Nightlyy : Well... Gee thanks sir/ma'am. No seriously thank you. Yeah I'm liking my Minato so far too, believe it or not Makoto (shadow Minato) actually started out as a joke, he wasn't supposed to exist but then i thought about it and decided to do it anyway. Now as for Minato's character surprisingly he's not too difficult for me. The most consistent of his is that he's distant and depressed. These are traits I'm rather familiar with from personal experience and those who go through depression don't understand in fact this is going from a response to a talk about depression (see below). Anyway since this is a subject i know well having be broken isn't to hard. While the story of dead parents is sad there are many orphans who don't let that dictate their life however that mixed with a tragic childhood is a different matter. I don't have Minato as he is to be an exaggeration, I have him as someone who's starting out as broken but is someone who is put back together, someone that others who share a similar past can use as a form of role model even if he IS a fictional character.
Depression isn't feeling sad all the time, while depression can make you sad it doesn't make you sad 24/7. In my experience (it's important to remember no 2 people are alike so my experience may be different from another's) it's a complete or next to complete lack of self worth. People commit suicide not because they're sad but because they are fill with self-loathing or the belief the world is better off without them. Many don't talk about it because of this, they believe they're nothing but a burden to people and should be removed. While they can acknowledge that there'll be an aftermath they tend to think that it'll be better long term. To those currently going through depression, I can't force you to talk to anyone, hell i'm sure you hear that like a broken record but I'd like you to do this, really think about your life. I don't mean your failures, I'm asking you to think of the happy times, now many of you probably can't think of any right now. This is most likely because you're letting the bad overshadow the good. So here's a little something i want you to do : Get 2 small notebooks, one for when good things happen and one for when bad things happen. It doesn't matter how small just write it down. Now after let's say a month has past i want you to look at the notebooks. Decide what means more to you, the good or the bad. I can't help you decide, in truth no one can, we can only be there for you when you've made/are making a choice.
Now that's enough of talk about a depression (sorry if i killed anyone's mood). You're all here to read the next chapter and a chapter thy shall receive.
"You having trouble sleeping too?" Minako asked Mitsuru in the command room.
"No, i normally stay up this late. I just like to make sure everything is in order for the day after."
"Oh, i see. So... Everything in order then?" Minako asked
"Yes, we just need to wait on the chairman then we can explore Tartarus." Mitsuru sighs Something tells me Nii-san made a bigger impact then he intended.
"You're thinking about what my brother said, aren't you?"
"I... Yes, i just can't believe it." Mitsuru said
"I know, he kinda... has that effect on people. He shocked me too last night." Minako said remembering last night
"I don't know how to feel. He seems so... apathetic. As if he doesn't care about anything in the world."
"I know... He doesn't even care if he dies anymore." Minako says and looks down "I know he's had it rough but for him to say something like that... What happened to you Nii-san?"
"You care about him a great deal." Mitsuru says
"Yeah, he's my onii-san after all. I don't know if he genuinely doesn't care or if he's just afraid to care." Minako says thinking about how her Minato is now and how his childhood self was.
"What do you think it is?" Mitsuru asked
"I think it's more than just our parents dying that made him how he is. There's something else, something he doesn't want others to know." Why won't you talk to me Nii-san? How would you be if our parents didn't die?... wait our parents. The look on Nii-sans face when he was told that we believe Tartarus may answer why the Dark Hour exist... would he...?
"Mitsuru-senpai can you check the camera in Nii-sans room?" Minako ask
"What? I can but what for?" Mitsuru asked
"It's just... please humor me." Mitsuru nodded as they both check the cameras.
"Let's see..." Minako let out a small gasp
"Nii-sans not here!" Minako said worried for her brother
"What!? Where could he-" Mitsuru says until she is interrupted
"He must've gone to Tartarus alone."
"Wake everyone up now, we need to get him before anything serious happens to him." Mitsuru orders which Minako nods to
Meanwhile
Minato is running in the maze that is Tartarus. The sound of chains is still present and shadows were getting closer. Minato keeps running until a group of shadows finally find and cut him off. Dammit, i doubt many are far behind. How do i even know what hurts them? Allow me to assist you. Thanatos? You aren't going to burst out of me and make me pass out will you? No, I will simply tell you what is the most effective against these shadows and where they are.
