Dude, I shouldn't be here. I should do my homework and learn for the physic test next week. On top of it, my hands are almost frozen. 8°C, that's just crazy! Anyway, enjoy the chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything!

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A long yawn erupted from the teens throat as he climbed down the stairs. Minato woke up in his bed this morning, sure that he fell asleep on the monorail. He peeked his head into the lounge, spotting Akihiko at the bar beside the stairs. When he saw the older, he made a tired smile and walked over to him. "Morning, Senpai. How was your night?" he asked in an polite voice. The silverette looked up from the paper he was reading with a toast stuck in his mouth but as he saw the other he quickly gulped it down.

"Morning, Arisato-Outoto. I slept great. How about you?" he said with a tack of nervousness. The bluenette didn't notice it and just headed for the toaster and grabbed two slices of bread. When he was done, he sat down beside the senior. He gave him a small shrug.

"I slept okay. Thanks for asking, though." They ate in silence for a while, the older trying to say something now and then but then deciding against it and shutting up again. When the Arisato was done eating, he wanted to bring his plate to the sink when something popped into his mind. "You know, Senpai, I'm sure I fell asleep in the monorail last night. Do you know why I was in my bed when I woke up?" The senior looked as if the thunder struck him and began to smirk.

"Oh, that was because I carried you up. By the way, you're lighter than I thought. Maybe you should eat more." he said touching the nose of the other with fingertip. The shorter froze for a moment before looking at his plate with a small pink tint on his cheeks. This was just a friendly statement, right...? Nothing serious... "Well, doesn't look like the others will wake up soon. Want to go ahead with me?" he gave him a hesitant nod and the older grabbed their plates and brought them to the sink. "Great, then let's go." They got their bags and left early, the monorail barely occupied when they took it. They ride was filled with small talk, Minato blushing all the while.

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"...That concludes the main portion of today's assembly. Next, we'll hear a word of the Student Council. Please welcome the new President, Mitsuru Kirijou from class 3-D." As said girl stepped up to the podium, Minato heard Yukari whisper behind him.

"So, she did get elected. Well, I guess she IS the most popular girl in school." he noted there was a undertone of jealousy to be heard.

"You can say that again! It's like there's some kind of aura around her... Anyway, this school is owned by the Kirijou Group, right?" before he could get an answer, Mitsuru spoke into the microphone.

"As I begin my term as Student Council President, I'd like to tell you about my vision for this coming year. It is my firm belief that each of us must accept the responsibility for bettering our school. However, change cannot occur without sustained effort and an unprecedented level of commitment. That is why we must restructure our daily life to accommodate this lofty goal. I'd like each of you to dig deeply into your well of motivation, and re-evaluate your convictions... To imagine a bold new future without losing sight of the realities around you. That is the key. I am certain that many of you have your own visions for the future... For us to reap the full benefits of our education, your participation, ideas and enthusiasm are essential. Thank you." A loud roar of clapping and whispers could be heard as their Senpai stepped down the stage. Junpei looked pretty impressed as he turned to his classmates.

"Wow, this was frickin' amazing..." he gave the younger a sheepish smile and rubbed his head. "So... you got any idea what she just said?" Wondering how the other was able to listen to something without understanding anything, he gave a shrug.

"Kinda..." Not really noticing the other's answer, he just continued talking.

"But man, that wasn't something a high-schooler would say.. If it were someone else, we would be laughing our asses off."

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The twins were walking out of the school building when they saw Akihiko walking out, a group of girls immediately surrounding him. Shortly after their baseball playing team mate walked up to them with a small grin on his face."Man, would you look at that? I heard they're always swarming around him like that. I haven't talked to him much, but now I've got a good excuse. I know he's the captain of the boxing team, but who would have thought he would be such a chick magnet! I mean, come on, you don't even see girls flock like that on TV! I wonder where they are going..." After some thought, he added "Now that I think about it, you came to school with him this morning, right Minato? Did something like this happen, too?" At hearing that, Hamuko looked shocked before giving him a fierce glare. `She's probably got a crush on him...´ the boy thought before answering.

"Not that I know..." before he could finish his sentences, the Senpai walked up to them, breaking into their conversation.

"Hey, are you guys free this afternoon? I want you to meet me at Paulownian Mall. You know where it is, right? I'll be waiting at the police station." he said with a blank expression. Junpei looked a little surprised at that and looked at the girls who were still trying to get the older's attention.

"T-the police station? Uh, are you're friends going to come, too?" The silverette looked at the underclassmen before sighing.

