Author's Note:

Hey, WolfKing18 here. Well, I have decided to make a drabble/vignette collection that coincides with my Persona 3 FES/Portable novelization Memento Mori. This drabble collection deals with the characters of S.E.E.S. and events that deal with the game. Point-of-view may be different depending on the drabble. Also, there will be references to the pairings of Minato x Yukari, Hamuko x Shinjiro, Akihiko x Mitsuru (hints of), and Junpei x Chidori. Also, as warning there are in-game spoilers so you have been warned.

Character: Minato

Setting: Pre-game. First starts when Minato and Hamuko are twelve, but are later fifteen at the end.

Summary: Despite the lingering pains of the past, there is always another chance for a new beginning. Minato begins to see this after five years of nothing but hardships once him and his sister come to stay with their uncle.

Disclaimer: Persona 3 and its characters belong to Atlus. However, the OC is mine.

Enjoy!

No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.

-Nihkil Saluja

Restart

Minato stared out of the car window with his chin in his hand. His vacant, grey eyes looked over the passing buildings and traffic that their car went past. He then decided to focus on something else so he looked at the corner of his eye.

He saw that his sister, Hamuko, was also doing the same thing that he previously had done just seconds ago. She was looking out at the surroundings from the car window. However, he could tell that she was keeping her surprise hidden whenever she spotted something new. The many lights and sights flitted past her vision as the car went on. Minato couldn't fault her for that he guessed. He couldn't help but feel the childish sense of wonder and amazement looking at the massive city and its various places that they passed. After all, Tokyo was somewhere they've never been before.

As of late, Minato sharply reminded himself. Remembering that these feelings would only last when just looking at the city of the two siblings' new residence. Living in the cities themselves brought on completely different feelings.

Minato flicked his gaze back out again at his window. But before he could resume staring outside, he was interrupted shortly after.

"So...What do you guys think of Tokyo so far? Pretty impressive, isn't it?"

Minato looked from away from the front and went back to look at the outside.

The one who had asked that question was their uncle, Arisato Hideo. He was from their father's side, his older brother to be exact, but until recently, this was the first that Minato and Hamuko had ever knew of him. As far as Minato tried to remember, he couldn't think of ever seeing the man. He couldn't remember if he saw him at their parents' funeral or not. When it was revealed by their Aunt Kaoru that they were going to now live with this man, Minato had asked Hamuko if she knew who he was. And Hamuko answered that she didn't know either.

So then...Why all of a sudden did this man want to take them in if he hardly knew them? Why now? Guilt, perhaps? Or was there something else? Was money involved? Maybe he was getting paid by their mother's family to be rid of them. They were wealthy, after all. Maybe...

Regardless, all Minato did know was that this man, their 'uncle,' had done nothing for them up at this point or showed up for them at all. Not for when custody was given to their mother's family and not ever during the years spent with them. But, according to their aunt Kaoru, their uncle had requested that he be given custody of them. Minato recalled there being difficulties for some time prior to the news, but it appeared that it was all settled as they were now going to live with their 'Uncle' Hideo. Overall, though, the situation made little sense.

Whatever the reasons for any of this happening were, Minato didn't care much. All he knew was that this was going to be same exact cycle that he and his sister would go through whenever they were passed on to a new relative. There was no point in trying to establish a connection if that was going to be the case. Took him a few years to realize that.

Minato continued to keep quiet. Hamuko, following her brother's example, said nothing either.

The uncomfortable silence and the high tension was stifling in the small vehicle. This was how it was most of the ride. And it wasn't until they were in the urban area, that again Hideo tried to strike a conversation with the twins.

Minato saw the older man's grey eyes in the rearview mirror looking at them as he spoke.

"Well, we're almost at my apartment. It's just past these couple of streetlight intersections. The complex is pretty nice and well-maintained, so you two don't have to worry about it looking dirty or anything. The apartment itself isn't bad looking either, I keep it clean."

No reply was made.

-0-

The twins were now with their uncle in the apartment complex's lobby. Hideo had brought them there to show them around.

"So, as you guys can probably tell this is the complex's lobby. Here is where the mailboxes are and where the apartment complex office is. But, I'll show you where the mailboxes are located first."

The man began to walk in the direction of where the mailboxes were. Minato and Hamuko silently followed behind.

They continued until they stopped at a wall that was covered with mailbox slots. Each one had a number which probably corresponded with the apartment room number. Hideo and the two Arisato twins stopped before this wall. Hideo then explained.

"These are the mailboxes. Here's where you can pick up any letters. My mailbox number is 503, so that's the one we'll be using. And it's right...here." The man pointed out the mailbox's location before continuing, "As for how to open it, you have to use a key. But, I've already got that issue covered for you two by having two spare keys for you. They'll be ready by tomorrow. And I think that's it for the mailboxes - oh right. Uhm...if you ever need to pick up a package that has to be done at the main office down here. I'll show that too."

