Hey guys, long time no see eh? I'm really sorry for the lack of updates, I can't apologize enough to all of you amazing people who actually like this story. I've been busy with my Naruto story "A Son Forgotten" and dealing with all of the things that involves writing a story like that, but... From the feedback that I've been getting, it's kinda losing its fanbase which is alright. I hope that you guys still enjoy reading this story though as I really enjoy writing this one, there's not as much pressure and all of you guys are awesome with your hilarious feedback and comments, they always make me smile when I go back and read them. Haha, don't hate me if this isn't a very good chapter, I was kind of in a depressive slump and writing it on and off so the flow is really weird. DX Again, thanks for all of the continued support and dealing with my horrendous updates. Well, that's enough of me blabbering, you came to read right! Well, let's a go!
Blank Card - Chapter 4
"Minato Arisato."
The silence that was left in the wake of his announcement was overwhelming. The "Minato" that appeared like he did young many years ago had his eyes wide with confusion and disbelief. Slowly, the doppelganger's face eased back into a controlled and calm mask, hiding the disbelief and confusion that swirled in his eyes just a few seconds prior. Taking his hands out of his pocket, he made his way over to Minato, the older dark blue haired young man gazing at him impassively.
"That's impossible. I'm Minato Arisato." The doppelganger said, locking eyes with Minato.
"That should be my line." Minato replied as he narrowed his eyes at the younger blue haired teen, the teen mimicking the action.
"Minato, something is different about this guy. He... He feels like a shadow, but something is off about him." Nyx reported as Minato mentally nodded his head, getting the same vibe.
As they glared at each other, they ignored the nearby spectators as they openly gawked at the scene before them. The Investigation Team members were beyond confused before a sudden realization hit them. There were two of him, the only explanation that could be plausible was that one of them was the Shadow of the real one, the only question remaining being which was which.
The Shadow Operatives however could only be described as completely and utterly torn. They wanted to do nothing more then run up and embrace the two like their hearts begged them to, but then they remembered that there were two of him meaning that one was obviously a fake or even both perhaps. Akira was simply confused, not believing that she was actually seeing a younger clone of the person she had just met. Steeling themselves and holding back, they awaited the outcome of the glaring match between the two.
"Tch." Minato said before he rushed forward and caught the jaw of the doppelganger, sending him reeling back.
The doppelganger's eyes widening at the abrupt attack it managed to roll to the side to avoid a straight from Minato that punched a hole in the building that was behind him. Getting back up to a standing position, the doppelganger turned to the group of spectators before shouting at them.
"Junpei! Could you get me a weapon!" The doppelganger shouted, Junpei's eyes widening at the familiar tone of command that he had nearly forgotten after the past few years.
"I got your back Minato!" Junpei shouted as he tossed his specialized bat at the doppelganger, the younger blue haired teen thanking Junpei before moving to engage Minato once more.
"Wait! Stop!" Akira shouted as she stared wide eyed at the scene unfolding in front of her.
Side stepping to avoid the wide arc of the swing, Minato bit back a curse when the doppelganger seemed to be gaining the favor of their group of spectators, seeing the nearly murderous glares that were being sent his way. Stepping in, he slammed his palm into the abdomen of the doppelganger as it wound up for an overhead swing. Its eyes widening as spittle flew from its mouth it dropped the bat before being staggering backwards.
"Minato!" Junpei, Akihiko and Shinjiro shouted before they moved to help the doppelganger out, Minato narrowing his eyes at them.
"You're gonna pay for messing with our friend you imposter!" Akihiko shouted as he unleashed a volley of blindingly fast jabs and crosses, Minato getting hit by a few of them before catching his left fist in his right hand.
Moving in, he buried his fist into Akihiko's side as the older man let out a gasp of pain at the force of the blow. Twisting his hand and arm, Minato locked the limb behind Akihiko before shoving him into the charging Shinjiro. The two stumbling before falling into a heap, Minato turned his body to avoid the downward arc of Ken's spear. The impact causing a metallic ring to echo about, Ken was sent rolling to the side as Minato kicked him away having to step in and raise his arm to block a strike from Hamuko's naginata.
"How dare you do hurt my friends like that!" Hamuko shouted as her eyes burned with anger, swinging her naginata in a circular fashion before swinging it in a diagonal fashion as Minato backpedaled to avoid being slashed.
As he did he had to lean back to avoid his eye being pierced by Mitsuru's rapier as her eyes burned with a collected fury in them, obviously angry at what had just transpired. Flipping onto his hands, Minato evaded the quick thrusts that were aimed at his joints, Mitsuru intent on incapacitating him. Making it back to a standing position he brought his arm up to block a head kick from a determined Chie, her eyes burning with the same determination. Landing on her feet she unleashed a wild volley of precise and powerful kicks that Minato either blocked or parried.
"Take this!" Chie shouted as she continued her volley without pause.
Catching her foot, he was about to slam her into the ground but was sent stumbling to the side when Kanji slugged him. Shaking his head to rid his sight of the spots that danced about he spun and smashed his elbow into the larger man's jaw as he reeled back from the blow. Shooting forward Minato tackled Kanji. Placing his hands behind his knees, he used his lower center of gravity to lift and slam Kanji into the pavement as a pained cry of pain left his mouth. But Minato quickly turned his head as a trail of blood trickled down his cheek from the bladed folding fan of Yukiko who's eyes were cold enough to freeze a blazing fire.
"How dare you." Yukiko said in frigid tone before throwing her fan with deadly accuracy, Minato lowering his head to avoid being cut by it once again.
"Don't!" Akira shouted as she moved to grab Yukiko by the wrist, preventing her from throwing another fan as the raven haired woman gave her a cold glare.
Rushing in, Akihiko and Chie teamed up on Minato with a deadly combination of punches and kicks, the blue haired young man unable to properly dodge or block all of the blows that were made against him. Seeing an opportunity arise, Minato backpedaled as Chie swung her leg in a wide arc as Akihiko charged him. Placing his hand on her heel, Minato shoved her off balance as her kick connected with Akihiko's abdomen, the older man gasping in pain at the impact.
