“There's no need to apologize. You did quite well.”
“That's very kind of you. But even if you forgive me, I don't think I can be able to forgive myself. I promise to be stronger if there is a next time.”
Oh Mitsuru. You're taking on so much. This isn't your fault. If anything, it's mine for not noticing something up with Junpei.
“Whew. I thought I was gonna die man.” Junpei told Minako. “But you saved us by pulling the break! I'm so glad you were there dude! Life is wonderful, isn't it?”
“Indeed it is Junpei. Indeed it is.”
Oh goodness. Well, someone was going to take the heat for a monorail being so far away from the mark. Sure hope that guy'll be okay...
Ah. Let's take a walk around town before I head to the bookstore.
“The monorail huh? Could have been bad.” A taxi driver said. “I'm in the same line of work, or near enough, so I got goosebumps as I watched the TV.”
“Even I don't understand what's going on here.” A station attendant said. “Right at the stroke of midnight, that train appeared right behind the other one.”
“I'm just glad that an accident didn't happen.”
“You kids are so naïve. I'm jealous. Because of this incident, the company's stock went down and my salary went down with it. If I ever find the culprit, I'm going to throw him from the train into the ocean!”
...getting away time.
“Sometimes Gekkou dumbasses come here in uniform. They better change clothes before they get their asses kicked. Who the hell wears a uniform on their days off. We're better off without sad-sacks like that.” One punk said.
The other punk chimmed in. “I guess it's all right to come here in your uniform, if it's like, after school or during the day. But at night? You gotta be shitting me! Dude's gonna get knocked flat for dressing like that.”
''Note to self, do NOT come here during the night.'
Minako took a trip to the Velvet Room. What she expected was to gain a few new missions. But she found out that she was now able to access a Compendium where she could register Personas and save them for future use.
Oh SWEET! The only reason I was so reluctant to fuse was because I couldn't access the old ones! Now I can. FUSION FRENZY!
Fool – Orpheus A poet of Greek mythology skilled with the lyre. He tried to retrieve his wife, Eurydice, from Hades, but she vanished when he looked back before reaching the surface.
Lovers – Pixie In English myth, they are the fairies of the forest that love to play tricks on people. They can also be hard workers when necessary.
Priestess – Apsaras Water spirits in Hindu mythology. They are beautiful young women who dance for the gods. They also guide heros fallen in battle to paradise.
Magician – Nekomata Incarnations of long-lived cats in Japanese mythology. They have various powers, including human speech and control over the dead.
Justice – Angel Ninth of the nine orders of angels. The “watchers” who never sleep. Among these are the guardian angels who are assigned to every human at birth.
Magician – Jack Frost A winter fairy of European descent. Normally an innocent creature but if provoked, he will kill his victim by covering him in snow. Also, very popular now a days.
A quick request look gave her two that Minako could complete. One was a fetch quest for a handheld game system and the other...
I have a Jack Frost with Dia right here! Theo noticed it and gave Minako her reward...a rather skimpy looking outfit.
...Battle Panties. Oh god. Well...if it's a good armor...and it is. But it's defense is lower than mine...and I don't think I want to torture Yukari with this.
She then moved onto her first fusions. First, she fused Jack Frost with Orpheus in order to get Omoikane...
Hierophant – Omoikane A diety of knowledge in Japanese myth. He conceived the plan to draw Amaterasu from the Amato-Iwato, the cave she was hiding in.
...then she fused Pixie and Angel for the Ara Mitama...
Chariot – Ara Mitama One of the four aspects of the human soul, as described in Shinto teachings. It is associated with aggression.
...and lastly she grabbed Jack Frost and Pixie out of the Compendium and fused them for the Forneus.
Emperor – Forneus One of the Goetia's 72 demons, he appears as a great sea monster. He is linguistically skilled and a master of rhetoric.
Alright. Now if I need to social link with others, I can pull them out of the Compendium as well. Good trip for me! Now back to that bookstore.
Already Minako could feel the benefits as Omoikane brought her closer to the couple as she stepped inside.
“Oh, Minako-chan. We were just talking about you.” Bukichi said. “I'm sorry for troubling you about the persimmon tree...”
“It's what you 'beleave.'”
Dang it. Now Ikutsuki's got me doing it too.
“Good one Minako-chan! It's really nice having you around. I can make stupid puns whenever I feel like it!”
