6/27 Saturday 10 days until Full Moon
Minako overheard from the gossipers that those ending up unconscious seemed to be in pairs. One mentioned that she wouldn't mind passing out if it's near someone she like with the other objecting.
For some reason...I feel like I could have a boyfri- no wait, first Shadows. It's near the full moon so they are getting more active. Now why would it be pairs? Hmm...'
Alright. Feeling excellent! So let's see what torture to food Fuuka has cooked up for me today. Minako met with the Priestess, Unicorn bringing her closer to her.
“I'm thinking about making this today. Tadaa! 'Sweet Fries!' Everyone loves them! I bought a lot of sweet potatoes for them, so even if we mess up a little, it won't be a problem! So you can relax a little too, Minako-chan.”
She really seems enthused today. Welp, I'll keep that spirit up!
“Let's do our best.” Minako encouraged Fuuka. The two then set to work on the fries.
Alright. Peel, wash and cut. Better be careful. Don't want to slice up my hands. Bandages would not fun to work around a naginata with.
The recipie was easy enough for Minako to follow but Fuuka...
“1 tablespoon of melted butter...I didn't melt the butter yet, though. What should I do? There's no time now. Oh! Butter is just hardened oil right? I can probably substitute oil. Olive oil should do the trick.''
Fuuka soon finshed her work and indicated to Minako that she was ready to put them in the oven. “Let's see...the temperature is 180 degrees...and the setting for residual heat is...”
Wow! Most people just go preheat and done but she's touching features no one would probably even think of using.
Fuuka noticed Minako's amazement at Fuuka's quickness with the oven, explaining that she likes machines and reads lots of manuals on electronic devices. “D-does that make me seem weird?”
“Of course not. I think it's pretty cool!”
“I'm glad to hear that. I knew from the start that you wouldn't judge me for something like that.”
Oh come on. Girls can be talented in mechanics too. No one should judge on gender what they can or can't do!
Minako and Fuuka chatted for a bit, some over the mission tonight but others on some school gossip.
“Oh, I think it's done.” Fuuka said. “Look, Minako-chan. They look so beauti...ful?”
Umm...those fries don't even look like food. And they taste...uh...the texture is really weird.
“Oh...these ones look normal. They're the ones you made, Minako-chan. Th-thank goodness! They look really delicious.”
“Here. I'll share some with you.”
“Huh? Oh yes, thanks...”
That didn't seem to perk her up. I feel really bad for her today.
“Thanks for the food...! It's delicious. Minako-chan, yours are really delicious.” Fuuka fell silent for awhile. “I guess...I'm no match for our leader.”
Oh no. First Junpei, now her?
“That's not true at all.” Minako nodded. “Remember, I can't do your mechanical things.”
“Thanks.”
That worked! Yes!
“Oh, it's almost time for us to go home. Let's clean up and go back.”
Minako picked up two small packs of sweet fries, making a note to give them on a Sunday date. She and Fuuka headed back to the dorm, a third Priestess card sliding into place.
“Where have you been?” Akihiko asked. “Everyone at school's talking about The Lost. It seems the Shadows have started to attack again. If things keep going like this, a shadow will appear on the full moon...just like Ikutsuki-san said.”
“Oh! Fuuka. Do you know anything about a Christmas star?”
“That's the ornament at the top of the tree right? What do you want one of those for? And where would I find one? Hmm...oh! I think I might know what you are talking about. If I'm right, it might not refer to an ornament at all. There's a type of plant that's sometimes called the 'Christmas Star.' I think it's pretty common, too. Could you wait a few minutes? I'll go look it up.”
After awhile Fuuka returned, explaining that it's a poinsettia that Minako was looking for. She had a few in her room though and gave one to Minako.
“I heard at school that the latest victims of the Shadows are all couples. There must be some reason why. Maybe it's part of the Shadows' plan. Well, whatever it is, we should be ready for anything.”
“Do you know about Shinshoudo?” Mitsuru asked Minako.
“Yep. Antique store at the Mall.”
“That's good. I recommend you make use of what it has to offer.”
“I heard that couples are becoming victims of Shadows now.” Yukari told Minako. “I'm not going to say what they were doing when it happened, but...do you think that means the next Shadow is starting to wake up?”
“Hey Fuuka?”
“Mission tonight? Yeah. Already informed the others.”
Dark Hour
Alright. Let's see what fusing I can do. Got lots of Personas and I bet I'm going to get more.
Theo informed Minako that someone was in between the floors 48 through 52 and that there was another trapped as well.
