7/8 Wednesday 29 days until Full Moon
Minako overheard the gossipers talk about summer vacation and the finals coming up before hand, not really registering it in her tired state.
Ugh. I don't get this comma splice thing anyway and it's not helping that I'm half asleep here.
"Who here is paying attention? Ah Minako. Here's a question for you. Dun dun dun duuuuun! Which of these phrases is incorrect?
"I failed; it's over now?"
"Bzzzt! Wrong, I thought that was a dead giveaway."
Minako slunk back into her seat, grumbling to herself
It's been awhile since I came here to get nearly poisoned by medicine.
Alright. I could hang out with Bebe but I want a good Persona to go with it. To the Velvet Room! Danananana!
“I saw a girl in a white frilly dress the other day, in front of the station. Don't get me wrong, I love that kind of outfit- I've got tons of figures dressed that way in my room – but in real life, I think it's better to dress casually.”
“Want to know something cool? You know this place is called the Paulownia Mall, right? Well, you know how it got that name?”
“Nope. No idea.”
“A paulownia is a type of plant. The 'Kiri' in it's Japanese name is the same one as in 'Kirijo.' Since this place is under the ownership of the Kirijo group...get it?”
Oh yeah. Mitsuru's group owns this entire island, if I remember right. Very wealthy and very powerful. And...my god I live with her. More importantly, I'm fighting with her. Which makes me wonder about what the Kirijo Group knows about Shadows. I get this feeling...that they are behind it for some reason. But I guess it doesn't matter too much at this point.
Oh yeah! I can get Vetala with Maragi now. Not that I'm going to use him outside of fighting but...request down.
Vetala – Devil A type of Preta in Hindu and Buddhist myth. Classified as 'powerful ghosts,' they have varying shapes and forms. They can control the dead and eat humans.
Theo informed her that now she could fuse King Frost when she showed Vetala to him.
Now let's see...feeding a cat and finding a school song? I can do those easily.
“A movie's theme song is very important. The quality of the movie is greatly affected by whether its theme song is any good or not. Which reminds me...long ago, I heard there was going to be a Gekkoukan theme song. I think it was called 'Gekkoukan Boogie,' or something like that. I heard it was nearly done. I want to hear how it turned out, but I wouldn't want a traditional song for a theme...”
Welp, time to check the school. I guess the Announcement Room would be the best place to check. But first!
Minako found a small cat near some thugs out on the outskirts of the station. While the weak cat slowly ate the food, getting happier at the meal, she overheard the two thugs talk about a certain group.
“Looks like those three weirdos been snooping around here. Guess they're trying to find the juicy stuff...the stuff you don't find about in normal life.”
“The whole reason I hang out here is to shoot the shit with my buds. Those three weirdos are the only ones who come here to learn anything. They need to get a life.”
Are these the three people I heard about around town? The creepy tattooed shirtless guy, the ball-juggling guy and the gothic lolita? Hmm...something doesn't seem right here. Maybe they are connected to this revenge website thing. But, I have no way of knowing anything about them. The only way I might meet them is the Dark Hour and I don't think that will happen.
Ah! Yep. There's some strange music coming out of the Announcement Room. I'm just gonna slip in.
“Sorry, you have to have permission to be in-”
“Hey, are you going to use that music?”
“Um...I have no idea what it's for, but it has Gekkoukan Boogie on it.”
“May I please have the CD?”
“Are you serious!? You really want it? Well sure, you can have it. We don't have any use for it anyway. Here.” The student handed her the CD. “Now, get out of here before you get me in trouble.”
Forgot to pick up that Persona for Bebe anyway so delivery time!
“I see you have the song with you. 'Gekkoukan Boogie?' 'Gekkou' means 'moonlight' and a 'boogie' is a kind of fast-paced dancing move. Oh, I get it. So this 'Gekkoukan Boogie' here...it's what you would play at an outdoor nighttime rave under a full moon, correct?”
Uh...no. No. No.
“That would be an interesting party to attend. Oh. The lyrics are included inside. 'Everybody was Haiku writing. Those kids were fast as lightning...I'm not sure I understand what that has to do with the moon. In any case, your reward this time is something you should be familiar with. Please don't ask how I obtained it.”
...which is too bad because I wanna know why the hell he has my casual outfit!?
