Important Author's Note: Hello! And yes, I plan on finishing this story… really I truly do! Anyway, the main character is male and he has his given manga name, Minato Arisato. He looks the same as in the game but his personality is slightly different. So yes, beware the ooc-ness. In my story he is a bit cockier and definitely more aware of his surroundings. Also he will speak more than he does in the video game (It pains me how silent he is when he really needs to speak up!). Also, the background of this story is mostly the same except that Minato is already aware of the Dark Hour and he is already aware of the potential within him. There is no Orpheus! Instead he can fully wield the almighty Thanatos. (I find Orpheus weak and really quite pathetic…). Anyway, review and enjoy!

P.S.: There is a poll on my page asking who should be paired with Minato. The choices are Akihiko, Ryoji, Shinjiro, and Ken. Please vote or put your vote in a review! Please and thank you.

Warnings: SLASH! Meaning boy like boy! Don't like? Then go the hell away cus that's all I write. Cussing occasionally and some ooc-ness may also be present. Plus many spoilers so if you never played the game (Which if this is the case, why the hell are you reading this in the first place?) then you will know events before you have played them. Slight Yukari-bashing.

Disclaimer: I do not own Persona, that belongs to the great Shin Megami Tensei! Though I do own Persona 3 FES, Persona 3 Portable, and Persona 4 ;)

Persona 3: The Remake:

Faded Hope:

Chapter One:

The Beginning of All

Main Character's P.O.V.:

I frowned, my blue eyes scanning the train station. Is it that time already? I glanced up through the glass ceiling, an almost full green moon hung high in the sky. The Dark Hour, a hidden time that hardly any know about. A time for only those who hold the ultimate potential can roam freely. Well, usually… the occasional shadow may try to prevent ones like me from walking around but most of those can be defeated quite easily. I pulled my headphones off my ears, letting them hung limply around my neck. I let out a soft sigh, clutching the strap of my bag tighter. I continued forth out of the station, my eyes glancing around the large city. It's been ten years since I've last set foot in this area… wonder if it's still here. I passed by a coffin, barely even noticing its presence. A scowl formed on my face as I accidently stepped in a puddle of blood, the red liquid splashing onto my school pants. I just washed these…

I stayed on my path, checking my map for the Iwatodai dorms. After about twenty minutes of walking, passing both puddles of blood and coffins, I finally reached the building. I glanced down at the pamphlet in my hands, reading that my current dorm was co-ed. I blinked, that's different. Most schools push and constantly enforce the separation of genders except in the classroom. I clucked my tongue and opened the door, entering the lounge. With a soft click the door shut behind me, making the room silent and slightly cold.

"Welcome." I paused, turning towards the counter that sat beside the doorway. A boy sat behind the counter, his hair a blue-black and his eyes a chilling bright blue. His body was clothed in a black and white striped pajama's and his pale face was giving me a huge fake smile. "You're late; I've been waiting for a really long time." I raised an eyebrow. He's been waiting? How is he still here, does he hold the potential? The boy held out a piece of paper, his fake smile never wavering. "If you want to proceed, then please sign here. It's a contract." A contract? What the hell for? Maybe it's for living in the dorms… but I already filled out all that paperwork. Plus, I'm in the Dark Hour so it must be related to shadows and personas. "There's no need to be scared." I glared at him.

"I'm not scared." I muttered, my eyes staring down the boy's smile. A hint of amusement flashed across the boy's eyes before disappearing. I grabbed the paper, reading the only line printed upon it. 'I chooseth this fate of mine own free will'… okay… what fate? I glanced up at the boy, noticing that ridiculous smile still plastered on his face. I snatched a pen, quickly scribbling my name in my chicken scratch hand-writing. 'Minato Arisato'.

"Very well…" The boy's smile falls, his eyes suddenly becoming sad and dark. "Time is something no one can escape. You can't cover your eyes and close your ears. It delivers us all to the same end." I frown; my eyebrow's sinking into a V-shape. Time? "Farewell…" The boy gave me a small smile. "And, be careful. Your fate is soon at hand." The boy steps back into the darkness, dissolving before my very eyes. I felt my eyes narrow, that is no human boy…

"Hello? Who's there?" I turn around quickly, seeing a girl with light brunette hair and brown eyes. "But…" She glares at me, hand reaching towards a halter strapped around her waist. "Are you one of them?" One of them? I smirked, shadows… she must be a persona-user. She snatches her gun or evoker most likely, when suddenly another voice enters the room.