"Who, these girls? I don't even know their names. They talk so much they give me a headache." he looked over at Minato, who tried his best not to sigh in relief. "Anyway, I'm gonna head out. Don't keep me waiting." and then he was gone, leaving his admirers and Kohai's in his dust. The girls looked baffled for a moment before looking after him disappointed.

"Why can't he be more friendly...?"

"But that's what makes him so cool!" Shortly after, they were gone, too, leaving the second-years all alone. The cap-wearing boy sighed audibly and looked at the direction the group took off to.

"Dude, how can he not know their names? I mean, look at them!"

"But he does act pretty cold toward them. Maybe it's just the way he is with people!" His twin said in an oddly triumphantly sounding voice. The baseball player, who seemed to remember something, turned back to the youngest with a thoughtful expression.

"Now that I think about it, he took extra care of you, didn't he? Senpai even made sure that your cut on the shoulder was treated before he carried you to bed. Wonder what's..." He trailed off, staring at something behind him. Wondering what was wrong, the blue-haired boy turned around, only to be greeted by an unusually bright smile from the red-haired girl. She grabbed a hand from each of the boys and dragged them to the school gates.

"That doesn't matter right now. We should hurry to the police station! He said we shouldn't make him wait, right?" she asked in a sing-sung voice. Not really getting what just happened, Minato just let himself be dragged away. When they arrived, the mall was buzzing with people coming and going. Small children were running around, asking their parents to buy them something. Students were chatting with their friends on their way home and adults hurried to their workplaces. It made him smile as he watched the others run around so lively. His sister's voice brought him back to earth. "Now, where is the police station?" she demanded to no one in particular. The bluenette looked around for a bit before noticing a sight at the end of the road. Pointing them toward the direction the board was standing they began to continue walking, his wrist still in the redheads grip. It was a little too tight and he could not feel his hand anymore, but that was alright. At least she was not avoid him like he had a contagious illness. When they got to searched building, she seemed to notice their joined hands and immediately let go of him and stepped inside. Once there, they spotted Akihiko talking to one of the officers.

"Thank you, sir." He looked around, spotting the juniors and began to talk again. "Oh, these are the guys I was talking about earlier." He turned at the youngsters and gave them a small smirk. "I was waiting for you guys. This is Officer Kurosawa. He helps keeping our squad well-equipped. And this is from Ikutsuki-san." He walked over to them and gave each of them a small bag, which Minato figured was money. When the others gave a loud "Sweet!" and a giggle, he couldn't help smile, too. "You can't fight empty-handed, so find something you like. Officer Kurosawa has connections but those things still cost money."

"Of course they do." The policeman broke in. "Nothing in life is free." The silverette gave him a kind smile.

"I realize that. Well, I'll see you later. Thanks again." and with that he left the four alone the room.

"I've been informed about you three." They turned back to the grumpy-looking man. "my job is to maintain peace in this city, regardless of the circumstances. I'm just an ordinary police officer, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out something strange is going on here. I'm only doing what I think is right." He turned his back to them before revealing a bunch of cartons, all filled with weapons and other stuff. " I don't have much, but you should find what you need." While the others looked for new weapons, the bluenette warily eyed the man before latter seemed to notice him for the first time and spoke up again. "You're... Minato Arisato, right?" the boy gave him a hesitant nod and the officer took out a longish package out of the counter. "Some kid brought this here earlier, saying I should give it to you, but I have no idea what's inside." Minato carefully took the package and read the letter attached to it out loud.

"For the prince of the night..." he murmured before opening it. What met his eyes was something he did not expect. An about one-meter-thirty centimeter long, sheathed sword gleamed up at him. It's cover and handle were colored in black while blue diamond-shaped holes decorated the latter. He looked at it in awe as he unconsciously unsheathed it. The blade was mostly black, too, only the sharp side was in a dark blue. The hilt, which was also in the same color as the blade, had been adorned with many little butterflies. Seeing this, he turned to the officer, who was standing there staring dumfounded at the sword in front of him. "Could you describe the child who brought you this?" The man looked at him a little uncertain. "Please! It's very important!" the oldest sighed and scratched his head, trying to remember something.

"I didn't saw their face, but they wore pretty extraordinary clothes. I mean, who would wear a kimono in these years?" His eyes widened. "What else can I say? They also had short black hair and I think brown eyes? I don't know, the kid wore a big head on their head. The voice was neither feminine nor manly, so I don't know about gender. Sorry, I can't help more." The bluenette shook his head.

"No, that's more than enough. Thank you, Kurosawa-san." He stepped in front of the others who had stop rummaging the cartons and grabbed an armor. "I would like to buy this, then." He payed and left, the others right behind him.

