*Third-Person POV*

*Time: 9:00pm*

"Manuel was seen on a stretcher with a oxygen mask over his face and a strange gauntlet like device attached to his left arm. He is being pushed by James Nakamura who is in a white doctor's coat. Manuel is breathing heavily while in his comatose state."

Nakamura: MOVE MOVE MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!!!

"Nurses and other personnel in a hospital hallway moved out of the way to make way for Doctor Nakamura. While James was making his way down the wing another doctor began running with him."

Doctor: Nakamura-san! What are you doing?! The ER is in the other side of the hospital!

Nakamura: This patient doesn't need the ER!

Doctor: What?!

"The two stopped at the end of the hallway with a elevator. James presses the button calling for the elevator as he stares down his fellow doctor."

Nakamura: I'm taking him to CR.

Doctor: CR?! If you're taking him there then that means that he has the Virus?!

Nakamura: Not so loud idiot!!!

"The elevator door opens and he enters inside while pushing Manuel in. He looks at his colleague."

Nakamura: Not a single word to anyone else. You know the drill already.

Doctor: Right! And uh good luck...

"The doors on the elevator closed as James looked at Manuel still having a difficult time breathing while in his comatose state."

Nakamura: Yeah.....I'll be needing it.....

-Play Persona F Spotify Playlist Track #38 - "CR"-

"A couple of minutes passed as James pressed the Basement level button on the Elevator. He looks at his watched as 10 minutes exactly passed. He pressed the following numbers in this sequence. Six, two, six, eight, three, five, the number where the elevator would tell the passengers the certain floor it's on than began to countdown rapidly until the level read 'CR'. As the elevator stops the door behind James opened and there two girls one with pink hair and the other with blue hair who were waiting for the doctor the both of them had a gauntlet attached to their left arms similar to how Manuel has one on his. James walks out of the elevator pushing Manuel on the stretcher as the two girls followed him throughout a hallway."

Blue haired Girl: You should've admitted him sooner when you heard about his attack.

Nakamura: Shut it, Amy. We have no time to argue plus we didn't know if it was just any other attack.

Amy: You should've taken better care and admitted whether or not he had the virus instead of sending us to watch over him for you!

Nakamura: (Turns around and Looks at Amy) HEY! I just found out okay! I was in the middle of surgery earlier today so I couldn't admit him. Things are already complicated enough on my end with him, his sister and his two friends moving into my house but then I find out that has a blank Gashat!

Amy: What?! He got into your safe?!

Nakamura: No he didn't! He has another one!

Amy: How'd he get it?!

Nakamura: I don't know okay?!

Pink-haired girl: Hey! Stop fighting you two! We need to cure him as soon as possible okay?

Amy: (Takes breathe) Okay you're right Luna. You're absolutely right.

Luna: Now do we know if he was infected with the virus naturally or was he attacked?

Nakamura: No he told me before passing out the he contracted the virus from a local driver.

Luna: The one from the news?

Nakamura: Yeah...

Amy: Does his friends or sister have the virus?

Nakamura: No I checked them with the gauntlet before attaching it to Manuel's arm they're clean.

Amy: Good...means less work for us.

"As they get to the end of the hallway they were met with two doors which automatically opened as they entered it into a quarantine room. James pushed Manuel over to a machine with two guard rails where the stretcher connects to the middle of it. James then went on to the control on the left side of the guard rail and input several commands. A screen above Manuel's head turned on showing his vital and a progression bar that read 70%. The three were in shock upon seeing this."

Luna: He's already that far along?!

Amy: How?! He didn't even show that many symptoms beforehand!

Nakamura: (Shakes head) None of this makes sense!! But in any case I leave it you two!

Amy: I wish Kaito was here...

James: Yeah....me too...but he's not and we have to make do without him.

Amy: (Nods)

"James begins to walk out of the room but before he leaves he takes one look at Manuel with a concerned expression upon his face."

Nakamura: Make it through this Manuel....please....

Luna: You ready Amy?

Amy: Y-yeah...

"Both of them pulled out two of their own devices  and pressed the button. The devices glowed as they inserted it into a slot into the gauntlet."

-End Track-

*Manuel's POV*

-Play Persona F Spotify Playlist Track #138 - "Another World"-

"I slowly opened my eyes as I felt my head pounding. In discomfort I rolled from my side to my back as I grabbed my head."

Manuel: (Groans) What the..? When did I fall asleep..?

"I slowly sat up still in a daze until I looked on the ground to see grass. I started to become more aware of my surroundings as my vision begins to clear up. I stood up as I was looking around the area."

Manuel: Where...? Am I..?

Manuel: When did I...?

"My body then begins to glitch as I felt a burning sensation in my chest. I clenched my right hand to my chest as I dropped to my knees in pain. It became increasingly hard to breathe."

Manuel: (In thoughts) "My heart feels like it'll leap out of my chest! My lungs...I can't breathe properly...what's going on?!?! I don't....I don't want to die!!"

*Third-Person POV*

"Outside in the real world, James was in a room just above the Quarantine room that Manuel was in observing the patient as his pocket began to glow. He reached into it and pulled out Manuel's device. It was glowing a bright gold as if it was responding to something. James look through the window down at Manuel."

Nakamura: Could he be...?

*Manuel's POV*

"The glitching ceases as my body seemingly begins to recover. My breathing returned to normal as I look around with cold sweat falling down my face."