Minako headed to the Home Ec room, Nigi Mitama bringing her closer to Bebe.
“Minako-sama, 'ave you decided what today's project will be?”
“I think I'll try for the felt bag again Bebe.”
“I am 'appy to be able to see your work again. Go a'ead and start making it.”
Bebe's encouragement and Minako's previous work with the bag help finish the bag in record time.
“Zat speed, zat beauty! Minako-sama, you are indeed superb! Next, we shall make somezing big! Hrrrmmmm....I know! You will make ze scarf! 'Appiness will come to girls who can knit scarves! Zat is what my aunt said. I want you to become 'appy. Zat is...'ow I truly feel...”
Do I detect a crush there? Aww.
However Bebe was less enthusiastic about his own work. “Ze sewing machine won't go...”
“Why don't you rest a bit?”
“Yes. Zat eez a good idea. Sorry! Gomenasai! I am worried about my uncle. 'Ow can I convince 'im to let me stay 'ere? If I became a samurai, maybe I could stand up to 'im.”
You don't need to become one to be able to talk to him.
“Oh! Maybe if we go to ze Sweet Shop and 'ave a snack, I can come up wiz a plan! Shall we!?”
“Sure thing. Sounds like a great idea.”
“Yatta! Lets go!”
The two of them headed off and enjoyed the various sweets in the shop. “I 'ave zought about zis even in my dreams. I will be dissappointed if I 'ave to return to my country! I want to stay 'ere in Nihon even if I 'ave to eat dirt!”
“Heh. I'm behind you all the way.”
“Arigatou! Zank you! I can do anyzing with your support, Minako-sama!”
Aww. I'm just being a good friend. Then again, I think I'm his only friend.
“Jitsu wa, actually I 'ave a plan! I will return 'ome...mochiron, of course, I will not give up like zat! I will come back 'ere after persuading my uncle! I will convince 'im 'ow great Japan eez!”
That's kinda what I figured would happen. He would have to go home to have that meaningful discussion.
“Now, I just 'ave to figure out 'ow to explain to 'im. Zat will be easy with your 'elp Minako-sama! Please help me! Onegaishimasu!”
Of course I will! But I think you got this on your own. But I will help if I can.
“Ze sun is setting. I will see you again. Genki de ne!”
Minako headed back to the dorm, a sixth Temperence card sliding into place.
“Oh hey. Sorry, I need to talk to Fuuka.”
“About what?”
“Oh, um, there's something I have to clear up.”
“Everyone must be tired after the mission,” Fuuka said to Minako. “Please get a good night's rest.”
Which is what I was planning on doing.
“Oh, it's you. Look if it's not an emergency, can it wait?” Junpei asked Minako. “I don't feel like talking to anyone.”
...more like it seems not wanting to talk with me. Minako sighed softly.
“And now, the news. Mysterious vandalism has occurred at the hotel Champs de Fleurs. Mirrors in the hotel room were shattered. Though the hotel had many guests, none of them saw the culprit. Some guests have also reported theft in their rooms. Police are currently investigating he incident.”
Well then. And...I don't think we took anything from any of the rooms. So...what was that?
Minako yawned and went to bed. She figured Yukari and Fuuka were talking at the Command Room but she really didn't see any reason to interrupt what they were working on.
7/9 Thursday 28 days until Full Moon
Minako overheard the gossipers talk this morning. This time it was more usual than usual as they talked about the explosion that destroyed the school building and that students stopped coming to school after it.
And the Kirijo Group owns the building. Yep. That's probably not Tartrus related at all, nope. No way related.
Ugh. Glancing over eras just to get to your favorite time. Do not like.
Minako got called, asking for the law that developed feudalism. “The Konden Einen Shizaihou.”
“Good, you remembered. It's got a very long name, doesn't it”
And farmers are never lazy, Mr. Ono.
You know...I think I should spend more time with Saori. I can switch between her and Fuuka easily. Besides, Fuuka's also around on Saturday so it's not like I'll miss so much. But first, cat.
“Why Minako-chan! Did you hear the rumor? Sometimes, celebrities show up at the Paulownia Mall at night. The girls in class were all talking about it. I don't know the details, because I just happened to overhear.”
“Huh. Odd that. Well, I still am going on my karaoke and coffee runs so...I'm probably not going to talk to him even if I do see him.''
Minako smiled as the cat happily ate the food.
