[IC] Persona - The True Self

[SwordfishKnight]

Noboru Yamamoto-Ferrero Mall

The first few blows struck his mouth, smashing his lips against his teeth, cutting them deep and letting the blood flow freely. He spat it on the ground, making a big puddle of scarlet red on the floor. The leg sweep came next, dropping him to the ground. He caught himself on his hands, putting himself in an upwards pushup position. Before his reaction, the cooling water came splashing onto him, refreshing him and invigorating him to keep fighting.

"Oh that water feels good." He remarked out loud, not knowing why he did. He launched himself towards the girl, tackling her and putting her in a boxer's hug. He brought his fist back, hammering her gut three times before trying to shove her off.

Akari Yamamoto-Ferrero Mall

"Ohohohoho." Were her first words after the fight had started. This was better than she could have imagined. Noboru getting the shit kicked out of him and she got the pleasure to watch it unfold.

Akira spoke to her, and her laughter rang out again. "You don't know the half of it. By the time this fight is done he'll be a pulp on the ground, hopefully more. Maybe he'll get hospitalized and people will feel pity for me, about how bad it is to have a brother in the hospital. It's good to be me."

[Reaper]

Kitsune Inn//26 April//Evening

"That was a bloody waste of time..." Jun sighed under her breath, heading into the dining hall to have her meal now that she was out of her kendo gear. She took a seat and picked at the sushi that was sitting in front her half-heartedly, bored out of her mind. Her father and his 'friends' were in a private hall to discuss business, and Jun was not interested in listening to the different ways Yakuza came up with innuendo for blackmail, murder and extortion.

"Arere? My kouhais are here?" Jun commented to herself, finally noticing the two girls hanging out by themselves. She considered going over to join them, but thought better of it. There wasn't any point in imposing herself on them, especially not when they seemed to be utterly terrified of her. Her badass female deliquent persona only worked in clubs, she supposed. Besides, she was bored to the point that even talking to the pair of them was a chore at this point.

She walked past the two of them on her way out, and signalled to the waitress at the dining hall. "If my father asks for me, I'll be by the river. Is there anywhere I can get fireworks around here?" After getting the appropriate information, Jun proceeded out of the Inn, hoping to find some form of entertainment.

[Sho Minazuki]

Ferrero Mall - Cinemas
27/4/2015 Monday

It looks like they were showing a new movie today. "Persona 3: Falling Down". Persona... Huh... In any case, they were advertising this movie for quite awhile, and it appears to finally be out now. It was the start of Golden Week, so that meant a whole week off. As Rui remembered, some schools didn't do a full week off and instead only had a few days, but likely it was different for other schools, his last one was like that. This one though was more laid back.

Leiko was admitted to hospital too, but she wasn't wounded or anything, they said she should be back while a good amount of Golden Week was left over.

"Thus, nothing much to do today... Hmmmm..."

[Haru Nyan]

Ayano Wakahisa:Kitsune Inn

As Ayano and her cousin watched the heated battle ensue before their very eyes, she couldn't help but feel she was in some sort of fighting video game. The technique and skill Jun displayed in the match made the back of Ayano's mind shiver in fear, this is one girl that you DO NOT want to meet in an alley...As if her cold stare wasn't already a red flag. Then in one swift movement, the Yakuza Girl hit her opponent with nine strikes, it was like a Hyper Combo Finish and her opponent fell. When it was over, Chiaki leaned in close to Ayano, making her groan a bit.

"I must say, this is rather brutal, what do you say we return to our room after this display of brawn and have a quiet relaxing dinner together? I think this is a nice enough show of entertainment, after all, I did come here so I could spend some sisterly time with you... Perhaps we'll run in to Miss Yakuza tomorrow."

"Tell me about it." Ayano was all for the action but that particular move just made her want to avoid the girl all the more. When the mention of dinner came in to their conversation, Ayano smiled lightly and looked at Chiaki with a gleam in her eyes. "That sounds lovely!" The girl didn't even look back at Yakuza Girl once, she just hopes that they'll see her less and less throughout the week. With a new goal set in stone, Ayano followed her cousin to the dinner area.