Minako handed him the poinsettia. He was confused as he though stars did grow on it. He figured that it just wasn't the season yet and told Minako to take care of it until the day. She took the Cyber Shoes as her reward.
Fitting really.
First up was Pyro Jack and Nigi Mitama for Ghoul...
Ghoul – Death Cannibalistic demon from Islamic lore. It feeds on the flesh on both the living and the dead. It is indistinguishable from normal humans, and prefers to prey on children and travelers.
...Oberon, Inugami and Unicorn for Take-Minakata...
Take-Minakata – Hanged According to Japanese myth, he fought Take-Mikazuchi for control of Japan and lost. He is revered as the god of hunting.
...Neko Shogun and Berith for High Pixie...
High Pixie – Priestess The leader of a swarm of pixies. Any pixie in a leadership role, or with remarkable power, is call by this name.
...and Slime and Take-Minakata for Hua Po.
Hua Po – Magician A tree spirit of Chinese folklore who dwells in trees used for hangings. She is smaller than a human, and cannot speak, her her voice is said to be as clear as a bird's song.
Floor 49
Minako grinned evily. “I see your weakness, Maniacal Book. And now...” She summoned Ghoul. “I have the anti-” The darkness spell missed the enemy.
“Nice job, mistress of all evil.” Junpei ribbed as Mitsuru attacked the enemy.
“Owwwwww.” Minako said as she was knocked off her feet by a piercing attack from the Books.
“That Persona seems more trouble than it's worth.” Akihiko noted as they picked off the remaining Shadows.
Floor 51
“There's someone on this floor! Find them please!”
“Alright then. Spread out.” Minako ordered to the group. Minako assisted Junpei with tacking a Shadow first.
“Hey come quick! Someone's here!” Junpei said shortly after, finding the person. Minako and him quickly took out a Shadow nearby, while Minako was slightly saddened by the Gold Shadow that ran off as she came to the person's aid.
“Alright. We got him. Fuuka, take us out!”
The man was confused at the entrance, saying something about finding a nice girl but she being a devil in disguise. “I'll get that bitch! She brought me into this maze of demons!”
“Um, sir? You aren't really going to-” The man swiped at Minako.
“You're her! That's it! Why in the hell did you-!?” Junpei and Akihiko tackled him to the ground.
“Alright, take Yukari with you, leader. I need to stay here and keep this guy out of trouble.”
Theo reported to Minako the other person was in the levels 56-64. Minako set to fusing again with Oberon and Unicorn for Principality...
Principality – Justice The seventh of the nine orders of angels They guard cities and nations, and protect various religions.
...Tam Lin and Ghoul for Mokoi...
Mokoi – Devil An evil spirit of Murngin mythology, believed to be reborn shadows. They kidnap and eat children and strike down sorcerers who use black magic.
and Berith and Principality for Ares.
Ares – Chariot The god of war in Greek myth. Other gods despised him for his cruel and violent nature. Opposed Athena, who represented strategic warfare.
Floor 62
“What annoys me most is that there was a portal and this was after the portal!” Minako vented angerly before sending the group out to find the woman. Thanks to it being a low-Shadow area, Junpei swiftly found her.
“Fuuka, to the entrance. I am tired.”
The man was still in a bit of a rage when he saw Minako again. But the woman seemed to calm him down.
“How did you do that?” Minako asked.
“Bartender hun. I deal with these types of guys all the time.
6/28 Sunday 9 days until Full Moon
Minako sighed happily. Rest makes everything bett- hmm? Cell phone.
“Hello. This is Fuuka. Do you have a minute?”
“Why are you calling me? You rest next door.”
“Oh um...can I still ask you to come out with me today?”
“Sure thing.”
“Great! Then, I'll be waiting outside the dorm.”
The two went to Wataku restaurant for lunch. “This place is so useful,” Fuuka said while looking at the menu. “Not only is it relatively cheap, but the balance of the ingredients is well thought out, too.”
“Yep. Plenty of healthy choices on this menu for those who are concerned for their health when eating out.”
“That's right. Like this 'iron-plentiful meal.' It's really good for women.”
They need to eat more meat.
“Well here is a surprise question for you! What happens if your body doesn't get enough iron?”
“You become anemic.” Minako answered.
“Bingo, that's correct. I get anemic all the time, so I try hard to get enough iron in my diet. You should be careful too, Minako-chan.”
Easily done. Meat and fish and eggs. And meat.
