5/28 11 days until Full Moon
Junpei met up with Minako at the gates, talking about Fuuka. “She does look kinda weak but it only makes me want to protect her ya know?”
Why am I not surprised that Edogawa lessons would be on magic? Though I guess there were some good points, like having a teacher and not using black magic unless you are extremely powerful.
Minako stayed up through his lecture, learning some pointers about meditation.
Minako braced herself as she drunk the concoction crafted by the creative nurse, feeling more brave afterwards.
Junpei did promise free ramen today. Let's see what's up his sleeve. Jack Frost kept Minako in-tune with the Magician.
And as he said, Minako was treated to ramen by an eager Junpei. “Thanks for the food!” she said with a grin.
Free food. Excellent food.
The two ate with ramen with gusto, especially Minako. “You look like you're in high spirits, like always,” Junpei said.
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
“Uh well...um...wait, so you haven't heard? Guess I shouldn't have brought it up.”
“Hey, what is this? Come on Junpei!”
“Okay, okay, I'll tell you. Um...don't get mad at me okay? Supposedly there are these photos of you going around.”
!!!
“They aren't weird pictures or anything! They're of you in your gym clothes. There are other girls in them, too, but you're right in the center, so...I think whoever took the pictures was aiming for you specifically.”
“That's disturbing.”
Oh god. Someone is...ugh. Don't even want to think about it.
“Yeah seriously. I mean, school is a public place but it's kinda like peeping on you. One of the guys in a different class found it.. He came over to me and was like, 'Isn't this the girl in your dorm?' I took the copy of it away from him, but the orginal is out there somewhere...”
Oh no. I...ugh...disgusted is the best word I can muster. And...I need to find these.
“Still you must really be popular. This kind of thing isn't normal.” Junpei remarked. “I wonder if I'll be in danger of having a picture of me taken with you. I'd have to find who it was and kick his ass if that happened, heheh...but seriously...be careful alright.”
“I'll do my very best.”
But what can I do? No one is going to talk to me about those photos.
“Now how to go about retrieving that picture...” Junpei mused. “Well, I'll think about it. Don't let it bother you too much. But man, photos? What in the world would anyone use that fo-oh...no, never mind.”
...yeah...
The two went back to the dorm, Minako spotting a fifth Magician card slide into place.
“Welcome back. Hmm...that's strange. Apathy Syndrome cases are increasing again. Apparently, the decline was only temporary.”
“Huh? Does that mean that no matter how many Shadows we defeat, more will just keep coming?” Yukari said, in an incredious tone. “In that case, then what's the point of fighting?”
“If we do nothing, then everyone will eventually join The Lost.” Mitsuru responded. “Our efforts have prevented the crisis from escalating.”
“I guess you're right. Ya know...it's kinda creepy when you think about it. If we couldn't use our Personas, then the whole city would be crawing with zombies...”
...I do not like zombies. That is not a pleasant thought.
Minako spotted Junpei and Akihiko chatting upstairs. “We're saving the city, right Senpai?” Junpei asked.
“Of course. Why would you ask such an obvious question?” He asked back.
“Well, y'know...I was just kinda thinking it might be nice to get some kind of a thank you...from the ladies, at least.”
“Well I wouldn't count on getting any appreciation from anyone, since no one knows what we are doing. I know that makes things harder. But if we don't fight, then more people will become victims of the Shadows, like The Lost. We ARE making a difference, though. We're making the city more peaceful. Just remember that.”
Yep. The news made a report on Apathy Syndrome again. We gotta keep fighting on...and being prepared for the next fight.
Nothing to do but relax with coffee right now. Not feeling good enough to study anyway.
5/29 10 days until Full Moon
Minako overheard the gossipers gossip over bullying.
I remember those days. Wish I could help whoever is in trouble.
More magic lessons today. Meditation some more. Get relaxed and envision a symbol. And keep a hold on your consciousness. I feel like reflecting over flower petals in the wind...on a journey...flowing freely.
Minako took another drink of the potion...making her feel more determined as she did so.
Well, Yukari doesn't seem to be around...said she had an extra practice today so...Bebe! Nigi Mitama smiled and kept Minako in-line with the French Student.
Bebe decided to help Minako make something easy. A phone strap for starters. The orange strap turned out pretty well.
“Let's go the the Sweet Shop, Minako-sama. Zis'll be my first time so will you teach me?
“Heheh. There's nothing to teach.”
Though I do not believe I shall go over the ingredients.
“Honto? Really? Whew...I thought people would zink that I was a stupid gaijin who knows nozing about Nihon.”
The two then set off for the Sweet Store, Minako showing the selection and pointing out her favorites.
“I am so 'appy, ureshii! I love ze culture of Nihon! Japan eez sugoi, amazing!”
