A/N: While I am hearing The Wire in the background, I am typing this up.
The fact that I also have school (it's a lot different than other colleges) doesn't make these updates any faster, but I'll try to update it asap. I have classes, meaning that this would probably take a little while for me to update. I'm sure there are a lot of you at school (meaning that you do understand what I'm dealing with). So, this would take about twice as longer for me to update. Please be patient with me!
xxSelphiexx: Yukari might not be as dense either; she does notice some stuff. It also makes sense for Shinjiro to make an appearance because he's always at that area all the time... why doesn't the game have that, I wonder... Thanks for the heads up about the typo- fixed it!
namine23: Funny you mentioned the butterfly mask guy- he's in this chapter. And I don't mind having someone talking about their own thoughts- it's a fun way to talk to people! XD For Catherine (and spoilers to those who have not played the game... oh, DO NOT PLAY CATHERINE WITH KIDS AROUND) I stuck to Vincent's main girl (starts with a K) and went with true ending. There is noooooo way I would want Vincent to be stuck with a girl who forces herself on him- wait, that guy in the confessional gets pissed off if you don't sit? But yeah... being in school takes a toll and stress so I write to relieve some stress. XD And trust me- there are longer chapters to come.
Mimi Minato: I saw that and the fact they have named Minako's Persona Orpheus in the game really nerved me. I had to go with either Eurydice or Helen (just kidding; I really did intend to name her Persona Eurydice. XD).
ME: Thanks! Hope you're enjoying this story! (btw, are you an anon?)
Yosho25: Thanks! Please be patient with me; I am truly busy with school!
Tora-Hime-Melody: LOL *takes the box of sugar and candy and caffiene* Thanks for that- I might use it because I really need lots of energy (with school and all...T_T)! XD I really hope this chapter makes you happy!
JJ: LOL Yaaaaay!
Disclaimer: I do not own Persona 3, Revelations Persona, or Persona 2 dualogy whatsoever. They are respectfully owned by ATLUS.
Warning: If you don't know who the following are, then read their profiles here. Otherwise, there is a spoiler warning about a character (coughIkutsukicough).
Oh, and a long chapter. _ Aaaaaaand some fluff. And angsty moments from a certain goofy kid.
Kei Nanjo (age 25): The heir to The Nanjo Group (it is implied in Revelations). Known for having a number 1 printed on articles of his clothing (scarf and motorcycle jacket), He aims to be number 1 in all of Japan. He was used to being looked after by his butler Yamaoka, but Yamaoka died while trying to protect him. Cold-hearted to certain individuals, logical, prideful, and very cocky. He is friends with Naoya because of the teamwork in Revelations. In this story, Kei is the head of The Nanjo Group and is expected to butt heads with the heiress Mitsuru while caring (in his own way) for Minato and Minako. His true role is unknown for now.
EDIT: Thank you xxSelphiexx for telling me that Chihiro is the actual person for the Justice.
Memento Vivere
004: To The Army We Go
The first Minato did was that his eyes were trying to open.
Instead, he was greeted with a soothing, gentle warmth instead of cold hard asphalt.
"I see that you're awake, young man."
Okay, whoever spoke, that was not anybody from the dorm.
It was not that man Igor either.
Minato jolts up, looking around to see that he was in...
"...the Velvet Room?" he whispers, rubbing his temples before he sees a standing figure taking Igor's place. Only Elizabeth is present as she nervously looks at the man in front of the table, "No way... I thought I was back at the..."
"You've been pulled from your realm into the room," the figure chuckles, "I take it that you had ample amounts of rest?"
"...y-yeah," Minato nods as he looks around.
The room hasn't changed on bit; but the feeling is a bit different, especially since it's coming from this man.
"Who are you?" Minato frowns, "Wasn't there supposed to be a man named Igor here?"
"Ah, Igor," the figure murmurs, "I've sent him and Theodore to run a message to someone. I actually want to talk to you, Minato Arisato."
"Alri- wait," The blue-haired teen's eyes narrow, facing the strange man, "You... You look... familiar."
Amber eyes twinkles in amusement, "I see that most of your memories are recollecting, seeing how you've been in the Velvet Room for a while."
Silence overwhelms them (if not counting the piano music going on) until Minato's eyes widen, "Wait... you... you're that fortune teller that I talked to before I left for Iwatodai!"
A light hearted chuckle escapes the man, "You take on instincts that he taught you... Impressive."
"Who..." Minato frowns, "Who are you?"
The brown haired man slightly bows, his half-mask still staying in place, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Philemon; a member of the subconscious and dream realm."
Minato blinks, Philemon...? "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"As it is mine," Philemon nods, "Do you have any questions before I have my say?"
"Yeah...how long have I been here?"
"A few moments ago, Master Minato," Elizabeth replies, catching Minato's attention, "You have been unconsious in your own world for some time now."
Minato sighs as he sits down in the chair provided for him, "Am... I dead?"
"No," Philemon shakes his head, "Why would anyone want you dead?"
"I..." Fell onto the floor of my dorm and possibly broke my head open?
Elizabeth steps forward to pat Minato on the shoulder, "You are merely sleeping; your body is not injured."
"I-I see," Minato slightly blushes before he smiles, "Thanks for telling me, Elizabeth."
The white haired woman nods before facing Philemon, "Do you want to be alone with our valued guest?"
"It's better if you stayed," The butterfly masked man shakes his head, "Igor and Theodore's errand will take a while."
"Understood," Elizabeth nods, clutching onto the light brown book tighter.
"Umm," Minato pauses, "Don't mind me asking... but why was I brought here?"
"Ah, to explain about my role... and the reason why you are truly here," Philemon smiles before he sits at Igor's chair, Elizabeth at his side like she would be for Igor, "You see, you became unconscious after you awoke to your 'ability'. However, there is nothing to worry about, seeing as how you managed to fare against the Shadows."
