MegaTen Demonologist: P3P (Female) #1 - No! Don't do it!

Yo! This is the start of one of two Let's Plays of the portable version of the game that put the Persona series on the map, in the states at least, Persona 3! This one stars the female protagonist, aka Kotone Shiomi or... (As Shimohi likes to refer to her.) ...Hinako Arisato. (And that first one comes from the Stage Plays.) (Wait! Are you STILL going to rename the protagonist "Shimohi Kagami"!?) Why not, it's not like there's anything in the name "Shimohi" that implies that it's exclusively a male name. Right? (*sigh*)

Warining: This game is rated M for Mature for containing Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, and Violence.
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'> Welcome to the world of P3P. In this game, you can select the gender of the main character. The course of the game will change based on the main character's gender. By choosing a male main character, you will be able to play a version very close to the original P3. This is recommended for new players who have yet to experience P3.'
I may not be new to this, but I'm still doing both. It's just that I'm going with the male main character in the other line of posts.

'> The female main character added to this game is not just for female players...'
Thank goodness. There's nothing wrong with playing a character of the opposite gender.

'> She is also for veterans of P3 and P3 FES who want a new perspective.'
Yeah, there's that too.

'> Now, please choose a gender.'

-Male-
-Female-
Female, if you want to see the male version, check the other line of posts!

'> Begin the story as the female main character?'

-Yes-
-No-
Of course, now let's get the proverbial show on the road!

'> Next, choose a difficulty setting.'
Oh, right, that...

'> Your choice will not influence the storyline. Choose a difficulty level that fits your comfort level.'

-Beginner-
'For players not used to RPGs. This mode is balanced for ease of play. It allows you to restart up to 30 time when you fall in battle.'
-Easy-
'For players without time to devote to battle tactics. Battles are less difficult than Normal mode and you may restart up to ten times.'
-Normal-
'For experienced gamers. You will be able to enjoy the tension of the original P3.'
-Hard-
'For advanced players who are used to devising their own tactics. Battles are more difficult than in Normal mode.'
-Maniac-
'This, the most difficult mode, is for highly advanced players. Battles are much more difficult than in Hard Mode, and nothing is carried over from one playthrough to the next.'
Yeah...I'm going with Normal Mode.

'> You will not be able to change the difficulty after this. Proceed in Normal mode?'

-Yes-
-No-
Of course, now can we get the show on the road!?

'> Now, please enjoy the game.'
The usual "This game is a work of fiction..." Yada-yada-yada...

'> Terminal station, evening... The station entrance is buzzing with activity... Meanwhile, elsewhere...'

Female Student: *gasp* *gasp* I just... put it to my head... And pull the trigger... No chickening out...

> The Female Student puts, what looks like the business end of a gun to her forehead. But then...

Female Student: No... I can't!

'> Inside the New City passenger train "Anehazuru"...'

Train Conductor: Due to a malfunction in the switching system, today's rail schedule has been greatly altered.
[sarcasm] Great, just great... [/sarcasm]

Train Conductor: We apologize to any customers who were in a hurry. The next stop is Iwadodai...
That's my stop... Wait, what's with this blue butterfly I'm suddenly seeing?

Train Conductor: Iwatodai.
There's a name floating at the edge of my mind... "Philemon"...?

Train Anouncement: This is the final train bound for Tatsumi Port Island. Please take care to board before our departure.

'> You arrived late...'
Of course, stupid distraction by sudden blue butterfly...

'> It's almost midnight...'
Indeed, I'm feeling rather tired... It is late at night after all.

> Everything electronic suddenly shuts down.

Heroine: ......?

'> Something about the atmosphere seems odd...'
[sarcasm] Maybe it's because I suddenly have creeper vision... [/sarcasm]

'> ......It would probably be best to hurry to the dorm...'
Let's see... Ah! Here's that admission pamphlet about where the dorm's located...

'> As you walk from the station... You notice coffin-like objects lining the deserted city...'
HOLY CRAP! What're all these coffins doing here!?

'> It's an eerily gigantic moon...'
Yeah, I noticed that... Later...

'> Gekkoukan High School, Iwatodai dorm...'
Well, here's the place, I think...

'> This is the dorm mentioned in your admission pamphlet.'
'4/6 M Evening Next: 3 / [waxing gibbous moon]'

Boy's Voice: Welcome.
Whoa!

Unknown Boy: You're late. I've been waiting a long time.
Dude, that's really creepy...

'> An unknown boy is holding a piece of paper out to you...'

Unkown Boy: If you want to proceed, the please sign here. It's a contract.
Well... In this case, you must be the youngest dorm manager ever...

Unknown Boy: There's no need to be scared.
Is there a reason that I should be?

Unknonw Boy: It only binds you to accepting full responsibility for your actions.

'> Something is written on the paper he's holding out to you. "I chooseth this fate of mine own free will." Below is a blank to sign your name...'
This is...the weirdest dorm admission form I've ever read... Let's see here... S...h...i...m...o...h...i...space, K...a...g...a...m...i. Shimohi Kagami! 

'> Proceed?'

-Yes-
-No-
Well, that is my name...

Unknown Boy: ...Very well. Time is something no one can escape. It delivers us all to the same end. Wishing won't make it go away.
Yeah, yeah. Death and taxes and all that...

Unknown Boy: And so it begins...
Wait, what?

'> The unknown boy disappeared, as if melting into the darkness...'
Okay... Maybe going to school here won't be nearly as boring as I thought...

Unknown Girl: ...Who's there!? How can you be... But it's...! Don't tell me...
Uh... What's going on here...?

'> The girl is holding something that looks like a gun...'
Whoa! Hold it! *puts hands up* I'm unarmed! Don't shoot me!

Other Girl: Wait!
First Girl: ......! The lights...
Yeah, they're back...

Other Girl: I didn't think you'd arrive so late.
If you want to blame something, blame the railway schedule.

