Disclaimer: The intellectual property rights to Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 belong to Atlus and its respective creative directors, as does the light novel series, Suzumiya Haruhi, with Tanigawa Nagaru and Noizi Ito.

Author's Notes: This side project is influenced by L. Lamora's brilliant take on the silent protagonist narrative, "The Game of Champions" and CrimsonLord's "A Demon Among Devils". It goes without saying that it will not reach the lofty heights set by these two authors. An understanding of Persona canon events may be needed. This is a short story, so each scene is a snapshot of Minato's life as a result of Haruhi's presence in this AU.

Kudos to Vandenbz and Sir Godot. They've been an immense help in ironing out the kinks in this story.

Act I – Daffodils in Spring

The Boy - "Ring-a-round the rosie, this evil thing it knows me, ashes... ashes... in which we all drown."

April 6th, 2009 [Tuesday] – Late Night

Iwatodai Station

.

Compulsion.

It draws me here, lingering in the fringes of my subconscious, but I am only peripherally aware of it.

I feel a shallow pang in my chest and massage it absentmindedly. My eyes are trained on the map in my hands, as the rhythmic beats and wailing riffs from the headphones blaring in my ears urge my steps forward.

Then, the clock ticks down and strikes midnight.

My PE-03 P-ATL Audio System stops abruptly, and I no longer have music to keep my mind occupied from the desperate echoing wails and screams that ring out through the night.

The sky turns a sickly shade of green and the irradiated moon becomes my only source of light. It illuminates the streets outside Iwatodai Station and transforms the otherwise immaculate city into a nightmarish landscape befitting any A-grade horror movie setting. Coffins line the streets. Blood pools under my feet. The branches of the trees surrounding me are twisted and gnarled, their imaginary faces snarling at me in contempt. The encroaching darkness plays tricks on my eyes. I've grown accustomed to this, but it is no less unsettling, especially alone.

It takes a few more minutes before I arrive at my location, only to find light streaming out the windows. My surprise is immediately taken over by wariness. This is not possible. Electronics shouldn't work at this hour.

Cautiously, I step in.

The lobby is spacious and tastefully decorated. It is obvious just how well-maintained the furnishings are, judging from the aged relic of a television set that sits in front of me.

"You're late."

A boy leans over on the counter to my left. He has short, messy hair and wears a loose, striped pyjamas that makes him look like an old-fashioned prisoner in those Western films. He places his knuckles over his cheeks and says:

"I've been waiting for you for a while now."

Suddenly, the boy appears before me with a snap of his fingers and gestures to a leather folder on the table. It flips open on its own accord, revealing the document inside.

"Before you go any further, you need to sign your name over there."

A quick glance at it confirms my suspicion: the writing is incomprehensible. My eyes dart back to the boy, seeking an explanation.

The boy picks up on my hesitancy and says, "Don't worry," his voice is gentle and pleasant. "It just states that you will accept responsibility for your actions from now on. Typical contract stuff."

I hesitate still, clenching and unclenching my hand. In the end, I pick up the pen and sign the document with a quick flourish. I hand the leather folder back to the boy.

"Good." He smiles and nods. His baby blue eyes are filled with mirth. "It's true what they say you know, you can't escape time. No one can. It will deliver us all to the same end. You can't plug your ears and cover your eyes forever... Minato."

The lights flicker and fade, and the boy disappears.

I am left standing in the darkness.

Takeba Yukari to Ikutsuki Shuji and Kirijo Mitsuru - "I feel kinda bad. Do I really have to spy on him?"

April 7th, 2009 [Wednesday] – Lunchtime

Gekkoukan High School

.

Yukari smiles at me, though it is strained. "Heh... Sorry about that. Mitsuru-senpai wanted me to pick up some supplies on the way back to the dorm."

My new friend whistles lowly. His name is Iori Junpei. The baseball cap wearing teen had introduced himself and taken the empty seat next to me since break started. Junpei had wiled the time in between Yukari excusing herself and returning by filling me in on the school's status quo. I content myself with listening and asking the occasional question.

"Damn, I know she's smokin' hot and filthy rich and everything, but seriously? Must come with the name, I guess. Doesn't she have like a legion of maids to do her bidding? Since when did you become one?"

Yukari huffs and glares at him. "I'm not, and shut up."

Junpei leans in to me and whispers conspiratorially, "Hey, you live in the same dorm as them, right? Did you..." The teen wiggles his eyebrows suggestively. "C'mon. You're in a position that half the school would kill to be in. You must have done something. Spill."

"Hey! I'm right here, you pig!" Yukari stomps on Junpei's foot.

"Yeowch! Watch where you put that thing, you crazy Amazon!"

I watch their byplay with quiet amusement; their antics seem very well-rehearsed, but I am not stupid enough to tell this to Yukari. Instead, I brush aside Junpei's claims.

Yukari smiles prettily at me. "Thank you, Minato-kun. I'm glad to see Junpei hasn't eroded your brain into mush. He tends to have that effect on the people around him." She turns to Junpei with a scowl. "Buzz off, you lowlife. I don't want you bothering him."

"Hey! I'm just tryin' to be friendly and help the new kid. Ain't that right, Minato-kun?"

I shrug. Junpei's all right.

Although, I show my surprise at the added suffix to my name.

"Ugh, you're so annoying, Junpei, but at least you're doing something nice. Anyway, listen, Minato-kun, I'm meeting with the members from my Archery club after school today, so you have to make your back to the dorm yourself. I know you still have some of your stuff to unpack, so don't be pressured into letting this lowlife drag you around town today."

I placate her with a nod.

Yukari stares at me for a long second. "All right... Later, Minato-kun. Lowlife." She directs a less than healthy glare at Junpei and returns to her seat. There, she strikes up a conversation with a group of girls whose names I didn't quite catch during our class introductions earlier. Occasionally, their attention would peel back to me.

"And that, my dear Minato-kun, is the second of Gekkoukan High School's Holy Trinity. Obviously, you need no further introduction considering you have no problem roping her to come to school with you." Junpei nods sagely. "You're gonna have a big target on your back, dude. She's said no to a lot of guys—a lot of them. They won't like you one bit."

I comment on how close the two of them are, going by the whole routine I just witnessed, and ask whether he speaks from experience.

"Me? Nah, man. Those dudes leave me alone 'cuz they know Yuka-tan isn't my type of gal; neither is Mitsuru-senpai by the way. Annnd~ that actually brings us to the last of our Holy Trinity and whose seat I am unfortunately borrowing. Remember how I said Yukari was popular, well your new table-buddy is... popular-er. I'd advise you to stay away from this little spitfire. Eh, but then again, she'll probably do it for you. She's a serious loner. But man... she reels in guys like Grander Musashi and serves them on their butts like Echizen Ryouma.

"There's a couple of crazy-ass rumours about her during her middle-school days, so the kindest word I can use to describe her is: eccentric. A crazy hot eccentric. Plus... Plus... And seriously, I'm not shitting you, she's a frickin' exhibitionist, man! I'm not surprised she skipped out on class today; the girl does what she feels like. The faculty here tends to ignore all the crazy stuff she does. Then again, I was in the same class as her last year. Her grades are top notch, as is her attendance, and she does have a lot of clubs chasing her signature. Maybe that's why."

Well, that is something. I'm not one to listen to rumours before I actually meet the person, but Junpei's long-winded spiel has certainly coloured my opinion of my new seating partner. I ask for her name.

