Here Again

WARNING: Spoilers from P3 the Answer, P4 and P4: Arena, especially Elizabeth's story.

Pairings: Main: MinakoxAkihiko

Disclaimer: I don't own the Persona series… Because if I did… Minako would never have died… xD

Chapter 1: Second Chances

The sea of souls was so clear, so beautiful and vast… Every so often Elizabeth returned there, even though she had already started her own journey. And every time she was there… the beast appeared, they fought, she won. The sequence that repeated itself for over the years, how much? She didn't know.

- Hello there my dearest of friends…- even though she knew the greeting didn't reach her dear friend she always talked to her, maybe that was her way of keeping her alive. – It's beautiful… isn't it? – no answer came.- I know I already told you about how I got my own arcana, so I won't talk about that again, but, I came to tell you my progress. I've been observing those kids I knew last year, "Sensei" and Teddie Bear too. And I feel like I have learnt a lot of things… don't know if that leads me closer to the answer of my journey… but it is indeed fun. I would like very much to be with them… Did I told you that they're about to take different paths? Something about a… Cottage? No, collage… Well Something among those lines. –

That's when a very bright butterfly appeared in front of her.

- Oh, who might be you… a lost soul in the sea? – The blue insect stayed a while in front of Elizabeth, and then flew right next to the statue of a girl blocking the golden door.- What an interesting turn of events, I wonder…-

Where am I? Is this what being dead feels like?

I… Who am I? I remember… a fight, a light… and peace.

Where am I? What am I?

Suddenly a face appears, shining in the darkness. A smiling face with white hair and beautiful eyes. The sensation of a warm embrace, strong arms, and loving words.

Who is he? I can't remember… but I know he was important for me, he was… my precious person.

Why am I awake? I was sure I died.

- Interesting… such a young soul, yet you're embracing death- the ex-inhabitant of the Velvet Room was examining as close as she could the shining butterfly that was in front of her precious friend.- But… what are you doing here? Are you interested in my friend?...-

Suddenly a very intense sensation embraced Elizabeth, it was like… the little soul was talking, not to her, not to her friend, but to no one in particular.

I don't want to leave them alone… they were so eager to love me, but is not my destiny to live.

I want them to be happy… as happy as they made me with all the love they gave them while I was alive.

But I'm not meant to continue living. I've found my answer already, didn't need to be born for that.

You're. You were.

I shall take your place… you shall take mine.

I want them to be happy… make them happy for me, please.

And with that light enveloped the stone girl, changing her for another form, it wasn't a baby as one should expect, but a beautiful goddess.

- How noble of such a young soul… bonds are what make us strong, not in quantity but in quality… you were given so much love, it's so sad some lives end so fast… The more reasons to come here again, don't fear my new friend, I won't leave you alone forever… - and with that the blonde woman followed her friend's soul.- I guess things such as coincidences do not exist-

- Minako if you don't go out now you'll be late for school!-

- I'm going mom, I'm going- came the lazy reply of an pretty young lady with brown hair and red eyes.- Morning Mom-

- Good Morning dear- the lady gave her daughter a kiss in the forehead- Now seat and eat your breakfast-

- Thank you mom- Her mother knew she loved sweets, so in the days that were around her birthday she always made her sweets for breakfast. Pancakes, muffins…

And sadly that brought her back memories… memories that were and weren't hers.

- Is something wrong sweetheart?- She hadn't noticed she was spacing out again, well, truth is, since she awoke to her lost memories she spaced out a lot. That was 4 years ago, when she was 13.

- Nope, don't worry mom, I'm just sleepy… Exams are coming soon, so I've been studying until midnight-

- You should sleep more then, you don't need to study that much, you've always been very smart-

- Thank you mom- she ate her breakfast fast and stood up, gave her mom a kiss and went to school.

- Hey Minako! Remember today your cousin Yosuke is coming, so don't be late.-

- Ok Mom-

She jogged to school, lost in her thoughts.

"Will I ever find you Aki? And if I do… will you believe me?"

Even though some memories were still foggy for her, the ones regarding his most beloved friends were very clear. Including those of Tartarus, Personas, and Nyx. She also knew something related to Shadows happened here in Inaba around the time she was 9. She was very sick back then, well… not her, the one that owned this life before giving it to her.