"Stop!" Another girl stands into view, her hair a deep red color and eyes a reddish brown. The brown eyed girl pauses then lowers the gun as the lights flicker back on. "I thought you were supposed to arrive earlier than this."

"Train delay." I answer, noticing the gun halter also strapped to her waist. Another persona-user, I was told this city was filled with them but to meet two in one day, that's rare. "Nice choice of sport." I motioned to the guns. The brunette opened her mouth but I quickly cut her off. "And who are you?"

"Mitsuru Kirijo. This is Yukari Takeba; she's a junior like you." Yukari nodded at me. "Takeba, this is the transfer student, Minato Arisato." Mitsuru glanced at me, her eyes curious. I smiled to myself; she knows I was awake during the Dark Hour. "Show him to his room." Mitsuru walked away, leaving no room for argument. Yukari sighed heavily as she glared at Mitsuru. She then looked back over at me. "This way." Yukari turned, heading towards the staircase. "Your room is on the second floor, it's the very last door on the right. You got that?" I let out a chuckle and nodded, noticing her slightly annoyed tone. "Good, now any questions?"

"How many students live here?" I asked, letting my gaze settle on her face.

"Well, there were three. But with you here that makes four. There's me, Mitsuru, she's a senior, then there's Akihiko-senpai. He's also a senior." I raised an eyebrow. Only three people living in this huge dorm? That's odd. "Yeah it seems a little weird but all three of us are in the same… well, club I guess you can call it." I nod, starting up the steps. "Hey, don't tell anybody bout the gun thing 'kay?" She then turns around and heads back over to the lounge area. I sighed and entered the hallway, making my way towards my room.

~(-.-)~

Next day…

"Hello? It's Yukari. You awake yet?" I growled, rolling over and snuggling further into my covers. What the hell does she want so freaking early in the morning? "Open the door please." I let out a huff of air and roll out of bed, stepping slowly towards the door. I open it, glaring at the girl who stood there. She didn't seem fazed by my look at all. "Morning." She smiled wide at me, eyes cheerful. "Mitsuru-senpai wanted me to take you to school." I frowned. That's all she wanted… she woke me up for that? I rolled my eyes and walked back over to my bed, letting myself fall upon it. "You're not even ready yet…" I sighed and stood up, realizing I could never fall back to sleep now.

"I'll find it myself." I told her, turning towards my dresser. I grabbed my uniform, along with a white undershirt.

"Oh… but you might be late."

"So?" I snorted and looked back over at her. "You gonna go or do you want me to change in front of you?" She blushed and rushed out of the room, shutting the door behind her. I chuckled and quickly slipped on my uniform, then grabbing my iPod. I hooked my headphones onto my ears and exited my room quietly. Better find that monorail…

~(^.^)~

I stared at the huge school, feeling other student's eyes trail my form. So this is Gekkoukan High. It's much different compared to my old school, that place was pretty much out in the middle of nowhere. I entered the double doors and scanned the cubby holes. I frown and look for my name, quickly finding it. I open the small locker and slipped off my shoes, replacing them with slippers. Now, what class am I in? Class F… I think. I sighed. Guess I should look for the Faculty Office. I walked over to a girl texting on her cell phone, clearing my throat for her attention.

"What do-" She stops and stares at me, a blush reaching her cheeks. "Ah. Sorry about that. Do you need something?" Her voice is smaller and more embarrassed as she continues to look over my form.

"I'm looking for the Faculty Office." I spoke softly, waiting for her reply as she continues to stare at me. I mentally snort at her actions, are all girls going to act like this around me?

"Um, it's the left hallway…" I smiled at her in thanks, though truthfully I just liked seeing her fidget some more in nervousness, and headed towards the left hallway. I scanned the plates beside the doors finding the office. I opened the sliding door and entered. I walked over to the first teacher I saw, waiting for them to notice me. The woman looked up, her brown eyes curious.

"Oh, are you the new student?" I nodded and she gave me a small smile. "Okay…" She began to shift through the files on her desk. "Here it is. Minato Arisato correct? 11th grade, Class 2-F… you're in my class then." I stayed silent as she continued reading my file. "You sure do travel a lot. And it says here your parents…oh…" I frowned and narrowed my eyes. She's my teacher and she's just now reading about my parents? She looked back at me with saddened brown eyes. "I'm so sorry; I've been so busy…" I gave her a short nod. "Well, I'm Ms. Toriumi. Welcome to Gekkoukan High."

