AN:

Italics are for character thoughts 'examplethought'

Bold Italics are for Personas or other divine beings 'examplethought'

I know it's quite late... But that Error 503 really got to me... Anyways.. Belated Merry Christmas! Here's my next chapter, once again, please review, or pm me any mistakes or odd stuff to you locate. Thank you!

Possible Spoiler

I decided to make some character development for this chapter, so yeah some interaction between Minato and Lorelei, and some more stuff on what Minato's been up to in the Clocktower, during the time-skip

End of Possible Spoiler

Disclaimer: Persona 3, and Shin Megami Tensei with all their ideas, characters, setting, and everything else related to the two is owned by Atlus and with all its related affiliates.

Fate Stay Night, Fate/Zero, and all the related ideas, characters, settings, and everything else related to the two are all properties of Type Moon and its related affiliates.

Flashback

Minato POV - Van's Hotel and Casino – 8/08/2003 – 1:13 AM"Minato, we'll be going on a very early morning walk." Lorelei smiled sadistically, as she put on a black coat, which I suspect to be reinforced by several runes, and mysteries, "Let our hunt begin."

End of Flashback

Minato POV – Burabura Resort Administration Building – 8/08/2003 – 2:14 AM

"Minato! How are things looking from there?" Lorelei asked through a microphone-earpiece that was strangely provided for by the hotel's security guard just as we were about to leave through the main entrance. What was stranger was that we were given a bulk that was exactly enough for all the enforcers and Executors that were in on the operation. Heck, each piece came with a little note that had instructions on how to use one... And it was explained in a way that any Magus or Executor would understand it immediately. It even gave an analogy on the batteries within each piece, as something that is similar to Gemcraft.

Seems like Van-Fem really wants his fellow Ancestor maimed... Or worse, especially with those notes on Trhvmn's fighting style and habits... Truly frigthening.

Currently, I'm in a makeshift command-center within the now, abandoned resort. The residents, along with the guests were all turned to Dead before we even arrived, and Lorelei, upon inspecting the administration building, with it having the highest point in the nearest surrounding vicinity, has commandeered it into what we currently have.

I am currently on its roof-deck, along with seven other enforcers, and three executors with several tables laid out with documents and reports on them.

"Dead have been sighted Northeast of your position McDonnel." A nearby Enforcer, whose mystery had something to do with eyesight, spoke, his voice reaching the other enforcer on the other side of the line.

"Thanks, I got it; this will teach that vampire to never to mess with us!" I heard a reply through my reinforced hearing. A skill that I learned from a certain friend of Lorelei's a few months ago, saying that I was mature enough to learn an advanced, yet dangerous skill.

Short flashback

Minato POV – Clocktower – 5/01/2003 – 2:34PM

"Minato, there's something I have to tell you, just follow me." Barthomeloi-san ordered mes as she passed by my room.

If I were Grandfather, he would say that this was an opportunity to create connections or something along those lines, heck he might even say that I should go for the sake of my Social Links. But considering that it was Barthomeloi-san, the up and coming 'Queen' of the Clocktower, heck some already refers to her as such.

'Young Master, exercise caution, I have heard of a few such women back in my day, and they may do everything in their power to achieve their objectives, be it love or otherwise'

Right on the mystery Orpheus. To refuse any kind of request of hers is akin to a death sentence, though there was this one time where I was not able to follow-up on a request of hers to find some possible extra recruits for her brigade. She said that she didn't really mind since it was more of a side-thing to her, and she didn't really expect any more volunteers or new members during that time.

Heck, I bet everyone in the vicinity who saw my apology most probably thought that I was a dead man walking. But they were most likely very surprised with Lorelei's response., "It's alright Minato, I guess that those are all the volunteers that I could get this year," she said. Though strangely after that conversation, several other magus suddenly joined her brigade, mostly the ones I asked who said that they couldn't join.

"Minato, I need one more person for my brigade; and I believe that you would do well for this one last position that I need to be filled up." Barthomeloi-san suddenly stated, as I followed her around the Clocktower, earning the attention of several other magus.

I see... By inviting me to her brigade publicly, she is announcing that anyone who technically plucks a hair on my head will answer to her due to her interest on me. If I accepted her offer, that message will strike deeper, but it would also show that I am another one of her 'lapdogs,' so to speak. If I refuse on the other hand, it will mean that I refused her 'alliance' of sorts and I will become free game here in the Clocktower.

'Hades or the River Styx... A truly terrifying choice Young Master,' Orpheus commented.

