Breaking the Chains
Prologue
.
Haven't you noticed? How everything seems like nothing but an endless cycle of your chosen path?
Is this normal?
Is...this what life really is supposed to be?
.
Remember that you must die.
The same lesson repeated itself countless times.
The only thing he sees above is a blinding white light, and a subtle song played in his ears. Something along the lines of sleep peacefully and eternal tranquility was heard from the song. He knew this song all too well, but he doesn't bother with it now. He's drowning, deep down to the abyss. The white light slowly faded into blue, and then it slowly faded to black.
He closed his eyes and took it all in. The loneliness, pain, and anguish in his heart.
Again.
Despite how the song that played stated clearly that he could finally rest after all the trials he had gone through, there was never a moment of peace or tranquility for him. It was quite the opposite, actually.
The cycle would keep repeating itself.
And every time it did repeat, it always felt like another dagger pierced into his heart.
He didn't want to go through this cycle anymore.
He opened his eyes after so long, and he is face to face once again with her.
In front of him, was the girl that he would often stumble upon whenever the adventure ends and begins. She had brown hair, tied to a ponytail and orange hairpins clipped on the left side of her hair which formed the roman numeral XXII. She wore the girl's uniform from Gekkoukan High School, the school he attended whenever he was chosen for the journey.
Right now, they were standing together on the empty, black space.
"Took you long enough, Minato." She addressed the boy, with a weak smile formed on her lips.
"...Were you lonely while I was gone, Hamuko?" The boy named Minato asked the girl.
"...Yeah. I never really liked to be alone." The girl named Hamuko spoke, "...But it can't be helped, right?"
"True." was the only words that Minato could think of to reply to her.
They remained silent afterwards. Minato decided to sit down on the black space, hugging his knees and bowing his head. Hamuko sat opposite from his side, sitting in the same position as him. Well, she didn't bow her head like what Minato was doing.
It wasn't obvious to Hamuko, but she knew that Minato started to cry.
Again.
They were so used to crying already, it had been a habit of theirs to cry after every journey. Every single damn time they finished, they would come back here to this empty void, reunite with the only other person in the void, and cry. Sometimes, the other hadn't returned from their own journey.
Minato's cries were more quiet and somber, while Hamuko's cries were always loud and painful.
The silence was cut off by a faint song playing in the midst of the empty space. Suddenly, Hamuko felt it. She felt her entire body pulling her, forcing her to move. Away from the void, away from Minato, and to start her journey once again.
Minato jolted up from where he sat and could only stare at Hamuko, frozen and unable to move at all.
With a sad smile formed on her lips, Hamuko accepted her fate. Before she disappeared, she called out to Minato. Her long time friend, her brother, her twin, her other half in this damned world of endless cycles.
"I'll be back."
.
Hamuko came back, looking worse than ever before.
When she returned, she walked past Minato, greeted him coldly, and sat down opposite from his side on the empty space. She buried her face onto her hands, her hair was left ragged and unkempt, and her whole body shook in both fright and anger.
In that moment, she cried her loudest yet.
Minato stiffened from his position upon hearing her. He was supposed to get used to this. But he couldn't, he just...couldn't. Feeling pity for his friend, he sat next to her and wrapped her in his arms. Minato could feel Hamuko's tears wetting his uniform, but that didn't matter now. What's important right now, was that he needed to comfort Hamuko.
"Mi...Minato...I can't. I c-can't do this a-anymore." Hamuko choked up, "N-No matter how many times...I see them. I-I feel so happy. B-But in the e-end...they...they..."
"Ssshh..." Minato calmed her down and gave her a pat on the head.
Hamuko continued to speak despite how uncontrollable her tears were, "I love...them...Minato. I love love love selfishly and selflessly love t-them! A-And...it just...feels so. Wrong. Unfair. Y-You know, how...we die. I-Is it wrong...to be selfish for once...? T-To want to live on after the Fall...? To live on...after Graduation...? I m-mean...I want to seal Nyx. But...we...don't even get to do just that. Are we even the Great Seal?! How can I be happy with my own death if we don't even die for the right reasons?!"
"Now that I think about it, it is strange. We...are supposed to be sealing Nyx, and yet..." Minato's words trailed and he pondered over what she had said. Are they sealing Nyx? Or are they just going through a time loop? Maybe this was what it was like becoming the seal, but it really doesn't feel like it either.
"...Minato." Hamuko called out Minato's name, startling the boy and interrupting his thoughts.
"Hm?" He responded.
"...Is it wrong...to wish to continue living on?" Hamuko asked.