"Heh. Suzumiya Haruhi. Trust me, Minato. A senpai of mine summed her up in six simple words: 'don't put your dick in crazy'. She'll take it away from you."

The bell rings suddenly, signalling the end of our break.

Junpei smiles. "Hey, you know what? I think this is gonna be a pretty fun year, especially with you around."

Igor to Arisato Minato - "Welcome to the Velvet Room, young master."

April 8th, 2009 [Wednesday] – Irrelevant

Velvet Room

.

My disorientation gives way to idle fascination as I quietly marvel at my surroundings.

I find himself seated in a spacious room draped in blue velvet. Across from me sits a balding, stocky man with a long, pointed nose; not unlike Pinocchio. The man in the sharp suit has his gloved white hands steepled together, and observes me with wide, bloodshot eyes. Flanking him is a tall, Caucasian beauty. The woman has short, silver hair and the most distinct yellow eyes. She wears a prim blue dress that cuts off at her shoulders and matching blue long boots over black leggings. The pleasant smile on her face doesn't waver.

A massive iron gate stands beyond them, forged with intricate mazy patterns, and stretches as tall as my eyes could see. There doesn't appear to be a ceiling at all—just a pitch, black void above us. Beyond the iron gate, there are flashes of bright, white light zooming past. It feels like we are in an elevator ascending upwards.

I take a deep breath.

The last thing I remember is dreaming; running across checkered tiles, chasing the elusive blue butterfly that continually evaded my grasp, then, a blue door opening.

"You're a very collected young man," the man says to me. His voice is unnaturally high-pitched. "I see that the shock has passed and curiosity has reared its ugly head. Let us dispense with the introductions. My name is Igor, and I am the proprietor of the Velvet Room. The woman standing to my left is a resident and my assistant, Elizabeth."

"A pleasure," the woman says as a greeting. Her Japanese has a very distinct accent, and sounds out of place; no more than the man beside her.

I get straight to the point.

Where am I?

"Ah..." Igor's tone is whimsical, saying, "The Velvet Room is a place that exists between dream and reality, mind and matter. A wondrous notion, isn't it? However, this room is only open to those who have signed the contract." Igor directs my attention to the document on the table. "This is your signature, yes?"

I nod.

"Excellent. It has been ages since we've received a visitor, and quite a unique individual at that. Your presence in Iwatodai is not a coincidence, but rather a pre-determined fate. Then again, perhaps it is too soon to judge the man who will shake up the world. Without a doubt, we will look forward to your continued patronage."

My thoughts are jumbled and I blink in amazement. I have always known that I was different, ever since I could remember, but this...? There is too much information to consider, and it hits me all at once. The questions pour out of my mouth without a second thought; about what makes me unique and his mystifying claim about me shaking up the world. I draw a connection and ask whether it is linked with my ability to escape the effects of the mysterious hidden hour.

"A facet of it, yes... though it is not my place to say how your actions will alter the fate of our world, but Hers."

Who?

"I truly am sorry. It is not my place to say."

I blow out a frustrated breath.

"Everything in due course, young master. You are merely a fledgling at the start of his journey. We are here to help sharpen and hone your unique talent. However, I do ask for one thing in return: you must abide by the rules of the contract and assume responsibility for the choices that you make."

I don't find a reason to disagree.

"Excellent. Keep this." Igor slides a key over to me. "That is the key to the Velvet Room. It will allow you passage as and when you so please."

I grip the key, brushing my finger against the ridges on the underside of the metal, and stare into the bloodshot eyes of Igor.

What is the point of all this?

Igor chortles deeply. "Would you believe the fate of our world is in the hands of a mortal, in the given sense, much like yourself? However, she is oblivious to her powers. Imagine having the ability to mould the universe in the palm of your hands and not realising it—not realising what consequences your actions can have unto our world. Imagine having the power to destroy it at a whim and raising it from the ashes. Imagine that. Terrifying, isn't it?"

It takes me a moment to contemplate the question, and a longer one to come up with a reply. I enquire about her whereabouts, whether she's currently in the city, and about my role in this situation I unfortunately find myself in. Is this what I am fated to do? The reason why I was brought here?

Igor smiles cryptically. "It is not my place to say."

I frown and nod in understanding. I have squeezed every possible answer I could from the hunched, stocky man for today. Our Q&A has come to an end without me knowing more than I did before I arrived in this room. The exception, of course, being that there is a God that walks among us mere mortals; a female one at that.

"Do be careful, young master. There is an adage in your world that you should take to heart; about playing with fire and getting burnt."

I take the warning in stride.

"Excellent. Until we meet again..."

Iori Junpei to Arisato Minato - "Careful, dude. The lioness is back and she has got claws."

April 9th, 2009 [Thursday] – Morning

Gekkoukan High School

.

Junpei slaps me on the back as we enter the class fully and scampers off with a grin.

I give Junpei an odd look and walk over to my seat at the back of the class. My seating partner, who has been absent for the past two days, doesn't acknowledge my presence and instead stares out the window. I immediately understand why the girl has garnered plenty of admirers. Haruhi is fair-skinned and petite. Her long brown hair flows down her back and frames her soft face. Add that with the traditional black school uniform of Gekkoukan, she is the quintessential example of a demure Japanese schoolgirl.

I greet her amiably.

Just as I am about to introduce myself, Haruhi cuts me off, "Not interested, and don't you dare call me by my surname again."

Her brusqueness makes me falter. I remain standing in place, dumbfounded.

Her big brown eyes narrow at me. "What part of not interested don't you understand? Stop bothering me," she grumbles and turns back to stare out the window.

Fair enough, I finally say as I take my seat next to her. As I begin preparing for our next lesson, I realise that Haruhi is discreetly observing me. I say my name aloud for the benefit of my seating partner, much to the bemusement of the students around us. From across the room, Junpei laughs out loud.

Haruhi sighs, leaning a hand against her cheek, and resumes her surveillance of the picturesque scenery that overlooks Gekkoukan High School. "Sure, whatever."

Brushing aside the blasé reply from my new seating partner, I'm reminded of Igor's words and frown to myself. I begin to think back to the people I've met since I arrived at Iwatodai and silently contemplate whether these events are truly a coincidence or merely the outcome of the machinations of fate.

I hate this feeling.

Like a cog in a machine, I turn in place.

Sanada Akihiko to S.E.E.S. - "We gotta watch out for this one. It's a doozy all right."

April 9th, 2009 [Thursday] – Dark Hour, Full Moon

Iwatodai Dormitory

.

I stare at the eldritch abomination in front of me and feel a mixture of wonder, morbid fascination and excitement. I do not fear it. Neither do I fear for my life. It has come for me—and me only. I know it deep in my bones.

The aberrant Shadow is a writhing mass of arms and hands that has taken the entire width of the dormitory roof. Its face is a blue mask held aloft, and the empty eye sockets seek me out. I feel something twist in my gut as the mask is tilted to one side, as if the Shadow is curious. I don't understand how, but I know that it is the first of many. The First Shadow, the Magician. There is a certain finesse to its movements despite its ungainly body. Its arms are reared back as it twirls the multitude of knives in its grasp, like a slither of serpents coiled and ready to strike.

Yukari is brushed aside, her efforts valiant but futile, and her gun lies at my feet.

Baby blue eyes peer back in my mind's eye and silently egg me on. Something chips away in my psyche and shatters a barrier.

I am a fool.

I AM THOU...

I reach down for the gun and level the barrel against my temple.