“It sure is!”
“Hai! Hai! Hai! Yes! Yes! Japan's culture eez number 1, ichiban! I wish I was born 'ere!”
Bebe told Minako that he had an aunt at home and that he would be pleased to tell her about Minako. He also told her he wished to stay here and be truly Japanese.
Lovable guy. And he shows real respect towards our culture.
“Ohh, look at ze time! I would like to ask you more about Nihon...I'll talk to you later! Ginki de ne!”
Minako smiled and licked her lips of the sugar as she went back to the dorm, a second Temperence arcana slipping into place.
“Don't you just hate bullying?” Yukari asked Minako that night.
“Yeah. I was there a few years ago so...” Minako responded.
“I get so mad when I hear someone is getting bullied. Just today, I overheard some girls taunting another classmate.”
“Get any names? I'll keep my eye out for them.”
“One of them was named Maki. But I didn't catch the other.”
Huh. I know a Maki. Nice woman. Excellent therapist. Married a pierced-ear guy. Got a strange feeling about him...
zzzbutterflieszzzzzzzbullingzzzzzzzNihonzzzzzzzz
3/30 9 days until Full Moon
Minako overheard the gossipers talk about a girl who got hospitalized that was found at the gate.
That is strange...my mind thought of Shadows but...
The people continued chatting in homeroom about the rumors. Junpei filled Minako in that a girl went missing and was found outside of the school gate and that she was still unconscious.
“Morning,” Yukari welcomed the two.
“Hey Yukari.” Minako responded.
“Yo Yuka-tan. This is a tough case, even for Junpei Iori, Ace Dectective.”
Minako giggled while Yukari scoffed. “More like Stupei, Ace Defective.”
“Hey! I resent that!” Junpei asked where she was and Yukari said that she saw her back from practice and that she looked fine then.
“Whoa. Now that's really strange.”
“Yeah...”
Hey wait, that girl's name was Maki right? Hmmm...
Welp, school is out. I'll see what Bunkichi and Mitsuko are doing today.
“I pity the foo' who don't know when to quit! Mr. J says to throw in the towel, boy!”
“Alright, Alright.”
“Hey! There you go. But seriously, more people are becoming victims. I'm getting a little worried.”
“Rumors suck, man,” A guy in Minako's classroom said.
You have no idea.
“I heard a girl fainted in classroom E. She had Apathy Syndrome right? I'm glad she wasn't from my class.” A gossiping girl said.
“It must have been because she stayed out so late right? She just happened to faint at the school gates. Apathy Syndrome is so exaggerated. I bet she'll wake up soon.” Her chatty friend replied.
“The monorail was nearly a big accident the other day. I heard it was just a few feet away. It's just like one of the action thrillers, you know? Whoever stopped that train is a real-life hero!” The movie fan said.
Awww.
“I remember this one dude who was different than the rest. He comes here but he never talks to anybody. He just sits there in his little corner. I wonder what he's up too.” One punk said.
“I heard people saying that this guy is stronger than he looks. He's a loner. His clothes are a little old but he's cool.” The other punk said.
He wears old clothes. Old clothes are cool now. But seriously, is that brooding guy I met earlier? Hmm...
“I was skipping work this other day and I saw this young man. He had long hair and no shirt on. He looked like one of those hippies from back in the day...is that coming into style again?” A salaryman asked.
Minako entered the bookstore, Omoikane keeping her more in tune with the Hierophants. She walked in to find Mitsuko crying.
“What's wrong?” Minako asked.
“Don't worry. She's crying because she's happy.” Bunkichi explained. “She always cries at happy events, like the first day we met! All the graduates from our son's class gathered at the school. They are collecting signatures to save the persimmon tree!”
“They say the tree is a memorial to their former teacher.” Mitsuko explained. “They don't want it to be cut down.”
“Thank goodness...” Minako sighed in relief.
“Many of them came to our son's funeral. It's been so many years but they still remember him.” Bunkichi said.
“They've given our son their precious time.” Mitsuko sobbed. “I don't know what to say!”
“Minako-chan. We're you the one who called them all?” Bunkichi asked.
“No.”
I can't take credit for something that I didn't do!
“There's no need to be modest Minako-chan. You're a samurai Minako-chan! A real modern-day samurai! What would you call a female samurai? A kouichi?”
...this is nice and I like the title but...I really don't deserve this.
“Don't forget about us. Even after you graduated and become an adult. Someday I'd like to get together and get a drink together...but let's wait until you're legal.” In return, he gave a Cielo Mist.
Minako bid farewell to the couple and headed back to the dorm, a seventh card sliding into place.
“Oh hey. Did you hear the rumor going around school? People can be so immature sometimes. I mean, it's just a ghost story. Anyway, I'm not feeling very well, so I won't be able to go to Tartarus tonight...sorry.”