After the dinner, Minako decided to give her the felt bag that she made. She needs some more encouragement for her cooking. Besides, she does so much for us in the battles.
“Huh? This is hand-made right? Are you sure I can have this? It's so cute. I really admire the way you can do all this, Minako-chan. Thank you very much. I'll cherish it forever!”
The two chatted all the way back to the dorm.
On the next episode of 'Phoenix Featherman Ranger R! Episode 19: Believe in yourself! There's nothing you can't do! Feather Swan!
Ooooh. A Day in the Limelight episode for Feather Swan. Big Sis will love this!
“Let me guess, Mitsuru and Akihiko aren't around?” Minako asked Fuuka who was on the second floor with Junpei and Yukari.
“Yeah. I wonder why it's always the weekend.” Fuuka noted
“I'm certain they have something important to do.” Yukari said.
“So what's the topic this week?” Minako asked.
“We were wondering about Tartarus and it's top and what might be there.” Yukari informed.
“If this was some sort of adventure novel, there'd probably be some kind of treasure,” Fuuka said.
“I know! There's a giant pinata! And when you break it...” Junpei started. “...candy pours out, and a huge banner appears, saying 'Congratulations! You've beaten Tartarus!'”
Minako laughed happily. “Oh dear god Junpei! I think you've played way too many videogames.”
“Wouldn't it be nice if there was a control panel we could smash and destroy the place?” Yukari said.
“Ahem, Junpei the Wise has come up with the ultimate hypothesis! There is no top to Tartarus!”
“Whoa, he's finally snapped. I guess his brain has reached its experation date.”
“Actually, that's an interesting idea but, wouldn't that create a big problem for us?”
“I'm going to channel the spirit of Akihiko and say that it's really just good training and maybe a bit of Mitsuru and say that I believe that these Full Moon shadows are more of the problem though.” Minako said. “Anyway, I'm studying.”
“Seriously!?” Junpei said.
“Karaoke is crammed. What else am I to do?”
6/29 Monday 8 days until Full Moon
Yukari met Minako at the gate. “Ya know, in about a week, there'll be another mission...”
“Yeah, I know.”
“I wonder what it'll be like this time.” Yukari was silent for a short while. “I guess we'll keep fighting until we defeat all eight that are left. But, what are we gonna do after that?”
...who knows...
“I've been thinking about this for a while. I wonder if Mitsuru-senpai is hiding something from us...”
And thanks for the reminder about the exam, Mr. Takenozuka. Man, it's been awhile since I talked with the Bookstore couple and Maiko. And man, are you skipping a lot just to feel that you need to keep the class on task.
“You guys look sleepy. Hey Junpei, here's a question for you. When you drain water in the tub, it swirls down the drain. Which way does the swirl go in the northern hemisphere?”
“Wh-whaaat!? How would I know? Who pays attention to something like that? Hey Minako, do you know?”
“Doesn't matter in this case. Either or.”
Takenozuka took the answer from Junpei explaining that it doesn't affect small swirls. But otherwise, clockwise north, counter-clockwise south.
And there go the whispers of praise.
Alright. It looks like it's either Rio or Hidetoshi. And it's been awhile since I've been in the council. Hideotoshi it is! Minako headed to the Student Council room, Oberon sharping her instincts towards the Emperor.
...naturally, a fight was going on. Or rather, Hidetoshi was suspecting the female Vice President of being the smoker in the male bathroom. Everyone was so enraged at Hidetoshi that they left the meeting.
''Odd, I didn't see Mitsuru or whatshername here. Business?”
“What a bunch of neanderthals.” He then noticed Minako. “Minako-kun, where you there the whole time?”
I have to suck up to him don't I? He doesn't look like he's in the mood to take any other reasoning from me.
“They were all mean.”
Hidetoshi smiled. “Don't hold it against them. They're like children: they just don't understand.”
Well that pleased him.
“Sooner or later, they'll see the light. Then, they'll respect me. I'm not isolating myself; I'm just being aloof. Sooner or later, someone always gets hurt in any relationship. I guess I'm preaching to the choir though. I apologize.”
That smells of baggage. So, he's been hurt in the past. Can't see him having a girlfriend so a parent perhaps?
“There's no reason to have a meeting if no one is here. Let's go.”
Somehow I always get out of Student Council it seems. Minako saw a fifth Emperor card slide into place as she went back to the dorm.
“Welcome back.” Mitsuru greeted Minako home.
“Hello.” Minako noticed that Fuuka wasn't in her usual spot on the couch. I'll check upstairs.
