10/22 Thursday 12 days left until the Full Moon
Mrs. Terauchi was going over soybeans and what was made from them, like Tofu. “Alright, I’m going to ask Minako-san. Natto comes from soybeans, too, but how is it made?”
“By fermenting them.”
“Right. Natto is fermented which is why it’s sticky. It’s a Japanese food, but even here, a handful of people can’t stand the taste of it…”
Huh. It only seems like Fuuka is around these days. I guess that’s the thing about losing Saori. Minako hung out with the Priestess, Paravati bringing her closer.
“How have you been doing Fuuka?” Minako asked.
“I’m doing fine. Natsuki-chan and I have been keeping touch,” She smiled for a bit. “My power is to connect others together. I’m so glad that I found what I really am good at.”
“Good for- watch those rice cakes!” After assisting Fuuka with her cooking, and making some Chocolate Truffles for herself, the two headed home.
“Hello Ikutsuki.”
“Well, your exams are over now, so we should focus on the task at hand. Only one Shadow remains. This will be our final battle. The fate of this town rests in your hands. I believe in you. Good luck.”
…I kinda forgot this is the final battle. Wow.
“The next full moon is soon approaching. Let’s be prepared,” Mitsuru informed Minako. “I want to be able to make a successful report to Shinjiro.”
Yeah. Don’t worry Shinjiro-senpai, we’ll take care of this.
“When cornered, an enemy will fight at its fiercest…This is a basic premise of warfare,” Aigis said to Minako. “Only one Shadow remains. I’m sure this battle will be the toughest of all. Please make sure you are prepared for it.”
I think we’re good. But one last rescue misson won’t hurt.
“My training is going awesome…I feel like I’ve awakened something inside of me,” Akihiko said. “When I train, I pretend someone’s watching me. That seems to get me motivated.”
I always feel like, somebody’s watchin me~
“-Iwatodai Station Strip Mall overrun with Apathy Syndrome victims. Now back to the studio with more news.”
That’s not good at all.
“What’s the matter, Minako-san?” Ken asked.
“Nothing. Feel up for an omelette with fired rice?” Dominion brought Minako closer to the Justice.
Okay, flip the eggs like so and make sure the rice is nice. It turned out really well thanks to her time in the cooking club.
“Ta-daaaa!”
“Huh? Is this…for me? Minako-san…oh, th-thanks for the food!” He began eating vigorously. “Yep. It’s delicious,” he mentioned after a few bites. And after a few more, he mentioned it was really good.
I think I love it when he’s happy like this.
…wait what?
“Thank you very much Minako-san!” Ken said with a smile on his face.
I-is my heart beating faster? Oh no. Oh nonononono. Please don’t tell me that I-
Ken finally finished his dish. But he then fell silent. “D-do you…cook for other people like this, too? Um…like, for your boyfriend? Do you have one?”
Why are you asking me this now!?
Ken noticed Minako’s red face. “Oh, um, well…I saw on TV that all high school girls have a boyfriend, so…um, I was wondering…if you had one too, Minako-san. It’s that…if you did have one…I don’t think I’d like that…” Ken sadly said. “Wh-what am I saying!? A kid like me shouldn’t be butting into personal stuff like that!”
Okay, deep breaths Minako. Just tell him the truth.
“Unfortunately, I don’t have one.”
“I-is that so? I see. Oh, then…is there someone you do like?”
OKAY not telling him the truth that much!
“Nobody!”
“I-is that so.”
“Um…you’re blushing.”
“Oh, um, nothing.”
…this is a thing. This is totally a thing. Oh noooooooooooooo he’s so freaking cute and I lo-
“Um, if I…if I said…that I liked you, would that bother you?”
My heart just leaped and bounded. Besides…it’s not him liking me that’s the issue…
“Not at all, Ken-kun.”
…it’s me being a love-starved twit that’s the issue here!
He seemed quiet though. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked something so weird. Um…thank you for the food. Um…it was delicious.”
The two quietly chatted about things into the evening, Minako trying hard to ignore the turmoil that was in her heart.
Late that night…
“Maya! Big Sis! I have a problem!” Minako said in distress to her phone.