"I see," The blue haired teen nods, "...but why exactly did I say... Persona?"
Philemon smiles, "Ah, your ability is to summon Personas. Multiple ones, may I add."
Wait, what?
"C-Come again?" Minato asks, baffled at this new development, "Wait, when I shot that gun, the figure calls himself Orpheus came out..."
"Persona is a facet to your identity," Philemon clarifies, "It comes out whenever you react to any situation, whether it is internal or external. In a way, think of it as a mask to your key in braving any hardships you will encounter in your life."
"Orpheus... is like my mask?"
"In a way," Philemon nods, narrowing his eyes, "However, your power... it is weak compared to those who have last entered in this dimension."
All right, Minato frowns, I... am officially confused.
"You lost me."
Philemon chuckles again, "Even though you may not understand this now, you must channel your inner strength in order to summon your Persona. However," he pauses, "As Igor will mention to you again, Social links are vital to your growth; as you meet people, your Social links will appear, allowing your Personae to improve and grow stronger."
"I... all right," Minato nods, "So... what is your role?"
"Mine?" Philemon smiles, "In fact... I am a guide. Normally, I would stay back and oversee events to ensure humanity in general go forth into the best path. However..." That smile disappeared as his eyes narrow in what looks like to be concern, "My latest circumstances force me to take part into ensuring your growth. It isn't just Igor, Elizabeth, Theodore, and the rest of the Velvet Room who are to help you now."
"Wait, huh?" Minato stares at the man, "...There's more?"
Elizabeth chuckles, seeing her guest's alarm, "Yes. And our former guests know them more than you do. Unfortunately, most of your comrades are not to see us at this time as we only aid to guide our valued guest into the correct path and to oversee the events to come."
"I made my role clear," Philemon stands up as Minato continues to look at him, "Igor will reveal his role once you recover from your bout with that Shadow... you will come here into the Velvet Room on your own accord."
"Sure...?" Minato slowly nods, as if he begins to comprehend what he heard just now. Then he froze, "Wait, how the heck am I supposed to-"
"Until then..." Philemon chuckles, seeing Minato, "...farewell."
Then all Minato saw was pitch black as exhaustion overwhelms him again.
It was around Friday April 17 in the evening that they found an unexpected third new member.
"Ohmigosh, that's Akihiko-senpai!"
"He just looked at me- oh my gosh!"
"Should we go up to him like we do at school? I really hope he can..."
Akihiko groans, rolling his eyes as he shook his head from overhearing the annoying squeals from the girls (he can swear they were from Gekkoukan High). It wasn't until he can practically hear the girls trying to flock towards him that he glares at them with an undesired look.
"Look, do you mind?" he mutters irritated, "I am waiting for a good friend of mine and I don't want any of your company."
For some sadistic part of him, he can see the girls blanch from blunt rejection before looking at each other and going away slowly.
Sighing in relief, he closes his eyes, glad to escape his not-so desired fan club.
I really don't understand what they really want from me, he looks at the fountain that is across from him, They aren't exactly the best of people I'd hang out with... but... His eyes softens, thinking back about a certain ruby-eyed brunette girl, I'd rather be with Minako than anything else. Besides-
"Akihiko-senpai?"
She's here with me tonight, he chuckles to himself, looking at the said girl that just came up to him, "Hey, you came just in time."
"O-Oh!" Minako slightly blushes before she smiles timidly, "Y-Yeah, I know... with school and all."
Akihiko smiles, "So, is there anywhere you want to go?"
"Hmm, actually," Minako shyly looks away as she takes out a small take out box that was sitting on top of a container, "I...I ordered some takoyaki on my way over here. A-And I brought something I made for you!" She gulps, "I-I'll be honest, this is my first date a-and I don't know what to do-"
"Hey, it's okay," Akihiko stand up, gently taking the warm container and the box of the takoyaki, "Let's eat, all right? I..." he blushes, "I didn't expect you go all out for me, you know..."
"Just to say thanks for taking me out, senpai," Minako gives Akihiko another shy smile before sitting next to him, "B-But, after what happened, are you sure you can walk around?"
"I'll be fine," The silver-haired man nods, "Don't worry about me; I'm more worried about you now."
"S-Senpai-"
"Akihiko," he corrects her, hoping to God she would stop with the formalities, That's not how you normally called me back then, Minako...
"H-huh?" Shy ruby eyes met steel grey, "Should I... A-Akihiko?"
"Don't use senpai afterwards," Akihiko says to her, grabbing the utencils that were on the side of the containers, "Come on. Let's eat, okay?"
"U-Um-" Minako pauses as Akihiko opens the larger container before getting to the smaller container, "Want to share the takoyaki first?"
"Why not?" He shrugs, grabbing one of the takoyakis that has a toothpick in it, "It's always good anyway... hey, you made gyudon! How did you know that it's my favorite?"
"It is?" She blinks in surprise, "W-Well, actually, Mitsuru-senpai told me about it before I began making dinner."
"Huh, really," Akihiko was calm on the outside, however, his mind was different, Seriously! Mitsuru had to tell her that! ...argh, it doesn't help that she was smirking on my way out, saying that I was spared from being executed... for now. Crap.
"Senpai?"
Oh great. Now Akihiko sees Minako looking at him as if he was a novel written in his head or something. He chuckles uneasily, "I'm okay, really! U-Um- here!" he hands her a takoyaki, "Want one?"
"Sure!" Minako giggles, taking the takoyaki before placing it inside of her mouth, seeing her squeal a bit before she blushes. Akihiko had to chuckle at this; not once in his life has his day been better without seeing Minako looking happy.
Especially that one time over at the shrine...
"So," Minako blinks, "What do you want to talk about?"
Akihiko pauses, "Well, the thing is... are you okay? I mean, after what happened and all..."
"Oh," the brunette draws her lips in a thin line before she sighs, "I'll be honest... not so great. I mean, Minato's still in the hospital for about eight days straight, the dorm's been attacked- and look at you... you're injured."