Manuel: What's going on....?

"In a few feet away from me I heard growling in the distance. I turned my attention to that direction of the sound as I began to back up a few steps. I saw them clear as day coming towards me. Some shadow like creatures with masks with Roman numerals on their mask."

"Three of them surrounded me one in front of me, to the left and right of me. I stood there still as a statue looking at these creatures."

Manuel: What are these things...?

"They stood in place just looking towards me. Not moving a single inch."

Manuel: Huh...? I mean they look a bit scary but maybe they're safe..?

"Just as I said that out loud the one in the middle clasps it's claws together forming a ball of fire in between its hand and then firing it towards me. I ducked as the fireball flew over my head hitting a tree completely incinerating it. My eyes widen in horror."

Manuel: Not safe! NOT SAFE!!

"I began to run away from the three monsters as they chased after me. I looked back to see that the other two began to shoot fireballs from their hands at me. I dodged them both by jumping out of the way but I lost my footing and fell to the side. I began tumbling downhill as a tree was in the way to break my fall. I looked up to see the three monsters coming down the hill. I attempted to run out of there but it was no good. I felt an extreme amount of pain coming from my left ankle. I must've twisted it from the fall. The three monsters began charge another attack. I looked in horror as I figured that this would be the last thing I would ever see. I closed my eyes preparing myself for the release of death."

???: NIGHTROSE!!

-End Track-

"A figure jumped in front of me as it then slashes through the three monsters with its blade. I opened my eyes to see who had saved me only to see a blue astral like being in front of me wearing a weird pirate costume along with two small green ghost accompanying her."

Manuel: Huh...?

"As quickly as it appeared it disappeared into thin air. I looked up to the top of the hill to see a blue hair girl running down the hillside."

Amy: Hey! Are you okay?!

Manuel: Define "Okay"...

"I slowly stood up as I used the tree I landed against to hold me up. I looked over to the girl and recognized her from school."

Manuel: You're that girl from earlier this morning...

Amy: Yeah my name is Amy Chouno. Do you think you can walk Estrada..?

Manuel: Y-yeah....this is nothing...Huh how do you know my name..?

"We both heard screeching in the distance as I look back up the hill as to where the sound was coming from. We look back at each other."

Amy: I'll explain on the way. Come on!

Manuel: Hey! Wait up!

"I limped after Amy as I followed behind her with her leading the way. I looked around taking in the scenery."

Manuel: What is this place..?

Amy: I don't know. You tell me. This is your Cipher World...

Manuel: My what..? You're not making any sense here what's going on?

Amy: What's going on is that you're sick Estrada. You were infected by a new strain of a virus that's been going around Seito City. You most likely gotten it from someone who already was infected through physical contact.

Manuel: The driver.....he's dead isn't he...?

Amy: Yeah he is....as for your other question. Physically in the real world we're in Seito Central Hospital.

Manuel: "Real world"? What are you implying that we're not in the real world? Do you know how crazy you sound?

Amy: You just saw them...the Shadows.

Manuel: "Shadows"? You mean those weird dark blob monsters that attacked me?

Amy: Yeah the very same. Those creatures only exist in the subconscious of the people who've been infected with the virus.

Manuel: Subconscious...? Wait so if I'm getting this right that must mean...

Amy: Yes...we're in your own world...your own Cipher world within your subconscious....

"I looked around in shock as I looked around the world in awe."

Manuel: I...created this world...?

Amy: Yes you did....

"I looked at Amy's left arm to see a gauntlet that she's wearing. I pointed it out."

Manuel: What's that thing that you're wearing?

Amy: This is a Persona Gauntlet. It allows me to bring out my Persona.

Manuel: Per...sona?

Amy: That being that you saw earlier that saved you...if came from inside of my own subconscious I called upon Nightrose to save you...

Manuel: Whoa...I wish I had one...

Amy: You have a gauntlet too you know...

"I looked at my left arm to see the exact same device as Amy's. I began feeling excited as I checked it out."

Manuel: Whoaaa....Alright come out! Persona!

"A gust of wind passes by after I shouted this out. I stood there in confusion as I looked at the gauntlet."

Manuel: Huh...? Nothing happened...

Amy: Of course not...you need your own Persona Gashat inserted into your gauntlet for you to use one.

"Amy holds up her Gashat showing me before she  reinserts it into her gauntlet. I was stunned upon seeing it."

Manuel: Hey! That's like the thing I have!

Amy: I know...Unfortunately you don't have yours on you when you were fully infected so it didn't show up here.

Manuel: Hmm I see...well do you have an extra one I could use..?

Amy: My god you're an idiot...

Manuel: Hey it's just an honest question. No need to be rude...

Amy: Each Person only has one Persona. That means only one Persona Gashat. Besides If i gave you my "Ghostship Scavenge" Gashat it wouldn't work for you since it's my own Persona not yours.

Manuel: "Ghostship Scavenge"?

Amy: That's the name of the game which my Persona is assigned to.

Manuel: A game?! I love games! But wait...how can a game come to life like that here?

Amy: I figured you would've figured that out...this world is a game world....the virus that's also attacking you is a digital virus....

*A "digital virus"? Why does this all sound so familiar...?*

Manuel:....wait this world is a game world right? if it's a game that we're in then all we have to do is clear the level right?