“Mmmm. It’s eleven. Minako what’s is-”
“If this were anyone else, this would have been fine but no! No I have to fall in love with a eleven year old!”
Maya was quiet. Maybe processing but then she yawned into the phone. “The Ken Amada kid?”
“YES I- wait how do you know?”
“You mentioned him a few times in your letters, remember? I didn’t expect this but I’m not surprised. I mean, I expected love to blossom on the battlefield, but you did seem a bit more than concerned about him.” Maya noticed Minako silence. “Hey, it’s not a bad thing. I sorta liked a high schooler myself back in the-”
“You could get away with that! We are talking about someone underage here! People are going to assume things! And…I’m really scared that I’m going to hurt him because of this.”
“…does he like you back?”
“Yes.”
“Then I don’t see any issue at all with it! I do believe you wouldn’t have fallen for him if you didn’t believe you could face the issues you will deal it.”
“You’re giving my feelings too much credit here.”
“Above all, I believe that love is a good thing. Your heart is in the right place. Do what you think is best. I trust you. As for me, I’m going to bed. You should go to bed before the greenies get you.”
“It’s the Dark Hour Maya,” Minako sighed. “Love ya sis.”
“Love you too. Sleep well!”
10/23 Friday 11 days until the Full Moon
Mr. Edogawa lectured about 18th century magic. Magic evidently broke off into many sects and one guy even founded psychology on hypnosis. With this, many formed into secret socities, thanks to witch hunts. The Rosicurcian Order, Freemasons, Illuminati, the Golden Dawn. He also spoke of Eliphas Levi, who wanted to blend modern and ancient magic, Madam Blavatsky who was a Theosophist, Mesmer studied energy, Rudolof Steiner spread anthroposopy. He spoke of Allister Crowley, a magician, and Gurdjieff, a mystic.
Okay…have to think calmly about this. I mean, it’s just an infatuation right?
“Ah! Minako-san, I choose you. Who was the founder of Theosophy, which gave rise to many magical socities?”
“Eliphas Levi?”
“Wrong! Your sign is now the cat- your year will never come!”
“Aigis?”
“Sorry, I was thinking. I was considering what I might learn by attending school. But, that is irrelevant.”
Hmm…
Well she did ask nicely. Minako hung out with Yukari, Titania bringing her closer to the Lover.
The two headed out to Wild-Duck, Yukari being unusually quiet. “H-hey, um…do you remember when those guys stole my wallet, and you came to help me? And still…I just blurted out stuff that made no sense…I was just so angry at myself. D-did it make you mad?”
“No?”
“Really? I’m glad to hear that.”
I wasn’t mad, I know why she’s like that by now.
“I always just blurt out whatever I’m thinking to you.” Yukari chuckled. “I wonder why.”
“Isn’t it because we’re friends?”
Yukari looked shocked at that. “I see…oh…I get it know. That’s how friends are…”
Wasn’t expecting that I see.
“I think there’s a part of me that’s really unsentimental. I always keep thinking of myself as apart from others. To tell you the truth, I don’t care about other people. But at the same time, I didn’t want anyone to get involved with me either…but it’s kinda different with you. I don’t mind how much you try to be my friend. Actually, I look forward to it. I think…deep down, I wanted someone to understand what I was going through. Maybe I wanted someone to be sympathetic and say ‘Oh you poor thing, you’re doing your best.’ Maybe I want someone to try to take special care of me for once…not that I’d let just anyone do it. I’d only want some I like to do that for me.”
Well I hope so. Wonder if she’ll find that someone. I’d actually be rather happy for her for that.
“Y-yikes, I didn’t mean to just start babbling all this embarrassing stuff! At Wuck of all places! C’mon, eat your fries! We’re leaving!”
“B-but! Fries!”
“…but let’s grab some anmitsu before going back.”
“…that’ll work.”
The two had some sweets before heading back, Minako spotting a sixth Lovers card.
“Greetings,” Aigis said.
“The Lost are increasing huh?” Yukari said to Minako. “That makes me think a Shadow is coming. But this’ll be the last one, right? So let’s do our best!”