Stepping in, Minato jumped and smashed his knee into Akihiko's chest as the silver haired man's eyes widened from the pain that exploded in his chest. Crumpling to the ground, he grabbed at his chest as pained breaths left his mouth, Shinjiro, Ken, Junpei, Yosuke and Kanji rushing over to cover him while Yukiko, Yukari, and Mitsuru moved to cover Chie.
Crouching low, he avoided the swing of two blunt objects as Yu and his doppelganger's weapons collided in a loud metallic screech. Yu had never been one to be angry, the last time being the events proceeding the battle they had with Taro Namatame's Shadow. After Nanako had died he had never felt such anger boil in his veins, it was like magma was flowing through him. But after seeing his friends get thrown around and beaten he was feeling that magma boil to the surface once more.
"You'll pay for this!" Yu shouted as he swung the large pipe in his hands, intent on paying back the blue haired man for harming his friends.
Shifting his body, Minato grabbed the pipe as it impacted once again with the ground, spinning and slamming his elbow into Yu's jaw as the silver haired young man was sent reeling back from the blow. Following through with his assault, Minato slammed his palm into Yu's abdomen as spittle flew from his mouth before the air was forced out of his lungs from Minato's fist burying itself deeper into the previously struck area.
As Yu crumpled to the ground clutching his midsection Minato spun the pipe he took from Yu before engaging his double, the doppelganger bringing the bat he borrowed from Junpei up to block the blow, the blue haired teen's arms buckling from the force of the blow, wincing as the metallic clang echoed about. Letting go of the pipe, Minato caught it once more when it had slipped to the opposite side before bringing it up and colliding it with the jaw line of his double, the doppelganger reeling back as a light crack resounded.
But before he could continue the attack on the imposter he was tackled from the side by an irate Junpei before he rained down a flurry of blows. Managing to bring his arms up, Minato put up a tight guard as he blocked the anger filled blows that fell on him. Grunting as his arms were beginning to tire from the excessive amounts of damage that they were receiving, Minato saw his chance as Junpei took longer then usual to cock his arm back.
Lashing out with his right hand, Minato buried his fist into Junpei's side as a strangled gasp escaped his lips. Grabbing the sides of Junpei's shirt, Minato bucked his hips and pulled to the side, sending Junpei tumbling to the ground as he quickly rolled back up to a crouched position, his eyes narrowing as his attackers regrouped.
"He's strong, not only that but he's very skilled as well." Mitsuru said as she glared at the man before them, sneaking glances at Minato as he was helped up by Shinjiro and Akihiko.
"What do we do now Mitsuru-san?" Yosuke said in a tense tone as he stared in a mix of slight fear and awe at the man before them.
"I'm not sure. Now that we have Minato back we have to make our first priority getting him out of here as that man is clearly after him." Mitsuru said as the others nodded at the answer, seeing as he was the prime focus of their enemy .
"I'll cover you guys! Take Minato and get back to the inn, I'll make sure he don't follow you guys!" Yukari said as she readied her bow, her eyes sharper then the arrow she quickly notched.
"...I'll also assist Yukari-san." Naoto said as she brought out her revolver and leveled it at Minato, sneaking glances back and forth between him and her cousin before she steeled herself.
"That's enough, all of you! You guys are going way too far, any more and you'll kill him!" Akira shouted as she moved to Minato's side, taking up a protective stance in front of him as they tensed.
But they were broken out of their tenseness when they heard growling and promptly dropped their jaws when they saw Koromaru beside the man they were fighting, baring his fangs at them.
"K-Koro-chan?! W-What are you doing!" Fuuka shouted as Koromaru's growls turned even more aggressive then before, the group never having heard or seen him so angry and protective.
"Oh... How interesting..." Nyx thought as she observed the events that were panning out with a look of intrigue.
Once again, Minato found himself staring at the white haired dog that was standing protectively in front of him. Wincing, he felt a jolt run through his system as rush of faint and blurry images made their presence known to Minato, causing him to clutch his head. As he did, Koromaru turned and whimpered before rushing to his side, the others looking on in complete shock. Hearing Koromaru whimper Minato cracked an eye open as he saw the white Shiba looking at him with utter concern. Then, one image in particular became a foggy memory as Minato slowly reached out towards Koromaru.
(Flashback - A Few Years Ago)
(Scene Change - Tatsumi Port Island: Iwatodai Block District)
Dressed in a light grey tracksuit, Minato was jogging through the block as Koromaru happily followed beside him. Glancing down at the white haired dog Minato couldn't help but let a soft smile form on his face as Koromaru returned the gesture with a happy bark. This had become their routine shortly after Koromaru had joined their group, Minato enjoying company and energy of his furry companion as Koromaru enjoyed having someone to walk and talk with him.
Approaching the shrine that the Shiba used to live at, Minato could see Koromaru get a little tense and saddened once he glanced at it. Slowing down, he crouched and reached out before rubbing the head of the Shiba gently and in a comforting fashion. Koromaru leaning slightly into his hand, Minato turned his attention to the shrine as he spoke.
"It's alright Koromaru. You've done a great job in protecting the shine you know. Your master would be very proud of you." Minato said as Koromaru turned to him, scanning him for any trace of a lie.
Seeing the gentle smile on his face, Koromaru closed his eyes as he leaned deeper into Minato's hand, the blue haired teen accepting the added pressure. They remained like that for a few minutes before Koromaru turned back to Minato and barked in an appreciative, Minato smiling slightly in return. Standing up, he stretched before letting a content sigh escape his mouth, Koromaru mimicking the action as Minato laughed softly.
"Hey, why don't we go watch "The True Battles of Real Men" again Koromaru?" Minato asked as Koromaru's eyes shined brightly at the offer.