“Heh. Nice to hear that.”
“That persimmon tree is a reminder of our son. Before his death, he was a teacher at Gekkoukan High School. He planted that tree on graduation day with the students in his first class.”
...oh. Snap. And why did I just think of a potential teacher-student romance with him? Dang it you two! Why did you go with the matchmaker offer when you did?
“That tree was about to bear fruit.” Mitsuko said with pain in her voice. “Why now? Why do they want to cut it down now?”
“...cheer up. I'm certain that there is something that can be done.
“Thank you Minako-chan. That makes me feel a lot better. It's very comforting talking to you.”
...and that makes me feel good. I'm glad I can help her out.
“Your kindness encompasses everything, Minako-chan.” Bunkichi said. “It's like I'm looking at my wife when she was young!”
“Aww. Thank you.”
“Don't worry too much about the tree. Just stop by when you get the chance. Oh and take this. It's leftover but it's still good.” And he gave Minako a crab bread to eat. “Take care.”
“See you soon!” Minako waved behind her as she headed back to the dorm, a fifth Hireophant card slipping into place.
“Welcome back.” Mitsuru greeted Minako as she entered in. “The general public considers the monorail an accident caused by human error. This could be quite damaging to the reputation of the monorail company. Even though it was a Shadow that caused all the trouble, I still feel sorry for them.”
“Yeah...salary decreases and the potential for fewer customers. Though, it's still the fastest way to school so the student transit won't be affected.”
Hello, crafter of puns.
“What happened was a difficult mission! I cannot believe what happened to you all. Luckily, no one was hurt. Oh and by the way, I heard there was some trouble on the monorail last night. But it's a seperate matter now isn't it?” Ikutsuki chuckled.
“The people on the monorail must have been so scared. It was so far off course after the Dark Hour ended.”
“That is horrible to think about. Bewliderment and probably rage at the conductor would follow but he would have no explanation. What a mess...”
“Is the extra shot of courage worth losing a good night's sleep when I am so tired? Hmm...not when Midterms are right around the corner. I'll sleep up tonight and spend some extra time at the karaoke bar.''
5/11 28 days until Full Moon
“Wazzup? Today is just another ordinary day huh?” Junpei said as he greated Minako. “That was crazy though, the day before yesterday. I've never had that kinda thrill in all my life. Don't you think it's been getting more exciting lately?”
It's been exciting everyday since I joined SEES. But...
“Yeah, definitely!”
“Totally. We won the battle and saved the city. How sweet is that!?”
...still not going to hang out with you this Tuesday.
Mr. Ekoda informed the class that midterms were just around the corner. He began lecturing on the best way to prepare for a test, making a scarcastic remark that the best way is to sleep like Junpei.
I smell a rant. Time to open Ise Monogatri and study from it.
I'll try to keep Rio and Hidetoshi's social links around the same level. So...today is Student Council from the looks of it.
Minako worked hard at the council with Forneus making her feel more intuned to the events around her.
Hidetoshi talked to her during it asking what he thoughts were on the students who wanted to abolish the school uniforms.
That's never going to fly by the teachers. Besides, these are quite cool-looking outfits.
“How pointless.”
“You're right about that. They think life without rules is freedom. It's ridiculous, plain and simple. Without rules, the whole system will collapse. They're mistaking selfishness for freedom...sorry. I may have overreacted. I hate people with no common sense. Sometimes, I can't believe the things that come out of their mouths. I don't mean you of course. I just want you to understand where I'm coming from.”
Better to be thought a fool for being silent than speaking out and proving them right. And Hidetoshi is a very lawful person.
“Why don't you go home, Minako-kun? I'll finish up here. Take care.”
Minako headed back to the dorm, feeling a second Emperor card slide into place.
“Welcome back. It seems that some of the equipment in the command room is malfunctioning.”
The camera work? Well...I don't know how exactly to deal with that. But I guess I can check periodically. See if there's a pattern to it.
I've read Ise several times now. Hopefully I have this covered.
5/12 27 days until Full Moon
“Mornin'. You hear the news?” Yukari said. “There've been fewer new cases of Apathy Syndrome the last few days. Senpai said it's probably because we beat that Shadow. Wouldn't it be great if it was true?”
Well...it is an interesting coincidence. If another pops up on the next full moon and it happens again, I'll alert the team to this.