[Amaterasu]

Shizuka Otonashi || Ferrero Mall, Cinemas || April 27 MON

"That was such a fantastic movie! I can't believe they ended it on such a cliffhanging note, I must see the last movie." Contemplating about the movie out loud was a girl in a short, layered blond wig, a pair of clear blue contact lenses and a simple baby blue dress. Any audience who had watched the previous movie in the series would be aware of who she was currently dressed up as, in fact, a couple of the fellow viewers commented or asked a photo of her. While she knew she should have cosplayed her on an actual convention, the hype for the movie pushed her to do so, at least she was not regretting one bit. Well, not yet anyway.

Upon exiting the theater and wrapping up the friendly, small talks about the movie with the other viewers, Shizuka was deciding on a place in the mall to have her lunch at. At the corner of her 'not actual blue eyes', she caught sight of Rui, the upperclassman who previously dropped by Star Drop Cafe, her work place. Seeing as she was currently in a cosplay get up anyway, she saw no harm in continuing the "Shizu-chan" act with the other student. Waving her hands in an attempt to grab his attention, she called over while approaching Rui.

"Shinichi-senpai! What a coincidence to find you here, were you about to view a film as well? If that were the case, I'd highly recommend you Persona 3: Falling Down!" If he would recognize her out of her previous maid uniform, she did not know but the blonde wouldn't be surprised if he didn't. Cosplay does wonders to disguise one's self after all.

[Leolycan]

Ferrero Mall

27.4.2015

It had been only a few moments since the fight began, and already blood was drawn. It was then that it dawned on Masa that this particular exchange may not end well... Forcing himself from the wall, he'd make his way over to the crowd as he began to push his way forward. It wasn't an easy task, what with everyone now anxiously clinging to each other or caught up in the thrill of the violence. Catching a few stray elbows and shifting bodies, the boy would nearly collapse from it all as his muscles strained. But he'd march on, eventually forcing himself to the front of the pack as he stood before the brawling duo. The male had just attempted to gain the upper-hand as he locked with the girl, throwing a few punches at her form in an attempt to retaliate.

'What the hell am I doing?' Masa thought looking around at the mixture of people who had began to crowd around the exchange. No one else had even made an attempt to stop this, why should he? Shaking his head as he remained still for awhile, merely watching and waiting to see if the situation would defuse itself. That mentality only lasted for so long, swearing under his breath, 'Damn cowards.'

"Yo, morons!" Masahide shouted, his voice nearly inaudible over the cheering and jeering of the crowd around them. Growling angrily, Masa would attempt to raise his voice over that of the crowds, "Yo, morons! Might want to pick a better venue! Unless you plan to beat each other to death in a public spectacle."

[Sho Minazuki]

Ferrero Mall - Cinemas
27/4/2015 Monday

"Oh, Shizu...", or... Was it her? Well, he only recognized her thanks to her voice. She was cosplaying today, like the last time he saw her, he's never really seen her not-cosplaying. In any case, she was dressed as a character from the film.

"Ah yeah, that's why I'm here, I heard the name and...", it was 'Persona'... He scratched his head... He knew exactly what this series was, seeing as he also played the fighting game and so on, but only now for some reason is he realizing... Oh well. It's not important. Fiction and reality, and all that after all...

"Nevermind, it's nothing... I almost didn't recognize you in that costume, it's good. You just finished watching the movie?", he returned his focus back to Shizu.

[I-Am-X]

Akane Hanazawa // Ferrero Mall
Monday, April 27th, 2015
1:35 PM

Her first few hits hit him right in the mouth, she could just feel her fist colliding with his teeth but continued hitting him regardless. Her leg sweep managed to drop him but Unfortunately, he caught himself with his hands, putting him in an odd position. Apparently, going low for her leg sweep helped her avoid a water splash, but paid no mind to where it came from.