Other Girl: My name is Mitsuru Kirijo. I'm one of the students who live in this dorm.
First Girl: ...Who's she?
Mitsuru Kirijo: She's a transfer student. It was a last minute decision to assign her here. She'll eventually be moved to a room in the normal dorm.
Ah, I see...

First Girl: ...Is it okay for her to be here?
Wait, is this some kind of special dorm?

Mitsuru: I guess we'll see...
*sigh* Someone in administration must've screwed up...

Mitsuru: This is Yukari Takeba. She'll be a junior this spring, just like you.
Yukari Takeba: Hi, I'm Yukari.

-"Nice to meet you."-
-"Why do you have a gun?"-
-"Isn't this a normal dorm?"-
Well, I am wondering that, but social niceties before that... Nice to meet you. *bows*

Yukari: Takeba: Uh, y-yeah... Nice to meet you, too...
Mitsuru: It's getting late. You'll find your room on the 3rd floor.
*Yawn* No kidding. But, really, my temp room's on third floor?

Mitsuru: Your things should already be there I suggest you tuck in for the night.
Yukari: Oh... I'll show you the way. Follow me.
Okay, thank you...

'> Dormitory, 3nd floor hallway, at the furthest door...'

Yukari: This is it...
*traces finger on other hand, miming writing something on a note pad* And... Got it!

Yukari: Pretty easy to remember, huh? ....Since it's right at the end of the hall. So, any questions?

-"I signed a contract..."-
-"Does that boy live here too?"-
I am wondering about the first one, but... Does that boy live here too?

Yukari: What are you talking about? ...C'mon, it's not funny.

'> Yukari doesn't seem to know what you're talking about.'
Wait... Is that boy... A ghost? That'd explain the creepy aura and his near rambling about death...

Yukari: Um... Can I ask you something?
Sure, what is it?

Yukari: On your way here from the station, was everything okay?

-"Yeah"-
-"What do you mean?"-
Somehow, I highly doubt seeing coffins in the street at midnight is anywhere near "okay" still... Define, "okay"... What do you mean?

Yukari: You know what I-- ...Never mind. It seems like you're alright. Well, I'd better get going... Um...
Uh, what is it?

Yukari: I'm sure you still have other questions, but let's save them for later, okay? Good night.
Yeah, see you later in the morning...

'> Yukari walked down the stairs... This is your assigned room...

'HELP Use the directional buttons or analog stick to move the cursor. Hold down the O button to make the cursor move faster. Also, press the R button to display all the icons that can be accessed. Press the R button again to hide the icons. Press the [triangle] button to access "Config", "Erase data", "Load data", and "Title Screen".'
*Yawn* Time to hit the proverbial hay, good night...

'> You are tired today... You should go to bed early...'
Yeah... I agree...

-Sleep-
-Don't sleep yet-
The next day...

'4/7 Tu Evening Next: 2 / [waxing gibbous moon]'

Yukari: It's Yukari. Are you awake?
Well, I am now! *gets dressed*

Yukari: Good morning. Did you sleep okay?
About as well as I could, yes.

Yukari: Misturu-senpai asked me to take you to school.
Thanks, I haven't really memorized the path to school yet.

Yukari: Are you ready to go?

-"Totally!"-
-"I'll be okay on my own."-
Totally ready to go here!

Yukari: Okay. Then, let's go.

'> Inside the New City passenger train "Anehazuru"...'

Yukari: We have to take the monorail to get there. Bet your last school wasn't like that, huh?
Yeah, I know.

Yukari: This is my favorite part... when it feels like you're gliding over the sea.
Yeah, It's almost as though you're flying...

Yukari: Our stop is Port Island Station at the end of the line. From there, we walk. Have you ever heard of Tatsumi Port Island? It's a man-made island. They built our school right in the middle. Oh, look, you can see it now!
At Gekkoukan High...

Female student: Mornin'!
Yukari: Morning! Well, here we are... Welcome to Gekkoukan High! You're gonna love it here!
I sure hope so. A bit later, at the shoe lockers...

Yukari: You're okay from here, right? You should go see your homeroom teacher first. The Faculty Office is right there to the left. ...And that concludes the tour. Do you have any questions before I go?

-"Where's my classroom?"-
-"Nope, I'll be okay."-
Where's my classroom? Or, is my homeroom teacher supposed to tell me that?

Yukari: I think they're posted on the bulletin board, but I haven't checked yet either.
Okay then...

Yukari: Hey... About last night... Don't tell anyone what you saw, okay?
*sigh* Yes, I'm aware of the trope of the Cassandra Truth.

Yukari: ...See ya later.
Okay, bye...

'> There are many people standing in front of the bulletin board.'

'HELP Press the [square] button to select an area and go there immediately. Please make use of this function to move around.'
Well, time to visit the Bulletin Board...

'> Class rosters are posted. ...... ...... You can't find your name.'
What the frak's going on?

-"Look for it again"-
-Give up-
Nope, I must've failed a spot check the first time!

'> ...... ......There is a small note with your name on it! "Shimohi Kagami - Class F"
Okay then...

'> ...You look closer and notice that the name "Yukari Takeba" is also on the list.'
Turns out we're in the same homeroom. Imagine that...

'> It seems that you'll be in the same class as her...'
Yeah, Narrator, I figured that out on my own!

Well, I remember Yukari saying something about my home room teacher being in the Faculty Office, looks like it's time for a visit...

> 1st Floor, Near Faculty
Well, here's the Faculty Office...

'> It's the faculty office.'

-Enter-
-Don't enter-
*gulp* Here goes nothing...

Teacher: Oh, are you the new student? Shimohi Kagami...
Yes ma'am.

Teacher: 11th grade, correct?

'> The teacher is flipping through pages in a file...'

Teacher: Wow, you've lived in a lot of different places...
And, I'm vaguely remembering, even in past lives...

Teacher: Let's see... In 1999... That was what, ten years ago? Your parents-- *gasp*
*sigh* Yeah... I'd rather not think about that right now...