“Oh, hello Mitsuru.”
“Amano. Exams are right around the corner. Have you been studying? Remember there is no shortcut to success. Persistence is the key. Even if you study every day, it takes time to see results. You won't learn anything by cramming at the last minute. Why don't you study at the library when you have time?”
Because while it may be slower, studying at the dorm doesn't detract from any other social link I have. Conversely, I may be ignoring nighttime social links because of studying. So balance.
Minako headed to the library, Naga bringing her closer to Saori.
Geez, it's busy. Well exams can do that for a cramming student.
Saori was working problems with a student forgetting his ID when the student who asked Saori for notes earlier came rushing in, saying that another student lost them. Saori said it was fine and the student ran off. Saori then returned to work.
Eventually, the students stopped coming in. “Whew. Today was pretty rough, don't you think?”
“Yeah. I wanna go home!”
“Heh! Well we are almost done. Hang in there! Oh right, didn't we get homework today? I should make use of this time and get it done. Oh, wait, my notes...”
“Do you want to borrow mine?”
“Huh? Oh, no, it's okay! I was just thinking that my homework would be a lot easier if I had the notes I gave her. Well, there's no point in complaining about what I don't have.”
But...you need those notes now. Your friend lent them to someone else without you knowing and she lost them.
“But she's being terrible to you!”
“Huh? You think so? Thanks. You're such a nice person.”
Well, it's nice she thinks that but I rather she would let me lend my notes. Ah well.
“Oh it's almost time. Which do you want to do? Clean the counter or make sure everybody's left the library?”
“I'll take hunting for people.”
Minako headed back to the dorm after closing down the library, a third Hermit card sliding into place.
“Welcome back. With each full moon, the Shadows are getting stronger. They are employing more dangerous attacks, as well. So even though we have a lot of time until the next full moon, we best use that time carefully.”
No Tartarus before exams though. I want to get those out of the way first.
“Huh? Is that someone over there?”
“Hey, you're pretty charming.” Minako thought she heard something about company image and training. “Hello there, young lady. How you like to have your dreams come true? I have a golden opportunity for you.”
Ehhh what the hell.
“Tell me more!”
“I'm only saying this to you, so don't tell anyone okay? I can make you rich—guaranteed. All you need is 20,000 yen and your investment will multiply by ten, no one hundred! And the best part is, you don't have to do a thing! You'll become fabulously wealthy while you sleep! Just give me 20,000 yen, and I'll take care of the rest.”
...I've got the money. The only reason I'm doing this is because I can easily get more.
“Okay.” And Minako handed over the yen.
“I'll be in touch once your fortune has been made.”
Time to ponder why the heck I did that with a good cup of coffee.
7/10 Friday 27 days until Full Moon
Meh. This class is not so interesting now. And he's giving us more history than the history teacher!
“Are you listening? Ehehehe. I believe I shall ask a question. Get it wrong and you'll get a scary guardian angel. Sebna uru quah. Who shall I choose? All right, Minako, I ask thee. What is the mystical study of Jewish texts?”
“Kabbalah.”
Don't ask me if I'll remember that in two years.
“Very good. Magicians made lots of magical progress in this age...”
Cat. Then I'll see about visiting Akihiko-senpai.
Minako smiled as the cat rubbed against her after it ate.
“Hey, Senpai! You want to go somewhere?”
“Not really but I was thinking about a long jog.”
Oh boy what have I gotten myself into. Alright. Just think of it as extra training. Like he does. Neko Shogun brought Minako closer to the Star.
The two ran their way to Naganaki Shrine, both getting very exhausted when they were there.
He may have beaten me...but I was only...a few feet behind him!
“Let's take a short break.” The two rested at the playgrounds alone. “The wind is starting to pick up. That's actually a blessing, after working up a good sweat. It feels nice.”
Agreed. Nice and cooling.
“I usually train in the club room or alone in my own room at the dorm.”
“Well, I can train with you if you need a partner.”
So one day, I will eventually defeat you!
“It'll be nice to have a running partner but if you'll join me, we're going to do more than just run every day, okay?”
“Bring it on!”
Akihiko laughed happily. “In any case, I should've changed into my workout gear. I thought this would be just a light run for fun, but I'm drenched in sweat.”
Says a guy who wears a cardigan during the summer, even with a t-shirt.