"...No." Minato replied, "There is...nothing wrong at all with wanting to keep on living."
Hamuko didn't respond to his statement and only continued crying, but her cries were less quieter now.
They remained in their position for quite some time. Minato didn't think of letting go of Hamuko, fearing that she might start crying again. After a few more moments, Hamuko pulled herself away from Minato's grasp. Her eyes were red from the excessive crying and her body still shook a bit every time she moved. Her bright red eyes stared back at his dull, blue ones. In that moment, Minato could feel that something hatched up inside that brain of hers.
For the first time in so long, she smiled brightly.
"...You know what. We will live, Minato." She spoke proudly. She crossed her arms together and wide grin formed on her lips.
Minato stood up and tilted his head in confusion, "What...?"
"You heard me, Minato. I am so tired of all this. We live for only a moment, and then we die. We don't move forward, only repeat!" Hamuko exclaimed, "What's the point of living if we died in vain? Are we even the Great Seal?! I'm so fucking tired of this. I want...to get out of here."
"H-Hamuko..."
She clenched her fists and stared back at the beyonds of the empty void. Hamuko stomped her foot in anger, and she screamed out her words like a battle cry.
"Everyone is going to live! S.E.E.S. will live on! Yukari, Junpei, Mitsuru-senpai, Akihiko-senpai, Fuuka, Ken, Koromaru, and even Shinjiro-senpai will live on! Minato will live on! I will live on! We, Minato Arisato and Hamuko Arisato, will change our fate and LIVE!"
Just like an answer to her call, a powerful force had started to pull Hamuko away from the void. But instead of becoming frightened of what would unfold or completely surrender to her fate, she put on her brave face and pushed her weight down so she wouldn't get sucked in. A flame had ignited inside her mind, body, and soul.
She turned to face Minato, and outstretched her hand to the silent boy she had known for years? Decades? Centuries? She never really knew.
"I'm not going without you!" She exclaimed. She pushed all of her weight down to the floor, which gave her at least a few more moments in the void before being sucked into the journey again.
Minato's eyes widened, amazed by this newfound determination that sparked inside Hamuko. Like her, he did want to live on. He died so many times, so many many times that he had already lost count. He was supposed to become the Great Seal, but he hasn't ever encountered it at all. Did they really die in vain?
Let them live on.
With whatever strength he had mustered up, he took hold of Hamuko's hand, a determined smile formed on Minato's lips. They will live on, even when the inevitable end comes. They will continue to breathe, continue to smile, laugh, cry, rage, again and again. Because, they didn't want to die after their journey. Not anymore.
They.
Will.
Live.
On.
The force had pulled in Hamuko with a great force, which almost made her lose Minato's grip. But he was still there, holding her hand and smiling at her. She smiled back at her partner.
They were pulled away from the void, and into their journey.
Remember that you must live.
.
April 6, 2009
Monday
Nighttime
-
Waxing Gibbous
"...Iwatodai."
"This is the final train bound for Tatsumi Port Island. Please take care to board before our final departure."
The all too familiar voice had announced. He heard the familiar noises of the train moving it's way to the last station. He looked down on the device he was holding, and he saw that it was still playing that all too familiar song that he really liked so much. Minato straightened himself up from his seat and gazed out from the window on the other side. As usual, there were no passengers on board. It was only him...and her.
He turned to the sleeping female beside him, who was leaning against his shoulder and using it as a pillow. He smiled at the sight, and looked back to the scenery from the window.
A minute later, the train came to a complete stop. Minato nudged the sleeping figure next to him. Hamuko slowly opened her eyes, yawned quite loudly, and rubbed her eyes.
"Minato...?" She asked, "...We...we did it, didn't we?"
Minato nodded, "Yeah...but it's just the beginning, Hamuko. After all, more awaits us."
They both exited the train and started to walk through the train station. Hamuko glanced on the clock that always hang on the wall. It was 11:59PM right now, with only three seconds until...
She watched as the second hand ticked up to 12 at the clock's peak. At that exact moment, it felt like all of time stopped and everything died. The lights flickered off, their music players died down, and the moon seemingly grown bigger and glowed an eerie, bright green color. The Dark Hour has finally arrived, and they really needed to keep moving.
They exited the train station and passed through the quiet streets of Iwatodai. Coffins were spread out at almost every visible corner, and it looked like blood was slowly oozing out from it. There were also visible blood stains on the walls and ground, and everything just glowed a sickly green.
Normally, one would be mortified at the sight of this kind of scenery. But they were used to it, so so used to it. Minato and Hamuko looked at everything without even batting an eyelash. Everything just felt too familiar.
