7/1 Wednesday 6 days until Full Moon
Misturu met up with Minako, asking her if she was prepared for the next mission. When Minako responded in the affirmative, she reminded her that it was going to be on the seventh and she should be alert for any incidents.
“One week until the full moon.” Junpei mentioned to Minako after school. “When I was little, I used to count the days before important events. Did you do that too?”
“Yeah.”
“So are you ready for this big event? It's not the same as when we were kids is it?”
“Did you hear about the two recent victims found unconsicious? I bet fewer people will be cheating on their significant others from now on. After all, one of them was a man and another a woman. Those are pretty incriminating circumstances, if you ask me.”
Um...it could just be a married couple enjoying themselves you know? But nope! Everyone who had Apathy Syndrome had it coming. Or something.
“I was walking around the other day, and this weird guy walked up to me. He didn't wear a shirt, and he had weird tattoos. I tried to look away but...I accidentally looked into his eyes! They were the coldest eyes I'd ever seen...and then he smiled at me! God, even thinking about it gives me shivers all down my back! If only it had been Mitsuru-senpai! I would have fainted on the spot!”
“I heard some students from this school relapsed into Apathy Syndrome. This time, it's just males and females who were together. It's so weird. I hope we're okay.”
“But it's not that weird for a guy and a girl to faint together, is it? Or is it? It's like...they fainted together...wow.”
Well, looks like it's time to hang out with Rio today. Ares brought Minako closer to the Chariot.
The two worked hard, running drills and practicing together for the day.
“Where have you been? Did you hear? The next operation will be on July 7th. That means it's going to be a Star Festival special bout.”
Oh yeah! It's Tanabata. I wonder what I should wish for. A successful Full Moon mission is realistic but...once again, I wouldn't mind actually dating someone. Heh. I actually kinda want to fall in love with someone. That's nice.
“Don't get nervous when a Shadow attacks.” Akihiko advised. “Because if you do, you won't be able to move. Try to stay relaxed at all times.”
Alright. Studying. Because...it needs to be done. I really need to ease up once summer comes along.
7/2 Thursday 5 days until Full Moon
“Hello Fuuka! Want to get to cooking today?”
Fukka smiled. “Sure, Minako-chan.” High Pixie bringing Minako closer to the Priestess.
“Um, what should we make today?” Fuuka asked Minako as she listlessly flipped through a cookbook.
“You seem down Fuuka.”
“Huh? Oh sorry.” A bit of silence fell between them. “I keep messing up. It's not a problem with how I make the recipe. How do I put this...? While I'm making it, I start thinking that it's not going to come out right anyway. I'm...always like that. It's like, I'm bad at imagining things in a positive way. I keep imagining that nothing is going to go right. If only there was something I was actually good at...”
“Hey, you're good with machines!”
“I'm surprised you remembered that but that's just something I like. It's not something I can be proud of...”
Oh come off it. Be proud of your differences! They make you cool. Besides it was either that or the bad food.
“When I was young, it was my dad's hobby to work on complicated music equipment. He'd fix things like broken amplifiers and headphones where one side was always broken.”
I hate it when that happens.
“I loved watching him working on those things when I was little. That's...probably why I became good with machines. But, I don't think I could use machines to repay everyone's kindness. When we really need help with fighting or technology, we have the Kirijo group's support. I want to find something that only I can do. Something people would rely on me for.”
Personally, your support is a good start but...I see where she getting at.
“I'll help you look for it!”
Fuuka giggled. “Thanks. You really are our leader after all.”
Nah. I'm more of a friend than a leader it seems.
“Oh, we should make something before it gets too late. If we want to make something that we can take back to everyone, I think cookies would be best.”
Well, cookies are easy enough.
And indeed, it didn't take too much time for Minako to finish up making hers. Soon, after eating and sharing a few with Fuuka, she got two packets to share with others.
“Huh? Minako-chan, are you done already? I'm still measuring the flour...”
And she's covered in it! I better lend a hand here.