Teacher: I'm sorry... I've been so busy, I didn't have time to read this beforehand. I'm Ms. Toriumi. I teach Composition. Welcome to our school.

-"I'm pleased to meet you."-
-"Nice to meet you!"-
Well, intros and all... I'm pleased to meet you. *bows*

Ms. Toriumi: My, aren't you polite? Girls like you should be an example for others.
I'm not sure if that's supposed to be a compliment or not...

Ms. Toriumi: Have you seen the classroom assignments? You're in 2-F; that's my class. But first, we need to go to the auditorium. The Welcoming Ceremony will be starting soon. Follow me.
Yes ma'am...

Principal: As you begin the new school year, I'd like each of you to remember the proverb, "If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing well." When applied to student life, this means...

'> The Principal continues with his speech...'
Okay then...

'> ......? You can hear the students around yo whispering about something...

Whispering Classmate: I heard we got a transfer student.
Huh?

Smirking Classmate: Yep. I've seen her, too. She came to school with Yukari.
*once again miming writing on a note pad* Note to self, avoid smirking student like the plague...

Teacher from Another Class: I hear talking.
Yeah, and so do I, it's those two jerks over there.

Teacher from Another Class: I believe it's someone in Ms. Toriumi's class...
It wasn't me.

Ms. Toriumi: Shhh! Be quiet! You're going to get me in trouble!
Huh? But it wasn't me...

'> It doesn't seem like the rumors will stop anytime soon...'
Stupid rumors and it's stupid mill...

'4/7 Tu After School Next 2 / [waxing gibbous moon]'

'> Homeroom is over. Your first after-school session is about to begin...'

Friendly Student: 'Sup, dude!?
The ceiling. Wait?! You called me "dude"...?

Friendly Student: Haha, you look like a deer in headlights.
It's just that only my friends tend to call me "dude"...

-"Who are you?"-
-"What do you want?"-
Okay, I'm just wondering but, who are you, am I supposed to know you?

Friendly Student: Me? I'm Junpei Iori. Nice to meet ya. I transferred here when I was in 8th grade.
I thought this was a high school...

Junpei Iori: I know how tough it is bein' the new kid...
Ah, I get it. Helping me settle in...

Junpei Iori: So I thought I'd check up on you, make sure you weren't freaking out on your first day.
Nope, I'm just fine. Still, nice to meet you, Junpei.

Yukari: *sigh* At it agian, huh? Honestly, is there any girl you wouldn't hit on?
Wait!? Junpei-kun was hitting on me!?

Yukari: Did you ever think you might be bothering someone?
Then again, it didn't seem like he was hitting on me...

Junpei: What? But, I was just being' friendly.
Indeed. It's not like a girl and a boy can't just be friends...

Yukari: If you say so. Anyway, some coincidence that we'd be in the same homeroom...

-"Yeah, I know."-
-"It took me by surprise."-
-"I'm glad to have a friend."-
Well, at least I'm glad to have a friend here.

Yukari: A friend? Oh... you mean me.
Yeah...

Yukari: Yeah, I... I'm glad we ended up in the same class, too.
Junpei: Um, hello? Did you forget I'm in this class too? C'mon, lemme in on the fun!
We could be the three amigos!

Junpei: By the way, do you guys know each other? I heard you two came to school together this morning.
Why are you asking?

Junpei: A couple of cuties like you, walking side by side... The whole class was buzzing about you.
What!? Are you suggesting the rest of the class thinks I'm in lesbians with Yukari-chan!? Not that I'd be against that sort of thing, but... We're not in a relationship.

Yukari: Ugh... Could you just cut it out? I hate dealing with rumors like that.
Same here.

Yukari: I mean, I'm used to it, but she just got here, you know? Don't you feel bad, spreading rumors like that?
Yeah... I'd be better if I didn't have to deal with shit like that. Especially after what old Nyarly did with rumors, like what he did in my previous lives...

Yukari: ...Well, I've gotta go take care of some archery team stuff. Don't try anything funny, you got that, Junpei?
Don't worry, if he does, he'll be in a world of hurt.

Junpei: What is she, your nanny...?
*faceplam* It's just concerned for my safety. But I don't think you've shown any kind of sign of being dangerous...

Junpei: Well, just to clear something up, I seriously didn't come over here to hit on you or anything.
Okay, I'll believe you.

Junpei: If you ever have a problem, you tell your ol' pal Junpei about it!

-"I'll remember that."-
-"Thanks."-
-"...You're kidding, right?"-
I'll remember that, thanks...

Junpei: Heh, cool. Well, I'll be seeing you around, then.
Hmm... I wonder if the Iwatodai dorm is really haunted or something like that... But something tells me Junpei wouldn't know anything about that.

'> ...Junpei caught up to you in the halls and persuaded you into letting him walk you back to the dorm.'

Junpei: Whoa, check out the jocks on their run...
Yeah, but, I'm not interested in sports, or the dudes who play them either...

Junpei: Hey, did anyone tell you about the school clubs yet? Girls can join too, so why not do it if you're interested? You'd be joining as a new member, though, so you won't be able to apply for a little while.
But I'm not interested... *sigh*

'> You made small talk with Junpei while walking back...'

'4/7 Tu Evening Next 2 / [waxing gibbous moon]'

'> There's a sign-in sheet on the counter...'

'HELP You can save your game at the sign-in sheet.'
I'm back!

Mitsuru: Welcome back.
Mmm... I wonder what's on the TV?

'> You turned on the television.'

Newscaster: --it's a new trend that just might spread all over town. Our next story is about the cherry blossoms. It's springtime, and they're all over town now. The blossoms this year were a little late compared to other years, but they'll be at their peak this week.
Hey, that rhymed. Well, anyway, on to my room...

'> Will you go back to your room now?'

-Go back-
-Don't go back-

'> You feel tired. You should get some rest...'
Indeed, better make up for what I lost last night...

'> Later, at the dormitory lounge... A young man walked down the stairs as Mitsuru was reading a book...'