After a strange and loud remarked, the boy charged himself at her, tackling her and putting her in some kind of hold. Unable to break free of it, she took 3 punishing blows to the gut. Coughing up blood, she raised her hands, clasping them together, and began delivering axe handle smashes to the back of his head as she tried to use her legs to spring him off.

---

Akira Kirigakure // Ferrero Mall
Monday, April 27th, 2015
Same Time

With a grin, "Heh, what a thoughtful older sister. Well, lessons due need to be learned." With a brief pause, he turned back to the fight before resuming. "It's like watching a monkey in a zoo, with as oblivious as he is. I'd be surprised if he doesn't end up in the hospital afterwards. It'd surely be better the Miura fight the other day, that's for sure." He laughed.

[AcerRo]

Ferrero Mall
Early afternoon

Enough was enough, standing around watching a fight was one thing but this was brutal. There was no need for this kinda brutality. This chick was going to hurt this dude something awful if no one stepped in. One guy had a comment that didn't amount to anything. Yay that guy.

Rikimaru wasn't that guy. For the moment, he was a man of action that was gonna get hurt. He made his mind up to get ther attention and play keep away. Hopefully she'd calm down enough to talk after a few seconds. He doubted it but why not dream?

If he was gonna do it why not go big? This was gonna suck cause well, she was pretty and she can fight. What's not to like about her? Outside of the rage and trying to kill people thing.

Rikimaru first threw what's left of his food at the girl who wants pity. Rikimaru didn't have any pity for her but he was sure the rice he had was a pretty nice substitute. His next target was the Beast Mode Betty. He moved as quickly as he could to get in position for a Superman Punch. It was a great opening maneuver. Especially since he was gonna hit her on the side of her face.

If his first hit stayed true and hit its mark Rikimaru would quickly back away if only to get her away for the poor boy getting shit beat out of him. This didn't account for anyone else joining in on the fight. It was a weak tactical move but it had to be done, he doubted anyone else would be as tough to handle as Beast Mode Betty.

Back away, cover, defend and hope his defense was better than her offense. He was a counter fighter by nature and because of that he not only had to get hit first but he had be tough enough to take the hits. History had shown he was more than able to take them, he jus didn't how hard she was gonna hit.

In the back of mind he had hoped she would come in with a huge bar brawlers punch. They were easy to block and he could fire right off it and get a clean look at her jaw. A punch or elbow with that kinda look would be lights but he was rarely ever that lucky.

[SwordfishKnight]

Noboru Yamamoto-Ferrero Mall-1:35 PM

The blows to the back of his head came quickly, driving Noboru downwards, right into the oncoming knee. crack.

He could feel it inch across his face, the pain of a broken nose. He shoved off, and stepped back. From his nose, blood steadily dripped down his face, forming a stream onto the ground. He shoved back off of her and stepped back, clearing his head and taking a boxers stance. He yelled at the others trying to edge in.

Hey you fucks! This is my fucking fight so back the hell off!"

He grabbed the purple haired lady by her shoulder, swinging her away from the other attempted participant. He ducked in, and his boxing instinct kicked in, swinging into her left, cheek, throwing his other fist into her right cheek, and then brought his other fist back again, for a one two one hit. His feet kept dancing, finally getting his footing and remembering his boxing skills.

Akari Yamamoto-Ferrero Mall-1:35 PM

Ohohoho. This was getting quite bloody. Akira addressed her again, interrupting her fun of watching what she wanted to watch most.

"He's not just some monkey. He'd be able to put most opponents into the hospital for a while, what, with what such a muscle head he is. He'd most likely be able to put you down as well. I'm hoping pretty girl prince over there is just able to handle him well. At the least, she made his face less annoying. But we shall see, will we not?"