"Arf!" Koromaru barked out in an excited tone, Minato smiling when he saw the sadness visibly leave the dog he had grown attached to.
"Alright, let's go." Minato said as Koromaru barked in affirmation, taking his place beside Minato as they headed towards the movie theatre.
(Time Skip - A Few Hours Later)
(Scene Change - Tatsumi Port Island: Iwatodai Coed Dorm)
Gathered in the living room of the dorm was Shinjiro, Akihiko, Mitsuru, Ken and Aigis, the five turning their heads to the door when a happy Koromaru and Minato walked it. A little surprised seeing both of them so happy in the morning, especially Minato seeing as he was usually impassive most of the caught their attention. As they entered the lobby, Mitsuru decided to speak up.
"Well, you two appear to be a high spirits this morning." Mitsuru said with a smile on her face, Minato smiling slightly in response while Koromaru barked happily.
"Yeah. We had a pretty good run didn't we Koromaru?" Minato said turning to the Shiba as he happily barked in return.
"Arf!" Koromaru barked in affirmation, his tail wagging excitedly as the others smiled at his response.
"Koromaru-san says that they had a great time at the theatres and that he is glad that Minato-san is his new master." Aigis reported as the others looked at her with curious gazes before turning to Koromaru and Minato.
"Master huh? I would've thought that Shinji would be that." Akihiko said as he patted Shinjiro on the back, the larger man giving Akihiko a dry look.
"What are you tryin' to say? Huh Aki?" Shinjiro said as Akihiko merely smiled at him in a knowing way, tick marks soon appearing on his head.
While the two soon got into a scuffle, Mitsuru and Aigis moving quickly to stop them from doing anything rash, Minato glanced down at Koromaru before crouching to rub his head affectionately.
"If you're alright with it, I'll look after you Koromaru. Your old master won't have to worry about you, I'll do my best to make you happy." Minato declared as Koromaru's tail wagged harder before he tackled the blue haired teen and proceeded to assault him with a flurry of slobbery kisses, Minato a little perturbed but laughing lightly nonetheless.
(Flashback - End)
"Koro... Maru..." Minato whispered as his hand made contact with the Shiba's head, Koromaru's eyes widening as they glistened with unshed tears.
Rubbing the head of the white haired dog affectionately, Koromaru whined in happiness as he leaned into Minato's warm and calming hands. Stroking him behind the ears, more and more memories of Koromaru and himself started to sharpen and flash through his mind. A small smile making it to his face, the two stayed in the positions that they were in as the others looked on in absolute shock.
"Remember Minato... While you may have forgotten your past, those moments and experiences will never truly leave you. They will always be somewhere deep within your heart." Nyx said in a gentle tone, happy that her partner regained such a fond set of memories.
"How have you been boy?" Minato asked in a soft and gentle tone, Koromaru whining in response to his question.
"I'm sorry, I don't remember much of the past. But I'm glad that you're safe and doing well." Minato said as he continued to caress Koromaru's head, the Shiba drinking in the warmth and affection that radiated off of his master. The master that he thought he had lost. The master that had returned. The master that still loved him even after all that had happened.
"H-Huh? You know that dog?" Akira asked in a tone of disbelief, not thinking that one of his enemies would act like that.
"W-What? No way..." Junpei said as he stared wide eyed at the scene unfolding before him.
"Koromaru! Get away from him! He's not the real Minato!" Ken shouted as the others urged him to separate from him, Koromaru turning his attention to and glaring down hard at them.
"Grr..." Koromaru snarled as he bared his fangs, the others flinching at the anger that he seemed to radiate at them as he took a step forward.
"Koromaru-san says that we're a bunch of fools." Aigis translated as the others bristled at her translation as they stared down at the dog.
"What are you saying Koromaru?! We're your friends aren't we? We've been through so much, why are you siding with him!" Shinjiro asked, his voice filled with hurt at the betrayal of their furry companion.
"Enough of this!" Minato's doppelganger shouted as he rushed out of the group, the others looking on in a mix of shock and horror as he swung the bat towards Koromaru.
Everything seemed to move in slow motion as the bat neared Koromaru, the eyes of everyone widening. Then, in an inhuman burst of speed, Minato dashed forward and shielded Koromaru with his body as the bat impacted the side of his head. His head jerking to the side, he laid facedown as a small amount of blood started to pool around his head. Koromaru's stunned state instantly turned to fear as he whimpered and nuzzled against Minato's face, trying to get him to wake up while the doppelganger smirked.
Akira let out a scream as she moved to check on Minato, tears in her eyes as she found herself unable to do anything but let her head drop down and let her tears fall silently. She wanted to take her track jacket off and use it as a bandage of sorts but she had no experience with these kinds of injuries, only having dealt with fractured arms or legs as a major injury. After seeing what the group in front of them had been capable of, they were likely the only ones who could help him as things stood.
"Good job Koromaru. Looks like the plan worked." The double said as everyone looked on in stunned silence, not believing what they had just heard.
"W-What? Plan? What plan?" Yu asked, confusion evident on his face as the double turned to face him with a calm smile.
"I knew that Koromaru would be able to distract my doppelganger for a while, seeing as it probably had some connection to him. Taking advantage of that I had him buy us some time and get us an opening." The doppelganger replied as the others looked on with uneasy expressions at the downed man before them, Koromaru now visibly panicking as he futilely tried to wake Minato by licking his face.
"But, you looked like you were deliberately aiming for Koro-chan." Hamuko said in a hushed tone as everyone tensed, knowing what she said was true.
"What are you taking about Hamuko? Why would I try and hurt Koromaru on purpose?" The doppelganger asked in a hurt tone, Hamuko visibly wincing when she saw his hurt expression.
"Hamuko-chan is correct Minato-san. The trajectory of your swing was in path with Koromaru-san. You were intent on striking him."Aigis reported as the others looked at him with wide eyes before some turned to anger.