With that, they then left for where the main office. Once there, Hideo explained some more before saying that they were finally going to head up to his apartment.

-I-

"Well, here we are. My apartment."

The twins stepped into the room first. They took off their shoes at the entrance before they began to look all around them, checking out their surroundings.

They saw that the living area was in front of them, complete with a low table , a small entertainment center, and a couch to the table's left. Then to their right, a kitchen was there. A counter separated it from the living area. Windows also opened up to a small balcony area as well. Overall, it did look nice Minato admitted grudgingly. Hamuko and he spent a few minutes checking around the place.

They even explored the small corridor that lead to a small bathroom, their uncle's bedroom, and another bedroom. This unoccupied bedroom was where they spent the most time looking at.

It seemed this bedroom was an extra and there was nothing much in it. So from that much, Minato could tell that it was unused for the most part.

Hideo came in shortly, his hand scratching through his dark, blue-black hair.

"Hm," Hideo said, looking around. "Looks like you guys found your room."

Hamuko then suddenly asked, "Where's our stuff?"

Hideo looked down at his niece. "Ah, the rest of your things will arrive by the end of the week. I'm sorry that it couldn't get here faster. To be honest, I didn't expect to get you guys early."

Hamuko simply nodded. When nothing more was said, all three went back to the living area. When they got there, Minato saw that the sky was now dark. The sun having now completely vanished, only to give way to the various lights of the huge city.

I didn't think that we took that long.

When he looked away from the windows, he noticed something in the corner. Minato looked a little closer and saw that it was a small shrine. And in the shrine, he spotted two pictures placed inside. Minato would have went to investigate the shrine further but was stopped by their uncle's voice.

Hideo asked if they were feeling hungry now and wanted something. Hamuko, it seemed suddenly had more courage, answered yes.

"Alright, I'll make something up for all of us. At the moment I've got ingredients for some ramen, that okay?" He raked his hand through his hair while his upper teeth would bite down on his bottom lip.

Hamuko looked to Minato. She saw his head give a small nod.

She nodded also.

Hideo gave a wry smile, he was glad that at least he was getting some response from both of them. Even though most of it came from Hamuko, he didn't care as long as there was at least something.

"Well then, I'll do that right now," he answered. Hideo went into the kitchen and began to prepare the dinner. Meanwhile, Minato and Hamuko sat waiting at the living room table. It took some time before the food was ready, but once it was finished Hideo got out bowls and utensils for them all. He set up the table and soon everything was ready.

All three sat around the table now, eating the fresh food.

At least he can at least cook, Minato thought as he ate the ramen. From what Minato had gathered, it was apparent that their uncle lived on his own. There didn't appear to be anyone else living with him. So he believed that the man probably didn't know how to cook well, but it looked like he was proven wrong. Of course, he wasn't going say this out loud to the man.

During their dinner, Hideo began to talk a little about himself. He first explained that he worked as a professor at the University of Tokyo. He taught the humanities, philosophy to be specific.

"So, I'm sorry if I get holed up inside my room. Most likely that means that I'm working on a lecture or doing research." He went on to explain,"And speaking of schools and such, I've already enrolled you two. You should expect to get ready for school next Monday."

Minato and Hamuko didn't say anything. However, Minato couldn't help but feel a little peeved at going back to school. Whenever they would transfer schools, it was very difficult to exactly fit in. Especially in Minato's case.

Often times, Minato would get dragged into fights and mostly he would receive the blame for starting them. This in turn would lead him to getting into more trouble with the relatives Hamuko and him were staying with; it didn't help that most of their mother's family didn't like him in the first place.

So, Minato slowly began to retreat into himself; never seeking to become friends with anyone or talk with anyone for the most part unless he absolutely had to. The only one he would ever truly respond to and have conversations with was his sister Hamuko. No one else really.

Hamuko was the only person he would ever reveal himself to. The only one he could express his feelings and problems to. The same could be said for Hamuko as well. While Hamuko was able to reach out and slowly make friends with others, she did maintain a certain distance. And like Minato, mostly she would express herself more around him.

All the while as Minato kept going over these thoughts, he was barely listening to his uncle.

"-sadly though, you guys have to walk to school. I can't take you there as I've got classes in the morning, so I apologize. I'll give you directions to the school before you go." Hideo said. He paused then and put his hand under his chin in thought.

"I think that's all I wanted to say. Otherwise, just don't get into trouble and just be mindful when I'm doing my work; that's all I expect from you."

Minato was surprised that there weren't that many rules. A major change from what was expected from him and Hamuko, though mostly him. So, basically their uncle was giving them free rein in the apartment and their lives. Just so long that they didn't get into trouble or bother him during work.