“The Internet isn’t just for information anymore; it’s become an important tool for communication,” Fuuka said to Minako. “Every day, all around the world, people are making new friends…and keeping in touch with old ones. Please remember that the next time you go online.”
I don’t seem to go online much though.
“Is it just me...or is Akihiko-san different now?” Junpei asked Minako.
“I agree.”
“Instead of getting all depressed when Shinjiro was in critical condition, Akihiko-senpai got stronger. Shinjiro-san was amazing…but so is Akihiko-san now! I can’t wait until I see them fight together again now!”
Shinjiro-san was still taking suppressants. So…I don’t think even if he recovers…
“I received a compliment from Ikutsuki-san the other day,” Ken told Minako. “He told me I was doing well for an elementary school student. That made me really happy.”
And it’s nice to see you happy. Compared to…before.
“We’d like to apologize for the last report, saying that Apathy Syndrome victims had ‘overrun’ the mall. In light of the high number of complaints, the reporter responsible has been suspended.”
Yeaaaaaaah. I thought there was trouble going on when there wasn’t.
My instincts tell me to study tonight for some reason. Minako shrugged and tried her best to relearn the magicians.
10/24 Saturday 10 days until the Full Moon
“Was that Yuka-tan who just came out of the student council room?” Junpei noted to Minako. “I wonder why she was in there. Seems like she as having a bad day.”
“Hmm…”
Minako made Sweet Fries while Fuuka watched and took notes, Paravati brining her closer. “Did you forget about those two who were stuck in Tartarus?”
“How could I not? I know the girl, Maiko.”
“Well, you were spending time with Ken-kun the day after, so I was wondering…”
“Ah yeah.” Minako turned a slight shade of pink at the thought of that.
“It did seem like you two were blushing a lot. Did someth-”
“Nope! Nothing happened! Nothing at all!” Minako hastily checked on her fries while Fuuka tried to hide her giggle.
Koromaru barked happily at Minako. “You want to go out for a walk Koromaru? Alright, just give me a bit.”
“As you know, our next operation will be our last,” Mitsuru informed Minako. “Are you nervous?”
“Of course.”
“I understand. The tension grows day by day…”
“Do you have a reason to fight?” Yukari asked Minako.
“Quite a few now, actually.”
“That’s good. The next battle will be our last. Let’s do our best.”
Annnnnd Junpei is out tonight. Probably at the hospital. Not even annoyed at him. Hopefully I can sleep well tonight.
10/25 Sunday Half Moon
I’m quite fine with my accessories. No thanks Tanaka.
“This might sound weird but I gotta ask. Will my time as a superhero end when we’re done fighting?” Junpei asked.
“I’m afraid so.”
Junpei sighed. “That’s what I thought. Well, that’s fine with me. It won’t change the bond I have with Chidori. I’ll just enjoy being a superhero for as long as it lasts!”
…and now I agree with Maya. Minako smiled to herself.
“So, you are saying we’re heroes?” Yukari asked Junpei.
“Of course! We’re all saving the whole city, aren’t we? Plus, if this next mission goes well, we’ll be undefeated! Now, do you see my point?”
“Well…I guess I never really saw it that way, but I guess I see your point. I guess we better make sure we win the next battle.”
“When Akihiko-san began his running program, I analyzed his time, distance and energy expanded,” Aigis told Minako. “Utilizing the overall results, I prepared an optimal training regimen for him. He was so pleased with my suggestions that he incorporated them into his regimen. I was happy to be of service to him.”
You could stand to look a bit happier about it though.
“This may sound like a strange question, but I have to ask it,” Ken said.
Uh-oh.
“Am I being helpful?”
Whew.
“Yes, you are.”
“Great! I want my mom and Shinjiro-san to be proud of me.”
“One the next episode of Phoenix Ranger Featherman R! Episode 36: Ant-Guy, The Walking Appetite! Did Hawk sneak a peek into the female baths!?”
What a jerk!
“And now the news. Apathy Syndrome continues to spread, causing some to panic…”
“I think I had that ‘Apathy Syndrome’ thing…I took a few days off work. The night shift is getting tough, and trying to talk to the customers wears me out. I want to quit but I can’t…I’ve got a family to support…”
“After that incident, a lot of customers have been going over to that spot to take a peek. Well, I don’t blame them. Who knows? Any of us might be the next victim of gang violence. I’m feeling worried myself.”