"What the hell! I thought you guys said he was the best leader and guy out there! If he was going to hit Koro-chan he's nothing but scum!" Kanji shouted as the Shadow Operatives turned to him with stunned expressions.
"What the hell! What do you know! Don't say that about Minato, Kanji!" Akihiko said as he glared at the younger man, Kanji scoffing at him before returning his attention to the blue haired teen in front of his.
"Everyone, please stop fighting! We've got him, now we need to get him medical attention before anything else!" Fuuka said in an attempt to diffuse the situation, everyone visibly relaxing as her words were true.
Returning their gaze to the downed man their eyes widened when they saw the doppelganger raise the bat above his head, preparing to finish the downed man off. Akira draping her body over him in a protective manner as Koromaru continued to lick his face in an attempt to wake him up.
"Minato! Minato wake up! You can't let him win, you have to wake up! Please!" Nyx pleaded as she tried to rose him from inside of his psyche, tears starting to fall when she found it growing weaker and weaker.
Disbelief filling their eyes, the group immediately rushed to stop him before he killed the man. Shinjiro and Akihiko grabbing his arms, Junpei took back his bat as they all stared in slight fear at the doppelganger's impassive gaze .
"What are you all doing?" It asked, the others gawking in disbelief at his answer.
"What are we doing? What are you doing!? You were going to kill him if you did that!" Yosuke shouted as he shook with the thought, gazing with slight pity at the downed man.
"That was the point." The doppelganger responded, everyone dropping their weapons at its answer, the eyes of everyone wide with a mix of fear and disbelief.
"W-What did you just say?" Mitsuru asked, her normally calm and collected voice now shaky.
This... This person wasn't the man she had fallen in love with all those years ago. That young man was kinder then anyone she had ever known and gentle to a fault. He may have appeared cold and indifferent on the outside but once you got past that, he was nothing but a loving and caring individual. The teen in front of her was the exact opposite of that. The Minato she had loved refused and hated killing, he had even shed tears of regret when Takaya and Jin died, loathing himself for being unable to save them. This monster wasn't her Minato, at least not the Minato she had loved.
"W-What the hell are you talking about Minato?! You're not serious about killing him are you!?" Junpei shouted as he balled his hands into fists, biting back the urge to deck him for even joking about it.
"Minato-san, even if you're joking this isn't the time for it. This guy needs some serious medical attention." Yukiko said as she looked at the impassive blue haired teen in front of her with slight fear, not believing that he was the same as the individual she had heard stories of.
"You guys have grown up but still don't understand? If we don't kill him he'll just come back, again and again. Didn't dealing with those Strega scumbags teach you anything? We need to get rid of him before he becomes a real threat." The doppelganger said in an authoritarian tone, the tone of not a leader but a dictator.
"M-Minato-nii, what are you talking about? This isn't like you." Hamuko said in a fearful tone, not believing that the person in front of her was her beloved brother.
"Dude, you need to calm the hell down right now or else! Talking about killing people isn't a joke." Kanji shouted, everyone tensing as Minato's gaze fell upon him before he turned to Yu.
"You're his leader aren't you? Why don't you get him under control. It just shows you how much of a leader you are when those you lead are this disrespectful to their superiors." The doppelganger said, starting a fire between the two groups.
"You take that back! Senpai is a great leader, he's much better then you!" Rise shouted as the rest of the investigation team rallied behind her and Yu, the Operatives looking on in stunned silence at what was happening before them.
"How dare you talk about Yu like you know him, he's been a great leader! He's been there for each and every one of us when we needed him!" Yukiko said as she glared at the blue haired teen.
"My partners the best leader anyone could ask for, so shut the hell up!" Yosuke shouted as he glared at the doppelganger.
"Are you even one to talk? You left your team behind and just suddenly appeared out of nowhere? If anyone's a bad leader it's you!" Chie shouted, her words causing the members of the Shadow Operatives to bristle in anger.
"How could you say that! Minato-san gave up his life to keep the Fall from happening! If it wasn't for him none of us would be standing here today!" Ken said as the members of the Investigation Team tensed at the answer, knowing that it was true.
While the two groups started to get more heated in their arguments, the tension climbing quickly, Minato's eyes slowly fluttered open slightly as Koromaru immediately moved to lick his face to prevent him from losing consciousness again. As he did Aigis and Naoto moved to provide medical assistance to him, stopping when Koromaru moved protectively in front of Minato, baring his fangs at them as Akira assumed a tense stance as well.
"K-Koro... Maru... A-Akira..." Minato whispered, grunting as he lifted his body using his forearm as support.
"Minato! Minato stay with me! Please, do not lose consciousness again! You need to get up, the situation is becoming dire!" Nyx shouted in a desperate tone, Minato's eyes fluttering with a bit less speed before they stayed focused slightly.
As he raised his head off the ground, blood dripped freely down the side of his face as the image of the world seemed to shake and flicker between flashes black and white. Releasing a grunt of pain, he managed to make it to his knees as he glanced at the arguing group in front of his. Feeling something gently grab his arm, he glanced through the side of his eye and saw Akira gazing at him with a worried look before she helped him to his feet.
"W-We need to get you to a hospital now!" Akira said in a shaky tone, tears in her eyes as she stared at him.
"F-Forget about me... I-I need to finish that guys off..." Minato said as he gently pushed off Akira and stumbled a bit forward before he steadied himself.
"Hey... Why don't we finish this down you imposter." Minato managed to pant out in a pained voice, one of his eyes closed as blood covered it while the other burned with a calm anger.
"Tch, just die already!" The doppelganger roared as it broke free from the hold of the two older men with extreme ease.
Closing his eye, Minato took a deep breath as the doppelganger neared. As it lashed out with a wild straight Minato turned to the side and caught its arm, grabbing it by the wrist and shoulder joint. Following through with the momentum that it had built up, he slammed it into the ground with an audible crack echoing as the others winced and screamed at the takedown. Tightening his grip on the limp, he twisted it as an audible snap echoed the doppelganger screaming in agony at the broken joint.