The nagging questions from earlier returned and buzzed around inside Minato's head. The young teen gave a slight frown. When Hideo said that they should all get to bed and started to clean the table, Minato decided to speak out for the first time.

"Why?"

Hideo stopped what he was doing and looked at his nephew in mild shock. His steel-grey eyes were widened. Hamuko too was shocked. She never expected to hear her brother talk either.

When still no answer came to his question, Minato asked again.

"Why?" He said looking straight into his uncle's face. Grey staring into grey.

"Why?" Minato continued, "Why do you want us? Why did you bring us here to live with you? Why now when before you never stepped up to claim us when our parents first died? Did you suddenly feel guilty and just did this out of pity like all the others? Or do you have some other cause? Money?" Towards the end, Minato almost wanted to shout at their uncle, but he managed to keep himself in check. Hiding away his boiling anger and frustration.

Silence followed and Minato continued to stare at his uncle, daring him to give an answer. Nothing was said until Hideo looked off to the side, breaking off the intense gaze.

"No...It wasn't out of money or pity," Hideo softly said, his face darkening in the process. "I did it because there...there was talk of you and your sister being separated. Your mother's relatives all decided to keep Hamuko, while you, Minato, were to be given up for adoption to some other family in exchange for money. You two were never told this, this was kept from you. But, I learned about it and decided to for once take action and do something about it. So I put myself up to becoming your legal guardian in order to prevent your separation from one another."

"As for why I never did this before and stepped up when this first happened, I don't know. You could say that I didn't just want the commitment and responsibility of looking after children. I'm...I'm not exactly the greatest when it comes with children. But after knowing what happened to you two when living with your mother's relatives and that you would be separated, I had to do something. And maybe...maybe guilt was somewhat responsible for making me take you in as well."

Hideo stopped and turned to look at the clock that rested near the TV. It read 9:51 p.m.. He looked back at his niece and nephew.

"Well, enough about that," he said. "It's getting late, so go to sleep. I'll take care of cleaning up. Go on." He urged, motioning them to leave.

The two got up and started off in the direction of their room.

-II-

Minato and Hamuko were in their new bedroom where they opened up their suitcases, which were brought in by Hideo. They got out their packed clothes for the night and dressed. Afterwards, they started to get ready to sleep. When they were finished, they crawled into the one available bed in the room. Minato and Hamuko didn't mind sharing a bed as when they were younger they would do this all the time.

Just thinking about those memories, Minato frowned. He wished that their parents were still alive. He wished that that stupid accident didn't happen. He wished that he and his sister didn't have to get pawned off from relative to relative. He wished…

The young boy gave a slight shake of his head. Their parents were gone forever and now they were stuck with another relative. Nothing was going to change that. Might as well accept it. Then, Minato felt his mind wander to what their uncle said.

Was that really the case for what had happened? Were Hamuko and himself really going to get separated if they had continued to be with their aunt?

Those thoughts caused Minato to shudder. The very idea of him being separated from Hamuko was just too much, not to mention him being given over to total strangers. And if that had happened, more than likely he would have never see his sister again...

Minato again shook his head. No, he wouldn't give in. Sure, the man spared him and his sister from an awful separation, but what if down the road the whole thing started again and their uncle would act just like the rest.

We don't need him. Hamuko and I have been doing just fine without an adult's help ever since our parents have been gone. So much that we can cook, clean, and take care of our own laundry.

He furiously gripped at the blankets covering himself. Minato turned onto his side to see his sister.

Hamuko was facing him as well. Her long auburn hair framed her face and her red-brown eyes looked at his grey.

"Minato?" She whispered.

"Yeah?" He asked.

"What do you think about Uncle Hideo? Do you think we should give him a chance? He seemed sincere and nice enough," the girl said.

Minato looked down. Of course Hamuko would want that. Minato would glimpse flickers of hope in her eyes at the possibility of having something of a family whenever there was a slight chance presented. But, due to all that's happened so far, the chance of family had diminished so much that at this point Hamuko would not approach their uncle if Minato said no. Now though...

This question had suddenly become difficult to answer. While Minato, on one hand, would like absolutely nothing to do with the man and just have Hamuko and himself look after each other as they've been. On the other hand, he did not want to crush his sister's fragile wish.

He gave a small sigh and answered, "Hamuko, I don't know."

Minato saw the young girl's face drop and she looked down.

"Oh."

"Who knows if he'll just be like the rest," Minato continued, "Besides, we've just barely met him. We didn't even know who he was."

Hamuko looked up to her brother. "But-"

"Mm."

She then stared at blankets with a disappointed expression on her face. She's upset, Minato thought to himself. Does she really think he's that different? That he's actually sincere?

Air escaped through the boy's nostrils as he breathed out. Whether he was going to regret this or not, Minato knew that he had to say this. "Hamuko?"