Confident Student: I'm going out for a bit.
Mitsuru: ...Hm?
Confident Student: Have you seen the newspapers lately?
Mitsuru: ...I know. People who had no problems before are suddenly developing acute cases of [book]Apathy Syndrome... I've seen it in the news quite often lately. They say it's due to stress, but...
Confident Student: Yeah, right. It has to be THEM. Otherwise, it's not worth my time...
Mitsuru: You have a one-track mind... Will you be okay on your own?
Confident Student: Don't worry. I'm just getting a little practice.

> The Confident Student leaves out the front door.

Mitsuru: *sigh* This isn't a game, Akihiko...

'4/8 W Early Morning Next: 1/ [waxing gibbous moon]'

'> You overhear a converstation.'

Gossiping Student: Did you hear the rumor...?
Loud Student: Oh, um... something about... a bathroom?
Is it something about the ghost of a girl who committed suicide?

Gossiping Student: N-No! Not that one! I mean the story about the first-year student! Not only did she stop coming to school, she does nothing but sit and stare at the walls all day. If her mother tries to talk to her, she only mutters to herself, "It's coming... It's coming....!"
What is this? Some kind of Cosmic Horror Story or something? ...I might want to make a SAN check...

Loud Student: Huh. How about that.
Gossiping Student: You don't believe me...?

'> The first bell has rung'.
Better get to class...

'4/8 W Afternoon Next: 1/ [waxing gibbous moon]'

Ms. Toriumi: Open your textbooks and we'll take a look at the first novel by Zenzou Kasai. Ugh... why him?
Teaching regulations, I guess.

Ms. Toriumi: I'd rather teach Utsubo Kubota. He became famous as a singer, but he's also produced fine literature. I wonder why it's not in the textbook. Well, I'll just bring Kubota's book next time. ...Hey, Junpei! Were you listening? Who did I say was my favorite author?
Junpei: H-Huh? U-Ummm...

> Junpei whispers to Shimohi.

Junpei: Psst! Who does she like?

-"Zenzou Kasai."-
-"Utsubo Kubota."-
-"Fuyuhiko Yoshimura."-
Huh? You weren't paying attention, it's Utsubo Kubota...

Ms. Toriumi: That's right! So you were listening to me after all!
Junpei: Eheheh... Well, you know how I like to pay attention! Man, you saved my bacon, Shimohi!
Well, after what happened yesterday, I'd rather not draw any more attention to myself anyway. Besides, bacon is delicious, of course you should save it....

'> You hear your classmates whispering...'

Classmate: Shimohi gave him the answer... She must pay attention in class!

'> You became slightly more popular.'
*facepalm* That backfired spectacularly...

'> Your Charm has increased.'

'4/8 W After School Next: 1/ [waxing gibbous moon]'

'> Class had ended for today. There's nothing to do, so you decide to go back to the dorm.'

'4/8 W Evening Next: 1/ [waxing gibbous moon]'

'> The dormitory lounge... Yukari is already here, talking with an unfamiliar man...'

Yukari: Oh, he's back.

Sophisticated Gentleman: So, this is our new guest...
So, we meet again, Shimohi... Whoa! You're a girl again! *sigh* I still remember what you did with Jun Kurosu not to mention the doppelgänger of my second past life during my third!

Sophisticated Gentleman: Good evening.
Huh, that's unusual, you shouldn't be able to remember past lives... That's what you said the last time.

Sophisticated Gentleman: My name is Shuji Ikutsuki. I'm the Chairman of the Board for your school.
Oh really...? Interesting... Point is, I don't think I can trust you...

Shuji Ikutsuki: "Ikutsuki"... Hard to say, isn't it?
No, not really. But still, you've done horrible things to me so... Huh? But I don't recognize you at all. 

Shuji Ikutsuki: That's why I don't like introducing myself. Even I get tongue-tied sometimes...
[sarcasm] Right... [/sarcasm] No, really. I just sound like that "horrible person" from your "past life" or whatever. ...You'd better not be lying to me!

Shuji Ikutsuki: I apologize about the confusion regarding your accommodations. However, it may take a while longer before you receive the proper room assignment. Is there anything you'd like to ask?

-"Why did you come here?"-
-"Who else lives here?"-
-"I saw something odd..."-
-"No, not really."-
Well, it's obvious why Ikutsuki-san's here and I already promised Yukari I won't talk about the coffins, at least I'm assuming she's talking about the coffins. So... Who else lives here?

Shuji Ikutsuki: There are only four students in this dorm: You, Yukari here, Mitsuru... And a senior named Akihiko Sanada. I hope you all get along. Do you have another question?

-"Why did you come here?"-
-"Who else lives here?"-
-"I saw something odd..."-
-"No, not really."-
No, not really.

Shuji Ikutsuki: Then, I hope you have a successful school year. Now, if you'll excuse me...  You must be tired from all the excitement. You should go to bed early. As they say, "The early bird catches the bookworm"!
*snickers*

Shuji Ikutsuki: ...Please forgive the bad pun.
No problem, I find puns to be very funny.

Shuji Ikutsuki: *chuckle*
Yukari: ......You'll get used to his lame jokes.
Well, that was fast. Anyway...

'> ...You should rest for today. You decided to return to your room and sleep...'

> Shimohi is sound asleep in bed...

'> Later, at a certain room in the dormitory...'

Shuji Ikutsuki: Working hard? So, how's she doing?
Mitsuru: She went to bed a little while ago. She's asleep now. Mr. Chairman, do you think she's...?
Shuji Ikutsuki: Well, let's wait and see for now.
Well, I know none of you can hear me but... What with Shimohi being a Persona user in all of her past lives, I would not be surprised at all.

Shuji Ikutsuki: ...The Dark Hour is approaching.

'> Meanwhile, in a back alley of Tastsumi Port Island...'

Man Listening to the Radio: *sigh* This sucks.

'> Upbeat music is playing from the radio that the man threw away...'