"Hey Hamuko." Minato spoke up as they continued to walk.
"Hm?" Hamuko turned her attention to Minato.
"...In this life, we're going to be brother and sister. Twins, specifically. You don't mind, right?" Minato asked.
Hamuko blinked twice before stifling out a giggle, "Of course! I don't mind. You've always been a brother to me, after all."
Minato smiled back at her, and they continued to walk.
Minutes later, they reached their destination. In front of them, stood the place they would label as home. The Iwatodai Dormitory, home for some of the students who are currently studying in Gekkoukan High School...and more.
Hamuko opened the door and the twins entered the dormitory. Just like it always was at the beginning, it was eerie and quiet. Except in a few moments, where he will appear.
"Welcome."
He's here.
The two turn around to see the young, pale boy before them. He wore the usual getup, of course, which were black and white striped pajamas. He gazed at them both with wonder in his eyes, and gave them the creepiest yet innocent smile.
"...You're both late. I was waiting for a long time."
Hamuko felt like punching the boy, because she knew what was coming next. It was the gateway to their...supposed fate. But she could feel Minato's eyes watching her carefully and internally warning her not to make unwanted movements. So, she stayed still.
They watched as he took out a piece of paper and pen from behind. With a smile, he handed it to them.
"If you wish to proceed, sign here. It's a contract." He explained, "There's no need to be scared. It just binds you to accepting full responsibility for your actions."
They took the paper from the boy, read the usual "I chooseth this fate of mine own free will.", and signed it. Minato signed first, showing off his signature just looked like a simple squiggle. Hamuko hesitantly signed next, showing off her signature looked like a mesh of doodles.
Minato returned the paper to the boy, and he took it back. That creepy smile still formed on his lips.
"Very well. Time is something no one escape." He spoke again the usual words, "It delivers us all to the same end. Wishing won't make it go away.
"...Or perhaps, thanks to your actions, it could be possible."
He mumbled those last words. The twins swore that they heard him right, and they both turned to his direction with shocked expressions. He was still smiling at them.
"And so...it begins..."
"Wait-!"
By the time Hamuko had shouted her words, the boy had already melted into the darkness. It was just them again. Before they could assemble their thoughts about what they had just heard, a girl's voice called out to them.
"W-Who's there?!"
They turned around to see a familiar person. Short, brown hair, the hazel eyes, and the all too familiar way she wore her school uniform. It was Yukari Takeba, and she was a moment late yet again from seeing the young boy that had stood before them moments ago.
"How can you both be...?! It's...!" She paused, "...Don't tell me."
Yukari held onto a 'gun' tightly on her hand, and before she could make any movements. Another voice called out to her.
"Wait...!"
The first girl paused her actions and all living souls turned their attention to the red-haired woman that stood at the top of the stairs. They knew who it was too well, it was Mitsuru Kirijo. At the same time of Mitsuru's arrival, the lights flickered back on and their music players have started to play the song again. Yukari yelped a bit, shocked to see that the electricity had started to run again.
Mitsuru faced the twins, and her eyes widened the moment her gaze met theirs.
"...That's odd, there's only supposed to be only one transfer student." She spoke.
What?
"Excuse me...? But I thought that both of us would be applying for a dorm and in Gekkoukan High this year." Minato spoke up, looking at the two females with concern in his eyes. They wondered if this was a cause of their appearance. After all, only one was supposed to be here.
"Really...? Well then, I will be overlooking that information later on then." She said, "My name is Mitsuru Kirijo. I am one of the students who is living in this dorm."
"Hey Senpai, who are they...?" Yukari asked, staring at the two students curiously, "And what did you mean by there was only supposed to be one?"
"They are the transfer students. Well, there was only supposed to be one." Mitsuru explained to the curious Yukari, "It's most likely just misinformation on my part. Anyways, it was a last minute decision for assign them here."
Yukari gulped, "Is it okay for the both of them to be here?"
"Hmm, I guess we'll see." Mitsuru replied, "Oh, and this is Yukari Takeba. She'll be a junior this spring, just like you both, I presume?."
Mitsuru introduced Yukari to the twins. Minato and Hamuko both nodded as a reply to Mitsuru's inquiry. Still a bit skeptical by the newcomers' sudden arrival and other things, Yukari greeted them.
"Hi, I'm Yukari."
For now, they decided to not ask her about the gun. Or about the dorm.
"Nice to meet you too, Yukari. My name is Minato Arisato. I'll be a junior this year as well." Minato greeted her with a small smile.