"K-Koromaru!" Minato shouted as he grabbed the hair of his doppelganger and pulled up, exposing its neck as Koromaru raced towards them.
His kunai glinting dangerously in his mouth as the others watched in horror as he drove it into the neck of the double, the doppelganger's eyes widening as it thrashed about as a gurgling sound escaped its mouth. Soon the thrashes of the clone became weaker and weaker before they ceased altogether. A sigh escaping his lips, Minato released his hold on his double as its head fell forward, Koromaru ripping the kunai from its neck as Minato shakily stood up.
Turning, he was met with the horrified stares of everyone present, even Akira had her hand over her mouth. Shaking his head, he reached down and rubbed Koromaru's head affectionately and thanked the dog for his assistance. Wincing, Minato dropped to his knee as he gripped his head, a result of the blow to the head he received moments ago. Glancing at the clone, he narrowed his eyes when he saw that oozing from the wound on its throat wasn't blood but the black ichor that only Shadows produced when they were eliminated.
Taking the kunai from Koromaru, Minato shakily stood up once again before making his way to the doppelganger. Flipping it over, he saw that it had the same black ichor oozing from the sides of its mouth in place of blood, its eyes frozen wide open. Then, without warning, he buried the kunai into its abdomen as the others screamed and shouted in horror at the barbaric act. Without paying attention to them, he roughly began to cut open its abdomen as the sounds of vomiting filled the area before he was sent tumbling to the ground by an angered and disgusted Mitsuru.
"What are you doing you... You monster!" Mitsuru screamed, her eyes burning with anger and disgust at Minato's horrific and gruesome action.
Ignoring her, he shook his head before ripping the shirt of the doppelganger off, his eyes widening at what he saw. In place of the organs that should have been in its abdomen, it was but a black mass of nothingness. Then, the mass twitched before it shot out of the doppelganger's abdomen and charged at Mitsuru, who was stunned at what had just happened.
Her eyes widening, she braced herself for the pain that was about to shoot through her body only to see midnight blue obscure her vision. Grunting in pain, Minato caught the arm of the Maya as it impaled his abdomen, wincing as a line of blood trickled down from the corners of his lips. Reaching over, he drew his evoker now that the threat of his doppelganger possibly having a clone of Nyx was adverted.
"Nyx." Minato whispered as he brought his evoker to his head and fired, the sound of glass being broken resounding.
"You'll play for what you've done." Nyx said in an arctic tone as she leveled her gaze on the Maya that tried to escape Minato's grip.
"Deathbound." Minato said as he pulled the trigger once more, Nyx smiling sadistically behind her mask as the sound of glass breaking sounded about once more.
Bringing her sword up, she brought it down on the Maya, splitting it in half as it dissolved into the same black ichor that was oozing out of Minato's doppelganger. The act done, she dropped down to Minato before shifting her mask slightly, placing a kiss on his cheek as she smiled demurely at him, everyone else in the vicinity gawking at what had just transpired. After removing her lips from his cheek, she vanished back to the sea of his soul much happier then she was a few moments ago.
Releasing a sigh, Minato dropped to a knee as he placed his hand over his new wound, narrowing his eyes on the corpse of his doppelganger as it dissolved as soon as the Shadow was defeated. Feeling his hand being licked, he turned and smiled slightly when he saw Koromaru licking his hand before he gazed up and locked eyes with Minato. Reaching up, Minato rubbed Koromaru's head affectionately as Akira made her way over.
"A-Are you ok?" She asked, wincing slightly at the dry look Minato gave her at the question.
"I'll be fine." Minato said as he stood up, some of his strength returning after the few moments of rest he had.
"M-Minato...?" Mitsuru whispered just loud enough for him to hear, Minato turning around and looking at her curiously.
"Do you need something else?" He asked in an exhausted tone as Mitsuru clasped her hands over her mouth, tears now falling after realizing what had just happened.
To the shock of everyone, Mitsuru stepped forward and wrapped her arms lovingly around Minato as she sobbed into his shoulder, Minato blinking at the sudden action.
"It's you... It's really you..." Mitsuru said as she let her defenses drop, opting to embrace the now fine young man that she loved.
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... I didn't know, I swear I didn't..." She whimpered as she trembled, clutching onto him like he was a lifeline.
"W-What?!" Akira shouted in an indignant tone, her cheeks tinted pink in a mix of anger and jealously at what she was witnessing.
"Guh. I'm injured." Minato said as he detached himself from Mitsuru, the redhead's eyes flashing with pain at his dismissal of her action.
The rest of the group arriving, they quickly panicked when they put the pieces together and learned that the Minato they were just attacking was in fact the original. Tears welling up in the eyes of the Shadow Operatives and Naoto, they quickly moved and hugged him despite his protests. Seemingly having forgotten about the attempt on his life moments before, Minato becoming slightly irritated at their sudden heel-face turn.
"M-Minato! I'm so sorry! I-I didn't know that it was you!" Junpei said through his tears as a cheery smile attached itself to his face.
"Junpei-kun..." Chidori said with a smile on her face, holding the hand of her beloved as she stared at the scene with a smile.
"Minato-san! I-It's another miracle!" Ken said with a bright smile on his face, wiping away the tears from his eyes.
"You're back, you're really back!" Yukari sobbed as she buried her face into the crook on his shoulder, refusing to detach herself from him now that she had him once again in her arms.
"Minato-kun..." Fuuka whimpered as she had her face buried in his other shoulder, taking in his scent, his warmth, his touch after all the time that had passed.
"I can't believe it... It's another freaking miracle..." Akihiko said with a grin on his face, contrasting the tears that fell from his eyes as he patted Minato on the back.
"It's amazing..." Shinjiro said as he wiped the stray tears that fell from his eyes, a smile on his face at the sight of his friend.