“Don't catch a cold.”
“This is nothing. I'll be fine.” And just after he said that, he sneezed. Minako shot him a look of skepticism. “I said I'll be fine.”
“Whatever you say.”
“Hey do you want to try that before we head back?” he asked, pointing at the horizontal bar. “You can't do a hip circle can't you?”
''...no. I was never a gymnast.”
“I bet you can't either, senpai!”
“Oh really? Haha! I'm actually am quite good at it. Want me to show you?” He grabbed the bar while talking. He swung upside down and then swung backwards in a full circle. “Everybody should be able to do this.”
Oh my. I have my work cut out for me.
“Can you at least sit up here? Here.” He offered his hand and steadied Minako on top of the bar. “This takes me back. It reminds me of when I was a kid.” The look on his face turned broody. “I need to get stronger. If I don't get stronger, I won't be able to save anything.”
...I could have guessed that he has something that has hurt him before. And figured it was part of his reason to join SEES was the strength to protect others. But...what is he saving?
“We should get going. Were you sweating today, too? Make sure you take a bath today so you don't catch a cold.”
“'sup dude? Uh...I better study since exams are coming up.”
“Agreed.”
“You know, I think Mitsuru-senpai spends too much time thinking about all this.” Yukari, who was on the third floor, told Minako.
And you think too much about Mitsuru.
“She would probably do just about anything to annihilate the Shadows.”
So would I.
“But, don't you think that's a little obsessive?”
No. Those Shadows are a danger that needs to be stopped.
“Yeah, maybe.” Fuuka said in agreement. “There are a lot of old sayings about maintaining balance in your life. They also warn against being too obsessive.”
Obsession. Yukari against Mitsuru. There's one that needs to be slowed.
“It's good to do your best all the time,” Fuuka said to Minako. “But it's not good if everyone is out of step because they're all trying too hard.”
Eh. We only go in Tartarus a few times a month and we are fine.
Well, let's take a look at this medieval magic stuff. Make sure I have this covered.
7/11 Saturday 26 days until Full Moon
Junpei met Minako at the gates. “Uh, exams are pretty soon. Have you been studyin'?”
“Yep.”
“Seriously? Like I care...”
Minako sighed a sad sigh.
I am so glad we are going on break soon. Mr. Ono is way to excited about reaching the Samurai era.
“Minako! You don't look like a samurai but let's see if you know this one. What title did Taira No Masakado claim for himself?”
“Imperial Prince.”
“Correct! This will be on the exam next week, so be prepared!”
Minako sighed unhappily as Mr. Ono did one last skip to get into his Age of the Samurai.
Okay, text from Akihiko. Ikutsuki is coming over and there is a meeting tonight. Alright then.
Well, clubs are locked and I don't see anyone around. Must be crackdown for exam time. Not that I'm worried. Might as well say hi to Maiko. It's been awhile.
The cat began mewing happily and snuggled up close to Minako. It was so playful that Minako figured that she didn't need to feed it anymore.
“This station is near the high school, so I often spot Gekkoukan students and their friends. You seem alone a lot. Do you have any friends?”
“Of course!”
“Great! I...I wish I'd had some friends when I was in school.”
“Oh hi! What are we going to play today?”
“Hmm...the slide is looking pretty attractive today.” Minako hanged out with Maiko, Take-Minakata bringing her closer to her.
The two played on all of the equipment, though Maiko did favor the slide thanks to Minako's suggestion. The two went their seperate ways as the sun began to set.
At the command room, Mitsuru gave a detailed report of the last mission. Ikutsuki noted the strenght increase and started to tell of something good but before he could...
“I'm sorry.” Yukari interrupted him. “Before we go on, I'd like to ask Mitsuru-senpai something.”
“Me?” She asked.
“Since I've joined, so many things have happened. I went along with it, without really understanding what was going on but now, I need to know. I'm gonna ask you straight out. You've been hiding something from us, haven't you, Senpai? You act like you don't know anything about the Dark Hour and Tartarus but they're related to that accident ten years ago, aren't they?”
“What accident?” Junpei asked.
“Yukari-chan...” Fuuka said slightly surprised.
About time she said something.
“There was an explosion near our school, and a lot of people died. It must have big news back then. You know about it, don't you?'
“Yes.”