“Huh? You're putting the flour in this basket? But it's falling out of the bottom.”
“It's a shifter, Fuuka. Helps you stir up the particles.”
“Oh so THAT'S how you melt butter quickly.”
“Yep. Microwaves are a wonderful invention.”
Minako gently guided and defended the cookies from any sort of deviation Fuuka could think up. All the cookies survived.
“It came out right. That's amazing, it came out right! It wouldn't have happened if you weren't here. But it actually came out right! For the first time ever, something I cooked actually tastes good!”
Excellent. Sounds like she's gaining some confidence in herself. Now we need to work on the cooking itself.
“Then again, you pretty much did everything. I caused you all this trouble again...but I'm the one who wants to help you. Anyways, I'll try harder next time.”
The two headed back for the dorms, a fourth Priestess card sliding into place.
“Where have you been?” Akihiko asked Minako.
“With Fuuka, thank you very much!”
“Have you been checking your calendar, Minako?” Fuuka asked.
“Yep. Finals after next week and oh yeah, a Full Moon mission Tuesday.”
“Oh good. Then I don't need to remind you.”
“Mitsuru-senpai only tells us things we absolutely need to know,” Yukari said to Minako. “I think she should include us in more.”
Minako sighed. “I do kinda want to know more.”
“It's hard to know what's going on when she makes all the decisions and that kind of behavior can lead to misunderstandings.”
Getting tired of this. I just want whatever thing you have against Mitsuru done and over with soon. This is worse than a reality show.
It's a bitch girl but its gone to far cause no you know it don't matter anyway~
7/3 Friday 4 days until Full Moon
Minako overheard the gossipers mention something about Shirakawa Boulevard, which is an area that seems to be filled with Love Hotels. The girl seemed disguested with her new boyfriend, who after only a few dates in, asked her out there.
Oh come on. Those desires are not anything to be ashamed about. Of course, you need to have a willing partner. Not to mention I'm not going to do it with just anyone.
Minako, once again, was full into reading a book by Murasaki Shikibu in order to avoid a scathing lecture from Edoka. “But there is one thing you ought to recognize her for, one that makes her famous world-wide.” Naturally, Junpei was the intended target.
“How am I supposed to know about someone who lived that long ago? Wh-what do I say Minako?”
“The Global Heritage Pavilion.”
“Correct. Too easy, was it?”
“Phew you saved me. Thanks Minako.”
Minako felt more adoration from her classmates making her feel more like a Queen Bee.
“You know how everyone's been talking about the couple? Weird stuff like that freaks me out, but I'd be fine if I was with Akihiko-senpai! In fact, if I can be alone with him, I'd be all for it.”
''Which reminds me, I think I can keep the rabid fangirls away from me now. Let's see if I can talk to senpai.”
“Oh it's you Minako. Are you going home?”
“Wanna walk home with me?”
“Okay, then do you mind if we stop somewhere along the way? There's something I've been in the mood for.”
And here it comes. The fangirl glares. Be charmy. Be charmy. Minako was able to overcome their glares with her overwhelming Charm.
“Alright. Let's go.”
The two ended up a Hagakure Ramen. “You're okay with the special right? Two extra-large specials, please.”
What's the occasion? Well, if he's paying...
“Can I order some appetizers, too?”
Akihiko chuckled happily. “Yeah. Eat as much as you'd like.”
AWESOME!
“Physical strength is everything. Your skills are truly remarkable but they won't be of any use of they get exhausted easily.” He said as the order came in. Minako chowed down finishing off her bowl.
Agh. My stomach. It's saying uncle. Maybe the appetizers were a bad idea.
“Hey, are you up for going to another restaurant?”
“I'm sorry. I can't eat another bite.”
“You're giving up already? Well, it wouldn't be a good idea for you to get a stomachache. Let's not do this today then.”
Bleh. Food is always good but...just can't make it today.
“You must have a really small stomach.”
I object to that!
“If you don't eat right, you'll never grow stronger.”
Agree in spirit. But bah. Don't like that tone.