Amy: Now you're getting it...took you long enough..

Manuel: Hey I just barely found out...(Looks at meter on Gauntlet) Hey what's meter on my gauntlet mean..?

Amy: Oh that...once that meter goes to 100% you're physically body will disappear and you will die.

"I stood in place as Amy took a few steps forward. She then noticed that I wasn't following her as she stopped in her tracks and looked back."

Manuel: I'm gonna...? Die..?

Amy: Don't worry...all we have to do is defeat the virus and you'll be cured...(Presses button on Gauntlet) Luna. I need to know where the boss is. Have you found it..?

Luna: (via Gauntlet) "I detected that it should be a couple of feet in front of you. In a clearing of the forest. You better hurry though he's already at 80%."

Amy: Thanks I'm on my way.

"Amy runs up ahead leaving me behind. I quickly limped as fast as possible after her as we make it to a clearing. She looks around as I watched from a distance."

Amy: Where is it..?

"I looked up to the sky to see a giant figure coming down."

-Play Persona F Spotify Playlist Track #43 - "Battle Field"-

Manuel: Chouno-san! Above you!!

"She looks up to see the giant shadow coming down on her. She reacted instantly as she called out her Persona."

Amy: NIGHTROSE!!

"Her Persona was summoned in an instant as it grabbed and jumped her out of the way. The giant shadow caused a massive shockwave upon its landing causing me to fall to the ground. It must've been at least three stories tall. As the dust clears I could see how it fully looks like."

"The shadow cries out with a ear piercing screech. I covered my ears in response to this. As Amy landed safely on the ground her Persona disappeared once again. She looks up in horror."

Amy: I've never seen a strain like this before...I have to go full power from the start then!

"She grabbed a lever on the front of her gauntlet."

Amy: Nightrose! Level up!!

"She pulls the gauntlet lever open as a holographic gate of a tarot card is revealed it a couple of feet away from Amy almost the size of her. The tarot was that of the Strength Arcana. Her Persona appeared and flew in the sky through the tarot card shattered the card and evolving as a result. After her Persona evolved from the shards of the broken card form various treasure chest scattered among the clearing."

Amy: Tear it to shreds! Nightrose!

"I looked in amazement as Nightrose flew through the sky slashing through the Shadow multiple times doing little to no damage whatsoever."

Amy: Regular attacks won't work then how about this! (Presses touch screen on Gauntlet) Nightrose! Bufudyne!!

"I see as Nightrose flew up and floated over this shadow's head and a giant shard of ice formed. Nightrose then raised one of her blades and then points towards the shadow sending the shard directly into it exploding upon contact."

Amy: (Jumps up) Yes!

"Just as Amy prematurely celebrates a arm could be seen grabbing Nightrose from the snow cloud. Amy yelled out in pain as this happened almost as if Amy feels the pain that Nightrose does."

Manuel:....Chouno-san...?

Amy: (Growls) Get off of me!!!

"Nightrose then broke free using her blades to cut through the shadows hand but then was instantly met with the shadows other hand punching Nightrose to the ground. Amy fell forward in pain as she coughs up a bit of blood. I rushed over to Amy to check on her."

Manuel: Are you okay?!

Amy: Get to safety already!!

Manuel: You're gonna die at this rate!!

"I look up to see the shadow trying to reach down to grabbed at me and Amy but just then NightRose sliced through its arm and continued the assault by flying around it slashing it around its body. I look back at Amy helping her up."

Manuel: Chouno-san listen! I know the game that your persona is associated with! Those chest in the game gives the player power ups at random every time you open up a chest! If you want to get the upper hand in this fight then you have to play this like a game!

"She then shoved me to the ground in frustration."

Amy: I don't need your help! This is surgery not a game!!!

"She looks back up to the battle. She then inputs a couple of commands into her gauntlet."

Amy: Now take this!!! Nightrose!! Brave Blade!

"Nightrose's swords began to glow as she delivered a powerful slash against the shadows body causing it to screech in pain. Amy continued her assault."

Amy: Now Swift Strike!!!

"Nightrose began to create afterimages using its speed to surround the shadow. It then flew down to the shadow delivering tiny on multiple slashes across its entire body. Amy then pulled out her Persona Gashat from the slot it was in and then inserted it into another slot on the side of gauntlet."

*FINISHER!!*

"Amy then pressed a button on the Gauntlet as it begins to glows."

*GHOSTSHIP CRITICAL SMASH!!*

Amy: Ghost Barrage!!!!

"Dozens of green ghost appeared from within Nightrose's wings all of them flew out of her and flew around the shadow and flown into the shadow's body all at once then after a second or two the Shadow blows up from the inside. I stare in astonishment as I figured that the boss was finally defeated."

-End Track-

Manuel: That...WAS AWESOME! You did it! You actually-!

-Play Persona F Spotify Playlist Track #28 - "悪魔の侵攻"-

"I clenched my chest as I felt that sharp pain again. I fell to my knees and began to breathe heavily. Amy rushes over and checks the gauge on my gauntlet which was now at 90%."

Amy: He's still infected...?! Then that would mean!!

"She looked back up as the shadow reformed itself completely. The shadow then forms six arms from its back and then attacks NightRose impaling it. Amy eyes widen and fell to the ground. She struggled to stand up. I struggle to look up as I see Nightrose gets thrown to the ground and it disappears making a glass shattering sound when it did. I heard a sound coming from Amy's gauntlet."

