As you've noticed I do in fact read my reviews and I do know that Akihiko reacted rather calmly when he found out about Minato last chapter. But I always saw Akihiko as a level-headed and always ready for a fight kind of character until a challenge came up they weren't ready for - the decision at the end of Persona 3 which really showed everyone go through some type of development as well as resolve. Akihiko is probably more reckless than Mitsuru, but he's as level-headed as her which is why I made him react that way. He also couldn't give away too much information since Dojima was around along with Yu. However I will in fact make Akihiko react differently here; I won't break his character, but just try and make him look out for a friend.
People were also asking about couples. I said a few chapters back that I wasn't sure yet and I still am. If I did add them in they wouldn't be the main focal point; the story and character development will be. It will probably be only slight hints, gags and mentions about the subject. I think the only one that will have a couple will be Minato I don't think Yu will as this is just the beginning of his journey and I mainly want to focus on his Social Link with Minato and so on. If there is going to be a couple it will be the ones I had in my own play-through of the games - Minato/Yukari and Yu/Chie. I was going for Yu and Naoto until I found out you needed max intelligence and courage to ask her out and that seemed like a pain to do, so I left it for another play-through. If you don't like these couples just remember that they won't be the main focus of the story and a story can be good without romance in it.
Someone also said that Minato is only ten centimetres shorter than Yu. Sorry, if I got it wrong, but I had to look at a few reference pics and videos for it. Minato is 5'8" on his profile and Yu is 5'11" on his; the same height as Rin and Yukio. So, I kind of referenced the height difference off of Rin and Yukio's as I'm REAL bad at math. Even then I still couldn't understand it so I just called it a head difference because Minato is said to be the shortest out of ALL the Persona protagonists. Math has never been my strong suit for that, but it's only a little mix-up on my part due to my poor math skills; like it has anything to do with the story at all.
Anyways, hope you enjoy.
Chapter 9: Living With Determination
Minato's POV – 05/19 Thurs - Yasogami High – Early Morning
I had to stay at Yu's place yesterday due to how I had passed out after using Orpheus and … Thanatos had ripped him a part. Again. Why is this happening again? Thanatos shouldn't have come out of Orpheus because … Death isn't sealed within me anymore, right?
Is there something I'm not remembering from the past year?
I rub my head, groaning to myself. Yu and I were walking up the slope to Yasogami and he noticed what I was doing; frowning in concern. "Are you alright … Min…err…" He cut himself off, unsure whether to call me by my name or with his new discovery yesterday; 'Senpai'.
"Minato is fine, Yu," I told him, simply, rubbing my temple.
"You sure?"
I let out a deep sigh and nodded. "Yes. I've never really bothered with titles like that."
I glanced at Yu and saw that he looked a little surprised before giving me a nod of his own. "Sure, Minato…"
I gave him a small smile.
He still sounded unsure about my answer, but I would rather be called by my name.
I don't want to be treated any differently just because I'm older.
Since I had spent the night at Yu's we had dropped by the inn this morning so I could get changed; Yukiko had already left by that time. After I was done getting changed into my uniform I had grabbed my bag and we headed to the school.
My body still felt a little worn-out after yesterday; Yu and Nanako had both suggested I stay another day, but I declined the offer. One day was enough for me. I didn't want to overstay my welcome...
I've had worse after all…
A little exhaustion is nothing compared to … other things…
We reached the top of the hill and Yu waited for me as I panted; hands on my knees, breathing heavy. "You sure you don't want to head back?"
My gaze went up to him and I shook my head at him. "No. This is nothing…"
I stood back up and pushed on towards the school. I could tell Yu's eyes were on my back. He was watching me; keeping an eye on me to make sure I was alright.
I know that from the moment I unleashed Orpheus that Yu could tell I knew more about Personas than he did.
However I can't tell him anything right now…
They need to explain more of what they are doing right now to me before I explain my own side.
Maybe … I can get Akihiko to help out too…
Once we came to the classroom Yu opened the door and we both walked in and to our seats where Yosuke, Chie and Yukiko were already seated. When they noticed us approaching them they looked up and smiled; their expressions speaking many things and I could tell they were all worried about me, but seeing me here today it quickly changed to relief.
"Thank goodness you're alright, Minato-kun," Yukiko said, giving me a smile.
I nodded and walked around the group and to my desk behind Yosuke. I put my bag on the ground before finally turning my attention back to the group. "If you don't mind … I'd like to help you."
The four looked at each other; worry crossing each of their faces along with a hint of … fear?
I kept my frown plastered on my face as I eyed each and every one of them. Were they afraid I'd get hurt?