“It's alright, Yukari. It's karaoke time anyway!”
Hello Ikutsuki.
“Hmm...It seems that Yukari has a sixth sense when it comes to Shadows. Actually, that's quite common. Dealing with Shadows has a tendency to enhance other...senses.”
“We aren't going to Tartarus today.” Akihiko said. “Mitsuru is training and Yukari has a “weird” feeling...tch, I wonder what it means.”
“Yuka-tan's freakin' out, for no reason!” Junpei told Minako. “All I said to her was that someone might be in her room...or under her bead...or in her closet. I mean, come on, that's nothing to get all worked up about, right?”
“Hmm...what about behind the curtain?”
“Whoa, do you like telling stories like that too? Just don't go too far when telling 'em to Yukari...she'll freak out!”
Yukari shot Junpei an evil glare.
Excellent! 3 Jack Frost dolls! Enough to hug and squish and love~!
“I feel another change...A strong wind blows across the world, sending a blue flower's petals into the air. How will you interpret this wind? As a weak and frail breeze or a brave and mighty gust? Farewell then. May your future be bright.”
He did the mash! He did the Monster Mash.
5/31 Half Moon
Hmm? My cell phone?
Junpei called up and asked Minako if she wanted to hang out.
Jack Frost is Hee-ho-ing happily.
“Sure!”
“Alright! I'll be waitin' downstairs then.”
The couple went to Book On, the local manga cafe. Junpei sighed for all of his favorite manga had already been rented out.
“Since they were all out, I decided to try some of that Shoujo manga. You know, the ones that're popular with girls now? I was curious what they'd be like. But I gave up after an hour. Reading those things wore me out.”
Hmm...
“All the guys in those manga are either really good-looking, really rich, or really smart. I mean, yeah, it's a manga. I know it's gotta be like that. But is that the only kind of guy girls dream about?”
“Manga isn't reality.”
You'd be an excellent boyfriend Junpei. Any girl would be lucky to have you.
“Oh really? Oh...okay, I think I get it. The girls are all into it because it's something they can't get in real life, right? Then again, we've got Personas so our lives are kinda like a manga, too. Whoa, when I think about it that way, it's pretty exciting!”
Hmm...what would his reaction be to a cell phone strap?
“Whoa what is this? Is this for me? Whoa, I can have this!? Awesome, thanks!”
Oh excellent! He loves it!
“Where have you been?” Akihiko asked.
“Out. And about.”
“You know about the computer behind the counter, right? The school makes us send them updates on how things are going here at the dorm. See, that's what Mitsuru is doing right now.”
“The incident is quite bothersome. As President of Student Council, I need to do something.” Mitsuru told Minako. “It just isn't normal, but I have no idea what's going on...”
“Damn, rumors spread fast, especially this one.” Junpei noted. “Everyone at school knows about it, and soon everyone in town will too.”
“Scary how fast they travel.” Minako responded.
“The victim was the girl who was bullying.” Yukari said. “It may just be a coincidence but something doesn't feel right about it. What do you think, Minako?”
“Yeah, something's not right.”
Could just be apprehension about rumors but...
“Hey...don't scare me like that...”
“That rest on Friday was nice but let's make up for the lost studying.''
6/1 7 days until Full Moon
“Good morning.” Mitsuru said to Minako at the gate. “There seems to be a sense of restlessness in the air.”
“Yeah, I agree.”
Rumors man.
“Well, I just hope it doesn't have anything to do with the Shadows.”
Speaking of which, 7 days until next Full Moon. Let's see what happens.
“I hope I never see a ghost. I'd be so freaked out...but I bet Akihiko-senpai wouldn't flinch for a moment! Man it'd be so awesome if Akihiko-senpai could be with me to protect me.”
...he's never going to notice you, you know that?
No Bebe. So I guess I'll go to Tennis practice today.
“Hey, have you heard that story about some sort of school club at Paluownia Mall?” Rio told Minako “Yuko just told me about it. A Buddhist monk gets hammered on sake and starts blubbering to you...what kind of club is that?”
I smell social link...but my schedule is very full. Maybe once my nighttimes clear up, I'll see what this is about.
Rio taught Minako more about the proper form, Zouchotuen making her more aware of the Chariot, when suddenly, a male student appeared searching for Rio.
Oh that's Kenji. A bit of a loser in love I hear. But Frost seems to like him...
“Kenji...what do you want?” Rio asked.
“I've got some homework I don't understand at all. Could you do it for me instead? Or tell me how to do it?” he asked.
“Homework? I bet you just slept in class again.”
“Aheheheh.”
“What do I get in return?”
“Oooh! So you're up for it! Lucky me! I'll give you my love in return. Love baby!”