Luna: (via Gauntlet) Amy! I saw that your Persona broke! Are you okay?!

Amy: I-I'm....sorry...I..lost....

Manuel: No...Chouno-san...

"I wanted to help her out but as I reached out for her I see my hand fading in and out. I look at my hand in horror as my entire body begins to become transparent. I began losing my vision as I struggled more and more to stand back up. I turned over to my back and look up to the sky and noticed the world around me glitching out."

-End Track-

Manuel: Is this...the end of me...? I-I have so much that I want to do....please....I don't...want to lose this game...I didn't even get a chance to...fight back myself....I...

"I slowly closed my eyes as I then heard a voice in my head."

???: Are you satisfied with these results?

Manuel: What...? No...I'm not....

???: Your will to live has allowed my voice to reach you at long last. You wish to win this game don't you..?

Manuel: Yes...I do...

???: Then stand up....stand up and release your power. Fight to your very last just like all of those years ago!!!

"My eyes shot open as I noticed the gauge on my Gauntlet dropped from 92% to 65%. I felt that the pain in my ankle had cease. I stood up on my two feet and began walking over to the giant shadow. Amy watches this in horror."

Amy: DUMBASS!!! You can't fight it!!!!

Shadow: (Screeches)

???: Call my name...undo these chains that have bound me in the dark corner of your mind!

Manuel: I....will win...!

*Third-person POV*

"James was now inside the Quarantine room with a mask on. Luna looks at the vitals monitor noticing the gauge lowering down to 65%."

Luna: That's impossible what's going on..?

Nakamura: I don't know...

"Manuel's physical body was still on the bed glitching in and out and still transparent. The blank gashat in James' pocket glowed once again and as James pulled it out. The light began shining so bright engulfing the entire room."

*Manuel's POV*

-Play Persona F Spotify Playlist Track #7 - "覚醒"-

"The Shadow was about to strike, raising its arm into the air and about to slam down its hand on top of me. Just mere moments before it's attack connected a bright light appeared above me sending the shadow flying backwards crashing into nearby trees. I looked up to see the blank gashat floating down to me. I held out my hand and grabbed it. As I did the glow dissipated and the Gashat now had a new design on it."

*I looked at the Gashat with its new golden design I looked at the picture on it and it reads 'Hope of Heaven' I was astonished by this. I wonder why does this feel familiar.*

"My gauntlet then reacted and I heard a familiar voice coming from it."

Nakamura: (via Gauntlet) Manuel!!!

Manuel: Nakamura-sensei!!!

Nakamura: (via Gauntlet) Activate the Gashat!!!

Amy: Are you insane?!?! He's not a Persona user!!! Just send Luna in!!

Nakamura: (via Gauntlet) No she's not strong enough to defeat it.

Amy: And what he is?!?!

Nakamura: (via Gauntlet) Manuel do it!!! GOOOO!!!!

"I saw the shadow slowly getting up and I stood my ground. I look at the Gashat and pressed the button activating it."

*Hope of Heaven*

"A gold digital field spread out in the entire world. I felt myself get a rush of adrenaline coursing through my body. I smile as this happened."

Amy: He generated a game area...? Even still...you can't beat that thing!!!

Manuel: (Smiles) Is that a challenge? I love challenges...makes the game a whole lot more interesting.

Amy: Huh..?

Manuel: Just shut up and sit back will ya? I'll clear this game with no continues!

Amy: His personality changed in a instant.

"I stood there looking at the Gashat and spin it in my hand inserting it into my gauntlet. A golden aura covered the gauntlet as my Persona was summoned."

Manuel: Now...(Grabs lever) Persona! Next Stage!!

"I pulled opened the lever opening up the Gauntlet as a holographic gate of a tarot card is revealed above my head it was that of the Fool Arcana. My Persona floated through the card and my Persona evolved. The shards from the tarot card fell down to the ground forming into golden bells around the area."

-End Track-

"My Persona floated above my head with its arms out with its swords out. It began to speak."

Hope: I am thou, thou art I. From the sea of thy soul I return to you once again...I am the Aspiring Emperor, Hope. Warrior of the Heavens. I shall lend you my strength once again.

-Play Persona F Spotify Playlist Track #11 - "エグゼイドLEVEL2～〜患者の運命は俺が変える！"-

"The shadow started to roar at my Persona as I noticed a weapon inventory menu opened up on my Gauntlet. I swiped through it and picked a short sword. I pressed the option and a blade appeared in my right hand."

Manuel: Let us go together once more! Hope!

"Hope flew towards the shadow and sliced its right arm off instantly. I ran towards the chaos and saw a nearby bell. I smirked as I began to run towards it. The shadow noticed this as it began to summon more smaller shadows from its own body. The shadows began to block my way."

Amy: What are you doing?! You're gonna get yourself killed!

Manuel: (Slashes Shadow) Watch closely! "Hope of Heaven" is a game where you're an angelic soldier protecting Heaven from demons! (slashes Shadow)

"I jumped over another Shadow and hit the bell with all of my strength with my sword. This sent a shockwave throughout the area killing the smaller shadows instantly and the giant shadow roared in discomfort as it then was attacked by Hope with one of its blades. The giant shadow fell back as a result of this. I stood up smiling looking at the downed enemy. I look over to the side of the bell and see a power up item had dropped as the bell disappeared."