No. They knew I could hold my own after what I showed them yesterday.
Did ... it have something to do with what happened when Thanatos appeared?
They probably don't understand what happened and when people don't understand something that usually leads to them fearing it...
"Gee, Minato-kun, you helped us out after someone was knocked out," Chie said, worry in her voice though it quickly changed to annoyance as she eyed Yosuke.
"It's not my fault I was the closest to the shadow!" he exclaimed, throwing his arms in the air.
"Then don't get so close to it next time!" Chie shouted back before turning back to me. "Anyway, the final decision is really Yu's…"
I look at Yu with a raised brow and a slight frown crossing my face. He gave me a similar look back only his eyebrows were hidden by the fringe of his hair, so it was hard to decipher just whether he was glaring at me or not.
"Yu, I know you think I'll be in danger, but you guys are already in a dangerous world as is. You need the information I have," I told them; speaking in a way as not to give away too much.
Yosuke, Chie and Yukiko stared at me in shock before looking over at Yu. "What's he talking about, partner?"
Yu let out a deep sigh as he sat down in his seat beside Chie. "My Uncle came home last night with someone that Minato knew." Yu's eyes glanced over to me. "That person; Minato told me, is a Persona-user like us."
The group gasped, shocked at this new information and glanced between me and Yu. The looks on their faces looked like they were contemplating the information they had just received. It took a good few moments before Chie suddenly exclaimed, "If that's so then he can help us, right? We should let Minato join then!"
I looked to Chie; who seemed to have a giddy and excited aura around her while Yu was glaring at me with an aura of suspicion and reason. "If you join us along with that man last night then do you promise to tell us everything you guys know?" He outstretched his hand towards me.
I looked to his hand then to his glaring grey eyes. I gave him a small smile and nodded my head, before clasping my hand with his. "Sure. Just be sure…" I lowered my head, so that my blue fringe covered my entire face; hiding my eyes from view. "…not to take it lightly."
The others stared at me in shock; fearing what I possibly meant until Yu let go of my hand, deciding to change the topic from the sudden serious atmosphere. "Umm … you sure it's alright for me to call you by your name?"
"Yes. I don't want to be treated differently just because I'm older than you," I replied to Yu.
My response caused reactions from the other three in our group, causing them to turn their heads towards me with surprise on their faces.
"You're older than us!"
"Why are you still in school?!"
"By how much?"
A light groan escaped my lips as I rubbed a hand over my face. "Not that much. Just two years."
"YOU'RE EIGHTEEN!"
I covered my ears at the shouts, groaning.
This was going to be a long day…
Junes Food Court
Afternoon
After school had ended for today we all headed to the 'secret base'. I still think the name is stupid. All it is just the food court of Junes. At least with SEES we had an actual meeting room, but then again we had help from the Kirijo group so I can't really hold it against them for this. They're just a bunch of high schoolers doing what they think is right.
Exactly what we were doing two years ago...
"I still can't believe you're our Senpai, Minato!" Yosuke exclaimed from his seat, making me frown.
"I told you. I'd rather be called by my name than any honorifics," I told him; earning me a nervous smile from Yosuke.
"Sure, man…"
"Well, now that's out of the way…" Yu turned towards me; looking ready to pummel me with questions. "…if you're going to help us we'll need to bring you up to speed on what we've discovered so far."
I nod my head as a 'thanks' to Yu. He gave me a small smile. However before he could open his mouth I heard the familiar voice I recently heard last night and turned around in my seat, "So, this is where you hang out now, Minato?"
I frown up at Akihiko. He was wearing the same suit he was wearing yesterday when I saw him. His hands no longer had any special tape on them for boxing or fighting meaning that he was taking whatever job he had seriously.
I thought he'd want to be a professional boxer not a police detective...
My eyes drifted to what he was holding in his left hand and stuck my tongue out in disgust. "I can't believe you still drink that stuff."
Akihiko blinked and looked at the cup in his hands before giving me a smile. "What do you mean? You need to drink protein to get muscles!"
"That's a load of crap."
A chuckle escaped Akihiko's lips before his eyes drifted to my new group of friends. His eyes catching Yu's before he looked back at me; a serious expression suddenly coming over his face. "Minato, I didn't know that you were in Inaba, so to come across you here was certainly shocking."
"I didn't know you were here either, Akihiko-Senpai," I replied, bluntly.
"Minato…" I blinked in surprise. Akihiko looked angry or rather … frightened. I hardly ever see the calm, battle-ready Akihiko like this. There must be something bothering him. "…you know of the murders in Inaba, correct?"