The silverette unconsciously places his hand over his bandages where the medics have patched his ribs. After the entire Shadow incident, he could hear Minako being calmed down by Mitsuru and Yukari, both who have assured her that nothing terrible has happened to Minato and that everything will be explained in due time.
But what surprised Akihiko was the fact that she can summon a Persona like the rest of them...
I need to protect her, He steely thinks, seeing Minako look up at the fountain, I need to protect her in order to prevent what happened to Miki...
"I'll be fine," Akihiko gives a small smile to her before he takes a bite from the gyudon, "Wow! This is really good!"
"R-Really?" Minako blushes, her nervousness melting into relief, "Oh wow... that's my first time making it too- I'm glad you like it, senpai."
"Wow- I mean... wow!" The silver-haired man takes a couple more bites before looking to see a smiling Minako, "Hey, want to try some?"
That, he realizes, made her face go from relief into nervousness, this time her face turning into a crab red.
After bits of sharing both the gyudon and the remaining takoyaki (amongst out of all things seeing Minako blush and stammer was probably the more adorable image Akihiko etched in his face as he offers her food from his chopsticks- he's not that dumb to know what he's really doing) and packing away the containers, Minako makes the timid suggestion of getting a drink from the Chagall Cafe. As they exited out from the coffee shop, holding a coffee in his hand (with a small cube of sugar and a touch of cream), Akihiko looks at the ruby-eyed brunette, who is currently sipping her white chocolate mocha, something he mentally notes as something he can get for her as a small gesture of kindness.
But does she still know me from before? Akihiko frowns as he looks over at Paulownia Mall, All four of us used to play around here, especially around Game Panic...
He silently sighs, Time to ask. No backing out on this one.
"Minako."
"Hm?"
"I'm wondering about something," Akihiko pauses before taking another deep sigh, Please tell me I am asking this correctly...
"What is it, Akihiko?" The brunette girl blinks, looking up from her drink, ruby eyes looking at nervous grey.
Akihiko gulps, hoping that he won't screw up.
"W-Well... do you... by any chance, remember-"
"Crap... Stupid old man... out of all the damn things, how the fuck did he have to be drunk on cooking wine? Out of all the lowest of the lows..."
The two blink before trying to find the familiar voice.
"Wait a sec," Minako slowly murmurs before her eyes widen in surprise, "...Stupei!"
Akihiko resists the urge to sputter out laughing at that, knowing very well who Stupei is. It's not common to hear Takeba complain about him every day.
They both fell silent as they continue to hear this poor idiot's woes, "...But I guess it's probably pathetic of me to rush out like this every single freaking day." A groan. "Maaaaaaaaaaan... What the hell am I supposed to do? I've got nowhere to go!"
Yup. It's Iori all right, Akihiko quietly snorts as he sees Minako's slightly worried expression as she faces him.
He can see her mouthing something before he blinks in confusion.
"What did you say?" he whispers back to her.
"Is he okay?" She whispers into his ear, not realizing that he is slightly blushing at the proximity of their closeness.
"D-Doubt it," Akihiko murmurs back as they turn to see this time, a white Akira dog looking its way around towards Paulownia Mall, "Hey... wait a minute... that dog..."
Minako can see the fluffy white dog too, her mouth gaping to mouth, "What the hell is a dog doing here?"
"Oh, 'sup pooch?" They can hear Junpei chuckle, patting the dog's head, "Here to join my "Nowhere To Go" after-school club?"
Akihiko facepalms as he hears Minako groaning next to him; he can imagine her rolling her eyes to boot.
"Arf Arf!"
Junpei's chuckle can be heard again, "Sorry pooch... I don't have anything for- oh wait... maybe... hang on... Ah ha! Something I grabbed from the convenience store on my way here... here ya go pooch."
Both can see what offering Junpei brought for the white dog: a series of deli meat that he must have taken out from the white grocery bag that looked like from the nearest convience store. The dog must have been delighted to see something good as it began to slobber and eat from Junpei's hand.
"Huh," Minako smiles, "So I guess Stupei's not that perverted after all."
"Go figure," Akihiko mutters, a small smile on his face before looking at the clock. It was around 11:50. Narrowing his eyes, he gently tugs at Minako's sleeve, "...hey. It's almost time."
"Huh?" As on cue, she looks at the clock before she groans, "...damn. I really hoped it wouldn't be that time... I really enjoyed spending time with you, Akihiko."
Now Akihiko can feel his face growing warmer, "R-really?"
He can see Minako nodding, a happy smile on her face, "Do you want to grab a bite to eat sometime, then?" she asks him.
"Sure," Akihiko nods, "But it's going to be my treat. You cooked for me, so... say next Monday?"
His heart feels elated once he sees Minako nodding, Damn... you really are the same girl that I-
"Tch... morons, they offered to hang out, but I turned them down," they can hear Junpei mutter, "Things don't go the way I want 'em to. Is my life really as bad as it seems...?"
The white dog whimpers, as if it was offering some form of sympathy for Junpei. A bitter chuckle reaches their ears as they see the capped boy sitting down on the bench again, "Haha... don't gimme that... I mean, come on... I wish there was something I can do to change the world... Like... hmm, maybe having some awesome skill that no one else has."
A pause.
"Tch, yeah right... like that'll ever happen."
The white dog was whimpering again; it even made Akihiko and Minako feel really sorry for Junpei.
"H-Hey, don't gimme that, pooch," Junpei's voice reaches towards them again, "I'm sure... that well, ya know... someday, we'll have real friends that'll listen to us."
"Arf!"
This time, a laugh came from the capped boy, this time it was happier.
"Hey... don't you have to go somewhere, boy?" The two hear Junpei ask, "I'm just gonna hang out here for a while... until I can find a way to get back home without having my pop yell at me."