True, but there is always another way, as a certain lesson that I learned from Grandfather Acht came to mind.

"A very tempting offer Mistress Barthomeloi," I stopped and made a slight bow, prompting her to stop walking as well. "I would need time to think about it, but how about I join your Apostle Hunts instead?" That was it, instead of joining her Brigade, I prompted a setting wherein I am having second thoughts, and would like to see how this group will handle itself, which is another word of saying, 'I'll join you, but not officially.'

Grandfather's saying of, "In Alchemy, if it doesn't exist create it! That is what we Einzbern do, as with the Heaven's Feel!" was really helpful. Though I believe that he was sort of drunk at the time, since I observed several empty wine bottles in his workshop when he said this.

"Hahaha!" Barthomeloi-san suddenly laughed! She actually laughed! "Well said! Very well, I shall permit it!" She smiled, and then walked away; I noticed several magus who were around us suddenly freeze for a moment upon her statement, and then continued on with what they were doing. Must be a one of those Clocktower quirks, which I never got to learning...

'Heehooo! Do not worry blue guy! At least you have a fine girlfriend right there! Be careful though, we might melt!'

I... I do not know how to respond to that...

'So do I young Master.' Orpheus comments.

"However, since you will be going with us for 'observation' purposes, you will need to learn how to properly defend yourself in certain situations.' Barthomeloi-san emphasized the observation with a teasing tone, as she lead me towards the Association's Enforcer's lounge. Inside are several training dummies, all reinforced enough to withstand an Apostle's hit, based on what I've heard from the other magi. And seeing several enforcers practicing their mysteries, and some with some form of martial art on these dummies, that theory with the Apostle does not seem too far off... Heck the dummies look as though they aren't even affected, no show of being moved even by a millimeter.

Alright, Minato, this is Ms. Folia la Gertrude. She is a veteran member of the Chelon Canticle Brigade, and has been a member since it was first established. You can say that she is one of the founding members.

"Your praise is wasted on me my lady; if I may so ask, what is your interest in this boy?" Gertrude-san, whom I feel a sense of total loyalty to Barthomeloi-san, cut in.

"Ah, sorry Folia, I know that it seems to be on short notice, but this here is Minato." Lorelei explained, which at first had no effect on Gertrude-san, but after a few moments, I saw a flicker within her eyes, and she simply nodded.

"I understand, I will begin instructing him as you wish my lady." Gertrude-san bowed, until Barthomeloi-san smiled, and left the room.

"Minato, have fun!" Barthomeloi-san laughed, and left the doorway. Laughed? Wait... Is this some form of revenge on me for turning our conversation around earlier? Oh Root... Whatever deities are out there... No.

"Hmm... Mr. Einzbern was it? I want you back here every morning starting tomorrow." Gertrude-san leered, promising death, if otherwise in her words, "I can't let a weakling stay with my lady, understand?"

All I could do was simply nod.

End of Short flashback

From there on, every day at morning, I was taught several ways to defend myself, including reinforcing some parts of my body, of course, the hearing part came with the excuse that I must be able to contribute something to the hunts, even though I was only going to be observing.

"Several Dead have been located heading towards the city, they've flanked our position; executors on guard please stand by." An exorcist, a woman based on her voice, spoke through her own microphone earpiece.

"We've got trouble! The Apostle seems to be heading this way!" An Enforcer shouted, prompting all the others into position. I guess the Apostle figured out that this place is where were directing the entire assault.

*Crash! *Boom!

A hole was then blown through a wall towards our command center. Fortunately, nobody was directly caught by the blast, but an Executor and two Enforcers got hit by the debris, and one is currently bleeding from somewhere on the head. Most likely a concussion.

"Hmm? So this is the rabble that dares attack my master?" A male from the looks of it spoke through the hole, "It doesn't matter anymore, all of you are going to die here anyway."

"D-Damn Apostle..." A voice groaned from behind said Apostle. From the looks of it from here, it seems to be one of the Executors who were sent to chase down the Apostle before he reached the resort's administration building.

"Oh how clumsy of me, I left one alive." The Apostle then lifted a foot towards the incapacitated executor's face, "Just another inse-"

"Got you." The Exorcist, who was 'incapacitated,' smirked, and suddenly turned into a hot mass of mud, which then spread itself across the vampire's form.

"ARRGH! IT BURNS! What Did you do to MEEEE!" The Apostle seems to be frantic now, clawing at the mud with frenzy, "It BURNS!"

