Author's Notes: A Persona 3/4 fanfiction. It is told from Aigis's point of view with some transitions to 3rd person for plot development. I love Aigis and I think she is one if not the best character in the Persona 3-4 timespan. My reasons are at the end.
Atarashi kiseki wo koko kara hajimaru, shining place, nee, mou ichido, kimi to
A new miracle begins from here, a shining place, hey, once again, with you
Pursuing My True Self in the Brand New Days
Saturday 3/5/2011
It was our graduation day at Gekkoukan High. It was the most important I will spend at this school; the school where I shared so many memories with my friends.
The ceremony was bittersweet as I waved goodbye to the friends I've made during my senior year. I was conversing with Yukari about the future.
"So Aigis, do you have any plans for what you want to do in the future?" Yukari asked a question that I've heard too many times. I made a promise to live my life to the fullest and I've found my Answer. Yet somehow, I feel as if my true self is still out there somewhere.
I couldn't think of an adequate response. I asked Yukari what her plans were.
"I think I'll go to Kyoto University. I haven't been home in a long time and things are starting to go well between my mom and I." said Yukari. "It's alright if you don't know what you want to be right now, but he gave us a future and…." Yukari fell silent.
We were reminded of what happened last year. Despite moving on towards the future, everyone falls silent whenever someone mentions his name.
"Anyways we have to get ready. The graduation party is tonight. Let's have fun on our last days here." Yukari and I returned to the dorms.
The party was a semi formal dance. I searched through my wardrobe for anything to wear. There was ammunition lying around and tons of spare school uniforms. I came to realize that I never had much in terms of clothing. I am a machine yet my heart and soul are that of a human. I no longer feel the cold steel of my hands but warmth. I need to eat and sleep and my feelings can be hurt.
I left my room and went down to the lounge. Yukari was there in a long pink dress. "Oh Aigis, you haven't changed yet?" she asked.
"I need to go buy a dress." I answered. Yukari was surprised that over the whole year, I've worn nothing but the school uniform. I developed a "fashion sense" over the year with Yukari, but I could go to a store and buy clothes.
"Aigis, you really…. Alright, let's go buy you a dress." Yukari sighed.
"Thank you." I was thankful for her help and support in selecting my dress for the graduation party.
I had fun at the party. Everyone was having a good time as well. The party went on late into the night.
There were many men who asked me to dance, but I respectfully declined. I will always hold a place in my heart for him and only him. One day, I believe he will return. I still believe to this day.
Saturday 3/19/2011
The closing ceremony is today.
The principal gave a long speech during the ceremony. I heard conversations in the crowd. After the ceremony, I said my farewells one last time. I've decided to try going to a university as I enrolled at Kyoto Institute of Technology.
Monday 4/11/2011
My first day at Kyoto Institute of Technology came somewhat as a surprise to me. I've only been outside of Tatsumi Port Island during the school trip or when the Kirijo Group supplies me with necessities.
I am interested in the engineering courses. I studied hard over the next year to increase my knowledge. Over they year, I've always felt that my direction is unclear to me. My purpose in life is to live, but its direction was foggy.
Tuesday 2/21/2012
There was a full moon today. Shadows have not appeared during the full moon ever since two years ago, but today it gave me a foreboding feeling.
I began to have strange dreams. In my dreams there was a thick fog. A road lay before me and I walked forward. Along the road I heard a mysterious voice coming from beyond the fog.
Do you seek the truth?
I continued on.
Humans only believe what they want to believe, yet you still believe there is a truth?
I marched on without hesitation.
There is only one inevitable truth. And it awaits us all at the end.
I have no fear as I continued down the foggy road.
So be it. You shall find me in Inaba. There lies the truth. His power is required.
I stopped, "Who are you and how do you know him?" I shouted through the fog.
Find the truth for yourself. However the end shall come once again.
I woke up as if from a nightmare. "Inaba…" I muttered to myself.