A small whimper comes from the white dog, as if it was offering its company to Junpei.
A chuckle was heard, "Thanks... but I can deal on my own. I'm gonna hang here. Now get going; it's late, ya know? I'll see ya soon."
A bark comes from the white dog before it pads away (rather, it begins to run off somewhere). Both can see Junpei slightly relaxing into the Paulownia Mall bench before hearing him mutter about how he's going to have to take some naps during class tomorrow.
Akihiko and Minako glance at each other, slightly nervous about the impending time (which to both of their panic) reads around 11:58.
"Crap," Akihiko softly curses, Minako looking at him with concern, knowing very well that that time is, "It's almost midnight."
"Should we wait until the Dark Hour is over?" Minako whispers, "M-Mitsuru-senpai said that she's issuing my-"
"Use mine if there are any coming in our way," Akihiko automatically feels for his knuckles, which are inside his jacket pocket, "Did Mitsuru hand your...?"
"Yeah," He sees Minako nodding, indicating to her purse. If I recall correctly, Akihiko narrows his eyes as he notices Minako fidgeting, Her weapon is a naginata. It's well balanced compared to my knuckles... I wonder why Mitsuru chose it out for her?
"Akihiko," Minako's cautious voice calls out to him, signaling him that it was almost midnight.
The silver-haired man grimaces preparing his knuckles as they immediately see the sky turning green... and the water turning into a brilliant blood red. Like the usual, people around them turn into coffins as blood begins to seep out from the cracks...
"Tch, looks like we both have no choice but to be here until it's over," Akihiko mutters, "That means I might have to get something to get myself awake during class tomorrow."
"Wouldn't coffee work?" Minako suggests to him, taking out a bundle that is wrapped around cloth before taking out a sheathed naginata before pulling out the extendable handle and gently revealing the naginata's blade, "I mean... it does help me keep up during class."
"Huh," Akihiko chuckles, placing his brass knuckles on, "Maybe... you want to show me the different kinds that you drink?"
That leaves Minako slightly flushing before-
"Aaaaaahhhh! What the hell!"
What the-!
Akihiko and Minako turn in alarm just in time to see-
"Junpei!" Minako exclaims in alarm, making the said guy turn around in surprise to see his classmate and his senior standing there with weapons at hand.
"W-What the!" the capped boy gapes, "You! What the hell are you doing here!"
"That's not important!" Akihiko narrows his eyes, "Why are you-"
He freezes, seeing two blobs of Shadows making their way across towards the unsuspecting boy-
"JUNPEI! BEHIND YOU!" Minako's scream makes his body move at the moment she begins to run, naginata tightly grasped in her hands.
"W-What the-!"
As the capped boy turns around, the two Shadows were about to attack him when both Minako and Akihiko immediately strike the two Shadows (They're wearing different masks than the other night... Akihiko realizes that they had in a magenta mask this time) with one strike before turning to face a frightened Junpei Iori.
"Junpei, are you okay?" Minako asks calmly before hearing the boy exclaim (in fear, no doubt).
"W-What the fuck!" He was about to sob out, "Mina-tan, senpai! What the fuck is going on- behind you!"
"What!"
Akihiko turns around first just in time to see a Shadow about to attack Minako, his grey eyes widen in fear, Oh Godgodgodgodgod, no no no! I am not letting that damn Shadow-
"Shit!" Minako curses, trying to hold up her naginata to protect herself-
"Minako!" Akihiko was trying to reach her-
"GET AWAY, YOU DAMNED THING!"
As if it was instantaneous, they both see a blue energy swirl around-
"J-Junpei!"
"Iori!"
There was a furious Junpei, a stick at hand (as if he was holding it like a baseball bat) as he roars, charging at the Shadows. As if his Persona can sense his feelings, the four-winged Persona swiftly follows his master, cleaving at the other Shadow as Junpei begins to slash the Shadow with just a stick, yelling, "Take that! And that!"
Akihiko and Minako can only stare at the fighting Junpei in awe before seeing the capped boy fall to his knees in exhaustion, looking only up at the navy blue beacked Persona. The voice sounds like a more mature version of Junpei (Akihiko also found it odd that Eurydice sounds like a gentle Minako... why is it that when he awoke his Persona it sounds just like him?) as the Persona introduces himself.
"Thou art I... and I am thou... From the sea of thy soul I cometh..."
Junpei, Akihiko, and Minako look on in alarm.
"I am Hermes, the messenger of the Gods..."
It wasn't until after the Persona fades into Junpei and no more Shadows have been detected did Akihiko decide to approach Junpei with a reluctant Minako.
"Hey Iori, are you all right?" Akihiko asks, walking towards the capped boy.
"Y-Yeah..." the dazed boy nods, still in shock of what he's done. The remains of the stick he was holding fell towards the ground as Minako hold out her hand to help him up. Only when he stands up did he begin to freak out, "W-What the fuck! What was that! What did I do?"
Akihiko lets out an inaudiable sigh. For those who have been shown to their Personas, they have shown signs of panic and eventually breaking down, asking what they did. And they happen to lose their memories of what happened the time they summon their Persona afterwards.
The case wasn't for the current boy in the hospital and Minako...
"Akihiko?" Minako looks concerned as she comforts a sobbing Junpei, "...should we contact Mitsuru?"
He heavily sighs, Great. Something else for her to worry about.
"Let's do that," he replies, running a hand over his hair, "...then let's tell him what's going on."
The phone call occurs around 6 in the morning of April 19... a Sunday out of all days.
Grabbing her cellphone, Mitsuru's eyes flash as soon as she sees the caller ID and answers it, "Mitsuru speaking. Is he awake?"
"He is, ma'am," The doctor replies, "He just opened his eyes and asked where he was; I told him that you will send someone to check on him later this afternoon."
"How is he?"
"He's back to sleep."