Manuel: The bells in the game are used to kill the Demons who dare to come close to you and has the chance of dropping a power up item. (Picks up item) Chouno-san catch!!

"I threw the power up item towards Amy. She held up her arms afraid of getting hit in the face but instead the item broke upon impact into dozen of pixels and healed her wounds. She was covered by a green aura as her strength returned to her. She stood up as I continued to hit nearby bells killing any and all shadows that the giant one sends my way."

*Recover!*

Amy: Umm are you guys seeing this..?

Nakamura: (via gauntlet) these levels...am I reading this right?

Amy: Uhh yeah...I wouldn't believe it if I wasn't already here.

"I slashed open a chest to reveal a Speed Power Up item. I grabbed and threw it to Hope. It broke upon impact and covered Hope in a yellow Aura."

*Speed Up*

Manuel: Alright Hope Go get 'em! Hama Fury!!

"I tapped on one of skills commands on my Gauntlet. Hope flew in extreme speed slashing against the Shadow's body with a light elemental attack with its swords sixteen times. I noticed that the shadow fell to its knees."

Manuel: So you're weak to light element skills! Fine then! Hope! God's Judgment!!

"I pressed another one of Hope's skills. A great light formed around the shadow as two giant hammers formed the light slamming down on top of it. It suffered a lot of damage from that one attack. I knew it was then time to finish this."

Amy: How is he...?

Manuel: Alright! Time to end it! (Takes out Gashat and blows on it)

"After spinning it in my hand I inserted it into the slot on the side of the Gauntlet."

*FINISHER!!*

"I then pressed a button on the Gauntlet as it begins to glows."

*HOPE OF CRITICAL STRIKE!!*

Manuel: Hope Sword Slash!

"The Shadow was cut in half and then it's entire body glowed and began to dissipate into orbs of light. I looked at the gauge on my gauntlet and noticed that it have been reduced down to zero. A yellow caption appeared on my gauntlet saying 'Game Clear' "

Manuel: I won! (Panting) I uh...i really...I did....

"I fell backwards from exhaustion. I had lost consciousness before landing on the ground."

-End Track-

*Third-Person POV*

"Hope flies down and stares at Manuel who is fast asleep."

Hope: That was truly a thrilling game. Know now that I am free you can call upon me at any moment should you find your path to be litter with any trance of Darkness. I will be your sword. Just as before. Now and forevermore....

"Hope dissipates into orbs of light that flew into Manuel's body. The world around Manuel begins to shake and crumble as Manuel disappears. Amy sees the state that the world was in presses several commands on the gauntlet. She then turned into a blue light and disappeared just as the world shortly did as well."

*Tuesday - Morning*

*Time: 7:30*

*Manuel's POV*

-Play Persona F Spotify Playlist Track #31 - "友情の奇跡"-

"I slowly woke up. I rubbed my eyes several times as I sat up on the bed. I looked around realizing that I wasn't in my room back at home. I began to panic."

Manuel: Where am I?! What is this place?! (Looks at Gauntlet) What is this thing?!

"Just then the door in front of me opened as I see Nakamura, Amy and a pink hair girl I have yet to meet."

Nakamura: Hey you're awake!

Manuel: Nakamura-sensei? What is all of this?

Nakamura: Hey hey relax. Now tell me do you have a cough?

Manuel: Uhh no...?

Nakamura: Okay do you have a fever?

Manuel: No.

Nakamura: Do you have a sharp pain in your chest?

Manuel: No. I'm okay I think. Why? Was I not okay? (looks around) Am I in a hospital?

Amy: Hey. Do you not remember anything that happened last night?

Manuel: Hmm (Thinks to himself) I remember that I was walking a cute classmate of mine back home then I went home....I felt cold and then I woke up here...

"The three looked at each other with a mixture of concern and confusion. They look at me again. I looked down at the gauntlet that I was wearing with a strange device inserted into it. The pink hair girl takes it out and observes it."

Luna: Yeah its definitely a Persona Gashat now...

"A sudden rush of fear filled me as I see my Gashat being held by someone else."

Manuel: Hey give me Hope back! Please I just got him back! I don't want to lose him again!!

"I covered my mouth in shock with my hands. I looked at the others as they grew even more concerned for me."

Nakamura: Manuel...you said that you "lost him"...what makes you say that...?

Manuel: I Uhh...I don't know....(Holds head) My head hurts...I feel like it's spinning....

Nakamura: It's okay just lay back down relax...

"I merely shake my head 'no'. I reached out both of my hands towards the pink hair girl. She looks at the Gashat and points at it while looking at me. I nodded in response to this. She handed the Gashat over to me. I held the Gashat close to my chest with my hands, feeling relieved that it had been returned to me. I laid down on the bed and looked at James."

Manuel: What time is it? I need to get to school...

Nakamura: Hey school is the last thing that you should have on your mind okay? You need to rest to get better.

Manuel: But I promised Atsuo-san to have lunch with her...I was looking forward to it....

Nakamura: (Sighs) Don't worry I'm sure you'll have more chances to see her...

Manuel: Are you sure...? I really....want to be her friend....She's really incredible....super nice and....(Yawns) funny....I wanted to get home to prepare a special lunch for me and.....her.....