"Thanks…" I mumbled, watching as she put away my file.

"The Welcoming Ceremony is starting soon. Follow me."

~(x.x)~

I yawned as the principal continued speaking in his boring mono-tone voice, ignoring all the whispers around me. Is this ever going to end? I want to go back to bed. "Hey…" A voice whispered behind me making me slightly groan. I faced him, barely paying attention to his features. "Are you the same guy who stays in the same dorm as Yukari?" I raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Does she have a boyfriend?" I snorted.

"And how the hell am I supposed to know that? I just got here yesterday." I turned away from the guy, ignoring his babbling of protests. Some people are so stupid… finally the principal ended his speech. I stood with a stretch, hearing a few bones crack. That lasted way too long. I thought my principal was boring. I exited the isle way, accidently running into another body.

"Ow. Oh, sorry." The person spoke, his voice soft. I looked up, seeing cool gray eyes staring down into my grayish blue ones. A small frown formed on my lips, staring at the silver hair and the bandage above his left eyebrow. The boy was taller than me, by at least a few inches, and his skin was paler although it wasn't paler than mine. I backed up a step, watching as his eyes followed me.

"Sorry." I muttered, seeing a short smirk grace his lips before disappearing. He just nodded, eyes roaming over me.

"You must be new." He spoke, his voice sort of gravely. I nodded. He opened his mouth again to say more when the bell rung loudly, signaling the start of class. I felt my eyes widen and I quickly turned around to head towards class as the boy shouted a 'bye' behind me. I waved and continued rushing, hoping I wasn't too ridiculously late because that would just draw too much attention.

~\(^.^)/~

Finally the bells rung for the end of class, letting me sigh blissfully. That took forever! "Sup dude?" I frowned and faced the person beside my desk. He wore the school uniform, a blue hat sitting upon his dark hair and a goatee cleanly shaven on his chin. His eyes were a gray-brown and seemed to be sizing me up. "How's it goin'?"

"What do you want?" I rudely asked, watching as his face formed a mock pout. This guy was most definitely immature which was odd considering he looked much older than the rest of the students.

"At least let me introduce myself before you make any judgments." I let out a snort, waiting for him to continue. "The name's Junpei Iori. I transferred here in eighth grade so I know what it's like being the new kid." I raised an eyebrow. "So I came to say 'hey'. See how nice I am." He finished his sentence with a cocky chuckle making me slightly snicker as well. He wasn't too bad, though I had a feeling his attitude could be somewhat of a front. A sigh was heard on the other side of my desk, making glance over. It was Yukari. "Hey! It's Yuka-tan!" Junpei muttered excitedly. "Can you believe we're in the same class again?"

"Have you ever wondered if you might be bothering someone Stupei?" Yukari ignored Junpei's question and instantly started to argue with him.

"Geez Yuka-tan, I was just being nice…"

"Whatever." Yukari turned over to me, her brown eyes searching my face. "Can't believe we're in the same homeroom. Must be some strange coincidence." Yukari gave a huge smile, eyes bright. I scowled.

"There's no such thing as coincidence." I muttered, watching her expression fall. I mentally chuckled, and turned back over to Junpei who started speaking again. I had a feeling he likes being the center of attention and hates when that attention drifts elsewhere.

"Hello? I'm in this class too!" Junpei pouted then a huge lecherous grin appeared. "I heard you two live together. Are you two…" He paused for dramatic effect though it's obvious what he's going to say next. "Dating?" Yukari instantly tenses up, eyes growing huge.

"No! We live in the same dorm Stupei! Not together!" Yukari protests. I rolled my eyes, wishing to leave, or at least a change in discussion. "Is that a rumor going around? I hate when that stuff spreads." Junpei just raises his eyebrows. "There is absolutely nothing going on between us, right Minato?" I let out a huge yawn, continuing to ignore Yukari's annoying voice. "Hey! Are you even listening?" I snorted and watched as she continued to babble. "Fine. I'm leaving to do some club stuff, no spreading any rumors Stupei!" She quickly leaves.

"She needs to calm down. Rumors aren't taken that seriously anyway." I nodded. "Can you believe she's actually pretty popular? That's why so many are talking about it." I raised an eyebrow. Yukari is popular… how? "This year's going to be great! I can tell!"