The doctor sounds skeptical about something, Mitsuru's eyes narrows, frowning, "Is something the matter?"
"How do I place this..." She hears the doctor pause, "This is the first time I've ever had a case in which someone has to be placed in the hospital due to extreme exhaustion. I don't understand it, but this is an interesting case..."
"I see," Mitsuru purses her lips, remembering how Minato Arisato had some sort of problem with sleeping (courtesy of Minako who, she noticed, always worries about him sleeping constantly in class), "When will he be able to be discharged?"
"Tomorrow," The doctor replies, "Ah... I am going to say that this is a courtesy of the Kirijo Family?"
"Yes," Mitsuru nods, "We will cover for his hospital stay."
"Um, funny thing about that... it was already covered by somebody else."
...What?
She blinks, "Tell me again... this better not be an error."
"I'm afraid not, Miss Kirijo," The doctor continues, "A man with the last name of... Nanjo- ah, yes; Kei Nanjo... he came by earlier Saturday to see the patient."
...Kei Nanjo!
Now Mitsuru sat straight up in bed, her eyes widened as she takes this information in her head, No way... I thought Father said that we cut off all ties from The Nanjo Group! How is this possible?
"Did he mention anything about his relation to Minato?" she demands.
The doctor seems to be rummaging through the pages in his files before he said, "He said that he was a friend of their guardian Naoya Todo."
"Is... that so," Mitsuru frowns, pinching her bridge of her nose, "I see... Thank you doctor. Like I said, I will send someone to talk to Minato this afternoon. Keep a close look on him and inform us of any more changes."
"Understood Miss Kirijo," With that, the doctor hangs up.
Mitsuru sighs again, I have to talk to Minako; I was not informed of this at all!
The only thing that Mitsuru hates even more than having to deal with idiots (and threatening them with execution) is any individual from The Nanjo Group.
It wasn't that they were rivals or any relation of the sort; it was that The Kirijo Group were established from the family line that began their sets of experimentations and contributions to society; they even supported and sponsor Gekkoukan High.
However, this wasn't the reason why she hates The Nanjo Group.
The phone goes off again, letting Mitsuru grab it to see a familiar number before she picks up.
"Hello?"
"Mitsuru... how is everything going?"
She breathes a sigh of relief, hearing the voice.
"Hello Father... I take that you have heard from The Chairman?"
"You mean Ikutsuki... then yes, I have heard from him what happened," Her father pauses, "Three new recruits who have the potential?"
"For the one we recently found, there are tests running on him as we speak," she frowns at the event. Akihiko and Minako call in to tell that they have found a new Persona user... who turns out to be in the same grade as Minako and Yukari (as well as the sleeping Minato). Thank God she notified the scientists over at The Kirijo Group before telling Ikutsuki.
As for the Arisato twins...
"At first, I didn't understand you placing them into the dorms," Mitsuru says, "But now I understand... Father, there's something unusual about one of them. I don't know how to explain it."
"It's all right. Let time takes its pace and you will eventually see."
She softly chuckles, knowing how true some of his advices were, "I understand. Thank you, Father."
Then she pauses, her smile slowly turning into a frown, Wait. He wouldn't call unless he has something important to tell me...
"...Father."
"Yes?"
Mitsuru's dark-red brown eyes narrows, "Is there another reason why you are calling?"
"...yes. In fact... it involves Ikutsuki."
Fantastic. Just what I need to hear about, Mitsuru rolls her eyes, holding off on her sarcasm, More about him...
"Your suspicions about Ikutsuki were correct... even though I, myself, can not summon a Persona, he also does not have one," Her father explains, "I had someone look him up... Ikutsuki was one of the scientists that participated in that experiment."
"Which means," Mitsuru murmurs, "If I am correct about the true reason he is our club advisor..."
"Then I presume you will agree with me in which we need someone else to take over. The fact that he's one of the scientists responsible for experimenting on them..." Her father trails off before saying, "Mitsuru. There is someone else far more reliable than Ikutsuki and even though he is someone that I would not consider as my ally, I trust him more than I can of Ikutsuki."
"I see," Mitsuru purses her lips, "So... Father. Who have you talked to?"
"Mitsuru... whatever you do, promise me that you will not do anything to antagonize this man; he is someone who has knowledge about the Dark Hour and of your powers."
"I... promise?" Now she was confused.
"He will meet with all of you sometime next week," Her father sternly reminds her, "Tell the rest of SEES to meet you here."
"I-I understand, Father."
"Good. Be careful, Mitsuru."
With that, her father hung up.
Frowning, Mitsuru looks at the phone before she lets out a loud sigh, Who in the world did my father talk to? But that's not important at the moment...
"It's about getting more people to help," she murmurs to herself, clutching onto the phone, "Father... I will atone for the past. I swear by it..."
Yukari twindles her thumbs as she patiently waits for the blue-haired teen from the bed to wake up.
It has been about ten days since the incident occurred; meaning there were several damages done to the dorm.
For one, some of their cable lines have been ripped, meaning that they can't get any internet connection in their rooms (Mitsuru told them that it will take about a week or two to set the cable lines back in order again, much to Minako's chagrin). Akihiko has been injured on the ribs and Yukari has (much to her humor) noticed that Minako has been taking care of the senior whenever he comes back to the dorm. It was surprising that Mitsuru allows that, especially since she has been busy trying to manage repairs of the dorm and asking how Minato's condition was.
Minako has been worried about her brother constantly to the point that she nearly cried her eyes out (and it happened on the night that Minato collapsed).
She asked Minako about it one day about how close both siblings were:
"In a way," Minako gives a small smile to Yukari, "He's the only real family member I had."
"Your only real family member?" Yukari blinks in surprise.
The two were sitting in the dining room of the dorm one day, eating their dinner at the dorms and Minako has already joined the tennis team. When Yukari came back after her archery practice, Minako has already prepared dinner and was about to scoop the leftovers in when she asked Yukari to sit and eat with her. The light brunette, hungry as she was, agreed and much to her surprise, ended up chatting with Minako about school, how some of the teachers were, and how perverted Junpei was.