"That mud was created with a high concentration of Holy Water, arrogant vampire." A voice, accompanied by a pair of footsteps echoed from the doorway into the room, "You think that you could simply walk around here and march around did you vampire?"

It seems like this certain Executor has issues against Apostles... Hopefully this one won't learn of my connection to VanFem... But then again, Lorelei, well known for her hatred against Dead Apostles, did sort of approve, so I guess it's fine? Well, seeing the smoke now erupting from within the mud-covered vampire, I guess it's better if I keep that certain fact a secret until we're both far away from each other.

"You will pay for this you Church Dog!" The vampire, despite being in enormous amount of pain, lunged himself towards the Executor, who then raised his hand.

*Shiink! *Shiink!

Two sharp blades, Black Keys, based on what I can see, suddenly protruded from the Vampire's back.

"W-What? I-Impossible..." The Apostle, with a spurt of blood, slowly started to disintegrate into nothingness, "Y-You... Will all die; my master will not take kindly to this!"

With that, the vampire evaporated into a bunch of particles that scattered across the air. The Executors then prepared and performed a short ritual to 'cleanse' the room and then left. With the Apostle's death, it seems as though the rest of the dead lost any semblance of order in this area, and have become something akin to animals. It seems like the Apostle here was being used as some sort of control node for this particular army of Dead.

Of course, with the Apostle dead, and the Dead themselves being easily herded and picked off, Lorelei was at the moment, pissed.

Minato POV - Van's Hotel and Casino – Minato and Lorelei's penthouse – 8/08/2003 – 11:24 AM

"Fuck! I was so close! I was right there when they killed the damn vampire!" Lorelei cursed, another rant added into a rapidly growing pile of rants that she has made ever since we parted with the Chelon Canticle Brigade and the Executors earlier, "I was this freakin' close!" Lorelei then visualized that she was holding a tiny object with her hands.

"Calm down Lorelei, there's still Trhvmn that we need to worry about." I tried to calm my partner down.

"Yes! I love you Minato!" Hwaah!? She suddenly hugged me... Err... I think I shou- "Of course! There's still Trhvmn! This time I won't let the stupid Church get in the way!" She then began to laugh hysterically... I guess that rumor back in the Clocktower, of her getting withdrawal symptoms if she doesn't kill an Apostle has a ring of truth to it.

'Very smooth My Master, it seems as though you have this Empress under your control.' Leanan Sidhe provocatively stated inside my mind.

'I was known to be quite handsome in my legends...' This time Orpheus trailed off.

"The rest is over Minato! Let's patrol around the city for the rest of the day!" Lorelei suddenly shouted, and dragged me out towards the elevator entrance to our room.

"I thought that we should be resting for today? Especially after that op-"

"T-That's exactly why we need to patrol Minato! As the leader of this hunt, we should take charge of the simpler duties, while everyone else is still resting!" Lorelei suddenly cut me off my words.

"But doesn't Sir He-"

"N-No, I told his group to rest for today as well!" Lorelei once more cut me off. Did she just stutter there though? And from what I remember Sir Henford and his group did not even participate in the hunt...

'HeeHooo! Blue guy is oblivious when he wants to be.' I heard Jack Frost comment.

'Blue man is really smooth; I guess his obliviousness is part of this -smoothness-.' This time, I heard Pyro Jack say. I wonder if these are due to hormones... Must be a side-effect of the modifications that Grandfather did to me. A homunculus does have this need to gain prana when they're running low, and based on what I've read, a certain 'ritual' based on primitive interests can be used to transfer a large amount of prana in an instant. I guess, a certain aspect of Homunculi is to do that when in desperate situations, a homunculus is said to be a Magic Circuit given form after all, and Grandfather did admit to doing a few modifications to me based around a homunculus' structure.

"Come on, let's get going Minato!" This time, Lorelei succeeded, and managed to drag me off to the elevator in one fell-swoop. It seems as though she just used her strength to throw me right inside the elevator booth, and brought me towards the Elevator lobby.

"Please enjoy your day sir, madame!" The hotel security guard greeted, and opened the door for us towards the outside world. The cruel, hot outside world. Night time was fine, but this... It's just a bit too much...

"Don't worry Minato, I know all about your hatred for hot weather, I've seen you avoid going outside during such days in the Clocktower, don't worry though, from what I hear, almost all the malls here are air-conditioned due to the hot weather.

I then stopped struggling, and let her just drag me along with her towards Root knows where. I wondered about why she was observing me in the Clocktower though... Was her plan to induct me into her brigade really that well thought out?