~(^-^)~

I walked silently beside Junpei, barely listening to his motor mouth continue on and on about school things. None of it peaked my interest until he mentioned clubs. "Hey, thinking about joining a club?"

"Yeah, depends on what they got open though." I answered truthfully. Junpei nodded.

"Well, I'm not sure yet what's open. It should be announced soon though."

~(+.+)~

I entered into the dorms, immediately noticing Mitsuru sitting on the couch. She nodded at me in acknowledgement then went back to reading her book. I yawned once more, running my hand through my hair. It's getting late; it must be close to midnight… I headed towards the stairs, hearing a night behind me from Yukari who was sitting at the dining table. I entered the hallway before pausing, seeing the same boy from this morning leaving his room. He looked up, saw me, and let a small smirk frame his lips. "Hey…" I mumbled.

"Hey." He replied back. He walked closer to me, until we were only about two to three feet away. "Thought you might be the one who moved here when we were talking this morning. I'm Akihiko Sanada."

"Minato Arisato."

"Well, I'm leaving so see you around." He walked past me, his figure straight and his walk confident. I watched as he left when he suddenly paused at the top step. He faced towards me, a small smile on his mouth. "Night." He then descended the steps, leaving me alone in the hallway. Another yawn left my mouth. Man, I'm tired.

~(-.-)~

Next day…

I sighed heavily, watching as the clock slowly ticked by. God, I hate school. Ms. Toriumi was currently teaching, though her lectures were more like she was talking to herself. "Open your textbooks to Zenzou Kasai." I watched as others got out their books, as for me, I let my head fall onto the desk. A nap sounds nice. Ms. Toriumi continued talking when suddenly Junpei's name snapped out of her lips. "Junpei? Who's my favorite author?"

"Uh…" I heard Junpei shuffle nervously. I lifted my face, seeing Junpei glance over at me for help. "Do you know who she likes?" He whispered quietly, eyes going back to the teacher as she tapped her foot impatiently.

"Kubota." I muttered sleepily then let my head hit the desk again. Junpei answered, Ms. Toriumi praising him for listening.

"Thanks Minato." Junpei whispered to me. I groaned in response. God, I'm so tired.

~.~

I entered the dorm, seeing Yukari and another man sitting together. Boyfriend…? "Oh, you're back!" I nodded, my eyes going over to the older man. Just who was this? I felt a shuffle in my mind, instantly placing it as Thanatos getting nervous. Whoever this was, he's making Thanatos jumpy, so he can't be any good.

"So you're the new student…" The man stood, reaching his hand out. "My name is Shuji Ikutsuki. I'm the chairman." He kept his hand out, but I refused to take it, leaving him to drop it nervously. "My name's a little hard to say huh? Even I get tongue-tied." He tried to make a joke but I continued blankly staring at him, wondering why he of all people makes Thanatos nervous. He didn't seem too dangerous but I've learned to trust Thanatos. "Uh, well, any questions?"

"No." I answered coldly, watching his friendly face drop.

"Okay then. Hope you have a great school year then." He started to heads towards the entrance. "I must get going…" He pauses and looks over at me. "You must be tired. You should go to bed early." I narrowed my eyes. Why does he want me to fall asleep early, even if I am tired… he must know of the Dark Hour. The man left, leaving me with Yukari. She frowned, eyes avoiding mine.

"Night." She mumbled. I felt my frown form into a scowl. Something is most definitely wrong.

~($.$)~

I entered my room, scanning the ceiling and walls for any hidden cameras. There must be some reason they want me to sleep right now. I can only think that they are suspicious and wish to observe me. They probably wish to know if I hold the potential. I snorted, and I can't let them know that quite yet, at least until I know more about them. I paused, eyes going back to the corner on the right wall. A small black dot sat innocently there. Found it. I grabbed my chair, scooting it over to the wall. I climbed up and looked directly into the camera. I flicked it, feeling it slightly move. I grabbed it, pulling it out of the wall, yellow and red cords remained attached to the little camera. I frowned and then grabbed my scissors. I cut the cords, watching as bits of electricity shot out before fading. I let out a content smile, jumping down from the chair. Okay then, now that I'm safe from the creepy stalkers, time for bed.

Chapter End

Well that's all for chapter one. Please review and please answer who you want Minato to pair with. The choices are once again Akihiko, Ryoji, Shinjiro, and Ken. Also for the Ken version if he is picked, I will probably make him slightly older so no child molesting here! Please vote on my poll. Laters!