“Luckily, no students were injured, but around the same time, a large number of students were recorded as absent. Seems like more than just a coincidence.”
“What do you mean?”
“I dug up some old school records, and found something interesting. The students who were absent, they all collapsed suddenly and had to be hospitalized. Sound familiar? You know, like the girls who bullied Fuuka?” Mitsuru looked upset at this. “There has to be an explanation! What really happened on the day of that accident? The Kirijo Group built our school, so you must know something! Tell me the truth!”
“Yukari...” Minako put one hand on her arm to try to calm her down.
“I wasn't trying to hide anything from you. It just never seemed relevant. But...”
“It's okay. It's not your fault.” Ikutsuki reassured.
“Alright. I'll tell you the whole story. The Shadows have many mysterious abilities. Some research indicates that they can even affect time and space. We think of them as our enemies, but what if we could use them to our advantage? They would be a source of unimaginable power, wouldn't they?”
“What?” Yukari said, surprised.
Subtext. Shadow's existed before this. That's...something. And wait...something just clicked in my mind here. Big Sis mentioned Shadows once before! I can't believe I forgot about that.
“Fourteen years ago, one man pursed that line of thinking. He was the former leader of the Kirijo Group, Kouetsu Kirijo, my grandfather. My grandfather was obsessed with the Shadows. He wanted to harness their power for something extraordinary.”
“Like what?” Fuuka asked.
“He assembled a team of top scientists, and over several years, he put together an impressive collection of Shadows.”
“He what!? Damn, that's freakin' crazy!” Junpei said.
“However, ten years ago, during the final stages of the experiment, they lost control of the Shadow's power, and in the process, the very nature of the world was altered.”
“Oh my...do you mean?” Fuuka began to ask.
“Yes. Tartarus and the Dark Hour.”
...woah. People caused this.
“By their account, the mass of Shadows they collected split into several large ones that then dispersed. These are the Shadows we've been encountering on nights when the moon is full.”
“Is that why they've appeared in different places?” Fuuka asked.
“Wait a minute...if what you said is true, then why did our school turn into Tartarus?” Yukari gasped. “Don't tell me...that's where they conducted the experiment!?”
“...Yes.” Mitsuru said.
“Then those students who were hospitalized...”
“I'm afraid it's just as you were thinking. Port Island must have been an ideal location for them. It was a highly-populated area, and the Kirijo Group had influence there. They could do as they pleased. As you guessed, the experiment ten years ago was conducted at Gekkoukan High School.”
“...does that mean all we've been doing is cleaning up their mess!? You lied to us?” Mitsuru had no response. “You knew too, didn't you, Senpai!?” Yukari then yelled at Akihiko. “They've just been using us! Or, do you not care as long as you get to fight?”
“I never said anything like that!” Akihiko said in response. “I have my reasons.”
“Think what you'd like, it was my decision not to share that information. I'm sorry.” Mitsuru apologized. “I never intended to deceive you. Convincing you to join SEES was my highest priority. As absurd as it may seem, only we – with our Personas – can fight the Shadows.”
“How could you!?”
“Besides, some of us were never given a choice. I...”
“Mitsuru...don't.” Akihiko said to her.
“Okay, that's enough Yukari.” Minako said to her. “It's not her fault that the Shadows are around and those that are responsible are dead because of it. We are all in this together. None of us deserve this but the Shadows need to be stopped.”
“But...” Yukari started but fell silent.
“It's been ten years since that incident. No one knows why those Shadows suddenly returned.” Ikutsuki said. “But since they're active, at least we can find and destroy them. Do you realize what this means? What if I told you that those 12 Shadows are the cause of everything?”
“Then if we defeat them all, Tartarus and the Dark Hour will disappear?” Akihiko asked.
“Exactly! That's what I was going to tell you earlier. See it's good news isn't it?”
“Is that true?!” Fuuka asked.
“There's evidence to support it. Now, our true battle begins.”
“I see...” Yukari said.
“Regardless of what's happened in the past, we must fight to protect the people. The Shadows are gaining strength. We can't afford to just wait for them.”
“Couldn't have said it better myself Ikutsuki-san!” Minako said.
“And there are many mysteries still surrounding Tartarus. Why did such a gigantic structure appear in the first place? The answer must lie within it.”
Minako remembered those research papers in her room. And I know there must be something more...