“Nobody needs that! How about you buy me a special at Hagakure?”
“Yikes, that's steep...okay! I'll be waitin' around until you are done.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
...now that sounds familiar. Sounds like the banter Junpei and I go through.
“Oh sorry. I ended up loafing around.” Rio apologized.
“You seem to get along with him.” Minako said.
“I guess...we're childhood friends. I've known him since preschool. He's like a younger brother to me. That's all.”
...-sigh-
“He's been coming around here a lot lately, and he's starting to be a real pest...” Rio feel silent.
“Let's practice.”
“O-okay...it isn't much of a practice with just the two of us, huh? Sorry...”
“They'll eventually come back.
“Yeah...”
Now how am I supposed to cheer you up?
“It's like...I don't want to pretend that nothing happened and I'm not going to say that this is my fault. I know I need to be more mature about this but...all that stuff about having never been in relationship and stuff...that's none of their business.”
“Don't let it get to you!”
“Yeah...”
Well she looks slightly better.
“Minako-san...do you have...someone you like?”
Junpei's pretty platonic and Akihiko is a fangirl magnet so...
“Nope.”
“I-is that so...”
Now that really cheered her up.
“I don't get romance. It seems like so much trouble and there's no big reward for doing it.”
Well there is companionship but...that's not something we high schoolers should worry about.
“...Let's get back to practice. I'll serve Minako-san so you...uh..is it okay if I call you Minako? I feel like it suits you better.”
“Go right on ahead!”
The two praticed for awhile and spilit up at the gate with Rio heading off with Kenji while Minako went back to the dorm...a fourth Chariot card sliding into place.
The team ate dinner together at the table that night. Junpei brought up a rumor that there is a ghost going around causing the incidents. Yukari objected but Mitsuru and Akihiko were both interested in what it was. And so Junpei started to tell the story...
Where in the heck did he store that flashlight?
“Good evening. Welcome to “Junpei's Believe it, or Don't. There are many strange things in this world. According to one story...if you get caught at school late at night, you'll be devoured by a maniacal ghost that roams the halls! The other day, this friend of mine- lets call him Shu- he said to me, 'Junpei, I saw something strange.' He sounded serious, so I asked him what he'd seen. He said it was about the girl in 2-E. He claims he saw her go into the school at the night of the incident. I couldn't believe it. She's not the kind of girl to be out late at night but Shu was as white as a sheet. He insisted it was true. Then it hit me...that ghost must've tried to make her it's dinner! And that's why they found her lying on the ground by the gate! I felt a chill run down my spine, and I broke into a cold sweat! Yes, there are strange things in this world...believe it...or don't.”
Oh. My. God. That. Was. Excellent.
“What do you think Akihiko?” Mitsuru asked.
“Huh? Not one word of my frankly amazing performance just now?” Junpei asked.
“I think it's worth investigating.” Akihiko responded.
Junpei remarked on Yukari's fear of ghosts however, that led to her telling him and Minako to ask around to prove whether it's true. But both Mitsuru and Akihiko couldn't resist a jokes at Yukari's expense.
This is excellent. I'm getting excited here.
“Hmm...this isn't good.” Ikutsuki mentioned later on. “So many inquires from parents and reporters alike.”
“Yukari seems serious.” Akihiko told Minako.
“Why?”
“Well, just go check out what she's doing and you'll know right away.”
Researching the ghost story isn't she?
“Well if Yukari isn't going perhaps we shouldn't either.” Mitsuru said.
WHAT?! So Junpei and Akihiko skipping are alright but Yukari...I'm not that mad. Just annoyed.
“However, there may be ghosts haunting the school.”
More like Shadows, and that's my bet. It IS Tartarus, after all.
“I'm busy researching the ghost story online. So I'm going to pass on Tartarus today.” Yukari told Minako from behind the counter.
...called it.
The clouds have not yet broken. For our heroes, the light has not yet shinned-
AW SNAP! I FORGOT ABOUT FEATHERMAN R THIS WEEK!
I wonder if meditating would count as studying.
Dark Hour
Seven days to go. That means...
Minako slowly opened her eyes and sure enough, Pharos was there.
“Good evening. I came to see you again, as I promised. How are you?”
“Pretty good, I guess?”
“I'm glad you remembered me. Now in another week, the moon will be full again. And the next ordeal will be upon you. So be careful. I'll come again.”
Vanished. Into the greeness. As usual Minako flipped over to her other side and slipped back to sleep.
Academics: Average
Charm: Ingenue
Courage: Determined
Personae
Jack Frost – Magician – Level 12
Nigi Mitama – Temperence – Level 13
Yomotsu Shikome – Hermit – Level 10
Zouchouten – Chariot – Level 16
Omoikane – Hierophant – Level 9
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