It wasn't until Yukari asked about Minato did Minako begin to talk about it.
"My parents..." Minako's red eyes look around before she faces Yuakri, "They died seven years ago in a car accident on Moonlight Bridge."
"Oh my god..." Yukari murmurs, setting down her chopsticks, "I'm... I'm so sorry."
"It's okay," Minako smiles, "I get that from other people all the time. I'm glad to have a new family... even though they act more like college kids than actual parents."
"At least you have someone to call 'Daddy'," Yukari smiles slightly, "I'm envious... I don't have that at all."
Minako blinks before setting her chopsticks down, "You don't have a father?"
"He died seven years ago... around my tenth birthday," Yukari purses her lips, "I really cared for him a lot... not like my mother."
"Oh..."
"I-I mean, what am I talking about?" Yukari blinks before smiling (weakly), "C-Come on! Let's just eat and-"
"Hey Yukari?"
"Hmm?"
"What about your mother?"
Out of all the things she's reluctant to talk about, it regards her mother.
And yet, looking at Minako, she seems to be more trustworthy to talk to as opposed to a certain red haired someone.
"My mom..." Yukari bites her lower lip, thinking about it before she sighs, "..sorry. I... I can't say anything regarding her."
"It's okay," Minako smiles (which Yukari found out to be a geniune one), "You can tell me another time."
"Y-You sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure... just tell me when you're ready."
Yukari sighs, looking at the window, I still can't believe she told me about her family... and yet I don't know her so well as opposed to... that day...
A smile passes her lips, Then again, I am glad to have someone like that. It's... a good thing. I don't have to keep to myself anymore.
A weak groan comes out from the bed as Yukari blinks, standing up just in time to see Minato's tired blue eyes open.
"Yu...Yukari?"
"Hey, you're awake!" Yukari smiles before seeing Minato winces at her voice. Letting a small oops, she sits back down before facing Minato worriedly, "Um... how to you feel?"
"Like a truck ran through me," Minato mutters in reply, "Where am I? ...wait, why are you here?"
Yukari sighs in relief, "Thank God... no wonder your sister has been complaining about you sleeping; how much sleep do you really need! I was so worried about you..."
"Give me ten hours and a cup of coffee and I'll be fine," Minato grumbles, muttering something about how he's going to get back at Minako before he blinks, looking at Yukari, "Wait... you were worried about me?"
Oops. Yukari slightly blushes before she manages to change the subject quickly, "U-Um, as to where you are, you're in Tatsumi Memorial Hospital. It's close to the station, so it was easy to get to. A-And," Her blush returns, except it was more in full force, "You... You saved my life, so... I couldn't just allow you to be left alone. I mean, I had to help the others out and all, but everyone- even me- I was worried so much about you..."
A soft chuckle escapes Minato as he give a small smile.
"The doctor said you were just exhausted," Yukari continues, "But you were just sleeping a lot more than usual... Minako said the first thing she'll do when you get out from the hospital was to try and find you good coffee in order to keep you awake. Or something of the sort- but regardless, do you know how worried I was?"
"I know, I know," Minato murmurs, "Sorry to have worried you, Yukari."
"O-Oh..." The light brunette blushes again before she looks at him with concern, "Um... I'm sorry I couldn't do anything back there. I was supposed to protect you, but looking at you... wow!"
"...wow?" Minato chuckles, surprised to hear this reaction.
"Your power... it was amazing!"
"Ah... you mean Persona?"
That took Yukari by surprise. She looks at Minato, "How did you know about... Persona?"
"Erm," Minato pauses, trying to find a good way to explain about it when Yukari sighs, shaking her head.
Probably had a few things he dreamt about...ah, whatever. We are going to tell him later anyway...
"Do you remember those things we were fighting?"
Minato frowns beofre his eyes dawns in memory, "Wait... those black creatures."
"Those are called Shadows," Yukari chews her lower lip, "And... well, since you already know about it... we're fighting against the Shadows with our Personas."
"I see," Minato slowly nods.
She pauses again before blurting out, "I'm sorry... for not telling you before when you move in. And... um, well..."
She can see that Minato is waiting patiently for her to respond.
"I... I'm sorta like you and Minako."
This must have caught him off guard before he blinks, "Wait, what do you mean?"
Yukari sighs before she faces him again, "Minako told me about your parents... and I suppose it's fair if I told you about my past." Then she pauses before she sighs, "Damn, I feel like I'm acting like I need some pity..."
A slightly warm hand places on top of Yukari's hand. Surprised, she looks up to see Minato, looking at her with concern just like she was before.
"No... go on. I want you to explain."
Yukari blinks before she sighs, looking more than concerned; she was worried about how Minato would really react, "My dad died in an accident when I was ten years old... There was an explosion in 1999 and supposedly, my father died in that blast. Nobody really knows what really happened that day, but all I know is that my father worked for the lab run by the Kirijo Group." She pauses, taking a shaky breath before continuing on, "...My mom and I aren't exactly on the greatest of terms either, so that's why I'm staying over at the dorms."
"Yukari..."
"Also... about that night..." she bites her lower lip in guilt, "It... it was also my first time battling the Shadows and you had to save my life. I... I'm sorry. If I wasn't such a coward, then you wouldn't have to go through all of this."
Minato tightens his hold on Yukari's hand, which surprises her, "Hey... It's not your fault. I just wanted to help you."
"Minato..." Yukari blushes a faint red before she sighs, "Damn... here I am, telling you all of this from the moment you wake up."
A second's worth of silence was heard before the two teenagers in the room broke into small, quiet laughter.
Yukari smiles softly, Minato... Minako... you two... are so different and yet have the same caring souls...
"Thanks for listening," She murmurs, "I really did want to tell you all of that because I hid the truth from you."