“What's up with Yuka-tan?” Junpei asked Minako. “She has daggers in her eyes whenever she looks at Mitsuru-senpai.
“Yeah, what's up with that?”
“I wonder what happened. Maybe senpai ate Yuka-tan's last bon bon.”
“Oh! There you two are!” Minako said as she entered the command room.
“Oh, it's you. You scared me. I thought you were Junpei.” Yukari said. “He's always trying to listen in on girl talk.”
The way you two look doesn't look like “girl talk.”
“What where you talking about?”
“Just the usual stuff. Right, Fuuka?”
“What? Yeah. We sometimes talk here. Yukari-chan says it's perfect here because people rarely come around. Oh but you are welcome, of course.”
Hmm...expect for leaders who are interested in what you two seem to be planning. But, Yukari isn't involving me this time. I sure hope Fuuka doesn't get any thugs coming after her.
Alright. Time to refresh on Lorentz Left-Hand rule.
6/30 Tuesday Half Moon
“Alright Yukari. I'll bite. Want to want home together.”
“'Sure.” Minako felt Narcisssus bringing her closer to the Lover. The two headed out for the mall, Yukari itching to shop.
“Wanna start off at the pharmacy? I ran out of my color of lip gloss, but what you do think...?” Before she could finish the question, her phone rang. Minako judged by her reactions that her Mom called her to tell her something. Something surprising.
“How do you think it would make Dad feel!? ...fine. Don't ever call me again!” She took a few breaths and noticed Minako again. “Sorry.”
“Are you all right?”
“Oh, yeah...I'm fine. Thanks for asking.”
Well I have to check. When you blow up on your mother...
“You know who I was on the phone with right? Yeah, it was my mom. She says she wants to get remarried.”
Snap.
“I don't really care if she wants to get married again but I can't stand how she's been living...running from life to life. Jumping from guy to guy...I don't think that's fair to my dad.”
“Alright. Let's sit down and calm down.” Minako waited with Yukari for awhile before she felt fine.
“I'll never be like her. I'll never be that weak. Running away from your problems is the worst thing you can do. I've decided I'm gonna live on my own. I'll show her that I can be happy that way.”
Umm...I don't think you'll be happy down the line. You decided this out of petty behavior. I don't believe it'll work down the line.
“Thank you. For some reason, I feel like I can tell you anything, Minako. That's it! I'm going on a shopping spree today! And you're coming with me Minako!”
Minako shopped around with Yukari until she fufilled her spree urge, a fourth Lovers Arcana sliding into place.
“Welcome back.” Misturu welcomed the girls, Yukari noticeably stiffing in Mitsuru's presense. “There will be a full moon in a week. Do you understand what that means?”
“Yes.” Minako said.
“Good, then I expect you to be prepared.”
Will be. Geez sometimes you put me on edge.
“I think Mitsuru's already told you this, but there's going to be a full moon in a week.” Akihiko informed Minako. “But, don't think about it or else you'll get more nervous as the day gets closer.”
Yep. I'm all set anyway. Minus gear though.
“It's easier to plan our strategy if we know what day the operation will be in advance.” Yukari said to Minako. “So have you been creating a plan?”
“You betcha.”
Mitsuru as first-timer. Bropei and Akihiko with me rounding out with Narcissus.
“Wow, you're a great leader!”
Kar-a-oke!
Momma~ Just killed a man~
Dark Hour
It's that time of month again!
“Hi.” Pharos greeted Minako. “Can you guess what I'm going to tell you?”
Oh GEE what ever can it BE?
“I think so.”
Pharos chuckled. “You're used to it by now, huh? The next full moon will be in one week. Are you prepared? Be careful okay? I'll come again.” And so he vanished.
Put a gun against his head~ Pulled my trigger now he's dead~
Academics: Above Average
Charm: Unique
Courage: Tough
Personae
Narcissus – Lovers – Level 22
Hua Po - Magician - Level 25
High Pixie - Priestess - Level 23
Pyro Jack - Magician - Level 14
Zouchouten - Chariot - Level 14
Mokoi - Devil - Level 18
Ares - Chariot - Level 22
Oberon - Emperor - Level 15
Social Links:
Fool Rank 3
Magician MAXED
Priestess Rank 3
Emperor Rank 5
Hiero. Rank 9
Lovers Rank 4
Chariot Rank 5
Hermit Rank 2
Hanged Rank 3
Death Rank 1
Temper. Rank 5
Comments