Thursday 3/22/2012
There is another full moon tonight and I had the same dream. I must find out what the dreams meant. The voice said to come to Inaba so I filed my transfer to Okina University near Inaba.
The admission board allowed it and I was accepted into Okina U.
Wednesday 4/11/2012
Today was the day. I board the train for Yasoinaba Station with my belongings. It an interesting experience as it was my first time seeing the countryside. It was so green and vibrant compared to the city.
I arrived in Inaba around the evening. My accommodations have not been fully prepared so I inquired for any places to stay.
"The Amagi Inn is the best place around." a person replied. I asked for directions.
The inn was a short walk away and I approached the counter. "Welcome." the receptionist greeted.
"I would like a room." I signed the papers and paid the fee. The price was fair and I never had financial problems because of all the Tartarus yen and the Abyss of Time. In fact, I'm surprised why the economy hasn't collapse from inflation.
The room I requested was a simple one and I left my things there. Suddenly there was a voice from outside the sliding door.
"Pardon me, is there any request you would like to make." spoke a female voice. I ordered a simple meal. Shortly after she slid to door and brought me the food.
"Please enjoy." she left the tray on the kotatsu. "Do you work here?" I inquired. She did look young to be working at an inn during the night.
"I'm the owner's daughter." she replied. "I'm Yukiko Amagi."
She left after answering my question. There will be a full moon on the 21st. I'd better keep that in mind.
Thursday 4/12/2012
I still had time before the next semester starts. The town of Inaba was quite peaceful. Everyone seemed content. Upon some research, I discovered that a series of murder cases occurred here last year.
Fortunately the culprit was apprehended, but the cause of the murders and how they case was resolved remained a complete mystery.
There were also rumors of a Midnight Channel. On rainy nights at midnight, one can see the one they love on the TV. I decide to investigate further.
At the police station there was a detective organizing papers. "Hello, what can I do for you?" he asked.
According to the report, the culprit for the serial murders was someone by the name of Tohru Adachi.
"I would like to know where Tohru Adachi is." I said carelessly. The man suddenly had a serious expression. "Why would you want to know? You're friend of his?" he asked in a much more intimidating tone.
"No, I merely want to speak with him." I replied. "He's in the prison over in the city nearby. Just be careful." his expression returned to normal.
As I left the station, a young man in blue entered. We exchanged quick glances and went on our way.
I heard voices behind the door.
"Dojima-san, who was that just now?"
"I don't know. Just someone asking for directions."
There was a train to Okina at noon. The prison was rather small, but then again crime rates went down.
The guards escorted me to the visitor's room and called for Adachi. After a few minutes a lean somewhat young man appeared behind the glass wall.
"The gods on high must favor me for giving me the chance to speak to such a beauty like you." Adachi didn't seem to hate his prison, but his flattery means nothing to me.
"I would like to ask you some questions." I said bluntly. Adachi leaned back on his chair and looked at me.
"What is this? An interrogation? I thought you visited me from the goodness of your heart." he said jokingly.
I continued to stare at him with a piercing gaze.
"Alright, alright, what do you want to know?" Adachi gave in quite easily.
"I wish to know more about the Midnight Channel." I began a series of conversations around that topic.
"Wow, it's been a year since that mess. After those brats put me behind bars, the Midnight Channel stopped occurring so there's really nothing to talk about." said Adachi.
"Still, you're the only one who has ever visited me. I've always thought I was alone in the world and that my life is hopeless." Adachi seemed grateful.
It seems Adachi appreciates my company.
Social Link Formed: Devil: Rank 1
A voice rang in my head. It appears I've formed a small bond with this person. I should visit him more often if I have the chance. I might learn more about him and the Midnight Channel.
Visiting hours were over.
Tonight, I went to the nearby convenience store, Junes to buy dinner. I saw their mascot, a large, round bear outside greeting everyone.
"Welcome to Junes, kuma!" he greeted. I felt something different about him. He reminds me so much of Ryoji for some reason.