So you'll allow me to sense them and their weaknesses? Yes, now go. We are not ready to face The Reaper.Understood, let's go.
Minato took the Evoker he brought with him and summoned Orpheus. Minato proceeded to run to face the shadows while listening carefully to Thanatos' instructions. Okay cowardly Mayas are weak to fire, got it. Minato thought/said to Thanatos as Orpheus played his lyre burning all the Mayas one at a time. Argh, where do i go? The chains are getting louder The Reaper could be on us any second now. Keep going, at the end should be a transporter of sorts. It should take you back to the entrance.Minato began to run
How are you able to talk anyway? Orpheus doesn't do that. I do not know, perhaps there is something special about me. Perhaps me and this 'Dark Hour' are connected somehow. Regardless, do not rely on me to do this again. It is very difficult and my powers exist for battle. Got it, look there it is!
Minato arrived at what seemed like a teleporter. You better be right Thanatos. Minato thought as he stepped on and teleported immediately to the entrance. We made it! Don't be fooled. They're here too... they were waiting for us.Thanatos said to Minato as many shadows started to surround him.
Oh... crap. Well... if I'm gonna die... Minato thought as he summoned Orpheus again. I'll die fighting. Orpheus then charged at the shadows. Summon me, it will be taxing but both me and Orpheus can protect you.Fine but i better not pass out again. Minato 'said' to Thanatos as he fired his Evoker again.
The combined might of Thanatos and Orpheus were able to keep the shadows from killing Minato but they were still surrounding him. Orpheus continued to play his lyre or bash shadows with said lyre while Thanatos cut the shadows down with his sword and cast spells that killed the shadows quickly but in a manner that exhausted both Thanatos and Minato. Suddenly one of them jumped in the air and was about to land on Minato So... this is how i go out? I suppose there are worse ways. Minato thought and just before the shadow landed on Minato, it was hit by an arrow causing it to change direction and miss.
"Nii-san!" Minato heard a voice that could only belong to Minako shout. This... outta be fun. Minato thought as the entirety of SEES came from the entrance. The shadows in response to this stopped attacking and gathered to form one giant, blob-like shadow. Oh yeah... this outta be real fun Minato thought running to the other members of SEES.
"Yell later, plan now!" Minato said to everyone. "Can anyone sense strength and weaknesses?" Minato asked not taking his eye off the shadow
"I can, though it requires my full concentration." Mitsuru responded
"Alright, Akihiko you stay back. With your injury you'll just be a hindrance."
"What?!" Akihiko said in response clearly angry
"DO IT!" Minato shouted in response which made Akihiko nod reluctantly
"Alright, you three what can you do?!" Minato asked Yukari, Junpei, and Minako
"I'm pretty good in terms of spell variety. Though I'm more of an attacker than a supporter." Minako said
"I'm not sitting back. I came her to fight dammit." Junpei said so... your an attacker, since you're a magician I'll assume you excel in fire.
"I'm not much of a fighter. Most of my abilities are focused on healing though i have a few abilities focused on wind though." Yukari said
"Alright, Takeba-san heal everyone as they get hurt." Minato said then faced Junpei and Minako "You two, you're attacking with me."
"Take this!" Akihiko shouted tossing a short-sword to Minato. A sword... oh i suppose you all ARE using weapons. Yukari has the bow, Minako with a naginata, and Junpei has... that's NOT how you hold a sword Stupei... then again that may be my years of kendo training talking.
"Thanks, alright everyone let's go!" Minato shouted as the four went to fight the giant shadow.
The shadow forms an arm and attempts to crush Minato but what it has in side it lacks in speed. Minato was able to easily avoid it as he called upon Orpheus to burn the arm. The shadow(s) let out a cry as Minako and Eurydice shock the shadow with electricity nearly hitting Minato.