THOU ART I...

I could feel something great within me, a gushing torrent of power desperate to be released. I don't have to dig deep. It is there, waiting for me at the surface of my subconscious. Its slumber is finally over.

FROM THE SEA OF THY SOUL...

The shackles have been removed.

I COME...

My vision of reality blurs as I pull the trigger. The resultant force blows my head back. Then, a sense of euphoria follows, a very intense but fleeting high that floods my core, as the power rushes out. Clarity is soon restored.

I smile as I utter the word:

Per... So... Na...

Takeba Yukari to Arisato Minato - "What you did back there on the roof, you were amazing. But there is something else I have to say, that is, I know about your situation and well, I'm sorta like you..."

April 18th, 2009 [Saturday] – Early Morning

Gekkoukan High School

.

Having spent more than a week in Tatsumi Memorial Hospital, I feel relieved to be back in Gekkoukan despite being discharged with a clean bill of health just last night.

My appearance in the hallway causes a stir among my fellow students. There are plenty of rumours about my week-long absence, some banal and most are over-exaggerations, but the official excuse, courtesy of Mitsuru's far-reaching influence, is that I fell down a flight of stairs back at the dormitory. Now, I am quite well-known around school as a klutz.

I, with Yukari tagging alongside me, meet Junpei on the second floor landing.

"Gah!" Junpei shouts, shielding his face with his arms in mock horror. "The walking dead!"

I smile good-naturedly and shake my head.

Yukari is there to defend me. She whacks Junpei's head. "Shut up," she snaps, scowling fiercely. "Don't tease him."

"Argh! Why do you keep hitting me, you crazy girl?!" Junpei slyly raises his eyebrows. "You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say the two of you are together." He sticks his pinky out and wiggles it in Yukari's face. "Don't think I don't know where you've been going after school for the past week, Yuka-tan."

Yukari blushes and looks away from me. "D-Don't make up false rumours, you lowlife. I was just worried about Minato-kun."

Yukari's concern is welcomed. I can feel a certain kinship with her after what she had shared with me by my hospital bed yesterday—about facing a similar situation and her own struggles. She was also kind enough to mention I had visitors for the past week; my fellow dormmates, Junpei, our homeroom teacher, Toriumi-sensei, and someone I least expected...

"Nah, it's sweet n' stuff. Like that mushy couple crap in the movies where the girlfriend nurses the boyfriend back to—"

I reach up and mirror Yukari's previous action.

"Argh! What the hell, Minato?!"

I motion for the boy to shut up before entering the class fully, before thanking him for visiting me.

"You sure do have a funny way of showing it," Junpei mutters.

"Finally! Thank you, Minato-kun. Glad to know that there's someone else who can keep this lowlife in line," Yukari adds in.

Somehow, despite coming earlier than usual, Haruhi makes it to her seat before me. I wonder just how early she arrives to school every day. The girl doesn't acknowledge me as she stares out the window.

I greet her casually.

"Hey."

I am surprised by her reply, not having expected one in return. I blink at her unwavering, determined stare.

"You're the new transfer student, right?"

Stumbling through an affirmative, I thank her for taking the time to visit me while I was hospitalised. She didn't have to; that was really nice of her.

Haruhi huffs in annoyance. "I didn't visit you because I cared about your health. I was there to conduct research," she explains glibly and leans in closer. "They said you hit your head when you fell down those stairs. Have you experience any abnormalities since you woke up? Noticed anything different while you were in the hospital?"

I say nothing and lean back slightly.

"Are you sure you didn't see anything different? Some alternate dimensions may be incredibly similar and the differences can be minute. Do Zeppelins populate the skies in your reality? They don't here. Maybe your family has been absconded into the other reality to become pod-people?"

I swallow tightly.

No, the last I checked, and I am very sure, my parents are still dead. And no, my world has already developed and progressed to the modern day aircraft, much like the occasional few that fly over our school.

Haruhi falls silent.

"Sorry," she says quietly.

The awkwardness lingers and I regret—very slightly—my blunt choice of words. I clear my throat and ask what makes her so interested in alternate dimensions.

"Don't you find life utterly mundane? Don't you want some excitement? To have something interesting happen to you? To make you feel special and different from everyone else who are content to see out their lives in an almost perpetual Groundhog's Day?"

I tell her that being special is overrated. Besides, I think this to myself, my life is plenty hectic as it is. I could do with the occasional mundane stuff. However, being cooped up in the hospital for a week doesn't count.

Not for the first time, Haruhi seems angry with me. "What do you know?" she says spitefully, her big brown eyes narrowing.

I smile blandly.

Speaking from experience? Quite a bit actually.

Takeba Yukari to Arisato Minato - "Would you believe that it's almost May already? Times flies, doesn't it?"

April 30th, 2009 [Thursday] – After School

Iwatodai Strip Mall

.

I yawn widely.

I'm tired... and not exactly in a great condition. My fatigue is compounded by the fact that I haven't had anything decent to eat for the whole day. That was why I made a quick stop at Octopia for their incredible 'Buy two, get two free' special on their Weird Takoyaki. How weird it actually is remains up in the air...

Last night's incursion into the twisting, winding labyrinth called Tartarus had been taxing on my mind and body. Akihiko's special brand of motivation was hell for all those involved. The boxing enthusiast had even grated on Mitsuru's nerves. Considering that the Kirijo heiress is S.E.E.S.'s navigator and all-around support, Akihiko had frequently interrupted her and stole the special comms unit to urge us on.

Although, we had cleared almost three levels in the span of the hidden hour. The results really did speak for themselves.

Still, I regret my decision to stay awake during Edogawa-sensei's double period lecture about the fascinating origins behind Kabbalah. Knowledge gained? Yes, but at the cost of some much needed sleep. My bloodshot eyes could even mirror Igor's. I am glad, at least, that I haven't committed myself to a club quite yet. By chance, I was able to overhear that some of the athletics teams were recruiting new members. That, and I still have to consider Mitsuru's offer to join the Student Council.

It boggles my mind how she is able to juggle so many activities on her plate. I find it hard enough with our frequent nightly endeavours and have my heart set on just a single extracurricular activity. Rarely do students have the time and devotion to pursue more than one. The exception being Mitsuru, of course.

At that moment, I feel a sudden bout of queasiness, then comes the pain. I absentmindedly massage my chest. It isn't heartburn, that's for sure.

As I pass by the shops lined outside Iwatodai Station, I am surprised to find Haruhi, having just exited a novelty party supply store. She has a bundle of balloons tied around her wrist and is carrying a small shopping bag in her other hand.

Haruhi pauses in place at the entrance to the store. "Oh," she starts lazily. "It's you..."

It has been more than a week since my engaging discussion with the eccentric girl. Somehow, Haruhi had reverted to her usual moody and lonesome self the next day. Our conversations, when she deigns to speak with me, remain curt and shallow.

I immediately ask what she's doing.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" she replies testily.

Well, she isn't planning to stick a whole bunch of balloons to her house and explore the world, is she? Yukari had shown me an animated movie trailer that starts off like this. It involved a cranky old man, a pudgy boy scout and their dog. If my memory serves me right, the movie is due to be released sometime later this year.

"No," she says, scowling. "I'm planning to initiate contact with an alternate dimension." She then storms off with a huff.

I blink.

My nap could wait for another hour.

I tag along beside her quietly and Haruhi doesn't question my presence. Instead, she continues to fiddle with the balloons tied around her wrist. Ten minutes pass by before we finally arrive at Naganaki Shrine, a quaint and isolated haven in the bustling city.