Radio DJ: KJ Radio presents, The Bay Tuners. Tune in again, next week for more of the hits!
Radio Announcer: This program is brought to you by Kirijo Electronics. Kirijo Electronics: always there when you need them. The time is now midnight.

> And then...

Man Listening to the Radio: ...Huh? ...What the...? Wh... What's happening to me...? ...A...A... Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Waaaaaaaaaagh!

'> Back at a certain room in the dormitory...'

Shuji Ikutsuki: Hmm... She's still sleeping. The [book]Dark Hour occurs every day at 12 midnight; you could say it's the "hidden" hour. During this time, an ordinary person Transmogrifies into a coffin, and is oblivious to all that occurs.
Yukari: Then, she must be...
A potential Persona user. But most likely she'll become one.

Shuji Ikutsuki: As you can see, she's retained her human form. She's asleep, but she's definitely experiencing the Dark Hour. The only question that remains is whether or not she has the [book]potential. Although, she must. ...If she didn't, they would've preyed on her by now.
Indeed, those two must be back as well... The conformist angel and the reckless, reality breaking demon...

Yukari: Scary...
Shuji Ikutsuki: In any case, we should continue to monitor her for a few more days.
Mitsuru: Yes, Sir.
Yukari: I feel kind of bad, though, spying on her like this...

> Meanwhile in Shimohi's room...

Unknown Voice: ...Master...
...Huh...?

Unknown Voice: Master Shimohi Kagami...
Now I know you're not Daemon... Who are you...?

> Shimohi flies through a door and ends up in...

Mysterious Old Gentleman: Welcome to the Velvet Room.
Oh, hi Igor...

Mysterious Old Gentleman: My name is Igor. ...I am delighted to make your acquaintance.
Yeah... Nice to meet you again... Wait! Why are we in an elevator?

Igor: This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter... Only those who have signed the [book]contract can enter this place...

'> The paper you signed at the dorm is lying before Igor...'

Igor: Henceforth, you shall be welcome here in the Velvet Room. You are destined to home your unique ability, and you will require my help to do so.
(Speaking of abilities, hi there! Remember us?) ...Let's see... You're... (Akurei.) Right, Akurei, and you're Niyagi, right? (I wish you had given me a more normal sounding name back then, but yes, my name's Niyagi...)

Igor: I only ask one thing in return...that you abide by the contract, and assume responsibility for the choices you make.

-"I understand."-
-"I don't get it."-
-"Is this a dream?"-
I understand. So, that creepy boy's working for you? By the way, Akurei, where's Philemon? (What? You don't remember that? Phile and Nyarly had pretty much settled their bet, so Philemon's just keeping an eye on things. Given how you've helped him in your previous three lives, I bet he'd be willing to act as a save point for you. Lucky!) (Yeah, but you were once on the side of Nyarlathotep before!) (*sigh* That was in the past, besides, now I know it's more fun to watch people live but suffer rather than temporally suffer then die...)

Igor: Hold on to this...

'> Obtained [book]Velvet Key.'

Igor: There is still one more resident of this room, who unfortunately could not be present for your arrival. I'll make sure you two are properly introduced. Another time, perhaps. 'Til we meet again...

'4/9 Th Early Morning Full [Moon]'

'> You felt like you had a strange dream...'
No kidding, usually it's stuff that I think happened in past lives. But this time it's an angel and demon that acknowledges those past lives? That's really strange...

'> It's time to go to school.'
Indeed it is.

Junpei: Yo... Man, I'm so sleepy today. In times like these, it's best to sleep during class! You ever notice how sometimes taking a nap in class makes you feel more refreshed hand sleeping at home?
Maybe because we "should" be taking naps in the middle of the day more often... I'm not sure...

-"I know what you mean!"-
-"Don't sleep in class."-
*sigh* But still, don't sleep in class. If you did I would not have had to give you the answer to Ms. Toriumi's question yesterday...

Junpei: Whaaat? Why do you have to be all serious?
I can be silly sometimes, but I know when I can be silly and when I should be serious.

Junpei: That feeling of being completely recharged is awesome... But I'm screwed later since I didn't hear the lecture!
...Which is exactly why you shouldn't sleep in class.

Junpei: Oh, but we have classic literature today... That means we're stuck with Mr. Nasty ol' Ekoda...

'4/9 Th Morning Full [Moon]'

Mr. Ekoda: Ahem... I'm Mr. Ekoda. I'll be teaching you Classic Literature.
Hey, you're the teacher who called out that guy behind me...

Mr. Ekoda: I'll be teaching you about good old Japan all year.
[sarcasm] Yay... [/sarcasm]

Mr. Ekoda: Some people say Classic Lit isn't relevant to everyday life, but oh, how they're wrong! The students, the other teachers... Wrong, wrong, wrong! Nobody really understands Classic Lit...

'> You feel tired... Close your eyes for a few minutes?'

-Stay awake-
-Doze off-
After what I told Junpei early this morning? No way!

Mr. Ekoda: Hey... Are you all listening to me?
Yes, sir.

Mr. Ekoda: Wake up, children! Now open your textbooks. First on our syllabus is "Ise Monogatari," the origin of Japanese literature. It's a very interesting story. You youngsters might call it, "da bomb." ......
Well, you're sure "bombing" at sounding relevant...

Mr. Ekoda: *sigh* I can tell you people are "zoning out"...
More like there isn't anything I can say out loud without me getting into trouble.

'> You stayed up and listened to the lecture...'

'> Your Academics has increased.'
Hurray!

'4/9 Th After School Full [Moon]'

'> You met Yukari at the shoe boxes and decided to go back together.'

'> Paulownia Mall...'

Yukari: Have you come here? A lot of Gekkoukan students come here after school. There's a karaoke and a CD shop. Oh, and a really great cafe, too! There's also a nightclub, but that's kinda not for us yet.
I see... The nightclub sounds interesting though. Forbidden fruit and all...

'> The Paulownia Mall is crowded with students on their way back from school...'

'4/9 Th Evening Full [Moon]'
I'm back!