I fell asleep after eating.
Friday 4/13/2012
The weather forecasts rain later at night. I turned off the TV and explored the town once more. The semester doesn't start until 4/23.
Friday 4/20/2012
I have become accustomed to the local area and know my way around Okina and Inaba. As I walked there were a van with recording equipment and a man hosting a travel show.
"Here we are in Inaba! Home to the famous Amagi Inn and the series of murders last year. Let's ask a local for their opinion." he went over in my direction and held the microphone to my face.
The camera was directed at me. "Let's hear your opinion on the murders last year." he said enthusiastically.
"I apologize; I am not a resident of Inaba. I am a tourist so they say." the man looked disappointed. He went on to ask other people nearby.
It rained tonight and if the rumors were true then at midnight…..
The TV turned on by itself. The screen was of a yellowish shade, and the images were blurry, but I could make out a figure of a young man.
According to Adachi, the Midnight Channel is a reflection of the viewer's minds. The requirements to appear on the Midnight Channel are that one must appear on TV in real life.
Somewhere else in Inaba
"Senpai! Are you seeing this?" Kanji shouted over the phone.
"This shouldn't be possible." Yosuke muttered in disbelief.
"Let's call everyone together. We'll meet at Yukiko's place." Yosuke hung up.
The Investigation Team gathered at the Amagi Inn.
"What is this about? I thought the Midnight Channel was gone?" Chie was astonished.
"Let's calmly go through the facts." Naoto began to summarize.
"Who was that in the TV anyway?" asked Kanji.
"I haven't been in the TV for awhile, sorry." Teddy was too busy having fun to notice.
"Considering the prerequisites for appearing on the Midnight Channel, they must have been on TV recently." explained Naoto.
"Wait, that person on the Midnight Channel, it looks familiar." stated Yukiko.
"Really? Who is it?" exclaimed Yosuke.
"I think it was one of our guests. She's been staying at the inn for awhile now." Yukiko points to Aigis's room.
"Let's keep an eye on her. We have to make sure she doesn't get thrown in." said Naoto.
"But we have school tomorrow. Who is going to stick around and watch her?" asked Chie.
"I'll do it. I have special permission if it involves a potential case." stated Naoto.
Naoto spent the night at the Amagi Inn while the Investigation Team returned home after some time passed.
Saturday 4/21/2012
There will be a full moon tonight. It was raining outside and I am still concerned over what I saw on the Midnight Channel. Adachi said that it stopped appearing after the case was closed, but what I saw said otherwise.
Preparing for the worst, I needed to stock up on ammunition. When I left my room, I felt someone watching me from somewhere. I should be careful.
Tonight, I plan to go into the Midnight Channel and to do that I must search for a place with a television large enough for me to pass through.
The shopping complex, Junes sells TVs large enough. I still had plenty of money so I bought one and carted it off to a hidden alleyway.
I still felt the same presence watching me. I shouldn't be seen doing something this suspicious so I began to run. I ran and ran along the streets, over the walls, around the corners.
Footsteps were heard following me. I took cover between the houses and saw someone run past by. It was the same boy in blue I saw at the police station.
"So he must be a detective." I thought to myself. After shaking him off, I went over to the shopping district to buy ammo.
Daidara Metalworks, a simple store, but with enough inventory to provide a suitable range of weapons for all kinds.
I bought several cartridges of machine gun rounds. The shop keeper didn't ask any questions.
Feeling that I need to conserve my energy for the night, I returned to the inn. As midnight approaches I left the inn to where I had left the TV.
To enter, I simply touched the screen and it bent like water. A whole new world appears before me.
Amagi Inn around midnight
Yukiko slid the door over for a peek. She gasped to see that there was no one there.
"Last place to check, the Midnight Channel." said Yosuke. The Investigation Team used the TVs at Junes to enter the Midnight Channel once again.
Midnight Channel: Tatsumi Port Island
There was something strange about this world. A fog blankets this world obscuring vision. A voice rings in my head once again.