"It's no problem," Minato smiles before he pauses, "Hey... where are the others?"
"They're busy helping out with the damages done to the dorms," She confesses, standing up, "I'll go tell the others how you are and all... you might be out by tomorrow."
"Really?" Minato has a dreaded look on his face before he sighs, "So much for taking a few days off from school."
"Yeah, right!" Yukari laughs, "Be a good patient, okay? Don't hesitate to call the nurse."
"I won't, I won't," Minato rolls his eyes before chuckling, "You remind me a bit of Minako, only kinder."
"H-Huh?" Did he... just call me kind? "W-Well," She blushes even more, "U-Um... I'll be heading out then!" She sheepishly smiles before shyly waving to Minato, "B-Bye."
"See you later," Minato smiles before Yukari shuts the door.
Why... am I feeling all nervous? Especially from that second ago? Yukari looks down at her feet, clutching onto her shirt with a blush on her face, M-Maybe it's the cold... y-yeah! That's it!
Little that she knew, Minato thinks the same thing, looking at the hand in which he held Yukari's hand earlier before blushing...
"Oh yeah," Yukari pauses turning around to both twins, "Sorry to tell this for you guys... but Ikutsuki-san wants to talk to both of you guys tonight."
They were back at school (rather, Minato was out of the hospital after his hospital stay and was forced to attend school the next day much to his ire) and Minako manages to get him safely onto the train without any worries. What surprised Minato was that Minako told him that the hospital bill was taken care of by Kei... before he was derailed by other news Minako had for him...
"So the good news is that damages done to the dorm is minimal," Minako purses her lips, slightly tense, "Yukari must've told you about what the doctors told you."
"I got tired from exhaustion and hence I collapsed for ten days," he sighs, "Any other ones aside that Kei took care of the hospital bill?"
"Well..." she pauses, "Akihiko-senpai's injured, but he's going to be okay."
Minato frowns, his headphones still around his neck, "That sounds more like okay news than good ones. Any more?"
He sees his sister groaning, signaling Minato to be worried, "...okay, what's the bad news?"
"Naoya's planning to move to Iwatodai with Maki," she deadpans in reply.
Silence took over him in, resulting in him gaping at her, "...please tell me he was joking."
Minato sees her grimace, making his stomach drop a few inches.
"Oh God."
"My thoughts exactly," Minako mutters, mentally groaning at the thought of his guardian bugging him all the time while he is staying over at Iwatodai, "...just what we need: our uncle coming here. Crap!"
"You think they'll be happy to see us, though?" Minako arches an eyebrow, "They have been worried about us recently."
Minato slightly winces.
The last time Naoya came to visit over at their previous dorms (minus that horrendous indicent that involved cross-dressing), he had heard about what happened and had a long talk to just Minato (just him, dammit) and had to ask Minako to make sure that Minato doesn't do anything stupid that involved questioning...
...well, that was another talk for another day.
"Do you really think I want Uncle Naoya to come here?"
Minako sighs, dread coming from her voice.
"Nope." she deadpans.
He closes his eyes, now having the weight about seeing that sophisticated (Minato could have replaced slimy with that description for him instead) man... and it was probably (most likely) about what happened ten days ago with the Shadow.
Brilliant.
"Where is it going to be?" Minato asks, concerned.
"The fourth floor of the dorm... after school," Yukari looks a bit tense, Minato notices, "Don't forget. It's... about something important."
Whatever it is, the blue-haired teen frowns, It must involve what happened on that night...
It was early in the evening that Ikutsuki was waiting in the command room, along with Mitsuru, Akihiko, Minako, and Yukari.
Minato had to talk to his teachers about his long absences and regarding assignments (knowing his pacing in workload, he should get through it all pretty quickly) before catching the train back to the Iwatodai station. When he reaches back towards the dorm and opens the door (only to find the lobby empty), he realizes what Yukari asked him earlier.
"I can't believe it all happened still," he quietly murmurs to himself as he walks up the stairs, his memories still thinking about the first time that Orpheus- no, his Persona- emerged from his mind and destroyed those black monsters...
So, was that what they wanted to talk about?
He stops at the front of the door to the command room, hesitant about whether or not he should still come in before he hears a set of footsteps walking up towards the room before facing Minako, who grins at him.
"Oh hey, there you are!"
"You were looking for me?" Minato arches an eyebrow, an amused smile on his lips, causing Minako to blush.
"Hmph... more like you're taking your time getting here," his sister rolls her eyes as Minato opens the door. In there, Minato arches an eyebrow, looking at the area. On his left, there is a large computer set and monitors and to his right, there were Yukari who looks like she was talking to Akihiko for a short bit; Mitsuru is on Yukari's left with Ikutsuki sitting on a single chair. They all look up when they saw Minato and Minako enter in. What surprises him was a there were two briefcases on the table with some sort of engraving on it...
"Ah, there you both are," Ikutsuki lets out a small smile, standing up to greet the two, more specifically to Minato, "I'm glad that you're okay. The reason that I asked you here is because I need to talk to you."
Already from the tone of his voice, Minato doesn't like Ikutsuki one bit, even though he is known as the Chairman of Gekkoukan.
"Please, have a seat," The man gestures both Minato and Minako to take any remaining seats.
"Can't we just stand?" Minato mutters to himself before managing to dodge a glare from Minako before the two sit down. Both of them sit next to each other, looking a bit hesitant at the three high schoolers and the male in the room.
"Is this about April ninth?" Minako quietly asks, clutching along the edges of her skirt.
"In a way, we are," Akihiko replies quickly, earning him a look from Yukari as Mitsuru smiles (a little evilly), "I-I mean... Minak- I-I mean, the both of you are fine. Thank God."
"Yes, we are relieved that you two are fine," Mitsuru nods, "Thank you for being patient with us, Minako; I'm sure you have been curious for a long time."