Yukari then noticed the exams and reported that Mitsuru was going to give them something if they had high grades.
Well, I'm not hanging out with Junpei today, not with that incident at the train business. So that frees me up to hang out with Yukari as I said I would.
“Oh Minako. Heading home?”
“Wanna go somewhere?”
“Hmm...okay. I wasn't doing anything today anyway. Alright. Let's go.”
Ah, I'm working here at the cafe tonight. Ah well. More coffee for me.
“U-um, well...” Yukari started. “There's...something I need to say to you.”
Please don't tell me you're a lesbian. For I do not swing that way.
“What is it?”
“Um...you probably don't remember but...um...when you woke up at the hospital, you know, after the dorm was attacked by a Shadow and you discovered your Persona...you know how I said all those things to you right after you woke up? Like 'you're the same as me,' and 'you're alone,' and stuff about your parents...”
Didn't she listen to my explanation about Big Sis at all?
“Um...I think I might've been making assumptions about you. I mean, I lost my Dad but in your case, it's both of your parents...and even though things may seem the same, people react to them differently. But I ignored how you might've felt and forced my own opinions onto you. I've been worrying all this time that I might've said some unfair things to you that day and I want to properly apologize for it. I'm sorry.”
That's...hmm...she seems to be the type to blurt stuff out but ponder them later. That may get her in trouble...
“But...I do sense something similar between us. You might not like it, since it's the fact that we are both missing parents...still I've never had anyone who could understand it around me before.”
People can still empathize you know.
“It's different from everyone else at school. They have both their parents at home. They can complain about how they'll get yelled at if they come home late. I...when I hear stuff like that, I feel jealous. But I hate feeling that way so I hide it and because I can't tell anyone about that, I feel distant.”
But you seem popular. Why couldn't you just tell-
“I felt lonely. So when I heard about you, I felt that you could save me from that.”
...I've been there.
“Yikes! Sorry! I'm being selfish again, I know. But the fact that you're apart of our group makes me feel a lot better. I'm glad you joined us. Haha. I'm just going in circles around this pity party. But...that's how I really feel.
You know, she and I really aren't so different...
I am thou. Thou art I.
Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Lovers Arcana.
...still prefer Junpei.
“It's starting to get cold out. Let's go home.” Yukari said.
“Welcome back.” Mitsuru said to the two girls.
“Oh! I was going to borrow a friend's notes, with midterms coming up. So I'll have to pass today. Sorry.” Yukari said.
“No worries. Not going to Tartarus.”
Not with the midterm. Let's wait until after it.
“Yuka-tan went to borrow a notebook huh? She must be serious about studying for her exams.” Junpei said. “I guess I should study too...starting tomorrow.”
Spoken like a true procrastinator.
While I just go out and work for extra money. And free coffee.
5/13 26 days until Full Moon
Minako overheard the two gossipers discussing about a road collasping suddenly and a guy getting severly injured because of it.
Oh shoot. Those Shadows again...guess Mitsuru wasn't able to find it.
They then talked about the nurse.
Really old info. At least to me. And I know to proceed with caution there...
Mr. Takenozuka....seems okay.
“Alright Minako...let's see if you know this. How fast would you say the Earth rotates near the equator?”
“About 1,700 kilometers per hour.”
“Correct. Near the equator, the earth spins faster than the speed of sound.”
Minako, once again, earned the respect of her peers. Now she felt more like a simple...Ingenue.
Minako headed for the Tennis court, feeling Ara Mitama bring her closer to the team or what was left of the team as many were absent.
An enegetic girl named Yuko soon came over, searching for Tape for the Track team. After noticing the few members, she wondered if it was because of the group date. “Seriously, I don't know wether to be appalled or jealous.” she said.
“Hey! You idiot.” A tennis player said.
...considering that I skip out to also do other Social Links...I should keep quiet.
Rio was confused and Yuko explained she overheard some of the players talk about it at the shoe lockers.
“So everyone went to that?” No response came from the other Tennis players. “That's stupid. Why'd they hide it from me? All this running behind my back is so irritating!”
“...you'd get angry if we'd told you.” The tennis player said.
“Of course I'd get angry!”
“W-well, calm down...” Yuko said to Rio, but the damage was done. A fight escalated between the players and Rio, and while Rio was in the right, the other girls left the practice, not wanting to deal with someone so bull-headed who never even had a relationship. Yuko apologized to Rio but she said that it wasn't her fault.