I didn't know that she's religious. I ask whether the balloons are meant as an offering. Rumour has it that the Inari Sushi prayer shrine is able to turn junk items into valuable ones.

"It does that?" Haruhi is surprised for a second, then turns away from Naganaki Shrine and walks towards the playground. "No, I came here to use this." She bends down and scoops up the sand from the jungle-gym pit, then throws it over the cemented tiles. She repeats this process over and over.

"Well, I assumed that you followed me because you want to help. Get to it," Haruhi says.

I shrug. Thankfully, the area is empty save for the two of us and a little girl sitting by herself, nearer to the shrine, but her back is to us. I didn't want to get cautioned for making a mess in a public area.

It doesn't take long for me to wonder aloud as to why we are doing this.

"I'm waiting for a sign," Haruhi explains curtly. "Hey, wait. Stop." She peers at the sand as if she is trying to decipher a puzzle. Suddenly, she stares at the top of the gaudy green jungle-gym and exclaims triumphantly, "It's there!" With the grace of a trained athlete, she hops up to the top within seconds.

"Come up here and help me with this," Haruhi says.

I oblige and join her at the top.

Haruhi produces a thumb drive from the shopping bag and distractedly shoves the bundle of balloons to me. "Here, hold this. Yeah, hold it steady. Now, tie around that. Loop it. No! No! That's the wrong way, you dummy. Honestly! Here, just let me do it! And there... you... go... Done! Now let it go!"

I release the improvised flying object to the sky while Haruhi examines her handiwork with a beaming smile. I can't help but question her about the thumb drive.

"It's first contact, dummy. Of course it has to be something special! A regular old letter won't do the trick, it needs to be concrete like a personalised video message. They need to be able to see my face and hear my voice. Once it reaches the other side, my doppelgänger will receive it and we can start exchanging video messages."

I... nod. I'm not exactly sure how it will reach the other side either.

Haruhi scowls at me like it is the most obvious thing ever. "Duh, the wormhole up there. Stop asking such asinine questions. I thought you were smarter than that, considering that you seem to get every question right in class. You give out that Middle-School Syndrome vibe..."

I don't rise up to the bait and instead train my attention on the balloons as it becomes a speck of colours against the cloudy backdrop of the skies. It finally vanishes from view, and probably a little higher up, the laws of physics would come into effect and explode the little sucker into a million pieces. Then, Haruhi would lose a brand new thumb drive. I don't mention this, of course.

"Why'd you come anyway?" Haruhi asks quietly.

I give her an honest answer. I have no idea why; curiosity, maybe. Plus, I'm dreading the idea of spending the entire afternoon holed up in my room asleep. At this, I suddenly yawn loudly.

Haruhi is visibly struggling not to yawn as well. "Sheesh! Stop doing that! You've been doing that since you came to school and it's so dis..." Her face is scrunched up in mid-yawn. "Distracting!" she finishes angrily.

I apologise and tell her that I had a late night. I was... studying.

"You really need to find a better use of your time instead of studying all the time."

I casually mention my intention to find a club, and about the athletics teams' recruitment drive. I think it will be a good fit, considering my nightly endeavours.

"Don't bother," Haruhi says suddenly. "They're all boring—totally boring. And sports? Really?" She stares at me incredulously. "Nothing says mindless like repeating something over and over again ad nauseam. They're fun in small doses, but... Pass. There's totally nothing interesting in that school. I've seen everything that school has to offer. Even their cultural clubs are worthless. Cooking? Fashion? Music and Arts? Pass." She sighs. "I thought it'd be different when I came to high school; that there'd be a lot more variety compared to middle school, but no..."

So there isn't a club that appeals to her special interests? That sucks.

"Isn't it?! It's totally—" Haruhi stops talking and her eyes go impossibly wide. "That's it..."

Does this mean she plans to—

Her smile is bewitching. "Shut up. I'm a genius." With a total lack of disregard for her safety, she leaps off the jungle gym with a running start and rushes out of the area, her long brown hair trailing behind her. "I'll see you in school tomorrow! You better show up!" she adds threateningly.

I'd bother to wave, but Haruhi doesn't look back and I doubt she would even care. As I make my way down the jungle gym, a little girl with brown hair approaches me.

"Uhm, is that the Takoyaki from that place at Iwatodai Station? Can I have some? I'll be your friend if you do. My name's Maiko! Oohashi Maiko!"

Suzumiya Haruhi to Arisato Minato - "Let's do it! Right here! Right now! Let's..."

May 1st, 2009 [Friday] – Early Morning

Gekkoukan High School

.

Suzumiya Haruhi is smiling.

At me.

This, of course, sends everyone in the massive atrium into an anxious, tittering frenzy. The wide-eyed stares are getting wider with each passing second. I swear that if Haruhi doesn't complete the next sentence soon, the heads of those standing around us will explode. Although, her exhibitionist tag is well-warranted. Still, such an over-active imagination...

Junpei, in particular.

The taller boy grips my shoulders in a vice. "What the hell have you been doing with this girl?!" he hisses. "It?"

"... start our club!" Haruhi finally says.

Junpei's grip loosens. Then, it is soon replaced by Haruhi's. The petite girl ignores the massive cumulative sigh of disappointment/relief and locks onto my wrist tightly, as if she is scared that I might run away. She tugs me along, towards the faculty's office.

"Come on!"

I barely have time to tell a gob-smacked Yukari to go ahead to class first. I can't see Junpei's expression as the boy has already walked off. I ask Haruhi to let go of my wrist, then question how exactly she intends to start a club from scratch. Additionally, since when did it become 'our' club?

"It's easy," Haruhi says, but her expression denotes otherwise. "We'll just ask one of the teachers, then we get a petition or something, sign a form, etcetera, do a recruitment drive, members and stuff," she then continues muttering under her breath unintelligibly. "Anyway, it's 'our' club because you were there when I came up with the idea."

Technically, it was me who gave her the idea.

"Nope! All me!" She clings onto my wrist tighter in response. She has one hell of a grip despite her size. "And you're going to be my second-in-command... until someone better comes along," she mutters that last part too.

I choose to ignore that.

We arrive at the door of the faculty office. Immediately, I can tell just how nervous Haruhi is, judging from her death grip on my wrist. I swear that blood has stopped circulating to my fingers; my digits are turning blue.

Haruhi knocks and it takes a few seconds to hear a muffled 'come in' from the other side. Entering, we bow politely and are immediately greeted by our homeroom teacher, Toriumi-sensei. At the end of the row of desks, I see Mitsuru, who greets me genially with a nod and a small smile, as she converses with Ekoda-sensei, our Classic Literature lecturer.

"Oh? Arisato-kun, Haruhi?" Toriumi says. "Homeroom is about to start in another fifteen minutes. What brings you two here?" She frowns suddenly. "This isn't about your seating arrangements, is it? Haruhi, we've been through this already. I'm not sure how you two managed to pick the same seats at the back three times in a row, but it's finalised. No more changes."

"It's not about that."

Haruhi shoves me in the back none too lightly.

I tell our Homeroom teacher that Haru—we think that the variety of after school activities being offered is limited. I ask about the possibility of us starting a club of our own. Something different to offer the student body so as to broaden their horizons further and... enrich their learning experience.