"Oh, no problem," The brunette nods before facing Akihiko, "And I hope you're fine too, Akihiko-senpai."
"O-Oh," the silver-haired man blushes, causing Yukari to silently giggle.
Ikutsuki clears his throat, causing them to look at him, "Sorry... but we have more pressing matters at hand at the moment."
"Of course, Mister Chairman," Mitsuru nods (Minato might be wrong, but Did I hear her teeth grit for a minute? He blinks before turning his attention back towards the Chairman), "Please do go on."
"Let mr start off by asking you this," the man pauses, "Would you two believe me if I said that a day consists of more than twenty-four hours?"
"...huh?" Minato frowns, Why the hell is he asking us this? Minako and I... we already know about that!
"I guess to say we're not surprised by your reactions," he can hear Mitsuru chuckle, "However, you've already experienced the truth behind this... do you remember the night that you both came here?"
Minako shudders at the thought, "It was creepy as hell for one... There were no electronics on, coffins were everywhere in the streets, and the sky looks green."
"I'm surprised," Mitsuru smiles at his sister, "But did you also feel like you were in a different time?"
"The Dark Hour, am I right?" Minato cuts in, seriousness showing through his face, causing the others to look in surprise, including Ikutsuki.
"Wait, how-"
"It's a time in which people are not fully aware of," Minato narrows his eyes, continuing on with his answer, "Not a lot of people are aware of the time period between one day and the next because it happens at midnight. It is an hour between midnight and one... that happens every night, including tonight." His fists grips, recalling the time they saw those coffins... "Normal people turn into coffins because they are sleeping in them, hence they don't recall what happens in the Dark Hour."
Silences fills the entire room before someone speaks up: it was a surprised Yukari.
"H-How... how did you know about this?"
The blue-haired man sighs before looking at them, this time not planning to stop. Minako looks apprehensive, hoping that Minato won't ruin it for the rest of the high school students.
Blazing blue eyes narrows as he replies, "Minako and I have been aware of it ever since we were ten."
To Be Continued
A/N: Time to get more questions answered.
"Doesn't Junpei get found at the convenience store instead of Paulownia Mall?
I just want to make it different so that this time and yes, I know how Junpei gets found. Didn't say much on how he awakens his Persona power though. He is a crybaby, you have to admit...
"Mitsuru doesn't trust the Chairman as opposed to the game..."
Remember how in the game she trusts that guy like he provided the best way out?
In this version, I want Mitsuru to be more aware of Ikutsuki and what he's really up to when he wants SEES to be created and mention that he can't summon a bloody Persona. I'll be honest- if I was her, I'd go for someone who has fought Shadows before and... oh. I'm giving too much away about Kei's actual role, am I?
"Wait. Akihiko says his 'fans' to leave him alone."
Yup. After playing P3P several amounts of times, you really think those damn fans will finally get to Akihiko aaaaaaaaaand he'll snap.
For this one, I want to address the issue about that and how really annoyed he really is about them.
Just don't be surprised if they ever try to harm Minako and see him threatening those girls to leave him alone or else.
"What is the past behind Minako and Akihiko?"
...let me provide you with a checklist of (so far) his history behind Minako:
-He knows her from the past (meaning that there is a good chance they met before)
-He knows about the locket she has around her neck
-He's really protective of her (and I don't mean in a sibling way either)
-...aaaaaaaand he's still thinking about that note stuffed in her locket.
Oh, and I recall that one of you readers asked if there are rivals vying for Minako's attention. Yes, Shinjiro is on that list. If you played P3P, Hidetoshi is another one of the rivals. There are two more rivals on that list that Akihiko needs to be wary of (aside her protective older brother). And no, it's not Ken.
"How come both Minato and Minako are more aware of the Dark Hour?"
Um. Sorry... can't reveal anything about it. Yet.
"What message did Philemon want Igor and Theodore to deliver? And to who?"
I'll give you a few hints:
1) It involves characters from Revelations and Persona 2 dualogy. And the message regards about his opponent.
2) Whoever his opponent is, he is playing a role with the enemies of Persona 3 (if you can guess that guy's connection to them, then I'll be really surprised).
3) There are seven people who got Philemon's message. Three of them are mentioned; the other four are not from Revelations.
"What S. Links are going to be featured?"
I've confirmed it all! And I know how highly complex this is going to be.
Here's the list of the links that will show up (by now, I am assuming you guys know about the S. Links for both MC and FeMC in the entire P3/P3P game. You know what the Fool, Death, Judgement, and Aeon links are...):
MAGICIAN: Junpei and Kenji
PRIESTESS: Fuuka
EMPRESS: Mitsuru
EMPEROR: Hidetoshi
HIEROPHANT: Bunchiki and Mitsuko
LOVERS: Yukari
CHARIOT: Rio and Kazushi
JUSTICE: Chihiro and Ken
HERMIT: Saori (I'm sorry, but the 'Maya' one was too wierd)
STRENGTH: Yuko and Koromaru
FORTUNE: Keisuke (then Ryoji)
HANGED MAN: Maiko
DEVIL: Tanaka (Should I let Minato or Minako be tortured by him?)
TOWER: Mutatsu (This is going to be fun... muwahahaha! (cue in ominous Latin choirs))
TEMPERANCE: Bebe
STAR: Akihiko and Mamoru
MOON: Shinjiro (It's official; I am not including Nozomi)
SUN: Akinari
There's something that I should tell (and I am pretty sure all of you have realized this); I am beginning the Akihiko S. Link a lot earlier than it should be for Minako. Their shared past does have something to do with it. And unlike the game, some people from the SEES will also be featured in some of the S. Links- you'll see what I mean, don't worry.
If you have noticed, I have included the FeMC's links in here. Speaking of...
"What is Minako's true role!"
I'll let you in on this: She's supposed to be a Fool, but she isn't.
Makes you wonder, huh?