Minako glared at the guy.
“Sure kids fight sometime, but it goes too far when someone ends up nearly dead. They make social dramas about this sort of thing but…I never thought it would happen here.”
“That four-eyes who’s always got that attache case, what the hell is in that thing? It better not be dangerous. Man who am I kidding? He’s one of those three. What else could it be?”
“He looks like the calmest dude out of the three of ‘em. Don’t you think? Don’t you think so? Maybe he’s more normal than I’m giving him credit for. Yeah…there probably ain’t anything to worry about in his case.”
I kinda doubt it.
“I’m getting shut out on this case on the Gekkoukan student. There aren’t any eyewitnesses. No one heard so much as a scream. It’s like nothing ever happened. Or at least, no one will admit to knowing anything. They say ‘kids will be kids’ but I think this goes deeper.”
Not like I can say anything.
“Hello Akinari.”
“Hell-” He started but then he fell into a coughing fit. “Sorry,” he panted. “If you…don’t mind…please stay…until I’ve recovered my breath…”
“Of course!”
“Thank you…” Quetzalcotal brought her closer to the Sun. He gasped and wheezed. “I got really into my reading last night and never went to sleep. I thought I’d be fine since I have many nights when I’m unable to sleep because of my illness but…” He coughed. “…I guess my condition won’t improve if I keep taking chances, though.”
“Don’t push yourself!”
“Yes, I suppose I need to apologize. It’s been a long time since anybody raised their voice at me…”
I guess that would be true but still!
“I came all this way because I was hoping to find you…Remember how I was talking about upbeat stories? There are plenty of stories but I don’t think reading them will ever be able to make me feel better…The problem is that all those stories were written for someone else. I guess what I’m saying is selfish.”
A tiny bit but…I can see where you’re coming from.
“I’m being selfish about you, too. You’re always coming to see me, and I take a lot of your time. How much of your valuable time have you used coming to see me? I don’t deserve it. You’re spoiling me, I’m afraid. That’s why I like you though.”
It’s important that you have someone like me. Someone to bring some sort of happiness.
He wheezed and coughed. “Sorry…It seems I used too many words today. I’d like us to be able to speak here again sometime…”
Minako headed back to the dorm, a fifth sun card appearing before her.
“Greetings. The full moon will be here soon. I’m prepared to go to Tartarus at any time.” Koromaru barked. “Koromaru-san seems to be ready as well.”
“Good. TARTARUS TONIGHT!”
Dear Minako
So how’s the looooove thing going?
I just imagine you right now. Your face is all red and hiding the letter right? Don’t worry! Big Sis will keep this a secret!
It did remind me of something. I’m going to see if I can’t visit you during your New Year’s break. I believe we need to chat and that would be a nice time. Who knows? You might even be done with everything involving Shadows! That would be really nice wouldn’t it?
You are strong as they come Minako, even stronger than I. I know you can do this.
- Maya
Dark Hour
“Hey Mina-tan! Lookin good in that outfit!”
“You like?” Minako said, ruffling the skirt of her maid outfit. “I feel it suits me.”
“As long as neither of you two are distracted during battle, it’s fine with me.” Mitsuru said.
Ken just kept blushing.
Floor 147
“Alright let’s try to get across this corner without aggervating the sha-”
“Darn it caught me! Sorry I have to fight!”
“Turn around! Save Ken-kun!”
And a round of Bufu’s from Mitsuru later and he was saved. “Sorry…”
“Don’t worry Amada. It’s not very easy to slip buy a Shadow.”
Floor 149
“There’s someone on this floor. Find them please!”
But Minako was keeping a close eye on Ken, who kept getting in scrapes. “I- I’m fine Minako-san!” He said after she called the team to assist him.
“I’m…just a little worried okay.”
“I’m totally alright though! You don’t have to worry about me.”
“Y-yeah…”
“Aaaa! Sister! Please take me out of here!” Maiko ran into Minako’s.
“Alright Fuuka, let’s go!”