The fog conceals the truth, do not be deceived by outward appearances. See with your heart, not your eyes.
A pair of glasses floated down into my hands. After wearing them, I can see clearly through the fog.
There was a mysterious door when opened, revealed a swirling vortex. All I could do was go forward. I have not found an exit yet.
When I exited the portal, I was shocked to see that I was standing in front of the old dorm where SEES spent their precious moments together.
During my visit at the prison, Adachi told me that in the Midnight Channel, one may encounter their Shadow. What he didn't realize was that I've already found my Answer.
So, you've come at last. The same mysterious voice returns. The Truth lies beyond the fog, but you cannot reveal it yet. The end shall come once again.
"The end… it couldn't be." I had my fears, but this confirms it. "Where are you? Show yourself!" I shouted.
Very well, I shall come to you.
I feel a powerful presence closing in. Creeping ever closer and closer until suddenly, I quickly turned around, I pointed my fingers at a small boy.
Is that how you treat old friends? The boy said ominously. He had eerie blue eyes and wore black and white striped clothes like prison inmates on TV.
"Who are you?" I threatened the boy. He was not a human for sure. Oh my, you've never seen me in this form. Well let me introduce myself. My name is Pharos, otherwise known as Ryoji Mochizuki.
I was startled, this boy….was Ryoji? I could see the resemblance, but….
"I thought you had merged with Nyx." I said in a puzzled voice. Yes, but because you sealed me inside him for ten years, I've developed a humanity. I can even use personas if I wanted to. But that aside, I called you here because there is another Harbinger of the Fall.
"Another Harbinger?" I was alarmed. Of all the things, this had to occur.
?" I was alarmed. Of all the things, this had to occur.
Yes, there will be a second coming of the fall. However, it is not from Nyx, it comes from a power even greater. This was foretold by humans throughout the ages. Although most people hard believe them. I believe the Mayans knew this was going to happen.
I've not kept up with the current events, but that 2012 theory that was going around now became a devastating reality to me. "So, his sacrifice…. was all for naught…" I sunk in disbelief.
No, unlike Nyx, this can be averted. The source of which is not from humanity's desire for destruction, but it is a malevolent entity within itself. It feeds off of human malice to grow stronger, but it can be defeated.
After hearing that, hope returned to me. "How do we avert it?" I asked in an ever more concerned tone.
His power is needed. But that issue has been resolved. You need not worry. The true ordeals begin now.
Shadows appeared out of nowhere and surrounded us. I reloaded my gun and fired my spread shot, eliminating some of the weaker shadows.
"Athena!" I summoned my persona, Athena, the War Goddess to strike down my foes. All the shadows have been eliminated, all but one.
It was the Magician Arcana. An enemy that was never supposed to return.
Don't worry, I'll assist you. I'll always be within you, amplifying your powers. The more of my fragments you defeat, the stronger we'll become. We need to do this to prevent the Fall.
"Why are you helping me?" I asked.
Simple, I don't want this world to end as well. I've been given a life and will by him and I willingly accept responsibility for my actions.
Pharos disappeared into the darkness, yet I always feel his presence within me. "So this is what he always felt for the last 10 years. To constantly live with Death by his side." I thought to myself how horrible I was.
But now, I can't falter. I must defeat the Magician.
Do you know about Fusion Raids? Just use the evoker if you want to perform it. I'll support you just like him.
I held his evoker to my head. My heart was racing. Death… it was never a fact for me until now. I fear Death and I will live strongly because of that. I slowly pulled the trigger.
"P-P-Persona." Athena and Orpheus appeared. Orpheus strengthened Athena's spear which she then threw at the Shadow.
It hit it directly in the mask. The Magician was no more as I felt Death's power increase within me.
Good job. We're one step closer to our goal.
The fog has permanently cleared from the area and I put my glasses away. I hear voices calling.
"Hey, are you alright?" a young man with brownish orange hair approaches. He had two kunai knives in his hands.