[Leolycan]

Ferrero Mall

27.4.2015

'If you wanted a private fight, probably shouldn't have started one in the middle of the mall,' Masa shook his head in what could only be described as a mix of disappointment and disgust. Still, he'd turn away from the combat as he began forcing his way out of the crowd... But not before opening his phone and dialing in a few number. Placing the device to his ear as he exited the masses, he'd be able to take a few steps before someone answered.

"Ferrero Mall Security office, how-" The operator chimed in- her voice cheerful and polite as if oblivious to the antics going on outside her office.

Masahide cut her off mid sentence, "Are you unaware of a brawl going on? Or is it just nap time for the security staff?"

"Excuse me?" The tone in the operator's voice could not have changed more dramatically, now taking on a abrasive and matter of fact tone.

"You've got two kids beating on each other. Might want to send someone out before one of them kills the other." Masa closed his phone abruptly after speaking, pocketing the device with one last glance behind him. Shrugging his shoulders, his focus would shift the mall before him. Having forgotten the reason he had even traveled to the mall in the first place, he was content just to roam. 'Maybe I should go see that movie everyone is talking about? I got that money from the shop owner left over...' Pausing a moment just outside the cinema, he couldn't help but chuckle, 'Man, I really haven't done this in awhile. Killing time isn't one of my strengths it seems,' shaking his head in slight amusement at the thought.

[I-Am-X]

Akane Hanazawa // Ferrero Mall
Monday, April 27th, 2015
1:42 PM

After a few minutes of smashing into the back of his skull, his hold gave way and sent him crashing into her knee, breaking his nose. Wasn't a turn of events she was expecting but she'll take it all the same. With that he shoved off and backed off, finally giving her space as they resumed the fight off their feet. It was then the interlopers made themselves known, one of which thought it was necessary to move in and toss food at her, though she was unaware. Before it was able to connect, however, the boy grabbed her by the shoulder and swung her around, away from the others path and continued his assault.

Assuming a boxer's stance, he threw down hard blows going cheek for cheek. Staggering slightly, she maintained her composure, stepped in and delivered a headbutt to his temple to kill his momentum and followed with an arm toss, slamming the boy to the ground. She then proceeded with a sleeper, intending to choke him out.

---

Akira Kirigakure // Ferrero Mall
Monday, April 27th, 2015
Same Time

"Maybe, Maybe not." he smiled as he continued watching only for his smile turn to a frown when a few people decided to interfere. "Already time for the 7th inning stretch?" Putting his eyes back on the other interloper, he made the boys presence known to Akari. "Looks like we've got a whistle blower." No way she's had enough fun. I wonder what her next move will be. With his usual smile back on his face, he returned to watching.

[SwordfishKnight]

Noboru Yamamoto-Ferrero Mall-1:50 PM

The arms came down and started choking him. They were both getting tired, and Noboru knew that some sort of trouble was bound to come, with evidence of that kid attacking moments before. He put his last bit of strength to free his arm, delivering a lightning blow to her nose, cracking it. He used the moments of stun to shake her off and hop back up. Trying to get back up, he could hear the fabric already tearing. His shirt had been caught on a stray nail in the ground, and had stuck on it, ripping straight off of his body. Oops. He quickly spun around, grabbing the girl, facing the crowd, and taking a bow. While bowing, he took a silent whisper and whispered in her ear.

Listen. Me and you are bound to get in major trouble if we stay here. Play along now if you don't want to have a high profile and be known all around as the girl who got into a brawl in the broad daylight of a mall, got it?

Noboru stood up, and spoke to the crowd.

"And scene. Thank you all for allowing us to test our new little scene for a play we've been practicing, but it seems to need a bit more work, and while I would love to stay and sign atuographs, we need to wash all these special effects off of our clothes and faces, to look even better than we did now. Goodbye fans, hope you enjoyed the show!

Noboru ushered the girl out of the mall, leading her down the route to the hospital. He spoke to her while walking. "Come one, we're both beat the fuck up, we need a bit of medical care to boot. I know you have a broken rib or two, so let's make a truce while we get help. Understood?"