“Why are you glaring at me like that? I'm not Junpei. I won't go easy on you just because you're a girl. Mitsuru was the one who recommended you to be our leader, but I thought you'd be best in that position, too. So do your best and do a good job, okay Our lives are on the line too, after all.”
Well, he is right about that.
“And, of course, we'll do our best to back you up as well. You're not the only one who's going to be trying hard out there.”
Yeah, everyone is.
Thou art I and I am thou.
Thou shalt be blessed when fusing Personas of the Star Arcanna.
And...in a strange way, he's just looking out for me.
“Well since we are done eating, I guess we should go back. Let's get a quick jog in to help settle our stomachs.”
The two jogged back to the dorm, Minako spotting a Star card.
“Oh hey.” Yukari greeted Minako and Akihiko home.
“Hello Ikutsuki.”
“If my hypothsis is correct, the next Full Moon will be...on the seventh, during the Dark Hour, when the next Shadow will appear. This operation is very important to my research. Please prepare yourselves for the next Full Moon.”
“Hey, Minako, have you heard? Shadows are attacking couples now.” Junpei said to Minako. “I bet they are all just jealous.”
Minako re-read Murasaki Shikibu's book for the night's studying.
7/4 Saturday 3 days until Full Moon
Minako met with Yukari at the gate, who asked if she was nervous at all for the next mission.
“I'm okay.”
We have over-grinded for this.
“Seriously? You're amazing Minako. I guess we have to do this no matter what.”
“Hey Minako-chan. Are you coming to the cooking club today?”
“Yep! Let's go.” High Pixie brought Minako closer to Fuuka.
“What should we make today Minako-chan? I brought a new cookbook today.”
Hmm, I'd say these cupcakes look easy enough for Fuuka to make. Plus, we have the ingredients for them.
“D-do you think I can make something that difficult?”
“Let's make it together.”
“O-okay. I'll try my best not to get in your way!”
Excellent! The confidence boost lasted!
“Let's do this. Let me know if I do something wrong. Um...first I need to shift the flour, right?”
“That's sugar you're dumping in.”
“Huh? Oh you're right. It was white so I thought it was flour. Th-thanks for stopping me.”
“The easy way to remember is that sugar has this shine to it. A bit.”
“Um, I sift it into the bowl and mix butter in. Should I use my hands to mix it in? I know that you use your hands when making hamburger patties.”
“Meat is a lot different than a dough. Let's use a spatula. Preferably, we could get a mixer but the school doesn't have one.”
“Oh yeah...I-I see. It would stick to my hands if I did that, huh.”
Let's see, these bananas, when smashed, would be a good addition. They would add a nice texture to the cupcakes.
Cups filled. Time to bake!
After a while, a sweet scent of bananas filled the air. “I'm surprised you were able to improvise like that.” Fuuka noted. “Whenever I try that...”
“You did your best too.”
There wasn't so many deviations this time.
“Minako-chan...yeah thanks.”
Fuuka giggled happily as she ate one. “They're delicious. I'm so happy that I was able to make something so difficult. It's all thanks to you, Minako-chan.”
Success! More confidence gained!
“I'm going to take my share home and enjoy them later. I don't want to enjoy them all at once. I'd wish they'd last forever.”
Cupcakes get!
The two cleaned up and headed back to the dorm, another Priestess card sliding into place.
“Where have you been?” Akihiko asked.
“You probably already know this but the next full moon will be on Tuesday this week.' Fuuka informed the two. “I'm sure some kind of Shadow will show up. Please be ready.”
“There's a full moon coming up,” Akihiko said. “I can't wait to see what the next Shadow looks like.”
“It seems the number of The Lost is increasing again. However, it seems the new cases involve couples. Perhaps the time of year dictates which type of victim Shadows target.”
“Shadows within Shadows. Many shadows crawl amidst the immense Shadow. Twelve Shadows, feating upon the heart of men. Monstrous, yet dignified. They gather around you. Beware. Farewell then. May your future be bright.”