Toriumi-sensei laughs into her hand. "Cute explanation, Arisato-kun, but club activities are fixed. That is, unless your Student Council President, who happens to be in this room by the way, finds that there is a substantial interest for your club amongst the student body and decides to approve it. Kirijo-san, I assume you've heard all that?"

Mitsuru approaches us. "It was rude of me to eavesdrop. I apologise," she says politely then smiles. "I am glad to see that you have taken such a pro-active role in our student body, Arisato-san. May I enquire as to what activity you two have planned?"

I remain silent and gesture at Haruhi to speak.

"It's a club for the research and discovery of supernatural phenomena," she says confidently without missing a beat. "The intention is to get its members to explore paranormal hotspots throughout the city and engage with these transcendental beings."

Shadows. Personas. Tartarus.

If only Haruhi knew what S.E.E.S. got up to at night...

I find it impressive that Mitsuru is actually considering Haruhi's request. Considering that Ono-sensei, who is seated just opposite Toriumi, snorts derisively upon hearing Haruhi's explanation, my respect for my level-headed senpai has gone up a notch. In response, Toriumi glares at our History lecturer.

"I'm sorry," Mitsuru says, genuinely apologetic; there isn't a trace of sarcasm in her words. "We did a survey amongst the student population last semester, and I'm afraid that there isn't much interest to justify a supernatural/occult club as an official extracurricular activity. You would have to factor in the cost of running such a club, allocating a proper space to hold your activities, and even the safety of your members when you're out in public, especially without supervision. It is incredibly risky."

Haruhi is surprisingly subdued as she takes in the news. I was half-expecting her to put up some kind of argument.

I ask about any alternatives or compromises she could offer us.

Mitsuru looks pensive. "Actually, the both of you could apply for the independent study programme. I understand that you would have to meet a number of criteria first, but researching Japanese folklore and mythology, among others, does qualify you for the programme. Haven't you recently taken up studying this back at the dormitory, Arisato-san?"

I mention that I dabble occasionally.

"A student who is actually keen. Excellent, Arisato. Did you know that folklore is tied in with our history? There is an intrinsic link that exists, just like with our country's second great unifier, Daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi. When he was—"

"That is an excellent idea, Kirijo-san!" Toriumi says loudly over Ono's droning voice. "Both of you are responsible students and I see no reason why you can't qualify. Here, have this." She hands me two sheets of paper. "Just fill in all the applicable blanks and be sure to hand it back to me by the end of the day for approval. Now, run along. I'll see the both of you back in class soon."

Haruhi's mask of indifference remains as we offer our thanks and leave the faculty office.

Out in the hallway, Mitsuru calls out to me, "Arisato-san? I'm presiding over a Student Council meeting after school today. Will you be attending?"

Just as I am about to reply, Haruhi does it for me, "He can't." She holds me by my arm, almost possessively. "We're going to decide which topic we should start our independent study on after lessons today. Sorry," she says, looking almost vindictive.

"That will not present a problem. We hold meetings on Wednesdays and Fridays, and occasionally on Mondays. Perhaps you can find time after Golden Week in between your studies. I feel your presence in our Student Council will be of great benefit to our school, Arisato-san."

"He can't," Haruhi repeats firmly. "In lieu of an extracurricular activity, we intend to maximise the credits we can receive from this programme. I'm sure you understand how important it will be for our university application. We can't afford any distractions."

I wanted to argue with Haruhi, but a sudden bout of light-headedness overcomes me. The sudden pang in my chest returns, sharper than ever before. The pain becomes unbearable. It feels like something is tearing away at the core of my being. Glass shatters, but it comes in an intermittent burst—rough, like it was being forced to break.

I HATH FORSAKEN THOU...

I collapse to my knees and begin hyperventilating. This... This isn't normal. This isn't supposed to happen.

I hear twin cries of my name as Mitsuru rushes to my side. Idly, I feel Mitsuru grab me under my arm and tow me along to the nurse's office. The Kirijo heiress instructs Haruhi to rush ahead and inform Edogawa-sensei about my impending arrival.

"I apologise," Mitsuru says quietly to me, once Haruhi is gone. The worry is evident in her voice. "You are overworked. This is our fault for pushing you—all three of you. I will inform Chairman Ikutsuki. We—"

THOU HATH FORSAKEN I...

I black out.

The Boy to Arisato Minato - "Do I believe in God? Of course! She walks among us! Huh, it's strange how I know all this. I don't think I am supposed to know... Oh, and do be careful because in a week's time your next ordeal awaits you."

May 3rd, 2009 [Sunday] – Morning

Paulownia Mall, Velvet Room Entrance

.

I duck into the small alleyway next to the small police station unnoticed, where I know the door would be. The blue ethereal butterfly that hangs by the entrance reacts to my presence and flutters around me as I enter.

I was given medical leave yesterday after my collapse was deemed to be due to over-exhaustion, according to Mitsuru's team of overqualified physicians. I know it is not exhaustion, but I corroborate the story and feign it. I don't want Mitsuru and Yukari to worry too much and mother me. Still, Mitsuru doesn't want S.E.E.S. to explore Tartarus over the Golden Week period—which disappoints Akihiko greatly—and has rescinded her offer for me to join the Student Council. The Kirijo heiress doesn't want to overtax me, she explained.

During all this, Junpei had looked on with a frown, saying that I was merely trying to extend my vacation time. I am neither blind, nor am I naïve. Junpei is angry at me over some slight, but I do not have the time to argue over petty teenage squabbles.

I know there is something very wrong with me right now. The mysterious boy's cryptic words and subsequent warning last night had left an impression on me. Only a week starting from yesterday. Six days now. I need to discuss this with Igor, whom I find seated opposite me now.

"Yes, quite an intriguing development," Igor says idly after my explanation. "Truly, there is no precedent."

I go on to explain that I can no longer feel the presence of Oberon, the King of Fairies, and Forneus, the sea monster and Great Marquis of Hell, within me. Where there had once been a great well of power, to which I could call forth and summon their strength, now there is nothing there but an empty void. I feel incomplete... like a part of me is missing.

"I can confirm that both Personas no longer rest within the Compendium, Minato-sama," Elizabeth tells him. "I'm afraid that the entire Emperor line has been destroyed." She opens up the Compendium to him and he could see the charred, blackened remains in the spine of the large tome. "It gave me quite a shock when it happened."

Was she hurt?

Elizabeth smiles at me and strokes the tome in her hands. "You are far too kind, Minato-sama. Thankfully, no one was harmed."

Igor beckons for me to listen, "Back to the matter at hand, young master. It seems that the Emperor has turned his back on you. You can no longer count on their strength and they will no longer come to your aid. It goes without saying that any Fusion with the Emperor line will no longer work."

I ask how this could have happened. I can't recall anything about having forsaken the Emperor, something that is fundamentally a part of me.

"The nature of the incident, young master. You mentioned how unnatural the sensation was. It felt forced, didn't it? Perhaps, rather than looking inward, you should peer outward—to those around you."

I voice my suspicions about Junpei. I know our relationship has soured recently. I haven't made a move to address whatever he seems to hold against me, and I have been neglecting to spend time with him.

"No. Think back to my warning about playing with fire and getting burnt. This seems to be a direct result of your actions. This may sound like a moot point, but please do keep in mind of your oath to abide by the contract, young master."

It finally comes to me. The female God?

"Yes. Her."

I run through the list of names out loud.

Takeba Yukari.

Kirijo Mitsuru.

Toriumi Isako. Any one of my other female teachers.

Elizabeth.