Akari Yamamoto-Ferrero Mall-1:50 PM

Akari let out a near silent cackle. She snapped her phone shut, getting enough recordings and pictures to last a while. This blackmail would work effectively for the longest while, giving her plenty of time to get what she wanted. The fight didn't matter anymore, but this did. It was absolutely delicious.

[Amaterasu]

Shizuka Otonashi || Ferrero Mall, Cinemas || April 27 MON

Blinking, Shizuka wondered where he was going with his previous statement but decided not to ponder on it too long as he pointed out how well her costume was made. With an upward curve adorning her lips, the cosplayer replied in an appreciative tone, "Why, thank you! I had sewn it myself. While my other skills are comparable to an average person, I'm actually confident about my tailoring and make up skills." A pause before her blue eyes sparkled from an idea she thought up, before suggesting said idea to Rui. "If you wish to, senpai, I may customize costumes for you to wear. Having new additions to the cosplay community is always welcome!" Her expression brightened up, just like any other time she would ramble about anything related to her hobbies.

Putting the cosplay topic aside, the male student inquired whether she was done watching the movie. "Actually yes, so I was just on my way out of the cinemas to settle somewhere for lunch. I do hope you'll be able to enjoy it as much as I did!" The blonde bowed her head slightly in a gesture to bid farewell before heading to the exit. Upon reaching the outside of the cinemas, another familiar face was among the crowd, Masa, the other upperclassman Shizuka had just met yesterday. What another coincidence. An arm raised itself instinctively for a wave, "Sa--" before she used the same arm to cover her mouth with her hand immediately after to stop herself from speaking. She had almost forgotten she was currently cosplaying, there was no way the closet otaku was going to have someone, an upperclassman at that, know about her 'looked down upon by society' hobby.

Quick on her feet, Shizuka brisk walked away from the scene to enter the nearest pasta restaurant.

[Fedested]

Gen Itoshi

Monday, 27^th, 2015 – Golden Week

Ferrero Mall

A primeval voice, an instinct passed on by generations and generations of monkeys and men and monkey-men, told Gen that he should move away from the fight between those guy and the girl. Hehe, monkey-men. Wait, were they like sea-monkeys, but with… manliness instead of sea? They were the ancient wielders of the flames of manhood, the sacred defenders of what truly meant to be a man and a monkey. They probably threw their own feces at their enemies too. Would Gen not give anything to meet one of those legendary heroes, to learn their secrets, well, not the ones involving excrement, but the manhood flame – oh, that one, yes – he would be invincible. Invincible!

And yet Gen was not moving. He was very much preoccupied with the monkey-men that he forgot to move. The tall freshman jumped towards the safety of the crowd before punches went flying his way, his reflexes sharper than ever. Fear made people do incredible things, like jumping just at the nick of time, enduring excruciating pain, or even throwing your own fe- Okay, maybe Gen should stop with that. It was unhealthy. Was if he were to say it out loud? That would be his downfall. He already was not the best of students, nor was he the worst. Why did he even try to help? It was recently turning into a bad habit. Actually, it has only been a bad habit, since it made things go from bad to worse. He was not really sure about this particular case, though.

Gen elbowed his way out of the crowd of roaring spectators. Why, oh, why did the mall became a fighting ring today? Why not yesterday, when he was not there? Warakuma was not really this chaotic. Capitalism was to blame, of course. The sudden industrialization and modern malls and the booming of local commerce was making struggles on people’s minds, thus creating scenarios such as that one. Those two were victims of the instant messaging and junk food culture, and the only way to get their frustration out was to fight. Damn capitalism!

”Finally!” Gen exclaimed as he reached the end of the crowd, and leapt out of it victorious. Surprisingly, the crows ended where the cinema began. The two fighters should have sold tickets for their fight, for they were bound to make a fortune. However, there was a problem for Gen. He did not see the black-haired guy [Masa] who happened to be on Gen’s landing spot. Nononono. Why this kept happening?! ”AH! Watch out!” He warned loudly, hoping it would not be too late for the guy to jump out of the way and save his life.