“Dude, that rumor is just getting started! This time I hear it's about couples! The culprit must be a single guy. He's jealous of the couples, see? But man, if I had that kind of power, I'd get myself a woman!”
...you are an idiot.
I have confidence in sunshine~ I have confidence in rain~
7/5 Sunday 2 days until Full Moon
I wonder if- oh! There goes my cell phone.
“Hey Minako! Sorry am I interrupting something?”
“Not at all, Rio.”
“Do you want to go somewhere today?”
Ares says yes. “Sure thing!”
“Great! I'll see you later.”
The two met up at Chargall Cafe, enjoying the drinks.
“Oh, this cake is good. Hey Minako, you want some?”
“Sure thing!” The two shared a cake together.
“That reminds me, you live in that dorm, right? I heard Akihiko-senpai lives there, too. Some girls were whinning about it not being fair.” She laughed at that. “I mean, what's so unfair. If she likes him that much, she should just go tell him how she feels.”
Eh, Akihiko would try to shot them down because TRAINING but she is right. Even if you do get shot down, that's something you didn't know until you tried.
“Good point.”
“All that whining about him behind his back is so stupid. Is finding a boyfriend that important? Oh man...I'm starting to sound like a crazy lady huh?”
“No way. Heck I wouldn't mind a boyfriend but I'm not spazzing out about not having one.”
The two finshed their meal. Minako brought out a packet of Sweet Fries. “I thought you might like these.”
“Wow, this looks delicious! Is it handmade? Can I eat it? Thanks for the food.” Rio ate the fries. “Yep! It's tasty! That's relaly cool that you can make sweets. Thanks! I'm looking forward to tasting more someday.”
Minako and Rio said farewell and Minako headed back to the dorm.
“Hi, how was your day?”
“Pretty good Fuuka. Shared a cake at the cafe with a friend.”
“Oh. Remember, a Shadow is going to appear the day after tomorrow. I have no idea what Shadow it will be so make sure you are ready for anything. As the saying goes, 'if you are prepared, you won't have any regrets.'”
“I wonder what the next Shadow will look like...” Yukari said to Minako.
“Me too.”
On the next episode of Phoenix Ranger Featherman R! Episode 20: Married Life! The feath— We interrupt this broadcast for an important announcement. The missing elementary school girl has been found. However her slack expression indicates that she may have fallen to Apathy Syndrome.
Minako sighed, half in sympathy for the girl, half in the interruption of her show.
Minako found Junpei and Akihiko up on the second floor. “Oh hey! What's up Junpei?”
“Even though we've been getting stronger, the Shadows have been getting stronger too. How long can we keep this up? What happens if we reach our limit and then totally get our asses kicked? Man, that would suck.”
“Reaching your limit means that you can't get any stronger...” Akihiko responded. “...and that only applies to someone who's a master. Most people use it as an excuse. They say they've reached their limit, but in reality, they've just given up. You can start by forgetting about reaching your limit. That's the first step to getting stronger.”
He is right. But eventually, physical strength is going to wane. That will happen to you sometime, Senpai. But right now, we don't have to worry about it. We will match these Shadows in strength and overcome them!
Mmm. Going to bed early sounds nice.
SLASH! STAB! SLICE! Minako Amano, shadow slaying warrior! Defender of the weak and protector of souls!
...that was a weird dream. Pleasant but weird.
7/6 Monday 1 day until Full Moon
Yo, what's up? Tomorrow's the big day.” Junpei said to Minako at the gate.
“Yeah.”
Going for a supply run today.
“Dude I am totally stoked. Like right before a tournament or somethin' ya know? Now, I know how Akihiko-senpai feels before he gets in the ring.”
While I'm just like, “NEED GET SUPPLIES!”
“That mysterious Apathy Syndrome affecting couples is on the rise. Do you have a boyfriend?” An old man asked Minako. “Make sure you choose a man who'll fight for his woman, even when he knows he can't win. Someone like me, that is.”