"Thank you so much for another chance"

She always thanked that young soul that rescued her from the sea of souls.

Also… "Where's Elizabeth? She should…."

- Hello There, where you wondering where I was?- the blonde girl greeted her at the entrance of Yasogami high.

- Oh, Hi there Eli-chan-

You're probably thinking 'Wait Elizabeth? THAT Elizabeth?' Yeah, THAT Elizabeth. Seems she followed me when I came back to life, and decided to live this new life with me. Didn't knew she could change her appearance though, She even grew up with me!

- Were you relinquishing old memories? How marvelous- Minako had long ago got used to Elizabeth's ability to read minds… or at least to read hers.

- Kind of…-

- I wonder how Teddie Bear is doing? Haven't seen him in a while…-

Oh yeah, she also remembered Elizabeth's tales about "sensei" and Teddie Bear and even his cousin Yosuke was in that stories, though she didn't knew he would be her cousin back then.

- I will ask Yosuke-san today-

- Please do-

We entered our classroom, almost everyone was there when we arrived.

- Morning Nanako-

- Oh, good morning Minako-chan, Eli-chan-

- May your day be bright Nanako-san- Almost everyone in class was used to Elizabeth's strange greetings and phrases.

- what's up Nanako? You look like you're shining…-

- Oh… do I? It's because Big bro is coming today!-

- "Sensei" is coming? Then I must go to your house today, it's always great to talk with the wielder of the wild card-

- That's wonderful Nanako, then probably we'll see each other tonight, since Yosuke is coming-

- Yeah, my dad said there was going to be a reunion at our house. Maybe we could make some dinner for everybody! Also, Nao-chan is coming with my big bro too… seems they'll be making an important announcement-

- Ohhh, what might it be! I'm very curious, you must invite me too Nanako-san-

- Of course, we can all go welcome Big bro-

Minako smiled, she had very good friends. And today was going to be a fun afternoon. She always laughed when she remembered the look in the faces of Yosuke and Narukami-san when they saw the young Elizabeth. She had told her once the story of their meeting… and she had laughed her ass off when she understood the faces those two made. Also, Teddie's flirting intents with her always amazed her.

- Morning students- Seems she had been spacing out again.

- Goor Morning Miss Amagi-

That was Yukiko Amagi, her homeroom teacher, and a friend of Yosuke and the others.

She never tried telling his cousin or his friends who she really was and that she knew them from before. Neither had them asked her how she met Elizabeth, or even if she told her anything about them.

Elizabeth never talked much about her past or her memories. She knew Elizabeth knew how to find Akihiko… but she didn't want to ask; she wanted to do it on her own. It was… a pride thing probably.

- What's wrong Minako-chan?- Nanako's question brought her out of her thoughts, she had spaced out again

- I'm sorry Nanako, lately I've spacing out more than usual… Don't know why tough-

- Someone once said to me that there are no coincidences, so if Minako dear is spacing more than usual… Means something will probably happen… I wonder what the cards you hold will show, bonds sure are marvelous- after saying this Elizabeth started smiling like she knew something, Minako sighed. Nanako tilted her head sideways, not understanding her blonde friend.

- I think I'm just tired; I've studying hard for exams-

- You're so responsible Minako-chan, just like my Big bro… I remember he studied almost everyday-

- Right, I had forgotten that Narukami-san studied in Yasogami at the same age we are now-

- Yes- Nanako always looked happier when she talked about her "big bro", Minako found that really cute.

- It is said that family bonds are the strongest, the Justice arcana sure is the cutest- again Nanako didn't understand, but she didn't mind, since they were talking good things about her big bro. Minako sweatdropped.

- We better go shopping before it's too late…- said Minako; they had decided the three of them would make dinner for Narukami-san and the other ex-members of the investigation team, so she had called her mom to tell her she would reunite with his cousin Yosuke in the meeting. Her mother had been very happy, she really liked Dojima-san's daughter.

- You're right Minako-chan, we should go to Junes quickly! Big bro and Naoto-san will arrive at 7pm and its already 4!- Nanako almost panicked, so the three of them started walking faster.