Suzumiya Haruhi.

I ask whether is it any one of them. Igor's words have helped me to narrow down the potential candidates. I was burnt, all right, and left bedridden for the rest of the day. It has to be someone I've met. Was she there in the hallway with me?

"It... is not my place to say, young master."

Elizabeth giggles and says, "I am flattered you would think me as a God, Minato-sama, but a God I am not. I can assure you of that."

I frown and rest my elbows against my thighs, leaning in. I begin contemplating my interactions with the women in my life since I came to this city. Have I done anything to slight any of them? Anything at all?

I sigh.

"It would serve you well to remember this, young master. You possess a vast, limitless potential within your psyche, but your strength derives from the bonds you've created with the people around you. What this goes to show is that one of those bonds is now forever out of your reach. A pity... but when one door closes, another opens. Do not allow your regret to linger. Believe in yourself. I trust that soon the Emperor will return to serve alongside its master. For you see... the deck, it will soon reshuffle."

I temper my hope.

So this is all temporary?

"Only time and your actions can prove this to be true."

I ask whether this is connected to the chest pains I get once in a while.

"Perhaps you should consult a physician from your world?" Igor chortles heartily. "It does sound quite serious, doesn't it? A warning perhaps, a sign of things to come much like the one that has come to pass?"

Despite Igor's cryptic words, relief courses through me. So it wasn't just my imagination; it really is connected. I thank Igor and Elizabeth, but tell them that I need more time to think this through.

"Of course. Remember that our door is always open to you."

I nod then close it shut behind me.

Iori Junpei to Arisato Minato - "Eh... nah, dude. You do what you want yourself. I got my own stuff I want to do with what's left of Golden Week. Later, gator."

May 6th, 2009 [Wednesday] – Early Morning

Gekkoukan High School Entrance

.

Junpei doesn't tag along to school with us. I worry, not only for myself because of the repercussions I may end up facing, but what the other teen is so hung up on. Junpei was rarely at the dorm over Golden Week, even at night. It is painfully obvious that he is hell bent on avoiding me, and I am doing everything in my power to keep our friendship intact.

"Boys are so stupid," Yukari tells me. "You guys don't even know what you're fighting about."

I am understandably antsy, not about Junpei, but being around certain girls in general. I don't wish to accidentally offend God, and Yukari is on my list.

"Nuh uh, I'm not taking sides. Don't get me wrong, I want to be on your side, but for the sake of the team, I need to remain neutral. You guys better figure this out by our next visit to Tartarus. We don't need whatever baggage it is that seems to be hanging over you two. It's not a joke, you know. This is our lives we're dealing with here."

I don't need to be reminded twice. Hopefully, Junpei understands this too.

Well, good," Yukari says with finality. "Oh, look who it is, it's little miss dotty, who lives in nonsense-land and is well... pretty much dotty."

My team-mate is referring to Haruhi, whose eagle eyes have just spotted me entering the school. The petite girl is waiting by the entrance to the main building, foot tapping impatiently and arms folded. She glares daggers at me. Mitsuru informed me that Haruhi had stayed by my side at the nurse's office until they had to forcefully separate her when I was evacuated to the hospital. I had been meaning to reach her all this time, but I didn't know where she lived and we still haven't exchanged contact information yet.

On an unrelated note, Yukari tells me that I am now known as the most fragile thing in Gekkoukan High School; even more fragile than glass. Apparently, I could rival some girl named Yamagishi Fuuka who is in our year. I have that going for me at least. Half the school thinks that my latest incident was caused by a gust of wind that came in through an open window.

"Honestly, Minato-kun? I can't see why you're friends with her. Half of what she says is absolutely batty."

To an ordinary person maybe, but not to us, considering what we've seen during the Dark Hour, what Haruhi says sounds mundane in comparison and not all that unbelievable. I raise my eyebrow at Yukari and question why she doesn't believe in parallel dimensions. There could be several of them, in fact. Who knows, in one of those realities, I could be a girl.

Yukari scoffs. "Yeah, right... It has nothing to do with the fact that she's cute and popular with the boys?"

I shake my head. From the beginning, my intentions have been pure. Haruhi just looks like she could use a friend, and I don't mind being one for her.

"Don't give me that look, Minato-kun. I tried. Forgive a girl when she draws a line at being called a 'boring and uninteresting human' when she tries to be nice and make friends. Trust me, Suzumiya wouldn't be so moody all the time if she was nice to people once in a while."

I admit that Haruhi can be quite cold initially. Even now, to be honest. I still doesn't know her all that well.

We arrive within hearing distance of Haruhi.

"My point exactly, Minato-kun. I'll see you back at the dorm in the evening. I'm having Archery practice after school today." Yukari leaves me to Haruhi, but waves politely at the other girl.

Haruhi nods distractedly at Yukari, but her glare remains on me.

"You couldn't call?"

I don't have her number.

"You couldn't come to my house and find me?"

I don't know where she lives.

Haruhi huffs angrily. "You could have tried and done something."

I explain to her that I did. I waited around Iwatodai Strip Mall just in case she showed up, and spent the whole afternoon in a book store getting to know the two elderly owners, Kitamura Bunkichi and Mitsuko. They were very nice people. I plan to visit them again sometime soon.

Her frown deepens. It is obvious that she can't fault me for this.

I tell her that I'm fine by the way, and thank her for sticking with me until I was evacuated to the hospital. That was really nice of her.

"I didn't do it because I cared about your health," Haruhi says angrily. "It was prime research material. I didn't want them to take you away just when you were about to show signs of sliding into another dimension."

I've already heard this line of reasoning before so I casually brush it aside. I switch topics instead, and ask her about what research she's chosen for her independent study. Mine has been narrowed down to a few choices, but I haven't really decided on one yet.

Haruhi gives me a queer look. "I already picked one for the both of us. Toriumi-sensei already approved it when you were on medical leave last Saturday. What's with that look?"

Don't I get a say in this?

"You could have if you called me or something! So this is your fault!" Haruhi sticks her hand out. "Just give me your cell already. I'll give you my number."

I do so begrudgingly.

"Ugh, this O.S. sucks. How do you even get anything done when your menu's all cluttered up with so many stupid apps? That Student Council President friend of yours really ticks me off by the way. Where does she get the nerve to..." Haruhi continues muttering angrily under her breath as she swipes away at my phone. "There! You don't get to throw around that excuse anymore!"

I defend myself, saying that it's not an excuse.

"It totally is!" she rebuts angrily. "And you better not have anything after school today. We need to go to the school library and get started on our research. We've already wasted so much time, especially after you fainted last Friday."

I take umbrage at this. I didn't faint, I was knocked unconscious.

"By what? A weak gust of wind?"

There is dignity in being the better man and not succumbing to insults, so I remain quiet.

"Face it, bean sprout, you're thinner than I am."

My resilience wavers.

Sanada Akihiko to S.E.E.S. - "I don't give a shit. Whatever this thing is between the two of you, either sort it out now or leave it aside so that it doesn't fuck up your game. Lives are at stake here, and not just Yukari's, who is your goddamn team-mate. If we fail to stop this Shadow, innocent people will die. The entire city is counting on all of us because we're the only thing standing in its way."

May 9th, 2009 [Saturday] – Dark Hour, Full Moon

Iwatodai Monorail Tracks, Train Carriage

.

I took Akihiko's warning in stride because I understand the gravity of the situation, but Junpei saw it as an opportunity to undermine my 'authority'.