"Watch it! Orpheus can't take electricity!" Minato shouted at Minako as Junpei calls upon Hermes to 'cleave' the shadow.
The shadow screams in response but looks towards Junpei and uses a wind attack on him. "AAAHHH" Junpei shouts as he is thrown to the other end of the room
The shadow then looks at Minato and starts casting multiple electricity spells causing Minato to run! argh if only Thanatos didn't tire me out so much I'd use him.
When the assault stopped Minato looked at Yukari "What's the hold up Takeba-san?!" Minato shouted as he saw Yukari shaking while looking at her Evoker. Dammit, she's still scared. The looked at her and tore off a piece of itself and launched it at Yukari. Dammit, she can't defend against that!
Minato ran, faster than even he knew he could and sliced the projectile before it could hurt anyone.
"Minako, keep that thing busy!" Minato shouted to his twin
"Got it! Eurydice!" Minako said in response as she attacked the shadow with ice attacks.
"Kirijo-senpai, anything yet?!"
"No, my persona is more battle-orientated it need a few more minutes." Minutes we're running low on fast. Now...
Minato looked at Yukari "Look, you're afraid of dying. I get it, but listen you need to do this." Minato said
"I-I know... " Yukari said bringing the Evoker to her forehead but still unable to pull the trigger
"Listen, think of it as less of shooting yourself and more as you facing your fears to help others. Facing your fears to uncover the truth you desire so much!" Minato said which caused Yukari to take a deep breath
"Io!" Yukari shouted as she finally summoned her persona
"Great, now heal Junpei and help anyone who get's hurt." Minato said as he ran to Minako
"How's everything on this end?" Minato asked
"Well, i can't tell if we're getting anywhere but i definitely we're agitating it." Minako said in response as Junpei joined them.
The shadow then let out a cry, not in pain but in anger as a light appeared above everyone.
"What is that?" Junpei asked
"It's a Megido! Get out of there!" Mitsuru shouted too late as the Megido was launched at the four juniors.
Everyone was knocked down but on Minato was able to even do as little as get on one knee. They... they in danger... I did this... No... NO, I won't let them die. I won't let anyone die in front of me ever again. Minato promised himself as he saw a card. The card had something on it Is this... a new persona? Minato thought as he feels a faint connection from this new persona and Orpheus. You... want me to summon you both, alright i'll try.
Minato get on his feet, puts the Evoker to his temple, and reflexively says "Cadenza!" as he pulls the trigger nearly knocking him off his feet. The scene is much like when he summoned Orpheus and Thanatos at once, though the force that Minato fell was seemingly less as he was nearly knocked over but his spine didn't feel as if it'd break. Minato's already glowing eyes (from summoning his personas) greatly intensified in brightness as Orpheus and A young female looking figure know as a Apsaras appeared beside him.
Everyone is shocked, they knew Minato could summon two personas rather than one at once but they didn't know that the number of personas he could wield was larger than that. Orpheus and Apsaras look as if they are combining their power as Minato i hunched over grunting. The glow in his eyes intensifies even greater until a wave of light surrounds the juniors instantly healing them.
Suddenly Mitsuru senses something "Arisato! The shadow, it's weak to Darkness!" Darkness huh? Screw it, I don't care if i pass out. They've suffered enough for me.
"Thanatos" Minato says as he summons the Bringer of Death. Thanatos... finish it. Minato orders Thanatos who causes blades made of complete darkness appear and fall on the shadow Die! Thanatos says to the shadow which instantly comes apart and disintegrates. I-it's over. Minato think to himself as he sits on the floor.
"Does... that...happen... often?" Junpei ask panting
"No... this is new." Akihiko says in response Oh right, forgot he was here (Kinda like the author did, HEY! watch it Arisato!).
"I'm... exhausted." Yukari says
"Yeah... It feels as if i just ran two marathons." Minako says
"That's the effect the Dark Hour has on you, you'll tire yourself out quickly." Mitsuru says Really? I mean I'm beat from the fight but I wouldn't say the hour itself did this to me. Then again, nothing about me is normal.