Elizabeth always found fun the concept of going shopping with friends, for her, it was part of her new journey of stablishing bonds and making them evolve; Minako was one of her precious friends, and also, the one she talked with the most. She also thought Minako was probably the one who understood her the most. But, even though she would like to help her in finding her true love… she knew she wouldn't want her help. Minako was a strong woman, an special one too, not everybody has the chance to live again after sacrificing her life.

She also liked Nanako Dojima, even though she and Minako were named the "freak" ones in school, she decided to befriend them. Nanako was pretty popular among the male students too, but she wasn't aware of it, and that's what interested Elizabeth the most, How could someone not notice the attention other give? It amazed her. Also, the times when someone told Nanako that he liked her, she rejected them in such a polite way that she almost seemed sad to have to reject them. Nanako's kindness never ceased to amaze her.

Maybe she should ask Nanako for the key to popularity… Maybe that way she can make more friends…

- What are you spacing out for Elizabeth?- Minako was the one to interrumpt her thoughts- If you continue observing Nanako that way someone is going to think you like her-

- Oh, but I like her- Elizabeth was surprised by Minako's affirmation, of course she liked Nanako, she was her precious Priestess friend

- I didn't mean in the friendship kind of like, but in a more… Romantic one Eli…- Minako sweatdropped

- Ah… So would that be a problem?- Minako was about to facepalm

- Well, no… but…- she sighed- you know? Forget it… Let's go, if we don't hurry we won't be able to finish the food in time-

What was the problem of liking someone like Nanako? Elizabeth didn't understand, she would have to investigate further later.

In the Dojima residence laughing could be heard. When Ryoutaro Dojima arrived home after work he smiled. He would always be grateful of her daughter two best friends, even though Elizabeth wasn't exactly… normal…, they were really good people.

- Good afternoon ladies- greeted the chief detective

- Dad!- Nanako, as always, rushed to hug him. Even though she was a teenager now, she always gave him a big hug and a kiss when he left home in the morning and when he came back in the afternoon.

- Good evening Dojima-san- greeted the other two

- Are you preparing lunch for Yu and his friends?-

- Yep, we are preparing dinner and Minako-chan is teaching us how to make an apple pie.-

- Oh really? You sure know a lot of cooking Minako- said Doijima happy that his daughter had such good friends

- Is nothing really, I just like to cook a lot- "Also, I had the best teacher in my past life… but I can't say that right?" thought the red eyed girl.

- Well, I will leave you three alone; I will be in the living room reading the newspaper-

- Your dad really loves you- said Elizabeth while returning to trying to make an apple pie

- I know, I also know he really loves Big bro-

- Your family is just too cute Nanako- replied Minako with a smile, Nanako really was happier when someone talked about her family- And I think it's just going to get bigger…-

- hm? Why would it become bigger Minako-chan?- asked brown-eyed girl.

- Didn't you say Narukami-san had an announcement to do today and that's why he's coming back and made a reunion with all his friends? Also… weren't he and Shirogane-san a couple?-

- Oh!... you mean…- The girl sounded surprised, Why hadn't she thought of that!?- Then maybe we should have made some red rice…-

- Red rice? I don't quite understand. What connection does red rice have with important announcements? Also, what kind of announcement are you thinking of dear Minako? I know togetherness is important in a couple, but what does that have to do with announcements?...- Elizabeth was at a loss, she still didn't understand things related to human couples.

- Red rice is eaten in commemoration or celebration for important occasions, like weddings Eli-chan.- explained Nanako- But we don't have any Azuki to colour the rice…- she sounded disappointed, Minako facepalmed.

- I think you're going a little too fast Nanako-chan, we don't even know if that's the announcement they're making! Is just a hunch of mine. I don´t know your cousin that much either-

- Oh, I see, so you eat red rice in weddings… so who is marrying who? I'm not really prepared for a wedding just now… I've read you need some sort of special clothes, like dresses… maybe I could call Margaret…-

- Elizabeth stop, no-one is marrying today… I just said that it sounded like Narukami-san and Shirogane-san were goig to announce they're going to get married, but I don't really know… jeesh, Shouldn't have said anything-

- Anyway, that would be great!- continued Nanako with stars in her eyes- Naoto-kun is just son smart and classy, I really like her- and thus the wedding-like talk continued in the Dojima kitchen.