"What?"

"Alright," Minato started, "We...We can give him a chance. Maybe, you're right and he does seem like he means what he says. Maybe. Would you want that?"

Hamuko's red-brown eyes widened as she lifted her face up to her brother. "Minato-nii, are you su-?"

"I'm sure," Minato quickly answered. He couldn't help but feel a small surge of happiness as Hamuko pressed herself against him. A sparkle now present in her eyes that defied the surrounding darkness of the room.

"I would want that, Minato-nii." Hamuko said.

"Okay, then," Minato said, it was at that moment when Minato felt the stinging of tiredness stab at his eyes. He started to search around the room for a clock before remembering that there wasn't much in the room at the moment. But, it's not midnight yet. Because then it'd be green everywhere with blood too.

"I feel tired, Hamuko," Minato then announced, "We should go to sleep now." He felt Hamuko nod her head in agreement and heard a stifled yawn.

"Me too. Feeling sleepy." Snuggled up to Minato, Hamuko said, "Goodnight, Minato-nii."

"Goodnight, Hamuko," Minato whispered before hugging Hamuko close to him, planting a soft kiss into her hair.

-III-

The change wasn't easy. While Minato was going to give their uncle a chance, it was difficult to do. In fact, the days and months that followed were relatively almost like the first day. This was their unsaid living arrangement for the longest time. Hideo left the twins to their own devices, while he was left to his own. Hideo would work on his lectures and research, while Minato and Hamuko tried to do their schoolwork and live their own lives. Giving the bare minimum of interaction.

However, it wasn't until about a year later where the change was starting to appear.

Minato began to show subtle signs of opening up. Joining in light conversation and even approaching Hideo for help in some instances. Hamuko herself opened up too. The side that she revealed to Minato slowly extended to their uncle's presence, truly showing her bright nature.

Conversations among the small family which rarely happened in the beginning, were now starting to fill the apartment. They would talk now around the living room table whenever they would gather to eat.

A slow, but sure improvement in the right direction.

-IV-

It was the twins' fifteenth birthday. It was on July 23, which the twins were glad that it was in the summer. No school would interfere with it and they could lounge about. For once, the Arisatos were happy whenever it was their birthday. Since being with Hideo, they would actually celebrate holidays and birthdays together. Things that hadn't happened in years.

And they would actually get gifts too. Another surprise.

Despite the fact that the man knew more about dead people and their philosophies, as Minato claimed, the man did do his best to look after his niece and nephew. Sure, he would ask what they would like for gifts and he would get them just what they wanted, the twins still appreciated the gesture.

But, this year was different as their uncle did not once ever ask them what they wanted. Curious, Hamuko asked the reason why, only to get the response of it being a surprise.

It was around late afternoon when they celebrated their birthday. Hideo had made them a good cake, which the twins proceeded to dive right into. Afterwards, they were then presented with their gifts. The gifts were two small boxes wrapped in paper. Minato and Hamuko grabbed one each.

Minato looked at the seemingly small gift in his hand, before looking at his uncle.

"What, Uncle? Did you decide to be a cheap-skate and give us something this small?" He asked with a smirk.

Hideo's eyes flashed and he growled back, "Hey, like I'm a cheap-skate. If anything, those gifts were far from being cheap! Now open them and you'll know what I mean."

The two proceeded to tear off the paper until the box of the gift was in sight. The two's eyes widened in amazement.

The boxes contained an mp3 with customized headphones. For Minato, his earphones had a nice silver-grey touch to them; while Hamuko's earphones were red. They were very impressive. The older man couldn't help but smirk at the twins' reaction.

"Well, I'm glad that I made the right choice in getting those. I had a feeling you two would like them very much." He bit his lip. "Anyways, I figured that you two would like to hear some music. I mean…I see a bunch of kids wearing those things too…so I figured you'd like them. And as Confucius said, ' Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without'."

Minato rolled his eyes at his uncle's habit of quoting, "Uncle, you're doing it again."

The older, dark-haired man gave a nervous smile before apologizing, "Yeah, sorry about that. Just a habit, I suppose. Being a professor does that."

"Thank you, Uncle!" Hamuko interrupted; a huge smile now present on her face.

Hideo then smiled at his niece. "No problem." He looked to his nephew and was surprised when-

"Thanks, Uncle." Minato said.

Hideo gave a smile, before talking about something with Hamuko.

Minato, meanwhile, looked back at his mp3. Then, he again flicked his gaze back at his sister and uncle.

A small smile tugged at the far corner of his mouth.

A/N:

- For those who are reading Memento Mori, I'd like to say that I'm going back to writing the chapters for it. I will be updating the chapter for that soon.

- Review, fave, or give feedback. Very much appreciated and thanks for reading.