“Hey, I know I'm butting into another club's business here but you...should really make peace with them. I'll try to help out too...”
“They are the ones that are wrong.”
“Uh...that's true but..oh!” Yuko then noticed Minako and whispered to her. “You're Minako-san, the transfer student right? Can you keep an eye on Rio? She doesn't know how to interact with people sometimes...”
Why did I just suddenly think of Akihiko?
“I'd try to lend a hand when I see things aren't going great but I don't know much about your club.” She left after introducing herself to Minako.
“Minako-san...you're not going to leave? Sorry but I want to be left alone right now.”
“That ain't happing.”
She needs me to be here right now...and oh snap, I'm going to miss a few pratices for Student Council. Shoot.
“Haha...you really are strange.”
“Look who's talking.” Minako sat down next to Rio as she cried, giving encouragement. They practiced and as they were finishing up, Minako saw a third Chariot card slip into place.
“'sup dude?” Junpei sighed. “I'm tired of studying. Let's go to Tartarus.”
“Hit the books.”
“Are you serious!? Isn't saving the world more important? C'mon...Yuka-tan wants to go.”
“We DO have exams next weak,” she pointed out. “But, what the hell...I'll go.”
“Yeaaah! Now we're talkin'!”
“As leader, I still say no.”
Minako poured information into her head. Somehow she felt much more acadmiclly...average now.
I should be alright for the exam now.
5/14 25 days until Full Moon
Well, I guess I should hang out with Junpei the slacker in studying today. Nothing else to do. Just after I get Jack Frost back...
Minako tried to talk about the mission but Junpei kept redirecting it to more mundane topics.
He seems to avoid the serious stuff as much as he can...like studying. But...it is nice to take a break now and then. I'll admit, I don't want to do much tonight either.
“So...karaoke tonight?” Minako suggested.
“Nah. I'm going to stay home and play on my COM Pstation Portable. There's a newer version that I just picked up.”
At the dorm, Junpei, once again, asked to go to Tartarus. Minako, once again, shot him down. “How are your grades Iori?” Mitsuru asked.
“How are your- never mind. I know what your grades are.”
“For your information, I'm studying college-level courses.”
“Man, now I don't feel like doing anything at all.”
“Um...Junpei, about that COM Pstation?”
“Huh? Oh yeah! Sure, I can give it to you. I'll take you on, anytime!”
Theo was quite afraid of the game system as it makes people forget the passage of time. However the reward was a new katana for Junpei so it all worked out.
Think of me~ Think of me fondly...~
5/15 24 days until the Full Moon
“Good morning. Exams begin next week. Are you prepared?” Mitsuru asked Minako.
“Of course.”
“Ah, just as I suspected. I'll be looking forward to seeing your grades. If they're good I'll give you something. Consider it a reward.”
Incentive. What is this mystery gift? Study and find out!
“To be honest, I'm not as well prepared as I should be. I'm still preoccupied with monitoring Shadows. At any rate, the number of incidents has decreased since our last mission. If we can defeat them, we may be able to rid the public of their fear. However, every time a new Shadow appears, it seems to be more powerful than the last. And even after Akihiko returns to battle, we still won't be at full strength...”
Meaning, go to Tartarus. Soon.
Ms. Terauchi...is also okay.
“Today is the fifteenth so I'll pick...Minako. One of the items on the menus for the family is “pan.” How would you translate this into English?”
“Bread.”
“Great job! “Pan” means “bread” in English. The word pan came from Portugal to Japan a long time ago.”
And this is on the exam. Got it.
The classrooms are locked. People are not around. Everyone’s in full exam mode now. But...seeing as I'm all set for the test...I think I can spare a visit to Bunkichi and Mitsuko.
Omoikane helped Minako feel more intune to the couple...which today just consisted of Minako talking to them about the exams.
“Ah, how well I remember those days!” Bunkichi said. “I was a real slacker. But I managed to get through just fine.”
“Ah but that was because of those last-ditch efforts wasn't it.” Mitsuko pointed out. “As I recall, you turned to me for help.”
“And love blossomed among the study sessions!”
“Just be kind to others Minako-chan.” Mitsuko said. “The right person will notice that kindness.”
“Hey don't try to do everything in one day.” Akihiko said that evening. “To do good in a competition or an exam, you need to practice or study a little every single day.”
