Part 176: 11/28/09

11/28/09

Elizabeth called me up again this morning, more people are in Tartarus.



Good morning. This is Elizabeth.
I am calling to inform you that another human has strayed into Tartarus.
3 this time, I believe. Please don’t delay in carrying out your rescue.
Goodbye, now.
> The call ended.

Junpei left right after school ended, and Ryoji was a bit worried about him.



I get sad just watching him. I hope he bounces back soon…

I think we all were, to be quite honest.



He was walking quite fast. Perhaps he has not fully recovered from the incident.
I am concerned.

Anyway Mitsuru wanted to go down to Wuck, which she’s never actually been inside.



It’s surprisingly small…
> Mitsuru seems nervous.
Is this your first time?
Well, technically, yes. But, I did pass by here once with Akihiko…
So, I understand that you don’t eat with utensils here.
* sigh * I must admit that I’m not very familiar with fast food etiquette.
I’m glad you’re here with me.
> Mitsuru is forcing a smile.
Is it profitable to sell these items at such a low price…?
I’d be interested to know the average cost per unit…
> Mitsuru seems intrigued.
…Oh, sorry. I was lost in thought again…
I didn’t ask you here just to eat…
I wanted to express my personal thanks to you.
We are all facing a trial, in the true sense of the term.
…And we’ve made it this far because we’ve been blessed with each other.
I admit that I’ve been hard on you, much more so than the others. But I just wanted you to know…
I appreciate your contribution.
> Mitsuru seems to depend on you.
> You feel that you understand her better now.

I mean she’s kind of weird but in a cute way really.



…Oh, I didn’t realize it was so late. When I’m with you, time seems to pass so quickly.
Unfortunately, I have another engagement. This was fun. We should do it again some time.
I apologize for the inconvenience. I’ll see you again later.
> After saying goodbye to Mitsuru, you decided to return to the dorm.

It turns out Mitsuru had to go pick something up at the hospital, which I found out when we all got back to the dorm.

Video- “Junpei”

Watch

> Mitsuru called everyone together once they got home…
Cheer up, Junpei…
Yeah…
So, whaddya want?
This came for you. It’s from the hospital.
> Mitsuru handed something to Junpei…
Is this… Chidori’s sketchbook?
They were going through her items when they found that.
Oh… Um…
……
I know I have to snap outta this, but it’s just so hard…
Cheer up, Junpei…
Yeah…
Hey, Junpei, can I take a look?
You wouldn’t be able to understand her drawings anyways…
……
> Yukari slowly opened the sketchbook…

When I saw what was in the book, I couldn’t even speak. It’s all just… why does all this have to happen to Junpei? What did he do?



Wow, it’s really good…
This is amazing… Who wouldn’t be able to understand it?
……?
> Junpei peeked into the sketchbook…
Huh? Is this…!?
…It’s a detailed portrait of Junpei-san.
The next page… and the next… Every page is devoted to Junpei…
Chidori… * sob *
Junpei…
* whimper *
It’s like she’s telling me to stop moping around…
She must be looking out for you…
Arf!
Hey… Aelita…
I promise to fight to get rid of the Dark Hour.
I’m usually just lookin’ out for number one.
So it’s been hard for me sometimes to accept that you’re our leader, but…
……

It’s just not right for the world to crap all over him as soon as he has something good in his life. I’m just not going to put up with it.



I want you to know… I got nothin’ but faith in your skills.
I’m counting on you too.
Hehe, glad to hear it.
Let’s keep on rocking together… Leader.
> You shook Junpei’s hand firmly…
Junpei…
> Your friends are smiling with tears in their eyes…
> You sense a strong bond with them…

I don’t even care if it’s not possible for me to do anything, that just means I have to try even harder.



Anyway we’re not quite ready to head back to Tartarus, so we’ll have to put off the rescue a night.



I’ll fight, get rid of the Dark Hour, end everything, and live for the both of us…
For the both of… * sob *
Sorry, I don’t think I can do anything today… I’ll be back tomorrow.

I’m sure everyone will be fine as long as we get there before the moon is full again.



Anyway, I’m glad that Junpei-san is himself again.

I think most of the Shadows pretty much ignore normal people.



Newscaster: Yumiko Sasamaki (28) and Tomoyuki Itami (57), both office workers in Minato-ku, and housewife Katsue Sugi (57)…
…have been announced to the media as having been reported missing by their families.
Again, the police seek any information regarding these people, and ask that the public come forth.

Still we do need to hurry, who knows what the full moon might bring to our doorstep.



Those big Shadows might be gone, but whatever Ikutsuki was up to has yet to show itself.



Wait, did that sound strange? Let me try again…
I have confirmed that Junpei-san’s mental state has returned to normal.

Or maybe Strega will show up again, can’t rule that out.



Whatever it is, I’m sure we’ll be ready for it.



Do you understand the reason why she changed her style of sketching so drastically?
Yes, I do.
Good. Don’t forget it.

I mean what can’t we face if we’re together?



I think the same is true for Junpei-kun and Chidori-san.
Chidori-san has passed away, but her bond with Junpei-kun will last forever.