And finally the guest of honor arrived, and when he did he looked really surprised to see his cousin's friends there… well, specially Elizabeth who smiled cheerfully at him

- Big bro!- Nanako ran to his beloved cousin and gave him a big hug, Yu returned the gesture looking really happy. Nanako was like a sister to him.

- I'm back Nanako- They continued hugging for a while, then separated. Yu looked at his cousin with a big and proud smile- You've really grown a lot Nanako-

- I'm 17 now Big bro, what did you expect?- The girl was proudly smiling

- I know, but it never ceases to amuse me- the he ruffled the girls hair, and she pouted

- Big bro!-

- It nice to see the wild card wielder again, also, seeing you act so lovely is great learning material- greeted Elizabeth

- Nice to see you again Narukami-san-

- Nice to see you too, Elizabeth-san, Minako-san-

- Big bro, we made dinner for you and your friends! So I hope you didn't bought anything-

- Oh, really? – the three girls nodded- You're just too sweet Nanako, the I suppose I'll call Yosuke to tell him. Naoto and I brought a cake though-

- Oh… but we had made apple pie…- Nanako sounded disappointed, and Yu panicked

- But.. we can save the cake for tomorrow's breakfast, as long as we store it in the refrigerator…-

- You sure?- the silver haired boy nodded- Yays! You're the best Big bro!- and she hugged him again

- No problem Nanako-

- So… where's detective-san? I was expecting her to be with you…- asked Elizabeth out of curiosity

- Oh, she went to the police station to say hi, also, she went to fetch Chie. Anyway, is uncle home yet?-

- Daddy is in the living room, he probably fell asleep though, if he were awake he would have come to greet you the instant he heard your voice-

- Oh, is the police department busy again?-

- Kind of, there's been a lot of trainees coming from the big cities, and dad is very famous in the detective area, so he has to train a lot of them- After the incident 9 years ago Detective Dojima was quite famous.

- I see. Well, I'll go see if I can wake him up, he should sleep in his bed if not It will damage his back-

And with that he left.

- I know you talk about this a lot, but I can't quite remember… what's your cousin's profession?-

- Big bro's a doctor and Naoto-san's a pro-Detective-

- Ah, now I remember…-

- A lot of time has gone by, when I first met him he was just a student… as they say, time sure flies- said Elizabeth, and Nanako didn't quite remember when had the blonde met her cousin? Elizabeth sure was mysterious

- Oh, by the way, we should arrange the living room. Your cousin's friends will arrive soon I think- said Minako and the girls went to the living room, only to find Yu and Dojima-san arguing about Dojima-san's unhealthy habits. The three sweat dropped.

After a while the other members of the Investigation Team arrived.

- You're so big now Nanako! I still remember when you were this small and we played in the snow…- said Chie with almost tears in her eyes

- I know right? She used to be so small… but now she's a grown teenager- said Rise with a fond smile on her lips- But you're so beautiful and mature now Nanako, do you have a boyfriend?- the girl blushed hard. Yu seemed bothered by the talk

- No, of course not Rise-san-

- Oh, but you sure are popular in school Nanako-chan- said Elizabeth. Both she and Minako had stayed for dinner, Nanako had invited them to stay

- You would be surprised if you saw her locker on White Day! Even on Valentine's day it's full of chocolate!-said Minako teasingly. Narukami-san looked about to have a fit

- Confession chocolate sure tastes great- said Elizabeth with a dreamy look in her eyes. Since throwing the chocolate out seemed like a waste, they always ended sharing their chocolate.

- Oh~ so Nanako-chan really is popular… Maybe it's in her genes- said Chie with a knowing smile, everybody knew hoy popular Yu was.