"Dude, what's wrong with you? What's about the sword?" Junpei asked nervously. Minato looked up at him and then back at the sword, which had been sheathed and wrapped up in the paper again.

"This swords name is Aoi Chou... It once belonged to a friend of mine." he whispered but the others were still able to catch it. Hamuko's eyes widened while the other gasped loudly.

"But you told me I were the first friend you had in years!" he shouted, catching the attention of several passerby's.

"That's true, but about four years ago, I had another friend." the blue-haired Arisato answered, his eyes icy shields. "She was only thirteen back then, but very intelligent. She always wore a black and blue kimono, her family's trade colors. This sword was one of the family heirlooms she was very proud of. Her name was Kage." The taller boy gulped.

"W-Was?" He gave him a cold blank look before responding.

"A few months after I met her, she died." Seeing the shocked faces of his companions, he looked back at the sword. "I don't know what exactly happened, but I heard that she was killed with this very sword. I hadn't thought I will ever see it again..." he trailed off, sinking into memories. But he quickly came back to his senses and looked at the others, who looked quite worried. "Anyway, this is way back. I'm already over it. I'm just wondering why it was given to me and who did it. This description Kurosawa-san made, it was perfectly fitting with Kage. The only question now is...How? How should someone who had been dead for four years send me a sword?" A thick silence fell over them, making each of them uncomfortable. After some time, Junpei groaned loudly.

"Maaaan! Those are some depressing thoughts! Why don't we talk about something more cheerful, like the money Ikutsuki-san gave us? It's way to less to buy something that could save out lives, don't cha think?" The boy said, trying to not let his awkwardness show too much. Hamuko gave him a nod, trying her best, too.

"Yeah, you're right! I was only able to buy an armor and a new naginata, but nothing else! How are we supposed to fight if we don't have enough supplies?" The other boy gave them a little wave, before walking off.

"I'm going back now. Don't come back too late, alright?" The twins waved back and now were alone in the mall. His sister tried to say something but then just said a "bye" and ran off, too. Minato looked around the mall, noticing a passage leading underground. He walked over to it, noticing the faint blue glow it illuminated. He peered from site to site, making sure no one was watching and stepped down the stairs. He found a bright blue door at the end and used his Velvet Key to open it. There was the elevator-room again with Igor grinning at the other side of the table.

"Ah, there you are. Welcome to the Velvet room." Elizabeth gave him a little bow. "Now, I think it's time for me to explain what I really do here. It is my job to help you creating new demons. But in order to do so, I have to fuse your demon cards together... in other words, I shall emerge them into a single demon. The demons you are able to summon is 170 right now... Even when we had persons who could summon multiple Personae, so called Wild-Cards, no one had been able to summon as many Personae as you can demons. When you establish Social links, you might be able to summon even more... This is going to be very interesting... Oh and don't worry about not being able to see them again, Elizabeth here," The white-haired girl stepped froward with a thick book in her arms. "is able to use the Demon Compendium. It's like a giant register for you demons. Whenever one of them learns a new skill, be sure to register it here. But whenever you want to summon one of them, it will cost you a certain price. Like they say, nothing in life is for free." he chuckled and waved his hand, a blue light shining above Minato again, revealing a small card-holder. "Take this, you will surely need it." The blue-clad girl stepped closer to him, giving him a soft smile.

"So, how can I help you?" she asked. He shook his head, beginning to walk back to the door.

"Actually, I just came to visit you for a bit and because I was curious about what was at the end of the stairs." The two inhabitants gave him a nod, he walked out and made his way back to the dorm. On the way, he filled the card-holder with the cards he already had: The Fool and Pixie. After attaching it to his belt, he opened the door of the building. Mitsuru immediately noticed him and gave him a nod.

"Welcome back. Perfect timing, I have to tell you something. We will go to Tartarus tonight, so be there at midnight." He was a little surprised at the boldness but agreed nonetheless. After that he walked up to his room, all the while the sword in his hand. Closing the door behind him, he unwrapped the blade again, mesmerized by it. He sheathed it again, laid down on his bed and set his alarm clock on 11 o' clock. He didn't want to be late to test his new sword.

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"Damn it! This thing won't die!" Junpei swore as he made Hermes attack one of the eagles. They were able to get up in Tartarus to the fifth floor where tree powerful Shadows were waiting for them. Although Mitsuru warned them that they were stronger than they were accustomed to, it was surprising how hard it was to fight them. Since they were flying, the only one able to attack them with their weapon was Yukari, who was not very accurate. Hamuko dodged one of the Garu-Attacks of the enemy and send Eurydice up, hitting them with her lyre.