-End Track-

*Third-Person POV*

"Manuel fell back asleep leaving the others stunned."

Amy: After all the rest he got last night...there he goes sleeping like a rock once again...

Nakamura: He's probably just exhausted from that harsh fight that he had. You two should get going to school. I'm gonna stay here run a few more tests. Thank you two for helping him...

Amy: Are you kidding? He saved himself. I would've been a goner if it wasn't for him. I'll be sure to thank him properly later...

"Amy bows her head and leaves the room. Luna stood there looking at Manuel. James noticed her and began to talk to her."

Nakamura: What's wrong?

Luna: He....begged for me to give him his Persona Gashat back....What did you think he meant by "he can't lose him again"?

Nakamura: I don't know....

Luna: sir...nothing of what happened made sense usually when the virus infects someone the symptoms starts immediately, then the Quarantine world is made and two shadows appear. One that is the virus attacking him and the other that is his sin....Amy told us that his Shadow of Sin never appeared...if it never appeared then.....how can he have a Persona...?

Nakamura: I don't know...there's still so much about Persona, Shadows and the virus that we don't know about...but one thing is for sure...I think that Manuel and his friends came here for a reason....what that reason is....we'll have to wait and see...I'm sure his memories will return to him soon as he gets enough rest.

"James walks over to Luna placing his hand on her shoulder."

Nakamura: That's enough talk for today. Get going to school I'll catch you guys up once I'm done here...

"Luna nods as she walks out of the room. James merely looks back at the peacefully sleeping Manuel who is still holding onto his Persona Gashat tightly. He smiles to himself."

Nakamura: (Smirks) So miracles can happen after all....

*Manuel's POV*

*Later that day*

"I slowly woke up in a hospital bed with a bit of a bed head. I rubbed my eyes as I looked over to see James sitting on a couch just right next to me."

Nakamura: (Laughs) Chouno-san was right you do sleep like a rock.

Manuel: Huh...? Sensei...?

Nakamura: Don't worry Manuel. You're okay now...Do you remember everything that happened..?

Manuel: (Nods) I...do....Wait! Where's the others? Bella and my friends!

Nakamura: Hey hey don't worry they're at school right now they'll probably be over here later after they get out.

"I lay back down and sighed in relief as I then looked down at my hand and see the Persona Gashat that I had close to my chest. I look over to a table and see that the Gauntlet that I was wearing was on a nearby talk."

Manuel: So I take it that whole thing that happened wasn't a dream.

Nakamura: No it wasn't....

"He stands up and looks down at me as I look up at him while I push myself up on the bed."

Manuel: What happens now?

Nakamura: Well...I'm not sure. That's completely on you...

Manuel: The virus...Chouno-san said before that it's spreading here in the city right?

Nakamura: Yeah...Manuel what happened last night. You can't tell anyone about this...not about Persona, the shadows, the virus or anything.

Manuel: Not even my friends or Bella..?

Nakamura: Especially not them...

Manuel: Sensei...just who are you....really..?

"James sits down on the edge of my bed and to looks at me."

Nakamura: Well I'm a doctor of course..I help patients get better but on the side I'm a part of a special division of the hospital. We call ourselves "Cyber Rescue". "CR" for short. I'm exactly who I am Manuel. I'm your father's best friend and his best man. Everything that you know is true.

Manuel: Those two girls who were there with you..they're from my school right?

Nakamura: Yes, Amy Chouno the one who went in to save you and Luna Yumizuki the temporary navigator, it was thanks to Yumizuki-san that Chouno-san was able to find you.

Manuel: I see...why were they with you? I think they're a little too young to be doctors.

Nakamura: You see Yumizuki and Chouno they're like you. They're Persona users. They were first infected by the Virus but due to their will they were about to face their Sins and awaken to their Persona.

Manuel: Sins? I don't remember having to face any of sin...

Nakamura: Yeah we're still trying to figure that out. Look point is that the virus affected them because they made a mistake in life that they kept buried deep down inside of them that's usually how someone gets infected by it. By facing one's sin is well a Persona is formed. Since they awakened to their Persona they gain an immunity to the virus and the ability to dive into people's subconscious and cure them of the virus. That's why Yumizuki and Chouno work with the hospital to help people in need.

Manuel: Wait then who cured them? Someone had to go in their world and cure them right?

Nakamura: You're exactly right. We had a first prior persona user who cured them but was recently attacked and since then we haven't heard from him.

Manuel: Attacked..? (Grunts in pain)

Nakamura: Okay that's enough for today...you're still pretty banged up from that fight that you had. Let this be a lesson even in a world of your subconscious your real body will still feel the pain.

"I look out of a nearby window and see the city. I look out to see the clear blue sky as my mind begins to wander."

Manuel: Sensei...More people are gonna be infected like me right..?

"James look at me as I ask this."

Manuel: If that's the case a Persona is needed to cure them right?!

Nakamura: Hey not so loud!

Manuel: If that's the case Sensei! Let me be a part of the CR!

Nakamura: What?! Do you even know what you're asking? You almost died last night there's no way I'll allow it.

Manuel: I can't cover my eyes knowing that people can get infected by this virus any day now. It's not something that I can just ignore...I want to be doctor one day and to become one I need to uphold the one golden rule of being one.

James: What's that..?