I recognize some of the people who followed after him. There was Yukiko and that detective.
"We thought you were a goner after we saw you on the Midnight Channel." the young man with the brownish hair said. "I'm Yosuke Hanamura."
"Yosuke stop trying to play the knight in shining armor." a girl in green gave Yosuke a punch. "Ignore him, he's an idiot."
"Anyways we shouldn't stay here. What if her Shadow comes." said Yukiko. "Teddy, can you please make an exit?"
"My pleasure! kuma." the bear mascot I saw at Junes made a stack of TVs appear. There was more to this group of high school students than meets the eye.
I decided to keep silent and see how things play out.
We returned to the Amagi Inn where they escorted me to my room and started asking questions.
"A babe like you, lost in the other world. Must be pretty scary huh?" Yosuke was hitting on me. He reminds me of Junpei.
"Cut it out will you? Do you hit on every girl you happen to save from the Midnight Channel? Oh by the way, I'm Chie Satonaka." said the girl in green.
"You've probably forgotten about me, but I'm Yukiko Amagi."
"I'm Kanji Tatsumi." the large young man looked away.
"And I'm Teddy-kuma. Beary nice to meet you." there was a blonde skinny boy and the bear costume besides him.
"I'm Naoto Shirogane. Now why don't you tell us your name." the boy in blue inquired.
"I am Aigis." I said. They probably expected me to say more. "Now let's cut to the chase. You entered the Midnight Channel of your own free will didn't you?" Naoto was sharper than I had thought.
"Wait, what? She did?" Yosuke gasped in astonishment and so did everyone else.
"Nine days ago, you went to the station and asked Dojima-san where you could find Adachi. I went to the prison to find out that you had a talk with Adachi concerning the Midnight Channel and how to enter it. I also kept an eye on you today to see if anything was up and I saw you purchase a TV and placing it between the alleys." Naoto stated the facts.
"You left out the part where you lost track of me." I remarked. "Whoa Naoto, you got ditched by her? I thought you were an ace detective." Yosuke teased.
"That was a slight error on my part. However that only proves you knew I was there and attempted to evade my watch. Also your speed and endurance is of a trained professional." Naoto continued the questioning.
"Lastly in the Midnight Channel, when we entered, I had Teddy scan the area for shadows and for you. He detected a large mass of them at your location, but then it disappeared. Care to explain? It's not like shadows have any mercy." Naoto wrapped everything they found out in a nutshell.
These people are good. They figured out my activities and saw through me.
"If you know that much then you are aware of the power called Persona correct?" I asked a question back.
It seems they know what I'm talking about. "I am a persona user. I've fought the shadows two years ago as a member of the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad. SEES for short. I came to Inaba after having strange dreams. I discovered rumors about the Midnight Channel and got the truth from Adachi."
"Wow and I thought were the only persona users out there." said Chie.
"Personas and shadows have been around longer than mankind has. They are also one and the same." I explained.
"Care to elaborate on your reasons of coming here?" asked Naoto.
"I have nothing to hide, but I can explain it better tomorrow." I pulled out the futon.
"Then let's continue our talk tomorrow then." Naoto leaves. "See ya Aigis." Yosuke follows along with Chie and Kanji.
"Aww. I wanted to spend more time with Ai-chan. kuma." Teddy looked disappointed and was dragged by Kanji. Yukiko was the only one left, but this was her family's inn.
"I'll return to my duties." Yukiko bows and leaves.
So much has happened. It was too much to take in at once as I fell into a deep, deep sleep.
Chapter 1: My Journey: End
Author's notes: Ok, please leave a review. The reasons I like Aigis is because she has the best character development. She transitions from a robot, to more human, then to the point where it is indistinguishable. Wild Card all the way.
In my opinion, I don't like people who like characters just because of whether or not they could do them in real life. It's not going to happen either way.
Anyways read, review, and thank you for reading my pilot chapter.
Lines separate the shift in POV.