"Minato-nii..." Hamuko whimpered as she had her face pressed against his back, nuzzling him as she tried to ignore the blue haired young lady next to her.
"Niisan..." Naoto cried as she had her face pressed onto his back as well, refusing to let him go after all that had happened.
"Minato-san..." Aigis whispered as she wiped the stray tears from her eyes, taking a hold of his hand and savoring the familiar warmth that it gave off.
The heartwarming reunion soon drew the attention of the Investigation Team as they approached, some a little teary eyed at the heartfelt reunion unfolding before them. But the heartwarming atmosphere soon took a turn for the worst when they reluctantly let go of Minato, giving him time to compose himself after the smothering that they subjected him to. Once he was free, Minato staggered away from them slightly, tensing as he felt their hurt gazes on him. Shifting his body weight onto his good leg, he prepared for another battle as they looked on in a mix of hurt and confusion at his tenseness.
"Who... Are you...?" He asked, the sound of their hearts breaking as they widened their eyes at his question.
(Time Skip - A Few Hours Later)
(Scene Change - Inaba: Amagi Inn - Meeting Room)
After Minato's question the group escorted him to the nearest hospital, Mitsuru using her influence to silence any questions that the doctors had as they worked on Minato. After a few hours in the operating room, he was able to leave with a number of stitches and bandages, using a crutch to help him walk as his left leg was damaged in their battle. After that, they brought him back to the Amagi Inn, clearing up the misunderstanding that the employees had about him seeing the angry and hostile glares he received. Now all gathered in the large room they were using as their base of operations, they turned to Minato was sitting next to Koromaru and Akira, to the chagrin of the ladies who loved him.
"I'll ask this again, who are you and why are you helping me after attacking me." Minato said in a frigid tone, everyone wincing upon hearing it, his normally impassive silver eyes now shaper and colder then forged steel.
"I-We thought you were the imposter. After he talked to Junpei like he was an old friend, we assumed that he was the real Minato." Akihiko said, the others nodding their heads in agreement.
"I see... That answers something I didn't ask though." Minato said, making them wince as his tone never changed.
"Minato, don't you remember us? We're your friends. We're still friends right?" Junpei said, hope shining in the eyes of the Operatives as they gazed at him.
"I don't remember any of you, I only remember Koromaru." Minato said as he rubbed said dog's ears, Koromaru having taken up residence on Minato's lap.
Hearing him say that broke the hearts of the Operatives, their faces openly becoming depressed, even the collected Mitsuru and Aigis were affected by his words. The atmosphere of the room took a depressed turn as no one spoke up after his statement. Glancing around Minato let out a tired sigh before he gently moved Koromaru from his lap and onto the cushion beside him. His action catching the attention of the room, they quickly panicked when they saw him stand up and head to the door.
"W-Wait, what are you doing?! Y-You're still hurt!" Akira said as she moved to take a hold of his free arm, helping steady him as he swayed slightly.
"M-Minato-san!? W-What are you doing!?" Ken shouted as Minato stopped before turning to face them, his eyes having lost the sharpness that they held a few seconds ago, in their place a bit of remorse.
"I'm heading out. Thanks for treating me, but I've got something I need to do." Minato said as the Operative scrambled to catch him.
Yukari, Fuuka, Junpei and Ken tackling him, he groaned when he hit the floor of the inn, the others wincing as they knew they might have reopened some of the stitches that he had. Securing their hold on him, Ken and Junpei holding his arms while Yukari had her arms wrapped around his back, Fuuka nearly fainting when she chose to sit on his lap as Aigis, Mitsuru, Yukari, Hamuko, Naoto and Akira narrowed their eyes at her; with their ironclad holds on him, they successfully stopped his escape.
"Minato... You may not remember us but we remember you. We were there with you until the day you sealed away Nyx." Mitsuru said in a hurt tone, her eyes looking directly into Minato's.
"Mitsuru's right. You may not remember what you did or who you affected, but you affected us. All of us." Akihiko said as he gestured to the Shadow Operatives.
"Umm... Sorry to butt in here but what exactly were you going to do?" Yosuke asked, getting the attention of everyone present as they locked their eyes on him.
"I'm not exactly obligated to tell you anything." Minato said as he gazed directly into Yosuke's eyes, the younger man shivering at how frigid his eyes were.
"Minato... Please, tell us..." Yukari asked, gazing at him with eyes overflowing with concern and affection, catching him off guard with how desperate they were.
"My answer remains the same. Could you please release me." Minato asked, though his tone suggested that it was more of an order or a threat then a request.
"Niisan, don't you remember me?" Naoto asked in a desperate tone, begging him to have any sort of memory with her.
Locking eyes with the other bluenette, Minato's silver orbs glazed over slightly as Naoto's breath hitched, her eyes widening with a blush accentuating her cute features when she noticed the look in his eyes. The other growing curious about her reaction, their own eyes widened when they also noticed the slightly glazed over look in his eyes. Feelings of jealously slowly flowed through the Operatives as Naoto was able to get a reaction out of him while they failed to do so.
With Minato gazing directly into her eyes, began to feel a familiar sense of nostalgia, the very same feeling that he had with Koromaru. Slowly his eyes closed as a myriad of hazy and blurry images flashed through his mind, taking him back to the years before a great tragedy. Soon, the images became clearer and clearer as the sounds of a pair of children laughing and giggling could be heard.
(Flashback - Many Years Ago)
(Scene Change - Shirogane Estate)
"Minato-niisan hurry up! We've almost solved the case!"Naoto excitedly said as she dragged the sleepy looking Minato along with her by his hand.
"You said that two minutes ago." Minato deadpanned as Naoto blushed before giggling and rubbing the back of her head.
"I guess so, but this time I'm sure we're almost done!" Naoto proclaimed as Minato sighed in return before letting a small smile grace his features, Naoto blushing even more when she caught sight of it.