- So why don't you have a boyfriend? – asked Chie out of curiosity- Why any of you three has a boyfriend?- Since Chie worked in the Inaba police station, she heard about almost everyone's lives

- I already have someone I like- said Minako with her face red

- I… I haven't found my special someone- answered Nanako sending a furtive glance in his cousin direction, meaning… she hadn't found someone as great as his cousin. The girls almost facepalm

- I dunno- said Elizabeth shrugging

And Yu was almost convulsing, her precious Nanako couldn't date a nobody, if she was going to date someone HE would have to approve of him first. Well, He and Dojima-san. Who was still sleeping by the way.

- ejem- Naoto, that had noticed a long time ago that her boyfriend was about to have a fit interrupted the conversation- We haven't seen each other in a while, how has the shop been Kanji-kun?- And the attention went to the owner of the Tatsumi textiles

- Huh? Oh… it has been smooth, now Nanako and her friends here are working with me once a week so I can make more plushies to sell. So, great-

- I hear about you shop a lot in school Kanji-kun, all the girls are talking about the phone straps you make. Even the boys talk about them, about how they should buy some for their girls…- Yukiko looked really happy when she remembered her students

- I also hear about your work a lot Kanji, in the office all the female workers want your confections. Didn't knew you were making even clothes now- said Chie

- Well… times sure change…- Kanji was really embarrassed, and Rise looked happy at him. It was no secret the two of them were dating for some time now.

- How has business been for you Rise-san?- asked Naoto, taking the lead again.

- Fine. I take vacations once in a while, help my grandmother with the shop. By the way, thanks a lot for helping my grandma Nanako-chan. She told me you part-time there two times a week?-

- Yep. Me and Minako-chan go there on Mondays and Thursdays-

- Thank you both a lot.- Rise's smile was as beautiful as ever

- I saw you on TV the other day Rise- exclaimed Yosuke- It said you were working on that new romantic tv series-

- That's right, they even gave me the leading role. Although I'll have to be in Tokyo for a month during the filming of the first 10 episodes. –

- That's cool Rise-san!- Nanako looked really happy

And that's how the evening went by. After finishing dinner, when Nanako and the other two girls were washing the dishes the IT changed the topic to more serious business, they thought the girls couldn't listen.

- By the way partner, you said you had something important to tell us.-

- Yeah, spill it out already sempai, I'm getting pretty impatient here-

- I'm pretty curious too Sensei, are you going to tell us how you scored with Naoto-chan?- at Teddie's words Naoto flushed and Yosuke smacked the bear's head.

- Don't be stupid Teddie, nobody needs to hear that, also, Yu probably scored a lot of times with Naoto. They have been a couple for almost 8 years!- The two blushed.

- Ahem… no, I did not call you for that Teddie- said the silver haired leader- Mitsuru-san called me the other day- and with that he had their full attention

- Oh, so the extremely sensual and beautiful Mitsuru-chan is coming? That's sure good news!- And Teddie was being loud again

In the kitchen Minako almost broke the plate she was holding. Mitsuru… like in Kirijo Mitsuru? No it can't be…

Elizabeth gave a worried look in Minako's direction. She knew the day would come when her friend knew about her old friend's whereabouts.

- Now that you mentioned it, Master said something about meeting each other soon in his last letter-

- Oh, so you must be very excited to see him Chie- teased Rise- You should arrange yourself and maybe…- Chie turned red and started denying with her hands

- No, you're wrong Rise! I only respect Master a lot, I don't like him in that way. Sheesh, why everything has to be with love for you?-

- Because it's time you found a partner Chie!-

- It's not your business Rise- Chie pouted and Yukiko tried to cheer her up with a smile

- Going back to what I was saying earlier, she said they're coming around the next week. It seems she wants to investigate the TV world a little further. She didn't tell me more, sounded pretty busy-

- So Labry's is coming next week…- Yosuke said these with pink cheeks

- Oh~ sounds like love is in the air…- teased the blonde now

- No way, Miss President is mine Yosuke- said Teddie looking almost hurt

- Oh come on Teddie, you don't talk with Labry's as much as I do!-

- But I saw her first!-

And the bickering started. The other ignored the two.

In the Kitchen… Minako was confused… Maybe it really was another Mitsuru, she didn't remember a Labrys. One look at Elizabeth told her otherwise. So it was her…? Then… would she come with Aki?

END OF CHAPTER 1