Yukari and Mitsuru went into their rooms. Funny that the sleep right across from each other. Minako knocked on Yukari's door.
“Sorry...I just don't feel like talking to anyone right now. Anyway, I have homework so...”
“I've caused so much trouble for you. We shouldn't see each other for some time.”
“But Mitsuru! I don't mind that you-”
“Perhaps you should study. I'm about to review my notes now. Studying actually helps to take your mind off things.”
''Not tonight. I'd rather sing my problems out.
“Hello, Ikutsuki.”
“I'm very sorry about everything. If there is anything you'd like to know about, please ask.”
“Those 12 Shadows...”
“Ten years ago, Shadows were collected together to make an whole entity. It's power was immense, far greater than any of the Shadows currently inside Tartarus. Experiments were performed on it, and an unfortunate accident took place, dividing the entity into 12 Shadows. These Shadows only appear on the Full Moon.”
“Alright. How did the public react to the accident?”
“In the end, over 50 people were injured in the accident and the media placed the full blame on the Kirijo Group for the tragedy. They singled out one researcher in particular, declaring him the main culprit behind it all. Whether or not this was actually true or not was not the issue. The public was looking for someone to vent their hurt and anger on. So they chose him, even though he was a victim himself. Their wrath was unparalleled. The darker side of mankind was most certainly on display during that time.”
You know...with as much anger Yukari has...maybe she was related to this guy.
“About Mitsuru-senpai? What happened with her?”
“Under the pretense she was assisting the Group, she was subjected to the experiment for many years. So Mitsuru wasn't born with the ability to summon a Persona; she was forced to learn how.
That...doesn't sound right. I don't think her power is like that.
“Okay, what about Akihiko-senpai?”
“I've known him and Mitsuru for a very long time. In fact, Akihiko joined us when he was only in middle school. At that time, we had a third member as well but I digress.”
Hmm...what was that guy. Treachcoated Shinjiro. I saw him with Akihiko once. Hmm...
“You seem so calm. Must be because you can do anything.” Junpei said, glaring at Minako. “Compaired to that, I'm just a mediocre fighter.”
“Junpei-kun, the only thing anyone knows about Tartarus is that it creates Shadows,” Fuuka said to him. “Other than that, we're all in the dark.”
That's not helping his envy but...
“I don't think I need to tell you this, but we can't go to Tartarus today.”
“Thought not but...hey, what are you two doing?”
“Oh, since Junpei-kun doesn't understand what's going on, I'm going to review it with him.”
“But if we defeat all 12 Shadows, then I won't have any more use for my Persona.” Junpei muttered. “Man, it's such an amazing power...I can't let it go to waste.”
“Hi! I'm Trish with today's installment of 'Who's Who.' Today's subject is a man in his 20's with a yellow cap. He's studying art overseas, so we were very fortunate to run into him today! Next is news. Pain, pain, go away!”
Is he...dancing? That's some pretty crazy moves there.
“Guns scattered in the billowing shadow...arms reach to grasp them. Their muzzles pointed at different shadows; their triggers pulled on different occasions...where do you point your gun? What will occur as a result of it's firing? Can you collect all the guns that have been scattered? Farewell, then...May your future be bright.”
She's right. The team is in absolute disarray. I know I should shoot at the Shadows...but...how can I collect these guns?
And we can't fulfill our dreams over suspicious fights~
7/12 Sunday 25 days until Full Moon
Hey Big Sis. I know it's been awhile. I'm sorry I haven't contacted you sooner. I got so busy with school and other things that it's- no. That's not a good excuse. The reason is that I wasn't certain if I wanted to get you involved in a situation I'm in. I remember well what you lost the last time you fought so I didn't want to bother you.
But now I can't ignore it. And heck, it might be nice to gain some advice from you.
I remember what you told me before. You said you summoned demons from inside yourself to fight. I believe you used Personas. You might have had some power that allowed you to notice the power within me to use one as well and did your best to try and protect me and I'm grateful for that. I'm glad you are my guardian now more than ever.
I would love it if you could do some research on something. The enemies I'm facing are called Shadows. I think you mentioned those in your stories at some point. I know that these Shadows were here before the Tatsumi Port Island incident, of which, they are a part of. Could you do any bit of research on anything before that?
How's the job holding up? Any good scoops? Email me any newspaper clippings of any stories.