I nod my head at his question. "Senpai, what are you…"
"This time don't get involved." I stared at Akihiko in shock; my mouth open, eyes wide. He was telling me not to get involved in something I was already a part of. "The police will handle it."
I frowned at him and stood up from my seat and glared at Akihiko. "I'm sorry, but I'm already waist deep in this mess." My eyes narrowed at Akihiko; brows furrowing. "I've been involved in this mess since I got off the train in Iwatodai."
My answer caused Akihiko to blink in shock. "Huh?" He pointed a finger at me and then scratched his head as though realisation had hit him like one of his punches. "Are you saying the murders … are caused by shadows?"
"HE KNOWS ABOUT SHADOWS!"
"SHUT UP, YOSUKE!"
I completely ignored the argument behind me and kept my concentration on Akihiko. Though before I could reply I noticed Yu turn his attention to us and open his own mouth to speak. "If I may break up your argument?" We both turned to him and he sighed. "If you know about shadows then maybe you can help us in our own investigation and we'll help you find the killer?" Yu's gaze went to Akihiko; eyeing him.
"But you're just a bunch of kids?" Akihiko complained, sputtering out the words 'kids'.
I rolled my eyes and folded my arms across my chest. "Senpai, we were practically their age when we had to do the same thing. What's the difference?"
Akihiko looked at me before looking to the ground; a frown plastered on his face. "Yes. You're right, Minato. If we could do it then so can they." His gaze came up to meet mine. "But they'll need guidance."
I blinked and swallowed and looked towards the group. The four of them were looking at both me and Akihiko with a combination of confusion and excitement. It may be because they'll get a new teammate and also with us helping they may not be as lost as they were before.
"So, I'll help you with my connections to the force and maybe come with you on my free periods," Akihiko explained to the group. "My name is Akihiko Sanada. I know Minato back from his old school. I was his senior."
"Another Senpai!" Yosuke exclaimed in shock. "I…It's nice to meet you Sanada-san! I'm Yosuke Hanamura!"
"Chie Satonaka!"
"Yukiko Amagi … it's a pleasure to meet you, Sanada-san…"
The last to introduce himself was Yu as he kept his eyes on us before giving us a small smile. "Yu Narukami. It's good to have some more help."
Akihiko gave the group a smile before that familiar determined grin spread across his face. "Now, what do you know?"
The four looked at each other before Yu nodded and turned back to Akihiko to explain what they knew so far, "All we know right now is that the method of murder is a world inside the TV. The victims are shown on something we know as the 'Midnight Channel' and then are kidnapped and thrown in a few days later. Once some time passes over here the shadows attack the victim that is trapped in the TV World; equalling in their death. How they end up back here or how the kidnapper kidnaps his victims is unknown to us right now."
Akihiko had an expression of disbelief on his face and looked like many thoughts were rushing through his head as he rubbed a finger over his chin. "A world inside the TV? That sounds unbelievable." Yu and the others looked worried; since they had just explained basically everything they knew.
Well, I guess that's true since it does sound crazy.
But they don't know what we've gone through…
What we've seen...
A long sigh escaped Akihiko. "After what happened two years ago … it really makes me judge the state of our world now."
"State of our world?" Chie questioned.
"What happened two years ago?" Yosuke piped up.
I waved my hand at their questions and looked back to Akihiko. "So, you'll help?"
Akihiko gave me a smile and pumped a fist. "Of course. I haven't used my fists in a good fight since boxing club. The force doesn't allow close combat all the time, so this will get me back into shape!"
I shook my head with a small smile gracing my lips. "I could've guessed that was your reason."
"What? Protein won't do it all the time! I need to work-out too!"
"Whatever you say, Senpai…"
"Oh!" I turned to look over at Yu as he stood up and looked at us as if coming to a sudden realisation. "Minato, since your helping us now … are you able to help us locate one of the victims?"
I blinked at this and frowned slightly. "My Persona can't track though, so I don't know how I'd be useful in that area."
Yu just shook his head and gave me a smile. "You said you knew someone similar to Kanji. Teddie can't locate him without a clue. You can give him that clue."
I blinked and shook my head, shrugging my shoulders. "Sorry, I only knew him for a little bit." My attention instantly went to Akihiko. "However I think Akihiko-Senpai will be a better fit for this than me."
This caused Akihiko to turn to me with confusion etched on his face. "Huh?"
"Someone has gone missing that looks like a punk; remind you of anyone?" I questioned the man standing beside me.
Akihiko stared at me; gaze moving away from mine before nodding his head. "Yea, it does…"
The grim expression on Akihiko's face told me he didn't want to think about that, but if it was to save a life he'd do it...