Manuel: To give your patients back their smile!

*Third-Person POV*

-Play Persona F Spotify Playlist Track #1 - "EXCITE"-

"Anthony is seen running through the hallways of Swift Star Academy looking around as if looking for someone. Angel is then seen doing the same on the opposite side of the school."

Manuel: I have a power that can help people. Doctors have the ability to save people and give them a god honest smile and wish those people nice and long lives.

"Makoto smiles as he was seen walking through the hallway with headphones on. Angel passes by Makoto. Makoto looks back at Angel as he then goes back on his phone. He sends a message on his phone as he smiles widely to himself."

Manuel: To give them hope once the virus strikes. I can't just not be a part of this! Now that I experienced it and lived through it...the thought of someone else getting infected scares me and for what? Just because they think of a subconscious mistake as a sin? I won't allow it!

"Anthony goes onto the first floor and passes by Luna and Amy almost bumping into them."

Anthony: Sorry! (Bows)

Manuel: I have people I want to protect. You know that...it's because of them is why I want to do it. If not me then who else..?!

"Luna and Amy look back at him as they then look back at each other as they continue to walk through the hallway. Amy stops in her tracks as she notices Anri sitting on a table outside by herself. Her face was flushed as if she's been blushing and she was smiling at her phone reading a message that she received on her phone. Amy smiles to herself as she hurried to catch up with Luna."

Manuel: I want to protect their smiles all of them. That's my wish! Even the smiles of those who I'm barely about to start a genuine connection with.

"Emi is seen waiting for Manuel at their planned meeting spot as she looks at her watch looking at the time. Emi frowns as she figured that Manuel wasn't coming. She was about to leave the meeting place as she heard a nearby yelling."

Angel: HEYYY ATSUO-SAN!! IF ANYONE LAST NAME IS "ATSUO" RAISE YOUR HAND!!

Emi: Huh..? (Raises hand)

"Angel runs over to see Emi who was raising her hand while stunned by sudden approached by her fellow schoolmate."

Emi: Umm hi? Can I help you...?

Angel: Hi! I'm Venegas...Angel Venegas...I'm Manuel's friend...oh god....

Emi: Are you okay..?

Angel: don't worry about me....you see I came here to tell you something about him...

Emi: Huh..?

Manuel: I feel like that's the right thing to do...No it is the right thing to do! It's what a Doctor would do!

"Back at the hospital, from outside a nearby rooftop. A man is looking into the room of Manuel with a telescope."

???: Manuel Estrada huh? Hmmm maybe this game will finally start to become a little more interesting don't you think?

"The mysterious boy who was watching Manuel looks over to a hooded person. They clenched their hand into a fist as they revealed their left arm which has a Persona Gauntlet attached to it. The mysterious boy smiled seeing this."

???: (Smiles) This will make my heart sing.

*End track at 1:10*

*Manuel's POV*

"I look at Nakamura with a determination. He sighs as he stood up."

Nakamura: Seems like I can't really talk you out of it...Alright but promise me one thing. If there ever comes a time where a surgery becomes too dangerous for you. Turn around and run out of there. I don't want you to die while you're out there.

Manuel: I.......promise...

Nakamura: Okay we'll talk more about this later after you get better alright?

Manuel: Okay but for now. Can you show me all the things that the Persona Gauntlet could do?

Nakamura: (Laughs as he grabs Gauntlet) Sure kid. After all you're gonna need to learn all you can about this thing. Here I'll show you how to check if someone has the Virus.

"Nakamura presses the power button as he shows me all the functions on the Gauntlet. Time passes."

*Time: 3:30pm*

"I was playing a game on the hospital's Xbox as I was resting in bed. Then I noticed at the corner of my eye that a person stuck their head in the room. I look over from the screen as I put the controller down to see Angel."

Manuel: Hey Angel!

Angel: What up. How's my best friend doing?

Manuel: I'm okay for the most part.

"Angel walked in as he was followed by Anthony."

Anthony: Hey you're still alive!

Manuel: (Nervously laughs) Yeah definitely.

Angel: Dude what happened to you?

Manuel: Oh well apparently I had a allergic reaction. As you guys saw it was pretty bad.

Anthony: I bet! You gave us all a scare! Although I'm still confused as to why Nakamura-san was yelling at you last night.

Manuel: Yeah I mean I don't blame him. He takes his job really seriously and I wasn't feeling well and he found out I was sick so he scolded me for it. I deserved it.

Angel: Damn well remind me not to get on his bad side.

Manuel: Is Bella okay?

Angel: Yeah she is but she was really worried about you. Isabella was crying when she saw you getting taken away by the ambulance last night.

Manuel: Really..? That's surprising...

Anthony: Yeah she wanted to be here but the Hospital only allows three visitors plus she apparently has a fear of hospitals so she wanted us to come here to check up on you.

Manuel: I see...wait but there's only two of you why did you guys feel the need to mention the visitor limit?

Anthony: Well...there's someone else who wanted to see you.

Manuel: And who's that..?

Emi: (Smiles) Hi!

"I look passed Angel and Anthony to see Emi at the doorway of my Hospital room. I grew red in the face as I see her in our School's uniform waving over towards me. I shyly smiled as I waved back at her. I leaned in towards Angel and Anthony."

Manuel: (Whispers) How did she know I was here?