[Leolycan]

Ferrero Mall

27.4.2015

Masa paused for a moment as an unfamiliar blonde called out, seemingly towards him. It struck him as odd, but he merely shrugged his shoulders while she seemed to sneak away out of embarrassment. 'This mall is fully of oddities t-'

"Watch out!" Rung out behind the boy as he rounded mid thought, spotting the clutz from earlier sprawled out in a dive directed right towards him. Though the moment was brief, the panic on the flying boy's face was evident as Masa stepped back. Yet, Masahide's body seemed to have other plans. It was then that the calf muscle on his back leg cramped up, causing him to fall back into a seated position against the tiles- though clear of the landing all the same.

Growling audibly, Masa's eyes narrowed at his 'assailant', "The hell is wrong with you?!" Though thoroughly pissed off, the pain in his leg garnered more attention. Tenderly, Masa began to massage the muscle in the back of his leg, wincing slightly as he attempted to work the pain from his appendage. After a moment, his eyes would lift back to grounded male, "... You alright?" With a grimace, Masa would force himself back to his feet, and offer a hand to the boy. If he hadn't already lifted himself, that is.

[I-Am-X]

Akane Hanazawa // Ferrero Mall
Monday, April 27th, 2015
1:50 PM

Akane couldn't remember the last time she went against someone who was able to match her like this, there probably wasn't one until this scene. But it all didn't matter, the only thought that ran through her mind at the moment was to choke the life out of this brute. Funny, this wasn't like her. She definitely wasn't like this before but now all she wants is to beat him into the ground. The rage made her completely forget how tired she really was nor the fact she didn't pin his arms down at all. That would prove to be a big mistake when he unleashed a lightening quick punch out of nowhere, smashing into her nose with a good crack.

He managed to shake her off and get up but it wasn't easy on him, clearly the signs of all the fatigue and punishment taking hold. Not to mention his little wardrobe malfunction as his shirt tore, killing the whole atmosphere and mood completely. If that wasn't surprising enough, what followed next was even more so. Though she was still quite irritated, given what went on, she came to her senses and decided to go along with him, for now. Right as the boy wrapped up his speech, she concluded it with her own. "We thank you for your time and patience. We still have much to learn." With a bow, she took off with the boy.

---

Akira Kirigakure // Ferrero Mall
Monday, April 27th, 2015
Same Time

"Looks like the show is finally over." The ending was sudden and unexpected but it was interesting nonetheless. Though expecting something else entirely, he was right about her in a way, regarding Akari at least, as she took out her phone and started snapping off pictures. He could only laugh at the sight, more for irony's sake than anything. "What are the odds..." he grinned to himself. "Things are only going to get even more interesting."

---

Akane Hanazawa // On The Streets // En-route to Hospital
Monday, April 27th, 2015
2:00 PM

After having time to clear her head and try to rationalize her actions for the last 20-30 minutes, she stopped bothering to try and continued walking. Hearing him talk again made her want to slug him again, but she took a deep breath and restrained herself, displaying a calm exterior, which was strange considering her actions a bit ago. "We should probably have them check you for brain damage while we're there." she replied half-joking. "A truce for now, but after this I'll beat an apology out of you yet." picking up her pace towards the hospital despite the pain in her ribs, wincing slightly.

[Sho Minazuki]

Ferrero Mall - Cinemas
27/4/2015 Monday

"Cosplay... Hmmm...", certainly sounded fun, actually the prospect was fun enough that he immediately began thinking of what he could cosplay. There were quite a few he could fit, but before his reaction was to be confused with something else, he continued.

"Sounds like a lot of fun, I'd like that", she sewed this herself. That was impressive, considering the choice of character too. In any case...