"Fine, fine. Led the way Super Ace Detective Naoto Shirogane." Minato said in a teasing tone as Naoto flushed an even deeper crimson in response.
Doing her best to ignore his teasing, Naoto fixed her attention forward and matched with his hand latched firmly in hers. With her partner in crime firmly secured, she marched forward and towards the forest that lined the outside of her home. Despite Minato's warnings, Naoto ignored him as she pulled him deeper into the forest, following the last of the clues that she found at the last crime scene.
(Scene Change - Forest Near Shirogane Estate)
"Let's see... "Follow the path to a place of green, remember the spot which holds a place in the heart, forget your fear and move forward." I still don't get this clue..." Naoto sighed, pouting a little as Minato scanned the area, a sense of dread filling his stomach.
Then he heard it, the subtle snap of a twig. Turning around, Minato's eyes widened when he saw that there was a large and imposing bear staring down at Naoto and himself. Fear invading every cell of his body, he tried to move, to tell Naoto of the danger that lurked in front of them but he remained frozen as Naoto continued to mull over the clue.
"Minato-niisan? How come you're so qui-" Naoto trailed off, her eyes widening in fear as her knees trembled.
Slowly, the bear strode out of the greenery toward the two in the clearing, Minato and Naoto immediately taking a step back in fear. Seeing their reaction, the bear tilted its head curiously before letting out a small roar, moving towards the two faster then before. Their eyes widening, Naoto began to cry as Minato started to tear up, but before he let the floodgates open, he steeled himself and moved in front of Naoto, holding his arms out protectively in front of her.
"N-Nao-chan, r-run away!" Minato ordered, his voice shaky and full of fear as Naoto's head snapped up to stare at him unbelievingly.
"W-What? W-What are you talking about M-Minato-niisan?" Naoto stuttered, her eyes wide as she stared at his back.
"G-Get out of here! G-Go find your p-parents and t-tell them that there's a b-bear!" Minato ordered as Naoto shook slightly from his tone, tears starting to build up more in her eyes.
"Go!" He finally said, raising his voice, something Naoto never thought she'd hear from her normally quiet and calm older brother.
Biting her bottom lip as she trembled, she snapped her eyes closed as she turned and ran as fast as her legs could carry her towards her house. The bear seeing the sudden burst of moment turned its attention to her, but Minato quickly moved in front of it with his arms still held outwards, trembling as the bear returned its attention to him. Then, it let out a roar as it charged him. As she neared the grounds of her house, she heard the roar and the subsequent scream of Minato as her eyes widened even more, tears falling freely as she tried to increase her speed, praying that he was alright no matter how grim it was.
(Scene Change - Shirogane Estate)
Chatting happily with each other were Minato and Naoto's parents, her grandfather chuckling as they made it to an all too familiar topic of the possible marriage of their children. Her grandfather chuckling loudly, he shook his head as he stated at they were nearly a perfect match for each other.
"Not only do they cover the other's personality but they're nearly inseparable. Naoto-chan certainly doesn't do much to hide how much she loves him." He said, the four around him laughing at the truth in his words.
"Aren't they just the cutest! They always look so adorable with my little Naoto leading Mina-chan like they're partners!" Naoto's mother exclaimed, Minato's mother sharing her sentiments.
"I agree! Mina-chan actually looks like he's enjoying her company rather then just putting up with it!" She said as the two happily chatted with the other as their husbands did the same.
But the happy and lively chatter was broken when they heard sobbing and panting, their parental instincts kicking in, they turned and widened their eyes in panic and worry when they took in the terrified state that Naoto was in. Her parents and grandfather moving quickly to embrace her, she sobbed against the chest of her mother as she started speaking intelligibly. Minato's parents growing concerned about their son, they were about to take off for the forest when Naoto managed to speak clearly.
"M-Minato-niisan! H-He's out there! There's a b-bear! H-He told me to r-run away! H-He's still there!" She sobbed as she stared at her parents and grandfather, the eyes of the adults widening as they began to panic even more.
"P-Please! S-Save Minato-niisan!" She begged them, burying her face into her mother's chest as she began sobbing even harder then before, her body trembling harder then before.
Moving quickly, her grandfather gathered the staff of the estate as Minato's parents sprinted into the woods where Naoto had emerged from, desperate and intent on finding their son. Soon, the entirety of the household was out in search of the young bluenette, Naoto's grandfather having contacted a few of his friend from the detective and police agencies to aid in their search.
(Time Skip - Two Hours Later)
The sun beginning to dip over the horizon, the spirits of the search parties began to fall. Even with the many groups of people scouring the grounds, they were still unable to find any trace of the bear or of Minato. As the search carried on, Naoto could be seen crying as she held onto the same clue that caused the whole situation. Wiping her eyes, she tightened her grip on it as the note began to rip, but before she got too far into her silent rage her eyes widened as the note reminded her of something.
Quickly standing up, she started sprinting to the small garden that Minato and herself found and tended to a year ago. As she sped towards it, she could only hope that he was there, seeing as it was a place only they knew about. Seeing her running back into the forest, the staff members who saw her followed, contacting her parents and he grandfather to report what they were witnessing.
(Scene Change - Secret Garden)
Arriving in the area Minato and herself found and tended to, the small fertile ground in the forest that held a small garden overflowing with herbs and flowers, Naoto's eyes widened and began to water when she found him laying against the same bear from before, sleeping peacefully and without a care in the world. Placing her hands to her mouth to stifle the sobs that threatened to escape, she snapped her eyes shut to stop the tears that were flowing. Behind her, the staff members also saw the scene and panicked, calling in the parents of the two children along with Naoto's grandfather.
When the others arrived, they made sure to tread carefully in the event the bear woke up. Frightened at the situation that they were now in, they began to panic more when they saw that Minato's arm was wrapped in the torn off sleeve of his shirt, beginning to turn a bit red. Approaching, the froze when the bear started to stir. Soon, its eyes opened before sleepily looking around and locking onto the figures of the humans before it, panicking before it slowed its movements, shifting protectively in front of the sleeping bluenette.