Cebu City Shopping district - 8/08/2003 – 12:11AM

"Oh! This shop seems to have really good outfits!" Lorelei, once again dragged me inside another shop. Like all the other shops she has visited, this seems to be another Casual-Formal clothes shop, with a mixture of some formal elegant dresses at the side.

"Minato! What do you think of this one?" Wow that was fast, this time, Lorelei was trying out a casual-formal dress, with a long skirt, and a relaxed collared long-sleeved blouse, with a red necktie. Hmm...

'Young Master, I suggest that you say; that dress is truly befitting of such a graceful yet powerful woman.' Orpheus suddenly commented.

'Master Minato, I believe, beautiful would be the correct term.' Apsaras, this time, added.

'Heehoo! She is chillin' hot!' Jack Frost leered.

'I believe the correct term would be... Bewitching.' Leanan Sidhe implyingly said, somehow shutting all my other personae up.

"Bewitching..." I absently muttered in a low volume, to which Lorelei suddenly twitched and then looked in another direction, when I said that word. I guess she heard it... Schieße! I hope I did not cause a misunderstanding... Damn you Leanan Sidhe... I should really find a way to get rid of some persona; I might go insane if this goes on...

'My Master, I am you, as you are me. We are one.' My persona, coyly stated. Scratch that, I believe that I am already insane. Root knows how no one's noticed yet. The mundane humans, who have no magic of the moonlit world talk about how an insane person hearing voices in their head... Could this be that certain case? If so, is it possible that all those people that have been labeled to be 'crazy,' be in fact 'Persona' users like me?

'I believe that you are the only one who can summon these voices in the physical realm, Young Master.' Orpheus then added to my internal monologue.

'So this can be considered as a step-up the Orpheus?' Apsaras suddenly asked.

'I believe so.' I suddenly got the image of a mechanical Orpheus nodding his head in agreement with a floating Apsaras, complete with Leanan Sidhe amusingly watching everything else like an Empress... Fitting, since she is of the Empress Arcana.

'Please find an Emperor Arcana My Master, I am becoming lonely here.' My only Empress Arcana suddenly asked, as I observed her position within my mindscape.

'Indeed... Back in my time, it was considered normal for men to lay with other men.' I once again got the image of a mechanical Orpheus nodding his head in agreement... 'I did once have this attraction to my fellow Argonauts, and that did help against the Sirens, since I was able to resist their charm I was able to bring my fellow Argonauts back to their senses.'

Oh whatever Diety is out there; Alaya, Gaia, please unbind me from the curse that has been placed on me!

'Ohhh... My Master is truly astounding! To have a side to him that likes men; is this what they call the Inner female?'Leanan Sidhe, then pushes the nail in deeper.

I guess I am... Orpheus is a facet of me after all...

*Sob *Sob Woe, oh woe is me.

"Minato? Are you really that sad that I'm not wearing that dress anymore?" Lorelei, who seems to have gotten back to her usual clothes, but now with a large carton paper back beside her, broke me from my inner tirade. Wait, sad?

'Heeehooo! I made it so that you will cry in real-life as well Blue guy!' So that's what Jack Frost was up to... Why he wasn't making too many comments...

"Come on Minato, let's get you back to the Hotel, I'll dress up for you there okay?" Lorelei then stated, wait, have I somehow made the male version of the 'Legendary mystic Eyes' that was said to only be available to the opposite sex? If so, I will need to report these to Grandfather immediately in the most discrete way possible. Alaya knows what may happen if the Clocktower finds out... Most likely a Sealing Designation.

*SPUURT!

A stranger, a man wearing a long dark trench-coat, while drinking coffee suddenly spurted out the drink he just put to his mouth.

"Y-You are truly a God among men boy." The man's voice, whom I recognized to be Van-Fem whispered, loud enough for me to hear.

Schieße! If I'm found out now, all will be lost, I should get rid of this witness before more arrive.

"Ooohhh..." Van-Fem seems to have noticed the killing intent that I directed at him, and mouthed an exaggerated 'O' with his mouth, before he ran away.

*Crackle *Crackle

'Thou art I...

...And I am thou...

...Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to create a Persona of the Devil Arcana...'

Well... I guess that settles that, I guess? I wonder why it leveled up though...

"Minato. Is something wrong?" Lorelei seems to have broken out from the effects of my new-found Mystic-eyes, and has changed her stance to one that is prepared to strike back if necessary.

"Nothing at all Lorelei, it was just a stray dog that followed us from the Hotel." Lorelei seems to have understood what I meant, and suddenly made a gruff sound.