Mitsuru: Welcome back. The moon is beautiful tonight. It might be nice to read a book by moonlight once in a while.
Mmm... What's on the TV?

'> You turned on the television.'

Female Reporter: Hi, I'm Trish, with today's instalment of "Who's Who." Today's subject is a very dependable-looking 20-year-old woman. Her sister is a camerawoman and I've heard she got her camera from her master. Next is news. Pain, pain go away!
That kind of sounded like my previous past life... But ended rather nonsensically... I'm going to go to bed... Good night everybody!

'> Will you go back to your room now?'

-Go back-
-Don't go back-

'> You feel tired. You should get some rest...'
Indeed, looks like I'm going to miss that moon...

'> You are tired today...'
I know that already.

'> You should go to bed early...'

-Sleep-
-Don't sleep yet-

'> At a certain room in the dormitory...'

Shuji Ikutsuki: ...How is she?
Mitsuru: ...The same as last night.
Shuji Ikutsuki: Hmm... Very interesting. Even those who have the potential tend to be unstable at first...Memory loss... disorientation... But, this subject is rather unique. She hasn't exhibited any of the common symptoms.
Maybe it has something to do with residual power from her previous lives where she also used the power of Persona...

Yukari: But... we're treating her like a guinea pig.
Shuji Ikutsuki: I understand your concern, but it's imperative that we recruit new memebers.
And besides, Shimohi might just have exactly what we're searching for...

Shuji Ikutsuki: I heard she's in your class... Wouldn't you be more comfortable working with someone from the same grade? A female classmate, at that.
Yukari: Yeah, I guess. But, still...

'> An emergency call from outside rang through the room...'

Mitsuru: Command room. ...Is that you, Akihiko?
Akihiko's Voice: You're not gonna believe this...! This thing is huge! Unfortunately, I don't have time to talk... It's chasing me... I wanted to let you guys know. I'm almost there.
Yukari: Does that mean... he's bringing that thing here!?
Mitsuru: Mr. Chairman! Let's suspend our observation for now. We'll prepare for battle!
Shuji Ikutsuki: ...R-Right! Be careful!

> Down in the lounge...

Akihiko: Agh...!
Mitsuru: Akihiko!
Akihiko: I'm alright. Get ready to be surprised... It'll be here any second.
Mitsuru: This is no time to joke around!
Shuji Ikutsuki: It's one of them, Akihiko?
Akihiko: Yes, but not an ordinary one--
Yukari: Ahh!! What the...!? ...You've gotta be kidding me!
Mitsuru: Mr. Chairman, please head for the command room! Takeba, go upstairs and wake her up! Then, escape out the back.
Yukari: But, what about you two?
Mitsuru: We'll stop it here. You led it to us, Akihiko, so I'm afraid you'll have to fight.
Akihiko: Like I had a choice! What are you waiting for, Yukari? Go!
Yukari: I-I'm going!

'> Your room... You are awoken by a loud noise... Should you go check outside...?'

-Go take a look-
-Don't do anything-
 Might as well see what's going on...

Yukari: Wake up! Sorry, I'm coming in!
Yukari? Where's the fire?

Yukari: I don't have time to explain. We have to get out of here, now!

-"What's going on?"-
-"Okay!"-
 Okay! Maybe you can tell me when our lives aren't in danger...

Yukari: Hurry! Downstairs! We'll leave through the back door!
Got it...

Yukari: Wait!
What is it?

Yukari: ...Take this, just in case.

'> Yukari handed you a long, thin implement. ..'
Huh... What's this? Don't you have any swords or something?

Yukari: ...Okay, let's go!

'> Dormitory, 1st floor, at the rear entrance...'

Yukari: Alright, we should be safe now--

> A communicator of Yukari's activates.

Mitsuru's Voice: Takeba, do you read me!?
Yukari: Y-Yes! I hear you!
Mitsuru's Voice:  Be cafeful! There's more than one enemy! The one we're fighting isn't the one Akihiko saw!
Yukari: What!?

> Something slams against the door.

Yukari: *gasp* L-Let's pull back!
I'm getting a bit worried...

'> 2nd floor...'

> The sound of glass breaking is heard.

Yukari: What was that!? It's getting closer! K-Keep moving! Hurry!
Now I'm both scared and confused...

'> The dormitory rooftop...'

Yukari: *sigh*
Why are we even up here? If... Whatever's after us comes up here, we've got no where to run.

Yukari: The door's locked. I think we're safe for now...

> A roar is heard.
[sarcasm] You say something? [/sarcasm]

Yukari: ......!?

> A many armed monster climbs up onto the roof top with a sad mask with the Roman Numeral "I" on the forehead in one hand and whatever arms aren't acting as legs are all holding swords.

Yukari: You gotta be kididng me...!
That... Looks like something that I could see in one of my dreams...

Yukari: It climbed up the wall...!?
What did I tell you.

Akihiko: There! They're on the roof!
Mitsuru: That gigantic Shadow... Just what is it we're dealing with!?
Akihiko: ...Let's go, Mitsuru!
Shuji Ikutsuki: Wait!

> Back on the rooftop...

Yukari: That's the thing that attacked this place... We call them Shadows! O-Oh yeah... I have to fight... I... I can summon mine... No problem... Here goes...

> Yukari pulls out a gun and... Points it at her own head!?
No! Don't do it! We still have another chance to live... I think...

> She doesn't fire it, but the monster hits her with a fire blast and instead drops it on the ground near Shimohi's feet.
(Dude, pick up that thing and use it like Yukari tried to do!) What!? Are you crazy... Wait!? I must be going crazy, I'm hearing you outside of my dreams!? (Just trust me, it's going to SAVE your life, not end it!) *sigh* *picks up gun* If you say so... If I end up dead because of this, I'm going to beat your ass in the next life! (That isn't very lady like at all...) *points it at my own head* Per...so...na! *fires gun*

> A humanoid being with a mechanical body, a very large heart-shaped harp strapped to the back and an otherwise ordinary head  with long brown hair manifests behind Shimohi.