"And yeah, I'll be watching it soon, I already have my ticket", after that, they bid farewell to one another.

"Cosplay huh...?", he wondered if Kazuki would allow them to wear costumes while in the dungeons...

[SwordfishKnight]

Noboru Yamamoto-Warakuma Hospital April 27th, 2015-2:00 PM

Noboru laughed at the absurdity of her claims.

"Really now. You're gonna beat an apology out of me? Are you sure? Are you gonna be able to catch me is the question. My bet will be no, after the number I did on you. I may be beat up but I still have my legs, and a boxer isn't known for just his strength. And any brain damage is irrelevant when you've been clocked in the head enough times. It stops getting to you too much. Heheh."

Noboru winced as well, but offered to help carry her, despite his own pains. They slowly reached the hospital, and began to have their wounds addressed.

Akari Yamamoto-Ferrero Mall April 27th, 2015-2:00 PM

Akari laughed quite loudly as the two walked off. Her plan had worked perfectly, and she had new things to gl by. She slithered to Akira, giving orders.

"You. Akira. Give me your phone number now. I need you to spread pictures around when I give you the order. We are going to have ourseleves a good time for a good week or so, and it won't grow boring.

[Kissu]

Monday 27th April 2015: Midday

Leiko Hamada: Warakuma Hospital

"But until then... Farewell"

That strange man's gentle, mysterious words faded away from Leiko's conscious as loud, mechanical beeping sounds took its place. Sluggishly, Leiko opened her eyes to white walls and drip stands, with no sight of the majestic velvet room she was just in. She felt a little disappointed that the mystery man had left her with more questions than answers, but more importantly...

She was alive.

An unceremonious squeal escaped her as she flew out the bed, tossing the blanket covering her to the side as she peered out the window. There it was. Her beloved Warakuma.

Her sudden action caught up with the state of her body as she felt her knees buckle slightly from the effort of standing. Perhaps she had been a little too hasty in her excitement, but after the ordeal in the Enchanted Woods, she was just glad she could stand at all.

Of course...what happened there did happen, didn't it? Just thinking about it made it seem beyond belief. Shadows, Personas, that 'other self' of hers...

It couldn't have just been a dream could it?

She began to doubt her experiences for a moment, her face creased into a frown, but then she began to feel her. She didn't really know how, but a warm sensation began to spread across her body, comforting her like a gentle pat on the back. Titania was here, which meant...that all of it had to be real too.

Leiko sat back on the bed, a sigh of relief escaping her as the weight eased the suffering on her legs. There were so many people she wanted to talk to. Rui, her friends at school, Father, Saya...

Saya...

Leiko looked over at her bedside in an attempt to find her phone, but she was promptly thwarted by the excess of cards and flowers that dominated the space. On further inspection they appeared to be from her friends from school, wishing her well in her recovery. It was nice of them, and Leiko couldn't help but feel touched at how much they had considered her.

There was also a fruit basket from Noboru, which appeared a little out of character for the foul-mouthed brawler, but Leiko knew that he and the others still risked their life to save her from that place. She was grateful on that basis alone.

Her mother had written her a pretty stock 'get well soon' (as was typical of her) with a much more interesting footnote. Her father was coming home much earlier than anticipated. Nothing could repress the smile on Leiko's face after that as she returned the card in its place and flopped her head back on the pillow, feeling strangely content after all that had occurred.

She wondered what she would do now. There was no way her life could stay the same, not after everything that happened. Should she just carry on being Leiko Hamada, Drama Club President and Queen of Warakuma High? Or could she be something more than that?

She wanted to talk to someone about this Persona business, and the best person she could speak to was Rui Shinichi, it seemed. But in the meantime, there was nothing more to be done than lie down and rest.

But before that...

Leiko finally found her phone from within her belongings, her fingers quickly dialling the number of her beloved friend.

"H-Hama-chan?"

The brightest smile lit up Leiko's face as she quickly delved into conversation with her best friend.