"We have to defeat them! Yukari-chan, keep shooting! Junpei, keep up the physical attacks! And Blueberry, throw some fire attacks at them!" Blueberry, that was a new nickname... where did she get this from? Despite those thoughts, they boy obliged nonetheless, summoning Orpheus. He was about to do as said when a wave of Garu hit him. He stumbled a bit but remained on his feet. He swung his arm, ordering his Persona to use Agi. The fireball hit one of the birds square on the head, making it flying a little lower. He made a run for it, jumped and slashed it in halves with Aoi Chou. "Two to go!" His sister shouted.

"Kyah!" he turned around to see Yukari lying on the floor, the gigantic birds cowering above her. Mitsuru on the other side of the communicator gasped.

"Takeba is down and really hurt! Has anyone of you Dia-skills?" She shouted into her transmitter. Junpei clucked his tongue as he ran toward the girl.

"Damn it! Our only healer is down! What should we do?" Minato was about to join, too, when a small voice called out to him.

"Come on, Master! That's when I can come in handy!" The voice called. He looked down to his card-holder, slowly opening it. He pulled out the card of pixie, observing as the little fairy was almost begging to get out. Without knowing what he was doing, he crashed it in the palm of his hand.

"Pixie!" he shouted as she appeared beside him. He looked at the little demon and she giggled, immediately knowing what she had to do. She flew over to the birds, skillfully avoiding any combat, and used Dia on the dizzied girl. Her wounds slowly closed and after some time, she was completely recovered and back on her feet. She looked at the fairy in front of her, not really getting what's going on.

"What..." she started but was interrupted by the demon.

"No time for this! If you don't do something soon, Master will be in trouble!" Pixie said in an unexpected loud voice. Yukari looked up and saw the bluenette getting attacked by the last remaining Shadow. The brown-haired ran over to them, knocking the enemy down with one shoot.

"Here's our chance for an All-Out-Attack!" She shouted and and ran towards the bird together with the rest of the group. When they were done, only a cloud of black fog remained and they finally relaxed.

"Oh, Master!" Pixie screeched in a high-pitched voice. He flew to Minato and rubbed herself up his cheek. "I was so worried something would happen to you! Are hurt badly? Shall I heal you?" she asked without breathing. (Probably because she didn't anyway) The Arisato peeled her off his face and held her in his palm.

"I'm fine, Pixie. Please return now, alright?" The fairy nodded and turned back to a card, lying flatly in the boys hand who put it back into the card-holder.

"Dude, what the heck was that?" Junpei asked, his mouth wide enough to get a train through. The other boy tilted his head to the side, considering his options.

"Well, that was a demon." he simply stated after some thinking. The others just stared at him dumbfounded before his sister snapped and pulled him on his cheeks.

"That's not an acceptable answer, Blueberry!" she shouted, bringing tears of pain into her twins eyes before she let go again. "Tell us what happened and why you have a demon with you. Now!" But as she said that, she began to trip, falling face-first if it weren't for Yukari. "Alright, maybe we should first return to the entrance." Once they were back down, Mitsuru walked up to them, earpiece still inside.

"I heard it from down here. Arisato-Outoto, I think you have a lot to explain." Everyone was staring at him and the boy uncomfortably shifted on his feet. What was he gonna tell them? Oh, I just dreamed about an odd blue elevator-room with a long-nosed man and a girl in blue who told me I could see in the future and summon about 170 demons? Yeah, that was about to work as good as the idea of bacon flavored tomatoes. He looked up at the group, his face a stern shield.

"There's nothing really to tell. One morning, I just woke up and had Pixie with me. She was the one who taught me how to do it. Seems like I always had this kind of power, I just didn't notice it up until now." Well, it wasn't exactly a lie, just not the whole truth. Mitsuru gave him a look that practically screamed `I don't trust what you're saying but I will go with it for now´ and gave him a now, approving his explanation.

"Very well, the Dark Hour should end soon and you all must be tired. Let's go back now." She said and shooed them out. As they walked the way to the dorm, Minato wondered what the others must have thought about his ability. `I hope they don't think I'm a freak. I wouldn't be able to handle it if something like with Kage happened gain...´

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So, this is it! Most people probably know what Kage means, right? You guessed right, it's Shadow in Japanese! Yep, I brought myself into the story, but I won't have a major role. I'm just something that leads the story to it's end. But, seriously, I won't make more than one OC into this story, so don't worry about new Characters.

Review or frogs will fall out of you school locker!

Sincerely, Your Shadow.