"For now let's get back to the dorm." Akihiko says Good idea, you all can kill me there on the home turf... smart
"I agree" Mitsuru says nodding
The walk to the dorm was filled with silence oh i am so gonna be dead by dawn (dude, wrong franchise AND form of media)
When everyone arrived at the dorm everyone glared at Minato. "Okay, go ahead... hit me with all you have."
"What the HELL were you thinking!" Yukari shouted
"Well i was thinking 'i wonder what everyone will do'... oh you mean why'd i go alone? Why?"
"Why?! You could've been killed! If we were a second later you'd be dead!" Yukari continued to shout
"What part of 'i don't care... is dying that scary to you' did you now hear?" Minato responds mostly as a desperate attempt to make her hate him and she'll leave him alone.
"Do you ever think about how I feel!" Minako shouts "If you died..." Minako's voice becomes much more quiet "...what would i have left?" Minato is silent
"What you did was completely irresponsible!" Mitsuru yells
"So what? I didn't ask... no i didn't even want any of you to come. If i died, then it would only be me who died" Minato's eyes start to glow as he glares at Mitsuru despite the Dark Hour being over. "Me... just me. I didn't want anyone else involved! What the hell makes you think i can take watching another person die!"
Everyone is silent, including Minato upon realizing the mistake he made. "I-I'll be in my room." Minato says as he does what he says.
I... can't believe i did that. On top of what i said, how i acted... they didn't deserve that. No, i should be thanking them. Even after everything i said and the fact even 'I' don't value my own life... they still came for me. They came for me and I rewarded them by taunting and yelling at them... I deserve to be alone. All I ever do is find a way to hurt others. Suddenly Minato hears a knock on his door. It's either Minako or Yukari... no I devastated Minako too much... That means.
Minato opens the door and sees Yukari.
"Hey" she says weakly
"I-I'm sorry for how i acted, none of you deserved that." Minato said lowering his head in shame
"I know, everyone knows why you did what you did." Yukari says
"Well, i didn't exactly hide it well." Minato says
"No, I suppose you didn't."
"H-... how's Minako." Minato asked
"She's... not doing so well."
"Oh... I can see that." Minato says
"Don't you understand? You're all that she has left." Yukari tells Minato what Minako has been wanting to tell him for a long time.
"What good is something... if it only brings you pain?" Minato asked
"What?" Yukari asked both shocked and confused
"Don't you see it? She wears a fake smile as a mask but... She's sad, very sad. It's all because of me." Minato says holding back genuine tears "All she wants is to be happy with her onii-san again but... I can't. I'm the reason she's as sad as she is now... All i do is bring her pain."
"You know that's not true!" Yukari shouts
"Whatever."
"Why do you push everyone away?!" Yukari asked desperately wanting an explanation
"Because... the more you love or care about someone..." Minato looks up with sad eyes "...The more it hurts when they're taken away."
Yukari is left speechless as Minato slowly shuts his door "Good night, Takeba-san." he says just before his door shuts and he goes to bed.
"Goodnight Arisato-kun" Yukari says quietly standing in the hallway this is more than just losing his parents. What happened to you Arisato-kun?
Maybe not my best chapter but still. Sorry if the fight scene is disappointing, I'm good at predicting things a "broken" person would do but fight scenes... not so good (i do not like my odds when fighting the Arcana Shadows). Now for those wondering how Thanatos can talk allow me to explain. Pharos is the new human side of Death that exist due to it's time sealed in Minato, Thanatos is the shadow itself, while they're the same they at the same time aren't (if you understand what i mean). Now yes, Minato does get impulsively rude here but it's not really out of character. Minato has existed in voluntary social isolation, meaning he will do whatever it takes to push others away, even if he later regrets his actions. He was also emotional, Minato's greatest fear is loss and watching someone die like he did 10 years ago. However, even with that it's clear to everyone something else is bothering him. While everyone knows his parents are the reason to blame for his fear, no completely knows the reason for his very isolation but Minato himself. Something that Minako (the one person Minato never wants to know) has been trying to learn every since they were reunited. Now if you have any questions and/or criticisms, you know what to do.