"W-What?" One of the officers said, clearly stumped at the protective behavior the bear was exhibiting towards Minato.
"Uhh..." Minato groaned, his eyes fluttering open as the bear moved to pepper his face with a series of sloppy kisses, Minato groaning even more when he felt its wet tongue.
"What's wrong Kuma?" He asked, glancing around sleepily before his eyes widened at the sight of the people before him.
Moving quickly, he wrapped an arm around Kuma's neck and held it close. The bear moving closer to Minato, it helped Minato up as he used it as a pillar of support. Once he was standing, he scratched Kuma behind its ears as he looked at the stunned faces of the of the search party members with an impassive face.
"Don't worry, she's harmless." Minato said as he gave them a reassuring smile, Kuma nuzzling against him softly.
Soon they were greeted by the rest of the search party as they released a flare to signal their location. The shouting voices of his parents making it to his ears, Minato turned and was promptly tacked by his sobbing mother, who completely ignored Kuma as the bear stared at her curiously. After taking Minato back to the estate with Kuma, who refused to leave Minato's side, they were gathered around the outdoor patio as Minato retold his story.
"After Naoto left Kuma tackled me to the ground and scratched me, that's why my arm got cut. But I think she was scared because she was hurt too." Minato said, gesturing to the blood stained sleeve that was wrapped around her paw.
"After that I was going to go back to the house by I think I twisted my ankle. After that Kuma dragged me away to the garden, I guess that's where she lives. Once we were there, I decided to wait seeing as I couldn't walk." Minato reported as the others nodded, still stunned at his insane tale.
Once everything was sorted out, Minato's parents thanking Kuma profusely, the bear seemingly nodding in understanding before she licked Minato once more before heading back into the forest after he gave her a long and thankful hug. But the scene was broken when Naoto latched onto him, burying her face into his chest as she sobbed once more. The eyes of everyone softening at the scene, Minato was promptly bopped on the head by his mother when he released an irritated sigh at her actions.
"M-M-Minato-niisan! I-I'm sorry! I-I'm so sorry! This is all m-my fault! I-If I didn't make you go with me, y-you wouldn't have gotten h-hurt!" Naoto sobbed, whimpering as her tears started to stain the shirt he had on.
Wrapping his good arm around her, he squeezed her gently as her sobbing increased. Resting his head against hers, he whispered a mix of soothing words in an attempt to ease her crying, only serving to intensify the sobs that left her throat as she tightened her grip on him. Stifling the sigh that wanted to leave his throat, he did something that no one expected him to do.
Shifting his body, he forced Naoto away from him as she snapped her head up to look directly into his silver orbs with her own gray eyes filled with hurt and confusion. But soon, they widened to comical proportions when he leaned in with his eyes closed and gently kissed her on the forehead, crimson lighting up her face like a Christmas light. The spectators gasping in shock and or squealing in response, Naoto's sobbing halted as she stuttered and struggled to utter a coherent reply to his action.
"It's alright Nao-chan, I'm here." He whispered as he kissed her forehead once more, her expression frozen in shock before the floodgates of her tear ducts crumbled once more, Naoto burying her face into his chest once more as she let out the pent up guilt and worry built up over the past few hours.
"Don't leave me again Minato-nii... Please don't leave me behind..." Naoto whimpered, Minato simply squeezing her gently in response to her request.
(Flashback - End)
His eyes opening once more, his silver orbs lost the glazed that they held as they filled with a familiar warmth that took Naoto's breath away. Tears beginning to well up in her eyes, she clamped her hand over her mouth to stifle the sobs that desperately wanted to escape. Her eyes blinking away the tears that finally overwhelmed them, Minato reached out to cup her cheek as everyone in the vicinity gasped at his action.
Naoto's eyes widening in response to his touch, she flinched at first but as his warmth, a comforting and nostalgic warmth that eluded her for almost ten years, began to fill her, she settled into his embrace. Leaning her head into his hand, she placed her own hand over his to feel more of his warmth as a radiant smile made it to her face. Everyone else looking on in complete shock and disbelief at the heartwarming and melting scene unfolding before them, those that held affections for either of the two felt a large surge of envy and jealous as they watched on in stunned silence.
Then, in an act completely out of character, as far as the Operatives and Investigation Team knew, Minato leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Naoto's forehead, the bluenette's face erupting in a brilliant crimson that nearly matched Mitsuru's own crimson locks. Several cries of shock and indignation erupting from a few of the spectators at the overly sweet and sappy act, Naoto started stuttering as absolute embarrassment and mortification filled her entire being. But soon, those feeling evaporated when he gently placed his forehead against hers as stayed there, a feeling of comfort and security filling her as her expression softened considerably.
"It's alright Nao-chan, I'm here." He whispered as Naoto's eyes widened, a familiar scene from her childhood replaying before they closed, Naoto pushing back against his forehead as a smaller smile made it to her face as few tears trailed down her cheeks.
"Stupid Niisan... You broke your promise once, I'm not letting you break it again..." Naoto said as she savored his warmth, the two in a world of their own as time seemed to rewind.
Staring at the two bluenettes as a strange backdrop of rays of light and sparkles covered them, emphasizing the fact that they were having a bittersweet moment. Akira, Aigis, Mitsuru, Yukari, Fuuka, Hamuko, Kanji and Teddie stared at the scene with blank eyes, unable to believe what they were seeing. But soon, the silence was broken when Kanji's curiosity finally blew its lid.
"WHAT THE HELL?!"
And that's a wrap guys! Kinda a strange chapter I know, a bear? Minato befriends it? I know, but I love Kuma from Tekken and I was watching Tekken 7 and Kuma is so cool and yeah. And again, sorry if this wasn't a very good chapter, I was kind of in a depressive slump while writing it. Again, you are are awesome, stay that way!