“Oh, that’s a maid outfit! Are you working somewhere?” Maiko asked when they returned.
“Nah. A bit too young to be hotel service.”
“Junpei if you say anything…” Yukari glared at him.
“I wasn’t going to! Mina-tan is too classy for-” He received a swift slap from Yukari.
Floor 147
How dare that Shadow use Ghastly Wail on a terrified Ken! I’ll teach it the meaning of fear! Minako summoned Nebiros and used her own Evil Smile on the group of Shadows…of which everyone else manged to defeat before she used Ghastly Wail.
“You okay Mina-tan?” An aura of someone who could command legions of hell surrounded her. It was enough that even Mitsuru wanted to keep a few steps behind.
Floor 150
“Minako-san, you’re really sticking close to me tonight,” Ken told her.
“It’s extremely dark and I want to be with someone when it’s this dark and we’re splitting up.”
“It is nice to be alone with you…” He smiled up at her. “Though you have been very scary tonight.”
“What? Attemtping to scare all Shadows and shock em to death is scary?”
“A tiny bit. Though I’m not scared!”
“Of course you aren’t Ken-kun.”
Floor 152
“Someone’s there! We have to save him!” Ken shouted to Minako.
“Alright, let’s go home.”
“The shadows…the shadows were always lurking nearby. Please! Don’t get me shadows!” The man shouted.
“Hey mister! You need takoyaki?” Maiko asked. “I feel better after some takoyaki!”
'''10/26 Monday’’’ 8 days until Full Moon
Ms. Toriumi noted Kenji sleeping in class and said he should drink coffee. “Oh hey Minako. Everyone knows that ‘coffee’ is derived from Arabic. Or you should, because I told you that last time, but which of these things is NOT Arabic?”
“Magazines.”
“Too bad…the answer is ‘wristwatch.’ Both ‘sugar’ and ‘magazine’ had their origins in Arabic. However, they are derived from European languages, not directly from Arabic.”
Minako hung out with Akihiko, Nanadi bringing her closer to him.
“Man, the last Shadow is almost on us,” Akihiko chuckled.
“I think my team’s ready. We’ve trained quite a bit up there.”
“Hear you’ve been looking out for Ken. Well, I know he’s strong so he doesn’t really need protection, so don’t try to coddle him.”
“Do I look like a coddler?”
“…yes.”
“No fair. I need extra ramen for that comment.”
“Everyone’s anxiety over Shinjiro-san’s departure has subsided,” Aigis noted. “Everyone seems to be cherishing their lives much more than they ever did before. Shinjiro-san’s departure seems to have helped everyone grow and mature.”
Yeah, it really has.
“There are two ways to prepare for battle,” Akihiko began lecturing. “The first way is to get all stressed out thinking about it. The second way is to turn your nervousness into energy for training. I choose the second one. I’m all about training. The more you train, the stronger you get. The stronger you are, the better your chances of winning.”
GAH! Creepy grin again! Whhy does it seem like Akihiko really hasn’t changed in some ways at all?
“-comedian made an unexpectedly influential comment in a sports magazine. His claim that Apathy Syndrome was foretold by Nostradamus seems to be widely believed now…”
What?! What?!
Minako studied a bit, refreshing on Arabic root-words.
10/27 Tuesday 7 days until Full Moon
Minako overheard the gosspiers mention that Apathy Syndrome is widespread now, even mentioning friends and realtives who have it. And they noted the Nostradamus thing, of which Minako made a disgruntled noise behind them.
“Just standing here, we seem like regular students, huh…” Junpei noted. “No one would ever guess we fight Shadows…”
“Junpei-san seems to sleep a great deal,” Aigis said. “He must be conserving energy so that he is prepared for combat. It is quite an interesting tactic.”
Yeaaaaaaah. Tactic. Let’s go with that.
This is my first time drawing for a relationship fortune. I hope this works.
Minako did indeed feel closer to Ken. Though the fortune was bad luck. And she lost 1,000 yen in the process!
“The number of The Lost didn’t decrease after the last battle,” Fuuka noted. “But were almost done. Peace will return to this city soon. Let’s prepare for the final battle.”
I think we’re nearly…wait…aren’t there usually three rescues?