I'm going to visit the Moonlight Bridge to honor my parents today. And to think and reflect.
Well, best of love Maya.
Little sis Minako
Elsewhere...at the station back alleyway...
“Nothing to do as usual huh?” Akihiko said startling Shinjiro before he asked why Akihiko was here.
“If you came here to try and convince me, than forget it.”
“It's nothing like that. I just wanted to see how you were doing,” Akihiko said in response, surprising Shinjiro. “We've known each other for a long time. It's been almost 14 years since we met at the orphanage. You, me and Miki...we used to run around here until the sun went down. Back then, it seemed like we had all the time in the world.”
“Heh, you haven't changed one bit. If you wanna get all sappy, go do it with your other friends.”
“What was that!?”
“It's rare for you to think about the past. Usually, you just charge ahead like a damn fool. So obviously, there's something on your mind.”
Akihiko was silent for a bit. “I do reminisce sometimes, but what's the point? …Anyway, we finally know how to get rid of Tartarus and the Dark Hour.”
“No shit?”
“Yeah...To be honest, all I've been thinking about lately is getting stronger. But yesterday, someone made me question my reason for fighting.”
“You're reason for fighting huh? That's different for every person but if you don't have a good one, you can always quit, like I did.”
“I'm not like you. Man, I can't believe I'm the one getting lectured here.”
Shinjiro was silent for a bit. “Well, see ya around.” Akihiko said as he left.
“Tch...you haven't changed at all.”
At the dorm...
“Yes?” Fuuka responded to the knock on the door.
“Can I talk to you for a moment?” Mitsuru asked.
“Senpai? Oh. Please come in.” And so Misturu let herself in.
“Not only doyou excel at providing support during battle, but also at obtaining information.”
“Oh I-I'm sorry for doing that without permission...”
“Don't worry, you're not in trouble but I do have a special favor that I'd like to ask of you. I want you to find out as much as you can about that incident ten years ago.”
“But, very little was made public...”
“That's why I want you to access the Kirijo Group's database.”
“You mean, hack into their system!? That's illegal.”
“I'll give you my ID and password. You'll be free from accountability. I want to know the truth about what happened.”
“Senpai...”
“Of course, I'll understand if you refuse.”
“Okay. I'll see what I can do.”
“Are you sure? I appreciate it.” Mitsuru smiled happily but then asked. “Yamagishi, aren't you resentful? After all, despite my good intentions, I did drag you into this without fully explaining. Certainly, you must be a little angry with me...”
“Not really. You see, my parents have an inferiority complex because all my parents are doctors. That's why they're so tough on me. It's really hard for me to be at home...but here, I feel important, and I can help you and the others. So, why should I be angry?”
“You're right, Yamagishi. We do need you. No one can take your place.” Fuuka was a bit embarrassed by that. “Thank you. I'll see you later.”
In front of the movie theater...
“So Tartarus and the Dark Hour will be gone, huh...tch! That's good. That's what we've been fighting for. So why am I so pissed?!”
He then overheard two seniors chat about their plans for the future, including having fun in college.
“Ha. I know why...I'M the reason. I was like 'fighting is my duty,' but hell, it's all I'm good for. If it weren't for that I'd be worthless. Haha, my duty? What a bunch of bullshit. Even when it comes to fighting, she's just on another level. Dammit! Nothing I do is good enough!” Junpei sighed.
At the dorm...
Yukari sighed. “Seems like my worst fears keep coming true. Am I stupid to believe in things like trust and friendship? Dad, this old letter of yours, I must've read it a thousand times since it came last spring.”
March 6th, 2000
To my family,
Tomorrow, I bring this letter to the opening ceremony for the Moonlight Bridge. It'll be stored in a time capsule, and sent to you ten years from now. Yukari, you're so small right now, but in ten years, you'll be sixteen. You'll be in high school.
Yukari flipped to another sheet of the paper.
I know you've been sad because I have to work so late, but you still always greet me with a smile. I'm really proud of myself. Kirijo-san appointed me Head Researcher. I'll be starting on a big project soon, and I'm happy to be receiving so much recognition for my work, but I swear to you that nothing is more important to me than you and your mother.
“Dad...” She flipped to another page.
Yukari, are you remembering to enjoy life? Are you still bright-eyed and hopeful, like you are now? No matter what happens in the next ten years, I hope you are happy. Well, I hope this letter brings a smile to your face.