I thin my lips into a line.

My next ordeal awaits me at the end of this train, just like the mysterious boy foretold. I do not know how I happened to come across this information, but I know the Second Shadow, Priestess, has come for me. However, it has not turned out the way I expect it to. Instead, I have to confront both the aberrant Shadow and Junpei.

"Boys," Yukari mutters angrily.

Mitsuru's tone of voice is stern but professional, "Get him back. Now."

I sign out with an affirmative. This won't be a problem. I'd get Junpei back through hell and high water, and knock some sense into that boy's addled brain.

Iori Junpei to Arisato Minato - "C'mon, man. You really want me to say it? Fine... In a world where I finally get to feel special, I'm bested by a guy who can summon so many powerful Personas like he's changing hats. You keep getting all the attention, even at school, and I'm being shunted off to the side like a joke. I don't even know why chicks dig you so much, man. You're so skinny. Yeowch! H-Hey, I was kidding. But seriously though? Sorry I was being such a butthole. Friends?"

May 10th, 2009 [Sunday] – Morning

Iwatodai Dormitory

.

A groan escapes my lips.

"—up!"

Someone is shouting from the other side of my door. I know that voice. In fact, I've come to dread hearing it. How does she know where the dorm, or even where my room is? I've never mentioned it to her before.

"Oi! Wake up!"

I slowly get up from the bed with a yawn. After defeating the Second Shadow and resolving our 'manly' issues—as Junpei calls it—our team had to stick around until three in the morning to secure the area. Apparently, it was a dangerous precedent. Shadows shouldn't be able to influence electronics like this one had with the monorail. We didn't have to do it alone as a slew of agents with matching black suits and slacks from the Kirijo Group reported to the scene, looking imposing and decidedly shady. Understandably, by the time we returned to our dorm, everyone was tired.

That was less than five hours ago. Which is why an irritable Junpei suddenly shouts:

"Goddamnit! Get the fuck up before I bust that door down and kill you with it! So help me God! So help me, Minato!"

Haruhi, of course, decides to chime in. "Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!" she shouts, pounding on the door with each declaration.

I open the door and am immediately assaulted by an irate Haruhi, who begins to shake me like a ragdoll. I see Junpei, hatless, for the first time, poking his head out through the opening of his door. He glares at me sleepily then shuts the door behind him. His trial is complete, now he gets to sleep.

How lucky...

"Took you long enough," Haruhi says tersely.

I know for a fact that we aren't supposed to meet up until later today, in the afternoon. So what's she doing here? And how did she get in?

"Oh, that was me," Akihiko supplies helpfully. His voice is muffled as he says it around the opening of his water bottle. Somehow, the white-haired teen is wide awake and perspiring from head to toe. He has noticeable stains on the front of his sweatshirt. "I was out doing my rounds when I found her sitting on the curb outside. She wanted to see you, so I let her in."

I wonder aloud about what I may have done to offend my white-haired upperclassman.

Akihiko just shrugs. "Thought it'd be fun."

Haruhi scowls. "Just get dressed already! Didn't you see the message I sent you last night? We were supposed to meet an hour ago and you didn't show up! I even had to come find you!"

"Minato-kun..."

I hear Yukari groggily call out my name. I find her seated, arms wrapped around her knees, on the stairs in between the second and third floor landing. Yukari is dressed comfortably in a long-sleeved shirt and baggy pants, and is resting her head, tilted to one side, in her arms. Beside her, Mitsuru is calmly sipping tea, wearing only a bathrobe.

"For the sake of everyone's sanity," she continues sleepily. "I ask that you leave this place and never return. Suzumiya-san, please do what you will with him for the rest of the day."

I return Yukari's squinted-eye glare.

"Go away, Minato-kun."

Haruhi harrumphs then asks, "Why do you look so tired all the time?!"

I was... playing an old MMORPG. Well, it wasn't technically a lie I did log in yesterday evening, but Maya wasn't online.

"You probably wouldn't feel so tired all the time if you did some exercise," Akihiko pipes up. "Apart from what you normally do, I mean. I could help you with that. I can start planning a proper fitness regime for you. Besides, I need to start catching up on my own training and build up my strength. Then, you can tag along with me to our boxing club sometime next week; not as a member or anything, just to use the facilities. None of the guys there will mind."

Judging from the way Haruhi is looking at me, I can sense how displeased she is with this idea. I put aside the question of why she seems to dislike me spending time with other people and keep it to myself for the time being.

Instead, I tell Akihiko that I'll think about it.

"That's a yes to me, Minato," Akihiko says with a smile. Then, he turns towards Mitsuru nervously. "We're just gonna do some light training, you know. Kid's stuff."

Mitsuru shrugs, lips twitching upwards. "Très bien. As long as you two don't overdo it, Akihiko."

My new trainer looks pleased. "Oh... Awesome," he says then regards Haruhi. "Look, I know he has his independent study thing with you, but trust me, this won't interfere with that. Sometimes, our practice runs until late at night. He can come after you guys are done."

"Ugh, fine! It's not like I care what he does during his spare time. He can do whatever he wants. Just hurry up already. You already have me waiting for an hour, so you owe me!" Haruhi says with a scowl.

I don't have the nerve to tell the irate girl standing in front of me to relax, but I was able to get everyone else to return to their rooms in peace and persuade Haruhi to wait by the common area near the stairs. For some reason, she is adamant about wanting to wait for me inside my room. She says she doesn't want me to suddenly fall asleep again.

I shoo her away and begrudgingly promise her a treat later. Safe within the confines of my room, I search for my phone for this message Haruhi supposedly sent yesterday night. I finally find it. It is unread.

S. Haruhi: Im changing the time. Were going to meet earlier at 8 at the mall dun be late!

It isn't her message that draws my attention, but the time-stamp.

23:59.

This is just a coincidence, right?

Iori Junpei to Arisato Minato - "Man, why do you let her boss you around so much? Grow a spine, fight back! Don't let Akihiko-senpai's training be for nothin'. Teach yo' woman who wears the pants in your relationship! Or else I'm going to have yo revoke your man card privileges. Oh, unless you're in that kinky dominating stuff, which is fine. We're friends, dude. I accept you for who you—argh!"

May 30th, 2009 [Saturday] – After School

Gekkoukan High School

.

"Hey, did you hear about what... school this morning?"

"Oh, it's about that girl... name? That second-year... as us... heard it was... lying... school gate... got hospitalised... Scary, huh?"

I could only catch snippets of their conversation before the two gossiping girls leave my aisle. I wonder what that was all about. Then again, knowing the exaggerations that pass off as a rumour in this school... Probably nothing.

Haruhi is in the aisle just to my left, humming a weird, and possibly intentional, off-key tune, as she skims the shelves. It is a miracle at all that we are allowed to return to the school's library after that incident. Somehow, a concession was reached. We could come in and borrow whatever books we need for our research, as long as we don't stay in the library.

Because of this, our meeting place tends to vary this past week; from the roof, different classrooms, the atrium, the school garden where the persimmon tree rests, the track behind the second building, the auditorium, and once, Haruhi even commandeered the Photography Club's room. Coincidentally, that was when I met Hiraga Keisuke, whom I still meet up with. My last meeting with Keisuke ended with the bespectacled boy begging me to ask Haruhi to return their DSLR camera, which she won in a bet; she had been savvy enough to pick the best one.