"And I'm Hamuko Arisato. I'll be a junior too!" Hamuko greeted her happily.
They both greeted the brunette with warm smiles on their faces. Yukari felt like a huge burden had been taken away from her shoulders. They didn't seem that bad, she thought. They both seemed really friendly and nice.
"Yeah, nice to meet you too." Yukari gave them with her warmest smile.
There was a momentary silence between the four. Mitsuru decided to break the ice.
"Anyways, it's getting late. Minato, right?" She turned her attention to Minato, "I hope you don't mind if I would start calling you as such, to avoid confusion with your sister. You will find your room on the second floor while Hamuko's room would be on the third floor. Hopefully, your things should already be there. I suggest you along with your sister tuck in for the night."
"Alright." Minato responded, while Hamuko nodded to confirm that she heard Mitsuru.
"I'll show you both the way, follow me." Yukari jumped in, motioning for the twins to follow her.
Minato and Hamuko started to follow Yukari up the stairs. The three didn't say a word to each other as they followed her. They both still felt like something was bothering Yukari. Well, it can't be helped. People usually turned to coffins whenever the Dark Hour happened, and apparently, they weren't those kind of people...Yukari (and Mitsuru), included. They were 'special'.
Eventually, they reached Minato's room. Like always, it was at the end of the boys' hallway.
"Well, here we are. Minato, this would be your room." Yukari announced, pointing to the door in front of them, "It's pretty easy to remember, right? Since it's at the end of the hall."
"Yes, yes it is." Minato replied.
"So, any questions?" Yukari asked, a smile formed on her lips.
"...No, not really." Hamuko replied. Minato could only nod in response.
Yukari sighed, "All right, then. Oh, and can I ask you bothsomething?
"...On your way here to the station, was everything okay...?"
"Yeah." They instantly replied.
Lies.
"I see. Nevermind, then." Yukari spoke, "...Well, I'm pretty sure you both have other questions, but let's save them for later, okay? I will get going now. Good night, Minato. Hamuko, I will lead you to your room now."
Yukari started to walk up the stairs to the third floor, with Hamuko trailing behind her. Minato watched them in silence, before deciding to enter his all too familiar room.
It looked the same as always whenever he would first enter his room. The small, blue bed is kept neat and tidy, a small TV is across it which he might actually never use, a study desk that he would never use for studying...anymore. Like, come on, for the past few runs, he's always been the highest in his class and batch. Well, he would use it that desk to play the video game Junpei would give him later on. If...he would give it later on. There was also the tiny refrigerator, sink, closet, shelves, and more tables so he could put his important stuff on.
From what Hamuko told him, their rooms actually looked pretty similar, well, except for the color of the bedsheets. But like it really mattered to him.
He felt a bit drowsy, as he started to yawn and he could feel all the muscles in his body aching. Minato decided to sleep now, as he remembered that he needed to attend school tomorrow...again. As if on impulse, he had dragged himself onto the bed, covered himself up with the sheets, and fell asleep instantly.
A/N: ...hhHHIIIII this isn't my first time in fanfiction by the way, but this is my first time writing fanfiction for the Persona franchise.
I'm using "Hamuko" instead of "Minako," so I won't confuse myself between "Minako" and "Minato". Also, they'll be labelled as "siblings" here, even if they're not in the fic. They just want to. Yeah.
...Anyways, this idea was stuck in my head for a super long time, and I really...wanted to share it with you all. Although, the whole idea of what would happen is only 80% done. I just still need to fix stuff, like what Social Links should I change and what not.
If you didn't know or notice the summary, this story takes place in a P3P New Game Plus AU! What kind of AU? Well, that's a secret for now...saying what kind would be spoiling already the entire plot. And because of the twins' appearance, many things change, if...that wasn't obvious already.
...Anywho! So, there's also pairings! I already have a pairing for FeMC (Hamuko) but none for Minato. Soooo...let's have a game!
Can you can guess who will Hamuko's lover would be? If you squint and actually lurk somewhere, someplace, you might get a hint on who would be her lover! Literally, just...browse around. First person who guesses Hamuko's lover gets to choose who would be Minato's lover! I would PM the winner so the pairings is still left as a surprise until it's reveal in a feeeewwww chapters! Oh yeah, Minato's lovers can't be Hamuko, Hamuko's lover, Junpei (because you know, Chidori.), or anyone in Strega or someone old like Ikutsuki (being safe!) ...Oh yeah, you can make Minato's lover a guy...it's all up to you!
And, I guess, that's it! That was long, haha. Reviews are greatly appreciated and see you all in the next chapter!