“Thanks, senpai.”
“What are you doin'? Studying?” Junpei asked.
“Yep.”
“Man, you're a good student. I'm not...I never study.”
Panmeansbreadpanmeansbreadpanmeansbread.
5/16 23 days until Full Moon
Akihiko huffed and panted as he met Minako up at the gate.
“Running late?”
“No...the doctor said I'm almost fully healed so...I couldn't wait to get some exercise. I'll be ready for battle after midterms. But that means I have to start training now.”
Math. How I dislike thee. Must...stay...awake.
Minako stayed up through the lecture, even as the teacher gave roundabout hints as to what was on the exam.
Alright. It's been awhile. I wonder if Shrine Girl's around...
“You came! Alright let's play!”
“Sure! Let's go!”
After playing a few games, Minako was asked what she wanted to do.
“Jungle gym!”
Even if I am getting a bit too tall for the inside, it's still fun to climb the outside of it.
“Oh boy! I'm going to climb all the way up high!” The two played around and climbed around the gym. Maiko was at the top and Minako grabbed at the sides, looking up. “I don't wanna go home yet. I don't like it there. Can't we stay together for a little longer?”
“Sure thing.”
Wonder what it's about? She has to not want to stay home for a reason right?
I am thou. Thou art I
Thou shalt be blessed when fusing Personas of the Hanged Man arcana.
“So my mom and dad...they fight a lot. They're going to get a divorce huh? I tell them I want us to be happy, but they won't listen. They probably hate me too.”
...why do I end up with the sad people in this world?!
“...hey, we can play again later, right? I think we're friends now. I'm here Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays...I'll be waiting for you.”
“I'll try my best.”
“Welcome back. This is a bit sudden but do you want to go to Tartarus tonight?”
“No I don't.”
I want to drown my sorrows in song.
“Very well. Spend tonight and tomorrow night studying for the exam.”
So take a good look at my face~ You see my smile looks out of place~
5/17 Half Moon
So...Sunday. Bunkichi and Mitsuko.
What's Mitsuru doing in the Command Room?
“Hello there.”
“Ah, Amano. I'm training my Persona to search for enemies. This is the perfect time to train. It's so quiet...expect for Iori's screaming that is?”
“Ah so that's what kept awaking me.”
As Minako went downstairs, she heard a very loud voice from the second floor.
“What the hell is with this problem!? What language is this written in!?”
Phoenix Ranger Featherman R! Episode 13: Maze of Love! A comforting kiss leads to...a slap in the face!?
That's what he gets for being under a love potion.
Minako entered the Bookstore, Omoikane making her more aligned to the couple.
“Dear, Minako-chan is here. So would you please cheer up?” Bunkichi pleaded with the crying Mitsuko.
“I understand their reasoning...but...but if...if that tree is gone...if that tree is removed, I feel like the memory of my son will vanish with it.”
“P-please don't fight you two.”
“We're fine. We're not fighting. I was just fretting.” Mitsuko replied. “Sorry to make you worry.”
“Apparently the rumor was true...they really are going to cut down the persimmon tree. “ Bunkichi explained. “So, we went to the school to say goodbye. But that just reminded Mitsuko of our son's death...”
What can I say here?
“It'll be okay.”
“See dear. That's exactly what I said! If you keep crying all the time, what will your admirers think? Right Minako-chan?”
I'm glad...I was able to help them. Cheer them up a little.
“Stop by anytime. My wife feels like she's back in a girls' high school whenever you're around. And of course, I'm always happy to see a looker. Here, take this when you get hungry.”
Minako took a Fried Bread from Bunkichi as she left, seeing a sixth Hierophant card slide into place.
“Oh hello Ikutsuki.”
“It's so quiet around here. Perhaps I shouldn't have come today. I'm happy that everyone’s studying for their exams but I feel a little lonely. By the way, I hear someone yelling every now and then...who's that?”
“Uh...I hate to break it to you but I'm going to go study as well. See you whenever!”
Math...math...math...
Academics: Average
Charm: Ingenue
Courage: Ordinary
Personae
Jack Frost – Magician – Level 10
Apsaras – Priestess – Level 3
Omoikane – Hierophant – Level 9
Ara Mitama – Chariot – Level 7
Forneus – Emperor – Level 8
Comments