Angel: (Whispers) What didn't you want to have lunch with her?

Manuel: (Whispers) How the hell did you even know that? How did you guys know about her?

Anthony: (Whispers) Nakamura-san texted us asking us to talk to Atsuo-san about you having to take a rain check since you were in the hospital. So we went around the school looking for Atsuo-san during lunchtime.

Angel: (Whispers) I ended finding her outside of one of the buildings by a bench. We both looked crazy as we were running around yelling a single person's last name.

Anthony: (Whispers) when she heard you were in the hospital she got worried and said that she wanted to see you.

Manuel: (Whispers) you guys...

"I look over to see Emi still at the doorway looking around as she waits for us to finish our conversation. I smiled as I look back at the others."

Manuel: (Whispers) You're the best thank you so much!

"Both Angel and Anthony smiled as they take a few steps back."

Anthony: Well anyways we're gonna get going now Atsuo-san. We'll leave him in your care.

Angel: Make sure he doesn't go anywhere now. Now stay Manuel. Stay...

Manuel: What am I a dog..?

Emi: (Giggles) Don't worry I'll keep him company.

"Both Angel and Anthony leaves the room but before they left as they pass Emi they both gave me thumbs up. I awkwardly smiled as they left the room and Emi walks over to the couch and sat across from me. She then looks up at me and notices my bed head."

Emi: (Laughs) I see you've been catching up with some sleep.

Manuel: Huh?

"Getting flustered I felt my hair and looked at it to see the cow lick that I had I panicked as I fixed my hair with my hand."

Manuel: Sorry I must look really terrible.

Emi: Hey don't worry about it...I think it's adorable.

Manuel: (Blushes) Huh..?

Emi: (Blushes) Y-your bed head I mean. Your bed head is adorable...that's what I mean...

"I smiled at her as her face grew more red. She then shakes her head as she redirects the conversation."

Emi: I was really worried when I found out you were admitted...

Manuel: Sorry Atsuo-san...guess I don't really live up to be a knight in shining armor huh? (Laughs)

Emi: No that's not true! At least....that's not how I think of it...

Manuel: Atsuo-san...

Emi: I-in any case I still wanted to have lunch with you so here.

"She reached into her bag and pulls out a small boxed lunch. She handed it to me."

Emi: I made you a lunch for today...I hope you like it..

Manuel: Are you kidding? This is awesome. You know that you didn't have to do this right?

Emi: (Blushes) I know I didn't have to...but I wanted to...(Smiles)

"Her face was red as she pulled out her own boxed lunch as I looked at her smiling. She noticed after a while and looked up."

Emi: What...?

Manuel: oh it's nothing...so tell me about your day. How was your classes today?

Emi: Oh well I got a story to tell you so you see-

"Emi goes on to tell me about her day as I intently listened to her. We ate the lunch she had made for us and it was really good. We ended up talking for a long while."

*Time: 5:30pm*

"Both me and Emy began to show each other memes on our phones. We both laughed at a meme I showed her as a nurse then walked it."

Nurse: I'm sorry to interrupt but Visiting hours end in about half an hour. Just thought you should know.

"The Nurse leaves the room. Me and Emy look at each and laughed."

Manuel: I guess time really flies...

Emi: Yeah...it really does...

"We looked at each other as we then snapped back to reality."

Emi: I should probably be getting home. I won't have my knight in shining armor today so I have to get back before it gets dark.

Manuel: Yeah you definitely should. Hey once I get out of here I'll repay you for the lunch.

Emi: You don't-

Manuel: No but I want to...(Smiles)

Emi: (Sighs) I won't fight it then...I'll see you tomorrow okay?

Manuel: Yeah by then I should be discharged so. I look forward to it.

Emi: So do I...

"Just as Emi was about to leave with her back turned towards me. I grabbed my gauntlet from underneath my pillow and attached it to my arm. I called her out."

Manuel: Hey Atsuo-san can I ask you for something..?

Emi: Yeah what's up?

Manuel: I'm sorry to ask but the nurses have told me not to move around as much and I'm a bit thirsty there's a mini fridge in that closet. Could you please hand me a water bottle?

Emi: Of course. Let me get that for you.

"As she walks over to the closet and opens it. I point my gauntlet at her and input several commands on the touchscreen. The gauntlet then scanned Emi for traces of the virus. The results then came back negative as the gauntlet reads 'Shadow Virus Not Found'. I hid my gauntlet underneath my blanket as Emi got the water bottle and walks over to me."

Emi: Here you go.

Manuel: Thank you so very much and thanks for the lunch again. I'll be sure to one up you one of these days.

Emi: (Laughs) Looking forward to it.

"Emi walks out of the doorway and then looks back."

Emi: I really am glad you're okay Estrada-san. I'll see you later. (Smiles)

Manuel: Yeah see you soon Atsuo-san. (Smiles)

"Emi leaves and I laid back on my bed as I pulled out the Gauntlet to see Emi's results. It still remained to be the following 'Shadow Virus Not Found'. I sigh in relief."

Manuel: That's one less thing to worry about...

"I took off my Gauntlet and put it back underneath my pillow as I reached into my pocket for my Persona Gashat. I looked at it as I laid there."

Manuel: I'll be counting on you for now on. Hope...

"I smiled at my Gashat as I drifted off to sleep."

SEE YOU NEXT GAME