However, despite the long hours we've spent together, I am no closer to deciphering the mystery that is Suzumiya Haruhi. Or if there even is a mystery to decipher. The text message was a very big coincidence, but I was getting no help at all from the residents of the Velvet Room. Igor remains tight-lipped, and Elizabeth finds my quest amusing.

So my suspicion remains, but I could easily end up being wrong. Despite what Igor has told me, I find it extremely hard to envision any of the women in my life being God. Logic... well, logic went out the window ages ago, but still... God? That's a bit too far-fetched, isn't it?

"Oi," Haruhi says lazily. "Are you done yet?"

I reply with an affirmative, and peek at her through the small slit in between the shelves, showing her the book I have in my hand.

Our independent study has been going quite well, despite Haruhi labelling it as meaningless. It has been almost a month since we've started, and despite spending most of our time wandering the city under the guise of searching for temporal distortions, we are close to finishing the final assignment for our research into... time travel. While the bulk of our research was done online, I felt it was prudent to have a dissenting opinion with some credibility, which brought us here. Sadly, I could only find one that's somewhat relevant.

While time travel isn't in the list of approved topics, Haruhi had been able to talk Toriumi-sensei down and rope the eccentric Edogawa-sensei into supervising our assignments. Of course, us being high school students, we are given concessions and leeways, especially for undertaking such an extreme topic. Apparently, Haruhi wants to research the field of astrobiology next to prove that extraterrestrial life exists.

Our 'Integrated Learning' lecturer sounded ecstatic when she told him.

Two peas in a pod.

"Right, let's go finish this thing!" she says loudly, not caring at all that we are in a library.

At the counter, the hawk-eyed middle-aged librarian immediately glares at us. I feel aggrieved, but to be fair, I had been a party to the woman losing her—

I feel a tap on my shoulder. "Oh hey, Arisato-kun. Fancy seeing you here, huh?" Nishiwaki Yuko says.

I smile and ask what brings her here.

"Nah, just finishing up my homework before practice starts. Are you here for your research thing? Oh, hi! I'm Yuko by the way. You must be Suzumiya-san. Arisato-kun has told me a lot about you. You're his research partner, right?"

Haruhi glares between the two of us suspiciously. "What's he been saying?"

"Uhm, that you were nice?"

I patiently explain to Haruhi how Akihiko introduced me to Yuko, who is the Kendo team manager, and her friend, Kazushi, one of the players on the team, and how they are helping me out here at school as a favour to the white-haired upperclassman.

Haruhi is already bored by the end of my short explanation. "Oh, right. That."

"Yeah," Yuko says quickly. "I'll see you down at the auditorium later, Arisato-kun. Uhm bye, Suzumiya-san."

"So... how's all that working out for you?" Haruhi asks, her expression sour.

I explain that it's going well. Tiring, but all right.

Not to mention that Akihiko is putting me through my paces in between our incursions into Tartarus. Mitsuru still hasn't allowed him to participate quite yet, and he seems to have no problems working out his frustrations on me. Even if Akihiko allows me to practise with a wooden sword during our sparring sessions, he is still physically stronger and faster than I am; the advantage is moot. Plus, he's an undefeated boxing champion in our region, and is on course to go to Nationals, while I'm...

"Well, I suppose that's better than being a bean sprout forever."

That.

That's the dream, I tell her wryly.

The Boy to Arisato Minato - "No... I won't tell you who she is. You really are persistent. You should just let the sleeping God lie. Nothing good will come out of it. Besides, your next ordeal awaits you in a few days' time. I wonder whether you can overcome this one as well."

June 8th, 2009 [Monday] – Dark Hour, Full Moon

Tartarus Entrance

.

The battle is a fast and furious affair.

This ordeal is different. The boy throws a curve ball at me when I was expecting another fast ball, and I am unprepared for it. I swing and it misses. Two have come for me, the Third and Fourth concurrently; the Empress, a stocky, pot-bellied metallic entity, and her counterpart, the Emperor, a tall would-be knight. The metallic duo work well in tandem, and this new ability of theirs is causing havoc amongst our ranks; Fuuka is doing her level best from the sidelines to not let them overwhelm us.

It is unlike anything we have ever seen.

The pot-bellied monstrosity looms over me just as I avoid the tremendous swing of her counterpart's deceptively small sword. It cleaves the ground where I was standing previously apart, spider-web fissures spreading around the area impact.

Appearances, it deceives thy eyes.

"Get away, Minato!" Akihiko screams.

I can't, not in time anyway. The Empress raises her sceptre and a thick, blinding haze of white descends, whirring with intensity, and bears down upon me. I shield myself, but even I know it wouldn't do much.

Surprisingly, the attack doesn't reach me.

I hear a pained scream. It is Akihiko. His massive Persona, Polydeuces the Immortal, faithfully stands by his side as they intercept the attack meant for me. Their resistance doesn't last long, and they are blown backwards forcefully. Polydeuces breaks apart and vanishes in the familiar glint of ethereal blue. Mitsuru rushes to his side, her own Persona in tow, but Akihiko remains down. The Empress rounds on me again, and Junpei can do nothing to stall the Emperor from doing the same.

Everyone starts shouting; to retreat, to help Akihiko, for these two Shadows to go fuck themselves; screams of anger, despair and confusion follow.

My mind is a jumbled mess.

Unconsciously, my eyes drift towards the door that stands just beyond these two Shadows. The door opens suddenly, and a pair of enchanting yellow eyes stare back at me. Elizabeth smiles daintily and puts a gloved finger to her lips. She nudges the door wider and not a single person takes notice of her presence, standing just beyond the threshold to the Velvet Room. The silver-haired woman takes hold of the Compendium and opens it. She points to a particular page.

Then, Elizabeth winks at me.

I finally understand. The voice was lost in the chaos that assaulted my senses. It grows stronger as I search for it, and when I do find it, I take hold and pull sharply.

FROM THE SEA OF THY SOUL...

It acts as a release. Like an opened valve, the sudden rush of power that consumes me is intoxicating. Power. People crave and gravitate towards it. It is the natural order of our world, and the only thing that could bring giants down to their knees. I feel like I could do exactly that; I feel more complete, more at ease, like a part of me has...

I HATH RETURNED...

My thoughts exactly.

I stand and rest the barrel of the evoker against my temple. If these two Shadows think that they have come to claim me, they need to think again. My new-found power tinges my perception of the world in a blurry, disorienting haze. It can wait no longer. It begs for release. When I pull the trigger, lightning shoots up and crackles in my veins. My fingers struggle to steady the short sword in my other hand. It is not because of fear or nervousness, but... excitement.

Persona.

I summon a deity, and Take-Mikazuchi, the god of Thunder, appears before me in a sudden flash of lightning. The god has reddish-bronze skin and is clad in a simple white ceremonial robe. It plunges its golden, gleaming sword into the ground before me and kneels in deference. As the two aberrant Shadows swoop in a pincer movement and surround me, Take-Mikazuchi looks up, its unsettling yellow eyes boring into mine. It cannot speak, but I know what it wants to ask.

Your orders, my lord?

My Emperor has returned.

Side Note: I need to mention that I am not an authority on either series, so please be mindful and note that I may make mistakes and present baseless assumptions that go against canon.

Characterisation - This version of Haruhi is heavily based on an 'alternate timeline' Haruhi who has had no supernatural contact in her life or met someone willing to put up with her shenanigans. Understandably, this makes her more jaded and willing to accept the reality of the world she is in, which explains some of the decisions she makes and will make during the course of this story.