Long-haired Mechanical being: Thou art I... And I am thou...

> The mechanical being flashes and Shimohi suddenly gets a huge headache and screams out loud as the mechanical being turns into a creepy humanoid wearing a long coat surrounded by a chain with several coffins attached to said chain. Shimohi's left on her knees in pain as the creepy humanoid is tearing the "Shadow" apart..

Mitsuru: ......!
Akihiko: What on earth was that...!?
Shuji Ikutsuki: ......

> Back on the rooftop the creepy humanoid then turns back into the long-haired mechanical being.

'> The sudden swell of power has subsided... Orpheus regained its original form.'
Hey, isn't that  the talented musician who tried to rescue his significant other from Hades but wait, wasn't Orpheus a man...? (Indeed, that's really strange...) (Anyway, we tried to hold that thing back, but we couldn't do it...) (We're sorry... We'll do better next time.)

'> You have obtained a new Persona!'

> Orpheus disappears.

Yukari: Is it over...?
I hope so...

Yukari: ......!? It's still moving...!

'> A piece of the "Shadow" is heading for Yukari...'

Yukari: No... G-Get away from me!

'> You have to save her...!'
Of course! Okay, you ugly bastards! Have a taste of blade on a stick!

> Shimohi attacks the Cowardly Maya on the left.

> Both of the Cowardly Maya attack Shimohi.
You know what, you... *pointing to the Cowardly Maya that she attacked earlier* ...You're going down!

> Shimohi attacks the remaining Cowardly Maya.

> The Cowardly Maya attacks back. It gets a critical hit.

'1 More'

> The Cowardly May attacks again.
You motherfucker! This should be the final blow...

> And... The last Cowardly Maya is pwned.

'Shimohi has earned 48 EXP.'

'> You felt a surge of energy inside after the recent battle.'
(Fuck yeah! Power up!) (That kind of vulgar language shouldn't come out of the lips of a lady.) *sigh* Something tell me you wouldn't say that if I was a dude...

'> Your Hit Points and Spirit Points have increased! You are now able to create Personas up to level 3!'
Yeah... That's cool.

'> Something inside of you has changed. Orpheus has leveled up! Ma has increased by 1! En has increased by 1! Lu has increased by 1! Orpheus learned Agi!'

'> The monsters are gone... It seems Yukari is safe, too...'
Hurray! Thank goodness...

'> ...... You feel exhausted...'
(Yeah, there goes the adrenaline. I think we're about to go night-night...)

'> You are losing consciousness...'
(That's what you get for staying up through that boring lecture...) (I doubt that would've helped...)

'> ......'

> Shimohi collapses.

Yukari: *gasp* Are you okay!? Come on...!
I'm so...tired I can't even open my mouth...

Yukari: Please...! Can you hear me!? Answer me!
Sorry, I think I'm going out like a light...

'> This is... the "Velvet Room," was it...?'
Yes, yes it is... Akurei! Did using that thing kill me!? (What!? No it didn't I swear!)

Igor: It's so nice to see you again. You became unconscious after awakening to your "power."
(See, you're not dead yet!)

Igor: I see that it was Orpheus that heeded your calling.
But why's my version of Orpheus a lady? Does it have anything to do with Saber, AKA "King Arthur"? And what about that creepy dude?

Igor: That power is called a [book]Persona... It's a manifestation of your psyche.
In other words, an external manifestation of my own personality. Got it!

-"Persona?"-
-"My psyche?"-
-"I don't understand."-
"My psyche"? I would've said "Personality" but...

Igor: A Persona is a facet of your personality that surfaces as you react to external stimuli... You can think of it as a mask that protects you as you brave many hardships.
Yeah, I knew that already...

-"A mask?"-
-"That's what 'Orpheus' is?"-
Narrator!? You're trying to rail road me, aren't you? (Choo-choo!) Exactly... *sigh* That's what 'Orpheus' is? There! Happy!

Igor: When you use your Persona ability, you must channel your inner strength. The ability evolves as you develop your [book]Social Links--your emotional ties with others.
(Well, that's new...) (Ha! So to gain more magic power, you must make friends!) So... "Friendship is Magic"? (*facepalm*)

Igor: The stronger your Social Links, the more powerful your Persona ability. Please remember that. Now, then... Time marches on in your world. I shouldn't keep you here any longer. Next time we meet, you will come here on your own accord. Until then... Farewell.
See you later, Igor...
(About a week later...)

'......'

'> ...Your head is getting clearer.'

'4/19 Su Daytime Next: 20/ [Waning gibbous moon]'

> You wake up in a hospital room.

'> ......'

'> You can see a white ceiling...'
An "Unfamiliar Ceiling" if you will...

'> You wonder how long you've been asleep.'
Indeed, what day is it?

'> You feel someone's presence beside you.'

Yukari: You're awake...! Um, how do you feel?
Fine... If a bit... Groggy...

-"Where am I...?"-
-"Have you been here long?"-
I'm just...wondering but... Where am I...?

Yukari: Thank goodness. You finally came to...Oh yeah, this is Tatsumi Memorial Hospital. It's just a short walk from the station. The doctor couldn't find anything wrong with you. He said you were just exhausted...
(Maybe you should sleep in class more often...) Akurei, just quit it with that...

Yukari: Um... I'm sorry I couldn't do anything... But, your power... It was amazing.

-"What were those things?"-
-"What'd I do...?"-
I remember what you called those things, "Shadows" I think. So... What'd I do...?

Yukari: The power you used... We call it "Persona."
(Yeah, we know, Shimohi was a Persona user in past lives...) I know that as well...

Yukari: And those creatures you defeated are [book]Shadows--our enemy.
That's interesting... In said past lives, I used the power of Persona to fight demons... (*clears throat*) Present company excepted. (Better... Thanks.)

Yukari: We'll explain everything later. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before...
That's fine. We were in... A life-or-death crisis...

Yukari: I, uh...
Huh?

Yukari: I wanted to tell you that...
Yes?