Heh.
First antique store and...none of my Personas can outfuse what I have made right now. Right then! Good old Pyro Jack is proving handy!
I don't need much from the Pharmacy but I think I should take these Dis-Charms
“You're here. Take this envelope.” Officer Kurosawa said to Minako
“Huh?”
“Oh, it's something that missing schoolgirl brought in as a reward to the one who found her. There was a lot about this case that stymied us on the force, so I figured you guys were involved...am I wrong?”
“Nope!”
From the rewards, Minako got a Recarm card, 40,000 yen and a Shirt of Chivalry.
Alright. No weapon matches my awesome Beam Naginata! Nor does anything that they offer beat out Junpei's weapon. Or Akihiko's Jack fists. The only one who needs a weapon is Mitsuru.
Akihiko and I are on par for armor. And none of the armor can beat our lowest armor. Huh. Junpei and I can take the new shoes though.
And now selling back and...this has been pretty profitable!
Alright. Back to Tennis practice. Ares brought Minako closer to Rio.
...who was standing alone when Minako suited up for practice.
“What's wrong?”
“Oh, Minako...nothing. Nothing's wrong, but I can't get myself to move and...”
Oh no. She looks ready to cry.
“Please, tell me what's worng.”
“I was walking past the spare room a moment ago and I heard Kenji's voice...but...I heard Ms. Kanou, too....They seem to be getting along great. Do...do you think they're going to date each other? It-it can't work out...they're a teacher and a student. There's no way. He's such an idiot. He's just being toyed with! He'll just end up hurt in the end...why...why'd he choose someone like her!? Why...”
Oh Rio. You are head over heels for him. Nothing I can help with your heartache, I don't think.
“They don't suit each other.” Minako said, trying to help her out.
“Why...why...wasn't it me? Why...” Finally, Rio began crying. “I didn't know I was such a nasty person. I've got all of these terrible feelings inside me...I hate myself. What is wrong with me?”
Better tell her. She's not going to get it on her own.
“It's because you like Kenji.”
“Like?” Rio was silent for a bit then darkly chuckled. “I get it. So that's why...” She cried a little bit more. “I'm such an idiot. I didn't know...all this time. By the time I realized it, it was too late. Haha, how stupid of me.”
“It's not over yet. There's alway-”
“No. It is. I know he likes older women, and he doesn't even think of me as a girl at all. I...hated that...all this time...” She tried to hold back more tears. Minako ran over and hugged her tightly. “Haha...thanks.”
It's about all I can do at this moment.
“Sorry we didn't get much practice in today. I'm going to go home. I'll be able to smile tomorrow. Act like you don't know anything.”
Right. I can do that. Good luck Rio.
Minako watch Rio head for her home and then went back to the dorm, a sixth card sliding into place.
“'sup dude? Tomorrow's the day. If we lose, then pretty soon the city will be full of The Lost. Just thinking about it gives me the willies. We better win. It's all on our shoulders. Dude, I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight. If you wanna go to Tartarus, count me in.”
All I want to do is curl up in bed. But no. I gotta focus. Tomorrow is the day.
“Hello Ikutsuki.”
“Tomorrow, we will test my hypothesis. A Shadow will appear during the Full Moon. That is very exciting for a researcher such as myself.”
“I haven't sensed any Shadows yet so we'll just have to wait for tomorrow,” Fuuka told Minako.
—Tanabata or Star Festival tomorrow. Many of the wishes hung up are request that Apathy Syndrome are finally eliminated.
Maybe not eliminated, not yet but we will make progress against these Shadows. For everyone...
I'll stick to my schedule. Time to study up.
-linebreak-
Academics: Above Average
Charm: Queen Bee
Courage: Tough
Personae
Take-Minakata – Hanged – Level 23
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 5
Emperor Rank 5
Hiero. Rank 9
Lovers Rank 4
Chariot Rank 6
Hermit Rank 2
Hanged Rank 3
Death Rank 1
Temper. Rank 5
Star Rank 1
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