"It was not a date okay?" She suddenly stated, "We only went to s-shop for s-supplies." This time she stuttered at the last bit, sounding like she forcefully changed what she was about to say.

"I understand Lorelei, alright, shall we head back my lady?" I decided to playfully tease her by playing an act, which then earned me a playful, yet powerful punch to my shoulder.

*crack

Err... I think my shoulder just got dislocated... And looking at Lorelei's glinting smile, she meant it to be this way.

*glomp

"A-Aaaahhh..." I winced, as Lorelei glomped the arm that was held by my newly dislocated shoulder, and squeezed it tight.

"Escort me then!" This time, Lorelei used her authoritative tone of voice, which then prompted me to endure the pain and simply accept my punishment.

'I had no idea My Master was into such plays...' Not again Leanan... I know that you're a part of my Psyche, but I hope I only learned of that when I was older... Those old men at the Clocktower seems to have a bad influence on me... Especially that white haired, red-eyed one... Heck he made me watch a Magical Girl Anime once that wasn't subbed, and somehow made me his personal translator for the day... I don't see him these days that much though, it's like he's in one day, the next he's out. I asked Lorelei about it, but she seems to ignore my question completely, and just go on with her next agenda as always. Heck, it's the same with the other magi in the Clocktower...

'It's possible that he may be a figment of your imagination young master.' Orpheus then stated.

'Or he may be a ssssstrong ally...' Several hissing voices suddenly resounded through my head. Wait... Several?

'Yamatano-Orochi, at your sssserviisssse young one!' The several voices hissed at once. I see... I then got this image of a large eight-headed serpent, with the feeling of the Moon Arcana tightly bound to it. I guess I was somehow able to form another persona during the events today... I did read that book on Japanese Mythology on the plane... I guess that influenced Yamatano-Orochi's creation.

'In actuality, what Yamatano-Orochi may be true Young Master, the Devil Arcana.' The image of a card, with a devil's head and two chained lovers passes by my thoughts, 'Responded strongly when you were in contact with this person, however, since your Devil Arcana is currently taken up by one Van-Fem, the Social Link was never made, but a bond surely has been made, due to the reaction.' Orpheus finished.

Hmm... From what I understood, it means that the Social Links can still be used as a way to sense if I'm 'friends' with someone, despite the certain arcana already being taken up. A good indicator if nothing else, it is better than nothing after all.

*Crunch

"aWAA!" I screamed out, reminded of my current situation, as my voice was suddenly muffled by a random muffin that Lorelei seems to have conjured out of nowhere and stuffed in my mouth... Oh wait, I guess she bought a bunch while I was phased out.

Alright Minato, let's go on to the next store! I might fix you up, if you help me!" She innocently smiled. Innocently smiled. Darn it! Why can't I activate my Mystic Eyes! Jack Frost!

'Heehooo! I'm sorry but it seems there are certain parameters to be met in order to activate it.'

I guess I'm all alone on this... Gaia have mercy on my soul.

*Crackle *Crackle

'Thou art I...

...And I am thou...

...Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to create a Persona of the Empress Arcana...'

"Minato?" Lorelei, suddenly asked me as she continued to squeeze on my pained limb, "Thank you." She stated before I was able to ask what she wanted.

? POV - ? - 8/08/2003 – 4:51 PM

My newly christened lieutenant seems to have been dispatched by the Church's dogs... And the Association seems to be gaining on my trail by the day.

And if what I heard from the White Princess' announcement was right, then I will die within the week due to a user of the Fifth True Magic, the Clocktower's 'Queen,' with guidance from the 14th. Damn Van Fem... I thought we had a deal with that castle of yours. It doesn't matter, as long as I am able to take down those who will kill me, and push the Aylesbury ritual's completion further! It seems as though the dark blob-like creature at night are siphoning energy from the humans at an efficient and steady pace! If only if I could redirect that energy towards the ritual itself...

It doesn't matter, as long as I gain enough research, I estimate at least 4 more night's worth, then I would be able to locate the source, where all these shadows direct the energy that they have stolen!

AN:

What do you guys think? Please leave me a review or a pm for any comments or suggestions!

Merry Christmas!

Current S. Links

Illyasviel(Moon) – Lv. 2

Van-Fem(Devil) – Lv. 3

Lorelei(Empress) – Lv. 8

(I was thinking of either a skillset or persona list, but since the skills will be mostly affected by the persona, I'll just put them up instead)

Minato's Persona:

Orpheus

Pixie

Jack Frost
Apsaras
Leanan Sidhe

Yamatano-Orochi