Yukari: ...I'm sorta like you.

-"What do you mean?"-
-"Why tell me this?"-
What do you mean? And in what way?

Yukari: My dad died in an accident when I was little... And my mom and I aren't exactly on good terms...
At least you have a living parent...

Yukari: ...You're all alone too, right?
Unless you count the voices in my head... (No, we don't count... [depressed] Great, I'm just a voice in someone's head... [/depressed])

Yukari: To be honest, I already know about your past...
*sigh* Did that end up in the rumor mill as well...?

Yukari: But, it didn't seem fair, so I wanted you to know about mine... It was back in '99...
Wait, would that have any relation to the crash that killed my...parents...?

Yukari: There was a big explosion in the area. Supposedly, my dad died in the blast, but nobody really knows what happened... He was working in a lab run by the Kirijo Group. So, I'm hoping that if I stick around long enough, I'll fund out something. That's why I'm going to Gekkoukan High, and why I was there when this happened to you.
I-I...see...

Yukari: ...Of course, I panicked and wasn't much help... It was my first time fighting them, too.
(Well, Shimohi here's fought monsters in previous lives. It's just that this is her first time in THIS life.)

Yukari: I'm sorry... You wouldn't have to go through all this if I wasn't such a coward...
(Actually... Something tells me we would have a similar failure to restrain... Whatever that was, which would still result in Shimohi being asleep for about a week.)

-"It's not your fault."-
-"I was scared, too."-
(We know blessed straight that you weren't scared... Well, except for using that gun-like object on yourself. Still...) It's not your fault.

Yukari: Thanks... but still... And here I am telling you all this the minute you wake up. While I was waiting, I thought to myself.
Wait, you were waiting here for a week?

Yukari: "I've been hiding so many things from her... As soon as she wakes up, I'll tell her the truth." So, thanks for listening. I've been wanting to share that story with someone for a long time. ...Alright, I'm gonna get going. I'll let the others know you woke up.

> Yukari walks up to and opens the door.

Yukari: ...Oh, and uh... You don't have to be formal around me or anything. Us second-year girls gotta stick up for each other, after all. B-Bye.

'4/20 M Early Morning Next: 19 / [Waning gibbous moon]'
(In front of Gekkoukan High...)

Junpei: Yo, long time no see. What's up? Did you have an upset stomach or something?
Nah, doctors said it was just exhaustion. That's all.

Junpei: Anyways, I got something to tell ya.

-"What is it?"-
-"Are you feeling okay."-
Okay, what is it?

Junpei: Actually... Oh, wait! I'm not supposed to say anything! Sorry, man. *chuckle*
Dude, that's pretty cruel of you... Just kidding. I'm actually only a bit disappointed.

Yukari: Sheesh, someone's full of energy today... I could hear you from all the way over there.
Junpei: Hey, it's Yuka-tan
What? As in the peninsula? (Did you have to make a reference from Something Awful...?) What? That was a reference to something? (I don't see why not, I found it funny.)

Junpei: You two live in the same dorm, yet came separately today? Is it... because you'll cause too many rumors again, hm?
*sigh* Hit the nail on the head there...

Yukari: What? I just left a little late! Anyways, I need to talk to her. Bye-bye, Junpei.
Junpei: Whaaaat...
Yukari: Are you feeling better? ...Shimohi. Um, sorry to hit you with this first thing in the morning...but Ikutsuki-san wants to talk to you today.
(I...ku...tsu...ki... ...! Dude, that guy's hosting that asshole Daemon Spearmeister!) *sigh* I know, I asked him about that, but he doesn't know who I am... Better keep an eye on him just in case. (Indeed...) (Monster, Shimohi, that COULD just be someone who sounds like Daemon. The only thing we know about him is what his voice sounds like. For all we know, that could be the case!) [sarcasm] Right... [/sarcasm]

Yukari: Come to the 4th floor of the dorm after school, okay? Don't forget.

'4/20 M Morning Next: 19 / [Waning gibbous moon]'

 Mr. Ono: That's enough about mammoths... I don't see the big deal. They're just huge elephants.
(*bzzt* Wrong! They're huge FURRY elephants with equally huge tusks!) *facepalm*

Mr. Ono: And that wraps it up for the Stone Age. *sigh* ...I'm tired of lessons about stones. I'd rather talk about the Sengoku era! Japanese history's not that exciting until then. Though I'm paid to do this, so I've gotta... It's tough being an adult. Next is... the Jomon period? When do the samurai get their day in the sun!?
Some day, but for now the time periods before lay down the ground work for their existance in history...

Mr. Ono: I'll just ask a question at random and call it a day. Hmm... hey, Junpei! What was the style of houses in the Jomon period called?
Junpei: Uhh... How am I supposed to know about something way back then? Quick, Shimohi! What the heck is he talking about!?
*facepalm* That would be Mud huts...

Mr. Ono: That's correct. Mud huts were built by digging a hole on the ground and supporting the roof. ...It's no use. I can't get interested. Ugh... I wanna get to the age of katanas. Everything else is so dull...
Junpei: Hey...! I answered right, and I don't get any credit?
(That's because Shimohi answered it, you just parroted it.)

Junpei: Tch... Oh well. Thanks, Shimohi.
*Yawn* You're welcome...

'> You hear your classmates whispering...'

Classmate: Shimohi told Junpei the answer. She's really smart!
...Dang it. They're making me blush...

'> You became slightly more popular. Your Charm has increased.'

'4/20 M After School Next: 19 / [Waning gibbous moon]'

'> Class has ended for today. There seems to be something important going on at the dorm... You decide to go back early.'

'4/20 M Evening Next: 19 / [Waning gibbous moon]'

'> There is no one in the lounge... You were told to go to the 4th floor.'
Well, I'd better sign in...
------------------------------------------------------------
(*looks up* Aw come on! You're making a reference to a show that didn't even exist when this game takes place!) Well, you're probably going to say something similar at the beginning of the other line of post covering this game. See you next time!