“SEES will most likely disband after the final battle,” Misturu said to Minako. “I have so many memories of my time in SEES.,.good ones…bad ones…what about you? Did you enjoy your time in SEES?”
“Yeah, I really liked it.”
“I hope you always remember the good times we shared together.”
Uh…are we gonna move to different dorms? That…I don’t want that to happen. I want us to all stay together.
Breathe in. Breathe out. “Uh…want to go out Ken-kun?”
“Oh sure!” Dominion brought Minako closer to the Justice. Just outside the dorm, Ken asked, “Why don’t you choose where to go tonight, Minako-san? Anywhere you want! I’ll pay.”
Hagaku- wait is he trying to pay me back for the meal? Awww, that’s sweet!
A voice called out for Ken. Turns out it was one of his classmates. “What’re you doing?” he asked.
“Uh…nothing! I’m just about to go to dinner…”
“…This your sister?”
“Huh? Oh, n-no!” Ken said angerly.
“Wh-what’re you getting mad at me for!?”
“Because…” Ken was quiet for a bit. “I’m not her younger brother! Minako-san is…She’s my…”
Oh dear. Not certain what to put me as? Better step in.
“We’re friends, right?”
“That’s so weird!” the kid said.
“Wh-what’s so weird!?” Ken yelled at him.
“I mean, she’s way older than you.”
Ken seemed enraged at that. “Sh-shut up! Don’t be ridiculous! Stupid!”
“Your face is stupid! Dumbass! Hag!”
Did he just-!? Why I outta clean his clock!
Ken looked down. “Um, I’m sorry he said that stuff. I’m sorry…”
“…We’ll get him back later,” Minako grumbled.
“…okay.”
And I now realize how silly that seems. Yeesh, violence on a child.
“You and me…we’re nowhere close to each other’s ages. I know that already. That’s a fact that can’t be changed,” He fell silent for a short while. “So…why are you bothering with a kid like me, Minako-san? The guys at the dorm are older than me, and you have lots of friends, right? Then…why me…?”
He’s…utterly serious about this. I think…I think I have to tell him now or I’ll never be able to.
“It’s because I like you.”
He was shocked at that. “Minako-san…Please…don’t tease me. That’s how adults lie, all the time.”
“No! I’m not lying about this! W-would I lie to…to…the person I like?”
“…can I…really believe you? I’m tired of being betrayed.” He was quiet for moment and then, “I…like you too. I like you,” he said blushing. “I know I’m still just a kid, but I’m serious about I feel about you. I really like you…”
He’s hands are trembling. Hah. I’m…I…oh wow. I…can’t even think straight. I…
“Wh-what should I do?” Ken asked. “My heart’s…all pounding. I just can’t believe it...Um…let’s go out to dinner some other time! W-well then!” He ran off somewhere, blushing quite heavily.
Minako returned to the dorm, blushing quite heavily as an eighth Justice card appeared before her.
Dark Hour
“Good evening.”
“It’s a glorious one Pharos.” Minako smiled and snuggled deep in her bed.
“Ah. How very nice. It’ll be another full moon again in just another week. At last, the 12th one. Are your ready? Regardless of how long it’s been, a lot has happened, hasn’t it?”
I have Ken. I am Ken’s. I’m just so happy.
“But it’s a bit soon to be reminiscing. How about I come see you once it’s over? Be careful now.”
Minako: Level 50
Persona
Dominion - Justice - Level 45
Titania – Lovers – Level 51
Nebiros – Hermit – Level 55
Kaiwan – Star – Level 52
Mot – Death – Level 49
Lachesis – Fortune – Level 45
Ose – Fool – Level 44
Kurama Tengu – Hermit – Level 44
Succubus – Devil – Level 43
Saki Mitama – Lovers – Level 39
Social Links
Fool Rank 5
Magician MAX
Priestess Rank 8
Emperor Rank 7
Hiero. MAX
Lovers Rank 6
Chariot Rank 7
Justice Rank 8
Hermit MAX
Strength Rank 5
Hanged Rank 9
Death Rank 8
Temper. Rank 6
Star Rank 6
Moon MAX
Sun Rank 5
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