Love, Dad.
“No matter what happens huh? ...I can't lose hope, for his sake. ...I won't turn my back. I won't be like Mom. Not ever.”
At the Moonlight Bridge
“Ten years. This is my first time visiting in about ten years.” Minako looked out over the water and out to the city. “I don't even remember anything about the accident myself. Not certain if I even want to. I only remember the before, and even then, not that well. I tried so hard, thinking to not look back to forget about then but, something just keeps pulling me back. Defeating these Shadows, and saving people? It seems just like a hallow excuse to keep on fleeing but...I still can't remember, and without those memories, I feel like it's not going to end. That this pain I feel is never ending. Maya...she's done so much for me and yet, I can't move on. Maybe...I just have to accept this pain and nothingness is apart of me, even after all this time...”
“There's also something else. Pharos...he keeps bringing up that the end is coming. That Shadow forced me to think about it as well. It's something I noticed. The Lost all but vanish after a Full Moon fight but after a while, it comes back with even more numbers joining. I guess that could be the strength of the Shadow increasing but...it just doesn't feel right. It feels like, even with all of the good we are doing, nothing is changing. That there is nothing we can do about these Shadows. Even now, I still doubt that defeating all of the Full Moon Shadows is going to do a difference. I guess...there's nothing I can do be be hopeful in that it will end. Everything will end eventually and I can live a normal life. Get a boyfriend, go to college, all of it.”
“Well, today is Sunday. It's been a long while since I saw Bunkichi and Mitsuko.”
But first, a Persona.
To make space for Berith, Minako fused Naga and Zouchouten together for Mithra.
Mithra – Temper. An ancient Iranian god of contracts, he was also revered as a sun god. At the end of time, he will descend from the heavens are raise the dead for final judgment.
“Aw, why so glum, Minako-chan?” Bunkichi asked
“Well, my doormates are bickering and a good friend of mine is mad at me. Not to mention...I miss my parents and I'm wondering if what I'm doing in life has purpose.”
“Oh dear! That's too much from someone your age.” Mitsuko replied.
“Tell us all you want Minako-chan and we'll see if we can do something to cheer you up.” Bunkichi said.
“Hi, how was your day?”
“Well...not that bad.”
“Oh that's good. I don't think we can go to Tartarus today. Everyone seems to be studying. I mean, I haven't seen anyone around, so they must be studying, right?”
“Ah...I'm not so sure...”
“Yeah, neither am I. Maybe they're not just studying...”
On the next episode of Phoenix Ranger Featherman R! Episode 21: Trash Monster On the Move! Don't litter kids!
...exam is coming up. Might as well study. Let's see, better get everything in on history, even if little is going to be in it.
Dark Hour
Oh. I guess he's here...
“It's good to see you again. How long has it been since we first met? Time passes so quickly. So how's life as a Persona-user?”
“Well...something seems to be missing.”
“I wonder what. I hope you'll find it soon. I remembered something else about the coming of the end.”
Oh really!?
“It all goes back to an occurrence that took place many years ago...ten years ago if I remember correctly.”
Wait, so was it that accident? Is the end goin-
“Hey! Didn't your parents pass away about ten years ago?”
...wait?
“A Persona is like a mirror. Which means, a Persona-user can never escape from his true self. Regardless I will stay with you because we're friends.”
Now what does that say about me who has no inner-self, evidently? There is no real me? Or am I just empty...
Good night.
Minako went back to sleep, filled with troubled thoughts as two more Death cards slid into place.
Minako Level: 24
Academics: Above Average
Charm: Queen Bee
Courage: Tough
Personae
Take-Minakata – Hanged – Level 23
Narcissus – Lovers – Level 22
Mokoi – Devil – Level 18
Oberon – Emperor – Level 15
Vetala – Devil – Level 24
Nigi Mitama – Temper. - Level 14
Neko Shogun – Star – Level 19
Mithra – Temper. - Level 25
Berith – Hiero. - Level 17
Social Links:
Fool Rank 4
Magician MAXED
Priestess Rank 5
Emperor Rank 5
Hiero. Rank 9
Lovers Rank 4
Chariot Rank 6
Hermit Rank 3
Hanged Rank 3
Death Rank 3
Temper. Rank 6
Star Rank 2
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